South Wales Pirates, Nottingham Marauders and the London Lions mixed teams, who included current GB squad players, attended the first exciting league clash of the season.

The exciting day was organised with the help of Linda Ruston, Disability Sport Wales Development Officer at the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Linda explains, "Wheelchair rugby is a team sport for tetraplegics, or anybody with an upper limb impairment. If you can push a wheelchair you can play! Players use specially adapted court wheelchairs. We're of course very pleased to have hosted one the national league legs in the Vale."

Michelle Daltry, Disability Sport Wales National Manager and Chairman of the Welsh Wheelchair Rugby Association attended the event. Special guest was Cardiff Blues winger Chris Czekaj who was pleased to support the first South Wales Pirates match.

Chris (who is recovering from a broken leg himself) said, "As an injured player I can see that wheelchair rugby gives players a great way to be involved in rugby. I have really enjoyed watching the fast-paced game and supporting the South Wales Pirates!"

Wheelchair rugby is played on a standard basketball court using a volleyball. As you would expect from rugby, physical contact between wheelchairs is an integral part of the game; although no body contact is permitted. This produces an action packed game with wheels striking, blocking and debate on who may be sent to the sin-bin!

Players are classified on a point system (0.5 to 3.5 - depending on their arm, hand and trunk muscle function and strength) and must attempt to score by carrying the ball over the opponents' goal line. At one time only four players per team are permitted on the pitch; their joint classification must not exceed 8 points and strategical substitutions are allowed.

Pirates player Rob Davies (pictured with Chris Csekaj) has been with the team for just six months. Rob experienced loss of use in his limbs, ironically from a rugby injury, when he represented Brecon rugby club. Rob enthused, "I've thoroughly enjoyed playing getting fitter, there's excellent camaraderie and what's more I've lost weight since training!"

The South Wales Pirates won a game and narrowly lost one. The team train twice a week, including Saturdays from 10:30am - 1:30pm at the Colcot Sports Centre in Barry. For information on disability sport in the Vale contact Linda Ruston by telephoning 01446 704728 or visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/disabilitysport
. Alternatively, visit the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby website at www.gbwr.co.uk or www.cardiffblues.com.