Rollers and Gliders take wins at World Challenge Cup

The Australian Rollers and Gliders Wheelchair Basketball Teams produced strong results at the 2019 Mitsubishi Electric World Challenge Cup in Tokyo, Japan, August 29 – September 1.

Up against a strong Iranian team the Rollers went down in their opening match 62 to Iran’s 75 with Shaun Norris and Michael Auprince scoring nine and eight respectively.

Bouncing back from the opening round loss Norris with 14 and Jannik Blair’s nine helped the team to a convincing 77 to 60 and outscoring hosts Japan in every quarter.

The winning form continued again Korea with Norris, Kim Robbins, Blair and Auprince all scoring points on route to their 56 -39 to secure a rematch with Iran in the final.

After falling behind early in the opening quarter with Iran opening a double digit lead the Rollers were unable to recover as Iran went from strength to strength to win the series 84-58.

“[We] didn’t turn up today. Poor intensity and application throughout and [we] couldn’t find a line up that was able to defend them,” said Head Coach Craig Friday.

“Credit to Iran, we need to get back to some hard work and attention to detail in defence back in our home ports now.”

Finishing second with two wins and two losses from the week the Rollers return home and turn their attention to qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

In a series of three games against Japan the Gliders including WA’s Amber Merritt, Georgia Inglis and Sarah Vinci took the early advantage with a 67 to 56 win against Japan in the opening game on Thursday with 2012 Paralympian Amber Merritt leading the way with 31 points.

Japan reversed the result on Friday with a dominant performance winning 56 to 38, with Merritt again the leading scorer for the Gliders on 16, with Georgia Inglis adding four.

Sunday’s final game proved to be a nail biter with hosts Japan clinching victory in the final four seconds taking the game 59-58. Annabelle Lindsay was the top scorer with 32 as Merritt added 12 of her own.

“Really happy with today’s performance despite a one-point loss,” said head coach, Stephen Charlton.

“The girls pushed Japan all the way with a final second shot winning the game. Despite the disappointment of the loss it was a terrific effort by the Gliders.”

The Gliders now turn their attention to Paralympic qualification in November.