SOLIHULL 17, HAWKS 2 HAWKS slipped to a disastrous defeat at Solihull last night, much to the delight of a former star.

Steve Chartrand grabbed a hat-trick as Hawks not only crashed to their heaviest and most embarrassing reverse of the season but also surrendered top spot in the English Premier League to their conquerors.

But even ex-Hawk Chartrand had to play second fiddle to Solihull import AJ Kelham - the Canadian hot shot helped himself to eight goals as the Lancashire lads caved in.

Hawks front line failed to function on a night to forget as Solihull rattled in 68 shots at goal.

Period Scores: 4-2, 3-0, 10-0

Scoresheet: Tom Burridge 0+1, Bobby Haig 0+1, Billy Price 1+0, Bryan Smith 1+0.

On Saturday it was a different story. Lamonte Polet got personal revenge, delivering a knockout blow to the Invicta defenceman as Hawks let their ice hockey do the talking.

A couple of weeks after Invicta's rough house tactics had left Polet in hospital with a nasty facial injury, the Kent side finished second best in a crucial EPL clash.

Canadian Polet even managed a goal, although he left most of that responsibility at the feet of fellow import Andrew Dickson who obliged with a hat-trick.

It sounds a tight contest but it is worth noting that Hawks held a comfortable 6-3 advantage with less than four minutes to go. Invicta's fifth went in a second or two from time so the nailbiting among the home ranks was minimal.

Another healthy 1,300 plus crowd too and a pleasing debut for new netminder Gordon Langford who kept his goal intact for 25 minutes and even when he was eventually beaten it was on the powerplay.

Period Scores: 3-0, 2-2, 1-3

Scoresheet: Gordon Whyte 0+3, Tom Burridge 1+1, Bobby Haig 0+2, James Beale 1+0, Andrew Dickson 3+2, Lamonte Polet 1+2

Player coah Bobby Haig said: "We worked hard on Saturday and got a deserved reward but the least said the better about the trip to Solihull. The scoreline says it all - not a night to be proud of."

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