RUNCORN V DOUGLAS

After the excitement of last week, when much to my surprise I learnt I appear to have an element of Irish ancestry in my genes, attention this weeks turns away from the Six Nations and back to the Euromanx leagues as Douglas travel to Runcorn.

This match has been in doubt for a considerable part of the season as Runcorn have a poor disciplinary reputation both on and off the field. They had a big old side and whilst a decent bunch of lads off the pitch on the pitch they can turn a bit feisty with high tackles later than your average Virgin train. They have already received a suspended three month ban this season amongst rumours that Liverpool Society of Referees at one point considered not officiating at any more of their home matches. In what is an amateur game played for enjoyment the Manx side did consider the option of not travelling to protect their players.

Thankfully such action and threats my the authorities appear to have worked as speaking to officials and representatives Runcorn appear to have cleaned up their act in recent weeks. They have routed out many of the “hot heads” who have now left the club and their places have been filled by the many students who live in the area. This also appears to have seen their form improved as although relegation appears to be a certainty  in their last game they beat Sefton having only lost the previous week by one point to Liverpool Collegiate. If the students have added some pace to the backs and fitness to their forwards then Runcorn may not be the pushover that their league position may suggest.

The make up of the Douglas side is still open to discussion as originally the intention was to travel with a powerful experienced side who would be able to handle themselves. In light of Runcorn’s recent improved record on all front I know think that Douglas will probably travel with their strongest available side allowing for injury and unavailability. This should therefore see the majority of the side that performed so impressively against Newton Le Willows two weeks ago being selected with the additions of Chris Darnhill and Seb Jeanneau who were both unavailable for that match.

The only major injury concerns for Douglas are John Hill who may not have recovered from his hamstring injury and hooker Ian Woods who left the field early last time out. At the time it was presumed it was for an injury but the players having watched England ’s performance last week are now convinced he left early to give England ’s Steve Thompson some specific coaching on throwing in at the line out.

Provided Douglas travel at reasonable strength and with the right attitude this is a match that the Manx side should win. If they get on top early and convert their chances they should run out comfortable winners despite Runcorn’s recent improved form. If they do not return to the Island with the points for the game tucked up under their arm then it will be a surprise to match Ireland’s win last weekend at Twickenham.

Gethin Taylor