#GC2018 Day Eleven: De Rozario and the Boomers Bring Home Gold
The final day of competition at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games is drawing to a close and with it has come great success for our Western Australians, including a gold medal going to both Madison de Rozario and the Australian Boomers.
ATHLETICS
Wheelchair racer Madison de Rozario has backed up her win from the Women’s T54 1500m event by winning the Women’s T54 Marathon at the Southport Broadwater Parkland this morning.
In a field of seven it was no easy win, de Rozario under pressure and fighting hard right to the finish line.
Finishing in 1:44:00 the Western Australian finished a mere 13 seconds ahead of fellow Australian Eliza Ault-Connell.
Madison has a strong reputation in the athletics community and she has reaffirmed this on the Gold Coast, leaving with two from two wins and consequentially two gold medals.
BASKETBALL
The Boomers have been a force to be reckoned with throughout the whole Commonwealth Games basketball program and today’s gold medal match was no exception.
Taking to the court with a sense of determination the Australian side has finished on top defeating Canada by an easy 40 points, 87-47.
The dominance of the home side was clear through their ability to win with all players having gained significant court time and contributed to the scoreboard.
Western Australia’s Cam Gliddon was exceptional in defence taking seven defensive rebounds for his side whilst also notching up eight points.
The last time the Australian Boomers won Commonwealth gold was in 2006 where they also had an undefeated run in to the grand final.
NETBALL
The Australian Diamonds have had an exceptional Games campaign unfortunately stumbling at the final hurdle, falling to the English Roses by a devastating one goal.
Having won convincingly in all of their matches in the lead up, the gold medal match is not the one where you want to lose your nerve.
With both sides relentless in their attack and defence right from the first whistle to the last it was a tough tussle which could’ve gone either way.
A few late errors proved costly for the Diamonds as they went from a four goal lead to even with minutes to go, England sealing the deal with a final goal right on the buzzer.
The Diamonds put out a valiant effort and a display of netball that they should be very proud of, walking away with the silver medal.
Western Australia’s Caitlin Bassett played all but the third quarter racking up 22 from 24 goals at 94%.
Courtney Bruce entered the game in goal keeper at half time, running out the rest of the game earning one defensive rebound and three deflections.
It’s been an exceptional week filled with both highs and lows for all of the Australian athletes.
We have seen great triumph and improvement from our Western Australians and stand proud of every single one of them.
The conclusion of competition sees the Western Australian medal tally stand at eight gold, five silver and five bronze medals.
- Annika Lee-Jones