Cumbria has made history as it was crowned the first ever champion of the Northern League finals.
Cumberland Storm competed against eight teams from eight counties in the championship, hosted in Derby.
They entered the final as number one seed, having topped the Northern League leaderboard over the previous three months of fixtures.
The squad – made up of five men and five women – demonstrated strength, balance, and depth throughout an unforgettable finals day.
The quarter-final saw Cumberland Storm face a determined Westmoreland Warriors side. In a tense and physical encounter, the team battled through a tricky match to book their place in the semi-finals.
There, they met Cheshire-Merseyside in another demanding contest that tested both skill and composure. Rising to the challenge once again, Cumberland Storm secured their spot in the final.
The final against the second seed Midland Outlaws delivered drama.
After winning the first two matches, Cumberland Storm looked to be in control. But the Midland Outlaws fought back relentlessly.
Five matches played and the scores were level. Everything came down to a single dreambreaker – first to 21 points.
For the first time in the competition, Cumberland Storm were behind. Trailing 14-9, the pressure was immense.
Cumberland Storm mounted a stunning comeback to win the dreambreaker 21-19.
Team manager John Wright said: “The players have shown incredible team spirit and togetherness when the going got tough.
“I knew we had a strong team, but watching them rise to the occasion makes me so proud.”
