12th September 2014

ALL THE ACTION IN THE WHEELCHAIR RUGBY LIVE FROM THE QUEEN ELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARK'S COPPER BOX ARENA

12 September 2014

20:45 – One final chant of 'We are Invictus' from the British team. The best way to sign off from a wonderful day.

20:40 – Prince Harry is on hand to dish out the medals for Great Britain and a few hugs along the way too.

All three winning teams have been fantastic today but so have New Zealand, Australia and Italy.

A proud moment for all involved and the ovations they have received throughout the day are a testament to how successful these Games have been so far.

There are more than a few teary-eyed spectators who have been visibly moved by the inspirational stuff on display.

20:21 – Pippa Middleton watches on as the British team applaud their fans.

Magnificent end to the wheelchair rugby. They definitely saved the best to last and that was a sporting event to rival anything.

What a day of action here at the Copper Box and what an astonishing end to day two of the Invictus Games.

20:18 - The Copper Box errupts. Great Britain have done it. The gold medal is theirs.

20:18 - Charlie Walker gives Britain the lead with 15 seconds left!

20:17 - Nail-biting stuff. 12-12 with one minute left.

20:15 – Chants of 'GB' reverberate around the Copper Box as Great Britain lead by one going into the final three minutes.

Charlie Walker has been sensational again but this is a real team effort. Can the Brits hold on?

20:08 – Absolutely incredible first half here and there is nothing between the two teams with the scores 7-7 at the break.

This could go either way and in ten minutes one of these two teams will be crowned champions.

19:47 – Next up it's the big one. Great Britain against the USA with the gold medal on the line.

The USA have enjoyed a great reception all day but they will be up against it if they want to win this crowd over.

There are Union Jacks littering the Copper Box and there is a definite buzz of anticipation ahead of the final.

This is going to be huge.

19:38 – The Jaguar Land Rover exhibition match medal ceremony has just taken place and USA's Ryan McIntosh collects the IAM trophy.

It's passed along the line with everyone taking their turn to celebrate and Jonny Wilkinson says he feels privileged to be part of the Invictus Games.

“I'm delighted to win but I'm just honoured to have been a part of this,” he said.

“I can feel myself getting pumped up and I'm inspired already.

“The crowds here are bringing the atmosphere and making it what it is. So a huge thank you to everyone for being a part of this.”

19:26 – It's victory for Prince Harry and Team Invictus as they seal an 8-6 win over Team Endeavour!

19:21 – Australian Dennis Ramsay is sent to the sin bin and it's not the first time he's been in there tonight.

Endeavour took full advantage of the extra player and pulled within one thanks to Dame Kelly Holmes.

But Jonny Wilkinson is still smiling as his side immediately restore their two-score advantage.

However, Prince Harry is sent to the sin bin and is playing the villain much to the amusement of the Copper Box.

Can Endeavour capitalise?

19:16 – Jonny Wilkinson is all smiles as his side take a 5-3 lead into the break.

Prince Harry opened the scoring within the first ten seconds and the Copper Box shook as the crowd showed their appreciation to the Games' champion.

Dame Kelly Holmes had the chance to record an early score for Team Endeavour but a huge hit from James Roberts put an end to that.

With just two scores in it can Sir Clive Woodward show his old pupil how it's done?

19:06 – USA's Ryan McIntosh, Denmark's Dennis Dencker and Australia's Dennis Ramsay make up the rest of Team Invictus.

And Team Endeavour is rounded off by Great Britain's Ben Steele, Italy's Marco Iannuzzi and New Zealand's Bill Blakely.

This is the perfect warm up for the final and the crowd can't believe their luck. Every name is greeted with a thunderous roar.

Lets just hope no one loses their voice!

19:00 – There's not long to go now before the Jaguar Land Rover special exhibition match and it will be Team Invictus against Team Endeavour.

Team Invictus will be managed by World Cup winning rugby star Jonny Wilkinson and coached by Paul Shaw.

As well as some of today's competitors Team Invictus will feature Prince Harry, former England rugby player Jason Robinson, Zara Tindall MBE, and Great Britain pro James Roberts.

Team Endeavour meanwhile will be managed by Sir Clive Woodward and is coached by Justin Frishberg.

