Blackburn Hawks are bitten by leaders Sharks (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn Hawks are bitten by leaders Sharks

2:10pm Wednesday 12th October 2011 in Ice Hockey

BLACKBURN Hawks failed to build on their impressive start in the English National Ice Hockey League North Cup, going down 6-2 at home to Solway Sharks.

Hawks kicked off their cup campaign with a notable 3-2 win away to Whitley Warriors, but came unstuck against the runaway Second Division league leaders.

After a goalless first period, Solway scored almost immediately after the restart and then soon doubled their advantage.

Rick Hughes reduced the arrears for the Hawks, before the Scottish side restored their two-goal lead.

And it was a similar story in the final period, with Solway again winning it three goals to one, with youngster Jordan Bannon getting on the scoresheet for the home side.

Team manager Graham Lomax said: “It was very disappointing. We just seemed to run out of steam.

“We more than matched them in the first period, but after we conceded a couple of goals, heads went down and we seemed to lack a bit of fighting spirit and character.

“We got it back to 2-1, but their third goal was the killer.”