Attentions turn to the Bridgewaters Cup competitions in Manx hockey this weekend, with a meeting of Bacchas A and Valkyrs A men’s taking pride of place on the fixture list.

Hot on the heels of their England Hockey Tier 2 Cup disappointment at the weekend, Bacchas will return in style against local rivals Valkyrs, the only team to have taken a point from them this season.

Valkyrs have not won a game on the pitch since the beginning of March and will be hoping to finish the season on a high, no doubt pinning some hopes on the fact that Bacchas are missing top goalscorer Andy Whiting.

The whites will start as favourites and the winners will look forward to an easier match against Castletown which is likely to be played midweek.

Vikings A and Ramsey A is one stage later in the tournament at semi-final level and also promises some interesting performances.

Vikings have looked very strong this year, although occasional flashes of brilliance from the Ramsey squad always show some potential of springing a surprise. The two teams meet again midweek for a league match.

On the women’s side, Bacchas and Ramsey promises to be a close match, the two teams having incredibly close records in the league this season and having had the only draw in that league all season.

Both teams have found strong lead goalscorers this season, Kathryn Craine shining for Bacchas while Leah Crowe has continued to come to prominence for the northerners.

The other match between Vikings A and Castletown A is likely to be more one-sided.

In the plate draws Saracens A will overcome Harlequins’ second string with ease, while Vikings C have been demonstrably stronger than Valkyrs B all season.

The women’s plate sees an even match in prospect between Valkyrs B and Saracens. Stef Cottier, defecting from the latter earlier in the season, has made quite a difference at Valkyrs.

Harlequins B and Castletown B is also likely to be a close game - doubtless Glesni Corney will continue her weekly additional notch on the goal tally for Castletown.

Bridgewaters Men’s Cup Quarter-Final

2.05pm Ramsey Crookall Bacchas A

v Valkyrs A @ NSC

Bridgewaters Men’s Cup Semi-Final

2.05pm LJ Ramsey A

v Canaccord Genuity Vikings A @ RGS

Bridgewaters Women’s Cup Semi-Finals

12.35pm Cherry Godfrey Castletown A

v Canaccord Genuity Vikings A @ CRHS

12.35pm Ramsey Crookall Bacchas A

v LJ Ramsey A @ NSC

Bridgewaters Men’s Plate Semi-Finals

3.35pm Saracens A v Athena Healthcare Harlequins B @ NSC

2.05pm Valkyrs B v Canaccord

Genuity Vikings C @ QE2

Bridgewaters Ladies Plate Semi Finals

11.05am Athena Healthcare Harlequins B

v Cherry Godfrey Castletown B @ NSC

2.05pm Saracens v Valkyrs B @ CRHS

JAMES RUSSELL