WEST Dorset Hawks cracked open the bubbly after a poignant overall victory in their West Men's Parrett Division One season.

Hawks secured the silverware after beating Taunton Civil Service 4-2 away from home.

Following the sudden passing of team captain Julian May back in March, the Hawks dedicated their title win to him.

A Hawks spokesperson said: “It has been a very emotional few weeks dealing with the sudden passing of Julian.

READ MORE: West Dorset Hawks win South East Division One title in 2014

“This victory, and the league championship is for Julian and his family.

“As a club, we are pleased to have crossed that finishing line in first place and finished what Julian started.

“We're sure he would have been very proud of the club's achievement.”

Hawks will next season feature in West Men’s Division Two South, the sixth tier of England and Wales’ hockey pyramid.

In a league of 12, the Hawks played 22, won 16, drew three and lost three to tally 51 points, two clear of Shepton Mallet Seconds.

After yo-yoing at the top with Shepton, Hawks took a two-point cushion into their final game although the victory was anything but simple.

Hawks worked their way into the game and took the lead on nine minutes through top-scorer Bob Dormor, claiming his 21st goal of the season with a trademark reverse hit into the bottom corner, giving the keeper no chance.

Hawks extended their lead five minutes before half-time, through veteran Richard Wilson.

A defensive mix-up from a short corner routine saw the ball come back to Wilson, who unleashed an unstoppable shot from 10 yards out.

With the interval looming, Hawks were caught napping and conceded a soft goal to allow Civil Service back into the game.

The second half was a sweltering affair with both teams going end to end in what was becoming a more even game.

Hawks started to lose their discipline with a total of three sin-bins handed out over the half, including two at once, temporarily leaving the Hawks with just nine men.

But a well-worked short corner saw the Hawks extend their lead on 52 minutes.

Jedd Whittington found Sam Dormor out wide of the scoring D. He unleashed a powerful hit into the bottom corner of the goal from the narrowest of angles for 3-1.

Hawks soon added a fourth to all but wrap up the title with four minutes left to play.

After a fine run by Bob Dormor, drawing both the last defender and keeper out of position, the loose ball was sent home by club stalwart Stuart Mansbridge for his first goal of the season.

Civil Service did grab their second with the last play of the game but it did not dampen the Hawks’ spirits as the full-time whistle went to confirm them as league winners.

Fittingly, it comes 10 years after the Hawks won the South East Division One title.

Next up for the Hawks is the Julian May Memorial Hockey Match on Saturday, May 4 at the Sir John Colfox School astro (2pm).

West Dorset Hawks are always looking for players of all ages, levels and experience. Contact Alex Drew on alexdrew09@yahoo.co.uk for more details.