Saracens Wheelchair Rugby maintain progress in league

Playing out of Birchwood Leisure Centre, the club have had plenty of trials and tribulations, but they were all outweighed by the positives.

Michelle Bradford puts her body on the line to stop an attacking play. Picture: JULIE NAYLOR (Image: Julie Naylor)

Head coach Peter Freeman said: "We have had a tough season this year, but the players have stepped out to the challenges we faced.

"In the final round we had led at half-time against Crawley Jets who have been a really strong side for the last two season but let that slip away.

"Against Dragons we again held a two-try lead, but they fought back to tie the match with us at the end of normal time.

"It was still level at the end of overtime but we lost possession in a disputed call to lose by a golden score.

"Throughout the season we have managed to beat Endeavour Punishers by a single point, but in the final round finished four points clear.

"In the final match of the day we faced Ospreys who were heading for promotion to the Championship.

"We took the opportunity to gain experience for some of our players who didn’t have much game time.

"That led to a fairly grim first half where we scored first and last but conceded 12 points in the middle.

"In the second half the team came together, and both teams scored six tries.

"It was a real positive that the team came back from such a large deficit and drew the second half even though it didn’t affect the outcome in the end."

Preparation for the final round of the league were impacted by rebuilding work at their Hatfield home, with the centre closed for the month of June.

Freeman added: "Although we were generously hosted by RAF Wyton for a training session at the start of the month, only half of our squad could get there.

"We have also missed players due to family commitments and ill health throughout the season, so the players who have been available have done an amazing job."

The performance of Saracens was evidenced by David Simms and Nicole Benjamin both winning most valuable player awards in their categories, Benjamin doing so twice.

Jack Norman from St Albans took up a lot of the heavy scoring duties in the absence of Mac McLaren who is hoping to gain selection for the UK Invictus Squad for Vancouver 2025.

Also notable were James Ireland and Michelle Bradford, who were consistently strong, along with founder member Ant Fussey, the trio forming the backbone of the team this year.

“I was particularly pleased that Tony Hart got the chance to play in the final match for us,” said Freeman.

"Tony has come on massively since joining Saracens. His physical impairments mean he is in the lowest point category, for those with the most impairments, but his spirit and enthusiasm are unparalleled.

"When he started I didn’t expect to put him into a competitive match, but his physical skills and understanding of the game have improved beyond all recognition.

"More importantly though, his whole range of physical abilities and mood have massively improved which is a testament to both him and his family and carers who support him as well as his own determination.

"If ever there was a poster boy for the massive difference that team sport and wheelchair rugby can make to the health and well-being of people with disabilities, it would be Tony."

Saracens WRC train between 1pm and 4pm every Saturday at Birchwood.

Players are unable to play the running game by virtue of a long-term physical disability but are not necessarily regular wheelchair users.

The club also welcomes family members who want to participate alongside players or take the chance to relax while the players have fun.

The club also needs volunteers and anyone interested for any category, email info@saracenswheelchairrugby.com