BLACKBURN Hawks remain fifth in the NIHL Moralee Conference table after back to back defeats at the weekend.

Hawks were beaten 6-3 at home to Sutton Stings on Saturday night, before going down to a narrow 2-1 loss at Billingham Stars on Sunday.

Sutton Sting had won only one of their previous five games this season when they travelled to the Blackburn Arena.

The first period ended scoreless before Adam Brittle put Hawks ahead early in the second period.

Sutton levelled and, although Brittle netted again to put the Hawks back in front, the visitors then surged into a 5-2 lead. Ric Hughes pulled a goal back for Hawks but Sutton rounded off their 6-3 victory in the closing stages.

A day later Hawks made the trip to the north east to face Billingham, where they won the play-off final last season.

But Billingham lead the table this season and led 1-0 at the end of the first period.

Hawks equalised during the second period thanks to a well taken power play goal from Brittle.

But James Moss scored for Billingham in the final period to give the hosts a 2-1 victory.