SEND Spiders have come out on top in the first ever Vale Boccia League.

The league, run by the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s sport development department in partnership with a number of local organisations, was made up of nine Boccia teams including the Boccia Rollers, Hengoleg Day Centre, Scope Sully Skills Development Centre, SEND and Woodlands Day Centre.

The teams competed against each other over 10 weeks with the SEND Spiders eventually coming out on top.

Following the league games, the top four progressed into semi-finals, with the winners playing in the final. It was contested between SEND Spiders and the Vale Boccia League stalwarts Boccia Rollers with the SEND Spiders winning despite a terrific comeback by the Boccia Rollers.

Cllr Gwyn John, cabinet member for visible, leisure and regulatory services, attended the final to watch the matches and present medals and trophies.

Talking at the event he said: “Congratulations to the SEND spiders, on winning the Vale Boccia league. Sport should be accessible to all and my thanks are extended to all the volunteers who organise matches, provide transport and keep scores. Without them the league would not be possible.”

The sad death of two of the longest serving players in the Boccia League earlier this year inspired the creation of awards celebrating their past participation. Scope Superstars won the Dean Evans Team Spirit Award for their outstanding attitude throughout the league and Abbie Kenshole won the Dilwyn Williams Individual Sportsmanship Award for her inspiring performances.

Simon Jones, disability sport wales development officer said: “It’s excellent to welcome new teams to the Boccia League with SEND Spiders and Scope Spiders having a very successful first year. All the teams performed admirably throughout the League with some excellent individual performances. The future for Boccia in the Vale is looking very good.”

Anyone interested in participating in Boccia should contact Simon Jones, disability sport wales development officer on 01446 704728, or by emailing sljones@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.