BLACKBURN Hawks face a busy weekend with back-to-back games against opposition from the North East.

Tomorrow, the Hawks are at Teeside for an English National Cup clash with old rivals, Billingham Bombers. And 24 hours, Sunderland Chiefs pitch up at the Arena for a specially arranged challenge match.

Back in September, the Hawks returned from Billingham with a first ever league point and hope to go one better with a win this time around.

Bobby Haig's men can take heart from a fine display last time out when a re-shuffled Hawks' side, with key players missing, pushed defending league champions Sheffield Scimitars close in a Premier Cup tie on enemy territory.

"Forget the scoreline of 5-10," said player-coach Haig. "It was a good performance, we didn't have our strongest team, we gave them a good game on their own patch.

"Our lads will learn from the experience out there, there's plenty of positives to think back on."

The Hawks matched their Yorkshire opponents goal for goal in the first and last periods, losing the match in an eventful second spell.

David Sheffield hit a hat-trick for the Hawks, Craig Sharman notched a fine individual goal and Michael Brunton underlined the 'never-say-die' spirit a fine with an unassisted strike early in the final period.

Haig, who expects to be back to face the Bombers said: "If we play to our strengths, I am confident of doing well."

The match at Billingham faces off at 6.30 pm. On Sunday, the Hawks entertain

Sunderland Chiefs for the first time this season. The challenge game starts at 6 pm, with the Arena doors open from 5.15 pm.