With the new year comes the start of Manx Hockey Association’s Rossborough-sponsored men’s and women’s league, reports Paul Gould.

This year the clubs have opted for an extra week to recover from the seasonal celebrations so the first rounds of fixtures will commence this Saturday.

Men’s Premier League

The first fixture in the Men’s Premier League sees last season’s champions Bacchas A face runners-up Vikings A.

This will give both teams the chance to throw down a marker and show the other side which team will be the one to fear for the coming season.

It’s north v west in the second fixture with Ramsey LJ A up against Valkyrs A - last year both games ended in draws so a close contest is likely again.

The two teams who finished at the bottom of the league last season have been replaced by Division One champions Saracens A. Castletown, A after losing several key players, requested a drop down to try and rebuild while Vikings B also decided to spend a season in the lower division.

With there being five teams in the Premier League, each week will see one team having a break so Saracens will sit out this one and can keep an eye on the other fixtures.

Men’s Division One

Bacchas B struggled last season and will be keen to show Castletown A they will not be in for an easy ride in Division One, so both teams have a lot to prove in this game.

Having been relegated last season, Vikings B face a stern test against Valkyrs B who finished second last year and boast several former A team players still hungry for success.

Harlequins A have suffered the loss of several key personnel since last season and therefore will be relying on their younger players. The game against Vikings C will be tough but could be one game they would hope to get something from.

Men’s Division Two

Castletown B were very strong is this division last year and should expect to overcome Harlequins B, but the latter will continue to play good hockey and are always liable for an upset.

Ramsey LJ B struggled in the higher division last year but their young, well-coached charges will be up for the challenge of Valkyrs C who will be of a similar standard.

The final game in this division sees two teams who enjoy a Saturday game, Saracens B and Bacchas C, go head-to-head and both will be hoping for an early win.

Women’s Premier League

After losing their title last season on goal difference, Vikings A will be aiming to start the campaign with a flourish against Bacchas A.

Vikings had a good warm-up recently in the England Hockey Championships and, while they didn’t get the result they may have deserved, they will be expecting to take the points this Saturday.

After a disappointing result in the EH Championships, Ramsey LJ will need to improve their attacking play if they are to overcome Castletown A who had a good start to last season so will be hoping for more of the same.

Newly-promoted Saracens A have a tough start against reigning champions Valkyrs A. The latter were impressive against Ramsey in a recent EH Championship game but will need to be at their best against a confident Saracens side.

Women’s Division One

Having finished runners-up last season, Valkyrs B face a confident Castletown B who were promoted after an unbeaten league campaign. This should be a close game.

After struggling last year, Harlequins A will not find it easy against Vikings B. This will be another hard season for Quins while Vikings will be expecting to challenge for honours.

Women’s Division Two

Valkyrs C and Saracens B were well matched last season, with a draw and a narrow win for Saracens.

Valkyrs are hoping to mount a title challenge this time so will be looking for a victory. Two young teams, Bacchas C and new side Vikings C, will be looking for a good start to get the season off with a win.

Mixed Under-16s

The Post-Christmas Under-16 League has been reduced because of a couple of teams giving their U16 players more experience in senior teams.

Having pipped Harlequins to the pre-Christmas competition, Valkyrs’ under-16s will be hoping to get off to a good start in this game, while Vikings and Saracens are aiming to improve on the goalless draw last time out.