ROBERTO Tambellini scored a hat-trick to make sure the Basingstoke Buffalo will end 2014 top of South West Two after they drew 5-5 at Swindon Wildcats.
In a close contest from start to finish, Loris Taylor broke the deadlock 58 seconds into the second period.
The visitors equalised as Matt Lawday scored, assisted by Greg Martyn and Louis Taylor.
However, a goal from Nathan Chilcott made sure Swindon led at the second buzzer.
The Buffalo levelled things from Martyn, as he finished a move that involved Mark Pitts and Neil Leary.
Just 12 seconds later, Tambellini scored to put the Buffalo ahead for the first time in the contest.
Swindon equalised from Daniel Sullivan, before Tambellini netted his second of the game shorthanded.
Just 29 seconds later, Taylor tied the game again, but the visitors took less than a minute to regain their advantage as Dave Collins and Ashley Skinns combined for Tambellini to complete his hat-trick.
The fourth goal in the space of two minutes saw Chilcott complete the 5-5 scoreline.
The Buffalo will continue their quest for the league crown on January 4, when Wightlink Tigers are the visitors to the Basingstoke Arena (face-off 6.30pm).
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