They managed to see off a late charge from Whitley Warriors and ultimately defeat their closest rivals 6-5.
Whitley took the lead after three minutes through Phil Edgar. Just two minutes later The Sharks were back on level terms thanks to Peto Gapa with a delayed penalty goal.
Jonathan McBean slotted home as The Sharks took the lead. But a delayed penalty from Liam Danskin allowed The Warriors to go in at the break level.
Ross Douglas put the travelling side ahead moments into the second period and Edgar later stabbed home to enhance their lead.
The Sharks got themselves back in the game with a powerplay goal, Scott Henderson getting a tap in. And Ross Murray found the leveller.
Gapa then scored his second of the night and Kell Beatie added another.
Dean Holland pulled one back for Whitley but Sharks saw the game out well.
Both sides meet again in March in what could turn out to be a title decider.
Solway Sharks head coach Martin Grubb said: “I can imagine it was a really good game for the spectator, I don’t think it was a great hockey game for me.
“We asked the boys to show character, they deserve credit for having that character and that desire to make sure we got back in the game and got our noses in front.”
