BLACKBURN Hawks enjoyed a comfortable work-out in a specially-arranged challenge match with Spartak Durham.
At 13 goals to one, the game was too one-sided for coach Bobby Haig to have learned too many lessons, but he did take the opportunity to ring the changes.
Coming through from the promising ranks of the under 19s, Ricky Hulme made his mark with two well-taken goals on his senior debut.
Haig said: "Ricky did well, he's one to watch. As for the overall performance, I suppose we just went through the motions.
"They have some good players, but the resistance wasn't there. It will be a different story next weekend!"
On Sunday, the Hawks get the chance to work off the festive fayre with a difficult Premier Cup clash with old rivals Whitley Warriors.
The North East rink is always an intimidating arena and Haig knows the Warriors will provide a stern test.
"It will be physical and we will have to be at our best to get a result. But we have been playing well recently and I am confident we can turn them over."
HAWKS 13 SPARTAK DURHAM 1
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