Exeter Hawks reach national finals
Students from the Exeter Hawks Wheelchair Rugby Club took part in the BT Youth Wheelchair Rugby Tournament at the Cooper Box Arena at the Olympic Park last Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th October and came away as silver medallists.
Dubbed ‘Murderball’ by players and fans, the fast and frantic world of wheelchair rugby has gone from strength to strength in Exeter; official Host City for Rugby World Cup 2015.
The team, made up from students at St Luke’s school, beat off all the competition losing only one game against stiff competition during their qualification rounds to face the mighty Saracens in the final. Although they eventually lost 15-8, receiving a silver medal in their first ever tournament is a notable achievement. Not only that, Hawks were the only school based team in the tournament, with the others selecting players from across their region.
Captain of the Exeter Hawks Wheelchair Rugby team, Tilly Robinson, was recently featured on Phonic FM telling people why she loves the fast and furious sport so much and encouraging others to give it a go.
“Instead of tackling you can bash them! Or get them out of their chair – I love it! For me, it’s the best sport ever. Since coming to St Lukes, Sport is my main priority. Sometimes it takes over my learning – it’s become my whole life, something I can enjoy. My personality has definitely changed – from being the quiet, lonely one, to the fast one, who loves sports…having sport in my life has made me happier and stronger with my health!”
Exeter Hawks Wheelchair Rugby Club was founded in February 2015 through a partnership between Westcountry Hawks Wheelchair Rugby Club, St Luke’s Science and Sports College, Active Devon and GBWR. Weekly sessions are held at St Luke’s Science and Sports College on Wednesday, coached by Chris Perkins from Westcountry Hawks. Doors open to the community at 4.15pm and anyone aged over 11 can go along and join in the fun.
The sessions are delivered by experienced coaches and specialist rugby chairs and equipment is provided. For more details please contact Rebecca Skinner at rskinner@st-lukes.devon.sch.uk
