On the bus, those playing were accompanied by fellow members of the squad. Then, with the many travelling 16th players, they formed a tunnel for Lewis Cracknell to run out to applause for this, his 100th cap.

In the first half, Shelford played with a strong tailwind, but it was the home side who shot out of the gates with more intent.

Within a minute, Old Habs had won a penalty deep in Shelford’s half in front of the posts. Their impressive fly-half made no mistake with a simple kick, knocking the wind out of Shelford early.

The home side were up 3 -0 and that's where the momentum stayed for the first 10 minutes. In fact, the game had some early bits of bite, with a couple of off-ball scuffles going unnoticed by the referee.

Guaranteed promotion before kick-off, Shelford were visibly frustrated with their start and took some time to make their mark on the match.

It was 10 minutes before the Peacock backs first had ball in-hand, following a rolling maul. There was a knock-on, but Shelford had at last shown a glimpse of their potential.

Nonetheless, Old Haberdasher were dominating the scrum and gaining penalties, awarded at many set-pieces.

Despite the rising penalty count, the home side were unable to add to their early score and it was Shelford who were next on the board.

Just shy of the 20-minute mark and against the run of play, Shelford had their first try.

The forward pack carried well and Baker went to his banker ball-carrier, Ben Bates. His trademark crash ball passed multiple defenders and over he bundled.

Not once throughout the contest did Cracknell let the pressure of his 100th cap show. He duly slotted the conversion, putting Shelford ahead, 7-3.

But Old Habs really did deserve to be in front and, on the 28th minute, that happened.

Shelford, still struggling to dominate the scrum, went too early and the referee awarded a free kick. The home side, aware of their dominance, chose to re-attach with another scrum. This time, they were rewarded with a try.

Old Habs simply caught the Shelford defence off guard and crossed, following a couple of strong carries. The conversion was missed, but the home side were ahead again by a single point, 8-7.

This time after the points setback, Shelford stepped up. Within two minutes of conceding, the Peacocks found themselves within 5m of the line and, following several penalties, continued to apply pressure.

On multiple occasions they went close, but handling errors were their downfall.

The first half concluded deep inside Old Habs territory, with the home side up on the scoreboard, but under the cosh.

Both sides stayed on the pitch during the break, with Will Cotterill sending a clear message to his side. Play like promoted League Champions, deservedly at the top of the table!

This clearly worked, as Shelford now stormed out with the gusto that has seen them blow all opposition away this season.

It took only nine minutes for the breakthrough to come and Man of the Match Biard put Shelford back in front. Easing past a flying defender, he ran in to finish under the posts. Cracknell was never going to miss the simple kick and Shelford now led, 14-8.

Just two minutes later, Shelford scored again. Rogerson made a huge amount of ground with a glorious signature carry, before Baker played the ball quickly to the ever impressive Buchanan, who bustled over, pointing directly down the camera with his celebration.

Kicking into the wind, Cracknell missed for the first time, but Shelford were well on top, in the game and on the scoreboard, 19-8

Old Habs' defence couldn't ststop this rejuvenated Shelford and the Peacocks' tails were soon up again, with their third try in six minutes.

Biard was the man again, crossing the line without a defender in sight, using his pace and a direct running line.

Cracknell made no mistake and Shelford now led 26-8.

The bonus point had been secured, although the home side were given a slither of hope when Gillick was sin-binned, oddly adjudged for sealing off the ball.

This was one of several harsh decisions against the Peacocks, compounded by Buchanan coming off with an injury just after.

Momentum now swung back to the home side, with three penalties awarded against Shelford in quick succession.

Fortunately, that pattern was broken following an utterly dominant scrum, which led to a turnover. Despite the man disadvantage, it did not take long for Shelford to breach the tiring Old Habs defence.

Tang made good ground and ball was played quickly from Baker. The forwards kept it alive with some wonderful offloads to finally find Emsley, who beat his tackler to touch down.

With Cracknell off the pitch, Biard took the conversion and made no mistake, 33-8.

The travelling fans had been brilliant all game, making a huge amount of noise on the sidelines. A special mention must go out to Will Tyrell, for bringing a vuvuzela.

Despite the result being in no doubt, Shelford kept their foot hard on the gas.

With under 10 minutes left of their season, the Peacocks scored two more quick tries.

Both were scored by Huppatz, who had a fantastic game. He capped his second with a drop-kick conversion from in front of the posts.

80 minutes was up on everyone's watch, but the contest continued inexplicably, well into overtime and a couple of late penalties went against the all-but-confirmed League champions.

With another impeccable defensive effort, the whistle was blown - and Shelford were crowned League Champions.

The final score of 47-8 drew the curtain on a remarkable game and a remarkable season.

Players and travelling supporters celebrated together, as the trophy was handed to Captain Chiwanga and bubbles sprayed high into the air.

Coach Cotterill was specially rewarded for his masterful season with a cold shower from the players, while recording his post-match interview.

Huge congratulations go out to every Peacock who has pulled on a 1st team jersey in this wonderful title-winning season.

Shelford: Gillick, Chiwanga (C), Biard, Cracknell, Tang, James, Baker; Emsley, Huppatz, Barber, Freer, Buchanan, Clark, Rogerson, Bates.
Replacements: Miller, Dunnett, Brosnan.