With all local hockey league titles decided and relegations more or less decided, people could be forgiven for thinking that there is nothing to play for this weekend.

But they would be mistaken. Despite the sense of community, there is a real sense of rivalry and there is still time to make a mark against those sides currently unbeaten in the respective leagues or finish the season on a high to carry that form into the knockout competitions.

In the Rossborough Women’s Premier League, Valkyrs A will be looking to end on a high this weekend against a resurgent Bacchas A who have hit form just at the right time heading into the cups and will be hoping to lay down a marker here.

Elsewhere, Valkyrs B are aiming to continue their winning ways following an amazing victory against Ramsey last week, but the northerners will be eager to earn retribution after what was a shock loss for them last Saturday.

Bacchas A’s undefeated status is up for grabs when they face a plucky Vikings B side in the Men’s Premier League. In truth, although the latter did exceptionally well to make it into the top four, the class of the leading three teams has proved far too much.

Ramsey A will be looking to condemn Harlequins to relegation and, although the latter have a mathematical chance, they are going to have to win by at least 51 goals against a Ramsey side who haven’t lost against the bottom four this season.

The fact that Harlequins aren’t relegated already is down to the dogged determination not to give up despite the odds and survive at least mathematically until the final day of the season.

The last match-up is one of the more interesting games, with third-placed Valkyrs A aiming to show they have what it takes against runners-up Vikings A.

Although the westerners are favourites, they have taken things too lightly before against Valkyrs and will be desperate to show what they are made of heading into the cup.

Valkyrs B were declared champions of Men’s Division One last weekend, meaning that there will be three A and B team combinations in the top flight next season and they going into the Men’s Plate as outright favourites for the trophy.

Despite this, Bacchas Colts don’t fear anyone and will be looking to cement their third place in the league.

Elsewhere Vikings C are aiming to overcome Castletown A in order to try and leapfrog Bacchas Colts into third place themselves. The games between the southerners and all blacks this year have been decided by one goal each time and it is expected that there will be another close contest here.

In the bottom four, Saracens B take on Ramsey B while Castletown B face Harlequins B.

The final game takes place between Valkyrs C and Ramsey B in Women’s Division One.

With Valkyrs right in the title battle up until just before the last lockdown, it is expected that the win will be heading west, but Ramsey B will be looking to move off the bottom of the table and they will be going all out to earn their first win of the season.

SAM SPOONER