Silver for Boxall in Paralympic Play-off

WAIS athlete Grant Boxall has won a silver medal in Beijing after the Australian wheelchair rugby team were edged 53-44 by the USA in the gold medal match from the University of Science and Technology Beijing gymnasium.

The world number one USA proved why they hold such lofty standards with a physical and skilful display against an up and coming Australia side that showed it will be a force for years to come.

The find of the tournament for Australia, 19 year-old whiz kid Ryley Batt was happy to come away with silver, but couldn’t help wondering what if?

“(It was) a great game for the US, they are tough competitors and hopefully we can get them back next time,” said Batt.

“I’m not disappointed in myself, I’m more disappointed for the players who might retire after this, I wanted to get them a gold.

“Unfortunately it didn’t happen on the day, but I’m stoked with a silver.

“I was just happy to have any medal coming home from this, it’s a great feeling. It hasn’t sunk in yet.”

The US stretched away in the second half, after Australia had keep in the contest to trail by only a point at the half time stoppage.

“At half time we were on top of them, it was great defence by both teams,” Batt said.

“A couple of little slip-ups were made.

“We were trying to play catch-up when we were a couple down, it just forced a couple of more turnovers, and just because we were a bit upset about it, it cost us a couple more points.”