The Australian Steelers have sent a resounding warning to their rivals ahead of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, by sealing a five-nil series victory over Japan in Sydney.
After winning the opening three clashes at the Sydney Olympic Park State Sports Centre, the Australians claimed game four of the series 47-44 and then ensured a clean sweep with an emphatic 61-55 triumph in game five.
With both teams ranked in the world’s top three, the Australians (ranked second) showed they will certainly be hard to stop in their bid for a position in the London 2012 gold medal game.
The Japanese team, ranked three, were highly fancied to threaten the Steelers for the series crown but just could not find an answer to Australia’s potent line-up.
In game four, the Australians led at every change with Chris Bond (18 goals), Ryley Batt (13 goals) and Andrew Harrison (four goals) doing the bulk of the scoring on the way to their three-goal win.
Then facing a clean-sweep, Japan came out all guns blazing in the final game and converted their 15-13 quarter time lead into a 30-28 half-time advantage.
But that’s where the comeback ended as the Australians went on an attacking blitz in the third quarter by out-scoring Japan 19-9 to take a 47-39 lead in the last break.
From there the Australians cruised home, with Josh Hose (seven goals) and co-captains Ryan Scott (three goals) and Cameron Carr (three goals) all offering outstanding attacking support of powerhouse duo Bond (20 goals) and Batt (19 goals).
Australia will now set its sights on the Canada Cup in June before the London Paralympic Games begin on August 29.
Game 4: AUS 47 – JPN 44
(Australian goal scorers: Chris Bond 18, Ryley Batt 13, Andrew Harrison 4, Cameron Carr 3, Ben Newton 3, Josh Hose 2, Cody Meakin 2, Greg Smith 2)
Game 5: AUS 61 – JPN 55
(Australian goal scorers: Chris Bond 20, Ryley Batt 19, Greg Smith 3, Ryan Scott 3, Andrew Harrison 2, Ben Newton 2, Cameron Carr 1)
Australia v Japan
International Wheelchair Rugby Test Series
Sydney Olympic Park State Sports Centre
4-5 May 2012
Friday, 4 May
Game 1: AUS 63 – JPN 47
Game 2: AUS 63 – JPN 60
Game 3: AUS 55 – JPN 54
Saturday, 5 May
Game 4: AUS 47 – JPN 44
Game 5: AUS 61 – JPN 55
Article extracted from the Australian Paralympic Committee. To read the story in full please visit http://www.paralympic.org.au/news/australia-sweeps-japan-wheelchair-rugby-series
Last Modified on 08/05/2012 09:05