Aussie Rollers Take Gold Medal at World Champs

Four WAIS scholarship holders have helped guide the Australian Rollers to the world championship wheelchair basketball gold medal in Sydney over the weekend.

Australia proved far too good for Canada in the gold medal match with the Aussies recording a 77-48 win over the same opponents they claimed gold at last year’s Beijing Paralympics.

WAIS pair Justin Eveson and Michael Hartnett both earned selection into the All-Star Five following excellent individual campaigns from both men. WAIS athlete and Rollers captain Brad Ness led all scorers with 21 points in the final to show his leadership and experience on the big stage, whilst fellow WAIS scholarship holder and Perth Wheelcats representative Shaun Norris was again a pivotal member of the Australian team.

Rollers coach, Ben Ettridge was in positive mood following the gold medal win, lauding the efforts and versatility of the playing group.

“They went away and did their homework after our first game and it made us make the adjustments and go to plans B and C which is why we’re here,” Ettridge said.

“It was just an outstanding effort all the way through.”

Ettridge started with a young line up allowing Canada to steal out to an early lead, before bringing on Ness, Eveson, Hartnett and Norris with devastating effect. The Rollers overturned a seven point deficit to stake a 20-15 quarter time lead and create an advantage that they would not let slip.

Eveson backed up Ness’ efforts with 13 points and a game high nine rebounds, which saw him stand out as the dominant player under the basket.

Canada kept the contest tight until the last change before Australia pulled away with a 19-4 quarter that flattered the final margin of 29 points.

Earlier in the Bronze Medal Game Great Britain overpowered Japan 76-58 to take third place.