WHEELCHAIR INTERNATIONAL

In a re-run of last year’s Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Final, over 2,000 fans crowded into the Kindarena in Rouen, France, to witness a pulsating clash between the World Champions France and their great rivals England at the weekend. A new-look English side produced a wonderful fighting performance before eventually going down 64-46.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our players to perform at such a great venue in front of a large enthusiastic crowd,” said Phil Roberts, England Wheelchair RL Player/Coach. Regardless of the result, the performance was very pleasing and the game represented an important step along the way to the next Festival of World Cups.”

The English side stayed within touching distance of their opponents throughout an exciting first half before an 18-point French onslaught in the opening minutes of the second half gave them an unassailable 52-20 lead. However, undeterred England re-grouped to dominate the remainder of the contest and produced some exceptional attacking rugby.

Four-try Jack Brown was deservedly named man-of-the-match, although he was pushed close by the outstanding Jack Heggie who crossed for two touchdowns. Joe Coyd, Martin Norris and Martin Lane also added their names to the score sheet as England gave a great account of themselves.

FRANCE WHEELCHAIR
Lionnel Alazard, Laurent Despues, Nicolas Clausells, Yann Verdi, Manuel Morais, Christophe Cochand, Guillaume Mautz, Yann Meunier, Fabien Plaza, Cyril Torres

ENGLAND WHEELCHAIR 
Jack Brown, Joe Coyd, Jack Heggie, Ian Kenny, Martin Lane, Martin Norris, Adam Rigby, Phil Roberts