By David Gold

Clare Strange_April_8April 8 - European champions Germany sit top of the table at the women's wheelchair basketball Tri Nations Cup going into the final day of action at Ponds Forge in Sheffield.


Britain, who lost 47-37 to Germany, then played a tight match between the pair in the return.

Britain were 9-7 down early on, but drew back to level things up 19-19 half way through, and then edged into the lead 32-29 at the end of the third period.

With less than a second remaining though, Clare Strange (pictured above) ensured a dramatic finish as she netted to win the game 42-40 for the hosts.

Germany took on France iand went 15-6 up after the first quarter as they looked to bounce back straight away.

By half time it was 27-15 but then the French staged a rally, bringing the scores back to 38-31 late on as they sought to complete a remarkable comeback.

The Germans though were not to be beaten twice in one day and they recovered to eventually win comfortably, 57-38.

France started much better in their next match and took a 14-12 lead against Britain early on.

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Britain fought back strongly though and took the lead by half time on the way to an eventual comfortable 53-43 win, keeping them second in the table.

Both Germany and Britain now have three wins and one loss apiece, and seven points in Sheffield.

France have lost all four of their games but and will hope to at least change that streak on the final day as they look to salvage some pride.

The Tri Nations is a crucial tournament as these three nations prepare for this summer's Paralympic Games in London.

Germany and France will meet again in the same pool in London, where they will also face 2008 champions United States, Mexico and China.

In the other pool, hosts Britain will take on Canada, Australia, Netherlands and Brazil.

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