WITH the cricket season still booming and the Manx Grand Prix racing not even started, Southern Nomads kick off the 2012-13 rugby season on Saturday by starting the defence of the Cheshire Plate which they won in April.
Nomads became the first senior Manx side to win a county competition when they beat Prenton 18-13 at the end of the last campaign. The defence of the trophy, however, starts away at Holmes Chapel. Chapel finished fourth in their league standings last season and in their two games against beaten finalists Prenton they had a 0-0 draw and a 15-10 win, which suggests this game could be a step up for Nomads.
At this early stage of the season, current form is impossible to predict. Nomads will, however, be taking their first choice side away and if pre-season training has gone well for them, they should be a match for Holmes Chapel and a tight game is in prospect. New skipper Harry Brereton is looking forward to the fight.
Nomads’ team to travel is Colin Kelly, Jack Sleight, Ally Kelly, Steve McHugh, Scott Glover, Ian Hargreaves, Rob Keelan, Gaz Watt, Dave Horan, Mark Young, Glenn Buckley, Harry Brereton (c), Gerard Landels, Conor Stephens, Jack Callaghan, Tom Davies, Dick Seed, Dan Bridle and Greg Danes.
Saturday’s Fixtures
Cheshire Plate
Holmes Chapel v Southern Nomads
@ Holmes Chapel
Friendly
Ramsey v IoM Vets @ Mooragh Park ko 2pm