Ice Hockey: Racers' nightmare weekend

MURRAYFIELD Racers, tipped by Cardiff Devils' player- coach John Lawless as the team to challenge for the Premier title, had a nightmare weekend that leaves them third, behind Cardiff and Fife Flyers.

It began against Whitley Warriors on Saturday. At the end of the second period, Racers were 6-4 down. They might as well have gone home then. There were eight goals without reply from Warriors, led by Scott Morrison and Tyler Larter, which saw off the netminder Moray Hanson with the score 10-4, but his replacement, Robert Jack, conceded the final four goals from six shots.

Racers returned to Scotland for a visit from homeless Peterborough Pirates, beaten 10-1 by Fife the previous day. With several players out, Peterborough brought Mark Mackie out of retirement. He could become permanent, scoring with 10 minutes left to make it 3-3. Pirates are hoping to announce some good news this week regarding the future of their rink.

Devils remain at the top with a 9-3 win over Bracknell Bees and a 7-5 victory at Durham Wasps. They won the match early at Durham, ending the first period 3-0 up. Wasps scored all their goals in the second, but Devils then put up the shutters.

Results, Sporting Digest, page 37