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Ice hockey: All-conquering Ayr ready to extend reign

Friday 27 March 1998 19:02 EST
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ONLY the Cardiff Devils stand between Ayr Scottish Eagles and British ice hockey history at Manchester's Nynex Arena today.

The Eagles are aiming to add the Alamo Play-Off trophy to their Superleague crown, Express and Benson & Hedges Cups. All-conquering Ayr have brushed aside all before them this season, including Cardiff as they started their silverware sweep with a tight 2-1 victory in the B&H Cup.

That win served little notice of the dominance to come as Eagles comfortably clinched the league title, and then cruised through the play-offs - including two wins over Manchester Storm. Manchester had the opportunity to play in a major final in front of their own fans, but after a 5-3 defeat in Ayr they lost 7-2 at home.

Ayr will be without their long-term casualty Jeff Hoad, while Cardiff have a full squad available, with Mike MacWilliam playing with a damaged hand and Vezio Sacratini on the bench despite a recent groin injury.

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