Ice Hockey: Eagles close to landing title

Ayr Scottish Eagles took a big step towards winning the Superleague title on Sunday by beating Cardiff Devils 1-0 in South Wales.

Cardiff, the champions, had looked the only side capable of stopping Ayr's drive for the title, but Vince Boe's first period goal settled a tense game in Eagles' favour.

Ron Dopson was magnificent in the Ayr goal, stopping all 40 shots on his net to complete a memorable personal weekend - he shut out Basingstoke 24 hours earlier.

The Scottish side, with a seven-point lead at the top, now need a maximum of four points from their four remaining games - three of which are at home - to add the Superleague title to the Benson and Hedges Cup they have already secured.

Elsewhere Manchester Storm added to the misery of Basingstoke Bison - shut-out by Ayr on their own ice on Saturday - beating them 6-3 at the Nynex Arena.