Sunderland Tomahawks shared an 18-goal thriller at Blackburn Thunderhawks which ended up 9-9 and a point apiece.

John Westgarth, back from injury, gave Sunderland a second minute lead. Blackburn already confirmed in the promotion/relegation play-offs hit back to go 3-1 ahead at the end of the first period which was increased to 5-1 at 24.30.

Three minutes later Matthew Chapman reduced the deficit only for Blackburn to score twice for a 7-2 advantage at the game's halfway stage. Tomahawks staged a recovery with Michael Allinson netting a third after 34 minutes.

Four goals in under three minutes tied the scores at 7-7 at 26.34 with Chapman, Kristian Lloyd (2) and Darren Shanks all finding the net. Blackburn regained their lead before a Lloyd double in as many minutes put Sunderland back in front at 56.29.

With only 14 seconds remaining and on a powerplay, Blackburn grabbed a late point.

Tomahawks: Kristian Lloyd 4+2, Matthew Chapman 2+1, John Westgarth 1+3, Michael Allinson 1+2, Darren Shanks 1+0, Keith Barker 0+2, Steven Goldsmith 0+1.

Sunderland have finished their season in a creditable fifth place with Blackburn remaining second from bottom level on points with Billingham Wolves. The two entertain the play-offs against Solihull Knights and Sheffield Ice Hawks in a round robin series.

Whitley Mohawks are in English U14 (Pee-Wee) North A League next season. This was following their 6-0 victory over Blackburn Kestrels at Hillheads. Mohawks were second from bottom and needed to win to avoid the promotion/relegation play-offs and keep A league status.

The Tynesiders broke the deadlock after 11 minutes with a strike from Jamie Tinsley and Ben Moore doubled the lead on the powerplay three minutes from the break. Whitley knew what they had to do and kept to their task.

Nathan Taylor scored a third six minutes into the final period and in the 30th minute Mark Nicholson drove home Mohawks fourth. It was Nicholson's first goal for the club in his third game after joining from roller hockey. Scott Glover converted a powerplay at 31.57 for a 5-0 advantage. Chris Gibson completed the scoring after 39 minutes.

Mohawks: Scott Glover, Chris Gibson 1+1, Jamie Tinsley, Ben Moore, Nathan Taylor, Mark Nicholson 1+0, Andrew Wood, Callum Pattison, Daniel Harris 0+1.

Whitley's cause was helped 24 hours earlier when neighbours Billingham Falcons defeated Telford Tiger Cubs 6-1. It was Loss that saw Whitley's victory leapfrog Telford and saw Tiger-Cubs join Sunderland Commanches, Altrincham and Birmingham in the promotion/relegation play-offs.

Falcons in third place went ahead on the powerplay at 15.13 through John Elkins before Telford equalised three minutes later. Robert Dowd restored the visitors lead two minutes into the restart and added another soon afterwards.

Michael Farn struck on the powerplay at 27.49 as Billingham extended their lead. Anthony Price hit a fifth when his side were short-handed and the scoring was completed through a Paul Smith strike in the final minute.

Falcons: Robert Dowd 2+1, Michael Farn 1+2, Anthony Price, John Elkins, Paul Smith 1+0, Adam Smith, Jamie Kitching 0+1.

Sunderland Commanches drew 5-5 against Northern Conference U13s at Hillheads in a challenge. The Conference side went ahead at 02.09 through Daniel Murdy and Commanches took a 3-1 lead after goals by Jeremy Lundin, Kris Hayes and David Holland.

Conference hit back with three unanswered goals. Richard Westgarth netted Commanches fourth and fifth goals. The latter on the powerplay to tie the match.

Commanches: Richard Westgarth 2+2, David Holland 1+1, Jeremy Lundin, Kris Hayes 1+0, Martin Thrumble 0+1.

On Sunday Commanches won 9-0 away to Flintshire Hurricanes in another U14 challenge.

Commanches: Lundin 3+0, Holland, Westgarth 2+3, James Moutrey 1+2, Vicki Wilson 1+0, Mark Robson 0+1.

Billingham Coyotes' English U10 North League match at the Forum ice arena against Local rivals Sunderland Apache was cancelled due to the poor state of the ice surface.

* The Northern Conference U15 squad are off to France today for a six-team round robin tournament. Billingham are represented by Paul Smith, Michael Farn, Robert Dowd, Steve Pritchard, Liam Telfer and Richard Griffiths. Whitley Bay's Ben Campbell and Andrew Wile are also making the squad