It was an action-packed weekend of Manx Hockey, with competitive clashes in the Men’s and Ladies’ divisions and plenty of excitement in the U15 matches. Strong team performances made for an entertaining round of fixtures across the island.
Thanks to senior team captains for their match reports.
In Mens Division 1, Ramsey A began the match on the front foot, applying early attacking pressure against a well-organised Haldane Fisher Valkyrs C side who always looked dangerous on the counterattack. Despite Ramsey’s strong start, it was Valkyrs who opened the scoring, breaking quickly into the D before Greg Miller fired a well-placed shot into the far corner to take the lead.Ramsey responded positively, continuing to dominate possession and territory. Their persistence paid off when a strong baseline run led to a pull back to the P spot. The initial shot was well saved by the Valkyrs goalkeeper, Jacob McFee Bell, but Valentino Cosgrave reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and bring the scores level before half-time.
The second half was a more even, end-to-end affair, with both sides earning short corners that were defended resolutely. Ramsey eventually found the breakthrough through some excellent passing play, patiently working the ball into the D before Charlie Dormer’s reverse strike was deflected into the far corner.
Valkyrs pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Ramsey held firm to secure a deserved 2–1 victory in a physical and competitive contest.
Players of the Match were Ed Field (Ramsey A) and Craig McFee Bell (Valkyrs C).
Newly promoted to Ladies division 1, Cronkbourne Bacchas Ladies C were looking forward to their next challenge as they lined up for their third game against Vikings Ladies B, sponsored by Canaccord Wealth and Appleby.
Bacchas began the match with some excellent link-up play between the midfield and forwards. Anne Harrison once again delivered a solid performance, distributing the ball effectively and helping to create several attacking opportunities for Grace Evans, Chloe Henderson and Julia Manning. At the back, the Bacchas defence were tested early by a strong and skilful Vikings side. The pressure told in the first half, with Vikings converting their chances well and taking a 3–0 lead into the half time break after two goals from Helen Egan and one from Georgie Higgins.
After positive and focused half-time team talk, the Whites came out with renewed determination. The opening ten minutes were challenging, with Vikings continuing to apply pressure, but Shannon Cowell, Jessica Schreuder, and Caitlyn Bainbridge worked to hold off repeated attacks.
A tactical shift saw Erin Fox move to right half, which immediately opened more space and allowed Bacchas to apply increased pressure down the right. Niamh Goddard and Elaine Wiseman showed that age is no barrier, using their experience and skill to unsettle the Vikings defence and keep Bacchas on the front foot. Abbey Haswell deserves a special mention for her relentless work rate, intelligent movement off the ball, and quality passing.
The pressure eventually paid off with strong movement between Ruth Martin and Lou Franklin, allowing Julia Manning to convert and put Bacchas on the scoresheet.
Almost immediately after Bacchas’ goal, Vikings responded through Ellie Harris to seal a 4–1 victory.
Players of the Match were Erin Fox (Bacchas C) and Ellie Robb (Vikings B).
In Ladies Division 2, Castletown Ladies D claimed a narrow 1–0 win over Harlequins B after a hard‑fought, end‑to‑end contest with little to separate the sides.
Harlequins, sponsored by Athena Healthcare, started strongly, enjoying long spells of possession and forcing Castletown into defensive mode. Led by the composed Sarah Craine, the home defence held firm, while newcomer goalkeeper Holly Norbury produced several excellent saves to keep the visitors at bay.
Castletown, sponsored by J Qualtrough & Co ltd., gradually grew into the match, linking well through midfield, although breaking down Harlequins’ experienced core remained a challenge. However, Right Half Heni Cubbon was a constant outlet on the flank, delivering dangerous crosses into the circle. The decisive moment came when Anne‑Marie Crompton capitalised by calmly slotting home the only goal of the match to secure the win for Castletown.
A special mention to the Quins’ young players whose speed and ball skills were challenging to defend; Ruby Crellin playing her 1st ladies season and GK Emma Worsfold who stepped in to play only her 2nd game in goals.
There was added interest with several family pairings in the Castletown squad: Kate and Imogen Butler, Rachael and Heni Cubbon—joined by Heni’s aunt, Hannah Cawkwell, returning to hockey—and Voirrey and Carree Sampson.
Players of the Match were Carree Sampson (Castletown) and Ruth Kane (Harlequins).
In the first of two U15 matches, Ramsey Rogues and Rascals met Cronkbourne Bacchas in an end to end match which provided great entertainment for the supporters. Rogues and Rascals were the eventual winners 4-3 against a young Bacchas team which was a player short. Charlie Dormer scored a hit trick for Ramsey with Charlie Perkins making it 4 and Bacchas’ goal scorers were Marcus Career, Izzy Talavera and Zac Moore.
Players of the Match were Charlie Perkins (Ramsey) and Seth Millar (Bacchas).
Next was the meeting between Castletown U15, sponsored by J Qualtrough & Co Ltd., and Harlequins, sponsored by Swales Flooring, – another great game to watch with a lot of fantastic play. Harlequins had the best of the first half but Castletown really found their stride in the second half, with Lara Moore and Syd Hampton-France working back to help and attacking well. The final score was 2-1 to Harlequins with goals from Sam Neto and Auden Leslie and Castletown scorer, Adam Ellis off a short corner.
Players of the Match were Matthew Lowe (Castletown) and Sam Neto (Harlequins)
