14.15 KICK OFF - PORT-E-CHEE, DOUGLAS
If promotion and relegation follows last seasons mathematics, Kirby Lonsdale are on a knife edge of survival. Their run to the line after Douglas includes leaders Birkenhead Park, second placed Bowdon and Crewe & Nantwich in fourth, and it’s a 5-point margin to Winnington Park above. Douglas have reason to be cautious though, as two away wins, an away draw and two bonus points at Burnage last time out show KL won’t be going quietly. They certainly won’t be keen on relegations in successive seasons, having subsided from Regional One North West last term.
Douglas have every reason to perform as well they can. As a game in hand, points here would help in the chase of Whitchurch in 7th, and more importantly stretch away from Altrincham Kersal below. Fingers crossed that winger Guy Barrons has recovered from hamstring problems, especially with family travelling from the USA for the home match on 19th March. Harry Hewson may not find full match fitness before the seasons end, but even a 75% Hewson will do a midfield job for coach Phil Cringle. Sam McCord could get another taste of the roaming full-back role, and Liam Kirkpatrick’s return after unavailability last week will further strengthen a forward pack that was already mighty last week
