The gulf that has been evident in the Christmas Cup competition between the English Premier League Clubs and the higher British National teams was once more clearly in evidence in Sunday's fixture.

Chieftains were swept aside by a superb Basingstoke Bison side. Two goals apiece from Mike Ellis and Mitch Grant gave Bison a 4-0 lead at the first interval with the Chieftains managing just seven shots on Bjarne Levison in the Basingstoke net.

The second period saw a more spirited Chieftains' performance but they were unable to make any of their 13 shots count while Bison hit another four unanswered goals through Grant, Anthony Page, Chris Crombie and Tony Redmond.

Bison coasted through the last period and netted four more goals, with none in reply, through Ellis (recording his hat-trick), Redmond and Grant (2), to make it a five timer for the latter.

For their part, Chieftains will be glad they do not have to face another British National team this season.

Such is the gulf between the two leagues, none of the English clubs in this composition with Chieftains (Swindon, Invicta, Solihull, Milton Keynes or Blackburn) have recorded a victory over their senior opponents and these clubs will need to rethink the wisdom of taking part in what has become a one-sided tournament.

This Sunday (January 10), Chieftains host the Great Britain Under 20s squad in a prestigious challenge at Riverside Ice & Leisure (face off at 6.30 pm).

These matches have always proved superb entertainment and will give the fans of Chelmsford the chance to see the best of Britain's young guns in action.

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