EASTBOURNE have been crowned National League champions.
The Eagles clinched their first championship since winning the old Elite League in 2000 when they restricted Mildenhall to a 46-44 win at West Row in Thursday night's Grand Final, second leg. Eastbourne held a 19-point advantage from the opening encounter at Arlington and never really looked like relinquishing their advantage. Aggregate victory clinched a league and cup double for the Eagles, who defeated the Fen Tigers in the Knockout Cup Final last month. Eagles boss Connor Dugard said: "This is a fabulous night. What a team, what a result."¨ "We have said all season that we were building a team to bring success to the club when the prizes were handed out in October."¨This team have done it. They have delivered a league and cup double. Just brilliant.""¨ Mildenhall promoter Kevin Jolly said: "It is disappointing that we haven't quite achieved what we set out to achieve at the start of the year, but I am very proud of our season. "¨ "All the lads have given everything and should take a great deal from what they have done this year. They have been a pleasure to work with and I am sure they all have learned a lot."¨ "We have been up against it with injuries at different times this year and they have always dug deep and found that little bit extra, but tonight proved a step too far. Congratulations to Eastbourne on their victory, they deserved it over the two legs.""¨