Australian Athletes with a Disability

2012 National Wheelchair Rugby Champions

All five teams fought valiantly at the 2012 NWRC, with many a rummage during the tournament. It could have been anyone’s victory with a fantastic line up from all the teams.  Also there were several unknown factors with key players such as Ryley Batt, Ben Newton, Scott Vitale and Cody Meakin out with injury.

Even though the Jetstar Gold Coast Titans Wheelchair Rugby Team had players out with injury, this didn’t stop their thirst for success when they took out the Grand Final in a decisive 64 to 39 win against SA Sharks. The Jetstar Titans were determined that 2012 was going to be their shining year and arose victorious through tight teamwork and strategic plays. Chris Bond, this season’s Most Valuable Player was exceptional, constantly breaking through the opposition’s defence and taking the ball across the goal line.

Second place winners, the SA Sharks were the dark horse for the tournament, with several players coming out of retirement to take the court.  SA Sharks have won previously the National Championships on several occasions and with the on court talent, looked likely to take home the crown. This power team taught their competitors a few new tricks and the meaning of aggressive defence with George Hucks leading the team constantly into the fray. Saturday’s first semi final was incredibly tense where SA Sharks won 71-69 in three sets of overtime.

Overall, it was a devastating loss for GIO NSW Gladiators who as the reigning champions were set for their seventh consecutive championships and they were eager to win this in front of their home crowd.  Unfortunately to rub salt into the wound, the GIO NSW Gladiators didn’t make the semi finals. In a series of close games the tide was set against the previous champion title holders.

The Bronze Medal match was a cliffhanger between Victoria Coloplast Thunder and Enforcers.

Curtis Palmer fought valiantly to close the gap with Nick Peters providing formidable points for the Enforcers. Victoria Coloplast Thunder broke to a clear lead in the last 2 minutes of play and finished the match with a decisive win 55 – 46.

The League Executive would also like to take this opportunity to thank the 2012 NWRC sponsors the Australian Paralympic Committee, Telstra and GIO for their support.  Due to GIO’s generous support we were privileged to host the 2012 NWRC at the internationally esteemed Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre and broadcasted the National Championships on television.

“Congratulations to all the teams for a brilliant 2012 National Wheelchair Rugby Championships” said Esme Bowen, Chair of Australian Athletes With a Disability. “Special thanks to all the players, coaches, officials and volunteers who make wheelchair rugby in Australia possible. It has been a marvellous finish and we’re looking forward to an amazing 2013 season. Finally Good luck to the Australian Steelers at the London Paralympic Games.”

2012 NWRC Results

2012 NWRC Awards

2012 NWRC Finals TV Coverage

Aurora Community Channel Screening Times

If you missed all the action on the weekend, stay tuned for the 2012 NWRC Finals will be televised on Aurora Community Channel. Catch the Championship Game in detailed action and highlights of the Bronze medal game. Airing will start in two weeks and will be broadcasted multiple times in the second half of this year. The television broadcast has been made possible by GIO and Australian Athletes With a Disability.

Screening Times

August

Saturday 18th August 1pm

Friday 24 August 1pm

Sunday 26th August 11.30am

Sunday 26th August 5.30pm

Tuesday 28th August 10.30pm

September

Sunday 2nd September 9pm

Friday 7th September 9.30pm

Tuesday 11th September 9.30pm

Sunday 16th September 11.30pm

Monday 17th September 10pm

Wednesday 19th September 4pm

Sunday 30th September 5.30pm

December

International Day of People With Disability – Celebrating 20 years

Screening times to be announced

For more information:

Visit www.nwrl.sportingpulse.net for the latest information on results.

Samantha Savva
Sports Administration Officer
Australian Athletes With a Disability
02 8116 9720
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