The Australian wheelchair rugby team, featuring NSWIS athlete Ryley Batt has created history after winning its first ever world championship gold medal over the weekend.

The reigning Paralympic champions defeated a tough Canadian team in the final to become just the second team after the USA to be reigning world and Paralympic gold medallists.

Scores were tied at 15 apiece at quarter-time before both teams traded goals back and forth throughout the second and third quarters. The Steelers were then able to gain the upper-hand at three quarter-time, leading 48-40 before going on to finish the job with a 67-56 victory.

NSWIS athlete Batt led Australia’s offensive efforts by scoring 45 goals during the match, with the Australian team moving to number one in the world rankings.