Quad Rugby/Story - Chris Handy Cup

The 2004 Chris Handy Cup Series returns to Australia July 21-24. Cairns will play host to the five game series between the two trans-Tasman Wheelchair Rugby powers. The competition represents the first time Wheelchair Rugby will be played in Cairns. The Chris Handy Cup returns to Queensland for the first time since the inaugural match in Brisbane in 1998. Australia will be trying to win back the Cup from the Kiwis who have had a two-year stronghold on the coveted prize. Last year the Kiwis defeated Australia three games to two in the best of five series which went down to the final game. Both squads recently squared off in a three game set at the Super Series in Sydney which saw the Kiwis win two out of three. Australia won the overall series despite their record against the Kiwis who were hurt by two losses to Great Britain.

Cup organiser Terry Vinyard expects this Cup to be tightly contested. "For both of our squads it represents the last time before Athens that we will be playing another National team." Outside of the obvious benefit of playing another Paralympic qualifier, the event will simulate Athens in a lot of ways. The climate is about as close as we can get in Australia to what Athens may be like. Teams will be housed in village like conditions and playing at an unfamiliar venue. "This one event may make the difference in Athens for both teams" added Vinyard. "We have really elevated each others level over the years and this should be no different."

All five games will be played at the Marlin Coast YMCA in Smithfield, which is 15 minutes drive from Cairns CBD. The winner of this year's series will take an overall lead in Cup matches. Each team has won the Cup three times. The Chris Handy Cup Series is being staged with the support of Cairns Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association and Cairns City Council. Games begin on Wednesday, July 21 with opening game tip off at 7 p.m., Series continues with one game each day, until Saturday when the two sides will do battle twice at 10:00 a.m. and then again at 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. which is yet to be determined.

Year	Site	Result
1998	Brisbane, AUS	* New Zealand 37-34
1999	Hamilton NZ	Australia, 2 games to 1
2000	Sydney, AUS	Australia, 3 games to 2
2001	Christchurch, NZ	*Australia 41-37
2002	Sydney AUS	* New Zealand 42-36
2003	Christchurch, NZ	New Zealand 3 games to 2
2004	Cairns, AUS	To be determined

For more information on the series contact Terry Vinyard 07 3852 6290. Catch up with all the Australia Wheelchair Rugby action by logging onto rugby.sports.org.au