The Manx hockey leagues return to action this Saturday following the end of the successful circuit-breaker lockdown.

One of the biggest games of the day takes place between Valkyrs B and Castletown A in Rossborough Men’s Division One which could be a big deciding factor in the title destination.

Valkyrs currently lead the way two points clear of Castletown in second place. The westerners won the previous game convincingly but the southerners have since gone on a seven-game unbeaten run.

Valkyrs have been the standout team this season, winning all of their games by at least two goals.

Another big match takes place in Rossborough Women’s Division One when Valkyrs C take on league leaders Vikings B.

Currently, three points separate the sides and Valkyrs have already overcome second-placed Bacchas B and certainly have the ability and tenacity to get past a strong Vikings B side.

But the latter are a hard team to break down and are prolific in attack as well, scoring 47 goals in 10 games and conceding only nine.

Valkyrs will need to soak up a huge amount of pressure to be able to win this game and make sure they continue to be discussed when it comes to title challengers.

The past few weeks have been tough on the Manx hockey community with the loss of Barbara Kniveton and James Shimmin.

As a mark of respect, all games this weekend will mark a moment’s silence before each match.

Saturday, February 13.

Rossborough Men’s Premier League

11am Saracens A v Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas B @ CRHS

11am West Coast Fitness Valkyrs A

v Canaccord Genuity Vikings A @ QEII

2pm Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas A v Canaccord Genuity Vikings B @ NSC

2pm Ramsey A v Athena Healthcare Harlequins A @ RGS

Rossborough Women’s Premier League

12.30pm Ramsey A v Saracens @ RGS

12.30pm West Coast Fitness Valkyrs A

v Cherry Godfrey Castletown A @ QEII

2pm West Coast Fitness Valkyrs B

v Athena Healthcare Harlequins @ QEII

3.30pm Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas A

v Canaccord Genuity Vikings A @ NSC

Rossborough Men’s Division One

11amWest Coast Fitness Valkyrs B

v Cherry Godfrey Castletown A @ QEII

12.30pm Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne

Bacchas Colts v Canaccord Genuity

Vikings C @ NSC

2pm Cherry Godfrey Castletown B

v Saracens B @ CRHS

3.30pm Ramsey B v Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas C @ RGS

Rossborough Women’s Division One

11amRamsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas B v Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne

Bacchas C @ NSC

12.30pm West Coast Fitness Valkyrs C

v Canaccord Genuity Vikings B @ CRHS

3.30pm Cannacord Genuity Vikings C

v Ramsey B @ QEII

SAM SPOONER