The final fixtures of the Lee Valley Summer League saw four clubs in with a chance of clinching the title.
If it wasn't for the frustrating but hard fought 2-2 draw vs East London some weeks back when poor availability saw us put out an understrength side plus last weeks deeply disappointing 3-0 defeat to Waltham Forest with only 10 players available BOE could've had the title sewn up. However, the 'Hockey Gods' didn't shine on those days but by golly they did on Tuesday. Three teams ended on 10 points with BOE showing immense spirit to overturn a 2-0 half-time deficit to come roaring back and topple Wapping with a 4-2 win. Meanwhile East London HC upset the odds and routed Waltham Forest 5-2 to hand the title to a gleeful BOE by virtue of superior goal difference. The six goals put past ELHC 2s the other week and the 4 knocked past Wapping proved to be the difference.

This game proved to be 'the final' and a lacklustre, error strewn first half wasn't a fair reflection of BOE's capabilities. Huge spaces in the midfield and over commitment in the tackle were hindering any cohesion. BOE Chances were created but a lack of urgency in the D and some tame finishing prevented any goals being scored. A clumsy turn over in the final quarter saw Wapping capitalise and sweep the ball home from close range. A second followed shortly afterwards when the defence failed to clear their lines and were robbed of possession in a dangerous position. The ball ricocheted around the top of the D before falling to a Wapping player who seemed to have all the time in the world to line up a shot. It was hit with considerable power but straight at the BOE Keeper. However the low shot whizzed between his ankles and Wapping were 2-0 up.

The second half saw BOE come out with far more application and discipline. A tactical and positional reshuffle saw them take charge of the midfield and begin to dominate the game. More D penetrations followed and a PC awarded for a sloppy tackle saw Michael Lawrence dispatch an unstoppably ferocious drag flick that never left 10 inches off the ground and catapulted into the back board. Nick Boot-Handford equalised from close range after some superb work down the right from the cool headed Joey Presto. More unsavoury tackles on the jinxing Sam Djavit brought another PC and up stepped Michael Lawrence to arrow the ball into the top right corner with unbelievable skill and power. Amazing goal and as good as any you'd see Internationally. James Morrison fresh from University then dribbled through from the half way line beating defenders and GK before calmly sliding the ball into the goal for number four. Wapping fought hard to get back into but began to tire and BOE closed the game out with some clever and controlled possession.

The team has been fantastically led by the indomitable Sam Djavit who is showing strong signs of being back to his own playing best and the unflappable Edd Thorogood. Superb performances from everyone involved including the welcome return of Eddie Forshaw, the ever improving 16yr old wunder kid Jake Owen, the three terrific Tom's and the undeniable talents and skills of BOE's MVP Michael Lawrence.

Huge thanks to Karen Stevenson for Umpiring.

Pre -season starts soon (after a well earned break) with new Head Coach Calum Giles taking the reigns. We still have much to improve on but this expedition to Lee Valley is a good sign of things to come with the team spirit and commitment particularly impressive. Roll on next season.

Be Proud Be Worthy.