Following on from the recent success of the England Wheelchair Rugby League team, Bradford Bulls have launched their own side.
The Bulls are the first engage Super League team to launch their own Wheelchair Rugby team which is open to both disabled and able bodied competitors.
The Wheelchair Rugby side begin their season on Saturday 18th April and will compete in a merit league against sides from Calderdale, Wolverhampton, Wigan and District, and Bury.
Gill Johnson, the Chair of the British Wheelchair Tag Rugby League Association (BWTRLA), said,
“I feel very proud that it is my home Club, Bradford, which is the first Super League Club to have an associated Wheelchair Rugby League team. I am sure that the Bradford team will go from strength to strength now and become a force to be reckoned with Nationally and wear with pride the Bradford Bulls shirt. I would just like to thank the Bulls for their support in promoting the game to press and for their faith in taking such a lead role in the future of Wheelchair Rugby League.”
Bradford Bulls General Manager, Ryan Duckett said,
“The development of Wheelchair Rugby over the last year has been phenomenal and we are very proud to officially launch our own team. Members of the first team squad including Sam Burgess have already attended training sessions and we hope the official launch will encourage more people both disabled and able bodied to get involved.”
The team currently train at Bradford College, Trinity Green Campus on Mondays from 5.00 pm - 7.00 pm
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Surrey Snare Elliott As Overseas Player
Surrey County Cricket Club can announce the signing of New Zealand all-rounder, Grant Elliott as their overseas player for the first part of the season.
Elliott, who turns 30 next week, announced himself on cricket’s world stage with an impressive one-day series against Australia where he was New Zealand’s leading run scorer with 210 runs at 52.5 which included 115 in the third match at the SCG. With his ability to bowl some economical overs in the middle of the innings, changing his pace to keep batsmen guessing, Elliott’s presence at the Brown Caps will be welcomed, especially in the one day arena.
Born in Johannesburg, Elliott left his native South Africa for New Zealand in 2001 and after completing his residency qualification in 2007, he played his first Test Match against England in March 2008. Since then has played a further two Tests as well as proving to be a very useful all-rounder in one day cricket. In just 20 matches to date, Elliott averages over 50 with the bat at a strike rate of 82.06 (as at 13 March) and an average of 24.46 with the ball which includes 13 wickets at a good economy rate of 5.1.
Commenting on the signing of Elliott, Surrey Cricket Manager, Chris Adams said, “Grant has proven that he is a top class all-rounder at the highest level and having someone of his ability around will definitely strengthen us, especially in one day cricket where we have not been as successful in recent times. Every competition is important to us and Grant’s inclusion will help balance out our squad which will give us additional options when it comes to selection.”
Elliott, who is currently involved in the New Zealand and India one day series said, “I’m really excited about playing for Surrey. It will be a great opportunity for me and I hope I can make a difference and help to win some games for the Club during my time there. The Club has a great history and after hearing of some of the changes there over the winter, it looks as though it will be an exciting time to be involved. I’m really looking forward to meeting the guys and getting stuck in.”
Managing Director of Surrey Cricket, Gus Mackay concluded by saying, “We see Grant helping our one day cricket first and foremost but his presence will be a huge boost for the guys. I’m hoping that his confidence and will to succeed will rub off on some of the younger members of our squad, who will no doubt learn a lot from having him around.”
Elliott is expected to arrive on 21 April and will be with Surrey until the end of May which will mean he is available for eight Friends Provident matches, two Championship and five Twenty20 Cup games.
Elliott, who turns 30 next week, announced himself on cricket’s world stage with an impressive one-day series against Australia where he was New Zealand’s leading run scorer with 210 runs at 52.5 which included 115 in the third match at the SCG. With his ability to bowl some economical overs in the middle of the innings, changing his pace to keep batsmen guessing, Elliott’s presence at the Brown Caps will be welcomed, especially in the one day arena.
Born in Johannesburg, Elliott left his native South Africa for New Zealand in 2001 and after completing his residency qualification in 2007, he played his first Test Match against England in March 2008. Since then has played a further two Tests as well as proving to be a very useful all-rounder in one day cricket. In just 20 matches to date, Elliott averages over 50 with the bat at a strike rate of 82.06 (as at 13 March) and an average of 24.46 with the ball which includes 13 wickets at a good economy rate of 5.1.
Commenting on the signing of Elliott, Surrey Cricket Manager, Chris Adams said, “Grant has proven that he is a top class all-rounder at the highest level and having someone of his ability around will definitely strengthen us, especially in one day cricket where we have not been as successful in recent times. Every competition is important to us and Grant’s inclusion will help balance out our squad which will give us additional options when it comes to selection.”
