Bees given a scare

In every Benson and Hedges Cup, the early rounds offer a few upsets where teams from the Premier Division manager to surprise the top Super League outfits.

Slough Jets are no strangers to this scenario, having frightened their neighbours in the regional rounds in the past, and once again Bracknell Bees were worried men last weekend.

The Bees looked to have the match sewn up with goals from Rob Stewart and Joe Ferraccioll at the end of the first period but three goals in the second session from Slough, with two coming from Derek Higdon, threatened an upset until, with eight minutes left, Chris Brant saved face to earn a 3-3 draw which still left Slough struggling in their regional league table, but riding high on pride.

Peterborough Pirates' fans also held their breath when their Premier Division side had the temerity to take a 1-0 lead against the Cup holders, Nottingham Panthers, after 10 minutes. The lead lasted five minutes into the second period as the Panthers then went on to win 7-1.

At the other end of the scale, Telford Tigers found themselves blanked when Manchester Storm, in front of 5,500 fans, won 11-0.