THE Basingstoke Buffalo lost the first leg of their Wilkinson Cup semi-final 4-2 in Peterborough last Saturday and then saw the second leg postponed due to an electrical fault at the Basingstoke ice rink, writes Graham Merry.

The club are now waiting for a decision from the English Ice Hockey Association as to what happens next.

They will decide if a second game can be played or if it becomes just a one-leg semi-final, which would send Peterborough into the final to face Guildford.

Last Saturday, The Buffalo travelled to Peterborough for their first cup semi-final since 2013.

Things did not get off to a good start as Peterborough scored after just 20 seconds from Nathan Pollard.

The Buffs hit back as Sam Compton’s pass was converted by Hallam Wilson, which tied up the game in the sixth minute.

With 44 seconds left in the first period, the Phantoms took the lead again from Louie Kynaston.

The middle session saw the home side net a third from Jack Sansby, before Peterborough’s man of the match Ryan Bainborough was beaten for second time at 30:31.

This was by Paul Petts with a shorthanded strike assisted by Wilson and Cam Buckle.

In a close final period, the only goal came from Peterborough’s Rob McDonald to complete the 4-2 victory.

The Buffalo man of the match was hard-working forward Harry Harcup.

After the game, one of the Buffalo’s player coaches Paul Petts said: “I felt we did well in Peterborough and now we face two games at home and want to win both to keep our place in the standings.”

This weekend the Buffs are back in league action with the Chelmsford Warriors the visitors on Saturday and then on Sunday, the Peterborough Phantoms make the trip to Basingstoke. Both games face-off at 6.30pm.