Manx Hockey Association's latest Team of the Week features a large number of defenders who caught the eye in Saturday's fixtures.

GOALKEEPER

Lucia Osborne (Harlequins D GK) - playing her first senior match in goal, she produced so many excellent saves to keep the score respectable.

DEFENCE

Sara Faragher (Castletown Celts) - was a rock at the back. From the first whistle she read the game well, stayed switched on and closed down space before the Valkyrs forwards could do anything with it.

Jess Birch (Vikings B ) - constantly running from wing back and pinning Valkyrs in their own half, getting great balls into the D and scoring a really well-taken goal of her own.

Oscar Parkinson (Ramsey Robins) - great work throughout the match, cutting out key players who often dominate the play due to their skill and experience level. It was nice to see a young new player having a good time while pitted against seasoned opponents.

Jess Schreuder (Bacchas Colts) - had a great game neutralising the powerful Vikings centre forward, then having composure to find the perfect counter-attack pass. Particular mention of a superb reverse-stick pick of an aerial to stop a one-on-one for Vikings.

Bethany Chapman-Beale (Valkyrs Colts) - produced lots of hard work at left back, slowing down the wingers and picking off the ball to break down play.

MIDFIELD

Faith Teare (Harlequins B) - had a cracking game, showed real determination to win the ball and then played it forward really well.

Jason Davies (Vikings C) - for holding the game in the midfield and composing most of the plays forward up the pitch, not to mention for getting a good couple of goals.

Alfie Melling (Ramsey 1s) - made defence-splitting passes. Carried the ball effortlessly from midfield to drive Ramsey forward, slotted in at CB for a period in the second half and converted another PC to make it four for the season.

ATTACK

Mya Harding (Bacchas C) - in her first season in Division One, she is going from strength to strength. Her defensive work is endless but also offers a significant amount in attack though her drives forward.

Ethan Adams (Valkyrs A) - for his brilliant movement and a superb finish as well as setting up numerous other chances, ending with an assist and a goal.

FIXTURES

All Premiership games and one Division One fixture have been postponed this weekend as a result of the Isle of Man senior teams being involved in England Hockey Championships.

Saturday, October 24:

EH Championships

IoM men’s 2nds v Bowden 3rds 12pm @ the NSC

IoM women’s 2nds v Preston 2nds 2.30pm @ Preston HC

IoM men’s A v Sutton Coldfield 4pm @ Sutton Coldield HC

Division One

Vikings B v Bacchas C 2.05pm @ NSC

Castletown Cammags v Valkyrs C 3.35pm @ QEII

Division Two

Valkyrs D v Vikings C 11.05am @ QEII

Vikings D v Ramsey Ravens 2.05pm @ QEII

Castletown Cushags v Bacchas Colts 2.05pm @ CRHS

Division Three

Harlequins D v Castletown Carrick 11.05am @ CRHS

Ramsey Rookies v Valkyrs Colts 12.35pm @ QEII

Vikings E v Ramsey Robins 2.05pm @ RGS

Harlequins C v Bacchas D 3.35pm @ NSC

Under-15 Mixed Division

Vikings v Harlequins 2.05pm @ KWC

Castletown Sharks v Bacchas 3.35pm @ CRHS

Ramsey v Valkyrs 3.35pm @ RGS

RACHEL ANDREW