It was a relatively low-key start to the local hockey season on Saturday, with only games in the bottom division and Under-16s taking place, by James Russell.

Big winners in Division Three were Vikings Colts who put no fewer than seven past Bacchas D on Saturday, marking themselves as another Colts team to be reckoned with in the lower division.

The victory will have been particularly enjoyable for Nathan Evans, having made the switch between the two clubs during the summer break.

Vikings have been fielding Colts teams for a number of years and have traditionally proved very successful at maximising the success of their youth set-up.

Ben Cunningham’s Harlequins B were exceptionally happy with their season-opening 3-1 victory against Castletown Southerners, with both sides having numerous chances on goal.

The victory was secured by the relatively young Harlequins B side in the closing quarter of the game.

Matt Davin scored all three of their goals and makes an early dash for league lead goalscorer, although Southerners will also have found many positives in the game.

There was similar success for Harlequins in the PwC Mixed Under-16s League, also seeing a 3-1 victory against Douglas rivals Bacchas.

A first U16s goal for Ronan Santonolgia helped to seal the deal to put Quins on top of the table, but Bacchas’ Elliott Reid ensured their rivals didn’t go home empty-handed.

The other u16s fixture was between Valkyrs and Saracens. Valkyrs were slightly the stronger team on the afternoon, Jack Whitelegg and Alex Heath proving the difference between the two teams, although Saracens tested their defence at times.

The hockey fraternity looks forward to next weekend for the start of the higher leagues. After a summer of gossip regarding potential transfer moves, few changes have happened thus far.

Bacchas, defending their title, have lost a couple of key players to university but will be considerably boosted by the expected addition of Steven Crowe from Vikings and therefore start the season as favourites to retain their Premier Division title.

The bottom of the Premier League appears to be too close to call. With Castletown Celts having suffered relegation last season, it is newly-promoted Ramsey and Harlequins who look likely to be trading blows to pick up the necessary points to remain in the top tier.