Isle of Man competed in England Hockey’s Men’s Division Two Championships at Bedford over the weekend.

It was the team’s debut in this division having gained promotion when winning six games out of six in Division Three at Portsmouth last year.

After taking an early lead against Nottinghamshire, the island was pegged back to 2-2. Then, after half-time, they raced to a 5-3 lead.

Unfortunately, Nottinghamshire managed to get back level but a 5-5 draw was a great result.

Andrew Vernon-Browne scored a brace, while the remainder of the goals came from James Harrison, Alex Bell and Jonny Callow.

The second game was a tight affair against a Norfolk team that ’parked the bus’, but eventually Alex Bell broke the deadlock following a scramble around the Norfolk goal.

The UK side scored on a rare breakaway, but a diving Callow grabbed a late winner for the Isle of Man.

Sunday dawned with the Manx side top of the pile, but could they stay there?

Bedfordshire were strong as the home county, and struck early, but Isle of Man roared back with a great strike from Bell and further goals from Vernon-Browne and Jamie Brown meant a 3-2 win for the Manxies.

One more point would assure them of a play-off spot, but they first had to face Northumberland in their final game in sweltering sunshine.

Isle of Man started fast and a hat-trick of goals from Bell, plus a single from Callow, put them 4-1 up.

The experienced Northumberland side pegged it back to 4-4 in the second half, and nerves began to jangle.

Step forward 15-year-old Nathan Evans on his senior debut. Cool under pressure he beat his man then smashed a reverse-stick shot past the startled Northumberland keeper.

Desperate defending led to a late penalty for Northumberland, but time ran out at 5-5 and Isle of Man knew that a play-offs spot was achieved.

In the last game of the day, Bedfordshire beat Nottinghamshire to move into second place, confirming Isle of Man as group winners.

This was an amazing result for the Isle of Man, with four debutees in the squad, but all gelled well and the whole group stood up to be counted.

The play-offs are in Nottingham on Saturday, June 2.

If anyone is willing to sponsor this team of achievers, please get in touch.

JON WHITING

l The senior women’s squad competes in England Hockey’s North Counties Tournament at Ben Rhydding, Bradford West Yorkshire this weekend.

The Manx team will face Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire and Yorkshire.

The group has been training hard since early January to prepare for the tournament and coach Jamie Brown has named a strong squad of 16.

The selection offers a blend of youth and experience, with Freya Duchars, Maddy Dunlop, Georgia Foxton and Sam Hasall all making their senior island debuts.