In the MHA Premiership, Zeta Harlequins A bounced back after a tough loss last week against league leaders Bacchas to take a dominant 11-0 victory against Castletown Southerners. 

In the first half, Castletown Southerners, sponsored by J Qualtrough & Sons Ltd., struggled to get going and as Harlequins A applied the pressure from the first whistle they were rewarded with some early short corners and breaking the deadlock through a goal from Alfie Swales. 

The goals continued as Swales added another and Caleb Blakemore tucking away a reverse hit for his first of the game. Swales completed his hatrick before halftime with C Blakemore adding another to his tally alongside Will Hassall continuing his clinical form from short corners to get another. Harlequins entered the break six goals ahead capitalising from some liquid hockey across the park. 

After halftime Southerners came out with purpose searching for a goal and unlucky not to get one. At the other end Stephen Mulhern and the Town keeper, Bailey Campion, kept Quins at bay until C Blakemore put away his third of the game. 

Goals continued to flow for Quins as Ela Blakemore finished a chance from a tight angle, Ronan Santanatoglia getting his first of the season, Swales getting his fourth of the game, and May-Saa Smith getting her first goal in a Quins shirt.

PoTM – May-Saa Smith (Harlequins A) and Stephen Mulhern (Castletown Southerners)

A dominant first-half display powered division 1 leaders Vikings B to a convincing victory over Haldane Fisher Valkyrs C in their first encounter of the season in glorious conditions at QEII. 

Vikings B, sponsored by Canaccord Wealth and Appleby, seized control from the opening whistle, ruthlessly exploiting a sluggish start from Valkyrs. Pressing high and demonstrating superb patience in possession, the clinical Vikings outfit carved out numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Were it not for a superb performance from Valkyrs goalkeeper Robyn Stones, who pulled off a string of spectacular saves, the half-time deficit would have been greater than 4-0.

After a shakeup at halftime, a rejuvenated Valkyrs side returned to the pitch with renewed hunger and tactical grit. By stepping up their intensity and pressing the Vikings midfield, Valkyrs successfully disrupted their opponents’ rhythm and limited their ability to dictate play. 

The well contested second half saw both sides trade a goal apiece in an even, end-to-end battle. Despite the early damage, Valkyrs will take massive positives from the match, particularly the stellar progress of their youth contingent of Bonnie Ellison, Liam Harrison, Harri Lewis, Rhea Maher, Molly Thomas and Caleb Quayle all turning in highly impactful performances, proving they are ready to make significant contributions all over the pitch this season.

PoTM – Jess Birch (Vikings B) and Chris Caldwell (Valkyrs C)

In division 3, Atla RDA Ramsey Robins met Bacchas D.  The match started with the Bacchas D team being one short for a few minutes as players were delayed but were soon unto full strength with a couple of substitutes, whereas Ramsey Robins had just enough players to fielded a full side. 

Play was furious early on with Bacchas taking the advantage and pressuring the Ramsey Robins’ D for long periods. The first goal was scored by Bacchas’ Abbey Haswell from some nice open play passing and a good shot from mid D position.

Ramsey Crookall Bacchas D’s second goal came not long after when, despite close man marking from Ramsey midfield and defence, Christian Davies scored another from open play to make it 2-0 to Bacchas D at half time.

The second Half started positively for Ramsey with some wider play allowing more pressure toward the Baccas D goal. This resulted in a penalty corner goal from Henry Dormer straight strike to pull one back for Robins. 

Ramsey had more chances late in the second half with great play and linking up with Dan Cross and Hannah Wylde showing what they can do up front.This led to a further PC deflection in front of goal from Hannah Wylde to make the final score 2-2.

Overall a satisfying match to play in and great fun.  Umpiring was first rate and allowed the game to flow nicely, many thanks to the umpiring team.

PoTM – Oscar Parkinson(Ramsey Robins) and Nika Vogel (Bacchas D) 

It was a cracking game of hockey under the sun on the northern plains, with ATLA RDA Ramsey U15s coming out 7–4 winners against Castletown Sharks, sponsored by J Qualtrough & Sons Ltd..

It was end-to-end action from the opening whistle. Jed Dixon-Howells led the way for Ramsey with an impressive five-goal haul, while Tobyn Speight and Cam Eyres also found the back of the net.

Castletown Sharks played some great hockey and kept Ramsey on their toes throughout. Evanna Fargher scored her first two goals of the season, with Aedan Garlick and Millie Macalaney adding two more for Sharks. Castletown keeper Isabelle Stevens also deserves a special mention for a standout game, pulling off great saves and routinely clearing the danger in her D.

Overall, a really enjoyable, competitive match with great hockey on display from both teams.

PoTM – Tobyn Speight (Ramsey) and Evanna Fargher (Castletown Sharks) 

Thank you to the captains for submitting their match reports.

Photo credits to Paul Hatton Photography and MHA.