BASINGSTOKE Buffalo dished up a thrilling 5-4 cup victory over visiting Haringey Racers in their opening game of the season.

Buffalo man-of-the- match Chris Edwards produced a string of great saves against the Racers, which helped his side to a 2-0 lead at the first buzzer.

Greg Martyn opened the scoring with a lovely solo strike and then 15 seconds later Hallam Wilson scored on his Buffalo debut as he slotted Neil Leary’s pass under the visiting goalie.

The Racers reduced the lead with the first goal of the second session, but soon after the Buffalo made it 3-1, as Martyn and Wilson combined for Leary to score.

Haringey scored again early in the final 20 minutes, but the Buffalo hit back with two goals in 58 seconds from Matt Lawday and Martyn.

The Racers made it a one-goal game with three minutes left, but the Buffalo held on.

The Buffalo are home to Bristol in the league a week on Sunday (face-off 6.30pm).

BASINGSTOKE under-12 Bison suffered a 5-0 defeat against Invicta, but the scoreline did not reflect the commitment and spirit shown by a short benched Herd.

Netminder Lewis Grimshaw picked up the Bison man-of-the-match and faced 26 shots in two periods.

Ben Mollitt took over between the pipes for his first-ever game in the final session and had 28 shots in the one period alone.

Special mention should go to the three-man defence unit of Harry Brewer, Tyton Cathcart and Harry Stonehouse

TWO more of the Bison junior side’s start their campaign on Sunday.

The under-16 Bison host Chelmsford (face-off 4.40pm) and the under-18s face Peterborough (face- off 6.30pm).