For three local hockey clubs, the main focus of the forthcoming weekend will be trips across to the UK.

Ramsey’s match against Bebington has been plagued with weather-related difficulties, having previously been planned to be held in the north of the island when the snow fell pre-Christmas.

The delay, however, should have worked in Ramsey’s favour, allowing them to hone their skills in a very successful opening set of matches in the domestic Premier League which should fill them with confidence.

The squad travelling largely mirrors that from the first round.

Bebington 2nd look like an interesting outfit. Playing in North West Division Four South, Ramsey will fancy their chances against a team who play in what’s likely to be a lower league.

Bebington always score a lot of goals - despite losing a few games, they’ve scored more than three goals in all but two games this season.

Elsewhere, Saracens make their first foray into off-island tournaments, taking a very young squad across to Prescot.

All but three of the squad are aged under 20 and George Powell’s young team are facing unpredictable opposition, the Mixed Championship often containing players who are more social.

Bacchas’ Over-35s women have traditionally welcomed a few guest appearances from other clubs, including the ever-solid Lesley Shimmin in defence.

Opposition for this week is Crewe who, again, are slightly unpredictable but it should be a good opportunity for competitive hockey.

The travelling leaves the domestic leagues a little reduced for the week, but in the men’s top flight Ramsey A versus Vikings A is likely to go some way to indicating who will chase Bacchas for the title this year.

Valkyrs could yet spring a surprise against Bacchas as, while Valkyrs lost to Ramsey in the first week of the season, Bacchas A’s results have been some way from convincing so far in the campaign.

At the other end of the table, Vikings B and Bacchas B meet in a clash which looks very likely to be one of two games which will settle the relegation battle this season.

It’s difficult to call the likely result here and a lot will depend on the squad that Vikings can put out for the day, but Bacchas may just have the edge.

In the Women’s Premier Division, Valkyrs A versus Ramsey A is likely to be the pick of the fixtures.

Both teams will be hoping for strong performances here but Valkyrs possibly have the edge if their strong women are performing on the day.

Other games are likely to see wins for Vikings and Bacchas over Castletown and Harlequins respectively, although if a surprise is coming from the latter two this season it is likely to come from Harlequins who found themselves in the lead against Valkyrs last week.