BLACKBURN HAWKS were thrashed a second time on Saturday when they lost out 16-1 to Group A leaders Solihul Barons in the English Premier League Cup.

This defeat swiftly follows last weekend's English National Hockey League Cup hammering from old rivals Altrincham Aces, who left the Arena aces 12-2 down at the end of the game. Team coach Bobby Haig scored the Hawks' only goal at the end of the first period, but it didn't even come close to victory over the Midlands team.

"Considering that Solihul are currently third in the English Premier League, a league above us, we can't beat ourselves up about it too much," said Haig.

"They have six very good imported players, and we were six men down - I think we would have put in a stronger performance if we had been fully squadded.

"We just seemed to give up at the end."

The result wasn't too disappointing for the Hawks, as their chances of qualifying were looking slim following a 6-0 Premier Cup defeat against the Birmingham Rockets earlier this month.

"We are just concentrating on the league this season, as we are unlikely to qualify in either cup," said Haig.

"It would have been a great confidence booster to beat Solihul, but it wasn't our night."

Young netminder Robbie Smith was particularly outstanding for the Hawks after being given a full game in place of regular Colin Downie.

Despite letting in 16 goals, the 21-year old fielded off over 70 shots from Solihul in total.

The Hawks face another cup game when they meet the Billingham Eagles away next Saturday, and are looking forward to a mouthwatering one-off challenge against Superleague giants Manchester Storm tomorrow.

A bumper crowd is expected for a real David v Goliath clash between the two North West rivals. The Arena doors open at 5:15pm for the 6pm face off.

BLACKBURN HAWKS...1

SOLIHULL...16