Playing for pride
Wenty comes into this weekend on a 3-game losing streak and out of the finals running. It was just a few short weeks ago that they had a 3-4 record and the chance to grab 4th place if they could beat Dandenong a second time in the double-header in Melbourne. However, it wasn’t to be, and subsequent losses to top-of-the-ladder Perth and Wollongong ended the WheelKings hopes.
Injuries and absences have led to Wenty having its most disrupted season in it’s 16 year history. Coach Hewson and the players all admit it has been tough to get any rhythm under the circumstances. That said, the team has had only 3 losses where you could say they weren’t in the contest and the players have shown great spirit throughout.
The 2 games against Brisbane today and tomorrow give the WheelKings a chance to finish on a positive note. With the return of Koen Jansens from overseas, everyone is available except the injured Jeremy Van Asperen. Coach Hewson will most likely give everyone a good share of court time and it will be particularly interesting to watch the 3 Australian Gliders representatives – Liesl Tesch, Tina McKenzie and Kylie Gauci – have one of their final hitouts before Beijing.
The Spinning Bullets also have had their stuggles this season. They have a mixture of youth and experience but are still getting it together, and they are probably just a classy import away from being up there for a top 4 spot. Players to watch will be Australian Rollers representatives Adrian King and Tige Simmons, and former WheelKing Jace Clare will no doubt want to impress against his old team.
As this season closes, there is many a thank you to hand out. Most importantly, there would be no WheelKings without the financial support of Wenty Leagues Club who have been backing the team since 2003. Wheelchair Sports NSW also makes a solid contribution and then we come to the many helpers on game days. There are assistants Hikaru and Brian Latham; game commissioner Ken Harvey; scorebench personnel Margaret Bennett, Denise McManus and Karen Clarke; statisticians Helen Budd and Daniel Giffney; photographers Noel Rowsell and Marion McNeill; and everyone who has come out to cheer on the team over the past 4 months.
The WheelKings thank you all and we hope to see you again in 2009!
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.