The 2017 mixed hockey campaign gets under way in earnest this Saturday with most leagues playing their opening games.

The Premier League lacks any traditional ’grudge matches’ in the first week, but nevertheless will provide its fair share of entertainment.

Last season’s runners-up Valkyrs play Harlequins, who will aim to stamp their authority in this league.

The other top-flight game sees Vikings take on newly-promoted Ramsey.

The All Blacks will be the favourites going into this matc, and have gained skill with the transfer of Georgia Foxton.

Saturday’s other scheduled game between Cronkbourne Bacchanalians A and the club’s Bs has been moved to Tuesday evening. In theory it should be an easy three points for the former, but the Bs aren’t to be underestimated. The As will be buoyed by the recent transfer of Steven Crowe from Vikings.

In Division One newly-promoted Castletown Cammags go up against their own recently-demoted Castletown Celts.

The Celts will be aiming to be promoted back into the Premier League so will have a point to prove in their opening game.

Vikings B have Saracens Sabres. The former have been strong contenders in previous years but face a strong contest against a young, skilful Saracens side.

Valkyrs B face Cronkbourne Bacchanalians C. Valkyrs B have looked strong in pre-season matches, but the determined Bacchas will not be an easy affair.

Over in Mixed Division Two Valkyrs C take on Ramsey L J Ravens in what is always a close game, with both sides fielding young and upcoming talent.

Last year’s runners-up Cronkbourne Bacchanalians Colts take on Vikings C.

If Bacchas seek promotion this season they will need to push from the off.

Finally, newly-promoted Valkyrs D will play Ramsey L J Rookies and both will be seeking all points for safety in this league.

In Mixed Division Three, Vikings Colts play Saracens Sharks. Vikings will be lifted by their 7-0 win last week and look the team to beat in this league.

Cronkbourne Bacchanalians D face Harlequins Colts which will be a tight game showcasing young talent within Manx hockey.

Probably the closest affair in this league will be Saracens Colts against Harlequins B, after both recorded impressive wins last week.

Saturday’s Fixtures

PwC Mixed Premier League

2.05pm QEII Valkyrs A v Harlequins A

2.05pm RGS Ramsey L J A v Vikings A

Rearranged for Tuesday, Seprember 19

8.30pm NSCCronkbourne Bacchanalians A v Cronkbourne Bacchanalians B

PwC Mixed Division One

12.35pm NSCVikings B v Saracens Sabres

12.35pm CRHSCastletown Cammags

v Castletown Celts

3.35pm NSC Valkyrs B

v Cronkbourne Bacchanalians C

PwC Mixed Division Two

12.35pm RGSValkyrs C v Ramsey L J Ravens

12.35pm QEII Vikings C v Bacchanalians Colts

3.35pm QEII Valkyrs D v Ramsey L J Rookies

PwC Mixed Division Three

11.05am QEIICronkbourne Bacchanalians D

v Harlequins Colts

11.05am CRHSSaracens Colts v Harlequins B

2.05pm CRHS Saracens Sharks v Vikings Colts

PwC Mixed U16

11.05am QEII Cronkbourne Bacchas v Valkyrs

3.35pm CRHS Saracens v Vikings

3.35pm RGSRamsey L J Rogues & Rascals

v Harlequins