In a positive sign of things to come for Australian wheelchair rugby, the Steelers have tasted sweet victory at the Paralympic wheelchair rugby venue in London.
Last night the Steelers sent a message to the rest of the world that they mean business, thumping home side Great Britain by 23 goals to win the final of the London International Invitational Wheelchair Rugby Tournament, 71-48.
“We embarrassed Great Britain big time tonight in front of everyone with the USA, Japan, Sweden, Canada, Belgium and their home crowd all watching,” said Australian Wheelchair Rugby Head Coach Brad Dubberley.
“To win by 23 goals is a fantastic achievement. In the second quarter we won 23-10 with our ‘Beauty and the Beast’ line-up of Ryley Batt, Chris Bond, Naz Erdem andRyan Scott.”
In the play-off for third and fourth, world number five Canada defeated reigning European champions Sweden 50-48.
With the smell of Australian victory now imprinted on the Basketball Arena at Olympic Park, the team heads home for a five game test series against Japan in Sydney next month.
London 2012 Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Test Event
Wed 18 / Thurs 19 April 2012
Sweden v Great Britain: 36-48
Australia v Canada: 56-52
Sweden v Australia: 48-65
Canada v Great Britain: 62-63
Thu 19 / Fri 20 April 2012
Australia v Great Britain: 51-52
Sweden v Canada: 61-48
3rd v 4th Play-off Game: Canada v Sweden: 50-48
1st v 2nd Final Game: Australia v Great Britain: 71-48
Article extracted from the Australian Paralympic Committee. To read the full article please visit http://www.paralympic.org.au/news/australia-bulldozes-great-britain-home-soil
Last Modified on 08/05/2012 09:05