WE KNEW there would be a special edge in our game last Saturday. Whatever the form-book says, a local derby is always going to be keenly fought; no-one takes to the ice as a clear favourite.

So I was pleased to see how the team maintained its present form against Bracknell. We had been playing for some time now with a four man D and at times with a three-man D Joe Baird, Kurt Reynolds, Elliott Dewey and Dan Scott have been solid in defence.

Stuart Mogg rejoined his team-mates for this game which meant I could rotate the players more effectively and they had more opportunity to join in the play.

Once again we scored heavily, all three lines contributing to our six goals. The team responded well to a more physical third period, showing grit and determination in continuing to dominate our opponents.

This was the last of our four National Cup games against Bracknell, and reversed our only loss against them in September.

Now we look forward to a couple of league games this weekend, at home against Streatham and away against Milton Keynes.

This will be the last time ex-Bison Jeremy Cornish brings his team to Basingstoke this season. Although we have won our two previous games against them, we had to work hard for a narrow win the last time we met on their ice.

We’ve got to continue to do the little things right and make sure we’re on our game from the moment the puck is dropped.

December is a busy month, on and off the ice. Hockey fans have been invited to take part in the Christmas Quiz with the players and we’re looking forward to our Teddy Bear toss which benefits local children.

Let’s start December off with some great hockey this weekend.