BLACKBURN Hawks experienced mixed fortunes in a demanding weekend programme.

They were delighted after securing an English National Hockey League victory over Bradford Bulldogs.

But they then came down to earth 24 hours later with an English Cup thrashing from table toppers Whitley Warriors.

The Hawks gave the Bulldogs a 10-2 thrashing on Saturday, managing to gain some vital points after losing their last five consecutive league games.

Goals came from Gordon Whyte (2), Wes Barnett, Craig Sharman (4), Bobby Haig (2) and Eddie Cooper.

Team coach Bobby Haig said: "Bradford weren't an easy team to beat and we were only winning by a goal at the end of the first period.

"But we dominated the game and the lads put in a good performance.

"The main thing is that we managed to get the win.

"If we can win most of our remaining games we still have a chance of finishing third or fourth in the league, and hopefully the Bradford game will have restored some of our confidence."

But the tables were turned for Sunday's trip to Whitley Bay, leaving the Hawks with a 9-0 English Cup defeat from the Warriors.

"We played really well and put in a lot of effort, but it just wasn't our night," said Haig.

"Whitley were beating us 6-0 until the last five minutes when they managed to slip three more goals past us, leaving us disappointed with the result but not our performance."

HAWKS...10 BRADFORD BULLDOGS...2

WHITLEY BAY...9 HAWKS...0

ON Sunday the Hawks take on Nottingham at the Blackburn Arena in a Premier Cup tie.