Wheelchair Rugby Team Best in the Country

Date published: 21 November 2011

Bury Jigsaw Wheelchair Rugby League Team recently won the WRLA Super League Grand Final to become National Champions.

Bury Jigsaw played in the Super League and finished second this season, which meant they qualified for the Grand Final. There they faced a team they had never beaten – Halifax.

Wheelchair rugby league is true to the sport of rugby league, with players removing tags to affect a tackle. It is the most inclusive sport in the world, with players of both sexes and disabled and non disabled players taking part.

The final itself was a close affair for the first 30 minutes. In the run up to half time Jigsaw scored 3 unanswered tries to lead 40 – 22.

In the second half Halifax threw everything at Jigsaw and came back but Jigsaw’s determination was just too strong. Some great defensive work by Andy Liddle kept Halifax from scoring in the corner twice, and a late try from England Captain Martin Norris ensured that the trophy was coming back to Bury, with the final score being Bury 56 – 47 Halifax.

Bury executed their game plan superbly, their quick play the balls and fantastic defence saw them home.

Four of the Jigsaw players went on to represent England against France (Gina Smallwood, Martin Norris, Jack Heggie, Phil Roberts).

Bury Jigsaw will now play the French Champions in 2012 –The Catalan Dragons, to see who is the top side in Europe.

As well as being National Champions at wheelchair rugby league, Jigsaw are also currently National Champions at boccia too.

For more information on wheelchair rugby or about any other of Jigsaw’s sports please have a look at www.jigsawbury.org.uk or go to youtube and type in wheelchair rugby league.