Ice Hockey: Jubilant Beavers

FIFE FLYERS' challenge for the Premier Division title is fading fast while a revitalised Humberside Hawks are making a late surge, writes Steve Pinder.

Fife started the weekend against Basingstoke Beavers who had won only one of their last 15 games. At the end of the second period it was 6-2 as Fife cruised ahead. In the third period, Beavers managed just nine shots on goal. Unfortunately for Flyers' minder John McCrone, seven went in as the Beavers' jublilant fans celebrated a 9-6 win.

On the same night, Humberside beat Bracknell Bees 15-2 and then returned home to await Flyers' visit. The Scots were 4-1 up at the end of the first but Hawks were inspired by Dan Dorion's goal to make it 4-2 and went ahead 5-4 through Anthony Payne with 16 minutes left. However, their celebrations were muted with 50 seconds left - a long-range shot from Mark Morrison beating Frank Killen for a 5-5 draw.

Cardiff Devils remain top, six points clear of Fife, thanks to a 5-3 away win against Nottingham Panthers followed by a 7-2 home win over Panthers, who were put out of their misery early, Cardiff ending the first period 4-0 up. After a shaky start, the Devils seem on course to take the Premier Division title again.