THE Basingstoke Bison find themselves in third in the English Premier League, despite mixed results over the weekend.

Doug Sheppard's men were looking to get a degree of revenge over visitors Telford Tigers after falling to a 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture on the opening weekend.

However, the Tigers proved too strong for the Herd as they completed back-to-back victories on Saturday, 16 September, coming out on top 5-2.

It was the hosts who took the early lead when a ferocious pass from Jaroslav Cesky to the front of the net was deflected past Denis Bell in the Tigers goal leaving the shot stopper no chance.

The Herd were taking advantage of the home crowd early on, and were unable to take advantage of a couple of powerplay situations to increase their lead.

Bison's pressure was finally rewarded after 12.03 when Cesky fed Ivan Antonov in front who slotted the puck in via the five hole for 2-0.

Shortly after the visitors had a man advantage with Paul Petts off the ice for holding, and the Tigers capitalised on the extra man when Joe Miller put a nice finish on to a Rick Plant pass to beat Dean Skinns.

This seemed to spark the Tigers into life and the visitors were level before the interval after Jason Silverthorn found a way past Skinns to equalise.

The second period didn’t start well for the home team as Paul Petts took a hooking penalty at 22.09, holding back Ricky Plant as he advanced to the net. A sharp and fast Tigers powerplay saw them take the lead as Jack Watkins finished from Silverthorn and Miller at 22.51 after a text book powerplay.

Bison were pushing for an equaliser of their own, but it wasn't until the final period when the Tigers extended their lead through Adam Taylor with Silverthorn rounding off the scoring with his second.

The Herd fared better in their second weekend bout, claiming local bragging rights with a 2-1 victory over the Bracknell Bees.

It was a tight affair and the deadlock was not broken until there was two minutes remaining in the second period. Cesky bagged an unassisted marker to put the Bison ahead and give the visitors the advantage with two periods left.

In the third period Tomas Karpov edged the Bison further ahead at 49.35 when he finished from Samuel Brooks neat pass.

The Bees got on the score sheet through Shaun Thompson, but the Herd were able to close out the came and claim victory.

Next up for Sheppard's men is a trip to Swindon Wildcats on Saturday, 23 September.