THE BUFFALO, the second ice hockey team at Basingstoke, have just wrapped-up a third consecutive league title - with two months to spare.

The rare feat makes them one of the most-feared outfits on the British ice hockey scene.

The Gowrings, Datasharp and Safeway-backed team made sure of the glorious title hat-trick in English division one south with a victory over Milton Keynes Thunder on Sunday night.

The home side iced a number of players from the English Premier League but still could not avoid a 10-2 defeat at the hands of the all-conquering Buffalo.

The match drew to a controversial close when Buffalo player Rob Etheridge was cross-checked in the back of the neck.

Home player Matt Roberts was given a massive 120 minutes in penalties to reflect the severity of the illegal challenge.

The Buffalo showed their character and their ability to focus on the task in hand with another big scoreline.

The game was goalless until midway through the first period when Darren Elliott and Simon Beere combined for the first goal. Less than a minute later, the same two players were assisted by Andy Morgan to increase the lead.

Two minutes into the second period, hat-trick man Beere made it 3-0, assisted by Mike Newbury. A solo effort from Drew Campbell advanced the score further and the second buzzer sounded with the visitors holding a 60 advantage.

Campbell was assisted by man-of-the-match Mark Jordan for the fifth and then Jordan netted the sixth, assisted by Dean Phillimore.

Darren Elliott received his marching orders after tangling with the home side's Mark Krater, who was given just two minutes.

The third period was only 25 seconds old when netminder Craig Astill was beaten for the first time, Keiron Good scoring for the home side.

However, the Buffalo quickly restored the six-goal cushion through Jordan. Thunder then had Lewis Clifford thrown out of the game and Buffalo swept further ahead when James Broadhurst scored, assisted by Leigh Baker.

A quick follow-up goal came from Campbell, assisted by Newberry and Jordan. Vicky Robbins replaced Astill in goal but she was beaten by a deflected strike from Thunder's Aram Todd.

With just over five minutes to go, the visiting side's Steve Kochli was ejected from the game, along with Thunder's Andy Watt.

There was still time, however, for Beere to net his third, assisted by Broadhurst.

Buffalo coach Ed Campbell said there would be no let-up even though the league crown was sewn up.

He said: "We had a good celebration in the dressing room afterwards, but we are looking to remain unbeaten for the rest of the season and go one better in the play-offs."

His team were beaten in the play-off final last season.