It was a very physical encounter for the full 40 minutes but Ashleigh Bransden rose to the occasion scoring a double-double to lead the Geckos with 24 points, 21 rebounds and 10 steals.
Both teams started nervously with poor shooting percentages and lots of reaching fouls allowing Hong Kong to lead at the first break 8-6.
In the second quarter the Australians played a much more disciplined full court defense, forcing a large number of turnovers by Hong Kong. Ashleigh Bransden (pictured below, right) started a second quarter scoring spree by the Geckos and at half time Australia was up 24-16.
In the third quarter the Aussies withstood the undisciplined defence of the Hong Kong women. Making her international debut, Natasha Gray was very impressive with her speed and excellent full court defence. With almost all of the team scoring points, the Geckos put in a fantastic team effort, lead well on court by Captain Nicola Taschke. By the end of the third quarter, the lead was extended to 47-20.
The rough and physical play continued through the fourth quarter, but the Geckos extended their lead. Coach Janelle Bressow was able to give all players a good run and Australia finished strongly, winning by 36 points.
The Geckos will face Lithuania today at 3.00pm local time.
AUSTRALIA 63 (Ashleigh Bransden 24, Caitlin Johnson 16, Nicola Taschke 7) bt
HONG KONG 27 (Ching Fung 8, Man Cheung 5, Wai Leung 4)
Read on to know more about the team…
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Deaflympic Team |
Residence |
Position |
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Alicia Finch |
Gold Coast |
Forward/Centre |
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Ashleigh Bransden (AJ) |
Wantirna South |
Forward |
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Ashleigh Kedge |
Essendon |
Guard |
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Caitlin Johnson |
Ipswich |
Forward/Centre |
|
Kerry Bevan |
Brisbane |
Guard |
|
Nicole Taschke - Captain |
Brisbane |
Guard |
|
Renee Kahle - Vice Captain |
Geelong |
Guard |
|
Tameka Browning |
Ipswich |
Forward/Centre |
|
Natasha Gray |
Brisbane |
Guard |
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Coach: Janelle Bressow |
Gold Coast |
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Assistant Coach: Dave Taschke |
Logan |
|
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Manager: Trudi Chesterton |
Perth, Booragoon |
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Player Diary: Ash, Nic and Tameka
The Geckos are in action! Game 1 against Hong Kong – we’d seen them play against Sweden, but it’s still hard to know what to expect. Congratulations to the first timers – Alicia (in basketball), Kerry, Tash, and Tameka. Despite our best efforts, the nerves were a little hard to control to start with – luckily we had AMAZING supporters. Friends and family have flown over to Taipei to cheer courtside, and fellow athletes took time out from their own campaigns to cheer us on. The awesome texts, phonecalls, emails and facebook messages have been very much appreciated.
We were very proud walking out onto the court with our names on our uniforms, and flags in the stands. The style of basketball was a little different to what we’ve been used to, and of course the jitterbugs made it a hesitant start. Luckily our coaches and support staff are amazing. When we were a little stressed or frustrated, they really settled us and focused us, and we came back to play an awesome second half.
We’re gearing up now for Game 2 tomorrow against Lithuania. Go Geckos!!
From Ash #4, Nic #7, and Tameka #9
Photos courtesy of Scott Chesterton
