BILLINGHAM EAGLES 4 BLACKBURN HAWKS 4

BLACKBURN Hawks shared the points in an eight goal thriller with Billingham Eagles, but it could have been so different.

Billingham are regarded as the best team in the English National League, reigning champions, current league leaders and undefeated on their own ice for almost two seasons.

Included in a very physical line-up were two American 'imports' in Tom Brown and player-coach Andre Malo.

The first period ended all square, with a single goal each. But in the second, the Hawks overran their hosts, hitting three goals without reply.

With Hawks' player-coach Bobby Haig rallying his troops, it looked as though an incredible away win was in the offing.

As the final period unfolded, two Eagles' players were expelled from the game for violent conduct, further raising the visitors' hopes.

But try as they might, the Hawks failed to breach a short-handed but firm defence.

Against the run of play, the Eagles broke out to score and, clearly lifted by their efforts, raised their game. As the Hawks tired, Billingham pulled level. In the end, a superb team effort saw the Hawks hang on for a draw. Going into the game, Haig's men would have been happy with a point, but in the end returned to Lancashire disappointed.

Mark McDonald scored twice for the Hawks, with Bobby Haig and Craig Sharman hitting single scores.

Skipper Dan Mackriel had assists in all the goals, and goalkeeper Colin Downie put in another solid performance.

A delighted Bobby Haig said: "I couldn't criticise the performance, everyone did well. We were not expected to get anything out of this one, I am very pleased."

On Sunday, the Hawks enjoyed a break from the rigours of the League with the annual challenge game against Perth Panthers.

The visitors from Scotland were missing players through injury so Bobby Haig swapped colours for the night.

In contrast to the heroic battle of Billingham, this was a light-hearted affair with the Hawks overcoming the Panthers 11-6.

Mark Gabbitas and Craig Sharman notched hat-tricks apiece, with Jason Fitton grabbing a brace.

Single strikes came from Eddie Cooper, welcomed back from injury, Mark McDonald and Gordon Whyte.