THEY are British and European champions and they have picked up no fewer than 22 trophies in the their three short years in existence.

So how did the Wasps get their sting?

Well, four East Lancashire lads have played an integral part in the roller hockey side since its formation back in September 1999.

But how did Oliver Lomax, Chris Arnone, Daniel Etherington and Richard Bentham get their skates on.

Well lets go back to 1995 when Oliver, 13, from Blackburn started to follow ice hockey side Blackburn Hawks.

Dad Graham, who is the current coach of the Wasps said: "Oliver was mad keen on ice hockey so I dug out some old football boots and shin pads and he went along to one of the Hawks stick and puck sessions for beginners.

"There he was spotted by former Hawks coach Jim Pennycook who invited him to play for the Blackburn Merlins under 10s."

Oliver took to skates immediately and in his first league game at Solihull was voted Most Valuable Player.

Daniel, 13, from Clayton-le-Moors was also in the side and

Chris, 11, from Lower Darwen and Abbey Village's Richard,11, joined soon later. The introduction to roller hockey came by chance after a group of parents at Darwen Vale school invited Graham along to play.

He added: "For some reason this group were into roller hockey and I took the four lads along to get involved and the loved it."

The Darwen Devils were quickly formed and the club played friendly fixtures around the region's sports halls.

The club changed its name to Chorley Devils and joined the North West League playing matches at Blackpool's Stanley Park. However, a chance meeting with Blackpool coach Mick Caunce resulting in the formation of the all conquering West Coast Wasps we know today.

Graham said: "Mick liked what we were doing and he had some very good plans himself. We decided to take the nucleus of the Devils side and form the Wasps."

The Wasps first home was Darwen Leisure Centre from where they won the North West title in their first year.

The club, which now has sides at under 10s, 12s, 14s and 16s, moved to a purpose built roller rink in Blackpool the following year from where their success get better and better.

The future for all four now looks rosy and a Great Britain call-up and a possible appearance in the Olympics is a distinct possibility.

Graham added: "There is a GB under 16s side and I have no doubt that all four will eventually get a call up once the are old enough. There is also talk of making it an Olympic sport which is very exciting."

These are also exciting times for the West Coast Wasps and the club is always looking for new recruits. Graham added: "Blackpool is only up the road and I would love to see more East Lancashire youngster involved."

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