Aussies bounce back against Irish
Australia have breathed life into the International Rules concept after an entertaining 10-point win over Ireland at Patersons Stadium tonight.
The Australians were dominant early in front of 38,262 spectators and led by as much as 33 points before Ireland launch a major challenge after the half-time break.
Luke Hodge claimed the Jim Stynes Medal as best afield with 24 disposals in the 0.17.5 (56) to 2.9.7 (46) win. Stevie Johnson was also impressive with his five overs.
Conor McManus was named Ireland’s best for his four overs and 12 touches.
David Moran, Ireland’s only representative from All Ireland champions Kerry, was handed the task of competing against Nic Naitanui at the opening throw-in.
Taking into account Moran’s 190cm frame, the result went as expected.
The Australians were untouchable early, with Johnson kicking three early overs and skipper Joel Selwood running around with the ball on a string.
Brent Harvey was very nearly in on goal 10 minutes into the match, but a fine save by Ireland keeper Paddy O’Rourke pushed the ball over the bar to save three points.
Staggeringly, it was the Australian’s skill with the round ball which was helping them keep control of the game and kick eight scores to just two in the opening term.
Irish captain Michael Murphy gave his side some hope in the shadows of quarter-time, with his over reducing the margin to 18 points at quarter time.
The Irish started the second quarter well, but Moran wasted an early chance in front of goals.
The miss opened the doors for the Australians, who recorded another over off the boot of Johnson and continued their dominant ways.
The Irish had their chances, but kicked four straight behinds to go into the long break trailing by 28 points.
The third quarter was a completely different ball game.
After conceding the first two overs of the term, the Irish sprang to life.
Darren Hughes gave his side hope when he found himself one-out with Aussie keeper Dustin Fetcher and calmly slotted the goal.
A re-invigorated Ireland finally began to show their experience with the round ball, slotting the next five overs of the game from all angles to bring the deficit back to just 16 points with one quarter remaining.
Former Brisbane player Colm Begley kicked the first over of the final term for Ireland, putting the result in real doubt.
The Australians quickly rallied and extended the lead through overs to Chad Wingard and Keiren Jack.
Ireland were given some hope when Nick Smith shanked a kick and recorded an own goal with three minutes remaining, but time was ultimately not on their side.
