An action packed National Wheelchair Rugby Series (NWRS) Tournament 2 saw plenty of great plays and hard hits. Previous tournament winners Victoria Protect Thunder were back to try and solidify their position as the best team in the country, but with all four teams fighting valiantly and with many a rummage during the tournament, it could have been anyone’s victory with a fantastic line up from all the teams.
The NWRS Tournament 2 saw four teams participate, being the GIO NSW Gladiators, QLD Wheelchair Rugby Team, The Enforcers and Victoria Protect Thunder. All teams fought with gusto and passion with heads held high and pride etched on the player’s faces after it was all said and done.
The first round set the tempo with The Enforcers signalling their intentions right from the start with three first round victories placing them first on the ladder. The GIO NSW Gladiators took on Victoria in their first game of the tournament in a tight fought battle and were able to come away with a great win 45 - 42, unfortunately they lost their last two matches placing them third overall. QLD strung two victories together after their first game lost to The Enforcers and Victoria recorded three losses pushing them down the ladder to fourth going into the semi finals.
After six games it came to the final four with the 1st semi final pitting QLD Wheelchair Rugby Team against the GIO NSW Gladiators finishing up 67 – 40 to QLD. The 2nd semi final featured Victoria Protect Thunder facing the unbeaten Enforcers. As in the previous match The Enforcers got the better of Victoria 66 – 56 to advance to the final. It's safe to say that many of the rookie players took some of the biggest hits of their careers in these semi final games.
The bronze medal playoff was a clash of two strong rivalling states but once again the NSW Gladiators would repeat their feats of the first round. After a slow start in the first period by NSW, the team dug deep and came away with a strong win over a valiant Victorian side 54 – 47.
The Grand Final was an all out affair between QLD and The Enforcers with both sides eager to lift the trophy. The game featured an exciting mix of big hits and spectacular tumbles as both teams battled for supremacy. Queensland were trailing 27 - 29 at half-time but strong defence and poise kept them in touch after the break. The Enforcers gradually extended their lead throughout the second half as the Queensland players struggled to contain Enforcers Captain Ryley Batt, with the final score ending 63 – 49 to top off a perfect record for The Enforcers as Tournament 2 winners.
Congratulations to all involved for putting together a great tournament and a special thanks to all the players, coaches, officials and volunteers who make Wheelchair Rugby in Australia possible.
2013 NWRC Tournament 2 Results
Semi Final 1
|
QLD Wheelchair Rugby Team
|
67
|
def.
|
GIO NSW Gladiators
|
40
|
Semi Final 2
|
The Enforcers
|
66
|
def.
|
Victoria Protect Thunder
|
56
|
Bronze Medal
|
GIO NSW Gladiators
|
54
|
def.
|
Victoria Protect Thunder
|
47
|
Gold Medal
|
The Enforcers
|
63
|
def.
|
QLD Wheelchair Rugby Team
|
49
|
Written by Luke Cevolani
Last Modified on 01/07/2013 18:12