![Dwayne Tucker [fore] with fellow Western Sydney Wizard teammates [L2R] Margaret, Terry, Peter, Marie, Jason, Beverley, Steven, John, Shelly, Katie & Christine](/static/1368666093/images/1x1-placeholder.gif "Dwayne Tucker [fore] with fellow Western Sydney Wizard teammates [L2R] Margaret, Terry, Peter, Marie, Jason, Beverley, Steven, John, Shelly, Katie & Christine")
Dwayne Tucker [fore] with fellow Western Sydney Wizard teammates [L2R] Margaret, Terry, Peter, Marie, Jason, Beverley, Steven, John, Shelly, Katie & Christine
THE Western Sydney Wizards were on an equal playing field as the first disabled team invited to take part in the national tenpin bowling championships at AMF Bowling Rooty Hill.
The team took part in the National Restricted Team Challenge, a handicapped event for bowlers with averages not exceeding 184 for men and 174 for women.
They competed against nine teams representing NSW, ACT, Victoria, Defence, Tasmania, Team Holt, Northern Territory and Queensland.
Consisting of members with physical and intellectual disabilities, the Rooty Hill team held their own against their competitors.
Western Sydney Wizards finished fourth overall once all the scores were tallied together.
Shelly Cox and Marie Wright won silver in the ladies doubles event.
The mens singles results combined would have placed them best team overall.
Wizards co-ordinator Margaret Williams has been coaching disabled locals for 10 years, originally at Mount Druitt, before AMF Bowling opened at Rooty Hill two years ago.
She started with eight teams of three and now has 22 teams of five in two local leagues.
"The team's performance was exceptional," Williams said.
"It was a great experience for them and has boosted their self-esteem."
She said the team received a mixed response from their rivals.