3:20pm Wednesday 17th March 2010
It was a weekend of stark contrasts for Blackburn Hawks as they followed a shock cup defeat with one of their most impressive league wins of the season.
Hawks tumbled 6-5 to Flintshire Freeze from the league below them in a tempestuous English Cup tie on Saturday, but bounced back in spectacular style to trounce league leaders Nottingham Lions 5-0 just 24 hours later.
Hawks were expected to complete a double over Flintshire after beating them 8-4 in their earlier meeting and they led 5-3 at one stage of Saturday’s cup tie.
But a period of indiscipline, including a melee involving a host of players from both sides, led to penalty time, in which Flintshire drew level and then edged ahead.
Winger Karl Downey was sent off for fighting along with the Flintshire goalkeeper and his subsequent suspension looks certain to rule him out for the rest of the season.
“It was an amazing result and very disappointing all round,” said Hawks’ head coach Gary Buckman. “It was a game we should have won and we were in a very good position at one stage, but a silly period of indiscipline cost us dear.”
A severe talking to after that match, however, certainly proved an inspiration for the Hawks as they chalked up their super away win to high-flying Nottingham.
Jared Owen weighed in with two goals and there was one each for Chris Arnone, Aaron Davies and Chris Butler, as the Hawks dominated throughout and, roared on by substantial visiting support, thoroughly deserved their win.
“It could hardly have contrasted more with Saturday and I was very proud of the lads,” said Buckman. “It was one of our best performances of the season.”
Hawks, already assured of a place in the end-of-season play-offs, end their regular season on Sunday with a home match against Telford Titans (face-off 6.45pm).
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