BLACKBURN Hawks were a bit 'rink-rusty' as they crashed to an 8-3 defeat in their opening challenge match at Telford Wildfoxes.

Despite the disappointing scoreline, however, Hawks coach Bobby Haig was far from downcast as he returned to East Lancashire with plenty of plus points to ponder.

Telford raced into a 5-0 lead by the end of the first period, leaving a shell shocked Haig to pick his side up.

And he duly did, for the Hawks shut out their talented hosts, taking the second period by three goals to nil. The Hawks' gaols were scored by Wes Barnett, Neil Haworth and Michael Brunton.

Despite heroics from goal-minder Robbie Smith, who had a fine all-round game under great pressure, Telford increased their lead without reply in the final session.

"They play in the English Premier League at a higher level than us," explained Haig. "Their line-up included two top Swedes and they had former Hawk Danny Mackriel, so we knew it was going to be tough, the score is no disgrace.

"But we haven't been able to train with a full squad yet, so it's not surprising we didn't click. We had some good periods of play. That was encouraging and I am very positive about the new season.

"There's a lot of work to be done but I am expecting to beat them when they come to Blackburn for the return."

The Hawks' next action is another tough clash. They make the long trip to Peterborough Islanders for an English Premier Cup match a week on Sunday.