Paralympics: Wheel Blacks beat Germany

By GREG ANSLEY

SYDNEY - The Wheel Blacks cruised to an easy victory over Germany in the second round of the wheelchair rugby at the Paralympics yesterday.

Building on their victory over Britain in the first round of competition the previous night, the Wheel Blacks won 47-30.

The Kiwis established their dominance from their opening goal in the first few seconds of the game, outclassing the tactics of their opponents.

Although the Germans fought back with spirit, the New Zealanders were clearly superior in both attack and defence, leading by 13-8 in the first quarter and 25-16 by halftime.

By midway through the third-quarter, Germany were floundering, losing both tactically and in ball-handling, allowing the Wheel Blacks to extend their lead to 15 points.

In the final quarter, the Germans launched a reinvigorated attack, but could not stave off an unremitting New Zealand assault.

Coach Tony Howe said. "We're starting to build up for the final. - It was a big move up today and there is definitely more to come."

On Wednesday night, the Wheel Blacks beat Britain 46-37, maintaining a consistent eight to 10-point lead throughout.

The US beat Switzerland 42-27, Canada beat Germany 35-32 and Australia beat Sweden 39-36.

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