Ice Hockey: Ayr Eagles swoop to claim draw

AYR SCOTTISH Eagles, the Grand Slam winners, came from behind to secure a 4-4 draw in a topsy-turvy Benson and Hedges Cup match against Newcastle Riverkings on Sunday. Dennis Purdie and Shawn Byram gave the holders a 2-0 advantage, but Newcastle stormed back in the second after the widely-travelled Kevin Conway had got them on the board with his 600th senior British goal.

Hilton Ruggles tied the scores soon after, then Stephen Cooper and Jamie Black gave the hosts a 4-2 lead. But Eagles came back in the final period to draw level with goals from John Parco and Trevor Burgess by 51.09. Riverkings' netminder, Wayne Cowley, made some fine saves in the final session to make sure Newcastle became the first team this season to take a point off the Scottish side.

In the other Group A match, Bracknell Bees were too strong for Cardiff Devils, winning 9-3. London Knights are also struggling and were shut out 3-0 at Manchester Storm. Sheffield won by the same margin against Nottingham Panthers, a goal in each period doing the damage.

In the other two groups, Edinburgh Capitals hit back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 and prevent Paisley Pirates replacing them at the top of Group C. Telford Tigers made sure Fife Flyers made the trip back to Scotland pointless, winning 6-2. Guildford won 2-1 at Kingston in Group D, while Slough did likewise at Peterborough.