In an action packed 2013 GIO National Wheelchair Rugby Championships (NWRC), the Suncorp QLD Cyclones arose victorious and claimed their second NWRC Title also being the champions in 2012.Tournament runners-up Victoria Protect Thunder played valiantly and were strong opponents but only one team could go on to win the cup and in the end QLD proved worthy Champions
Captain Ben Newton was ecstatic with the win, “It’s a fantastic experience to win this year’s National Championships. Our team worked very hard throughout the last two tournaments to prepare for the nationals and our dedication has paid off. Our team performed at their best during the finals games when we needed to step up a level which was great. Our defence was solid throughout and we followed through by consistently scoring points. Victoria was in top form and a difficult team to beat. Playing against such formidable opposition makes us even more proud to have won the Championship Title. It’s a great finish to the 2013 season.”
All five teams fought valiantly at the 2013 NWRC, with many a rummage during the tournament. It could have been anyone’s victory with a fantastic line up from all involved which made the tournament unpredictable and all the more exciting.
Even though the Suncorp QLD Cyclones were not considered favourites for the tournament, this did not stop their thirst for success when they took out the Grand Final in a decisive 63 - 48 win against Victoria Protect Thunder. The team was determined that 2013 was going to be another great year and arose victorious through tight teamwork and strategic plays. Chris Bond, this season’s Most Trusted Player was exceptional, constantly breaking through the opposition’s defence and taking the ball across the goal line.
Runners-up Victoria Protect Thunder were perennial underdogs for the tournament, with the big three NSW, QLD and NZ favourites to lift the title. Regardless, this is a side who earnt their way into the Grand Final with on court talent such as Josh Hose, Jason Ellery and Matt Ingram all leading the line. This power team taught their previous competitors a few new tricks and the meaning of aggressive defence defeating the GIO NSW Gladiators in the semi final.
Overall, it was a superb Grand Final with the final score not being indicative of the close quarters that were played. Even though NSW was the home team the QLD contingent had a strong support base and it felt like a home crowd. Credit must go to both teams for not only a great game, but also great sportsmanship in the manner the game was played.
If this event was big on its own it was enhanced by the support of a true Rugby Union legend in the shape of Stirling Mortlock. As the ambassador Sterling was everywhere playing in the exhibition game, doing guest commentary and also raffling off a Wallabies jersey. “It’s great for me to be the ambassador for the 2013 GIO NWRC. This is truly a unique event which takes the physicality levels to new heights. I played rugby union for 15 years at the highest level but wheelchair rugby is just as tough. Congratulations to all teams for a great tournament”.
The Bronze Medal match was a tough dual between Vero New Zealand Te Waka Hou and the GIO NSW Gladiators. Without the leadership of Ryley Batt, players such as Curtis Palmer and rookie Andrew Holloway fought valiantly to close the gap with the power and pace of Barney Konerferisi and the goal scoring acumen of Dan Buckingham. In the end though New Zealand broke to a clear lead in the last quarter of play and finished the match with a decisive win 62 – 40.
The League Executive acknowledges the 2013 NWRC sponsors, the Australian Sports Commission and GIO for their support, and gratitude to hosting organisation Wheelchair Sports NSW. Due to GIO’s generous support the 2013 NWRC was able to be hosted at the internationally esteemed Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre and broadcasted live via web. The 2013 Championships will be replayed through Aurora Community Channel on Foxtel in coming weeks.
GIO’s commitment to wheelchair rugby and a number of other Wheelchair Sports NSW programs has resulted in the hosting of international and national disability sporting events of the highest quality and this National Championships has been no different.“Congratulations to all the teams for a brilliant 2013 National Wheelchair Rugby Championships. Special thanks to all the players, coaches, officials and volunteers who make wheelchair rugby in Australia possible. It has been a marvellous finish and we’re looking forward to an amazing 2014 season.” Matt Kayrooz, Executive Manager, GIO CTP Portfolio.
GIO National Wheelchair Rugby Championships Results
Semi Final 1
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Suncorp QLD Cyclones
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58
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def.
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Vero New Zealand Te Waka Hou
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49
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Semi Final 2
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Victoria Protect Thunder
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59
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def.
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GIO NSW Gladiators
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46
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Bronze Medal
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Vero New Zealand Te Waka Hou
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62
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def.
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GIO NSW Gladiators
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40
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Gold Medal
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Suncorp QLD Cyclones
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63
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def.
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Victoria Protect Thunder
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48
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2013 NWRC Awards
2013 NWRC Champions
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Suncorp QLD Cyclones
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2013 NWRC 2nd Place
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Victoria Protect Thunder
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2013 NWRC 3rd Place
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GIO NSW Gladiators
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2013 NWRC Best Referee
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Terry Vinyard
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2013 NWRC GIO Most Trusted Player
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Chris Bond - Suncorp QLD Cyclones
Barney Konerferisi - Vero New Zealand Te Waka Hou
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2013 NWRC Best New Talent
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Daniel Holt – GIO NSW Gladiators
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2013 NWRC All Star Four
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Chris Bond - Suncorp QLD Cyclones
Ryley Batt – GIO NSW Gladiators
Nazim Erdem – Victoria Protect Thunder
Gavin Rolton – Vero New Zealand Te Waka Hou
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The Sir Ludwig Guttman Award
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Darryl Wingard
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2013 NWRC Finals TV Coverage
Aurora Community Channel - Foxtel Channel 183
If you missed all the action on the weekend, stay tuned for the 2013 NWRC Finals will be televised on Aurora Community Channel. Catch the Championship Game in detailed action and highlights of the Bronze medal game. Airing will start in two weeks and will be broadcasted multiple times in the second half of this year. The television broadcast has been made possible by GIO and Disability Sports Australia.
Screening Times
August
Saturday 31st 12:30pm
September
Sunday 1st 8:00pm
Tuesday 3rd 11:30am
Wednesday 4th 4:00pm
Thursday 5th 5:00am
Monday 9th 9:00pm
Tuesday 10th 3:00am
Wednesday 11th 11:00pm
Saturday 14th 2:30pm
Friday 20th 4:00pm
Monday 23rd 10:00pm
International Day of People with Disability
Tuesday 3rd December 9:30pm December
Photo supplied by Serena Photography. For more great photos and purchases please visit http://serenaphotography.photoshelter.com/
For more information:
Visit www.nwrl.sportingpulse.net for the latest information on results.
Disability Sports Australia
02 8116 9720
info@sport.org.au
Last Modified on 29/08/2013 14:01