And they will feature Great Britain pro Ayaz Bhuta, former England captain Mike Tindall, and Olympic gold medallists Denise Lewis and Dame Kelly Holmes.

18:35 – There's the hooter! Denmark take the bronze medal after a 13-8 win!

The Danish fans are waving their flags and the team throw their arms in the air before heading straight over to acknowledges their Australian counterparts.

Great achievement for both sides to make it this far and put on such a great spectacle.

Australian skipper Tony Benfer gets a huge cheer as he tips Great Britain for gold later on and he isn't too disappointed with the loss.

“To get this far in the competition is far beyond our expectations,” he said.

“This is Invictus, I AM. We are so happy to be here, thank you all.”

18:21 – We've got another close match here and the bronze medal is still well and truly up for grabs.

The Australians started the stronger of the two sides but were unable to keep the tempo up for the full ten minutes and the Danes came back to take a 7-5 lead into the break.

17:55 – It's fifth place for New Zealand after they edge out Italy 14-10 in a close encounter.

Both teams are elated after the hooter as they take a lap of honour and the looks of joy on the faces of the players as their tournament comes to an end is clear to see.

Next up is the bronze medal match as Denmark go up against Australia.

The Danes were desperately close to making the final after losing to the USA by one point in the semi-final.

Maurice Manuel (below) has been incredible for Denmark so far and they will be looking to him again as they seek to clinch the first medal of the wheelchair rugby.

17:44 – There's been an abundance of tweets coming in from the audience throughout the day that have been shown on the big screen.

The messages of support and the enthusiasm for the Invictus Games is incredible.

The event is using the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and it has already generated a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country.

17:41 – It's the halfway point of the opening match in the evening session and so far it's a tight affair.

Both teams are intent on attacking and there's nothing between them with the scores tied at 6-6 going into the second period.

17:24 – With the Italians getting ready for their final match of the day Monica Graziana Contrafatto (below right) spoke of her joy at having the chance to compete at the Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover.

“It's beautiful to compete in front of so many people,” she said.

“It's the first time that we are competing in something like this, and it's very exciting because we have a lot of people around and you can feel the roar and the atmosphere here today.”

17:13 – It's the final countdown before the evening session of the wheelchair rugby gets going.

New Zealand take on Italy in the first match at 17:30 before Denmark and Australia do battle for the bronze medal.

There's a special exhibition match coming up and then the small matter of Great Britain against the USA to decide who takes home gold.

15:25 – It was a much better display from Australia in the second period but Great Britain triumph 16-6 meaning they will compete with USA for the gold medal in tonight's evening session.

That match brings the afternoon session to a close and we have seen some unbelievable matches ahead of the final four games as Prince Harry and the Mayor of London cross the court to congratulate the Brits.

The final will surely be one for the ages but the bronze medal match between Australia and Denmark promises to be a juicy encounter with Maurice Manuel going head-to-head with Australia's Dennis 'The Menace' Ramsay.

And if that wasn't enough some famous faces will take to the court in a special exhibition match.

15:14 – It looks like Great Britain might have peaked at just the right time as they rack up 12 scores in the first-half and concede just three.

Australia are up against it in this one and it will take something really special to come back from this.

Meanwhile, The Mayor of London Boris Johnson is in attendance and has just addressed the crowd.

“We are doing amazing and I'm even starting to feel sorry for the Australians," he said.

“These Games show that London is the world capital of sport and the home of the most fantastic displays of human spirit.

“We did it in 2012 and we are doing it again here.”

14:58 – There's barely time to catch your breath here as Great Britain and Australia make their way onto court.

But we caught up with USA's Jacob Rich after his side made it to the final who admitted the chance to play at the Copper Box is one he is not going to forget in a hurry.

“It's a once in a lifetime experience, I feel like I'm in the NFL or playing soccer in the Premier League or something like that,” he said.

14:47 – What a match! The USA snatch a 14-13 win and will go for gold but Denmark pushed them all the way.

A dramatic match and the Copper Box is on its feet. The teams embrace and line up to shake hands after what was a thrilling encounter.

Everything the Invictus Games is about was embodied out there. Hard-hitting action, exhilarating sport and a great spirit from both sides.

Hang on to you hats because next up Great Britain take on Australia in semi-final number two.

