The sport is still often referred to by its original name of "Murderball" and Australia and Canada gave a timely reminder of why as they battled it out in a hard-hitting encounter for the biggest prize in the sport.

Canada, who won bronze in Beijing, headed into the gold medal game full of confidence after they stunned world champions and pre-tournament favourites America 50-49 in a dramatic semi-final.

Nevertheless, Australia, who had eased past Japan 59-45 in their own semi-final, proved a different class as the majority of the vocal 15,000 crowd at the Basketball Arena cheered them on.

Armed with the formidable Batt (pictured top, centre), the 23-year-old who is widely regarded as the best wheelchair rugby player on the planet, the Australians raced into an early lead.

Their early dominance drew some huge hits from a frustrated Canada as they attempted to assert themselves in the game.

However, Canada simply could not recover from the early onslaught orchestrated by Batt and a half-time deficit of 34-21 proved too much for them to overcome despite their valiant half effort.


But in truth, the game that turned into a one-man demolition job as the peerless Batt ended the match with a superb 37-point haul to claim over half of his Australia's goals.

He was ably supported by Chris Bond (pictured above), who claimed 15 points, while Zak Madell, who took 11 points, led Canada's resistance.

"It is great to score goals but this is ultimately a team game," said Batt as he modestly looked to play down his own role.

"This is about all of us out there and it was great to go out there and get this gold medal for Australia.

"It has been an amazing Paralympic Games and I have loved every minute of it.

"I went to Athens in 2004 where we didn't get a medal and Beijing in 2008 when we won silver so to go one better and finally get that gold is a special feeling."

Meanwhile, in the bronze medal match, there was some consolation for the United States as they claimed a 53-43 win over Japan with Chuck Aoki (pictured below, centre) playing chief destroyer for the victors with 13 points.


"I thought we played well today, I thought we played well as a team and we did a really good job and we came out on top," said Aoki.

"It's always good when you do that.

The American however, admitted it was tough to get up for the match following their semi-final loss.

"All of the team said, 'You've got to go out and win this game tomorrow', there's no other choice," Aoki explained.

"We have to go out and get a medal and come home with something.

"The feeling yesterday of losing that game was the worst I've ever had in my life and I don't ever want to have that again."

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