LEE VALLEY Lions could not follow up last week’s tense victory over Slough with a similar result against Wightlink Tigers.

The battle of the big cats was a one-sided contest at the weekend, as the Tigers over-powered the Lions in their own den.

Despite the difference of just one league place between the two sides, Wightlink grew in stature as the game went on and were able to gallop clear of their hosts.

The first period yielded just one goal for the visitors, on seven minutes, although it was clumsiness on the Lions’ part that led to it.

After having too many players on the ice, a penalty was awarded and Richard Nembhard converted.

Lee Valley matched Wightlink blow for blow as the shots reined down on both goals, but it was the away side that were more prolific, smashing three goals past Ruth Cattell.

The deficit continued to grow, with Nembhard first grabbing his second of the day before rounding off his hat-trick on 54 minutes.

James Scott-Joseph finally restored respectability to the scoreline when he converted with a wrap-around goal.

Lee Valley swapped netminders soon afterwards, but Robyn Maby fared no better than Cattell as a further three goals were rattled in.

A final score of 8-1 was harsh on the Lions, and they will be eager to make amends when they entertain the ENL Cardiff Devils on Saturday, before returning to take on the Tigers on the Isle of Wight the next day.