Used a slight variant of this list (2500 v DE). Put the Scimitar of Sun on the OB.....destroyed to the man. My roommate is pretty new to the game but he did use 2 hydras. I think part of it was definitely his poor placement, but once this list gets rolling it gets unstoppable.
we'll i'm happy to hear it worked out for you. yeah, i don't think hydra's are really a threat anymore as long as you bring 2 stegs.
I may be wrong about this since I don't have my LM book right in front of me... but, I didn't think a BSB could take any other magic items (or some kinda rule like that)? I could be wrong, will check when I get home this afternoon. Just thought I'd throw it out there. Iggy Koopa