BLACKBURN Hawks excelled with a fantastic double winning finish to an otherwise disappointing season.

Saturday saw the team travel to Grimsby, prepared for a battle in the Buffaloes' undersized rink, but the fright the Hawks gave them seven days previously seemed to have taken effect as the Buffaloes buckled beneath the Hawks' power plays.

"It was a tough game but we we're definitely the better side," said the Hawks' player/coach Bobby Haig. "We gave them a 19-2 thrashing at home and again we showed them just what we can do."

Twenty-four hours later the Rockets landed at the Arena but the Hawks were prepared. With seven goals in the first 20 minutes Blackburn blasted beyond reach.

Adding another 11 to the scoresheet by the end of the second period with Birmingham still yet to score, there could only be one outcome.

The Hawks hit another magnificent seven in the final period, extinguishing the Rockets' fire with a 25-0 thrashing and their biggest win of the season.

"It was a fantastic game, we were all over them," said a jubilant Haig. "We've beaten them three times before this season but never by so much. A great way to end 2001-2002.

"In the last four games we have shown what we are really capable of, it's disappointing that we haven't been able to perform like that throughout.

"But we finished up fifth which is not bad, and the last few games have put us in good stead for next season.

"Also, some of the younger players have really been coming on over the past couple of months so there will definitely be some new additions to the team."

The goalscorers against Birmingham were: Haig (6), Craig Sharman (6), Jamie Thompson (3), Peter Norgate (2) - also named man of the match, Adam Leaver,

Wes Barnett, Michael Brunton, Neal Haworth, Jason Fitton, Wayne Slater, Christian Wareing and Eddie Cooper.

The Hawks face a challenge match at the Arena on Sunday against Kingston Jets. The doors open 5:15 pm for the 6 o'clock face off.

GRIMSBY BUFFALOES...5 HAWKS...9

HAWKS...25 BIRMINGHAM ROCKETS...0