With Manx Hockey Association’s outdoor season reaching the halfway stage and a two-week break, Sam Spooner reflects on the campaign so far:

In Rossborough Men’s Premier League, Bacchas A currently lead the way level on points with Vikings A but with a vastly superior goal difference, while Valkyrs are comfortably mid-table.

At the bottom of the table Saracens and Ramsey are level on points and, with Ramsey’s defence looking the better of the two, it seems Saracens will need to beat the northerners in the second half of the season to avoid finishing bottom.

l The Women’s Premier League sees the usual contenders at the top of the table, with Vikings A two points clear of the chasing Valkyrs A, while Ramsey A remain the latter’s closest challengers two points further back.

Castletown A are looking good defensively and aren’t scared of the goal in their chase for the title, but they are now six points adrift of first place with 10 points left to play for.

Bacchas A will be breathing a sigh of relief at the halfway stage after reaching the midway point two points clear of the relegation zone.

With Saracens firmly rooted to the bottom of the table with one goal so far this season, it will take a minor miracle to see them survive the drop this year.

l Bacchas B remain top of the league in Rossborough Men’s Division One and are the only side in the division that are undefeated, but Harlequins have recovered from their poor start to the campaign and are looking to challenge for the title.

Vikings B ended the first half with two defeats on the bounce, denting their hopes of a title charge but remain within touching distance.

The big story in this league is the relegation battle. Castletown A currently occupy the relegation zone, with Valkyrs sitting slightly above them and Vikings C punching above their weight with some fantastic and determined performances.

With all three teams on two points and only four goals between them all on goal difference, the battle is set to go down to the wire.

l Valkyrs B are another team of invincibles in Rossborough Women’s Division One, with the chasing pack seemingly tripping over each other in their attempts to try and catch them.

If any challengers are to arise it will be from Harlequins or Vikings B but it will take a monumental effort for them to catch Valkyrs.

In the relegation fight, Castletown B are one point clear of Bacchas B and, with the latter capable of the odd upset, the southerners will be looking over their shoulders.

l In Rossborough Men’s Division Two there is an unprecedented four teams all level on points, with Saracens B currently leading the way on goal difference while Ramsey B are only three goals back in second.

Castletown B are 10 down in the goal difference stakes but they have goalscorers in their side and will look to close that gap.

Bacchas Colts are the slight outsiders given that they sit 14 down on goal difference but in a league that has become so tight, it really is all to play for.

The bottom of the table sees a similar story with Valkyrs C, Harlequins B and Bacchas C all level on two points each.

l Vikings C lead the way in Women’s Division Two and have the best defensive record across all of the leagues, with no goals conceded at all in the first half of the season and 26 scored in four games.

With figures like these, it is hard to see where the challenge will come from but Bacchas C will be busy during the break trying to figure out exactly how to do that.

Valkyrs C are four points down on the leaders and, with eight to play for, they need to win all four games to stand a chance of claiming the title.

Ramsey B and Saracens B are currently separated by two points at the bottom of the table, with Saracens the basement side at the moment.