LANCASHIRE Wolverines' play-off hopes have been blown off course by unbeaten Dundee Hurricanes after slipping to a 26-15 defeat.

The Blackburn-based American Football club have four games left to salvage their season as they are now three and three' in the British American Football League Division Two North.

Defeat ended an impressive run of three straight wins against Merseyside Nighthawks, Shropshire Revolution and Lincolnshire Bombers The Wolverines, who are based at Blackburn RUFC, currently lie in fifth place in BAFL Division Two North and entertain Glasgow Tigers at Ramsgreave Drive on June 24 (ko 2.30pm) looking to put their play-off hopes back on course.

The Lancashire club travelled to the league leaders knowing they were in for the toughest test of the season so far - and so it proved.

Wolverines were first to break the deadlock when Sam Fogg broke through from 55 yards out for a touchdown. Jonathon Peachey slotted over the extra point to give the Wolverines a 7-0 lead.

Dundee responded positively with strong running from Mahamadou Niakate, who brought the Hurricanes back into contention with a twenty-two yard touchdown run. Dundee failed to convert but had narrowed the score line to 6-7 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter again was a defensive match up until late in the session when Niakate again broke through the Wolverines defence, this time forcing himself into the end zone from two yards. Niakate added the two-point conversion to give Dundee 14-7 lead at half time.

The teams were again evenly matched in the third quarter with the defences shutting each other out.

Lancashire started the final period of the finely poised match by pinning Dundee back in their own end zone looking to even up the scores.

But the Hurricanes got a big break when Darren Henderson intercepted a Wolverines pass to run out 68 yards and give the ball back to the home team in great field position.

Hurricane quarterback Bruce Thomson wasn't going to let this opportunity slip and found wide receiver Fraser Thompson in the end zone to give Dundee a 20-7 lead.

There was still enough time on the clock for the Wolverines to stage a comeback but after turning over the ball, Dundee quarterback Thomson again threw an inch-perfect pass to receiver Darren Henderson, to extend their lead 26-7.

The Wolverines weren't about to lie down and quickly hit back when quarterback Adam Purcell found Greg Adam in the end zone for the rookie receiver's second touchdown of the season. The 2-point conversion was successful to leave the score 26-15 to Dundee.

l Entry to all Lancashire Wolverines home matches at Ramsgreve Drive is free of charge.

For more information see www.wolverineden.com or email headcoach@wolverineden.com