Stonnington's very own Unicorns champions of Victoria Wheelchair Rugby
Published on 23 June 2022
The Melbourne Unicorns Wheelchair Rugby Team are the champions of Victoria, after a 41-23 victory over Box Hill over the weekend.
Based at Orrong-Romanis Recreation Centre in Prahran, the Unicorns compete in the Protect Victoria Wheelchair Rugby Cup alongside three other teams.
After a six-match season, the Unicorns achieved a second-place ladder finish with two wins, two draws, and two losses.
They defeated Harlequins 34 to 32 in a close semi-final, before backing it up the following week in the final.
Melbourne Rugby Club President Tyrone Landsman said the win was a fantastic result for the club.
“It’s a credit to our wheelchair rugby team to prepare and compete week-in, week-out. As a club we’re really proud of their efforts.
“I’d like to thank Jason Lees and Max Reilly and the team at Disability Sport and Recreation as well as the families and carers that provide support and help get the team on the court on a weekly basis.”
Unicorns player, and 2020 Paralympic representative Shae Graham was awarded the MVP award for the season. Graham is the first (and so far, only) female athlete to represent Australia in wheelchair rugby.
The club’s season launch was hosted at their home ground in Prahran earlier this year and was highlighted as an example of a local sporting club providing inclusive sport opportunities in Stonnington.
As well as being based within Stonnington, Melbourne Rugby Club are a participating club in the Sport4All program, which gives clubs and schools support in becoming more disability inclusive.
Melbourne Rugby Club have previously partnered with Sense Rugby to provide a program for children with disability, allowing kids to build confidence and social connection by playing accessible rugby supported by allied health professionals.
Before the Unicorns turn their attention to their championship defence next year, they will take part in the Wheelchair Rugby National Championship on the Gold Coast from June 24 to 26.