Lancaster Bulldogs’ historic title triumph

The city’s Bulldogs, based at Salt Ayre Sports Centre, have won Division 3 of the British Wheelchair Basketball League to reach the highest level in their history.

The Lancaster outfit sealed their position in Division 2 next season with a 55-41 Teeside at the end of last month.

Captain Andrew Hartley said: “We’ve never been in Division Two.

“It’s fantastic, we’ve come a long way in three or four years.

“It wasn’t so long ago we were a steady division three and four club.

“It’s absolutely massive.”

A remarkable season has seen the Bulldogs go unbeaten with one game remaining at Rhyl on May 17.

Hartley said: “It’s fantastic.

“We’ve been fortunate to have quite a good squad this year.

“We came through well in our toughest game up in Scotland and we’ve been lucky in some games where we’ve won when we could have lost.”

As for next season, Hartley wants the club to consolidate in Division Two but knows as in any sport, anything is possible.

He said: “We’re looking forward to it.

“We’ve got a good coach, a good set of players and a good committee behind us.

“We’re doing really well.

“Whenever a team goes up the main priority is to stay in that league.

“We’re quietly confident though, you never know.”

The success came in a year when club secretary Dennis Pratt suffered a serious heart attack. Hartley said the club stalwart had been in their thoughts as they wished him a speedy recovery.

Looking to the future the Bulldogs are hoping to develop their youth teams next season. Players can be able-bodied or disabled.

For more information call Andrew on 07951 587505.