Sunday, June 10th was the final round of matches at Stoke Mandeville Stadium for the new version of Wheelchair Rugby, called Wheelchair Rugby 5’s. Partly based on Invictus Games and partly based on Paralympic Games it allows more disabled people to play wheelchair rugby competitively and has been a great success with 10 teams playing in the first year.
There are 2 conference leagues, with 2 sets of 5 teams in each, and the top 3 go to fight for the title of Division 1 Champions and the other 2 from each league fight for the title of Division 2 Champions. The Destroyers won all 8 of their matches, and although things were much tighter in the second round they emerged as winners of their Conference. Now they head to Division 1 to try and claim the very first title from the new sport. Nick Coombs, Chairman commented “This is going to be the hardest matches ever. We’ve got to work even harder as everyone will want a piece of us”
Sue Coombs the Head Coach said “We are going to take 1 match at a time, not be complacent about anyone and play to our best abilities. Keep our heads up and take control as much as we can”
Club Captain Craig Beasley commented that “the icing on the cake was our win against local rivals the Solent Sharks in the 8th and final game. We had a 100% track record and we wanted to keep it that way. We remained professional and clinical. But we still have a way to go to be the Division 1 Champions”
So the future looks bright and the Destroyers are playing some friendlies in Poole over the next 2 months to keep match fit and ready for the final day at Stoke Mandeville Stadium on Sunday September 2nd FREE ENTRY. And if you want to come down and watch the friendlies, the matches are free. Sunday July 1st and Sunday July 22nd at Rossmore Leisure Centre, Poole, BH12 4HR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGUgtydRVvQ
The video can be used for publicity (c) Hayley Oborn. Full permission granted.
Photo of Nick Coombs, Chairman The Dorset Destroyers in action against David Anthony (Ex Team GB) and Stevie Boulton (Invictus UK Team)
We have many new photos of the tournament available for use, if you require some we can we transfer them over. E mail [email protected]
Other contacts Sue Coombs Head Coach and Club Secretary 07747 586006
www.thedorsetdestroyers.co.uk/
You Tube Channel – All videos are able to be used for publicity
