BLACKBURN Hawks experienced mixed fortunes in the most demanding of weekend programmes.

Bobby Hiag's men were delighted after securing an English National Hockey League Cup victory over league leaders Whitley Bay 3-1 at home on Saturday, but came down to earth 24 hours later with a 12-2 thrashing at arch-rivals Altrincham.

In the cup-tie, Whitley's Raymond Haslam scored to leave the Hawks 1-0 down at the end of the first period, but goals from Craig Sharman and Wayne Whitby had put the Hawks ahead by the end of the second. A final goal from Wes Barnett sealed the match with a 3-1 win for the Hawks.

Team coach Bobby Haig, said: "We were very impressed with our performance against Whitley, especially since they were unbeaten this season. It was a great achievement for us."

However, on Sunday the tables were turned, and the Hawks were beaten 12-2 in the derby crunch with Altrincham Aces. The consolation goals came from Michael Brunton and Neal Haworth, but it wasn't enough to keep the team happy.

"We were disappointed and felt we had let ourselves down," said Haig. "From beating the top team to getting completely hammered by the second place team was unreal, especially since we are always anxious to beat them."

RESULT: BLACKBURN HAWKS 3 WHITLEY BAY 1

ALTRINCHAM ACES 12 BLACKBURN HAWKS 2