British women grab basketball gold; men bag bronze in Manchester

By Paul Eddison, Sportsbeat, in Manchester

GREAT BRITAIN secured their first ever BT Paralympic World Cup victory with a second win in three days over European champions Germany. 

Helen Freeman led the way in the 63-52 win with 22 points, while Amy Conroy and Laurie Williams also chipped in with 16 and ten points respectively. 

Ranked second in the world, Germany had needed a comeback win over Canada last night to make the final, while Britain qualified despite a one-point loss to Japan earlier in the evening. 

But after a tight first quarter, Britain didn't give their illustrious opponents a chance, dominating the second quarter to take a 36-21 lead at halfway. 

They maintained that lead through the third and fourth quarters and despite a late German rally, the win was never in any doubt. 

"We have a lot of young players in this squad and it's perfect timing as they are all coming through now," said Freeman. 

"Germany will be back I have no doubt about that as they are always strong. We just came out knowing we could do it today.  

"It's amazing to win as I've never won at this tournament before I don't think GB have either. 

"Germany are second in the world so now we feel like we can beat anyone. It wasn't easy though but we just had a self-belief we could win. 

"To score yourself is always good but to get the win is the most important thing. Because I was hitting it, it then it started to open up opportunities for other people, which helps us all around." 

Head coach Garry Peel was also delighted with the performance of his side and has already set his sights on the European Championships in Israel in September. 

Germany have won the last five editions, a run extending back to 1997, but Peel is hoping this victory will act as a springboard to greater success next year. 

"This year we have the Europeans next and also the first ever World Championships for the under 25s," added Peel. "We have six girls in this team who will be there.  

"Our goal is top four in 2012 but that's still so far away, for now we just have to take it one step at a time. 

"After last night's performance this feels great." 

Meanwhile, Great Britain's men made sure they left with some silverware even if it wasn't the colour they wanted - downing Brazil for the second time in a week to make sure of bronze. 

Terry Bywater again top-scored with 17 points in a comprehensive 63-43 points - and Matt Byrne believes it's a sign of things to come. 

"We've got a few months to get ourselves ready for the European Championships," said Byrne. "I think we've seen improvements as we've gone on and it was always going to take while to gel but we'll be ready by September." 

The BT Paralympic World Cup is taking place in Manchester from 23-28 May with elite international athletes competing in Swimming, Athletics and Wheelchair Basketball. Go to www.btparalympicworldcup.com for more information