England Clinch wheelchair Rugby League Ashes Series Victory in Thrilling Contest
Table of Contents
Published: October 26, 2023
Dramatic Finish Seals Series for England
England have secured victory in the Wheelchair Rugby League Ashes series after a nail-biting encounter against Australia. The match,filled with momentum swings,culminated in a last-gasp try from England’s Coyd,set up by a crucial pass from substitute Mason Billington,sealing a hard-fought win.
The second Test saw a fast start with Australia’s Diab Karim crossing the line for a try within the first two minutes. However, England responded strongly, with Rob Hawkins – who previously achieved a hat-trick in the opening Test - scoring twice, alongside a try from Finlay O’Neill. Australia fought back with two tries from Bayley McKenna, and further scores from Adam Tannock and Dan Anstey, keeping the game fiercely competitive.
England’s Second-half Comeback
England instigated a remarkable fightback in the second half, spearheaded by Jack Brown, who scored twice and played a pivotal role in setting up two tries for captain Lewis King, who completed a hat-trick of his own. The scoreline seesawed, with tries from Zac Schumacher and Anstey bringing Australia level at 42-42, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
The Rise of the ‘Wheelaroos’ and Future Prospects
While England and France have historically dominated the Wheelchair Rugby League scene since the tournament’s inception in 2008, this series showcased the important advancement of the Australian team, affectionately known as the ‘Wheelaroos’. Australia will host the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in 2026, providing a platform to further build on this progress.
