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The Australian Steelers have made an emphatic start to the 2014 Wheelchair Rugby World Championships by defeating Great Britain 55-46.

The reigning Paralympic champions were dominant from the outset. They forced three turnovers from Great Britain’s first three possessions and converted them into goals.   From there, the Steelers’ lead was never really in danger.

Pleasingly for head coach Brad Dubberley, the contest provided him with a great opportunity to give his more inexperienced players some big minutes and they didn’t disappoint. Featuring in their debut match at World championship level, Jayden Warn, Mick Ozanne and Jason Ellery all delivered very impressive performances.

“Every game is going to be hard in our pool, but it was good to start well against a very strong team and get the win,” Australian captain Ryan Scott said.

“It was an awesome start from the starting four and the guys that came on after that did a good job as well.

“I think the best part is that in the past, we have been accused of having only one or two world class line-ups, but now we have three and four. They are coming on and extending our leads now, they’re not just coming on and trying to hold on.

“This tournament is the hardest wheelchair rugby tournament to win with 12 international teams here. It is not about who has the best starting line-up, it’s about who has the best squad. That depth is going to become very important by the end of the week.”

Ryley Batt (30 goals) and Chris Bond (13 goals) lead the scoring for the Steelers while Josh Hose (3 goals) and Jayden Warn (2 goals) also made handy contributions.  In defence, Nazim Erdem, Ryan Scott and Mick Ozanne were strong.

Australia’s next challenge comes tomorrow, when they face a gruelling double-header against two high quality European opponents. They do battle with Belgium at 7:15 pm (AEST), before facing off against host nation Denmark at 12:15am (AEST).

Australian coach Brad Dubberley believes his men are up to the challenge.

“Belgium have lost two games which they would have thought they could win so hopefully we’ll get off to good start against them too, and give all of our guys some really minutes.

“Denmark is going to be a very tough game. They are out to cause an upset at this tournament and they pushed us when we were here last year for the world championship test event. We’re looking forward to it.”

The 2014 IWRF Wheelchair Rugby Championships are being contested in Odense, Denmark from 1-11 August, 2014

Australian schedule (AEST )
Tuesday, 5th August
Australia defeated Great Britain 55-46

Wednesday, 6th August
00:15 Australia vs Belgium
20:30 Australia vs Finland

Thursday, 7th August
00:15 Australia vs Denmark

CLICK HERE to visit the 2014 IWRF Wheelchair Rugby World Championship website.

CLICK HERE to watch all the matches via the webcast.

For all the latest information on the Steelers’ quest for their first IWRF Wheelchair Rugby World Championship, be sure to visit the APC website at paralympic.org.au.

Australian Wheelchair Rugby Team
#2 – Nazim Erdem (VIC) – 0.5
#3 – Ryley Batt (NSW)  – 3.5
#4 – Josh Hose (VIC)  – 3.0
#5 – Jason Ellery(VIC) – 2.0
#6 – Michael Ozanne (QLD) – 0.5
#7 – Jason Lees (VIC) – 1.0
#10 – Chris Bond (QLD) – 3.5
#11 – Ryan Scott (QLD) – 0.5
#12 – Curtis Palmer (VIC) – 2.5
#13 – Cameron Carr (QLD) – 2.0
#23 – Jayden Warn(VIC) – 3.0

By APC Media
Posted: 6/8/2014