West Mercia Police Men’s Rugby’s run to the semi-finals of a national competition has been a great experience, says their team manager.

The side was beaten in the last four of the Police Sports UK (PSUK) Shield on Wednesday (26 March) evening by a Thames Valley Police side that also included MoD and Northamptonshire Police officers and staff.

West Mercia led 7-5 at half-time of the game at Stratford Rugby Club, but a strong Thames Valley Police display in the second half saw them run out 59-12 winners.

They will face Nottinghamshire Police in the final at Sale FC Rugby’s Heywood Road on 23 April.

The two teams combine post game.

Detective Inspector Dave Knight, team manager and Federation member, said: “Getting to the semi-final was a great experience for everyone.

“We’ll take a lot from it as a team and build it into next season.

“Thank you to our supporters who made the trip to Stratford, especially our Chief Constable Richard Cooper.

“Of course it’s disappointing to go out, but congratulations to Thames Valley Police.

Training

“They were a really good team and we wish them well in the final.”

Dave is looking to extend the season into the early part of the summer by entering the team into a touch rugby tournament in May or June.

Training for next season will start later in the summer, and Dave has urged anyone who wants to be involved in the team, as a player or backroom staff, to contact him.

“If you want to get a feel for the sport then please give me a shout,” he said. “We are particularly keen to have anyone on board who has any sports physio or first aid experience as our physio costs are really starting to add up through the season.”

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