Tyler Baines returned victorious from the School Games Wheelchair Basketball Championship after helping England North to victory.

Barrovian Baines’ side beat the likes of Wales, England South, Scotland and Northern Ireland to win the tournament that was hosted at Loughborough University’s Sports Campus.

England North started off their campaign with a 65-46 win against Wales, but it did not start well for Baines who had to come off with a suspected broken finger.

However, an x-ray confirmed it was not broken and the 16-year-old was able to play the rest of the tournament, despite being in pain.

The following day saw the North overcome England South 54-29 and this was a decisive moment in the tournament for Baines, coming off the bench to play in the second quarter.

That victory meant England North would meet Northern Ireland later that day at 2pm, having already played the previous fixture at 10am.

Baines was given the nod to start the game of which England beat Northern Ireland 59-36 to reach the final in a nip-and-tuck game.

The first quarter ended 13-13 and by half time, England had only edged ahead 25-22. However, they dominated the final two quarters to win 59-36.

That put England North through to the final against Scotland and the decider started off as a tense and close affair, North leading by just one point at 22-21 at half time.

The third quarter of the game was decisive in North’s success, as they took control of the game, as they went 40-30 up.

Due to Scotland desperately chasing North’s large lead, gaps opened up in their defence, of which England North took full advantage, winning 64-41.

Baines showed the best of his talents too, contributing to 10 points in the final.

He and his team-mates received their gold medals from Haj Bhania, who had just returned from Hamburg where he led Great Britain’s men to World Championship glory.

“It’s been my first time at the School Games and to come home with the Gold Medal is unbelievable,” said Baines.”I knew that we had a really strong squad.

“On a personal note, I think I probably saved my best game till last.”

The win capped a year which has seen Baines win the Division Two play-offs with Carlisle and the National Junior Championship with North West under-19s.

Baines’ father Mark added: “Tyler is extremely passionate about the sport and would love to take it to the next level.”