Ice Hockey: Steelers and Storm consolidate

At the top of the Premier Division Sheffield Steelers pulled two points ahead of Cardiff Devils - who have a game in hand - after the Devils lost a point in a 3-3 draw with Newcastle Warriors on Saturday, writes Steve Pinder.

The teams fighting it out for the First Division title, Manchester Storm and Blackburn Hawks, reinforced their claims to be included in the proposed Super League that now seems certain to go ahead next season.

On Sunday Blackburn entertained Manchester, and the atmosphere created by the 3,500 capacity crowd put to shame some of the Premier Division sides' support. The Storm proved too strong for the Hawks as they eased to a 9-3 victory to increase their lead in the league.