Billingham Wolves had a convincing 10-1 victory over Blackburn Thunderhawks at the Forum Ice Arena in the English U19 North A league.

Wolves took the lead on the powerplay at 02.24 through Andrew Thornton and Blackburn drew level 21 seconds later.

Liam Telfer (2), Stuart Gibbon and Anthony Price put Wolves 5-1 ahead at 15.23 which saw Thunderhawks replace netminder David Southee with Kris Beaumont. Telfer hit his hat-trick marker at 28.34 and James Udell struck a seventh four minutes later.

Thornton, Paul Smith and Robert Dowd completed the scoring in the final period. Wolves welcomed back Ricky Box to the squad after a long term injury.

Wolves: Liam Telfer 3+1, Andrew Thornton 2+1, James Udell, Robert Down 1+2, Anthony Price and Stuart Gibbon 1+1, Paul Smith 1+0, David Thompson, James McCabe 0+1.

In the same competition Sunderland Tomahawks, bottom of the table without a point, hosted Sheffield Steelhawks at the Telewest Arena. Sheffield, one of the favourites for the title, were comfortable 11-0 winners. They went ahead in only 37 seconds and had gone 3-0 ahead after six minutes.

Sunderland played their part but found Sheffield strong opposition and trailed 0-6 after 50 minutes. Steelhawks scored five in the final nine minutes, the latter three all powerplay goals in the last two minutes.

Sunderland Scorpions came away with both points and a 100 per cent record in tact following a 3-2 win at Bracknell Queen Bees in the women's premier league. Bracknell called a time out in the final minute as they looked to get a last gasp equaliser which did not materialise.

Scorpions went ahead after three minutes through Teresa Lewis and which they kept until two minutes into the second period when Queen Bees equalised.

The final period was only 19 seconds old when Bracknell went ahead. This lasted just three minutes until Claire Oldfield drove home Scorpions' equaliser.

Sunderland scored what was to be the winning goal on the 53rd minute mark through Lynsey Emmerson. An important victory which kept them on course for the title.

Scorpions: Teresa Lewis, Claire Oldfield, Lynsey Emmerson 1+0, Jane Price, Jayne McClelland 0+1.

Whitley Bay Squaws were 5-0 winners over Blackburn Thunder in the women's division one North at Hillheads. Squaws, in a one-sided opening period, had to wait until 10.40 for Katie Watson to give them the lead. Sarah Smith two minutes into the middle period increased Squaws advantage.

Blackburn were not much of an attacking force, but netminder Brione Entwistle was keeping Whitley from a much larger winning margin. Sarah Christie struck twice in eight minutes to double Squaws lead to 4-0 at 42.17. Charlotte Willey rounded off the scoring on the powerplay a minute later.

Squaws' netminder Karen Lockey faced just four shots for her shut-out.

Squaws: Sara Christie 2+1, Sarah Smith 1+1, Katie Watson, Charlotte Willey 1+0, Becky Kasner 0+2, Sarah Barnett 0+1.

Billingham Wildcats gained their second victory of the season when they defeated Sheffield Shadows North 5-2 at the Ice Sheffield. The win was marred by an injury to Sara Clare in the final ten minutes of the match, colliding with the boards and suffered a broken ankle.

Prior to the injury she had scored four of Wildcats' goals. After a goalless first period Clare opened the scoring at 26.44 and added a second two minutes later. Another brace in the 39th minute extended the lead to 4-0 at the second interval.

Shadows broke Jenny Metcalfe's shut-out at 41.23 and scored another four minutes later. Rachel McCabe in the 49th minute made it 5-2 before the injury to Clare.

Wildcats: Sarah Clare 4+0, Rachel McCabe 1+1, Lynsey Amos, Stephanie Box 0+1.

Wildcats are in derby action on Sunday when they visit Whitley Bay Squaws at Hillheads (face off 4.30pm).

English National Hockey League North

Billingham Bombers were convincing 14-1 winners over Grimsby Buffaloes at the Forum Ice Arena. Bombers took two welcome points after a surprise 6-2 loss at Grimsby a month ago. Bombers welcomed back Andrew Fletcher for his first game of the season. Brian Perry was available and Paul Windridge passed a late fitness test on a rib injury. Steven V Johnson and Ian Richardson were still sidelined.

Buffaloes, with nine skaters and two netminders, held bombers at bay until 14.19 when Martin Lewis scored the first of his four goals on the powerplay. Simon Hehir, Brian Perry, Stephen Pritchard and Lewis put Billingham 5-0 ahead at the first interval.

Adam Flett was beaten after 32 minutes for Grimsby's consolation goal. Pritchard and Lewis both reached their hat-trick markers in the final period. In the final minute Andrew Fletcher struck his first goal and Lewis netted his fourth to complete the scoring.

Bombers: Martin Lewis 4+0, Stephen Pritchard 3+3, Brian Perry, Paul Windridge 2+3, Simon Hehir 1+4, Andrew Fletcher 1+3, Scott Ward 1+1, Liam Telfer 0+1.

Bombers' Andrew Thornton made his Newcastle Vipers debut on Tuesday in the Caledonian Cup tie in Kirkcaldy against Fife Flyers. Andrew joined his brother Ritchie who is in his second season with Newcastle in the lineup.

He followed Whitley Warriors youngsters Paul Graham, Robert Wilson and Bryan Dunn into the Vipers squad during the past week. The trio made their debuts last Thursday when Newcastle won 9-4 over Fife at the Telewest Arena in the Caledonian Cup.

Wilson scored an assist and Dunn one goal plus an assist in the game. They impressed against Fife that they stepped to play in the Findus British National League last weekend against Edinburgh Capitals and Dundee Stars. Graham did not travel to Edinburgh due to work commitments.

At Fife on Tuesday Vipers lost 12-4 and were missing eight senior players due to either injuries or other commitments plus ex-Whitley and Sunderland netminder making his second Newcastle start, this giving Tommi Satosaari a rest after he aggravated a groin injury at the weekend.

Newcastle entertain Hull Stingrays on Sunday in the Findus British National League and on Tuesday host elite league side Nottingham Panthers in an exhibition match.

Prices have been reduced for the game. Non-season ticket owner

Adults £5; concessions £5 (OAP, student, disabled); children £1 (proof of age may be required).

Season ticket owner (proof of ownership will be required): adults £3; concessions £3 (OAP, student, disabled); children free (proof of age may be required).

Fixtures

Tomorrow: English National Hockey League North: Sheffield Scimitars v Billingham Bombers (7.15pm).

English U12 North A League: Blackburn Sparrowhawks v Whitley Arrows (4.45pm).

Sunday: Findus British National League: Newcastle Vipers v Hull Stingrays (6pm)

English National Hockey League North: Flintshire Freeze v Sunderland Chiefs (6.30pm)

Women's Premier League: Sheffield Shadows v Sunderland Scorpions (2.30pm).

Women's Division One North: Whitley Bay Squaws v Billingham Wildcats (4.30pm)

English U19 North A League: Nottingham Leopards v Whitley Braves (7.15pm)

English U16 North A League: Whitley Tomahawks v Telford Rockets (12.15pm).