Para Lions finish second in Powerchair tournament

England’s Powerchair team finished as runners-up to host nation France in an international tournament in Troyes in October.

The Para Lions competed against France, Denmark, Belgium and two regional French team at the tournament, as well as playing in five warm-up games ahead of the competition.

England opened up the tournament with a 4-0 win over Denmark, as David Lewis scored his first international goal along with a brace from Common and another from Bolding.

When Colin Gordon’s team followed that up with a 3-0 win against Denmark thanks to strikers from Common, Bolding and Marcus Harrison, that secured top spot in the group to set up a semi-final clash with the Ile de France representative team.

A hat trick from Bolding and another goal from Common earned another 4-0 win in that game to see the Para Lions take their place in the Final against France, their first meeting with Les Bleus in an international tournament since beating them on penalties in the European Championship Final back in 2019.

And it was another close contest against the current world champions with the game going to extra time before France sealed a 3-2 win to take the title.

The squad will be back together next March as they continue their preparation and build-up to next October's World Cup in Sydney.

England Squad: Chris Gordon, Dylan Kelsall, Daniel Rigby, Marcus Harrison, Jon Bolding, David Lewis, Ed Common, Lewis Harris

Head coach: Colin Gordon

Photos were provided and taken by England's Dylan Kelsall. You can find out more about his work on his social media accounts: 

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