Rollers Take Out International Challenge

by noelrr
22/07/2012

The Australian Men's Wheelchair Basketball team (Rollers) has captured the Gold Medal in the men's division of the 2012 Rollers & Gliders World Challenge, which was held over the past week at the State Sports Centre, Homebush.

The Rollers defeated Great Britain 70-64 to not only win the gold medal but also complete a clean sweep of victories over their opponents from the Old Dart, in both this tournament and during one of the warm-up games.

Australia's big three of Justin Eveson, Shaun Norris and Brad Ness were by far the most dominant players for the home team throughout the tournament.

Eveson had 18 points and 6 boards in the grand final, ahead of Ness with 16 points and 9 boards and Norris with 16 points.

Terry Bywater led the way for Great Britain during the grand final, finishing with a personal tally of 23 points and 11 boards.

Australia's men's team now heads to the 2012 London Paralympic Games, where they will undoubtedly take up hostilities once again with Great Britain – but this time on the Brits' home court.

WARM-UP GAMES: Great Britain 80 def Emerging Rollers 42; Great Britain 78 def Emerging Rollers 47; Japan 63 def Emerging Rollers 46; Australian Rollers 67 def Great Britain 63.

PRELIMINARY ROUNDS: Australian Rollers 67 def Japan 47; Great Britain 55 def Japan 41; Australian Rollers 60 def Great Britain 37; Australian Rollers 75 def Japan 61; Australian Rollers 65 def Great Britain 51; Great Britain 78 def Japan 69; Australian Rollers 80 def Japan 49

GRAND FINAL: Australian Rollers 70 (Justin Eveson 18 points, 6 boards; Brad Ness 16 points, 9 boards; Shaun Norris 16 points; Brett Stibners 7 points) def Great Britain 64 (Terry Bywater 23 points, 11 boards; Ian Sagar 12 points; Jon Hall 8; Jon Pollock 8 assists; Ade Oregembe 6 points)

PHOTO: Great Britain low-point guard Ade Oregembe scores a spectacular lay-up against Australia in the preliminary rounds - photo by Noel Rowsell

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