The Bermuda Combined Schools (BCS) Panthers notched their first-ever league win in men?s hockey over the weekend at the expense of a struggling Chameleons side.

The odds were against them ? their previous record against Chameleons showed 15 losses and not even a singlke draw.

But the 2003/04 season has seen Chameleons, league champions for the past five years, floundering and Panthers took advantage on Sunday to hammer out a 4-1 victory.

Panthers were missing first team regulars Gregory Rose, Logan Alexander and Andrew Smith but upcoming stars showed their mettle and filled the gaps.

Chameleons opened with ten minutes of determined hockey as Jonathon Dodd, Peter Illston, Peter Hughes and Mark Pettingill probed the Panthers defence.

But the schoolboys were up to the challenge and repelled wave after wave of the red-shirted tide.

Panthers earned their first goal after working the ball from one end of the pitch to the other and onto the stick of the youngest player in the game ? Donovan Simmons.

Simmons showed composure beyond his 12 years and slotted the ball past Mark Stevens in the Chameleons net.

Panthers were back on the score sheet again in less than seven minutes.

Chris Chapman at inside right capped off a strike on goal from Harry Wolffe.

Chameleons were down but not yet out, however, and Peter Illston pulled a goal back before half time, pouncing on a deflection from the pads of BCS keeper Kevin Hill.

Coming back from the break, Chameleons added another attacker while Panthers introduced a new recruit ? South African Matt Spencer.

The tide of the game flowed evenly but but as time wore on, legs ran out on the older Reds side.

Chameleons? efforts to score were orchestrated mainly by Dodd, Hughes and Illston while the defence was led by Stevie Moreton, who seemed to appear at the end of every Panthers attack. But all these efforts were matched by Panthers? midfield quartet ? Stephen Troake, Mike Elton Jr., Matt Spencer and Harry Wolffe.

Spencer successfully took on the heart of the Chameleons defence to push the tally to 3-1 and while Chameleons had a few more chances at goal, Panthers Shannon Simons, Kevin Hill, Richard Minors and Marco Ambrosio held firm in defence.

The final goal followed tireless running from Victor Anton at centre forward. He provided enough space for Spencer to secure a second shot into the back of the net.

Panthers coach Nigel Pichery praised his team?s hard work. ?We?ve never beaten these guys (Chameleons) and it feels good to get the win and, more importantly, to have fun doing it,? he said. ?The kids worked together and pulled this one out.?

Pichery said the boys told him after the game the win was their anniversary present to him.

?Well guess what,? he added. ?Next Sunday is my birthday so look out Polecats, the BCS Panthers are looking for more presents for their coach!?