Penrith Pumas were entered into a newly-introduced wheelchair rugby tournament around the “five-a-side” basis, and travelled to Sheffield to take part in this four-team event, writes RON RICHARDSON.
Pumas were up against some well-established opponents from all over the country and, after initial rounds, they found themselves victors in two out of three matches.
This qualified them for the semi-final against a Burton RFC team who they had beaten in the earlier rounds. A well fought match saw the Pumas squeeze through to the final with a 21-18 victory.
In the final they were up against Coventry Stampede, the only team to beat them in the earlier rounds.
In a thrilling, closely fought contest, the result could have gone either way with the lead fluctuating throughout the match. However, it was Pumas who held a one-point lead at the final hooter to win the High Fives Tournament Shield.
At the tournament conclusion Pumas were presented with the winners’ shield by Jamie Stead MBE, a member of the GBWR paralympic team. Pumas players also picked up other individual awards. Byron Durkin-White was named best player in category.
Ollie Wightman, in only his first tournament, was named most valuable player.
This was a great conclusion to what has been a successful year for Penrith Pumas.
First round results: Coventry Stampede 18, Pumas 14. Leicester Tigers Swifts 11, Pumas 30. Burton RFC 17, Pumas 28. Semi-final: Pumas 21, Burton RFC 18.
Final: Coventry Stampede 18, Pumas 19.
