Leeds Knights were crowned Planet Ice NIHL National Division league champions for the third season in a row after defeating Solway Sharks 4-2 on Sunday evening.

The Knights came into the weekend level on points with MK Lightning but edged clear ahead of their all-important showdown at Planet Ice Milton Keynes on Saturday night, courtesy of a 7-2 victory at Romford Raiders on Friday.

It would be the Knights who prevailed again on Saturday, winning 3-1 to all-but-confirm that their name would be on the trophy once again.

The league title was secured the following night as Leeds came from a goal behind to overcome Solway by a two-goal margin, sparking jubilant celebrations in front of their home supporters.

For second-placed Milton Keynes, they remain in a strong position ahead of the playoffs and did at least end Gameweek 27 on a positive note by defeating Telford Tigers 9-5 away from home.

There was no change of position in the top eight, although Romford Raiders did secure their playoff spot after a thrilling overtime win against Berkshire Bees on Saturday.

The Bees would gain their revenge the following night by winning 5-3 on home ice, but they still remain second-bottom in the standings.

It will be decided on the final weekend whether the final playoff berth will be secured by Telford Tigers or Solway Sharks.

The pair meet next Sunday, and although Solway hold the superior head-to-head record between the two sides this season, they must defeat MK Lightning on Saturday night and hope that Telford lose at Swindon Wildcats to give themselves a fighting chance of ending the regular season in the top eight.

Elsewhere in the NIHL National Division during Gameweek 27, Hull Seahawks and Peterborough Phantoms split their double-header – the home team winning on both occasions.

And Bristol Pitbulls, beaten home and away by Swindon over the weekend, now find themselves three points adrift at the foot of the table and appear destined for a second wooden spoon in as many seasons.

Results – NIHL National Division

Fri 14th Mar Bristol Pitbulls 7-9 Swindon Wildcats L
Fri 14th Mar Romford Raiders 2-7 Leeds Knights L
Sat 15th Mar Hull Seahawks 4-1 Peterborough Phantoms L
Sat 15th Mar Milton Keynes Lightning 1-3 Leeds Knights L
Sat 15th Mar Romford Raiders 5-4 (OT) Berkshire Bees L
Sat 15th Mar Solway Sharks 7-4 Sheffield Steeldogs L
Sat 15th Mar Swindon Wildcats 6-2 Bristol Pitbulls L
Sun 16th Mar Berkshire Bees 5-3 Romford Raiders L
Sun 16th Mar Leeds Knights 4-2 Solway Sharks L
Sun 16th Mar Peterborough Phantoms 5-3 Hull Seahawks L
Sun 16th Mar Telford Tigers 5-9 Milton Keynes Lightning L

Stay updated on all the latest fixtures and results from across the NIHL regional divisions, WNIHL and junior leagues.

Photo credit: Kev Bland

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