Durham reach Wembley final

Ice hockey

Durham Wasps are the first of the eight Premier Division sides to confirm a Wembley place at the end of the month for the British Championship final, writes Steve Pinder.

Durham overcame Cardiff Devils 3-2 through Kimmo Maki-Kokilla's second- period goal and then beat Newcastle Warriors 5-0. Humberside look likely to join them from Group B. The two meet in their play-off game at Humberside on Saturday.

Group A has Sheffield Steelers one point ahead of Nottingham Panthers and Basingstoke Bison. Bison beat both Sheffield and Fife Flyers, but lost to Panthers 6-3. If the two teams tie on points, progression to Wembley will be decided on games played between the two. Panthers are one game ahead, having already drawn against Basingstoke.