There’s a reduced fixture list in Manx Hockey Association’s men’s and women’s leagues this weekend.

In Rossborough Women’s Division One, Vikings B take on Valkyrs C in what will be a difficult game for the current league leaders.

With Valkyrs C already claiming the scalp of Bacchas B this season, Vikings will need to be on top form to come away with both points on offer.

Elsewhere, Valkyrs C could put themselves right back into title contention with another victory over one of the top two sides in the league.

Donna Harrison’s charges have impressed without being spectacular and they have proven very difficult to beat so far this season. As such, they have put themselves in a position to fight for the title, albeit two points behind the three teams above them.

Bacchas B will be aiming to overcome their own C team and hope that Vikings slip up in order to give themselves clear daylight in the battle for the title, but never underestimate your opposition in a club derby game like this.

Bacchas C have the determination to challenge their B team but on the day the latter are the clear favourites.

Elsewhere in Rossborough Women’s Premier League, Valkyrs B will be hoping to continue their impressive season by defeating bottom side Harlequins A.

Valkyrs B have been one of the most impressive sides in defence this year, with goalkeeping heroics and defending befitting of the A teams competing for the title above them.

For this reason, they are the clear favourites going into this weekend and will look to further consolidate their position in the top flight.

Valkyrs B played Vikings A in midweek, with the result further emphasising their defensive prowess with a 4-1 loss against a side that, up until that game, had scored 23 goals in four games.

If Valkyrs continue their current trend, they could give themselves an outside chance of finishing in the top four in what would cap an incredible return to the top flight.

The only other game this weekend sees Harlequins take on Valkyrs in Rossborough Mixed Under-16s league.

Harlequins have a great opportunity to put pressure on top side Saracens if they can overcome bottom-of-the-table Valkyrs, but the latter will be determined to earn a good result and close the gap to the teams above them.

Results in this league so far this season have seen some surprises and it is impossible to rule out another shock here.

l With the weekend off for most teams, attention turns to the delayed MHA awards ceremony on Saturday night where there will be plenty of worthy winners and a chance to celebrate the completion of the 2019-20 season in the face of serious challenges posed by the pandemic.

FIXTURES

Saturday, October 24:

Rossborough Women’s Premier League

12.30pm Athena Healthcare Harlequins A v West Coast Fitness Valkyrs B @ NSC

Rossborough Women’s Division One

11am Canaccord Genuity Vikings B

v West Coast Valkyrs C @ QEII

11am Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas C v Ramsey Crookall

Cronkbourne Bacchas B @ NSC

Rossborough Mixed Under-16 League

11am Saracens v Ramsey Rogues and Rascals @ CRHS