Peel and St John’s are now favourites to win the Isle of Man Premiership, but Cronkbourne are the main danger to the Saints retaining their title.

With only three games left in the league, the western club lead their Douglas rivals by 13 points. Neither side can afford a slip-up, but both should be confident of taking a full 20 points from Saturday’s fixtures.

Peel and St John’s are at home to bottom placed Valkyres and will be boosted by last week’s decisive win against Crosby. Their opening attack of Dan Hawke, Akkie van den Berg and Nick Hawke wrecked the Marown side.

Valkyres will do well to withstand this trio, but will be encouraged by last week’s victory over Ramsey. This was their first Premiership win of the season and could be a sign of better things to come.

Cronkbourne led the table until last week’s defeat at Castletown. It will be a real test of character for the team to bounce back and challenge again for the title.

However all is not lost. Although 13 points behind the Saints, the two sides meet again in August. That should be a titanic battle, but until then the Tromode side must keep battling away and win every match.

They should be confident of a home victory against Ramsey, but it might not be easy. The northern team have put in some good performances this year and could make life awkward for their opponents.

Castletown go to Marown in high spirits after last week’s splendid performance. Crosby could well be deflated following their defeat at Mullen-e-Cloie, but they should remember what happened earlier in the season.

Batting first Crosby ended on 128, but then bowled out the Town for just 65 with Stu Morris returning 5 -10. That suggests this return game could be a close affair.