Blackburn Hawks suffered heartbreak in their efforts to clinch a first ever ice hockey crown.

Hawks came within touching distance of the elusive prize only to have the dream shattered at the very final turn.

In a cruel twist of fate, Hawks lost their final English National Ice Hockey League fixture of the 2005-2006 campaign to Billingham Bombers who promptly took the title.

Assistant manager Graham Lomax was bitterly disappointed with the 7-3 defeat at Billingham, but insisted that Hawks had to pick themselves up and carry on.

"It was mighty upsetting to get so close and not see it through," said Lomax. "I was especially disappointed for the fans who have been great this year.

"Fair play to Billingham though, they beat us fair and square. But it's not the end of the world. We are still in the English Cup and the Scottish Crossover so they have become our priorities now.

"At the beginning of the campaign I was certain that we had enough ability to outclass anyone in the league.

"The lads put in the effort to get us in a great position, but let it slip right at the death. You only get out what you put in and that showed on Sunday."

Hawks had kicked of the weekend with a relatively straightforward 7-4 victory over Paisley Pirates in the Scottish Crossover Cup.

Paisley raced into a two-goal lead within three minutes, but Hawks responded in style and led 3-2 at the end first period through goals from Jamie Thomson, Bob Chalmers and Wayne Slater. Two more strikes from Chalmers made it 5-4 to Hawks at the end of the second. Aaron Davies and a second from Slater wrapped up the win for Blackburn.

The trip to Billingham was disappointing as Hawks fell into a final league position of third after the defeat.

The game was too close to call at the end of the first period both teams locked at 2-2, Scott Barnett and Chris Gracie with the Hawks' goals.

Billingham sprung to life in the second period and smashed four goals, Adam Fuller netting one in return for Hawks. A further strike from Billingham sealed their victory and ensured they lifted the title.