Worthing Thunder were celebrating their greatest ever triumph last night - with a little help from The Argus.

We stepped in at short notice to do what basketball's governing body could not manage and mark the club's first league title in fitting style.

We handed co-captain Steve Gayle and the Barkers (Tarring) Thunder squad a specially commissioned trophy before they enjoyed a celebration dinner at the China Palace restaurant in Worthing.

Our cup bore a plaque reading: "A commemorative trophy presented by The Argus EBL division One champions 2005-06 Worthing Thunder."

After finishing as runners-up in seven competitions since their formation in 1999, Thunder claimed the title on Saturday, then returned home without receiving the trophy or medals.

That was despite the fact their game was being played in the same building as England Basketball's offices.

Thunder won 93-89 against City of Sheffield Arrows at the English Institute of Sport to ensure top spot.

It was clear beforehand that a win would give Thunder the title.

But their jubilant players were told afterwards that medals would be forwarded in the mail.

Thunder must arrange for the trophy to be collected from Sheffield at their own expense.

Alan Sweetman-Hicks, Thunder's assistant coach, said: "We were in the same building as the EB offices and no one could be bothered to turn up at the game.

"That disappoints me. It takes a bit of the gloss off.

"It would have been nice to have taken the trophy home with us or even to have just had a few pictures taken.

"But we didn't get it because it was 8pm on Saturday and nobody was working.

"If you work for England Basketball you would think you have an interest in the game.

"And if one of your main competitions was being decided in your own building, you would think someone would be watching the game."

An England Basketball spokesman said no plans were made to present the trophy at the request of Thunder's directors, who did not want to tempt fate, but the club last night refuted this.

Even if that were the case, Thunder believe it would have been easy for any EB representative watching the game to fetch the silverware after the buzzer, whether it be from their own offices or from the previous champions.

Who just happened to be City of Sheffield themselves.

EB have since sent Thunder a congratulatory e-mail.

The division is a thriving competition, packed with promising English players, and Thunder have done wonders to come top.

An EB representative will present medals on Saturday ahead of the play-off tie at home to Coventry Crusaders (8pm).

But it's not exactly a case of no trouble spared.

That representative will be Sam Spare... who plays for Coventry.

When Brighton Bears won the BBL title in 2004, league chief Mike Smith was on hand to present the trophy and medals even though Bears needed Sheffield to lose at home to be sure of finishing top.