Revenge is in the air for Bournemouth Lions Wheelchair Rugby Team Coach Rob Emery this weekend.
This Sunday is the first South West Development tournament for his side in preparation for the start of the Summer League on May 18 and 19.
Emery says it will be a great precursor for when the serious stuff gets underway in a fortnight’s time.
He said: “It is our first South West tournament this coming weekend, and on Sunday we face off against the West Country Hawks as well as the Bristol Bears.
“I expect both teams to give us some stiff competition - especially the Bears who have come on in leaps and bounds over the last couple of months.
“When we faced them at the end of January, they really gave us a good run for our money.
“We expect quite a lot from the Hawks too and we have not faced them since I think in the play offs in the Premiership last year, when they narrowly defeated us.
“So we will be looking to get a little bit of revenge on that.”
At this time of the year, players are usually doing all they can to stay in good shape ahead of the new campaign kicking off.
Emery says his charges will have some help in that department by taking on a Barbarians’ fours side for the first time in their history - making it another momentous occasion.
He added: “I’m also looking forward to some of our more traditional guys in the fours team getting the opportunity to play for the Barbarians’ side against the All Stars and giving them some much-needed game time in their off season, as they build towards the Super Series in the winter.
“But for now we are at the beginning of the Summer Series and we are looking forward to facing off against the Bears and the Hawks in preparation for the Premiership which takes place on May 17.
“If anybody wants to stay up to date with how the team is doing then check out the Facebook page.”

Images by Anthony Hayton Photography