Haldane Fisher Valkyrs A went up against Zeta Group Harlequins A in Manx Hockey Association's Mixed Premiership on Saturday.

Valkyrs A knew they were in for a tough game, missing seven first-team regulars against a youthful Quins A team, but nevertheless gave a good account of themselves in a close and competitive match.

The latter opened the scoring with a breakaway goal finished off by Cillian Dowling, before quickly adding a second through Alfie Swales to lead 2-0 at half-time.

A lightning start to the second half saw Quins add two further goals through Rachael Middleton and a second for Swales.

Valkyrs finally got themselves together but were wasteful in the final third, spurning several chances before Alex Kneale popped up with a top-corner reverse-stick strike to make it 4-1.

Players of the match: Harri Lewis (Valkyrs A) and Caleb Blakemore (Harlequins A).

In Division Two, Vikings D showed some early-season rustiness in their opening fixture having not played the previous week, whereas Castletown Cushags were much improved on their first appearance.

Sponsored by J Qualtrough & Sons Ltd, Cushags began to take control as the first half progressed, enjoying the majority of possession with a strong spine through the team and extra numbers in midfield.

Vikings’ defence was well marshalled by Adam Braidwood and Suzanne Slater, who made several strong challenges.

Castletown’s pressure eventually told when a goal-bound shot was stopped on the line by a Vikings defender, with Rich Tarr confidently converting the resulting penalty flick.

Vikings D, sponsored by Canaccord Wealth and Appleby, evened up the midfield numbers after the break and the game became far more balanced. Danny Kane was a constant menace with his energy and unpredictability, and he levelled with a clinical slap hit into the roof of the net.

Both teams pushed for a winner, but on chances created, a draw was a fair result in a game played in excellent spirit.

Players of the match: Suzanne Slater (Vikings D) and Jade Le Moal (Castletown Cushags).

Ramsey Crookall Bacchas D recorded an 8-2 victory over Atla RDA Ramsey Rookies in an entertaining Mixed Division Three encounter.

Bacchas made a strong start, moving the ball confidently and using their experience to create a series of chances.

Goals came from Abbey Haswell, Nicole Astell-Burt, Jas Singh, Richie Weir and Dave Cowley, with Christian Davis completing a hat-trick. Astell-Burt made an impressive debut, capped by a well-taken goal and a constant attacking threat.

To their credit, the Ramsey Rookies never let their heads drop and showed significant improvement as the match progressed. They adapted to positional changes and began linking passes together well, with their efforts rewarded by goals from Isla Rousseau and Josh Warne.

While the scoreline favoured Bacchas, Ramsey’s second-half display provided plenty of encouragement as they continue to develop.

Players of the match: Nicole Astell-Burt (Bacchas D) and Josh Warne (Ramsey Rookies).

In the Under-15s League, Vikings recorded a 3-0 victory over Castletown Sharks after a match featuring plenty of quality hockey from both sides.

The opening half was a tight affair, but Vikings broke the deadlock before the interval. Castletown pushed hard, producing impressive passages of passing play and putting pressure on the Vikings goal, but a standout performance from the goalkeeper kept them off the scoresheet.

Vikings moved the ball smartly across the pitch in the second half rather than relying on individual runs and that unselfish team play paid dividends as Ethan Gibb, Ewan McCubbin and Louis Walmsley all found the back of the net.

Players of the match: Ethan Gibb (Vikings) and Sydney Hampton-France (Castletown Sharks).

RACHEL ANDREW