After a number of postponements due to frozen pitches last week, the Manx Hockey Association was relieved that all matches in the domestic leagues were able to go ahead this weekend
In the Mens Premiership, Cronkbourne Bacchanalias produced a dramatic late show to edge a pulsating Men’s Premier League encounter 3–2 against Harlequins, sponsored by Athena Healthcare, in front of an appreciative home crowd on Saturday.
Harlequins started brightly and deservedly took the lead midway through the first half when Alfie Swales finished clinically from a penalty corner. Cronkbourne responded with greater intensity after the break, and Andy Whiting levelled the scores with a powerful strike from a penalty corner to make it 1–1.
The Bacchanalias then took the lead for the first time when Whiting grabbed his second of the afternoon, deflecting home smartly following a well-worked move down the right flank. Harlequins refused to buckle, and their pressure paid off when they restored parity through Tom Hird’s deflection that left the Bacchas goalkeeper stranded.
With the clock ticking down, Cronkbourne threw everything forward. In the final minute, Thomas Lothian popped up in the circle to slot home the decisive goal and spark jubilant celebrations.
The result keeps Cronkbourne firmly in contention at the top of the table, while Harlequins will feel they were agonisingly close to a hard-earned point.
In Mens Division 2, Vikings C, sponsored by Cannacord Wealth and Appleby, secured a hard-fought 5-3 victory over Ramsey B
The opening half saw Ramsey B take a 2-1 lead, largely due to their strong presence in the centre of the pitch, using effective interceptions to regain possession and transition into the attacking third.
The Ramsey B goalkeeper and their PoTM, Mark Arden, produced a notable performance, recording multiple saves to keep the scoreline narrow. Nevertheless, Vikings’ persistence resulted in a five-goal haul, securing the win.
Theo Robertson was named Vikings PoTM for a standout performance including two goals. Scoring contributions also came from Ian Perry, Richie Gelder, and Patrick Williams.
The match marked the senior debuts of Ramsey’s Cam Eyres and Jed Dixon-Howells. Dixon-Howells marked the occasion with a goal in the closing minutes of the game, joining Dan Cross and Tom Howard on the score sheet.
In the U15s mixed league match between Vikings, sponsored by Cannacord Wealth and Appleby, and Haldane Fisher Valkyrs saw both sides scoring goals to reach a 2-2 deadlock at halftime.
The momentum swung in the second half as Vikings went ahead with two further goals. Their scorers were Theo Robertson (2), Emily Jacobs, and James Baker.
Valkyrs dominated the final ten minutes, led by their PoTM Eve Martin, whose brilliant attacking wing play created multiple chances. However, they met a “brick wall” in Vikings keeper Theo Hampson, who made multiple saves to ensure Vikings secured the win.
Valkyrs Players, Saoirse Gell and Mary Haddow also earned special mentions for their excellent performances. Valkyrs’ goals were scored by Saoirse Gell and Emily Moyer.
Vikings’ PoTM were James Baker and Lexi James, who remained composed under immense pressure to see out the win.
Photos taken by Paul Hatton