THE class of 2003 lifted the David Cole/Dan Logan Trophy when Barrow Thorns held a special charity tournament to mark the club’s 40th anniversary.

Four teams representing the Thorns’ most successful sides from down the years gathered at the Hoops Basketball Centre for the tournament, with one former player travelling from as far afield as Milan to make the event.

Almost 300 spectators packed into the venue for the day, with the 2003 team defeating the 1999 side 52-37 in the final. The third place play-off saw the 1990 team roll back the years and overcome their counterparts from 1992 by a 28-13 margin.

During the break ahead of the finals, there was also a special match as part of the 70th birthday celebrations of former Thorns coach Ian France, with a France Family Select team edging out a Barrow Select team 17-16.

France made a cameo appearance in the match, while the Barrow side spanned the past four decades as it featured 1970s stars Colin Cross and Gary Archer, along with two of the club’s current under-18s. France was also presented with a specially framed Thorns vets with the number 70 on it.

The day also raised over £2,000 for nominated charities Furness General Oncology Department and the David Cole Cancer Charity, with donations being received from firms PX Limited, Lake District Farmers Union, Kutz, Mark Richards Plumbing/Heating, cheekyfun.co.uk, THE-UNIT BODY, Furness Heating Engineers, Team 2003 Basketball, Graphix Signs and Vivid Blu.

The evening then saw an event for over 170 players and friends to meet and reminisce, with the trophy for the 2003 team being presented by David Cole’s parents, Alan and Maureen.