14:33 – We've got a game on our hands here as USA lead 8-6 at the break.

Two of the star players of the competition so far are going head-to-head in USA's Ryan McIntosh an Denmark's Maurice Manuel.

So far it's McIntosh who is coming out on top but Manuel is looking dangerous and this one could go either way in the second period.

14:22 – The USA and Denmark are out on court and the first semi-final is about to get under way.

The Americans have been in fine form so far today and have to considered favourites but can the Danes cause a major upset?

Whatever happens this event has used the power of sport to show what is possible in the face of adversity and it's an honour to watch.

14:07 – There's a huge ovation for Charlie Walker after the match and, with the pool stage complete, the line up for the semi-finals has been confirmed.

The USA will take on Denmark in the first match at 14:20 and Great Britain will clash with Australia in a mouth-watering encounter at 14:55.

14:01 – That was not a match for the faint hearted with some huge hits from both sides.

New Zealand gave it a real go in the second half but Great Britain produced a solid team performance to win 16-8.

That's top spot in Pool B confirmed for Great Britain so they will avoid meeting the USA until the final. What a match that could be.

13:48 – Peter Mason-Smith is the star for New Zealand so far and has three scores and an assist to his name.

But Great Britain are looking strong and Charlie Walker is proving influential again as his side lead 10-5 at the break.

13:45 – Peter Mason-Smith (below) is trying his best to keep New Zealand in this one but Great Britain have pulled ahead and it's 6-2 to the home side midway through the first period.

13:38 – The Kiwis bring the Copper Box to a stand still as they perform the Haka – a traditional ancestral war cry.

What a sight and it's enough to give you chills. Everyone is up for this one and the excitement is palpable.

13:32 – As the next teams get ready for action an 'Invictus wave' sweeps around the Copper Box and that makes way for a slow motion wave. Party time here at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

And speaking of parties the Copper Box had a roof this morning but it's just been blown off as Great Britain made their way on court to take on New Zealand.

Charlie Walker showed his class during Britain's opening match and everyone here is hoping he can repeat that performance as the home side try to secure top spot in Pool B.

13:23 – The Americans were relentless out there and sealed a 22-4 win but the Italians fought all the way and the Copper Box erupted as they broke away to snatch a score.

The decibel levels hit new heights in that match and we are still in the pool games.

There are so many inspiring stories on court as we watch mothers, fathers, husbands and wives who put their lives on the line, suffered life-changing injuries but refused to be beaten.

13:12 – The Italians did well to respond with a score early on but the Americans are really showing what they are about and lead at the break 12-1.

British manager Mike Spence said that he was looking for gold here but his side are going to have their work cut out for them if they want to beat the USA.

It's like the Americans have built a wall in front of their goal and Monica Graziana Contrafatto keeps crashing into it. She sees the funny side though and is giving as good as she gets.

13:04 – And blistering it is with Ryan McIntosh getting the opening score within 15 seconds.

The Italians take the ball and respond instantly but before you can say Invictus Games the Americans score and then score again. 3-1 after two minutes. Amazing stuff.

12:56 – There' a countdown on the big screen and peeking down the tunnel you can see the Italians banging their wheelchairs to get pumped up for this one.

The Americans looking like they mean business here as they are led out by Ryan McIntosh. Expect a blistering start to this one.

12:45 – The Americans and the Italians are out on court and warming up for their match.

It's hard to turn away because every time you do there's a thunderous bang and you know there's been a huge crash.

Meanwhile, it's kisscam time on the big screen and there's some rather red-faced spectators.

12:23 – Doors are open for the 1pm start at the Copper Box and fans are in for a treat with the USA, who were so impressive in their opening match against Australia, up first against the Italians.

It was an big turnout for the 08:30 start this morning and we are expecting many more through the doors this afternoon to sample the game of wheelchair rugby.

Originally called 'murderball' when it was started in 1976 the sport has to be seen to be believed with teams constantly crashing into each other in fast and frantic matches.

The Invictus Games take their name from the Latin word for 'unconquered' and if ever there was a sport that epitomised that it is wheelchair rugby.

11:57 – Ahead of the afternoon session we caught up with Great Britain manager Mike Spence and he was upbeat about his side's chances.

