CRISIS club Blackburn Hawks are calling on their supporters to dig them out of their current slump of five successive defeats.

Player-coach Jim Pennycook described it as the worst period of his Hawks career - but he knows the value of the die-hard supporters who turn out every week.

He said: "Despite these trying times we must take heart from the people who have supported us through thick and thin. We are in a rut at the moment but I am sure we can get out of it. The supporters have been terrific and it is up to us to repay their loyalty."

The fans have the chance to turn back the clock on Saturday and remember the glory days of last season's all-conquering Hawks when bitter rivals Manchester Storm - now in the Super League - come to the Arena for a challenge match.

On Sunday it is back to Northern League Action when Murrayfield Royals come to town.

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