Day 1 Summary - Wheelchair Rugby National League Round 3 - Sydney Slam
Day one of the Sydney Slam got underway this morning at Perry Park in Alexandria, with a healthy crowd in attendance ready to watch a fantastic day of wheelchair rugby. A top of the table clash started the day, with no team wanting to drop points. With the Steelers squad all rested for the Paralympics, the day saw a fantastic opportunity for the development athletes to make a statement.
Match 1: University of Queensland 48 vs Sydney University 57
In the first match of the day, a top of the table clash saw a potential prequel for the final with UQ taking on hometown team Sydney University. AJ Holloway was looking his dynamic best as he led the line for Sydney University and was boosted by Jayden Jackson’s defensive efforts and the inclusion of Richard Voris as player/coach. Back for the Sydney Slam, Jacinta Richardson showed her international pedigree for UQ as she combined with Cam Whittaker as the Red Heavies main offensive threat. In the end, the home team proved too much for the Queenslanders. Final score 57-48 Sydney Uni victorious.
Match 2: DIV 2 Victoria Protect Thunder 53 vs Hunter Wildfires 26
In the first division 2 match of the day, the Victoria Protect Thunder were in fine form as they took on the Hunter Wildfires. A number of strong defensive efforts from Gordon Broome along with the experience of Shane Brand and Jake Field held the Victorian side in good stead. Despite the best efforts of Zak Robertson and Scott McKay the Wildfires went down. Final score 53-26.
Match 3: Bond University 44 vs Box Hill 53
A match that saw Box Hill make an early statement for the Slam, Josh Hose looked imposing. He was aided by Kadir Faki’s passing ability and an impressive performance from Robyn Lambird. For Bond, a rare playing appearance from coach Ben Newton helped them offensively as he combined with high pointer Cooper Blackwood. Lilliana Prucha’s energy on the court was the highlight for Bond, however wasn’t enough to get the win. Box Hill emerged winners, final score 53-44.
Match 4: DIV 2 Hunter Wildfires 32 vs Victoria Protect Thunder 46
After a dominant performance in their first contest, the Thunder were looking to replicate their earlier performance. Bradley Burns impressed as he led the Thunders offence whilst Brydee Moore made some impressive defensive efforts. For the Wildfires, Jacob Cremen-Darkin looked good showcasing his passing range along with a solid performance from James Coleman. In the end the Thunder proved too much. Final score 46-32.
Match 5: Bond University 32 vs University of Queensland 48
In the derby of the two Queensland sides, UQ took an early lead as they looked to take bragging rights again over Bond. Conor Tweedy looked good showcasing some exceptional passing. Damien Mortaud and Tai Martin-Page were standouts defensively playing a big role for UQ and limiting Bond’s offensive threats. Matt Thompson had a strong performance up and down the court as well as good defensive efforts from Mick Ozanne. In the end, UQ were victorious over Bond. Final score 48-32.
Match 6: Sydney University 63 vs Box Hill 48
In the final match of the day, the ladder leaders Sydney Uni took on an impressive Box Hill outfit coming off the back of a strong win earlier in the day. Ben Leaudais put on a impressive display along with Dane Kinder and Richard Voris moving across the court well. For Box Hill, Josh Hanlon was instrumental in offence, aided by solid performances from Dylan Streller and Naz Erdem. In the end, the ladder leaders ended the day undefeated, final score 63-48.
Ending the day, Sydney University sit outright at the top of the table after two strong performances in front of home support. Another good crowd is expected in tomorrow with the action starting from 9:30am at Perry Park, Alexandria. See you there!
Author: Ben Hayes