In the final weekend of the Manx Hockey League fixtures, the Division winners were confirmed.
In the Men’s League Cronkbourne Bacchas had a fantastic season and topped all three divisions – Premiership Bacchas A, Division 1 – Bacchas B and Bacchas Colts in Division 2.
In the Ladies competition three clubs shared the titles – Castletown A won the Premiership with Haldane Fisher Valkyrs B taking Division 1 and Ramsey B Division 2.
This year’s hockey season will be rounded off by the Cup, Plate and Bowl Finals at the NSC on 24 and 25 April. Full Match schedule will be available shortly.
In the Ladies Premiership , Athena Healthcare Harlequins Ladies A faced a tough challenge against league leaders Castletown A. After a well-fought campaign, Quins secured a strong 4th place finish, and this final fixture proved a stern test for the young side.
The game began evenly, with Harlequins enjoying good spells of possession and moving the ball well through midfield. However, it was Castletown, sponsored by J Qualtrough & Sons Ltd., who opened the scoring midway through the first half. Quins responded positively, looking to hit Castletown on the break and create chances of their own. Their efforts paid off as a quick counter-attack resulted in a short corner on the half time whistle. Rachael M found Ela B, who calmly finished with a composed back-post deflection to make it 1-1 at the break.
Castletown came out strongly in the second half with a high press, forcing turnovers and testing the Quins defence who battled hard. Goalkeeper Zara B produced several key saves to keep the scores level. Despite a resilient defensive effort, Castletown regained the lead from a short corner before adding three late goals to secure a 5-1 win.
PotM Pat M and Darcy K (Harlequins A) and Evie W (Castletown A)
In Ladies Division 2 Vikings Ladies B traveled west to take on Valkrys B for their final league game.
Vikings, sponsored by Canaccord Wealth and Appleby, started strongly, creating early momentum with some excellent attacking play. Amelie C dominated the right wing and delivered several dangerous balls across the D. Unfortunately, despite the pressure, Vikings were unable to convert these chances into goals.
A strong Haldane Fisher Valkyrs side capitalised on quick counterattacks, breaking through the Vikings defence to take an early 1–0 lead. The game quickly became end-to-end hockey, and Vikings responded well.
Super-sub Poppy G, stepping in at the last minute after playing in goal the previous match, proved her versatility by weaving through the Valkyrs midfield before slipping a perfect pass across the D for Ellie H to finish and level the score at 1–1. Valkyrs edged ahead before halftime, taking a 2–1 lead into the break.
The second half proved more challenging for Vikings as Valkyrs came out with a new intensity. A series of short corners and well-worked field goals quickly extended their lead. Vikings continued to battle, and Abi H provided a highlight moment with a superb solo run down the left wing, driving into the D and finishing confidently past the keeper.
Despite the effort and determination shown throughout, a disciplined Valkyrs side continued to add to the scoreline, with the match finishing 10–2 Valkyrs.
PotM Morgan B (Vikings Ladies B) and Steph C (Valkyrs Ladies B)
Many thanks to the captains of Athena Healthcare Harlequins Ladies A and Vikings Ladies B, sponsored by Canaccord Wealth and Appleby, for their reports this week, and to all other teams who have submitted reports throughout the season.
And finally, thanks to Paul Hatton Photography for allowing us to use his photos each week.
