There is a huge fixture between Valkyrs A and Bacchas A in the Rossborough Mixed Premier League this weekend.

Should Valkyrs A lose it would take them out of the title race almost entirely, leaving only Ramsey having a realistic chance of overhauling Vikings A.

Bacchas A, despite being all but out of the title race, will be wanting to finish the league strongly and take the highest place possible, plus they are almost certain to have a say in the destination of the title.

If Valkyrs can remain switched on for the whole game they should come out as winners, but their opponents are a very good side despite their form this year and will punish any small mistake from them.

Elsewhere, Vikings A take on their own B side and, despite some strong early-season form from the latter, their form has dropped off in recent weeks and it is unlikely they will be able to overcome the A team in this inter-club derby.

Castletown Celts are having a great season so far this year, running the top teams closer than many expected and sitting comfortably in fifth place.

They welcome Bacchas B this Saturday and the southerners will be favourites to claim another two points. They will also be hoping that Bacchas A lose to Valkyrs to aid their climb up the table.

The game between Valkyrs B and Ramsey A has been rescheduled to next Tuesday, October 26 at the NSC pushing back at 8.30pm.

DIVISION ONE

In Rossborough Mixed Division One, Valkyrs C have taken a four-point lead into this weekend after their match against Ramsey Ravens was brought forward to Tuesday, a game which the westerners won 6-2.

Harlequins A will be hoping to keep pace with them when they take on the improving Vikings C team who face a strong Quins side flush with young talent.

Bacchas Colts take on Castletown Cammags and, despite the latter being bottom of the league, they are a dangerous side.

Finally in this division, there is an inter-club derby between Castletown Southerners and Castletown Cushags.

Both sides currently sit on four points so this game represents a real opportunity for bragging rights for the two sides, but Southerners go into the match as favourites and will be looking to put the other sides fighting for second place under pressure.

DIVISION TWO

With only three weekends left, Vikings D could go a long way to clinching the Mixed Division Two title this weekend if they can overcome Harlequins B as expected.

Despite the latter’s fine early-season form, they have dropped out of the title race in recent weeks and, with the squad that Vikings D have at their disposal, they should come away with the win.

Ramsey Rookies, who are Vikings’ closest challengers, face Castletown Cosney who on paper shouldn’t represent too much of a hurdle for the northerners.

But this reporter seems to galvanise Castletown teams who are written off so don’t be surprised should Cosney come away with the win.

Valkyrs D aren’t out of the title race just yet but much depends on whether or not Vikings D drops points.

Despite this, Valkyrs D will be keen to keep the league leaders under pressure when they take on Bacchas C.

Last but by no means least, Castletown Carrick take on Vikings E. Carrick will be looking for their first points of the season while Vikings will be hoping to start earning more points to challenge the top half of the table.

Full fixture list in this week’s Manx Independent, on sale now. Head to http://www.iomtoday.co.im/subscribe.cfm to pick up your digital edition.

reports, results and photographs from saturday’s games in next week’s Isle of Man Examiner, on sale Tuesday morning