LANCASHIRE Hawks player-coach Jim Pennycook is remaining optimistic ahead of this weekend's two games, despite losing both matches a week ago.

After crumbling 10-1 against Kingston, Hawks lost by the narrowest of margins to Fife, the game ending 5-6.

Pennycook said: "Fife were the British champions last year and we played a good game against them on Sunday.

"We showed we are a strong side and I am proud of that."

This weekend, Altrincham are the guests at the Blackburn Arena in a challenge game, followed by the first Northern League game of the season at Murrayfield, Scotland.

Pennycook added: "I'm optimistic and quietly confident following our previous encounters with Murrayfield."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.