Ice Hockey: Wasps in seventh heaven

THREE Heineken Premier Division sides were touched with the luck of the number seven while ending a string of defeats over the weekend, writes Steve Pinder.

Durham Wasps had lost seven games in a row, their worst League record, but rallied against Peterborough Pirates with six goals in the final period. The 11-5 win was not enough, however, to see last season's League and championship winners into a position where they could reach Wembley again next month. Instead, they must merely try to retain their Premier position.

Fyfe Fliers had also gone seven without a win. Thanks to John McCrone in goal, they kept Nottingham Panthers at bay, winning 4-2. Humberside Seahawks also ended a seven-game losing streak by defeating Bracknell Bees 10-2.

There was no luck involved, however, as Peterborough Pirates beat Murrayfield Racers 11-5 with seven power-play goals. Racers did not do themselves any favours with both Tony Hand and Mike Ware sent off. Ware had only just returned from suspension.

HEINEKEN LEAGUE: Premier Division (Saturday): Cardiff 10 Murrayfield 6; Durham 11 Peterborough 5; Fyfe 4 Nottingham 2; Humberside 10 Bracknell 2. (Sunday): Cardiff 8 Durham 3; Peterborough 11 Murrayfield 5; Nottingham 7 Humberside 4; Whitley 9 Billingham 9. First Division (Saturday): Milton Keynes 6 Slough 2; Sheffield 7 Romford 7; Telford 6 Basingstoke 15. (Sunday): Lee Valley 10 Medway 6; Romford 3 Milton Keynes 3; Sheffield 6 Telford 2.