There is a round of the Manx Cup at the Mooragh Park this week when beaten finalists from last year Ramsey host Southern Nomads. Ramsey drew 10-10 with Vagabonds in their first game while Nomads lost to Vagas 53-0. The drawn game raises the spectre of points difference coming into the equation so Ramsey need to beat Nomads by a similar or better margin.

The Northerners may be missing a few regulars too. The Kneale twins Stevie and Keiran, together with Micheal Flynn and Sam Corlett are all off Island, skipper Matt Meechan is nursing a shoulder knock and second row Eddie Lord has an ankle issue. This means that Ramsey could be without some of their regular first choices. Nomads’ strength was evident in their recent defeat of Western Vikings. The half backs are solid and Tony Quinn’s pace out wide was a continuous threat.

Matt Livesey and Neil Harmer will no doubt fill in at prop with Rory Nicholson or perhaps even Joe Flanagan slotting into the back row. The backline should be affected least and Joey "the punchbag" Callow will be expected to show his true metal.

With Ramsey at full strength, they would be the obvious favourites but this game could be a lot closer than previous meetings might suggest.