DFA World Cup

Women’s Dodgeroos win bronze at 2018 World Cup, Retain number one world ranking

The Chemist Warehouse Australian Dodgeroos have completed their World Cup campaign in New York City at Madison Square Garden, with our Women’s Dodgeroos taking home Bronze, retaining the number one world ranking.

The 2018 World Cup received significant media coverage across the globe, including broadcast on ESPN2 in USA to over 70 million people. Locally, the World Cup was aired on Fox Sports in Australia, a significant milestone for our sport.

The top 10 nations in the Men’s, Mixed and Women’s Divisions qualified for the 2018 World Cup, through last year’s continental qualifiers. Australia secured qualification in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2017 which involved 10 nations, by winning Silver at the Asia Pacific Championships in each category. The top-three Asia Pacific nations earned a berth in the world showpiece event.

The Women’s Dodgeroos were near faultless throughout their World Cup journey. Unbeaten and topping Group B, the Women played like a squad at the top of their game. A potent display saw them defeat Canada 15 – 11 in the Quarter Final, before a narrow loss to world number three Austria in the Semi Final. In typical fashion, the Women bounced back in the Bronze Medal Match, prevailing 17 – 13 over Hong Kong.

It was an exceptional campaign for the Women’s Dodgeroos, who won six of their seven World Cup matches, claimed the Bronze Prize, and retained their world number one ranking among the 60+ nations affiliated with the World Dodgeball Association. A phenomenal achievement!

The Mixed Dodgeroos placed second in Group B, and were looking a prominent force throughout the competition. A commanding display saw the Mixed Dodgeroos trounce the host’s USA 17 – 9 in the Quarter Final, a highlight from the event. Unfortunately, the Mixed squad were defeated by eventual champions England in the Semi Final, securing fourth position following a tight tussle with Austria in the Bronze Medal match.

In doing so, the Mixed Dodgeroos retained their number three world ranking.

The Men’s Dodgeroos were devoid of good fortune in New York City, narrowly missing out on qualifying for the Knockout Stages. The Men were up against some fierce competition, and held their own on the world stage. Close loses to host’s USA and Canada, followed by a heartbreaking draw with Northern Ireland (eventual Bronze Medalists), sealed the Men’s Dodgeroos’ fate.

On the positive, the Men’s Dodgeroos are ranked number four in the world, and will be determined to come back bigger and stronger at next year’s Asia Pacific Championships. An announcement on the location will be revealed in the coming weeks.

World Dodgeball Ranking Summary:

Women’s Dodgeroos – 1st

Men’s Dodgeroos – 4th

Mixed Dodgeroos – 3rd

Source: https://www.worlddodgeball.net/

On reflection, 2018 has been a significant year for Australian Dodgeball. On May 25, Dodgeball Federation Australia (DFA) received official recognition as a National Sporting Organisation by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).

Recognition from the ASC provides greater credibility for dodgeball on a national platform. The DFA aims to take the sport to a new level of professionalism in growing awareness, participation in regional and metropolitan areas in Australia across all age groups. A strategic priority for DFA is to promote inclusion and importantly, aid our athletes in performance on the domestic and international stage with the Australian Dodgeroos.

Dodgeball Federation Australia would like to thank its sponsors for their continued support for the Australian Dodgeroos.

Major Partner: Chemist Warehouse

Apparel Partner: Sports Portal – Legea

Travel Partner: JT Sports Tours

Partners: Budgy Smuggler, Joust Sports, Rocktape Australia, Sports Chiropractic Australia, Summerhill Hotel

Recognised By: Australian Sports Commission, GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations – recognised by World Dodgeball Association)

Affiliation: World Dodgeball Association, Asian Dodgeball Federation