Silver Medal for WA at Kevin Coombs Cup

Published On: 3 May 2018

A Western Australian outfit coached by Paralympian Sarah Vinci has finished runner-up at the 2018 Kevin Coombs Cup.

The tournament is named in honour of Kevin Coombs – who is a five-time Paralympian and in 1960, became the first Aboriginal to compete at Paralympic level for Australia.

The Kevin Coombs Cup combines a wheelchair basketball tournament, with hosting of the Australian U18 National Championships, with this year’s edition held in Geelong.

Western Australia reached the final undefeated, but fell to a 68-60 loss in the gold medal match against Victoria.

 

Vinci had WAIS Wheelchair Basketball athletes Thomas McHugh, Georgia Inglis, Mary Friday and Andrew Dewberry at her disposal, with the team dominant through the pool stages, which included victory over Victoria.

In the final however, Victoria – in front of home support – managed to overturn an early eight point deficit and stole momentum in a crucial third quarter, which they claimed 17-8.

McHugh (22 points and nine rebounds) and Dewberry (12 points, 16 assists) were both influential for WA despite the defeat.

Coach Vinci said she was “super proud” of her charges’ efforts and commended the team on a strong week-long campaign.