Solihull Barons strengthened their grip on an NIHL North play-off place with a 7-5 home victory over Billingham Stars.

Richard Slater and Matt Maurice both scored twice for the Barons who remain third in the Moralee D1 table.

Whitley Warriors came from 5-3 down to win 7-5 at home to Deeside Dragons – Jordan Barnes (2) and Dean Holland (2) were amongst their scorers.

Blackburn Hawks crashed 5-2 at Telford Tigers NIHL, but bounced back with a 4-3 victory at Sutton Sting – Richard Bentham bagged a hat-trick for the reigning champions.

Daniel Abercrombie (3) led the way for Solway Sharks in their 8-1 Northern Cup victory at home to Billingham.

In Laidler D2, John Murray (2) and Joe Greaves (2) topped the scoring for Altrincham Aces as they dented Widnes Wild’s promotion hopes with a 6-3 home success.

Leaders Blackburn Eagles won 3-2 at Sheffield Senators to move six points clear at the top of the table.

Richard Haggar grabbed the equaliser for Hull Jets in their 3-3 draw at home to Nottingham Lions, while Coventry Blaze NIHL picked up their first point of the season with a 3-3 draw at Bradford Bulldogs.

WEEKEND RESULTS

NIHL North Moralee D1

Solihull Barons 7-5 Billingham Stars
Solway Sharks 8-1 Billingham Stars (Cup)
Sutton Sting 3-4 Blackburn Hawks
Telford Tigers NIHL 5-2 Blackburn Hawks
Whitley Warriors 7-5 Deeside Dragons

NIHL North Laidler D2

Altrincham Aces 6-3 Widnes Wild
Bradford Bulldogs 3-3 Coventry Blaze NIHL
Hull Jets 3-3 Nottingham Lions
Sheffield Senators 2-3 Blackburn Eagles

(Image permission: Keith & Jenny Davies)