Match report
Allied Mobility 2024/25 Wheelchair Rugby: Fours Division Two (T2), in Sheffield.
The Allied Mobility Wheelchair Rugby: Fours Division Two tournament took place at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield, S1 2BP on 2 and 3 November 2024.
Fours Div Two Ventured to Steel City.
Division Two teams and players enjoyed the new venue of Ponds Forge International Sports Centre for the second tournament of the season. The venue was well received by all those involved even if the parking was a challenge with a large swimming gala happening at the same time.
Shout outs
As always, a big thank you to the volunteers who help make the competitions run, from support staff with teams to the officials and commentators. Your continued support provides a great atmosphere that helps the players flourish. Congratulations to table official, Ruth Clarke, who won the Best Official award for the weekend. Also thank you to Adam Johnson whose photos accompany this article. A special shout out goes to Alex Smart’s Dad who kindly helped out with a spare whistle when a nameless referee found theirs misplaced. A big shout–out to the commentators who did a sterling job. The games are still available to view on GBWRs Facebook page.
Glasgow’s returns to the Division
Glasgow made their debut in this season’s competition this weekend after having to miss tournament one. Although they did not win a game, Glasgow fought valiantly with two players awarded for their performances. Jennifer Lang won Best in Class 3.5/4.0 and after an outstanding performance across the weekend Elliot Cooper was named Most Valuable Player.
Tigers dig deep
Cheltenham Tigers provided no guesses on their starting line-up as only four players were present on Saturday. Playing three of their four games meant no rest for Alex Smart, Kyran Bishop, Joe Skidmore and Issy Bailey. Tigers also managed to record their first full win against Glasgow (last tournaments win was a forfeited match). Tigers also played well against Ospreys this time succumbing to a smaller loss than tournament one. This meant Tigers finished fourth in the standings at this tournament and overall. Kyran Bishop was again recognised for his efforts winning Best in Class 1.5. Unfortunately, Tigers weren’t able to field a team on Sunday so their last match against Maulers was a scrimmage game. Hayley Cassin who had come to watch and support managed to borrow a chair and star in this game.
Ospreys owning mid table
Ospreys have cemented their position in the middle of the table with wins against Glasgow and Tigers but familiar losses to Sharks and Maulers. In an impressive display of consistency Ospreys were again 10 tries’ adrift of Sharks with nearly an identical score as tournament one. Omar Foster fresh from commentary duty at Division One this time made his presence felt on court winning Best in Class 1.0.
Final showdown (Again)
As with tournament one the winner of the weekend was decided in the last match of the weekend with Sharks and Maulers on top of the other teams. It turned out to be a repeat of the previous game as Maulers took the game and finished in first place. In fact, Maulers were even more dominant winning by 17 tries. Although a disappointing end to the weekend for Sharks they have cemented second place in the over all standings. Toby Church was voted Best in Class 2.0 and following on from his key performance in the earlier round, Ollie Cole won Best in Class 3.0.
For Maulers it means it’s eight wins out of eight so far this season, and the focus shifts to an unbeaten season as we look ahead to the final round. The larger wins point to a team getting stronger and working well together. As expected, some of the Maulers players were also rewarded with trophies, Sam Dickinson who helps coach the team was awarded Best in Class 0.5 and for the second time Kascie Higgins won Best in Class 2.5.
There is now almost a three-month gap before the final tournament. Moreover, it includes Christmas and New Year. The question is whether Maulers can go the whole season undefeated and if the teams’ positions in the table will change.
The final tournament is on 25 and 26 January 2025 at Perdiswell Leisure Centre, Worcester.
Current team standings can be found here
Best in Class winners in full for Division Two – Tournament Two:
0.5 – Sam Dickinson – Stoke Mandeville Maulers
1.0 – Omar Foster – Ospreys
1.5 – Kyran Bishop – Cheltenham Tigers
2.0 – Toby Church – Team Solent Sharks
2.5 – Kascie Higgins – Stoke Mandeville Maulers
3.0 – Ollie Cole – Team Solent Sharks
3.5/40 – Jennifer Lang – Glasgow Crushers
MVP – Elliot Cooper – Glasgow Crushers
Best Official – Ruth Clarke
Written by Hannah Boyle from West Country Hawks Wheelchair Rugby Club.
Photos by Adam Johnson
