The Wightlink Raiders ice hockey heroes pulled off a magnificent winning double over Cardiff Devils, the team hotly tipped by many to go all the way in this year’s playoffs.

A large, noisy crowd descended upon Ryde Arena full of high hopes for the Island side, however few could have anticipated just how well the Raiders would suit playoff hockey.

Alex Murray opened the scoring with a neat goal early in the first period, after a well controlled feed from new line mate Kevin Tanner and head coach Jeremy Cornish.

The lead stood for five minutes before Cardiff slotted home a power play goal. But Andrew

Robinson’s relentless enthusiasm paid off in the final minutes of the period to give the Raiders the lead heading into the first interval with an excellently timed effort assisted by eventual man of the match James Udell.

Two goals for Cornish and the second of the night for fans’ favourite Robinson ensured the Island side maintained the lead after 40 minutes of play the score stood at 5-3.

The next goal was scored by Raiders as new-found forward Kevin Tanner hit the back of the net on a play from Alex Murray. Cornish completed his hat trick 25 seconds later with assists coming from Niall Bound and Kevin Tanner to close the Raiders account for the evening.

Two late goals for Cardiff inside the last three minutes of play saw Raiders fans on the edge of their seats as the final seconds counted down, but Raiders bagged an impressive 7-5 scoreline.

Full of confidence from the night before the Raiders pulled off another top class performance as they secured their second win of the weekend and became the first team to beat Cardiff in

their own barn all season.

Goals from Damon Larter, James Udell, Kevin Tanner and Jeremy Cornish put the Raiders on the right side of the 4-1 score line after three periods of play, and ensure the full four points for their weekend’s efforts, giving the team the best possible start to their first playoff campaign in recent years.

The Easter weekend gives the Raiders a much deserved break, before the team return to action and hope to continue their good form as they play host to the Chelmsford Chieftains on Saturday April 10 before the team head to Essex the following day for the last game of the group stage.