48 hours after losing the British Knockout Cup to Coventry Blaze the Basingstoke Bison were back in action as they crossed the Irish Sea to take on the Belfast Giants. Although there was no cup available on this occasion the game was every bit as important to the Hampshire team in their quest for a play off spot.

After a goalless first period Basingstoke got the breakthrough just before the midway point. Bison marksman Greg Chambers (38th of the season) was on hand to score at 27.29. This turned out to be the only marker and the period ended with the visitors taking a slender one goal lead into the third period.

The score line remained 1-0 to the Bison until the last ten minutes of the game when the Giants scored three times albeit the last one was an empty netter. Belfast restored equality at 51.00 as George Awada (21st) scored and then at 57.43 Leigh Jamieson (11th) put the Giants in front. With the clock ticking down Basingstoke had only one option opened to them and that was to pull the goaltender. Unfortunately for them it went against them as George Awada (22nd) with his second goal of the game found the empty net at 59.48.

After leading this one well into the third period Basingstoke must be completely gutted at the end result. Looks as though it will come down to the last game of the regular season when Edinburgh host Basingstoke for the final play off spot. Belfast coach Ed Courtenay will be a happy man though as this win ends a run of four straight losses as it gives them that winning feeling again.

Period Scores: 0-0, 0-1, 3-0
Penalty Mins: 20-16
Powerplay: Bel 0/6 - Bas 1/5
Shots On: Stevie Lyle 24 - Curtis Cruickshank 46