Ice Hockey: Manchester go down a storm

Superleague clubs went on a goal rampage against National League sides to further emphasise the gulf in the British game.

Manchester Storm, Newcastle Cobras and Cardiff Devils all inflicted heavy losses on lesser rivals to give an even more one-sided appearance to the Benson and Hedges Cup qualifying groups.

Storm crushed Paisley Pirates 15-0 in front of another 6,000-plus crowd at the Nynex Arena. Domenic Maltais and Mike Morin each scored hat-tricks.

Also in Group A, Telford Tigers were no match for Newcastle Cobras, losing 13-1. Carmine Vani and Justin Duberman helped themselves to hat-tricks, while Telford had to wait until the last period for Claude Dumas to score.

Ayr Scottish Eagles inflicted a second defeat of the weekend on Superleague rivals Sheffield Steelers 4-2, while Cardiff Devils continue to set the pace in Group B, Doug McEwen, Vezio Sacratini and Ivan Matulik each scoring twice in the 9-2 defeat of Slough Jets.

Nottingham Panthers' 3-1 win at Bracknell Bees was unusual in that all the goals were scored in the first period.

Basingstoke Bison recorded a 6-2 win at National League Peterborough Pirates. Six different players were on the mark for Basingstoke, but last season's strugglers still look unlikely to mount a serious challenge for honours this time round.

In the Autumn Trophy, Fife Flyers came from behind for a 6-5 win at Lancashire Hawks.