The Netherlands claimed the IWRF European Division C Championship title after beating Russia in the final in Grosswallstadt in Germany today ©IWRF 2017 European Div. C Championship/Facebook

The Netherlands claimed the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF) European Division C Championship title after beating Russia in the final in Grosswallstadt in Germany today.

Having earlier registered a 52-45 win over Czech Republic in the semi-finals, the Dutch sealed their triumph by defeating the Russians 51-48 at the Business and Sporthotel Großwallstadt.

Russia reached the final by overcoming Israel 54-32.

The bronze medal match saw Czech Republic beat Israel 48-38.

The Netherlands beat Russia 51-48 in the final ©IWRF 2017 European Div. C Championship/Facebook
The Netherlands beat Russia 51-48 in the final ©IWRF 2017 European Div. C Championship/Facebook

By reaching the final, both The Netherlands and Russia have advanced to the 2018 IWRF Division B Championship at a location yet to be announced.

Russia had topped the round-robin group in Grosswallstadt, which set up their semi-final with fourth-place finishers Israel. 

Europe is the largest IWRF region with 17 active members and seven more developing the sport on a national level.

Great Britain won the elite European Championship title in Koblenz in Germany this year, beating Sweden 49-41 in the final on July 1.