But after more twists and turns than a snake on a unicycle, the race was finally won on Sunday when Bourne emerged from the fog of war as champions after a 3-1 win against ICA Juventus.

Just two weeks ago, Bourne, ICA, Eye and Blackstones all looked to be in with half a chance but as the final day dawned this Sunday it had become a straight fight between leaders Bourne and second-placed ICA.

Hunts and League Cup holders ICA travelled to the Recreation Ground knowing a win would give them glory, while Kevin Bellairs's Bourne side needed just a point, so the scene was perfectly set.

And after 70 minutes of pulsating football it was the Lincolnshire lads who were left to celebrate a terrific league win after a double for Thomas Dunn and a goal from James Beck sealed the points to deny ICA the treble.

"It was a really fitting way to decide it with the two best teams in the league this season going head-to-head in a winner-takes-all situation," said Bellairs.

"We knew what we had to do and so did they, which made for a cracking game of football from both sides.

"They put us under the cosh at times but we defended well with Tom Hill superb in goal and Ben Gibson and Alex Miller also in great form as my centre halves.

"But once we settled we started to look dangerous and when Tom Dunn gave us the lead I knew we were in with a great chance."

A Reece Currie goal did briefly threaten to upset the applecart but one for Beck and another for Dunn after the break put Bourne in dreamland.

Bellairs added: "We only needed the draw but we had to keep pushing as ICA are a great side and capable of getting goals so we needed to make sure.

"We lost the final of the cup to them so this was a bit of revenge for us as well as making up for being kicked out of the Lincolnshire Cup for no good reason.

"I plan to strengthen in the summer and we are all looking forward to renewing hostilities next season."