Hawks suffer as Sharks bite

5:49pm Wednesday 19th March 2008

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Blackburn Hawks' season came to a close with a narrow 5-3 defeat to Solway Sharks in the Northern League Cup on Saturday.

The result summed up Hawks' season as they ran the Scottish Premier Division side close, but could not quite find a cutting edge.

In fairness to Hawks, the Sharks headed into the game knowing they must win to progress to the play-offs, while the Hawks could no longer qualify.

Nevertheless, Hawks made it difficult for the visitors and could have taken more from the game on a different day.

The opening period belonged to the Sharks, as they raced into a 3-0 lead. However, Aaron Davies pulled one back to reduce the deficit just before the break.

The second period started brightly, MVP Richard Bentham nicking another goal to bring Hawks to within one as the game flowed from end to end.

Hawks strived to get back on level terms, but it was the visitors who were able to extend their lead once again, courtesy of a powerplay goal.

The third carried on in the same vein, with both teams going close, but the hosts dominating possession. Their efforts were rewarded when Michael Brunton's slapshot flew past the netminder to once again reduce the arrears to just one.

However, Solway comp-leted the evening's scoring almost immediately after Brunton's strike to put the game beyond Blackburn's reach.

Hawks left the ice to a standing ovation from the home supporters, who applauded their side's efforts in an enjoyable and eventful season and look forward to a promising campaign next September.