NEWCASTLE EAGLES: TITLE BY TITLE

By Mark Woods
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Updated: April 11, 2012

Newcastle Eagles have now lifted the British Basketball League title five times in their history â€“ and earned 15 major prizes in total since their move to the city. Hereâ€™s how they compare.

Season: 2005-6 Record: 30-10

Having come runners-up the previous year while winning the play-offs, Fab Flournoy finally elevated the club into the championship ranks after a season-long battle with Scottish Rocks, claiming the title in the penultimate game of the campaign. Drew Sullivan was instrumental as Newcastle completed the clean sweep of all four major trophies by beating the Rocks in the play-off final.

Season: 2007-8 Record: 29-4

After ceding their crown to the upstart Guildford Heat, Newcastle set about regaining their supremacy. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â And although they sustained a shock reverse in the Cup final to Milton Keynes, the Eagles cruised to the league title, losing only once at home all season to end up 10 points clear at the top with Lynard Stewart in stellar form.

Season: 2008-9 Record: 28-5

Eventual MVP Trey Moore was a man possessed as Newcastle claimed back to back championships to thwart the growing challenge of big-spending Everton Tigers. The Eagles also won the Trophy and play-offs, eventually ending up 8 points clear in the league standings ahead of their burgeoning challengers from Liverpool.

Season: 2009-10 Record: 31-5

The battle for a three-peat proved Newcastleâ€™s toughest title victory yet. Making up ground after Sheffield Sharks set a blistering early pace, Flournoyâ€™s men refused to relent and Sullivan and rookie Reggie Jackson piloted a post-Christmas swing that brought the Eagles back into contention â€“ and secured the BBL Trophy for good measure. Drawing level with Sheffield in the final weeks, they eventually secured the title when Sheffield suffered a shock loss to Worthing on the seasonâ€™s penultimate day.

Season: 2011-12 Record: 24-3 (so far)

Re-shaping the side after being bested by Mersey last season, Flournoy gambled on the fitness of Joe Chapman and the desire of Charles Smith and was rewarded with another dominant campaign to hold off the constant threat of Plymouth. After crushing the Raiders in the Cup final, and edging them out in the Trophy, Newcastle wrapped up the title with three games to spare. The question now is whether they can, for the second time in their history, complete the domestic sweep?

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