The London Annihilators recently competed in the 27th Annual International Rugby Tournament held in Tampa, Florida. Competition included top-level wheelchair rugby talent from all over the United States (as well as the Quebec provincial team). The Annihilators came out flying and upset quite a few teams to finish 2nd overall despite the very strong field, losing only to #1-ranked Denver in a nail-biter of a finale.
The team was buoyed by the strong play of Matt Debly and Cody Caldwell, and the Annihilators would like to acknowledge all the fans who attended and really gave the team a home-court advantage.
Following the tourney in Florida, the Annihilators travelled to Phoenix, Arizona to play an equally strong field at the Heat Rave. Despite loaning out some key players to the Canadian National team (who was also in attendance), the Annihilators finished 4th at the event. David Willsie proved that age is just a number with his consistent strong play throughout the tournament, while Pico Dagenais kept up his excellent standard of play, logging huge minutes. Travis Murao, meanwhile, was also named to the all-tournament team.
It’s been a busy and successful year for the London Annihilators. The team is looking strong heading into the final stretch of the season, and their roster includes a record 9(!) players invited to the National Selection Camp held in Vancouver in March. Good luck Annihilators!
Submitted by London Annihilators Wheelchair Rugby