“I think we did pretty well in our opening game against Denmark - it was tough because most of our players hadn't experienced anything like this before but I'm very pleased with their performance," he said.

“The gold medal is what we want whether we get it or not will be up to me and my players - we're going for gold.”

10:52 – The morning session comes to a close with Denmark picking up an important 17-10 win over New Zealand.

It's been a morning of crashes and big hits in the wheelchair rugby and there will be two final pool matches in the afternoon before the semi-finals get under way.

And don't forget that there will be a host of famous faces including Prince Harry taking part in a special exhibition match at 19:08 this evening.

10:40 – It's been a difficult start for New Zealand and they trail 11-4 at the interval.

Denmark's Maurice Manuel has been the key component and has demonstrated a huge repertoire of skills in the first ten minutes to open up a comfortable lead for his side.

10:25 – The Kiwi supporters are in the house and there are a few giant flags being waved as the teams make their way out for this crucial match.

Both teams could do with a win here after the Danes lost their opener to Great Britain and New Zealand still yet to face the home side.

10:20 – Short break before Denmark and New Zealand meet in the second Pool B match of the day.

In the meantime the camera pans around the audience and everyone is being asked to stand up and give their best salute for the big screen.

Some great efforts and some not so great efforts but plenty of laughs.

10:15 – Australia manage to seal the win despite Ramsay's absence and beat the Italians by 11-6.

That's one win and a loss for the Australians and they will be back later with their new star who the announcer has just nicknamed Dennis 'The Menace' Ramsay.

Ramsay said: “My tactic was to get sent to the sin bin and have a rest and let my team play.

“I'm so proud of them but I want to say thank you to everyone for turning up today and giving us your support.”

10:12 – Dennis Ramsay gets sent to the sin bin for a second straight foul and flexes his muscles to the crowd as he makes his way to the sidelines.

All smiles from Ramsay and a great reception from the crowd who respond to his theatrics.

10:01 – It's a tight game and the Australians have just about managed to get themselves ahead and lead 6-3 at the break after a late flurry.

Some nice place so far but the highlight has to be Australia's Dennis Ramsay smashing into Italy's Loreto Di Loreto. Both players laughed had a quick chat and then got on with the game.

The great spirit of yesterday's athletics looks like it has carried across to today.

09:45 – Prime Minister David Cameron is in attendance at the Copper Box and watched on next to Prince Harry as Great Britain won their opening match.

The Australians are back on court now looking to make up for their defeat against USA by taking on Italy.

09:25 – A real back and forth match comes to a close with Great Britain taking a 20-15 win and Charlie Walker looking like a real star for the Brits.

Everything went through Walker and he really made the difference and could help propel the home side to tonight's finals.

The Union Jacks are flying here at the Copper Box as the Brits do a lap off honour before heading off to prepare for their next match with New Zealand at 13:35.

09:19 – The Invictus Games are being organised with the support and backing of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry and the Ministry of Defence.

And fans at the Copper Box will be in for a treat later when Prince Harry takes to the court in a special exhibition match.

Meanwhile, it's half-time in Britain's match with Denmark and the score is 10-8 after the opening ten minutes.

09:11 – Next up is Great Britain's opening match against Denmark and it's a heroes welcome for the Brits who went through some pretty serious warm-up drills before getting the action going.

All teams have two minutes to warm-up on court and each period is ten minutes long with a one minute break at half-time.

Britain get off to a strong start and have raced to a 4-1 lead within the first two minutes.

08:57 – First on court are Team USA who got off to a blistering start against the Australians.

The first period finished 7-1 with the Australians drawing the loudest cheer so far after scoring just before the half-time hooter.

But the Americans continued their impressive start in the second period and showed why they might be the team who take gold in tonight's final after easing to a 14-4 victory.

The Copper Box is slowly filling up and it's not even 9am, by the end of proceedings it's sure to be rocking.

08:45 – The Invictus Games presented by Jaguar Land Rover is well under way after a spectacular start to proceedings during yesterday's athletics at Lee Valley Athletics Centre.

Today the attention turns to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and first up is an early start for the wheelchair rugby at The Copper Box Arena.

For the uninitiated wheelchair rugby is truly one of the most exhilarating sports in the world and sees teams of four take to the court in fast and furious encounters.