WORLD CHAMPIONS TAKE ON STEVE PRESCOTT
There was slick handling and big hits last weekend when current Great Britain Wheelchair World Champions took on the Steve Prescott Foundation team at the Kingsway Leisure Centre in Widnes.
Sponsored by local firm, Hattons, the event raised £1000 for Steve Prescott’s nominated charities, Christie’s Hospital and the Rugby League Benevolent Fund, and marked the launch of a new Wheelchair Rugby League team, the Mersey Vikings.
Fast paced and tough, the Wheelchair RL challenge consisted of three 20 minute high impact playing periods. The SPF side, captained by Steve Prescott MBE, started well, the ball handling skills of the rugby field transferring well to the wheelchair game. But slick ball control proved no match against the superior wheelchair speed and handling of the Great Britain team.
Steve Prescott Foundation secretary Martin Blondel stated: “the collisions at times were breathtaking”.
Steve Prescott Foundation secretary Martin Blondel stated: “the collisions at times were breathtaking”.
Ex Saints, Hull & Castleford winger Chris Smith was the first SPF player to feel the force of the tackle, being overturned in his wheelchair. During the second period of the game the SPF were completely overrun but managed their first try through Gary Connolly, to bring the score to 44 - 4.
SPF managed a late rally in the third period with tries from Steve Hall and Phil Roberts the GB Coach who was loaned out for the day.
Martin Norris the GB Wheelchair Captain was a worthy man of the match, finishing the game with a late flurry of tries to bring the final score to 62 - 12 to the GB World Champions.
Special thanks were given to the Trust in Widnes Committee for organising a great event.
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Editors Notes
The GB Wheelchair Team consisted of:
Martin Norris
Jack Brown
Adam Rigby
Stewart Walker
Steve Mort
Mike Knight
Wayne Tyrell
Paul McCormack
Andy Wharton
The Steve Prescott Foundation Team consisted of:
Steve Prescott MBE
Gary Connolly
Steve Hall
Paul Loughlin
Paul Atcheson
Bernard Dwyer
Chris Smith
Steve Rigby
Phil Roberts
Engage Mutual Assurance is the main sponsor of the Steve Prescott Foundation for 2010 and is assisting with a number of the foundation’s events throughout the year.
In addition, as part of its man of the match initiative, Engage Mutual donates £100 to the Steve Prescott Foundation at every televised Sky Sports match.
Further information from:
James Ogden Martin Blondel
Sponsorship Executive Secretary
Engage Mutual Assurance Steve Prescott Foundation
Tel: 01423 855315 tel: 07971 792859