BLACKBURN Hawks saw their hopes of play-off glory cut to pieces as Sheffield Scimitars carved through their resistance to win the final group game 5-0.
The much-anticipated Sheffield clash turned out to be a one-sided affair, with the Scimitars firing in 35 shots to the Hawks' 13.
Following a goal-less first period, the Scimitars took the initiative scoring three times without reply. And in the third, the Hawks leaked a further two goals, effectively ending the tie as a contest.
In eight cup, league and play-off attempts this season, the Hawks, with five defeats and three draws, have failed to overcome their Yorkshire rivals.
Sheffield will now play southern champions Invicta of Gillingham in the two-legged national final.
Hawks player-coach Bobby Haig was down but not dispirited.
"It was probably one game too far for us and the strongest team won on the day," he conceded.
"Overall, though, I'm very pleased with how the season's gone.
"We have a good set of lads, the youngsters have matured and come through, so there is lots to build on for next season.
"I'm hoping the squad will stay together and if we keep working hard, then I think we can achieve even better things next time around."
Twenty-four hours after the Sheffield clash, the Hawks entertained Billingham in a re-arranged English Cup match, originally postponed in February
With Sheffield already having beaten Oxford to lift the English National Cup, the Hawks' group match with Billingham was purely academic, though it served to round off the season.
Haig said: "Neal Haworth and me played for them and it was more like a challenge match.
"They won 6-5, but it was meaningless.
"All I want to do now is rest up after a long hard season, my body is aching. Even so, I'm genuinely excited about the next campaign."
For the record, Blackburn Hawks finished fourth in the English National Hockey League North, with Haig and Chris Black figuring amongst the top 10 scorers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article