The first Manx Hockey Association Mixed Cup semi-final took place in torrential rain on Tuesday night, with Vikings A battling Bacchas A for a place in the final.

The first half was as scrappy as it was wet and ended 0-0, with some notable saves from both goalkeepers David Whiting and Harry Woods.

The second period started in much the same way with some sloppy passing and bad tackling. However, after the 15-minute mark Vikings were able to steal an advantage with a smart finish from young Nathan Evans, shooting on his reverse stick from a narrow angle past a surprised Whiting in the Bacchas goal.

The game continued to ebb and flow with both sides earning short corners but neither team able to punish any mistakes.

That was until Georgia Foxton was able to finish after intercepting a pass from a Bacchas defender, only for the goal to be chalked off for a foul in the build-up.

The supporters were aghast, but the Vikings players knew it was on and immediately intercepted the following free hit and were able to pounce in exactly the same way, this time Kim Carney finishing at the back post to put Vikings 2-0 up.

Although Bacchas attacked well, they couldn’t find the breakthrough until man of the match Jaimie Brown was able to drag his team forward and finish with a sweet reverse stick strike in the final minute.

Despite their attempts, Bacchas couldn’t win the ball back cleanly and Vikings were able to hold out until the final whistle and book their place in the Mixed Cup final.

A huge thanks must go out to both Bacchas A and Vikings A this year who have provided Manx hockey with the most exciting and sportsmanlike hockey that has produced tales which will sit with both teams and their supporters for years.