The finalists for the Manx Hockey Association’s Cup, Plate, and Bowl competitions have been decided following the semi-final matches on Saturday. The day’s action was marked by a number of closely contested matches, three of which requiring penalty flicks to determine a winner.
The Premiership Men’s season has been extremely exciting with a number of results being extremely close and the results coming from the team wanting it most on the day. The semi-final between Vikings A, sponsored by Canaccord Wealth and Appleby, Castletown A was no different with both sides wanting to make a statement and pursue the cup final.
The game began with the teams reasonably well matched, chances started coming with a number of near misses causing a stale mate at half time.
Both teams must have had stern words at half time and came out battling once more into the second. Castletown, sponsored by J Qualtrough & Sons Ltd., were first to break the deadlock from a goal from a short corner. The initial strike was blocked but Christopher Crompton-Heavey was quickly on the rebound, slipping it under the Vikings keeper to score his first in the premiership.
The goal must have lit the fire, as Vikings proceeded to convert their own short corner, from an Archie Caley low drag finding its way into the back of the net, all was level again. Vikings continued to push, opening the game up for both sides with a flurry of attacks, not knowing who was going to come out on top.
Vikings midfield teamed up well to open up the gaps and a hard ball placed into the D found Josh Kaighin’s stick for a deflection into the corner of the goal. Both teams never gave up.
The full time sore was Canaccord Wealth Vikings A 2 – 1 J Qualtrough & Sons Ltd Castletown A. Vikings A will meet Cronkbourne Bacchas A, who were given a walkover by Vikings Mens B who were unable to field a team.
POTM – Sam Burrows (Vikings A) and Andy Wignall (Castletown A)
In the Ladies Plate semi finals Haldane Fisher Valkyrs Ladies B produced a composed and determined performance to claim victory in a fiercely contested match against Ramsey Ladies A.
Valkyrs, eager to overturn the previous week’s defeat by the Ramsey Ladies A, made the brighter start and were rewarded early when Becky Corkish found the net. The western side continued to press for a second, but Ramsey stood firm, absorbing pressure before crafting a series of attacking opportunities. Their persistence paid off before the interval when Lucy B coolly converted to level the match, 1-1.
After the break, Valkyrs stepped up the intensity. With momentum on their side, they restored their advantage through Lorna Kennaugh, followed shortly by a well‑taken finish from Kaitlyn Shimmin. Corkish later added her second of the afternoon to cap a confident attacking display. Although not on the scoresheet, Steph Cottier proved influential throughout, contributing significantly with selfless and well‑timed assists that helped unlock the Ramsey defence.
Both young goalkeepers impressed, with Darcy G (Valkyrs) and Arabella Russell (Ramsey) producing a string of decisive, high‑quality saves to keep their teams in contention. Ramsey were also boosted by the debut of junior player, Autumn Ryles, who stepped up for her first appearance with the A team and delivered a commendable performance.
Valkyrs’ Player of the Match was awarded to Becky Corkish for her tireless work in the middle and her two‑goal contribution. Ramsey’s honours were shared between Christina Kermeen in midfield and Alyssa Mallorca in defence, both recognised for strong, consistent performances.
Valkyrs will look to carry this momentum into the final where they will face Bacchas B, who won their semi final match against Vikings Ladies B 9-1.
PotM – Becky Corkish (Valkyrs B) and Christina Kermeen and Alyssa Mallorca (Ramsey A)
The Cup, Plate and Bowl Finals will be played on 24 and 25 April at the NSC between:
Mens Cup – Bacchas A v Vikings A
Ladies Cup – Valkyrs A v Castletown A
Mens Plate – Bacchas B v Castletown B
Ladies Plate – Valkyrs B v Bacchas B
Mens Bowl – Vikings C v Bacchas C
Ladies Bowl – Vikings C v Ramsey B
Thank you very much for Vikings Mens A, sponsored by Canaccord Wealth and Appleby, and Haldane Fisher Valkyrs Ladies B for supplying the match reports.
