Boomers London bound

The Australian Boomers are en-route to London and the Olympic Village ready for the exciting challenge ahead, following the completion of their four-game European tour.

A brilliant 69-67 win over France in Strasbourg in the final game of the tour ensured the Boomers head to the Games on a high note.

Australian head coach Brett Brown said the victory over France was just reward for the time and effort put into the preparation for London.

“I think it just validates the work everybody has put in,” Brown said.

“We feel we have genuinely not skipped steps (in our preparation), we’ve tried to pay attention to the things we know are ultimately going to play a significant factor in how far we’re able to go, namely fitness and defence.

“I feel we ended the final phase of our preparation in the way that we wanted to and I’m proud of our guys and pleased they can go into the village an excellent team.”

The Boomers arrive in London on Wednesday and will have to wait until Sunday for their first pool game of the 2012 Olympic Games, when they will face Brazil.

On the injury front there was further good news for Coach Brown, with centre Aleks Maric’s overcoming his leg injury.

“We’ve been forced to be cautious with Aleks,” Brown said.

“There were stages when we weren’t sure when we were going to have him available, but the medical staff have done a great job and he has been extremely professional in his rehabilitation.”

“We believe he’ll be available for game one.”

Boomers skipper Matt Nielsen was rested for the France game, but is expected to take his spot on the court for the opening pool game against Brazil.

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!