Cambridge South Mens 1sts, sponsored by PwC, ended their season with defeat at league leaders March Town 2nds. South had gone into the game seeking an unlikely six goal victory to steal the title from their hosts.

In a free-flowing game of hockey, both teams had opportunities to score in the first half, with the home side creating the better chances. A number of goal-line clearances were needed to prevent March taking the lead, one by John Benedikz particularly awe-inspiring as the March forward looked certain to score.

Instead, the visitors took the lead when a quick break by Chris Baker and Robert Garrett resulted in Garrett slotting home a shot from the top of the D into the corner of the goal. On the stroke of half time, though, March were rewarded for their attacking play with an equaliser.

In the second half March attacked with renewed vigour and scored three excellent goals before the visitors pegged them back with a Kevin Rowland goal from a well-worked short corner routine. But the home side had the last say in the matter, scoring a fifth before the final whistle blew.

"It was a real pity to have lost this match," said Captain Chris Baker, "but they were a great side and deserved the victory and title." Vice Captain Rob Garrett agreed, "It's never pleasant to lose, but it's not going to dampen our promotion celebrations!"

[Editor's addition] The final league report of the season is a good place to add some squad statistics. So the promotion winning squad were;

Rob Garrett (21 apps, 22 goals), Kevin Rowland (21, 10), Steve Parker (Gk, 21), Chris Graveling (20, 2), John Benedikz (20, 1), Chris Baker (Capt., 19, 24), Jim Thorpe (17), Matt Murray (15, 8), Lukas Snetler (15, 3), Stu Creed (14, 2), Rob Hay (14), Mark Reilly (13, 6), Matt Readman (11, 1), Pete Carey (11, 1), Dan Pippard (9), Tom Moy (6), Andy Bleach (6), Tim Waller (3), Rupert Webb (3), Jan Brynjolffssen (2), Mark Jackson (2), plus eight others with one appearance each.