The Jets played host to a visit from SaracensWRC Herts/North London at their training centre Oriel High School Crawley, West Sussex.

After four quarters of regulation time, with the lead changing hands several times, the score ended with the Crawley Jets wining 21 – 19. In the final two quarters to a fast finishing battle, the Jets managed to edge the victory, with the Saracens just missing the chance to equalise in the closing minutes of the game. Player Rob Groves: “Saracens are a competitive, talented team and we knew we were in for a hard-fought game which it was.”

The final result did little to dampen the spirit of the Saracens after they narrowly lost to the Crawley Jets in their first friendly with the Jets on Wednesday evening.

After the match, Crawley Rugby Club COMMITTEE MEMBERS, DANIEL MCGURRAN
Chair and MARK KEELEY Treasurer said they were hugely proud of The Jets performance.

“It’s hard not to be proud, look how close the score was. It was a great game and I’m delighted,” said Daniel Mcgurran

“I think it’s really important for the players to be able to compete, because that’s a major part of every sport and this is no different. They played really well and I’m sure all the players will be happy with their performances.”

The Jets team was set up with the support of The Crawley Ruby Club and Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR), following a series of taster-sessions runs by Crawley Rugby Club. The Jets aim to offer people the opportunity to get active, make friends and have fun while doing so.

Groves said: “Wheelchair rugby is often described as the most thrilling game you've never heard of. A clue to its uncompromisingly tough nature comes in its original name: murderball. Relentlessly fast and tactical enterprise, it is also quite often deafeningly loud, as the players' Mad Max-style reinforced wheelchairs clang into each other at high speed, occasionally pitching the occupant to the floor.

“But this sport is so fun, it's so fast, it's so aggressive. When people come they're generally shocked that we're smashing each other apart, basically."