By Tom Degun

2011_GB_cup_15-09-11September 15 - The Great Britain wheelchair rugby team showed exactly why they will be strong medal contenders at the London 2012 Paralympic Games next year as they claimed second place at the 2011 GB Cup in Cardiff.


Beijing 2008 Paralympic silver medallists Australia took victory in the competition as they won all four of their encounters, which bodes well for them as the Australian team will be staying in the Welsh capital ahead of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Meanwhile, Japan took third spot, European Champions Belgium claimed fourth spot and Sweden finished in fifth in what proved a highly competitive event, which earned praise from Great Britain wheelchair rugby (GBWR) chief executive David Pond.

"I am immensely proud of the GBWR squad's success here," said Pond.

"All of the teams that have been playing are at the top of the international rankings and GBWR has beaten not only the current European champions but the number three in the World - Japan.

"The result here today shows we're certainly in a position to challenge for Paralympic gold.

"Wheelchair rugby is the most exciting of the Paralympic sports as physical contact between wheelchairs is permitted and forms a major part of the game.

"With so many of the world's top players present, the 2011 GB Cup is going to be hugely exciting and a fantastic challenge for our team."

Wheelchair rugby is a terrifying fusion of ice hockey, handball and rugby while the game was founded in Canada in 1977.

Eight rolling substitutes make up squads of 12, with four players on court per team at any time.

The aim is to get across your opponents' goal line with two wheels in contact with the hardwood floor and the ball in your hands.

Players in possession have to bounce the ball or pass within 10 seconds of receiving it.

"It's a really exciting time for GBWR," added Pond.

"Not only is Team GB progressing well towards the Paralympic Games but thanks to the funding support of UK Sport, the Lottery and Sport England, as well as corporate sponsorship from Coloplast and player sponsorship from the Get Kids Going charity, the sport is growing at all levels."

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