Hockey returns this weekend after the Christmas break and with plenty of points to play for, there is a lot at stake for all the teams.

Kendal's Ladies finished 2015 on a good run of form, which sees them in third place with games in hand on league leaders Doncaster and second-placed Timperley.

This weekend they make the trip to play bottom-of-the-table Chester. Kendal will be aiming to guard against complacency as they face a side languishing with just seven points.

Kendal's Second Team face a key battle at the top of the league as they travel to play South Lakes. The Ulverston-based side will be a key test for Kendal's youthful squad, although Kendal did draw 1-1 in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign.

The Third Team hosts Lancaster's Development side on Sunday at Queen Katherine School. The Thirds are a very young side looking to continue their progression.

Kendal's Mens are also in action as they face a double header of games. They host league leaders Ormskirk on Saturday in a crunch battle before travelling to play Keswick in a huge derby encounter on Sunday. The Greens know that victory in these games will see them climb to the top of the table.

The Men's Second Team will be looking for points as they travel to play Preston's 5th Team. The Seconds are playing their first full season in a competitive division.

Ambleside's Ladies, meanwhile, host Penrith at Kirkbie Kendal's Cinderovens. Charlotte Russell's youthful squad face a tough game against a Penrith side that have only lost one game all season. Ambleside will be desperate for what would be only their second win of the season.

The Seconds host Ulverston 2nds on Sunday.

Windermere's Men's Team round the weekend off as they host the University of Liverpool on Saturday before entertaining Liverpool and Sefton on Sunday. Windermere Seconds are also in action as they travel to play Formby.

Fixtures:

Saturday, January 9:

Chester Ladies 1’s vs Kendal Ladies 1, 12.30pm

South Lakes vs Kendal Ladies 2’s, 12.30pm

Kendal Mens 1s vs Ormskirk, 2.30pm

Preston 5’s vs Kendal Mens 2’s 2.45pm

Windermere vs Liverpool 1pm

Ambleside vs Penrith, 12.30pm

Formby vs Windermere 2’s, 2pm

Sunday, January 10:

Windermere vs Liverpool and Sefton 2pm

Keswick vs Kendal Mens 1’s 2pm

Kendal 3’s vs Lancaster Dev, 11am

Ambleside 2’s vs Ulverston 2’s, 12.30pm