The stage was set. Boldmere St Michaels Trevor Brown Memorial Ground was looking resplendent and well over 200 people had turned up to watch the Rumsby Cup Final between Boldmere St Michaels and FC Sportsmans Aaron Humphries returned into midfield with Richard McCausland moving to the left side of midfield. John Haycocks absence meant that Michael Dossett reverted into the back 3. Craig Oates, Jack salter, James Duff, Greg Nattress and Richard Leighton made up a 5 strong substitute bench. Sportsmans started well and were trying to play football, but the 'Bulldogs' were in no mood to let them dictate with every player making his presence felt early on. After 10 minutes Boldmere took the lead when Che O'Connor latched on to Michael Dossett's clever ball and brilliantly lobbed the advancing keeper to send the crowd in raptures. Sportsmans came again but again Boldmere stood firm soaking up and dealing with anything they had to offer. Che O'Connor was looking constantly dangerous on the break as Boldmere steadily started to stamp their authority onto the game. Slightly against the run of play Sportsman's equalized when Boldmere failed to clear a corner and the ball was scrambled home. This only seemed to spur the 'Bulldogs' into life as they tore into the Sportsmans rearguard with O'Connor and Hannon pulling them all over and creating threats. On 35 minutes Boldmere scored the goal that they had been threatening when the 'in form' Tom Shakespeare drilled in a low corner, the ball went through a ruck of players and there was the ever alert Che O'Connor to head home and Boldmere had the lead again. Boldmere were now looking hungry for more and with Sportsmans on the rack 2 minutes later it was 3 and it was that man O'Connor again! this time he pounced on skipper Paul Bradys mis-hit shot to drill home at the far post for his hat-trick. The fourth goal was not far away and once again it was O'Connor that provided it, finishing Tom Shakespeare's pass with aplomb for his 17th goal in 8 games since signing. Half time 4-1. The gaffer asked the players to continue what they were doing and to keep shape, discipline and intensity and the cup would be won. Boldmere knew that Spotsmans would come at them hard in the first 10 minutes and it would be vital to stay calm and be ready. The second half was a battle, Sportmans, with nothing to lose, threw everything at Boldmere. Paul Davis was immense at centre back along with his partners, Michael Dossett and Adam Mills. Paul Brady, Chris Dawber, Aaron Humphries, Tom Shakespeare and Richard McCausland were fighting like lions in midfield and up front Man of the Match Che O'Connor and the tireless Liam Hannon worked tremendously hard for the team. Boldmere keeper Steve Cullen was in inspired form throughout, commanding his area and organizing his defence superbly. The odd time Sportsmans did break through Cullen was there to thwart them in brilliant fashion. Substitutes Jack Salter, James Duff and Craig Oates all entered the fray to play their part and provide fresh legs to the cause. The final whistle blew and Boldmere were 4-1 winners, claiming the first ever trophy in their history. A magnificent and typical 'Bulldog' performance meant that skipper Paul Brady proudly lifted the cup to rapturous applause from the appreciative crowd......... pure Pride, Passion and Belief A short break now before the 'Bulldogs' look to clinch the league title in their final game of what has already been a long and memorable season on 30th April v a tough Colfield Rangers side. #WeGoAgain
