Ireland Maintain Rules Dominance

[bmw]

Ireland wrapped up a 2-0 series victory by defeating Australia 55-41 in Sunday's International Rules second Test at Croke Park.

The Aussies produced a much-improved showing from their first Test display but they had no answer when Ireland took control in the third quarter.

Irish captain Padraig Joyce scored the only goal of the game in that period.

Scuffles broke out even before the first whistle but despite the Aussies' aggression, Irish skill won the day.

The Australians were clearly fired-up for the game after the severe criticism they took following their 77-41 defeat in last weekend's first Test.

Punches were thrown before the start and Joe Bergin and James Hurd were sinbinned in the opening minute after more fisticuffs.

A dog then entered the field and went on to entertain the crowd for almost 10 minutes.

The terrier showed a desire to get right to the thick of the action and in making contact with the ball on several occasions showed a ball control which put some of the players to shame.

Nathan Brown struck over three overs for the Aussies in the opening quarter but three-pointers from Sean Cavanagh and Tadgh Kennelly helped Ireland draw level at 12-12 at the first interval.

By that stage, Ciaran McDonald and Max Hudghton were also taking an enforced 15 minutes time-out after some more uncompromising action.

Ciaran McDonald and Max Hudghton were both sinbinned

Australia took a measure of control early in the second quarter with Brown, Ossie Jones, Nick Riewoldt and Craig Bolton all hitting three-point overs in quick succession.

Mattie Forde and Paul Galvin then hit overs to cut Australia's lead to three but the second quarter ended in controversy with the visitors feeling they had been denied a blatant penalty.

Certainly, Ciaran McManus appeared to have held on illegally to the ball near his own goals but Cork referee Michael Collins ruled otherwise - much to the Australian team's annoyance.

After the half-time team talk from manager Pete McGrath, Ireland's performance improved considerably in the third quarter.

Benny Coulter quickly brought the sides level and further overs by Dessie Dolan and Joyce then put Ireland six points ahead.

Joyce's goal was something of a hammer blow for the Australians although the outstanding Brown managed to tag on two further overs late in the third period.

Play became scrappy in the final quarter with both teams appearing to tire.

Eoin Brosnan and Sean Cavanagh missed goal chances for Ireland but fittingly captain Joyce completed the scoring which rounded off Ireland's aggregate 132-82 aggregate win.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_i...mes/3949261.stm

[Sporting Dog]

Well done to the paddies. Best on Ground was Jack Russell.

As an aussie I would have loved to have been in Ireland for the matches, I'm sure there would have been a ###### of drink to be had and great 'craic' (is this the right word).

Pity the aussies didn't take it a bit more seriously but judging by the crowd, the Irish enjoyed the series. Good to see a bit of biffo too!!

[nogutsnoapplepie]

22 Aussie rules players suspended after brawl

FRIDAY , 24 DECEMBER 2004

MELBOURNE: Twenty-two Australian Rules footballers have been suspended with one player receiving a five-year ban after an on-field brawl, Australian media reported on Thursday.

The penalties were imposed by a tribunal for North Queensland Australian football body AFL Cairns, following an investigation into the fracas at the grand final between North Cairns Tigers and Port Douglas Crocs on September 18.

A brawl involving players, officials and fans erupted before play began in the match, Australian Associated Press reported.

The banned players were all from North Cairns.

Tigers coach Jason Love, a former Sydney Swans forward, was suspended for three years shortly after the incident after being found guilty on three charges of striking.

"This behaviour is simply unacceptable, brings the code into disrepute and can have a very damaging influence on children who were at the game or saw the footage on television," AFL Cairns president Russell Beer said."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/print/0,1478,...29a1823,00.html