Ice Hockey: Beavers put bite on Bees

THE FINAL weekend of the Benson and Hedges qualifying rounds saw four Premier Division teams join the four who qualified the previous weekend. Whitley Warriors, Durham Wasps, Nottingham Panthers and Peterborough Pirates complete the last eight.

A First Division side, Romford Raiders, recorded their first win in the six qualifying games - against Durham on their own rink. It was Wasps' first home defeat in 55 games, the last time being on 16 February 1990, when they were beaten 7-5 by Nottingham Panthers.

Raiders led 6-2 after 40 minutes and despite a Wasps rally to within one goal at 6-7, Gord Jeffrey scored an empty-net goal with a minute left to seal the 8-6 victory.

Basingstoke Beavers, from the First Division, who had already qualified the previous weekend were the only side with a 100 per cent record, completing their programme by beating Bracknell Bees 9-3. Like Raiders, they beat a Premier Division side, Cardiff Devils, winning 8-1.

Peterborough Pirates also unexpectedly won away from home. Trailing 5-2 half-way through the match against Humberside Seahawks, they capitalised on Neil Morgan's sharpness around the goal. Morgan scored five close-in goals to help his team advance with a 7-6 win.