Sports, sports, sports

Here at Gef we love a bit of sport. Sam can often be seen freezing his unmentionables off watching FC Isle of Man at the Bowl, and we’re keen to highlight what other sporting highlights are taking place around the island this weekend.

As we lurch toward Christmas, several sports have headed into their extended festive break, but fear not there is still plenty for the avid grassroots fan to enjoy.

There’s a full hit of local football across the island, while FC Isle of Man host AFC Liverpool at the Bowl on Saturday evening at 6pm.

There’s no domestic hockey or rugby, but Southern Nomads travel to the adjacent isle in the latter sport.

Douglas were due to continue their league campaign in the Regional North West Two with a trip to Lancaster and Vale of Lune, but that has been called off because of a frozen pitch. Port Erin-based Nomads travel to Hoylake in rugby’s Cheshire Bowl knockout competition.

For those keen to burn off a bit of festive season excess, the latest round of Western AC’s trail running league takes place in Peel on Sunday morning.

The races, which are over 10km, 5km and 2km and 1km for juniors, start and finish behind the sunset city’s fish yards. Registration opens at 9.15am for a 10am start.

Also on Sunday there’s a couple of events for the off-road bikers among you.

Isle of Man Youth Trials club has its festive pairs trial at Glen Lough, Glen Vine in the morning, while Vintage MCC has its traditional mince pie trial in the afternoon at Knock Froy.

For those that like their bikes pedal powered, the always spectacular pre-Christmas charity cyclo-cross also takes place on Sunday in Noble’s Park near the big Grandstand car park. The fast and furious racing begins at 10am.

Finally, if you like your sport indoor based, the Champion of Champions’ snooker tournament takes place at the Cue Zone in Ronaldsway Industrial Estate on Saturday and Sunday.