Elliott, who is currently involved in the New Zealand and India one day series said, “I’m really excited about playing for Surrey. It will be a great opportunity for me and I hope I can make a difference and help to win some games for the Club during my time there. The Club has a great history and after hearing of some of the changes there over the winter, it looks as though it will be an exciting time to be involved. I’m really looking forward to meeting the guys and getting stuck in.”
Managing Director of Surrey Cricket, Gus Mackay concluded by saying, “We see Grant helping our one day cricket first and foremost but his presence will be a huge boost for the guys. I’m hoping that his confidence and will to succeed will rub off on some of the younger members of our squad, who will no doubt learn a lot from having him around.”
Elliott is expected to arrive on 21 April and will be with Surrey until the end of May which will mean he is available for eight Friends Provident matches, two Championship and five Twenty20 Cup games.
BOYHOOD HERO GIVES PRICE BIG SURPRISE AHEAD OF MAJOR CAREER MILESTONE
Australian rugby league great Bob Lindner gave Steve Price a huge surprise when he turned up as a special guest to present the Vodafone Warriors’ captain with his specially-embroidered jersey for his 300th first-grade appearance in tonight’s NRL season opener against Parramatta at Mount Smart Stadium.
Lindner, Price’s boyhood idol who played 24 tests for the Kangaroos from 1986-93, was spirited into the club yesterday while Price and his team-mates were having their final run before their round one match.
After being concealed for the best part of an hour, Lindner shocked Price when he was brought into a team function for the presentation of jerseys to Price, first-time Vodafone Warriors Denan Kemp, Joel Moon and Jacob Lillyman plus NRL debutant Leeson Ah Mau.
A specially-commissioned DVD was played featuring messages from numerous former and current players as well as memorable moments from Price’s career. Among those paying tribute was another of Price’s heroes Terry Lamb along with Gorden Tallis, Brad Fittler, Hazem El Masri, Braith Anasta, Willie Mason, Roy Asotasi, Mark O’Meley, Daryl Halligan and David Peachey.
In his autobiography ‘Be Your Best’, published last year, Price told of how Lindner became his idol. He was playing for Newtown in Toowoomba at the time, coached by Gary Czislowski:
“Gary said to us that year: ‘Boys, I want you to go home and watch State of Origin tonight and whatever number you wear, find the player who wears the same number and do the same as him’.
“I used to wear number eight for Newton, which was lock at that time, and the player I watched represent Queensland that night was Bob Lindner. I watched everything he did and I liked how he played. He wasn’t a dirty player, he wasn’t a player who got the big wraps or the one who won games for his team but he always gave everything he had – particularly in Origin. I idolised him.”
And yesterday that idol was able to give Price the jersey he’ll wear against Parramatta – which happened to be Linder’s first club in Sydney – tonight. Lindner, who also played for Gold Coast, Western Suburbs and Illawarra, played 25 Origin matches for Queensland. It was his record outright for the most Origin matches by a forward for the Maroons – until Price equalled it last year. Yesterday the just-turned 35-year-old Vodafone Warriors captain spoke of his desire to extend his Origin career this year and move ahead of Lindner.
After receiving his jersey, Price presented fellow prop Ah Mau (19) with his commemorative jersey as Vodafone Warrior No 147. New Vodafone Warriors Moon (No 145), Lillyman (no 146) and Kemp (No 144) were presented with their jerseys by Stacey Jones, Logan Swann and Brent Tate respectively.
Lindner, Price’s boyhood idol who played 24 tests for the Kangaroos from 1986-93, was spirited into the club yesterday while Price and his team-mates were having their final run before their round one match.
After being concealed for the best part of an hour, Lindner shocked Price when he was brought into a team function for the presentation of jerseys to Price, first-time Vodafone Warriors Denan Kemp, Joel Moon and Jacob Lillyman plus NRL debutant Leeson Ah Mau.
A specially-commissioned DVD was played featuring messages from numerous former and current players as well as memorable moments from Price’s career. Among those paying tribute was another of Price’s heroes Terry Lamb along with Gorden Tallis, Brad Fittler, Hazem El Masri, Braith Anasta, Willie Mason, Roy Asotasi, Mark O’Meley, Daryl Halligan and David Peachey.
In his autobiography ‘Be Your Best’, published last year, Price told of how Lindner became his idol. He was playing for Newtown in Toowoomba at the time, coached by Gary Czislowski:
“Gary said to us that year: ‘Boys, I want you to go home and watch State of Origin tonight and whatever number you wear, find the player who wears the same number and do the same as him’.
