Day 2 Summary - 2024 Santos Wheelchair Rugby National Championship
Day 2 of the 2024 Santos Wheelchair Rugby National Championship was one for the books with a healthy crowd in attendance throughout the day. Once again all the action was broadcast across the country live on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo.
The highlight of the day was the home support for the SA Sharks and the Gold Medal preview between the Suncorp QLD Cyclones and the NSW Gladiators.
Match 1: QLD Tornadoes 53 vs ACT Buccaneers 45
The first action of the day for division 2 saw Cam Whittaker show why he’s part of both QLD set ups with himself and Matt Thompson executing well timed plays. Ben Leaudais showcased his fantastic passing range whilst Josh Hose positioned his chair well defensively. Final score: 53-45.
Match 2: Suncorp QLD Cyclones 60 vs West Coast Enforcers 34
Coming off a strong first day of competition, the Cyclones again applied defensive pressure to WA for the entirety of the match, forcing a number of turnovers. A strong display from Steelers Mick Ozanne and Ella Sabljak assisted by the ever reliable Chris Bond ensured the Cyclones were never really troubled as they remain undefeated. French international Jonathan Hivernat was outstanding for WA whilst Robyn Lambird provided support. Final score 60-34 to QLD.
Ben Leaudais stretches for a ball (photo credit Kelly Barnes)
Robyn Lambird and Ella Sabljak clash (photo credit Kelly Barnes)
Match 3: NZ Wheel Blacks 54 vs VIC Protect Thunder 49
After a tough start to the tournament yesterday, the Wheel Blacks showed great resilience in their first match of the day. A close contest saw New Zealand talisman Hayden Barton-Cootes and Cam Leslie ensure the Kiwi’s took the victory. South Australian Tai Martin Page was strong for Victoria as was Steeler Jayden Warn. Final Score: 54-49.
Match 4: SA Sharks 51 vs ACT Buccaneers 39
With another strong home-crowd in the venue to watch, the SA Sharks put on a clinical performance with Mitch Bond performing a quarterback like role throwing long range passes to Josh Hanlon. The highlight of the game however was owned by Josh Hose with a remarkable behind the back collection leading to a try. In the end the home-crowd were delighted to see their Sharks get over the line and set up what is shaping to be a Gold Medal final for the ages. Final score: 51-39.
AJ Holloway is surrounded (photo credit Kelly Barnes)
Josh Hose and Josh Hanlon battle (photo credit Kelly Barnes)
Match 5: Suncorp QLD Cyclones 49 vs NSW Gladiators 58
The State of Origin clash was always going to be a big one, but add to it that both these teams will meet again tomorrow in the Gold Medal match and we have one of the games of the competition. Both sides looked strong but potential strategy before tomorrow may mean we are yet to see their best out on the court. Both teams were strong, however I dare say we see their best performances tomorrow. Final score: 58-49 Gladiators win.
Match 6: SA Sharks 44 vs QLD Tornadoes 68
In a preview to the Gold Medal match, the Sharks and Tornadoes played a strongly contested game. After the Sharks took a commanding early lead with Josh Hanlon and Zak Robertson showing their class. The Tornadoes however fought back with Luke Matthews and Matt Thompson showing why the Tornadoes have qualified for the final undefeated. Tomorrow will be sure to excite as each team formulates their game plans to bring home the Gold. Final score: 44 - 68 Tornadoes win.
Chris Bond and Riley Batt clash (photo credit Kelly Barnes)
Zak Robertson in pursuit (photo credit Kelly Barnes)
Match 7: West Coast Enforcers 51 vs NZ Wheel Blacks 53
In arguably the match of the day, a tight encounter was played out between WA and NZ. French international Jonathan Hivernat was at his mercurial best against the Kiwi’s as neither team could get breathing distance from one another. Eventually, spearheaded by the athleticism of Maia Marshall-Amai, the Wheel Blacks prevailed and booked themselves a spot in the Bronze Medal match tomorrow. Final score 53-51
Match 8: NSW Gladiators 64 vs VIC Protect Thunder 50
In the final game of the pool stages, the Victorians looked to upset the yet to be defeated NSW Gladiators. Despite instrumental plays from Andrew Holloway for the Thunder, it was the cross court action from international Davy van den Dop and James McQuillan that cemented NSW’s dominance with the Gladiators finishing the pool stages undefeated. NSW will take on the Suncorp QLD Cyclones in the Gold Medal final tomorrow afternoon at 1:30pm. Final score 64 - 50 Gladiators win.
The action continues tomorrow with medal matches commencing from 10:00am. Tickets for the final day are still available here.
Author Ben Hayes