WORCESTER Rebels made history on Saturday by playing their first game as a club after being founded earlier this year.

After the demise of Worcester Jaguars, The Rebels were formed to continue what they started by bringing rugby league to Worcester.

Unfortunately for them, it was not to be a winning start but there was plenty of positives to take from what was a 'momentous' occasion according to head coach Alex Paynter. 

"Just getting this game on feels like a momentous moment for our club regardless of result. We’ve worked very hard to get to this point and our players should be proud of their efforts," he said.

"We’re looking to rebuild Rugby league’s reputation in Worcester and this was the best possible way to start this. I encourage any interested players or volunteers to get in touch and join us as the future is now bright."

Under the hot summer sun on Saturday, a hard-fought contest against gracious hosts N.E.W Ravens Rugby League saw a vast array of skill, power, speed and healthy competitiveness. The first half saw plenty of opportunities created and plenty of tries scored.

The second half began in the same spirit in which the first half ended. The intensity began to show as fitness levels began to wane. Unfortunately for the Rebels, NEW Ravens were able to exploit the newly created space expertly scoring three unanswered tries to record a 48-34 victory.

Despite the result, the good news story has to be the try scored by Liibaan Dable, who the club ‘unofficially’ believe may be the first man from Finland to score a try in a men’s rugby league game on these shores - and quite possibly across the whole world too!

The international vibe doesn’t stop at Liibaan. The club are captained by South African-born Aron Middleton, who is a former Worcester Warriors rugby union academy player. Vice-captain is Matthew Robinson, a former Sheffield Eagles academy man. Player-coach is Alex Paynter, who also works for Wales Rugby League on their men’s team backroom staff. 

The Rebels next game sees them host N.E.W Ravens at home, on grounds shadowed by Sixways Stadium on Saturday 10th June