“I used to wear number eight for Newton, which was lock at that time, and the player I watched represent Queensland that night was Bob Lindner. I watched everything he did and I liked how he played. He wasn’t a dirty player, he wasn’t a player who got the big wraps or the one who won games for his team but he always gave everything he had – particularly in Origin. I idolised him.”
And yesterday that idol was able to give Price the jersey he’ll wear against Parramatta – which happened to be Linder’s first club in Sydney – tonight. Lindner, who also played for Gold Coast, Western Suburbs and Illawarra, played 25 Origin matches for Queensland. It was his record outright for the most Origin matches by a forward for the Maroons – until Price equalled it last year. Yesterday the just-turned 35-year-old Vodafone Warriors captain spoke of his desire to extend his Origin career this year and move ahead of Lindner.
After receiving his jersey, Price presented fellow prop Ah Mau (19) with his commemorative jersey as Vodafone Warrior No 147. New Vodafone Warriors Moon (No 145), Lillyman (no 146) and Kemp (No 144) were presented with their jerseys by Stacey Jones, Logan Swann and Brent Tate respectively.
Players take time out from the New Zealand Open
Pro golfers took time off the tees to enjoy some of Queenstown’s iconic activities, with a jet-boat trip with Kawarau Jet yesterday afternoon and a Bungy jump today (Saturday 14 March).
The visiting players are competing in the Michael Hill NZ Open at The Hills golf course in Arrowtown.
Returning to compete in the Michael Hill NZ Open for the second time, Australian Anthony Brown said he is still blown away by the stunning scenery.
“It’s incredible to be standing here in the sunshine with snow covered mountains.” Anthony said.
It was first –time to town for Canadian player Dave Morland, who said he was keen to experience Queenstown’s adventure activities. “It’s awesome, one of the prettiest places I’ve been.”
The sentiment was echoed by American Justin Hicks. “It’s been wonderful here, it’s one of the nicest countries we have been to.”
Michael Sim was glad to be back. “It’s good to be back, such a beautiful place with good food and a lot of activities.”
Destination Queenstown CEO Stephen Pahl said it was fantastic to be able to showcase the wide range of activities in town.
“Queenstown offers a diverse range of activities. It’s great to see these players enjoy a round of golf in the morning and take time out for one of our iconic activities in the afternoon.”
“The Michael Hill NZ Open is a significant event for the region, it is an opportunity to showcase Queenstown as the premier lake and alpine resort destination to an international audience."
Pictured are (L-R): Chad Ginn, Justin Hicks, Anthony Brown, Dave Morland, Michael Sim and Phil Tataurangi .... and that's Dave Morland doing the bungy
RYAN: THIS IS THE ONE
Ryan Giggs has been involved in 36 previous United-Liverpool battles but he says this one could be the most important one yet.
This fixture already has a kick to it, but with the implications the result could have on the title race there is even more focus on the outcome. Victory on Saturday would put Sir Alex's men ten points clear of Liverpool and Chelsea, while Rafael Benitez's side are desperate to keep their title hopes alive.
"There’s a lot riding on this match," says Giggs in United Review.
"If we win they’ll find it very difficult to catch us, but if they win then they’ll feel they’re right back in the race.
"Liverpool have made great progress this season and have got a lot closer to us than they have been in recent years. They're a strong team and on their day they can beat anyone; not many teams win at the Bernabeu (Real Madrid), after all.
"Saturday's game is massive for both teams. Over the years there have been more important games in terms of the title race – games against Chelsea and Arsenal, perhaps. But I believe the biggest game of the season is always Liverpool.
"This is the game you really know you have to perform in. If you don’t perform, then you won’t win. It’s that simple."
This fixture already has a kick to it, but with the implications the result could have on the title race there is even more focus on the outcome. Victory on Saturday would put Sir Alex's men ten points clear of Liverpool and Chelsea, while Rafael Benitez's side are desperate to keep their title hopes alive.
"There’s a lot riding on this match," says Giggs in United Review.
"If we win they’ll find it very difficult to catch us, but if they win then they’ll feel they’re right back in the race.
"Liverpool have made great progress this season and have got a lot closer to us than they have been in recent years. They're a strong team and on their day they can beat anyone; not many teams win at the Bernabeu (Real Madrid), after all.
"Saturday's game is massive for both teams. Over the years there have been more important games in terms of the title race – games against Chelsea and Arsenal, perhaps. But I believe the biggest game of the season is always Liverpool.
"This is the game you really know you have to perform in. If you don’t perform, then you won’t win. It’s that simple."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)