FIXTURE LIST WITH LINKS TO MEMORABLE GAME SHEETS

Probably the most important move to date, Panthers signed up Alex Dampier to coach. Signed from Murrayfield Racers, with half a dozen years of experience coaching one of the countries more successful teams, the future seemed rosy.

The campaign began on a low key with a home challenge match against Crowtree Chiefs. Little could be read from the 9-3 scoreline. The next night saw an away Autumn Cup game against old foes Streatham. A penalty filled encounter saw a 4-7 loss, though the promise was there as the third period was won 3-0. Three further wins saw us at the top of the southern section. Our new imports were picking up points regularly, as were new skipper Robin Andrew & youngster Nigel Rhodes. A memorable 14-5 destruction of Streatham in Nottingham will long live in the memory.
Chris Brinster was signed as temporary cover for an injured Mike Urquhart, as Panthers made it through to the Autumn Cup semi-final.
The Premier Division opened on a mixed note with a 6-4 win over Whitley followed by a 4-5 loss against Ayr & a 7-7 draw in Kirkcaldy v Fife. 7 goals from Crapper saw a 15-5 away win against Pirates. On the road we were thumped 1-9 at Ayr, then narrowly beat Cleveland 7-5 at home.
The first Autumn Cup S/F leg against Durham Wasps at home opened with a bang, with Panthers 4-0 up by the 18th minute. Although the reigning league champions came back strongly we hung on for a 6-5 win. The second leg was perhaps more predictable with Wasps winning 2-11, taking the tie 8-16.
December was a disaster with only one point coming from a 3-3 tie v Fife in six games. At home we went down 7-9 (Dundee) and away 1-7 (Durham), 4-8 (Streatham, 3-10 (Cleveland), & 4-8 (Whitley Bay). As the New Year started two points were at last won against a struggling Pirates. Next came a superb performance against Murrayfield, which was spoiled at 55.25 when fighting broke out and the game abandoned with Panthers leading 10-2. Players fought everywhere, including the penalty box, from where Scot Neil & Jimmy Keyes made an undignified exit and ended up halfway to the cafeteria in a bid to settle their differences. In all 10 players picked up penalties, Panthers pair Chris Keward & Jimmy Keyes being joined by Paul Hand, Duncan McIntyre, Steve Combe, Scot Neil & Rick Fera of the Racers picked up the "major's'". Referee Alex Johnston abandoned the game at that point. The following week Craig Melancon inspired Streatham to a 4-5 win in Nottingham. Durham away saw a heavy 2-16 loss. A magical Scottish weekend saw 7-5 & 9-2 wins against Dundee & Murrayfield respectively. Alex is still confident Panther can make the play-offs. Ayr came to town Panthers winning 4-2 but the game degenerated into a brawl. The game penalty minutes totaled 255 creating a new Premier Division record. Three losses Dundee, Ayr & Murrayfield dented our play off aspirations. The biggest weekend of the season so far saw the visit of Champions elect Durham & main play-off rivals Streatham. With Jim Keyes dazzling we took the Durham game 6-3 & followed that with a 4-0 win over Streatham, pushing us into the last play-off spot at their expense. Panthers needing to win by two clear goals in Streatham to clinch their first ever play off spot & cometh the hour cometh the man as Crapper finished with 4 goals & former Redskin favourite Andrew grabbed an empty netter. The Racers Rumble was almost repeated when Ayr Bruins came to town. With Panthers leading 4-2 the benches cleared and players fought all over the ice, Ayr Kevin Conway leaving the penalty bench to join in. A total of 224 minutes in penalties was subsequently handed out.
In the play-offs we were drawn against Scottish giants Dundee & Murrayfield. Both proved to be too strong as Panthers lost all four games. 6-17 aggregate against Racers, but running Dundee much closer losing both games by the odd goal, 7-9 on aggregate. (Abridged from Hugh Stanley's season review.)