WHAT a way to end our season, to take our third title, the National Final Four competition, in Coventry last weekend, when we beat Sheffield and then Telford.

I’ve watched this team grow and develop since last September. They’ve worked hard and deserve their success. Basingstoke can take pride in a team that has represented it so well.

Our first win against Sheffield was dramatic. Our captain, Aaron Connolly, scored a hat-trick, and Dean Skinns saved a penalty shot from one of the best forwards in the Northern league. Our team defence stood firm against Sheffield as they battled to get back into the game.

Twenty four hours later we faced Telford. How rewarding it was as a coach to watch the team play their best hockey of the season and dominate their opponents. Despite being short-benched,we out-skated and out worked a very experienced team. There was never any moment during the game when I doubted that we would win.

It’s a great feeling, to win the last game of the season, on a big stage, in front of so many of our supporters who travelled up for the weekend. As well as watching hockey, it’s a chance for the fans to meet up with other fans from across the country.

There is always a strong community feeling within the hockey community, worldwide. A minute’s silence was observed before the games in honour of the Canadian Junior Hockey League team, the Humboldt Broncos, who lost so many players travelling to an away fixture.

A number of the Bison team have gone to play in North America for a short period when they were younger. One of those is Kurt Reynolds, who has a testimonial Game this Saturday.

Then we’ve got the summer to savour our treble - league champions; play-off champions and national champions.