Dumfries Vikings 9 Blackburn Hawks 5

ISMO Rokala turned in a stunning individual performance, scored four goals and ended up a loser!

The Flying Finn found the net four times inside the opening 18 minutes but, once again, topsy turvy Blackburn Hawks took their foot off the gas and crashed.

" We couldn't have had a better start, but we just can't string three strong periods together," fumed manager Mike Cockayne.

"We had a good following of supporters up there and let them down. There were some harsh words spoken in the dressing room and we will sit down in the early part of the week to try and nip this situation in the bud. We have lost a couple of games in a row now and we need to get things sorted."

Rokala had Hawks in front in just 54 seconds of Saturday's contest north of the border and although the Vikings equalised, two further strikes from the Finn put the local lads 3-1 to the good on 11 minutes.

The Vikings responded with two in quick succession, but the impressive Rokala restored Hawks' advantage just before the end of the opening period. The following 20 minutes amounted to a disaster with Vikings assuming control to take the period 4-0. Two further goals for the home side early in period three put the game beyond Blackburn's reach, althouth young Billy Price did manage a late consolation.

Hawks sadly missed injured defenceman Neil Abel, who was forced to sit out the fixture through back problems: "That didn't help matters because Neil is a very important part of our team and much of our game plan is built around him.

"But even though we were stretched at the back with Neil missing, we can't use injury as an excuse. It was a very disappointing display and that is twice inside a month we have tossed away a good lead to lose to Dumfries. It is very frustrating," added Mr Cockayne.

Period scores: 3-4, 4-0, 2-1.

Scoresheet: Ismo Rokala 4+0, Billy Price 1+0; Patrik Ferlander 0+2; Bobby Haig 0+1; Jim Pennycook 0+1; Johan Goransson 0+1.

Hawks skipper Paul Fleury was taken to hospital after the game with suspected broken ribs sustained when he crashed against advertising boards surrounding the Dumfries rink.

Hawks, without a fixture last night, have a double header next weekend at home to Murrayfield on Saturday and away at Castlereagh on Sunday.

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