RUGBY boots were ditched in favour of wheels when local sporting stars took part in a match with a difference.

Players from Darlington’s Mowden Park tackled a tough team of veterans and serving military personnel in a hard-fought tournament of wheelchair rugby.

The Help for Heroes Phoenix House Recovery Centre at Catterick gathered a team of wounded, injured and sick men and women for some tyre-squealing action against Mowden’s first XV.

And their bruising but good-natured encounter proved to be an inspirational eye-opener for both sides.

Mowden winger Jake Henry – who himself comes from a military background – said he found using the wheelchair hard work on his arms.

“It’s really demanding physically, especially on your upper arms,” he said.

However he added: “It’s an honour to play among people who have served their country and paid a great price for us.”

He was also left highly impressed by the work being done Phoenix House, adding: “It’s phenomenal and the facilities are second to none. Hopefully we will have more days like this where we can get involved too.”

Veteran Seveci Navelinikoro from Catterick served 12 years and was injured after the vehicle he was travelling in was blown up on November 2012..

Before his injuries, the 36-year-old used to play a lot of rugby and he said: “This brings me back to the sport. It’s a great work out. It’s very challenging as it’s hard to control the ball at the same time as the wheelchair.”

He added: “The help Phoenix House gives you is outstanding. They have helped me throughout my rehabilitation.”

Mowden Park’s managing director Lee Rust said it was a perfect event for the club to get involved with.

“Help for Heroes is a fantastic organisation and its staff do some inspirational work,” he added.

“The event has been a fantastic day for the players and their families and it has given our guys some perspective of how fortunate they are.”

Help for Heroes’ head of recovery, Mo Usman, said: “Wheelchair rugby is just one of many sports and activities which we offer to inspire, enable and support our wounded to achieve their potential.

“For our veterans and military personnel, meeting and playing with professional rugby players is a real boost to their confidence.

“The benefits are huge for their recovery - it’s the psychological and physical benefits of exercise as well as being part of a team.”