Sixth-placed Old Mutual Douglas travel to the Peak District where Glossop will hope to reverse a 40-14 drubbing in September at Port-e-Chee. Douglas were in the process of establishing a season-opening four match winning streak in Division One, while Glossop have since slipped to seventh in the league. With skipper Glyn Hooson-Owen out until at least 16th January, policeman Chris Beaumont fills the ample second-row boots alongside the indomitable school master Dom Winrow. The Douglas front row has a familiar look with Robert Todd, Carl Markyl-Ferns and Chris Bollen a settled unit, and the Douglas back-row includes Craig Magee and Mark Magee, the latter in ferocious form recently, alongside Paul Leivers who continues to impress after a long lay-off. Dion Spice at scrum-half has helped spark his half-back partner Bryn Snellgrove into mostly commanding form this season, and Will Cain and Guy Wood outside will want to reap the benefit. There is also plenty of gas in the back three, where new recruit and young New Zealander Sam Reid is keen to bring some Southern hemisphere nous, and KWC captain Duncan Wilson and Ben Webb are two improving wingers with pace to burn. The bench is well served with the talented Luke Hyland and Nick Hughes impatiently awaiting their opportunity, alongside the formidable Noel Capewell who covers front-row and second-row positions.
Douglas board the early flight on Saturday without fourteen previous first teamers from earlier in the season, and is a testament to the squad strength and coaching that they travel with purposeful intent.
The next Casual Rugby event takes place at Ramsey RUFC on Friday 5th Feb. After the success of the last Casuals event at Douglas, this will be played under floodlights and a full night will be made of it. The Casuals looks at re-engaging lapsed players or giving game time to new players or those who have not been able to play much so far this season. Contact Ben Dutnall (ben.ipc@virgin.net) for inclusion and kick off time.
