Manx Hockey Association’s fledgling 2021-22 mixed league season gathers pace with a full programme of fixtures this Saturday.

In Rossborough Mixed Premier League, the three main title protagonists - Bacchas A, Vikings A and Valkyrs A - are separated only by goal difference and will all be looking to add to their goal tally to gain any advantage they can before they begin to play each other.

Their own B sides will be aiming to prevent this or even take points themselves. Bacchas A face Vikings B and, although the mighty whites will be overwhelming favourites to win, the all blacks are a determined side with a handy defence of their own.

Valkyrs A take on Ramsey A and, despite the latter losing to Vikings A last weekend, they are well capable of defeating the westerners.

Elsewhere, Vikings A visit a Castletown A side who are one of the most determined teams in the league and, although they are huge underdogs, the southerners will no doubt make things very difficult for Vikings A.

Finally, the battle of the B teams takes place with a very close match expected between Bacchas B and Valkyrs B.

Rossborough Mixed Division One sees two potential title challengers face off in the form of Valkyrs C and Vikings C.

Both teams have good strength in depth but, with the westerners having Steph Cottier and Chris Thomas leading their attacking line, few will bet against them taking both points on offer.

Elsewhere, Harlequins A take on Castletown Cammags with the former the likely winners, while Bacchas Colts take on Castletown Southerners which also has a potent attacking force and will be expected to take advantage of their pace advantage via Andrew Winstanley.

Ramsey Ravens and Castletown Cushags will be looking to kickstart their season when they face off against each other. With Ramsey losing out last week to Harlequins and Cushags losing to Valkyrs C, both sides will want points on the board.

Rossborough Mixed Division Two is looking a much closer prospect than the rest of the leagues but Vikings D seem to have the better squad on paper and few will bet against them maintaining the title lead when they face their own fifth string in the form of Vikings E.

Valkyrs D will be aiming to keep tabs on Vikings D by beating Castletown Carrick, while the other potential title challengers, Harlequins B, take on Castletown Cosney.

Finally, Bacchas C take on Ramsey Rookies and, with both sides boasting huge experience, it should make for an entertaining game of hockey.

FIXTURES

Saturday, September 18:

Rossborough Mixed Premier League

11am Canaccord Genuity Vikings B

v Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas A @ NSC

12.30pm Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas B v Motorworx Valkyrs B @ QEII

2pm Ramsey A v Motorworx Valkyrs A @ RGS

2pm Cherry Godfrey Castletown Celts

v Canaccord Genuity Vikings A @ CRHS

Rossborough Mixed Division One

12.30pm Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas Colts v Cherry Godfrey Castletown Southerners

2pm Athena Healthcare Harlequins A v Cherry Godfrey Castletown Cammags @ NSC

2pm Canaccord Genuity Vikings C

v Motorworx Valkyrs C @ QEII

12.30pm Ramsey Ravens v Cherry Godfrey Castletown Cushags @ RGS

Rossborough Mixed Division Two

3.30pm Canaccord Genuity Vikings D

v Canaccord Genuity Vikings E @ NSC

12.30pm Cherry Godfrey Castletown Carrick

v Motorworx Valkyrs D @ CRHS

3.30pm Athena Healthcare Harlequins B

v Cherry Godfrey Castletown Cosney @ CRHS

3.30pm Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas C v Ramsey Rookies @ QEII

Rossborough Mixed Under-16 League

11am Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas A

v Canaccord Genuity Vikings

@ QEII

3.30pm Ramsey Rogues & Rascals

v Swales Flooring Harlequins

@ RGS

12.30pm Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas B v Cherry Godfrey Castletown B

@ KWC

3.30pm Motorworx Valkyrs v Cherry Godfrey Castletown A @ CRHS