VIDEO: Hawks wheelchair rugby bow proves a big hit at Plymouth Life Centre

GREAT Britain Wheelchair Rugby chiefs were encouraged by the size of support for Westcountry Hawks' first home game.

The newly formed Hawks hosted South Wales Pirates in a friendly at Plymouth Life Centre.

Hawks are proudly the only wheelchair rugby club in the South West and include players from across Devon and Cornwall.

Pirates are an established powerhouse of the British Wheelchair Rugby League and included on Saturday GB players David Anthony and captain Steve Brown, who starred at last summer's London Paralympics.

Pirates beat Hawks in the opening friendly at the Life Centre by two points before the two teams were mixed up for a second friendly, which fittingly ended in a draw.

A third friendly was then played and allowed spectators, who had turned out to support the event, to try the sport if they felt brave enough.

Many did, including Plymouth deputy lord mayor Chaz Singh.

David Pond, Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) chief executive, said: "We are delighted to welcome the Westcountry Hawks into the GBWR family and look forward to working with them.

"The creation of new clubs is vital to the development of the game.

"It was extremely encouraging to see such support and interest in the tournament in Plymouth."

Hawks have been buoyed themselves by the encouraging crowd who turned out to spectate at the Life Centre on Saturday.

Hawks train on Monday evenings at the Life Centre (6pm-7pm) and are keen for new players to join the club.