Injured Jenaya looks on as GB take beating
Jenaya Wade-Fray must wait to make her London 2012 bow after being kept on the bench because of injury during Great Britain’s defeat against Australia.The 23-year-old, who tellingly wore a knee brace, could only watch as her team-mates were convincingly swept aside 74-58 by the 2008 silver medallists in their Olympic opener on Saturday night.She was due to undergo a fitness test yesterday to determine whether she would be able to play any part in tonight’s match against Canada.The Bermudian admitted her frustration at missing her side’s curtain-raiser in front of a packed and partisan arena but hoped for a swift return.“I’ve got an injury; I tweaked my knee a little bit during a friendly game,” she said.“It’s disappointing but I’m hoping to be fit for Monday night, that’s the plan.”Britain displayed plenty of heart against medal contenders Australia but were ultimately overpowered by their more experienced, much stronger opponents.Jo Leedham and Rachel Vanderwal finished with 11 points for Britain, while Australia skipper Lauren Jackson led her side with 18.Wade-Fray admitted her team-mates failed to find their groove against the Opals but remained optimistic that Britain could qualify from their group.Britain have been grouped with Australia, Canada, Brazil, France and Russia, with the top four teams going through to the knockout stage.“I definitely think we’re capable of beating the rest of the teams. It was a tough game against Australia and none of our shots were really falling in,” said Wade-Fray.“But as long as we come and bring our ‘A’ game we have a chance to beat anybody.”Rubbing shoulders in the Olympic Village with basketball stars such as Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers and Miami Heat’s LeBron James has been an incredible experience for Wade-Fray, who said she was determined to make her country proud.“I love all support from people back home, it means a lot to me and makes me more determined to do them all proud,” said the point guard.“I have seen quite a few famous people at the Village like Kobe (Bryant) and LeBron (James), the whole USA basketball men’s team; it certainly inspires you when you see those guys.”Britain coach Tom Maher declared himself satisfied with his team’s battling display and insisted there was plenty more to come from his Olympic debutantes.“To play the number two team in the world was a tough start to the tournament but I’m really happy with how we played,” said Maher, a former Australia national team coach.“There are always things you could do better but overall I’m very proud of the girls and how they acquited themselves.“We’ve got our feet wet in the tournament now.”USA got their defence of their women’s basketball crown off to a winning start with a convincing victory over Croatia on Saturday.Britain take on Canada tonight at 4pm (Bermuda time).