Aussie Rollers Ready for Gold

The Australian Men’s wheelchair basketball team has qualified for the gold medal match at the Beijing Paralympics after outclassing Great Britain 67-54 in their semi-final yesterday.

The WAIS quartet of Brad Ness, Justin Eveson, Shaun Norris and Michael Hartnett again proved invaluable to Australia’s cause with Eveson hitting 22 points and fetching four rebounds whilst Norris snared 19 points.

The Rollers were in control of the contest through out, shooting to a 19-6 quarter time lead before pushing that margin to 16 points at half-time (36-20).

Five-time Paralympian Troy Sachs was all smiles after the match and believes the team has the ability to win the gold.

“The team’s goal was only ever to win the gold medal – not make the gold medal game,” said Sachs.

“For all the young boys – the first timers – for them to be at their first Paralympic Games and to make the gold medal match, it’s a huge achievement.

The 1996 Atlanta gold medal winner also reserved praise for his West Australian teammates and their role in getting the team to the gold medal match.

“Justin Eveson is the best player in Europe. Shaun Norris is the highest points scorer in Europe. Brad Ness the biggest of the `big guys’ in Europe,” he said.

Australia will face Canada in the final, the same team that ended the Rollers campaign in Athens four years ago. Canada knocked out the USA in the second semi-final

“I think we’re physically and mentally stronger for losing the game in Athens, and now it’s time to get our dream: to win the gold medal in Beijing in two days time,” Sachs said.