Day 1 Summary- Wheelchair Rugby National League - Brisbane Bash

Day one of the new look Wheelchair Rugby National League – Brisbane Bash got underway this morning at Hibiscus Stadium. In a sign of the events progression, the competition fielded the most teams ever for a National League event, and the inclusion of Canadian star Rio Kovac and Kiwi internationals Keenan Alexander and Jacinta Richardson added another element to the event.

Match 1: Box Hill 39 vs Bond University 61

In the first match of the day, the female trio of Lilliana Prucha, Ella Sabljak and Emilie Miller were strong for Bond, with a number of big defensive efforts. Brayden Foxley-Connolly, with some very strong chair skills, was Bond’s leading offensive threat. Steeler Shae Graham looked good for Box Hill, but her efforts proved not enough. Final score 61-39.

Match 2: DIV 2 SA Sharks 21 vs Suncorp Queensland Cyclones 57

Debuting as a coach for the Cyclones, Jacob Walsh’s team put together a strong performance making him one to look out for in the future. Jacob Cremen-Darkin’s defensive prowess caused a number of turnovers for the Cyclones. Shane Brand provided good leadership for the Sharks, however in the end the Cyclones proved too strong. Final score 57-21.

Match 3: Sydney University 51 vs Melbourne RUFC 47

In potentially the match of the day, Melbourne and Sydney Uni played out a tightly contested encounter. Melbourne’s high point duo of Josh Hanlon and Jayden Warn looked formidable as they combined for several tries. For Sydney Uni, AJ Holloway was instrumental along with Sydney Uni Captain and Steeler Andrew Edmondson looking good at both ends of the field. In the end, Sydney Uni prevailed. Final score 51-47.

Match 4: Hunter Wildfires 42 vs University of Queensland 53

UQ came out of the gates firing with New Zealand international Jacinta Richardson and Steelers Captain Chris Bond strong in offence, supported by Beau Vernon and Damien Mortaud limiting Canadian Rio Kovac’s impact. Ben Leaudais’ passing game impressed whilst Conor Tweedy’s chair work the highlight for the Wildfires. In the end, UQ were too strong. Final score 53-42.

Match 5: DIV 2 SA Sharks 41 vs Victoria Protect Thunder 40

In by far the highlight match of division 2 for the day, an impressive display from Zac Robertson and some immense defensive pressure in the final quarter helped the Sharks get on the board, clawing back a 10 point deficit. Despite some impressive passing from Brydee Moore and the speed of Jack Watson the Thunder couldn’t contain the Sharks as they took home the victory. Final score 41-40.

Match 6: Box Hill 31 vs University of Queensland 60

A frustrating game for Box Hill with high pointer Pete Arbuckle locked down by a strong UQ defence. Josh Nicholson and Cam Whittaker both showcased some impressive long-range passes to set up tries whilst Jacinta Richardson showed why she was recruited by UQ with an impressive display up and down the field. Naz Erdem’s cheeky forced turnover and a number of impressive efforts from Shae Graham were highlights for Box Hill, but ultimately they fell short. Final score 60-31.

Match 7: Bond University 48 vs Sydney University 59

In a heavyweight clash, Sydney Uni and Bond Uni played out an thrilling contest with neither team giving the other an inch. With the score tight, the experience and composure of Andrew Edmondson combining with the dynamism of Jayden Jackson, shone through for Sydney Uni. Brayden Foxley-Connolly provided some spark for Bond but it wasn’t enough. Sydney Uni making a statement win. Final score 59-48.

Match 8: Melbourne RUFC 50 vs Hunter Wildfires 49

In the penultimate match of the day, a closely fought contest went down to the wire. Conor Tweedy again impressing alongside his captain/coach Richard Voris with multiple defensive efforts leading to tries for the Wildfires. For Melbourne, Keenan Alexander was strong whilst Jayden Warn was at his mercurial best with an elite chair work and long-range passing display that led Melbourne to victory in a thriller. Final score 50-49.

Match 9: DIV 2 Suncorp Queensland Cyclones 62 vs Victoria Protect Thunder 39

The final match of the day saw the Cyclones once again prevail to end the day undefeated. Gordon Broome was solid in defence for the Cyclones whilst Jack Watson and Kadir Faki were both solid for the Thunder. Final score 62-39.

This round would not have been possible without the help of round sponsor ECP and the superb help of major sponsor Charter Care Services and WheelChair Vehicle Sales. Getting to athletes to and from the venue would not have been possible without their expert assistance and WRA thanks them greatly.

All the action resumes tomorrow from 9:30am with free entry all weekend.

Author Ben Hayes

Benjamin Hayes22 June 2024Comment