On a chilly Saturday, the 9th of December 2023, the MHA Mixed KO Competition reached its crescendo amidst challenging weather, marking a day filled with excitement, skill, and sportsmanship.

The Plate Final: A Nail-biting Encounter
The Plate Final kicked off with the Castletown Southerners, sponsored by J Qualtrough & Co Ltd, facing the resilient Motorworx Valkyrs Mixed C. In a match where defences shone, the first half concluded without any goals. Will Collister broke the deadlock for the Southerners, while Russ Miller responded in kind for the Valkyrs, levelling the score at 1-1. The match, teetering on a knife-edge, was ultimately decided in a gripping flicks showdown, with the Southerners edging out a 5-4 victory. Abi Sutterby, with her outstanding performance, was rightfully named Player of the Match (POM).

The Cup Final: A Clash of Titans
The Cup Final was a spectacle of high-octane hockey, as Ramsey Crookall Bacchas Mixed A squared off against Motorworx Valkyrs Mixed A. Bacchas’ striking force was led by Luca Parlato, who netted a hat-trick, and Elliot Reid, who scored twice. The Valkyrs fought valiantly, with Tom Tsitsos, Ollie Webster, and Imogen Corke (scoring twice) keeping the Bacchas on their toes. The first half ended 3-1 in favour of Bacchas, who eventually triumphed 5-4 in a closely contested battle. Rhyse Williams, from Bacchas, stood out for his exceptional play, earning the POM accolade.

The Bowl Final: Dominance and Precision
The Bowl Final showcased the Canaccord Genuity Vikings Mixed D’s dominance as they overpowered the Ramsey Crookall Bacchas Mixed Colts. Andy Harding and Rachel Ward each scored twice, with Jo Roney adding another, establishing a formidable 4-1 lead by halftime. Ollie Christian managed to score for the Bacchas Colts, but it was the Vikings who sealed the deal with a decisive 5-1 victory. Ross Grimley of the Bacchas Colts was honoured as POM, a testament to his skill and determination in the face of adversity.

Acknowledgements
The day would not have been possible without the dedicated Umpires, Technical Officials, and the unyielding support of the Players and Supporters. Special thanks were extended to Tim Glover, the MHA President, who braved the horrendous conditions to present the trophies, adding a memorable touch to the event. The Barista Express also received gratitude for their invaluable support throughout the day.

In summary, the MHA Mixed KO Competition Finals Day was a celebration of hockey at its finest, showcasing not just the skills of the players but also the spirit of the game under challenging conditions.

Photos above are mostly by Debbie Shimmin.

If you have a Manx hockey photo to share, please email it to michael@michaeljosem.com anytime – or send a high-resolution copy on WhatsApp to +447624488557