Wheelchair Sports NSW
STEELERS DOWN JAPAN IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
OPENING ROUND
APC MEDIA RELEASE
WEDNESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2010
The Australian Steelers have opened the World Wheelchair Rugby Championships in fine style today, by defeating Japan 65-52 in Vancouver, Canada.
In what was an intriguing opening day of competition, all the major medal contenders took the opportunity to flex their muscles, with the world’s top six ranked teams each posting victories.
The Australians, ranked two in the world, were particularly impressive against a Japanese outfit renowned for their ability to upset fancied teams at major tournaments. And despite their characteristic slow start which saw them concede the first three goals, the Australians soon settled and never lost control.
Chasing Australia’s first ever World Wheelchair Rugby Championships, head coach Brad Dubberley said the performance from his side was the ideal way to begin a campaign.
“It was a game we were worried about leading into it. Japan is always a difficult team to face but the boys handled the occasion really well,” Dubberley said
“The first games at the major tournaments we have played in recent years have generally been our worst games so we wanted to make sure we started well today.”
Co-captain Cameron Carr led from the front throughout the contest, while veterans Steve Porter, Bryce Alman and Naz Erdem also delivered outstanding first-up performances.
“The pleasing thing was after we conceded those early goals, the boys stayed calm and did their job,” Dubberley said.
“Let’s hope it’s a sign of good things to come.”
Australia faces Poland tomorrow before their highly anticipated clash with arch-rivals New Zealand on Friday.
In other results today, the United States (ranked one), Canada (three), Belgium (four), New Zealand (five) and Sweden (six) all inflicted heavy first round losses on the bottom six teams of Germany, Great Britain, Poland, Finland and Argentina.
The Wheelchair Rugby World Championships in Vancouver, Canada, are held from September 21-26.
Australian Steelers (click each name to read their profile)
2 Naz Erdem (VIC)
3 Ryley Batt (NSW)
4 Josh Hose (VIC)
7 Jason Lees (VIC)
8 Bryce Alman (VIC)
11 Ryan Scott (QLD) Co-Captain
12 Steve Porter (SA)
13 Cameron Carr (QLD) Co-Captain
15 Andrew Harrison (VIC)
For high resolution images and broadcast quality audio files, please email Tim Mannion, APC Communications General Manager, tim.mannion@paralympic.org.au
Australian Schedule (Australian eastern time)
Wednesday, Sept 22
10:00 – Australia vs Japan
Thursday, Sept 23
02:30 – Australia vs Poland
Friday, Sept 24
10:00 – Australia vs New Zealand
Saturday, Sept 25
02:30 – Australia vs Belgium
10:00 – Australia vs Argentina
Sunday, Sept 26
Semi-finals
Monday, Sept 27
Gold and Bronze medal matches
For all other inquiries, please contact APC Media and PR Coordinator Rebekka Wake on 0407 235 104.
WEDNESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2010
The Australian Steelers have opened the World Wheelchair Rugby Championships in fine style today, by defeating Japan 65-52 in Vancouver, Canada.
In what was an intriguing opening day of competition, all the major medal contenders took the opportunity to flex their muscles, with the world’s top six ranked teams each posting victories.
The Australians, ranked two in the world, were particularly impressive against a Japanese outfit renowned for their ability to upset fancied teams at major tournaments. And despite their characteristic slow start which saw them concede the first three goals, the Australians soon settled and never lost control.
Chasing Australia’s first ever World Wheelchair Rugby Championships, head coach Brad Dubberley said the performance from his side was the ideal way to begin a campaign.
“It was a game we were worried about leading into it. Japan is always a difficult team to face but the boys handled the occasion really well,” Dubberley said
“The first games at the major tournaments we have played in recent years have generally been our worst games so we wanted to make sure we started well today.”
Co-captain Cameron Carr led from the front throughout the contest, while veterans Steve Porter, Bryce Alman and Naz Erdem also delivered outstanding first-up performances.
“The pleasing thing was after we conceded those early goals, the boys stayed calm and did their job,” Dubberley said.
“Let’s hope it’s a sign of good things to come.”
Australia faces Poland tomorrow before their highly anticipated clash with arch-rivals New Zealand on Friday.
In other results today, the United States (ranked one), Canada (three), Belgium (four), New Zealand (five) and Sweden (six) all inflicted heavy first round losses on the bottom six teams of Germany, Great Britain, Poland, Finland and Argentina.
The Wheelchair Rugby World Championships in Vancouver, Canada, are held from September 21-26.
Australian Steelers (click each name to read their profile)
2 Naz Erdem (VIC)
3 Ryley Batt (NSW)
4 Josh Hose (VIC)
7 Jason Lees (VIC)
8 Bryce Alman (VIC)
11 Ryan Scott (QLD) Co-Captain
12 Steve Porter (SA)
13 Cameron Carr (QLD) Co-Captain
15 Andrew Harrison (VIC)
For high resolution images and broadcast quality audio files, please email Tim Mannion, APC Communications General Manager, tim.mannion@paralympic.org.au
Australian Schedule (Australian eastern time)
Wednesday, Sept 22
10:00 – Australia vs Japan
Thursday, Sept 23
02:30 – Australia vs Poland
Friday, Sept 24
10:00 – Australia vs New Zealand
Saturday, Sept 25
02:30 – Australia vs Belgium
10:00 – Australia vs Argentina
Sunday, Sept 26
Semi-finals
Monday, Sept 27
Gold and Bronze medal matches
For all other inquiries, please contact APC Media and PR Coordinator Rebekka Wake on 0407 235 104.
