The inaugural Tim Leeming Charity Shield tournament takes place at the NSC Astro in Douglas this Saturday (September 5), bringing together the island’s top mixed hockey teams for a full day of competitive action ahead of the new season.

Named in honour of Tim Leeming, former chairman of the Manx Hockey Association, the tournament recognises his outstanding commitment to the development of the sport in the island.

Manx Hockey Association has partnered with local mental health charity Isle Listen for this event, with fund-raising in the form of a raffle taking place on the day and many great prizes being provided by local businesses.

Funds raised on the day will be shared between Isle Listen and junior hockey development in the island.

Eight teams will compete across two groups, with Bacchas A, Castletown B, Vikings A and Harlequins A making up Pool A, while Castletown A, Valkyrs A, Bacchas B and Vikings B contest Pool B.

There are plenty of intriguing fixtures throughout the day, with several matches likely to attract particular attention.

The action gets underway at 9.45am when Bacchas B face Vikings B, both sides will be going all out to get something from this fixture, so expect a close game.

Bacchas A play Vikings A at 11.53am, these fixtures are always well contested and Vikings will look to upset the form book with a win over Douglas rivals Bacchas A.

At 1.29pm Castletown A take on last season’s league runners-up Valkyrs A - the two fixtures between the sides last season were close, both being won by a single goal margin, each side winning one game apiece.

Another fixture to look out for is the 2.01pm pushback between Bacchas A v Harlequins A.

Last season Bacchas A had a great league campaign, with 10 wins from 10 matches, Harlequins came closest to grabbing a point from the champions, losing 3-2 in the final moments, so this match promises to be one to watch for sure.

The tournament will provide the teams valuable competitive preparation ahead of the league and cup campaigns, giving an early indication of how the sides are shaping up for the season.

The day will culminate in a final, to be played shortly after 4pm, when the winners of Pool A and Pool B will battle it out for the inaugural Tim Leeming Charity Shield.

Should the two sides be tied at full time, penalty shuffles will decide the winner which always makes for a good spectacle for spectators.

It promises to be a great day of hockey, showcasing some of the best talent in Manx hockey, while celebrating Tim Leeming’s contribution to the sport and helping to support its future development.

Supporters are encouraged to head down to the NSC and enjoy what should be an exciting start to the new hockey season.

All fixtures take place at the NSC in Douglas and are as follows:

Pool matches

9.45am Bacchas B v Vikings B

10.17am Bacchas A v Castletown B

10.49am Vikings A v Harlequins A

11.21am Castletown A v Bacchas B

11.53am Bacchas A v Vikings A

12.25pm Valkyrs A v Bacchas B

12.57pm Castletown B v Harlequins A

1.29pm Castletown A v Valkyrs A

2.01pm Bacchas A v Harlequins A

2.33pm Castletown A v Vikings B

3.05pm Castletown B v Vikings A

3.37pm Valkyrs A v Vikings B

Final

4.09pm Winner Pool A v Winner Pool B.

PAUL NUTTALL