The Halifax Panthers claimed victory in the Wheelchair Super League Grand Final, defeating the London Roosters 42-32 in a fiercely contested match held at the Manchester Basketball Centre on March 15, 2024. This triumph marks another significant achievement for Halifax, who have consistently outperformed London in their encounters this season.
Both teams entered the final as fierce rivals, having faced each other multiple times throughout the year, including in the Challenge Cup final, which Halifax also won. The Panthers demonstrated their prowess once again, capitalizing on their previous victories over the Roosters, including a single defeat London suffered during the regular season—at the hands of Halifax.
The match began with an explosive start, highlighted by the performance of Halifax’s Jack Brown, who proved to be a dominant force. Just 15 years old, Casper Wass opened the scoring for London with a swift try, setting the stage for a dramatic contest. His impressive performance continued, as he eventually scored three tries, showcasing his remarkable talent.
Tensions escalated early in the match when Mason Billington of London received a yellow card for a reckless tackle on Halifax’s Rob Hawkins. This incident marked the first sin binning in Wheelchair Super League Grand Final history. Despite this setback, the physicality of the match remained a defining characteristic, with both teams exchanging hard hits and competitive plays.
Brown, undeterred by the physical nature of the game, responded to Billington’s earlier tackle with an outstanding display of skill. He scored a hat-trick in the first half, showcasing his ability to navigate through the London defense. His first try came after a clever pass from captain-coach Wayne Boardman, and he celebrated by holding a card that read, “It is what it is.”
Halifax established a commanding lead of 20-6 by the end of the first half. The Roosters managed to narrow the deficit to 28-16 thanks to a try from Lewis King, but Halifax quickly reasserted their dominance. Brown’s relentless drive saw him score again, further solidifying the Panthers’ control over the match.
As the final moments approached, Wass managed to score one last try for London, bringing them within ten points. Despite this, the Roosters could not overcome the Panthers’ lead, and Halifax sealed their victory with a series of well-executed plays.
Reflecting on the match, Brown expressed his appreciation for his teammates, stating, “You’re only as good as the team you’ve got around you. This is the most connected team I’ve played in. It just brings out the best in all of us.” His passion for the sport was evident, as he emphasized the camaraderie and dedication that defines the Halifax Panthers.
The Grand Final not only showcased the high level of competition in the Wheelchair Super League but also highlighted the spirit and resilience of the athletes involved. As the season concludes, the Halifax Panthers will look to build on this success, while the London Roosters will aim for redemption in the next season.
