The sun shone and the halo's of the League Champions shone even brighter as Sunday Lunchtime came and went at the Meadow, the dust settled on a League title and the boys would roll out again to put in the most wonderful effort against a strong Wotton side from the South West. With both sides having played on Saturday, they could have been forgiven for providing the 150 strong crowd a damp squib of a game, both sides put on a show.

The early exchanges saw both teams roar forward and, for a time, Wotton looked to be the stronger side, dominating the midfield and getting the ball forward. In fact it was only a good stop from James Craigmyle that saw BOE stay level and, within seconds, the home side switched the switch. The 'flying flicker', Chris Harden had his shooting boots on today and, he would make damn sure that Wotton would pay for not scoring when they had the upper hand. A short was won, the ball was stopped dead and, with tremendous venom, Chris would rig the ball past the unsuspecting Wotton keeper to set BOE on their way. This would be the start of a proper ding dong. The game would ebb and flow throughout the day and, just as we all thought the game was in safe hands, Wotton would fight back with a free far post finish to register an equalizer.

The crowd were sensing that something of a Cup Classic was on the cards and both sides didn't disappoint. The pace was ferocious and, with a large squad to share the running after Saturday's league games, both sides stuck to their task. BOE would win another corner and Chris was ready again, same drag out, same stop and same ridiculous pace on the ball, it flew top left as we looked and the keeper had no response again to the 'questions' BOE were asking of him. The half would open up, BOE would take control and, as the ball ran free in the D, the eyes of the BOE no.9 lit up and, Lawrence senior unleashed a deadly accurate reverse stick shot into the bottom corner. The crowd went mad, BOE had a clear lead, and, just after it went 3-1, Half time arrived.

The second half would not match the first in tempo, but the class would start to show through from the BOE boys. Possession became paramount as legs began to tire, the BOE squad was rotated and, as things started to get a fraction tiring Wotton would pounce and make it 3-2 to increase the nerves. These were short lived, once again the big no.36 would have his flicking boots and, as Chris took off, off the deck, to rip another flick, he confirmed that the Wotton Keeper would be watching the ball fly into his net time and time again in his sleep. 4-2 and the dream was still alive.

The icing on the cake was not far away, another dash into the D from Steve Roche, the ball rattled around and, as it broke free, Mike Lawrence would pounce and lash a slap shot high into the net to secure a 3 goal lead and, what we hoped to be the defining moment. There was time for one more Wotton goal but, as thing slowed down, the game just about held onto its life in the dying seconds as the club Chairman's battle cry rang out, BOE were safely once step closer to Lee Valley!!!

An incredible weekend of Hockey at the Meadow and deservedly the boys would enjoy a glass of the Sponsors fines bubbles! Many thanks to all who helped put on such a spectacle at College Meadow, the excellent umpires and Wotton for bringing such a great brand of hockey and a good bunch of supporters.

The 1's now have a very important date for the Semi Final. COLLEGE MEADOW, SUNDAY 20th MARCH, 2PM vs DIDSBURY NORTHERN!!!!!