Loughborough University’s Wheelchair Basketball win back-to-back league titles

Loughborough Lightning Wheelchair Basketball secured consecutive league titles following another incredible campaign in the Women’s Premier League.

Saturday’s thrilling 75-47 play-off victory over East London Phoenix ensured that George Bates’ side claimed back-to-back titles in front of a raucous crowd at the National Championship Finals in Manchester.

The result capped a remarkable feat for a side who have now only lost one game over the past two seasons.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be back-to-back champions,” George Bates told Loughborough Sport.

“The hardest thing in sport is staying at the top with a big target on your back. The girls have worked so hard all year, through the highs and some lows, and I’m so proud of how the team have performed.

“It’s a special group of experienced athletes and others that are less experienced. It’s proved to be the perfect blend to achieve what we have this campaign.

“We’ll all enjoy this moment together but I’m already looking forward to the challenges that we will face next year.”

Loughborough Lightning were formed in April 2021 as British Wheelchair Basketball launched the Women’s Premier League – the very first professional Para sport league in the UK.