Vikings Ladies out of Vase after 5-1 semi-final defeat

Vikings won their fourth consecutive Isle of Man title in 2010

Vikings Ladies crashed out of the England Hockey Women's Vase losing 5-1 to Alderley Edge in the semi-finals.

After an awful start in which they went 3-0 behind, Vikings reduced the deficit before half-time and came close to adding a second.

But two late goals ensured a comfortable victory for Alderley Edge, who included three Lithuanian internationals in their team.

The defeat ends the Manx side's 100% cup and league record this season.

Vikings reached the same stage last year, only to go down 2-1 to eventual winners East Grinstead.

In this year's competition, the Manx champions have beaten Ambleside, Penrith, Stratford and Newcastle, scoring 24 goals.

Alderley Edge will play Guernsey in the final on 16 April at Tonbridge School, Kent.

The Women's Vase, which is a straight knock-out competition, has been running since the 2000/01 season.

Back at home in the Mixed Division One League, current leaders Saracens Sabres suffered a dent to their title hopes as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Vikings C. Steve Cottier found the net for Saracens with Richard Gelder replying for Vikings.

Castletown Cammags maintained their good run of form with a 3-1 victory over Bacchas C. Conor Douglas gave Bacchas the lead before three goals from Paul Kelly ensured Sam Spooner's Cammags side claimed both points on offer.

Elsewhere Castletown Cushags produced a stunning comeback to beat Valkyrs C 3-2.

In the first half, Clive Callister gave the westerners the lead before Clementine Kermode-Clague doubled their advantage. A second half fight back saw Cushags take the win with two goals from Graeme Brown and a strike from Iain Wrigley.

Harlequins secured back-to-back victories with an impressive 5-2 win over Ramsey Ravens. Adam Hussey scored a hat-trick for Harlequins, with Ali Hird adding two further goals.