FESTIVE time turned into feisty time as the Basingstoke Buffalo clashed with the visiting Bracknell Hornets and 153 minutes of penalties were dished out by referee Matt Thompson, as five players were dismissed.

The Buffalo ended up losing the contest 8-4, even if Paul Petts helped himself to a hat-trick.

It was Petts who opened the scoring at 8:52, assisted by Cam Buckle and Greg Martyn, but the Hornets led 2-1 at the first break.

Petts levelled things at 31:30 and Buffalo man of the match Blair Dubyk netted his side's third goal from Neil Leary.

The final period saw just one Buffs goal, as Petts completed his hat-trick assisted by Josh Richards and Marcus Russell.

The Buffalo's next game is away to Haringey on Saturday