23 February 2020

Great Britain narrowly miss out on glory at wheelchair rugby Quad Nations

Great Britain succumbed to a disappointing defeat in the final of the 2020 Quad Nations as they went down 53-42 against the USA.

It was an impressive run by Paul Shaw’s side to put themselves in contention for the ultimate prize at Leicester’s Morningside Arena, but it wasn’t to be as the four-time world champions were just too strong over four exhilarating quarters.

The final was a narrowly-contested affair throughout as the USA held a 13-11 lead after the first quarter, before further rallying from Great Britain saw them trailing 26-21 at half-time.

And while they continually sought to close the gap on the formidable American side, they knew they were facing an uphill battle as they trailed 39-31 going into the final ten minutes.

Despite a defiant display in the last quarter, the USA – the team who beat Britain in the 2018 World Championship bronze medal match – extended their lead to an 11-point margin to come away impressive 53-42 winners.

Britain’s run had seen them topple Australia in the semi-finals, winning 61-53 after a polished performance in the Midlands.

After losing out in over-time on day two against the reigning Paralympic champions, Shaw’s team produced a thrilling display to book their place in the final.

It was a tight affair after the first quarter with the scores level at 15-15 as both sides produced a scintillating opening period.

But Britain soon began to exert their dominance as they pulled ahead into a 31-27 advantage at the break.

The hosts maintained their lead in the third quarter before coming out the blocks quickly in the final period with two quick tries.

Jim Roberts was a vital cog in the British machine throughout their valiant run to the final, scoring 26 tries in the last four clash and placing his side on the cusp of Quad Nations glory.

But it wasn’t to be in the final, as their battling display against the 2018 World Championship bronze medallists was not quite enough to get over the line.

Picture credit: Megumi Masuda

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