WAIS Boys Win Paralympic Gold

WAIS athlete Brad Ness has captained the Australian wheelchair basketball team to the gold medal in Beijing after the rollers produced a spirited comeback over Canada last night.

WAIS produced four Paralympic champions in the Rollers squad with Shaun Norris, Justin Eveson and Michael Hartnett all playing influential roles in Australia’s success.

The 54-47 win erases the heartbreak of Athens, when the Rollers lost out to Canada in the final.

Australia trailed at half time 32-28 but burst into action in the third term to stake a seven point lead, which it would not relinquish sparking jubilant scenes at the final siren as Australia celebrated a famous victory.

WAIS duo Justin Eveson and Shaun Norris were brilliant on the night scoring 17 and 16 points respectively in conjunction with a match high 19 points from five time Paralympian Troy Sachs.

Teenage sensation Dylan Alcott described his joy and the mood amongst the group after the culmination of a fine tournament.

“To be 17 years-old and a Paralympic gold medallist – it doesn’t get any better than this,” he said.

“We knew we’d been playing well all week but I think we were at the very top of our game tonight.”

The mood was electric on court after the game, and tears were flowing as “Waltzing Matilda” blared over the court speakers. Alcott told of Ness’ emotional post-game address to his successful charges.

“He told us there had been many fine sporting teams from Australia over the years but now the Rollers would be remembered as one of those,” Alcott said.