LANCASHIRE Hawks' walking wounded are to undergo late fitness tests before Saturday's clash against Murrayfield at the Arena.

Jeff Daniels, Neil Abel and Colin Downey are all struggling with injuries as the Hawks look to end their run of 19 consecutive defeats. Star striker Adrian Lomonaco is definitely out of the clash as he has still not returned since being given compassionate leave.

However, John Neville, the Hawks' administration manager, is confident that if he can get his star quartet back on the ice for the following week's play-offs, the Hawks can end their losing streak.

He said: "We've suffered more than most with injuries but our star players aren't far off from fitness now. If they are not available this weekend then hopefully then will be back for the play-offs and we can make a good impression."

The good news for the Hawks is that Simon Mills made a successful comeback after injury in Tuesday night's 10-4 defeat against Paisley.

The dates for the play-offs are: 24/02, Telford Tigers (h); 01/03, Cardiff Rage (h); 03/03, Fife Flyers (a); 07/03, Cardiff Rage (a); 08/03 Peterborough Pirates (h); 11/03, Peterborough Pirates (a); 14/03, Telford Tigers (a); 15/03, Fife Flyers (h).

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.