South West Development Tournament

Bournemouth Lions Wheelchair Rugby side warmed up for the start of the Premiership campaign with good run outs at the South West Development Tournament.

Last Sunday saw the Lions take to the road to travel to Plymouth to face off against Bristol Bears and the West Country Hawks.

The first game of the day saw Bournemouth taking on the Bears, with the Lions taking a while to get into the game and looking lethargic from the tip off, before making a late charge to score some well-worked tries but eventually losing 20-14.

The Hawks were up next and Bournemouth seemed to find their straps but fell short again against a well-coached side with the match finishing 19-13 to the Hawks.

Up next were the four’s players against the Hawks with Bournemouth narrowly edging a 22-21 victory.

Back into the five’s and against the Bristol outfit, Bournemouth had the best game of their day and just missed out on a try right at the death with the tie finishing 16-16.

In their last five’s game of the day, Bournemouth faced off against hosts – the Hawks – who proved a hurdle too far for Bournemouth after they lost 23-11 in a commanding performance by the Hawks with their GB Talent players showing their class.

The day was wrapped up with the Bournemouth fours’ players combining with the Hawks to play the All Star side and once again taking the win.

A special mention must go to Charlie Holford in only his fourth week playing for the club.

Once he settled in, he showed great form and the club expect him to go on to great things.

Craig Beasley was nominated as the Bournemouth Player of the Day.

Jo Davidson-Shillitoe had a great day with loads of work off the ball and was handed Most Improved Player.

The club look forward to making amends on May 18 when they start their Premiership campaign at Stoke Mandeville Stadium.