Pain From Spain But Rollers Rookies Shine 

The Australian Rollers will take momentum into their clash with the United States after producing a fast finish against Spain in their second pool match at the Paris Paralympics. 

The 2023 European Championships silver medallists beat the Australians 68-60 at Bercy Arena but led by as many as 22 points in the third quarter. The Rollers found their rhythm in the fourth quarter, piling on 30 points to 16 to end on a high. 

“It was pretty tough. Not a great start from us. It’s a bit disappointing,” six-time Paralympian Shaun Norris said. “But the positive is that towards the end there we saw some glimpses of what we can do.” 

Another positive was the team’s two young guns, Jaylen Brown and Eithen Leard, had impressive performances. Brown hit 22 points and looked increasingly potent as the game progressed. 

“He’s got all those things you can’t teach,” Norris said. 

“I think the future’s bright for him. Then Eithen, 18 years old, big minutes, big moments today, and he was just a workhorse, so hats off to those boys. They did a really good job today.” 

The Rollers trailed 19-12 at quarter time and 33-25 at half time, as early turnovers took their toll. Both sides were shooting at 48 per cent from two-point range by half time, but the Rollers’ return of none from eight from three-point range was a problem. 

Five points scored in the third quarter ultimately ended any chance of a Rollers comeback, despite the strong finish. 

“It’s not a position we want to be in,” Norris said. “But you can’t dwell on it. We’ve just got to go out next game and see what we can do from here.” 

The Rollers have a day off before they face the US on Sunday 1 September. 

Watch the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on the 9Network and 9Now live and free, and on Stan Sport. 

By: David Sygall, Paralympics Australia

Published: 30 August 2024