It was the Newcastle Eagles 33rd National Final in the last 30 years of their storied franchise’s history. They took a massive loyal following of over 300 fans to Birmingham to see if they could defend the Trophy they won last year in the same venue against Bristol.

But in the end what many thought was always going to be an inevitable result came to fruition. The scoreline though does not tell the full story of a heroic effort from Newcastle particularly in the second half when that full throated support from the terraces nearly paid dividends.

Marc Steutel’s side almost turning the game on its head with a memorable second half performance that almost snatched victory from the jaws of defeat and really rocked a Lions side that many feel is the dominant force in the SLB competition this season.

Led by the inspirational Terrell Burden Jr. they came back from a 21-point deficit that they were down by in the third period and got at one stage in the final period within four points with a Cole Long triple that had London wobbling.

But time just ran out on the Eagles gallant efforts and with the inevitable fouls needed to top the clock it was Lions that held their nerve from the free-throw line to stumble over the line but stumble over it they did.

Newcastle though can hold their heads high after such a wonderful never-say-die attitude in that second twenty minutes. But the end analysis will show that Lions have now beaten the Eagles five times in all competitions this season and took first trophy of the 2025/26 season.

Both sides looked nervous early on and started slowly. It took until well over two minutes before Burden put Newcastle up by two and then Ray’Sean Taylor doubled it. Taylor then made a triple and Eagles led 7-2 early.

Lions though hit triples back-to-back and had their first lead of the game. From their there was little to choose between the sides. Mitch Clarke coming off the bench to hit two triples. Long another as Eagles hung in.

But London were getting inside the paint with regularity and scoring as well. A 6-0 run to end the quarter saw them take the first period 21-17.

That 6-0 run became a decisive 13-0 run as the second period opened with Lions defence tight and Eagles having to shoot mostly from outside without the success they needed. Long did eventually triple to stop the run as Newcastle looked to fight back.

But once again Lions roared inside and the lead grew and peaked at 18-points at one stage in the second quarter. It meant that the Eagles trooped off at half-time having been hit by a 24-11 quarter. That London defence and inside scoring giving Lions a healthy 45-28 lead at the half.

Eagles and Burden really gave it a good shot as the second half opened. Burden driving his team forward as he had a big ten-minutes. His 11-point period cutting the gap back to 12-points at 57-45 as the sides faced the final period.

Burden continued to cause Lions problems as he ended the game as top scorer and with the help of Clarke and Long very, very nearly made the impossible possible. Newcastle gained momentum but just not enough although when it went to a four-point game the noise ramped up.

But it was not to be and although the Eagles played their part in what was a low-scoring classic it was just not enough. So, Lions take the victory and the Trophy on a day when the moral victory belonged to the massive underdogs.