BLACKBURN Hawks are gearing up for a 'War of the Roses' weekend with back to back league and cup action against Bradford Bulldogs and Sheffield Scimitars.

After last weekend's woes -- the league game at Grimsby was abandoned due to the condition of the ice, and 24 hours later an under strength Hawks squad took a thumping at Whitley Bay in the Anglo-Scottish Cup -- the Hawks will be looking to get back on an even keel.

A desperate run of injuries, with key players Bobby Haig, Craig Sharman, Colin Downie and Mark Gabbitas being unavailable, has understandably seen a slump in recent results.

The good news is Haig and Downie will return this weekend. Haig has had a plaster cast removed from his wrist and is reportedly "chomping at the bit" to get back in the fray.

Downie has had a stomach muscle problem but is ready to take up his inspirational role between the posts. Both Sharman and Gabbitas have begun to skate lightly and are hopeful of making the play offs.

First up on Saturday night are Bradford at the Arena for an English Cup game. In three previous meetings this season, the Hawks have rattled up 47 goals with just two in reply. The cup tie should provide the perfect opportunity to return to winning ways.

On Sunday Bobby Haig and his squad cross the Pennines for an English League game against the Scimitars. In the corresponding fixture at home, the Hawks enjoyed a comfortable win, providing further grounds for confidence.

Haig, however, is mindful of the dangers presented by the Scimitars. He said: "They have picked up in recent weeks and had a fantastic result against Kingston. They play very physical on their own rink so we will have to have our wits about us."