Australian Steelers captain Ryan Scott lifted the International Wheelchair Rugby Four Nations trophy in triumph after his team defeated Canada 57-52 in the final at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre.

Overwhelming favourites after their undefeated charge to the final, the Australians did not let their home crowd down by delivering the tournament’s best performance when it counted most.

They led the Canadians at every change and rarely looked threatened in a display likely to give Australian coach Brad Dubberley immense confidence less than five months out from the World Championships in Vancouver.

“Canada are a phenomenal team and for us to win like we did was great,” Dubberley said.

“It was a real team effort. Everyone was committed and it goes a long way to showing what we’re capable of.

“Overall this tournament has been great for our team in helping us to progress and develop new players, heading forward through to the World Championships in September.

“Of the ten athletes we have on our team here, four are rookies so they got a lot of great experience throughout this whole week. We haven’t dropped a game since the Beijing Paralympics and we’re heading in the right direction."

Ryley Batt again led the scoring for the Australians with 44 goals, while Cameron Carr (seven goals), Steve Porter (five goals), and Andrew Harrison (one goal) also crossed the line.

For the Canadians, attacking star Fabien Lavoie scored 18 goals and was his side’s best, while Michael Whitehead (11 goals), and Ian Chan (eight goals) were the other major contributors.

Although clearly disappointed to fall short of victory, Canadian coach Kevin Orr said his team will take plenty of positives out of the tournament as they prepare to win September’s World Championships on their home soil.

“We thought we did really well. This is really good preparation for us for the World Championships,” Orr said.

“This was a great tournament and we really appreciate Australia having us here and giving us an opportunity to play against Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain.

“Obviously they have Ryley Batt as their dominant player but other players really stepped up and made some good plays today and that was really the difference in the game.

“They made some key plays that really took some of the pressure off Ryley. It was certainly a team match.

Batt, voted the tournament’s most valuable player, was at his devastating best at both ends of the floor. Not only did he contribute 44 goals, he was equally destructive in defence and twice left Canadian attacking star Fabien Lavoie needing assistance after bone-crunching hits.

The 20-year-old from Port Macquarie, who returned only from playing in the US National League with the San Diego Sharp three days before the tournament, said he would now take the opportunity for a well-earned rest.

“We played our hearts out every minute of every game this week. It’s been a great week for us,” Batt said.

“The rookies have played outstandingly, the whole team played fantastic largely thanks to Brad Dubberley. It’s been a great tournament and I’m so happy to be playing back here.

“We knew Canada was going to play their A-game and they did. To win by five goals against Canada is a great achievement.”

In the third place playoff held before the decider, New Zealand prevailed with a stunning 53-52 victory over Great Britain in double overtime.