The new mixed hockey season started with plenty of goals and strong individual performances across the matches in a competitive opening weekend.
In division 1, Vikings B, sponsored by Canaccord Wealth and Appleby, started their campaign with a 6–2 win over Ramsey Crookall Bacchas C, though the game was much closer than the final score suggests. Strong work from both goalkeepers kept things tight for long stretches before Vikings took control late on.
Bacchas goalkeeper Will Wiseman set the tone early with a string of key saves, stepping into net before heading off to university. Vikings eventually broke through with three quick goals, but Bacchas pulled two back before the break. Vikings added a fourth just before half-time to go in 4–2 up.
The second half turned scrappier as Vikings started to tire. Bacchas pushed forward and pinned Vikings in their own half for long spells. However, with Bacchas caught high, Vikings hit back on the counter, scoring two second-half goals against the run of play to lock up the win.
Players of the Match: Josh Kaighin (Vikings B) and Will Wiseman (Bacchas C)
In division 3 Atla RDA Ramsey Robins came from two goals down to claim a 3–2 win against Zeta Global Harlequins D in an end-to-end match on opening day.
Both sides created early chances, with Daisy Maddocks (Harlequins) and Mark Arden (Ramsey) making solid saves to keep the game scoreless. Harlequins broke through midway through the first half when David Smith finished well to make it 1–0 at the break.
Peter Nuttall doubled the Quins lead early in the second half, but Ramsey responded as Quins began to tire. Chris Wells scored to get Ramsey back into the game, before Charlie Perkins drew The Robins level with ten minutes to go. Toby Melling then found the winner in the final minutes to complete the comeback.
Players of the Match: Amber Thomas (Harlequins D) and Charlie Perkins (Ramsey Robins)
Valkyrs Colts sponsored by Haldane Fisher took the points against J Qualtrough & Co Castletown Carrickin a hard-fought opening match in division 3 for both teams.
Castletown featured family pairs in midfield, with mother and daughter Ann-Marie Crompton and Scarlett Crompton-Heavey pairing up in the first half, followed by brothers Samuel and Euan Kinnish in the second.
The game was tight early on, but Valkyrs made their chances count across both halves to secure the win. Ollie Ryder-Clague scored his first senior goal for Valkyrs, alongside strong displays from Neave Higgins and Libby Shimmin. Castletown saw debut performances from Scarlett Crompton-Heavey and Euan Kinnish, while Dani Winstanley made a welcome return to action.
The match ended 6-1 to Valkyrs Colts, a great start for them as a new team in the league.
Players of the Match: Eve Martin (Valkyrs Colts) and Euan Kinnish (Castletown Carrick)
Many thanks to the team captains for their words.
