The semi-finals of Manx Hockey Association’s knockout competitions take place at both the NSC and QEII High School this weekend.

The draw has produced some mouthwatering fixtures and first up in the Mixed Bowl at the NSC sees Vikings E take on Castletown Cosney.

With both sides having indifferent league seasons so far, they will each be eager to progress and enjoy a day out at the MHA finals day.

Vikings E have pace in abundance while Cosney have a decent blend of youth and experience to call on, meaning this could be a close game and certainly one that this reporter cannot pick a winner from.

At QEII, Vikings D take on Bacchas C and, based on form, the former are the overwhelming favourites but never underestimate a Bacchas side at any level.

MIXED PLATE

In the Rossborough Mixed Plate, league leaders Valkyrs C travel to Douglas to take on Vikings C.

Valkyrs have already defeated Vikings this season and will be expected to win, but the westerners have had a good couple of weeks - winning two games in two matches - and will be hopeful of carrying that form into this weekend.

Valkyrs, who already have a hand on the league trophy, will be hoping they can make it a double in the Plate as well.

Bacchas Colts are a dangerous side for anyone to face and they go up against Castletown Cammags at QEII. Despite the latter’s return to form last Saturday, it is Bacchas Colts who look the odds on favourites to make it to the final.

MIXED CUP

There is a truly mouth-watering tie taking place in the semi-finals of the Rossborough Mixed Cup when Vikings A take on Bacchas A.

Although Vikings A are top of the league and their opponents have suffered two unusual losses, expect this to be a tight game.

Bacchas always have another level they can get to against Vikings sides and, despite the All Blacks being favourites, never count out Bacchas A.

Castletown Celts take on Valkyrs A in the other fixture at the NSC and, after a close game last week, the southerners will be hopeful they can go one step further and overcome the westerners.

Valkyrs A remain the favourites based on their league form so far but this is certainly not a match that the westerners can take lightly.

FIXTURES

Saturday, October 16:

Rossborough Mixed Cup

2pmCherry Godfrey Castletown Celts

v Motorworx Valkyrs A @ NSC

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

Rossborough Mixed Plate

12.30pm Motorworx Valkyrs C v Canaccord Genuity Vikings C @ NSC

12.30pm Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas Colts v Cherry Godfrey Castletown Cammags @ QEII

Rossborough Mixed Bowl

11amCanaccord Genuity Vikings E v Cherry Godfrey Castletown Cosney @ NSC

11amCanaccord Genuity Vikings D v Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas C @ QEII