Ramsey LJ A and Vikings A’s men’s teams plus an Isle of Man composite under-18s side travel to the UK to play in the England Hockey Championships this weekend.

This has resulted in significant disruption to Manx Hockey Association’s Mixed Cup fixture schedule, with the opening round of games being delayed until November 6-7 in order to accommodate the travelling teams.

Ramsey head to Keswick to play their second team in what will be an interesting contest. The Keswick first team will be facing off against Bacchas A in a few weeks so the latter may use some of the knowledge Ramsey A gain from this trip to their own advantage.

Ramsey A will be hoping for a win in this contest to progress into the next round but Keswick’s second team are a capable side and will be no pushovers.

Vikings A’s men’s team will be travelling north in order to try and overcome a Kendal side known for their attacking short corners with a view to going a stage further than last year.

The Isle of Man Under-18s boys team will be facing Deeside Ramblers which is a club well known to Manx sides and has a very capable youth system.

MHA Mixed Plate

Locally in the MHA Mixed Plate this weekend, there are some interesting match-ups including the Division One v Division Three clash between Harlequins A and Valkyrs D.

Harlequins have had a torrid season so far while Valkyrs D proved last year they can compete against any side so they will be looking to cause an upset here.

Although Quins are favourites, the westerners should not be underestimated at any cost as, with a good blend of youth and experience, they can be a dangerous side.

Two big sides in this competition face off with both Bacchas B and Valkyrs B early pre-draw favourites to get to the final.

On league form, Bacchas edge out Valkyrs but the last time they played it was a draw and this really is a game that could go either way.

Another cross-divisional fixture takes place when Division One side Bacchas C and Division Three title challengers Southerners go head-to-head.

On paper this one is a nailed-on victory for Bacchas C, but Southerners have some quality in their side and will prove dangerous. Captained by James Ormond, the latter side have every chance to get through to the next round.

A battle of the Colts takes place again this weekend when Harlequins go up against Saracens for the second week in a row.

Saracens won easily last time out in the league but with the Quins team able to call on the experience of the B side from the league below, it may be they can challenge Saracens for the win.

Castletown Cammags begin their campaign against Vikings Colts. With Cammags sitting in the league above but struggling in Mixed Division Two and with Vikings Colts only being beaten by Vikings D in Division Three, this is the match-up a lot of people are looking forward to - it probably sees the best chance for a lower division side to beat a higher league opponent.

Vikings Colts have proved well capable of mixing it with the best this year and, although Cammags start as favourites, Vikings’ youthful exuberance and pace may prove the winning factor here.

The final fixture of the weekend see Vikings C take on Valkyrs C in an other juicy contest. With both of these sides doing well in their respective leagues, this is a fixture bound for physicality, technical skill and most of all two sides absolutely determined to win at all costs.

Therefore, this will be the game many pick as the one that will be the most entertaining this weekend.