Hockey: Valkyrs A look to keep title hopes alive

Mixed hockey fixtures for 23 Oct

Rossborough Mixed Premier League

11.00 Canaccord Genuity Vikings B vs Canaccord Genuity Vikings A @ NSC

14:00 Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas A vs Motoworx Valkyrs A @ NSC

14:00 Cherry Godfrey Castletown A vs Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas B @ CRHS

Rossborough Mixed Division One

11:00 Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas Colts vs Cherry Godfrey Castletown Cammags @ QEII

12:30 Cherry Godfrey Castletown Cushags vs Cherry Godfrey Castletown Southerners @ CRHS

15.30 Athena Healthcare Harlequins A vs Canaccord Genuity Vikings C @ NSC

Rossborough Mixed Division Two

11:00 Cherry Godfrey Castletown Carrick vs Canaccord Genuity Vikings E @ CRHS

12:30 Athena Healthcare Harlequins B vs Canaccord Genuity Vikings D @ NSC

14:00 Motorworx Valkyrs D vs Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas C @ QEII

15:30 Exceed Business Services Ramsey Rookies vs Cherry Godfrey Castletown Cosney @ RGS

Rossborough Mixed Under 16

12:30 Exceed Business Services Ramsey Rogues & Rascals vs Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas A @ QEII

12:30 Cherry Godfrey Castletown B vs Canaccord Genuity Vikings @ KWC

15:30 Swales Flooring Harlequins vs Cherry Godfrey Castletown A @ CRHS

15:30 Motorworx Valkyrs vs Ramsey Crookall Cronkbourne Bacchas B @ QEII

Report by Sam Spooner:

This weekend sees a huge fixture between Valkyrs A and Bacchas A in the Rossborough Mixed Premier League. Should Valkyrs A lose it would take them out of the title race almost  entirely leaving only Ramsey having a realistic chance of overhauling Vikings A. Bacchas A despite being all but out of the title race will be wanting to finish the league strongly a take the highest place possible and are almost certain to have a say in the destination of the title. If Valkyrs can remain switched on for the whole game they should come out as winners however Bacchas A are a very good side despite their form this year and will punish any small mistake from Valkyrs. Vikings A meanwhile take on their own B team and despite some strong early season form from Vikings B their form has dropped off in recent weeks and it is unlikely they will be able to overcome the A team in this inter club derby. Additionally Castletown Celt are having a great season so far this year running the top teams closer than many expected and sitting comfortably in  5^th place. They welcome Bacchas B this week and the southerners are looking the favourites for another 2 points. They will also be hoping that Bacchas A lose to Valkyrs to aid their climb up the table. The game between Valkyrs B and Ramsey A has been rescheduled to Tuesday 26^th October at the NSC with the night time game on at 8.30pm.

In Rossborough Mixed Division One Valkyrs C have taken a 4 point lead into this weekend after their match against Ramsey Ravens was brought forward to last Tuesday, a match which the westerners won 6-2 meaning they are 4 points clear at the top of the league this weekend. Harlequins A will be hoping to keep pace with them when they take on the improving Vikings C team who will be looking to overcome a strong Harlequins side flush with young talent. Bacchas Colts take on Castletown Cammags and despite Cammags being bottom of the league are a dangerous side. Finally there is an inter club derby between Castletown Southerners and Castletown Cushags. Both sides currently sit on 4 points so this game represents a real opportunity from bragging rights for the two sides. However Southerners go into the match as favourites and will be looking to put the other sides fighting for second place under pressure.

With only three weekends left Vikings D could go a long way to clinching the title this weekend if they can overcome Harlequins B as expected. Despite Harlequins fine early season form they have dropped out of the title race in recent weeks and with the squad that Vikings D have at their disposal they should come away with the win. Ramsey Rookies who are Vikings closest challengers face Castletown Cosney who on paper shouldn’t represent too much of a hurdle for the northerners. However this reporter seems to galvanise Castletown teams who are written off so don’t be surprised should Cosney come away with the win. Valkyrs D aren’t out of the title race just yet but much depends on whether or not Vikings D drops points. Despite this Valkyrs D will be keen to keep the league leaders under pressure when they take on Bacchas C. Last but by no means least Castletown Carrick take on Vikings E. Carrick will be looking for their first points of the season whilst Vikings will be hoping to start earning more points to challenge the top half of the table.