BLACKBURN Eagles coach Scott Barnett heaped praise on his title-winners after they secured the NIHL Laidler Conference Championship on Sunday.

The Eagles defeated Hull Jets 5-1 having overcome nearest challenges Widnes Wild in front of a bumper crowd at the Arena on Saturday night.

“It was a brilliant weekend,” said Barnett who battled illness to watch both games. “We all knew that the game against Widnes was the key match for us as it meant we only needed one more point from four games and I think it was probably one of the best performances of the season.

“We had a big crowd in for the Widnes game and it was great to see the place rocking.

“We played exceptionally well and to complete the job against Hull was a great effort by everybody.”

The Eagles are now set to join Blackburn Hawks in the Moralee Conference next season, although the Hawks have yet to secure their survival in that division and the league structure could yet be changed in the summer.

But Barnett insists he and his players are focussing on enjoying the moment rather than thinking about next season.

“A lot can happen over the summer but we haven’t thought about it because we have been concentrating on doing our job and making sure we win games,” he added.

“As things stand we will be going up next season but there is a lot of things to sort out off the ice because playing at that level means an increase in everything from finances to commitment.

“For now I think we will just enjoy our weekend and enjoy winning the title.”