The GB Masters Wheelchair team made more history on Sunday with a dramatic 1-point victory over The Bulls.
Travelling to Bolton, this was the first time the squad had played a competitive game on British soil, and the first time they’d been on court together for 3 months, following the summer break. The lack of court time showed as the GB team were very slow to get going, struggling with spacing on the floor and communication, allowing The Bulls to take the first quarter 6-3.
The second quarter started in similar fashion with The Bulls extending their lead to 9 points as GB gave Commonwealth Silver medalist and Paralympian Kayli English too much time and space on the ball. A timeout and reset bought about a marked improvement at both ends of the court, as GB fought back to reduce the deficit. At halftime, the lead had been reduced, but GB still trailed 15-13.
The third quarter was a similar story, as GB started to find some rhythm on the offensive end, but gave away too many easy baskets defensively. GB edged the quarter 10-11, leaving the game tantalisingly poised going into the final quarter, with The Bulls still leading 25-24.
The movement off the ball showed a marked improvement as they took the lead for the first time in the match, midway through the fourth quarter – a lead they would not relinquish – but The Bulls kept it tight throughout and two chances right at the end to take the game rimmed out, so GB took the victory 35-36.
Top Scorers: West 12; Pullen 8; Johnson 7; Nash 5
We made that a tad harder than we should have, but as we haven’t played as a team before, it was a great learning exercise. We came from 9 points down to win, and that is the mark of a team with a good energy, grit and fight.
Simon West – Coach
We got the job done in the end, but this really showed how important game time is for us a group moving forward, so we are hugely appreciative to Graeme and The Bulls for hosting us. It’s always difficult when you only meet once a month to get real cohesion on court, especially in the wheelchair game, but there were moments where we looked unstoppable. We have 6 months until The HISTORY Games, which gives us time to move from being a talented group of individuals to a strong GB team and I’m really looking forward to watching us develop. Every moment we are on court, we are making history and helping to grow the Masters game globally.
Bruce Lauder – Head of Wheelchair
The GB Masters Wheelchair squad will be hosting open trials in September and October and are inviting all players over 40 who want the opportunity to represent GB to register their interest using this link.
