BLACKBURN Hawks soared into second slot in the English National Ice Hockey League North with a hard-fought win over Bradford Bulldogs at the Arena.

The Hawks, who are the Northern section's in-form team, made it three wins on the bounce, clinching a double over their Yorkshire opponents.

Once again, player-coach Bobby Haig underlined his value with a hat-trick, and the wily Scot is the league's leading scorer with 18 goals in 11 matches.

Adam Fuller grabbed a brace in the third session and there were single strikes from David Sheffield, Neal Haworth and Chris Black, as the side hit eight goals for the fourth successive match.

The Bulldogs had more shots on goal, with 41 to the Hawks' 33, but stand-in goal-minder Robbie Smith was in good form as the home side treated the 1,415-strong crowd to a hard-earned victory.

Haig said: "I am obviously pleased with the win, but not really happy with the way we performed.

"All credit to Bradford for making a game of it, but we never got out of first gear and should have done better."

Goals from Haworth, Haig and Sheffield put the Hawks in the box seat, leading three-nil at the end of the first session and, despite the Bulldogs' determination, the result was never in doubt.

Haig's second period strike, following good approach work from Peter Tapp, cancelled out Bradford's first score on the half hour.

Despite being 4-1 down, the visitors gave their all in a stiring finale which kept supporters, and the scoreboard operators, on the edge of their seats.

Fuller scored twice and Black once, with assists from Tapp and Haig to keep the Hawks clear.

And typically, it was Haig who had the final say, hitting Hawks' eighth on 56 minutes to clinch the points.

Haig added: "A few of the lads are chipping in with goals now, it's very

pleasing to be up to second.

"Other teams have games in hand, but they have to catch us, don't they?"

BLACKBURN HAWKS...8

BRADFORD BULLDOGS...4