History

The Australian Women’s team won a silver medal in the inaugural 2011 IWBF u25 Women’s Wheelchair World Championship. The championship was held at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada from 15 – 21 July.

The team featured a number of Australian Glider squad members including co-captains Cobi Crispin and Bridie Kean who provided their young team mates with outstanding leadership during the Championship. The team have taken the name – Aussie Devils as their nickname.

The Championship represents a milestone in the ongoing growth of wheelchair basketball particularly for the females. This landmark event will forge a legacy of opportunity for young female wheelchair basketball athletes in Australia and around the world.

The participating countries were:

Australia, Great Britain, USA and Mexico - Pool A

Japan, Canada, South Africa and Germany – Pool B

The Aussie Devils won their opening game against Great Britain and then had a tough game against eventual gold medalists USA losing 51 – 70. They were able to also defeat Mexico in the final game of the pool games 56 – 47. In the quarter final the aussies were up against long time opponents Japan and were able to win this important game to qualify for the semi finals – 56 – 53. In the semi final the Aussie Devils were up against the home team and had an outstanding game winning 60 – 47 to set up another encounter against USA.

Unfortunately the USA were much too good in the final and the Devils had to be content to take home the silver medal – final score 39 – 66.

15th July (Prelim) Australia (57) vs Great Britain (45) Box Score

16th July (Prelim) Australia (51) vs USA (70) Box Score

17th July (Prelim) Australia (56) vs Mexico (47) Box Score

19th July (Qtr Final) Australia (56) vs Japan (53) Box Score

21st July (Semi) Australia (60) vs Canada (47) Box Score

22nd July (Final) Australia (39) vs USA (66) Box Score

Final placings for the Championship were:

1. USA

2. Australia

3. Great Britain

4. Canada