In the first round of the Manx Hockey Association knock out competitions, Athena Healthcare Harlequins Men’s C secured a 2–0 victory over Castletown Men’s C, sponsored by J Qualtrough & Sons Ltd, in their bowl fixture, in a match that was evenly contested for long periods.
Both sides looked comfortable in possession from the outset, moving the ball around well and showing patience in build-up play. Castletown worked hard to establish a rhythm and created several promising phases of play, particularly through midfield, but found clear chances difficult to come by against an organised Harlequins defence. Harlequins, meanwhile, perhaps edged the contest in terms of passing accuracy, using the width of the pitch effectively and linking play smoothly between defence and attack.
The breakthrough came when Ben Cunningham opened the scoring for Harlequins, finishing a well-constructed move to give his side a narrow lead. Castletown responded positively, continuing to circulate the ball and look for openings, but were unable to convert possession into a goal.
In the second half, the pattern of play remained similar, with both teams committed to keeping the ball moving. Harlequins added a second goal through Cunningham, who claimed his second of the match to extend the lead. Castletown continued to compete and showed good intent until the final whistle, but Harlequins managed the game effectively to see out a solid 2–0 win.
PoTM – Aiden Leslie (Harlequins) and Barnaby Phythian (Castletown)
Three matches this week in the U15 league.
Valkyrs met Ramsey Rogues and Rascals in a cracker of a game. Valkyrs took the lead 4 times in the first half but were unable to get any distance from the strong Ramsey side. Ramsey looked the more likely in the 2nd half to walk away with the three points, but some clinical goals from fast breaks saw Valkyrs emerge as 7-5 winners.
Valkyrs scorers were Ollie Ryder-Clague (3), Megan Williamson (2), Finlo Quayle and Emma Sturgess with Cam Eyres (2), Sylvie Lincoln (2) and Jed Dixon-Howells (1) putting the ball in the net for Ramsey.
PoTM – Emma Sturgess (Valkyrs) and Cam Eyres (Ramsey)
The match between Vikings and Castletown Sabres was a tightly contested game with end to end play throughout. Vikings created numerous attacks making the Castletown keeper work hard to keep them out, but Castletown proved more clinical and managed to make the most of their chances.
Theo Robertson (2) and James Baker scored for Vikings and Oscar Garczynski, Barnaby Phythian, Scarlett Crompton- Heavey and Charlie Valerga (2).
POTM – James Baker and Emily Jacobs (Vikings) and Olivia Shirley (Castletown Sabres)
In the third U15 match of the day, Cronkbourne Bacchas met Swales Flooring Harlequins. With lots of young talent on the pitch, a good game played by both sides. Bacchas took their chances well, particularly in the first half to be 4-0 up at half time. A closer second half saw the Bacchas keeper make a flurry of good saves. The final score was 5 – 0.
Carter Whitehead (3) Marcus Creer and Florence Edwards scored for Bacchas
PoTM – Carter Kneale (Bacchas) and Benji Barber (Harlequins)