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Cricket
 
 
Manx Cricket has received a big boost with the news that two new clubs plus four more teams have entered for the 2006 season which starts in April.
 
Loaghtyn Rams and Vagabonds will be in the MAC Financial Forrester Division Two. The Rams are led by Valkyres and ex-Island batsman Simon Beard. Vagabonds are based on the Rugby Club with their powerful all-round sporting strength.
 
As a result of this influx, Castletown “B” will be joined in the Forrester One by Grasshoppers, last year’s runners up. There are also a record number of entries for the Isle Of Man Bank Blincoe Cup.
 
The Lloyds TSB Youth Leagues show a rise from 20 teams to 23 sides. The three divisions for Under 15, Under 13 and Under 11 players will begin in May.
 
The draw for the Tinker Cup (sponsored by Collins Stewart) was made on Saturday and threw up a baptism of fire for Loaghtyn. In the first round they face holders St Johns who won all the major honours last year.
 
Cronkbourne will be at home to Ramsey – just one day after the sides meet in the Standard Bank League. However, the top tie is likely to be in the south of the island with the local derby between Castletown and Valkyres.
 
In the Blincoe Cup. Holders Ramsey “”B” face a tough time. In the first round their opponents are St Johns with the winners away to Vagabonds. Other choice ties will be the games between Crosby against Ronaldsway and Peel versus Grasshoppers.
 
The full draws are:-
 
Tinker Cup Preliminary Round:- Crosby v Union Mills : First Round – Peel v Crosby/Union Mills, Cronkbourne v Ramsey, Valkyres v Castletown, Loaghtyn Rams v St Johns
 
Blincoe Cup First Round – Ramsey v St Johns, Crosby v Ronaldsway, Cronkbourne v Union Mills, Peel v Grasshoppers : Second Round – Vagabonds v Ramsey/St Johns, Castletown v Loaghtyn Rams, Crosby/Ronaldsway v Finch Hill, Cronkbourne/Union Mills v Peel/Grasshoppers.