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Australia Qualifies for Beijing Paralympics
The Australian Wheelchair Rugby team, the Steelers, secured its place at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games in the final of the Oceania Wheelchair Rugby Championships.
In a hard-hitting game, Australia not only defeated Canada 47-41, but also lifted its world ranking from sixth to second.
The Steelers undefeated run at the tournament ensured a confident Australian side at the starting tip off and an easy goal in the first minute. It was goal for goal in the first quarter until Australia’s excellent defence, big hits from star player Ryley Batt and good set plays allowed them to pull ahead by two goals (13-11) going into the break. The second quarter was equally tight, but Australia managed to break through Canada’s defence to push out to a 3 goal lead at half time (24-21).
Australia dominated the second half keeping a three point lead through the third quarter. Ryley Batt had another strong game and Captain Steve Porter showed his experience on the court with support from defenders Scott Vitale and Cameron Carr.
Pushing through the Australian defence, Canada scored the opening goal of the final quarter, but were no match for the cohesive Australian side and Australia finished the game comfortably six points in front.
Head Coach Brad Dubberley said: “This was a great result from a fantastic tournament. There is still more that we can do to improve towards Beijing but I’m very proud of the team and everything they have achieved this week.”
In the bronze medal game, New Zealand defeated Japan 41-37.
The Arrive Alive Oceania Wheelchair Rugby Championships 2007 at Sydney Olympic Park were the qualification event for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. Seven countries ( Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Canada, South Africa and Korea) took part in the competition, with only one team from our region guaranteed qualification.
The Australian team is:
Victoria: Bryce Alman, Shane Brand, Greg Smith, Nazim Erdem
NSW: Ryley Batt, Head Coach Brad Dubberley
QLD: Cameron Carr, Scott Vitale
SA: Steve Porter, Ryan Scott
WA: Grant Boxall, Team Manager Kim Ellwood
Team Annouced for Oceania QT
The Australian team for the Wheelchair Rugby Oceania Zone Championships 2007 - qualifying event for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games has been announced.
The Australian team will take on six countries, including reigning Paralympic Champions and world number two team, the New Zealand Wheelblacks at the State Sports Centre, Sydney Olympic Park, November 20-24.
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Japan, China, Canada, South Africa and Korea make up the rest of the competition.
The Australian Team is:
Victoria: Bryce Alman, Shane Brand, Nazim Erden, Greg Smith.
NSW: Ryley Batt, Coach Brad Dubberley
QLD: Cameron Carr, Patrick Ryan, Scott Vitale
SA: Steve Porter, Ryan Scott
WA: Grant Boxall, Team Manager Kim Ellwood
2007 Chris Handy Cup - Won by New Zealand Wheelblacks
Jennifer Hodge from the Australian Paralympic Committee reports the final game of the 2007 Chris Handy Cup saw Australian Wheelchair Rugby team, the Steelers, lose to the New Zealand Wheelblacks by a heartbreaking one point (37-38) on Saturday, 20th October 2007.
In front of large crowds each game in the five game series was close fought, a fact not evident in overall result, with the home team winning the series 4-1.New Zealand won the first two quarters 10-9, but the Australians fought back to tie the third quarter and win the final quarter 7-6.
Saturday's game was the last time the two traditional rival teams faced each other before the Oceania Zonal Championships qualifiers for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games in Sydney next month.The competition will see five countries (Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa and Korea) vie for one qualification spot*.New Zealand, as reigning Paralympic champions and the current world number two team, will go into the tournament as favourties. But with a home ground advantage, the Aussies will be hard to beat, despite their disappointment in New Zealand this week. Game 1: 32-39 won by NZ
Game 2: 22-33 won by NZ
Game 3: 36-38 won by NZ
Game 4: 44-36 won by Aust
Game 5: 37-38 won by NZ
* If the team misses out on the qualification slot from Oceania, they can still qualify for the Games by being one of the highest two teams on the world rankings list not already qualified. On current world rankings, Australia is likely to achieve qualification, but they will be out to make 100% certain of their place in November.
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