A tried and true expression, in unity there is strength , while often overused, aptly describes the newly-crowned First Division champions Boulevard Blazers.

Written off early in the season as a bunch of aging veterans with their better days behind them -- hurting and lacking in depth -- it was a sense of togetherness that ultimately allowed them to reach the mountain top and `Blaze' once again.

A day after winning the title with a 5-1 thrashing of BAA, the Blazers -- to a man -- agreed that it was their ability to come together and fight for a common goal that garnered for them what is the ultimate success.

"The key to Boulevard's success is the love, harmony and brotherhood that we have for one another. Our belief in God and the overall togetherness and brotherhood is what gets us through...that's all we have,'' said midfielder Johnny Boyles, one of those cagey veterans who answered the call when mounting injuries threatened to ruin the season.

"In Boulevard I saw a team that everybody had basically forgotten about. A team that showed a lot of character when we were plagued by injuries.

"We lost a lot of guys, had a new coach in Danvers Seymour who did what he could to help us out, but the players stuck by Boulevard and we just marched on and took care of the job at hand.'' His brother Dean concurred, blasting the naysayers who had been quick to promote the club's demise.

"Talk is cheap. We just let our boots do the talking,'' exclaimed Boyles, as he and the rest of the team gathered at Victor Scott School before embarking on a joyous motorcade through the streets of Hamilton.

"It's very nice to win (the league) again. Just as sweet as the first time and I'd like to see us defend it next year.'' Another key was the ability of players to adapt to varying roles when needed.

One of those role players was Vernon Eve, a talented left-sided player who has filled in a number of areas for the Blazers, from defence to midfield, as well as in the attack.

Previously overshadowed by the bigger name stars -- Dwight Warren, Dean Boyles, Leroy Stevens -- Eve lifted his game to new heights, forcing opponents to factor him into their game plans.

"Yeah. I had a good season, but it could have been better and next year I'm looking to improve even more and take my game further,'' said the soft spoken utility-man. "Being around all my brethren and friends, the team unity and togetherness that we have, that's what keeps me going.

"On the whole the team played good, hung in there and got the job done.'' There was never any doubt as to what could be achieved in the mind of Leroy Stevens.

The hard-nosed former Bermuda international defender and undeniable team leader boasted prior to Sunday's match that BAA "aren't going to stop us'' and yesterday reiterated that point.

"From the beginning I told you if we played our game it would be no problem.

In every department we outmatched them.'' Meanwhile, coach Albert Smith, savouring his second league title and first as a coach, said that the team was like a big family, which made his job easier.

"It's been great. They listened and showed the respect and accomplished what they wanted,'' said Smith, who has handled the coaching reins alongside Seymour. "We've been together for years, so it's not like we're just coming together and starting. They're all recognised players with experience and know what's got to be done.''