WORCESTER Wolves have saluted the help of their fans after they landed the first trophy in their short history.

Wolves beat Hackney White Heat 111-100 at University College Worcester on Saturday to win the National Basketball League's Patrons Cup.

But they trailed for most of the match against their Division Two opponents before eventually taking the upper hand in the final quarter, aided considerably by a very noisy 700-strong sell-out crowd.

Player-coach Rick Solvason, who won the Most Valuable Player award for his 34 points, said: "It was one of the best atmosphere games I have played in. I have played at Wembley but it was nothing like this.

"Even if we had lost the game the atmosphere was still outstanding. I was very proud to be able to play in a game like that."

American star Josh Cooprider, who along with team-mates Ty Shaw and Colin Chiverton dashed down from Gateshead for the match after helping UCW reach the British Universities final and then went straight back afterwards, added: "We have one of the best environments in all of English basketball and the noise in here was absolutely amazing."

Roger Clarke, who co-founded the club with Mick Donovan in May 2000, said: "It's a very proud moment and it's long overdue.

"It's very special to do it in front of our home fans who have been brilliant."

Wolves will now be hoping to complete a league and cup double and they resume their Division Two programme at home to Colchester United on Saturday.

However, their title rivals North-West London moved level on points with Wolves at the top after winning at Tamar Valley on Saturday and have a game in hand.