Sheffield Scimitars 2 Blackburn Hawks 4 (cup); Blackburn Hawks 4 Swindon Wildcats 5. . .

IN a whirlwind of breath-taking Premier Cup action, Blackburn Hawks battled from behind to overcome champions Sheffield.

And 24 hours later, they narrowly lost out to Premier League side Swindon in a nine-goal thriller.

The Hawks finally laid their Sheffield bogey, coming back from 2-1 down to beat the Scimitars, who won last season's play-offs final, 4-2 on their own patch.

Next day, the Hawks entertained Swindon Wildcats who had beaten them in Wiltshire the previous weekend. On this occasion, the Hawks lost out again, but only to a late winner in a nail-biting, end-to-end game.

Over eight league and cup games between Blackburn and Sheffield last season, the Hawks suffered five defeats and earned three draws. And trailing at the end of the second period, omens didn't look too good in the latest roses battle.

Wes Barnett had equalised the Scimitars' first period opener, but by the time the sides changed ends for the final session, Steve Duncombe had put the hosts ahead.

An exciting final three-goal blast changed the game completely. Player coach Bobby Haig on the power play grabbed an equaliser to make it 2-2. Then Scott Barnett put the Hawks ahead before brother Wes nailed his second to clinch a famous victory.

Swindon Wildcats were always going to be a tough proposition, but they arrived at the Arena icing four imports among a very strong team. Even so, the enthusiastic Hawks ran them close.

The Wildcats led 1-0 going into the second, but goals from Adam Leaver and Wes Barnett edged the hosts in front. Swindon grabbed two to reclaim the lead before Brian Worrall scored, unassisted, in the 34th minute to tie the scores.

It was nip and tuck in a thrilling finale as Worrall put the Hawks 4-3 up within two minutes of the re-start. The Premier Leaguers increased the pressure and Brock Harrison scored twice to steal the points.

Despite defeat, Haig was delighted with all his team, paying particular tribute to goalminder Tom Chamberlain.

"Tom was an absolute star with shots raining on him in both games, he played very well," he said.

"Mind you, it was another tough weekend and everyone played their hearts out. I'm delighted we beat Sheffield and we only lost to Swindon through a late mistake.

"We should have had at least a draw, but if the lads are disappointed in missing out against a top side, we should have a bright future. The spirit in the camp is tremendous and I'm confident about the league matches coming up this weekend."