Day 2 Summary - Wheelchair Rugby National League Round 3 - Sydney Slam
Day Two of the 2024 Wheelchair Rugby National League – Sydney Slam was one to remember with a number of competitive matches unfolding. With another healthy crowd in attendance, many teams were out to improve on their Day One results.
Match 1: University of Queensland 50 vs Box Hill RUFC 54
Arguably the match of the group stage for many began the day with a fiery start between the Red Heavies and Box Hill. Cam Whittaker displayed fantastic leadership for UQ. His efforts were aided by Ash Treseder and high pointer Jacinta Richardson in another influential performance. For Box Hill, Josh Hanlon looked imposing whilst Kadir Faki and Naz Erdem had good defensive performances. In the end, Box Hill’s defence held firm. Final score 50-54.
Match 2: DIV 2 Hunter Wildfires 26 vs Victoria Protect Thunder 51
Starting the Division 2 action for the day, the Thunder again looked formidable as they developed a comfortable lead early on. James Coleman impressed for the Wildfires as did Hayden Brown, and the work rate of Scott McKay was noteworthy for the Hunter side. For the Thunder, Hamish Cook had a solid performance whilst Shane Brand again showcased his leadership capabilities. The Thunder too strong, final score 51-26.
Match 3: Bond University 45 vs Sydney University 61
The undefeated Sydney Uni came up against a Bond outfit still searching for their first win. With a strong home crowd in attendance to cheer on the Sydney team, Dane Kinder had an impressive performance, supporting Jayden Jackson and the Uni talisman AJ Holloway, who was a crowd favourite. For the Bull Sharks, the best efforts of Brett Morris, Matt Thompson and Cooper Blackwood were not enough to get Bond on the board. Final score 61-45.
Match 4: DIV 2 Victoria Protect Thunder 49 vs Hunter Wildfires 34
In the second matchup between the Thunder and the Wildfires, Bradley Burns put on a dominant display. Gordon Broome impressed in defence for the Thunder whilst Jake Field had a solid performance. Boosting the Wildfires was the inclusion of Dylan Streller who impressed along with Zak Robertson. The Thunder getting the victory, final score 49-34.
Match 5: Division 1 Semi Final Bond University 43 vs Sydney University 64
The first semi final of the day saw Bond University look to get one back on Sydney University after their earlier loss. Lilliana Prucha was on fire early for Bond making a number of big plays for the Bull Sharks. She was supported by a solid first half performance from Cooper Blackwood. For Sydney Uni, Richard Voris’ captain/coach role proved instrumental with Ryan Boyd putting in a solid performance for the low pointers. AJ Holloway looked his mercurial best as he led from the front to secure Sydney Uni their place in the final 64-43.
Match 6: Division 1 Semi Final University of Queensland 50 vs Box Hill RUFC 45
The second semi final saw a replay of the earlier “match of the group stage” between UQ and Box Hill. A tense affair throughout saw neither side wanting to let the other get the upper hand. Cam Whittaker, Conor Tweedy and Jacinta Richardson looked electric for UQ whilst Robyn Lambird and Josh Hose were strong for Box Hill. Defensive efforts from Damien Mortaud and Tai Martin-Page holding out the Victorian side to secure UQ a place in tomorrows final. Final score 50-45.
The end of Day Two sets up a fantastic finals day tomorrow as Sydney Uni will look to go undefeated against Brisbane Bash winners UQ and claim National League glory. All the action resumes tomorrow morning from 9:30am at Perry Park, Alexandria with the Division 1 Bronze Medal match. Entry is free all day, see you there!
Author: Ben Hayes