Thame have been crowned champions of MBBO Division Two despite suffering an incident-packed 8-3 defeat to Sonning IIIs in their final match of the season.
With a fifth successive promotion already assured, Thame travelled to the relegation-threatened side knowing a victory would secure the league title, and they made the perfect start when Joe Robinson scored his 39th goal of the season inside 60 seconds.
Some sloppy defending from the visitors followed as they allowed Sonning to draw level, but Thame were quickly back in the ascendency and restored their lead through captain Gareth Birkett, who converted a penalty corner.
Having maintained their slender advantage through to half-time, Thame looked to build on their lead in the second period but, against the run of play, the home side equalised for the second time.
Again Thame retook the lead through Birkett, but a controversial umpiring call allowed Sonning to peg the visitors back once more in what was becoming a topsy-turvy, nervy climax to the season.
Thame’s protests to the third Sonning goal resulted in two men being sent off and the home side remained composed to fully capitalise on their numerical advantage and pick off five easy goals that wrapped up a dramatic victory.
Despite that disappointment, Thame were confirmed as champions following West Hampstead;s failure to secure the three points they needed to overtake Thame at the top of the table.
Thame will compete in MBBO Division One next season.