DORSET’S only wheelchair rugby team capped off a successful season with a series of games against a Great British side that competes internationally.

The Dorset Destroyers hosted Invictus Team UK at Rossmore Leisure Centre last Sunday.

The regional club split into two teams who each competed against the Invictus side before joining forces in one final match.

After both of the Dorset sides lost to the national team, their combined efforts were able to achieve a memorable single point victory.

Destroyers' chairman Nick Coombs was delighted that the club had the opportunity to play the side that will be competing in the Invictus Games in Toronto this September.

He said: "The best part was the experience of playing such highly skilled players who were so positive towards us and we had such a fantastic day.

"The Invictus Team were very complimentary about us and we did well, but obviously would have to loved to have won more.

"The effect of having the Invictus Team UK come to Dorset has been enormous, with lots of publicity for wheelchair rugby and the Invictus Games."

The Destroyers are building their reputation in the world of wheelchair rugby after finishing their second in their first ever season in the Division Three League and had to turn spectators away from the Invictus matches as the hall was at capacity.

The club are looking to organise a series of taster sessions across the county to develop the side and attract more players.

Craig Beasley recently became the Destroyers' captain and he feels that his teammates rose to the occasion against the Invictus side, which features wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and veterans.

"My first game was to take on one of the best teams in the world, but I thoroughly enjoyed the moment," Mr Beasley said.

"I had only been given the club captaincy a week earlier so this was going to be a difficult task, but the players did themselves proud."