SOLIHULL 6 HAWKS 0 ICE HOCKEY: Hawks can forget all about winning the English Premier League for this season - but the future looks bright.

The high quality of young ice hockey players coming through the ranks was clearly evident last night as a squad missing several established names gave the would-be champions a real run for their money.

Without injured Canadian ace Andrew Dickson, Tom Burridge and Billy Price, Hawks relied on the kids.

It could have resulted in a mauling, but the likes of Wesley Barnett, Michael Thompson, Jason Fitton and Neil Haworth, stood up to the test in exemplary fashion.

However, it was an old hand who stole the show - netminder Barry Hollyhead in magnificent form, conceding only six times despite being bombarded with 60 shots during the 60 minutes.

"Barry was even better than when he had a clean sheet against Romford the other week," said player-coach Bobby Haig. "But credit too for the young lads who came in and did us proud."

Hawks were given a real scare by Chelmsford on Saturday before finally winning the sort of nailbiter that has become commonplace at the Arena these days.

Lamonte Polet was truly outstanding with four goals and three assists - he rattled up a hat trick inside the opening 10 minutes. Haig's men were 9-5 up and coasting before the visitors struck three times in as many minutes to get the pulses racing. Brian Smith popped up with Hawks 10th to settle everyone down and earn a well-deserved success against dogged opponents.

Saturday details - Period scores: 5-4, 3-1, 2-4. Scoresheet: Gordon Whyte 0+1, Tom Burridge 1+0, Bobby Haig 1+1, James Beale 0+3, Billy Price 1+0, Brian Smith 2+2, Andrew Dickson 1+4, Lamonte Polet 4+3.

Sunday details - Period scores: 4-0, 2-0, 0-0.

Hawks now trail leaders Solihull by six points and second placed Milton Keynes by four points with just a couple of games to go. They entertain Milton Keynes at the Arena in the final home league game tomorrow night (Tuesday).

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