In today’s round-robin matches GB defeated Japan 51-50 and France 53-44 and so it is 4 wins out of 4 for the team. The Japan game was a real thriller showing wheelchair rugby at its best. The teams went point for point in the first quarter with Jim Roberts pressurising to force a turnover right at the end of Q1 which allowed GB to take a 14-12 lead. GB started Q2 strongly and within minutes had amassed a 19-15 lead. This was clawed back in Q3, which ended with GB ahead by 2 points 40-38. The final quarter was a tense one and for me it was a relief when the whistle went at the end to leave GB the winners by one point. Although GB had set out to win the game another key objective was for the coaches to try out all lines under the pressure of Japan, and this was achieved. Tomorrow sees the final round–robin games with GB playing Sweden in the morning and Japan in the evening.
David Pond
