Weekend Sports Preview

It’s another busy weekend on the sports front, with a veritable smorgasbord of action across the island.

The rugby, hockey and football league seasons continue on Saturday.

In the former, Douglas host high-flying Anselmians to Port-e-Chee in Regional Two North West. This kicks off earlier than usual at 1.15pm. Vagabonds’ women’s side are also in action with a trip to Greater Manchester and Eccles in NC1 North West. Vagas won the return fixture 30-14 in October and will be aiming for a third victory of the campaign.The new-look Ravenscroft Manx Trophy continues with games at QEII and Mooragh Park. Both kick off at 2.15pm.

In hockey, the fledgling men’s and women’s seasons continue with matches at the all-weather pitches at QEII, Ramsey Grammar School, Castle Rushen, King William’s College and the NSC.

In football in addition to the usual men’s league games on Saturday afternoon there’s some cup action to raise the pulses. There’s three first round ties in Division Two’s CH Corlett Woods Cup. Douglas and District take no near neighbours St Mary’s, Colby face Castletown in a southern derby and Michael welcome Douglas Athletic at Balleira Road. All three games kick off at 1.15pm.

Plus on Saturday night FC Isle of Man welcome table toppers Vauxhall Motors.

There’s further knockout action on Sunday afternoon as the semi-finals of the Women’s Floodlit Cup take place at the Bowl, with Douglas Royal taking on Peel and holders Corinthians going toe-to-toe with Onchan.

These kick off at the national stadium at 2.10pm and 3.40pm respectively. There’s plenty going on at the NSC on Sunday with the fourth round of the Winter Walk League taking place on the perimeter roadway from 9.30am. Registration opens at 8.45am at the Manx Harriers clubhouse for anyone who fancies a brisk morning stroll.

Finally, for the motorcycling fans among you, the opening round of Southern MCC’s solo trials championship takes place at Ballaspit on Sunday morning at 10am.