The day had arrived, with the HOBs dream of retaining the league trophy still alive. With the maximum points taken from Thursdays game, the focus was purely on beating the YMCA something that we had never done before !!, and the extra bonus points would be acquired in the process of winning the game.

On the morning of the game, the captain was reviewing the team and coming up with batting and bowling combinations for the big game. Options were plentiful but a light shower at about 9ish suddenly put some doubt in the equation, and with the thought of our luck with the weather this season, would this deny the boys of our day !!

The captains Colley and Adams walked to the middle with the best overhead conditions of the day, sunshine and high cloud. Adams won the toss and opted for the usual option, bat first post a competitive total and bowl/field like men possessed. The captains then deliberated over the length of the game, Adams pushing for a 16/18 over game because of the fading light but Colley insisted on a 20 over game, as his boys were ready and would get around in the field. The question was who would struggle in the dark the most - the batsmen or the fielders ??

To our surprise Colley donned the pads and gloves, so potentially one less bowler to worry about. Davies and Smith opened up after the success at Frenchay, steady progress was made early before Jon dominated the partnership after his life on 0 (dropped at mid on) a massive turning point !!. Ed (8) was triggered by the Ump Fillingham in front. The incoming Barry (26) played 2nd fiddle to Smith who was hitting the ball to all parts of the ground, a well played 46 (8 boundaries) from Jon brought us upto 92 for 1 off 12, then we had a bit of a wobble and lost a few wickets whilst not scoring a lot. Thomas was in after 16 overs but was comically run out assuming a drive upto long off had gone for 4. A bit of communication from Mike Serjeant may have helped matters !! Mike hit a few boundaries and then the in-form Barrett strided to the middle and hit a quick fire 20 not out including a massive maximum over deep mid wicket. Some suicidal running in the last couple of overs with Hawksley and Adams (out without facing a ball as Anth hit it straight to Mid Wicket with the keeper standing up !!) sacrificing their wickets and 139 for 8 was more than competitive but would it be enough ?

Quick wickets were required but Thomas was struggling to take the opening overs as his body was giving way. Fears were overcome, with Smith and Barrett bowling some impressive opening stuff, Smith (2-12) getting both openers out - a proper edge to a diving keeper and a great catch by Ashford diving at his feet. A patched up Thomas, after some strenuous stretches at fine leg was pumped after the earlier incident and just kept bowling in fear of breaking down and got 3 more wickets (caught and bowled, lbw and bowled - 3 -19) and the YMCA were in all sorts of trouble. Captain Colley come to the wicket to avert the crisis with some big shots off Adams and Davies which brought a few concerns. The run rate was escalating to over 10 and increasing by the ball, the captain turned to Hawksley and he obliged with the scalp of Colley (caught and bowled for 37) - Was this the game ? With more application and concentration in lines and lengths and bowling to the field, this brought another wickets for Dave (2-12) and an underarmed direct hit from Thomas close in on the legside brought another wicket. It was left for Davies (2-21) to clean up in the diminishing light - 103 all out and game won !!! Let the drinking begin.

It was a great all round performance with excellent ground fielding and catching, Osmond (who didn't bat or bowl again !!) stopping everything going through a busy extra cover region. The near perfect team performance.

Thanks for everyones hard work and effort especially Jon Smith for his outstanding batting, bowling and fielding which deserved his man of the match vote. Also thanks to all the HOBs who have played in the league games this season as you have all contributed, and who would have thought that after the Hope and Bushwackers defeats this night would have been so enjoyable.

Now theres talk of taking the Trophy on the road to the public, the lucky Hawksley mascots (yet to witness a defeat) are on about taking the trophy to assembly in Henleaze Junior School, its not quite as high profile as the FA Cup with people posing for photos with the trophy but you never know !!! The Old Boys could be famous and heroes !!

From the massive high of victory and plenty of ciders its back down to the last 2 games of the season and the importance of finishing on a high and looking forward to next season.

Just a thought, how good was this all round performance in HOBS history, this game is up there with the Octopus victories, Fishponds tie, the darkness of Frenchay, Anths last ball boundaries all great games of the past. To be discussed in the pub over another pint.

We are the champions ………………………….