The sun was shining and the spirits were high as the M5s promotion expressed rolled into Chelmsford. Knowing a draw would be enough to see us crowned champions following securing promotion a couple of weeks previously wasn't on our minds as we set out to finish the season with a flourish! The pre match team talk revolved around playing the type of hockey that had already got us to this lofty position and enjoying the game as well - needless to say we did both!

It looked like any early nerves would be settled with an early Elvo goal from a short corner but a quick reply from Chelmsford quickly put us back into a slightly nervous place. This was to be only one of the few entries into our D and their only goal of the day. Nick was on hand to finish another flowing move before Russ drove in from the right wing to the top of the D before unleashing a rocket of a shot straight past the keeper (for more details, Russ will be willing to share his retelling of the goal with you!). The award of a penalty flick saw everyone looking around for Elvo who wasn't on the pitch at the time (this is almost as rare as Russ scoring). Simon stepped up and frustratingly rattled the post - a few millimetres that would make a difference in the top goal scorer race.

3-1 up at half time and we felt in control. An early strike from Simon and an improvised finish from Nick was due reward for some brilliant flowing hockey - straight from the Thursday night training session (thanks Jack and Connor). The sixth goal took a while to come as the heat started to play its part but come it did. It was fitting that a short corner injected by Simon, struck by Elvo and deflected in by Simon at the far post would end our goal scoring for the season.

The final whistle went and we had done it! Champions (and the bonus of a Braintree loss - nothing to do with our prompt posting of the result!).

21 games unbeaten
91 goals scored - highest in the league
20 goals conceded (10 clean sheets) - lowest in the league
6 point winning margin
= happy captain!

To top it all off, we had a great evening back at the club for a fantastic BBQ raising money for the MND Association. Thanks to all who joined us!