Semi Final Defeats for GB Teams in Manchester
22 May 2009by Tash Carpenter
The listing was posted by WheelPower - British Wheelchair Sport - News
In the women's wheelchair basketball semi-finals today the British side faced the Netherlands team who beat them by just a solitary point in yesterday's game.
In the first quarter both teams played relatively cautiously, with the Netherlands just edging the points advantage 16-12 after the first ten minutes, but in the second quarter the British team started to play more aggressively.
Caroline Matthews opened the scoring but the Netherlands also upped their tempo and extended their lead again to 20-14. Two baskets from Clare Strange and one from Francis Ray put GB back on terms, but two points from Inge Huitzing for the visitors in the final minute put the score 22-20 to them at half time.
In the second half the Netherlands attacked the game and pulled away 32-24 by half way through the third. The home side rallied, supported by the crowd, but the quarter finished 36-27 to the Netherlands.
In the final ten minutes the Netherlands continued their dominance of the game and the contest finished 54-34 in their favour, a result that also reflected the youth of the British side.
"Even though I wanted the win, it was more important that all the players got to play and see what they can do", said GB coach Garry Peel.
"The Dutch squad is their squad for the Worlds next year and for the Europeans later this year, whereas my squad is a developing one, so overall I'm pleased."
The GB women will play China in the bronze medal game tomorrow.
In the men's semi-final, GB faced Australia, but the British team were unable to repeat yesterday's performance that saw them lead the Paralympic champions for most of the game.
In a fast-paced and physical game, GB performed well but the visiting side slowly and surely pulled away over the course of the contest.
Australia showed their class from the off and had secured a 13-5 lead after the first ten minutes. Despite a valiant effort from the British team, Australia kept the home side at bay.
Towards the end of the third quarter, GB regained their composure and pulled the score back to within eight points, but by the start of the final ten minutes of play, Australia had an eight point lead.
In the final quarter, GB defended well but lack of accuracy in their shooting meant that the game finished 48-35 to Australia.
"Overall I think it was a good match", said assistant coach Sinclair Thomas.
GB will play Germany for the bronze medal tomorrow.
GB Wheelchair Basketball Results:
Men: GB 35 - 48 Australia
Women: GB 34 - 54 The Netherlands