Australia beat its traditional Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand and Great Britain outscored Germany on their way to the semifinals on Day Two of the Wheelchair Rugby competition at the USTB Gymnasium on Saturday.
Canada thrashes China 57-25
Athens 2004 Paralympic Games silver medalists Canada wasted no time and went on a 5-1 run in the first few minutes to post a 13-5 first-quarter lead. China was not able to reduce the eight-goal margin and failed to score two consecutive goals throughout the match. Canadian captain David Willsie notched a game-high 11 goals, while Erika Schmutz of Canada was the first female in the tournament to score, adding three goals for her side in 15 minutes.
United States defeats Japan 44-37
The outcome of this match was never in doubt, even though Japan rallied at the end of the third quarter and the beginning of the fourth to get within two goals. Will Groulx was the United States' best player, notching 10 goals and four steals in 27 minutes. Bryan Kirkland joined him with 11 goals and four assists.
Australia beats NZ, 39-38
Ryley Batt of Australia scored the last of his 27 goals on the buzzer to give Australia a last-second victory over their Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand. Batt received the ball with 5.9 seconds left on the clock and was fast enough to avoid three New Zealand defenders before he crossed the goal line. New Zealand had the ball after Australia tied the game 38-38 but a turnover by Geremy Tinker of New Zealand gave Australia the chance to win the game.
Great Britain wins 39-35 against Germany
Troye Collins and Alan Ash combined for 31 goals to lead Great Britain, while the aggression of Jason Roberts forced many of Germany's 12 turnovers (five more than Great Britain). Germany was unable to break their opponent's defense and stop its top scorers.
(BOCOG September 14, 2008)