Ice Hockey: Racers swarm over Wasps

MURRAYFIELD RACERS look likely to be one of next month's finalists in the Benson & Hedges Cup, beating Durham Wasps 11-3 in the first leg of their semi-final, writes Steve Pinder.

The game hinged on the 18th minute. With the score 2-2, a brawl broke out and the period ended early. The second opened without Mike Ware, of Racers, and Bruce Coles, of Wasps, but more important were the number of minor penalties Wasps had accrued.

Racers scored four power- play goals and a short-handed goal against Wasps to go 7-2 up and are unlikely to squander such an advantage in the second leg this weekend.

Cardiff Devils, the holders, lost their first cup game since September 1992, a run of 14 matches, when they were beaten 5-4 by Nottingham Panthers.

With the leading teams involved in the cup, Whitley Warriors went top of the British League, beating Bracknell Bees and Peterborough Pirates.