TRIUMPH through adversity is what it’s all about so it’s hardly surprising that the Australian Steelers Wheelchair Rugby Team would be able to put behind them the disappointment of missing out on the gold medal playoff at the Paris Paralympics to claim a courageous Bronze Medal.
And they did so against the reigning world champions Great Britain who had a meltdown against the USA in their semi-final, before coming up against an energy-charged Aussie team hellbent on giving their hero, Ryley Batt the send off he deserved.
And Phillip Island’s Beau Vernon, arguably the best 0.5 player in the world now, played his part to perfection, scoring three tries, forcing turnovers, inbounding without error all night, on for the full 32 minutes and constantly in great position to support the high pointers Ryley Batt and Chris Bond throughout.
He played the full match on the court and was still finding plenty at the end as Australia played a superb last quarter to surge ahead from an even scoreline at the last change, and GB with the incoming pass, to get it out to a three-point lead in the shadows of the post, ultimately taking the game and the Bronze Medal with a scoreline of 50-48.
What a game, what a tournament and what a highlight for the Australian team at the Paris Paralympics.
Beau Vernon’s whole family was there in the crowd to cheer and at courtside in the Arena Champs de Mars to share the moment and the elation.
Well done Beau, and well done Aussie Steelers you’ve done yourselves and Australia proud.
