NEWCASTLE Vipers got their season off to a Flying start as they won through to tonight's Keyline Cup final by netting eight goals against last term's BNL champions Fife.

The Vipers took a full roster to Edinburgh, and took the lead on 3.15 with a Simon Leach powerplay marker. Fife's equaliser followed shortly, but 41-year-old Hilton Ruggles marked his return to playing in a Newcastle jersey netting at 13.30.

Todd Dutiaume restored parity 90 seconds from the first break for a 2-2 first interval scoreline.

Two goals in three minutes from Steve Gallace on 26.51, and Matt Beveridge on 28.44 opened a two-goal cushion for Newcastle, only for Adrian Saul to reduce the arrears on the half hour.

Paul Ferone restored the two-goal gap on 38.02, however, John Haig made it 5-4 to the Vipers on 38.40.

Veteran Ruggles then bagged his second of the night just before the hooter for a 6-4 scoreline with one period to play.

The final period saw Newcastle resume control of the game, scoring twice through Jonathan Weaver on 49.04 and man of the match Stephen Wallace on 55.39 without reply to secure an 8-4 win and a place in Sunday night's final.