Batt, NSWIS teammates Edmondson and Carr win stunning gold

With superstar Ryley Batt (pictured) at the helm and NSWIS mates Andrew Edmondson and Cameron Carr by his side, the Australian Steelers wheelchair rugby team has scored a dramatic double overtime 59-58 victory over the USA to win the final medal presented at the Games in Rio.

In an epic where neither team ever held more than a three goal advantage and the scores were locked up at three-quarter time, full time and at the end of the first period of extra time, Australia got home off the back of some stout defence and four goals to Batt in the second overtime period.

As he has been all tournament where he was clearly the MVP, Batt was sensational for the Steelers, scoring 27 goals, including the overtime heroics.

Helping Batt throughout was Queenslander Chris Bond with 21 goals – including one with 1.4 seconds remaining on the clock in the first overtime period to send the game into a sixth term – and Edmondson, who scored his tournament high five goals when they were needed most.

The Steelers’ victory marked the first time any nation had won back-to-back wheelchair rugby Paralympic titles and a world championship in a four-year stretch. Australia also became just the second two-time Paralympic champions since the sport gained full Games status in 2000, joining the US.

Fittingly, Batt was in possession when the siren blasted to end the second over-time period with Australia a point in front, and went crashing to the floor in celebration.

“Mate, I don’t think I’ve ever been happier in my life,” Batt told AAP.

“I really shouldn’t say that, because I’m married, and the wedding day is meant to be the best day of your life.

“But I think the missus would agree. It’s pretty cool. World champions, two-time gold medallists in a row, double over-time game by one point – on top of the world.

“I was in a lot of pain because my shoulder almost popped out. But who cares? Months off now, we’re two-time gold medallists.”

Like Batt, the victory was a second Paralympic title for Carr, while for Edmondson it was his maiden Paralympic medal.

Meanwhile, Australia ended their wheelchair basketball campaign in Rio in sixth place after falling 70-69 to Brazil in their final match.

NSWIS athlete Brett Stibners was a major contributor for the Australian Rollers, netting 13 points along with three assists and three rebounds.