BRAVE Blackburn Hawks proved on Saturday that they have no intention of just making up the numbers in the second stage of the national ice hockey play-offs.

Involved in one of the season's most sensational tussles, Hawks eventually went down against much-fancied Paisley Pirates to a goal just 11 seconds from time!

And that after they had scored five times without reply earlier in the third period to haul back from 10-5 to 10-10.

Hawks looked like they were in for a real drubbing early on as the rampaging Pirates opened up a 3-0 lead inside the first 63 seconds, player-coach Doug Marsden helping himself to a brace.

The first period ended with Hawks just about alive but trailing 6-2 and after period two it had worsened to 10-5.

But if Paisley thought they could coast through they were forced into an immediate re-think.

Hawks turned in a scintillating show to go nap inside 10 magical minutes, flying Finn Ismo Rokala completing an impressive hat trick and Neil Abel helping out with a couple of gems.

Seven minutes remained and, for the fairest outcome, it should have stayed level. But the Pirates sneaked forward for one final throw of the dice and Simon Leach hit his hat-trick goal to break Hawks' hearts on 59.49.

Scoresheet: Neil Abel 2+2, Paul Holden 0+1, Craig Sharman 1+0, Simon Mills 0+3, Ismo Rokala 3+2, Patrik Ferlander 2+0, Bobby Haig 1+0, Alan Hough 0+1, Todd Bidner 1+3.

The second stage of the play-offs sees Hawks grouped with Fife Flyers, Whitley Bay Warriors and Paisley and the fixtures are:

Thursday, March 13 Whitley Warriors (away), Saturday, March 15: Paisley Pirates (away), Sunday, March 16: Fife Flyers (home 6pm), Tuesday, March 18: Whitley Warriors (home 8pm), Saturday, March 22: Paisley Pirates (home 6pm), Sunday, March 23: Fife Flyers (away).

The overall top team from the Northern Group will play the winners of the Southern Group at Manchester Nynex on Saturday, March 29.

Due to both Tom Burridge and Billy Price being away on international duty, Hawks took the opportunity to blood two locally-produced products, Paul Holden of Blackburn and Solomon Whittaker of Accrington.

Last night at the Arena, Hawks beat Perth Panthers in a challenge fixture 15-5. Alan Hough led the scoring with 5+3 while Patrik Ferlander wasn't far behind on 4+2. Other scorers were: Danny Higgin 0+1, Craig Sharman 2+1, Simon Mills 0+3, Ismo Rokala 1+5, Bobby Haig 1+5, Solomon Whittaker 0+1, Todd Bidner 1+1, Paul Holden 1+2.

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