JUNIOR ICE HOCKEY

LEE Valley Lions surrendered their place at the top of the U14S League South after a 6-4 defeat by the Cardiff Dragons at the Lee Valley Ice Centre.

Two goals from Michael Crosse levelled the score at 2-2 at the break and Thomas Larkin edged the Lions ahead early in the second period.

The unbeaten Cardiff struck back to retake the lead but another goal by captain Larkin drew it back to 5-4 with just over four minutes remaining.

The Lions withdrew netminder Alex Prince with a minute to go in a desperate search for the equaliser, but the Dragons found the empty net to seal the victory and overtake the Lions on goal difference.