Heathcote Roller stars as Aussies qualify for Beijing
The Australian Men's Wheelchair Basketball team (Rollers) have barnstormed through the Arafura Games tournament in Darwin this week, defeating Japan (61-53), Iran (63-47), Korea (90-40) and Kuwait (107-32) to qualify for th e 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.
The Rollers made great progress during the week under new coach Ben Ettridge, with Heathcote's Darren Skuse in particular taking the opportunity to play a starring role with the Rollers and perhaps cement a berth for Beijing next year.
PHOTO: Darren Skuse in action during the NWBL competition - photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)
The Rollers met Iran in the grand final and stepped up yet another gear, winning 75-37 in a one-sided contest.
Skuse's outstanding form was very timely, as new head coach Ettridge stamped his own coaching style on the Australian team. Skuse had a personal tally of 55 points, 32 boards, 4 assists and 2 steals during the tournament to finish among the leading scorers and possibly cement a permanent berth in the Rollers line-up.
Sharks have close shave in WABL
The table topping Sharks took on 12th placed Bankstown Bruins in Round 10 of the Waratah Australian Basketball League last weekend. Despite the disparity in the table the Bruins took the game right up to the Sharks and put in their best effort so far this season.
Bruins took the first 2 quarters and Sutherland looked on shaky ground until 5 minutes to go in the 4th quarter with the scores locked up, Sharks dug deep to edge ahead, sinking a couple of very important baskets in the dying seconds.
A game that the Bruins should have locked up but can hold their heads high after a sterling effort. Sharks Cameron Tovey was in fine form and shot 32 and pulled down 20 rebounds and had 6 block shots. The Bruins Adrian Crowe shut down BJ Carter’s scoring opportunities and went about scoring 18 and chipping in with 13 rebounds.
It was a tough game for Sutherland who are relieved to get away with the 4 point win.Sutherland Sharks 98 (Cameron Tovey 32, BJ Carter 12, Rod Procotor 12) defeated Bankstown Sports Bruins 94 (Eban Hyams 22, Adrian Crowe 18, Tim Labka 17)
In contrast to the Men’s competition the Bruins women’s team is running third while the Sharks are in 11th spot. However in this case there was not a close game.
The Sutherland’s Women’s team was totally outclassed by the Bruins, who went into the game without 3 starters Briana and Jaydene Hennessy and Sarah Hately. Stepping into their shoes the back-up players stood up to the test and showed that the Bruins team goes 10 deep.
A comfortable lead at half time saw the Bruins maintain this and Sharks were u nfortunately outplayed in all areas.
Bankstown Bruins 87 (Dani Samuels 18, Jamie-Lee Samuels 14, Kellie Butt 12, Erin Stubbs 12) def Sutherland Sharks 48 (Mieke Van Dam 9, Kelly Richards 8, Lauren Davidson 8, Michelle Joy 8)
Sharks under 15s shock competition leaders
The Sharks had a good day against the strong Marconi Club in Round 13 of the Premier Youth League Soccer Competition. Most notable performance was the under 15s who had their first win of the season against the table topping Stallions.
In the 13s the second placed Sharks had a 2 all draw against Marconi who are third. The 14s who are well down the ladder could not match fourth placed Marconi in the Sharks only loss of the day. The Sharks 16s drew with the Stallions to keep in the five, while the 18s won their game to maintain fifth spot.
The full Round 13 results for Sutherland Shire Sharks v Marconi Stallions at Marconi Stadium were as follows:
Sharks Under 13: drew 2 all
Sharks Under 14: lost 2 nil
Sharks Under 15: won 2 - 1
Sharks Under 16: drew 2 all
Sharks Under 18: won 2 -1
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