Fours Div Three Match Report

16th December 2024

Allied Mobility Wheelchair Rugby: Fours Division 3.

Sunday saw the start of Allied Mobility Wheelchair Rugby: Fours Division Three league. This division has been created to allow newer teams, players and officials to gain experience in national GBWR competitions. After 3v3 on Saturday it was back to full court and the full 40 second clocks – albeit with a Christmas twist. As this was the last event before Christmas everyone was invited to wear Christmas jumpers, although those reffing and playing did tend to forgo them for these tasks. The teams in Division three are Ospreys, Stoke Mandeville Maulers, Team Solent Sharks and Mavericks, a mixed team.

Refereed by Kascie Higgins and Helen Thompson

Division three looks to increase the confidence, skill and experience of not only players but officials as well. It was great to have more wheelchair referees over the weekend and games that were refereed by Kascie Higgins and Helen Thompson. Special shout out to Ricky Goddard who kindly stepped in to help out with reffing duties in between coaching Solent Sharks. It was great to see Kate Planeta get opportunities to ref and of course Adam Simmons. On the table both Jo Montgomery and Catriona Brown had colds that the other officials tried to dodge. Both almost lost their voices by the end of the day.

On court although players may have been newer or less experienced the competitive spirit was high. Teams such as Ospreys were forced to forfeit a number of games due to players being unable to attend and allow inexperienced and experienced players to play and learn from each other. It also provided the chance for brothers Arran and Nathan Flay to be on court together in a Fours game.

More Court Time

The Mavericks are a mixed team designed to provide opportunities for players who have not had opportunities to play the Paralympic discipline much. Either they are fringe players or newer players who deserve more court time. It was great to see newer players like Curtis Maxwell grow into their role on court and see training drills work in competition. Unfortunately, a clash with Women’s Cup and family commitments meant not all players could make it.

Maulers Bite Sharks

Both Solent Sharks and Stoke Mandeville Maulers had teams mixed with newer players such as Chelsi Marshall (Maulers), returning players in Pete Hall (Sharks) and experienced players. This led to a closely fought final game between the two sides. Maulers managed to pull away in the end for the win and thus remained unbeaten over the day.

Chelsi Marshall a new player from Maulers stated,

“I had an amazing time at my first ever fours tournament over the weekend with the Maulers team. I learned so much during my time on court and cannot wait for the next one!”

Referee and Coach for the conquering Maulers Helen Thompson added,

“Great weekend of rugby, really impressed with our div three team, especially the new players. All the players on all the teams played great rugby. Obviously, we were happy to win all our games, which made the day even better!”