Series all but over, to be sure

International Rules Series 2005 - First Test

Australia have kicked away to a series winning lead after demolishing the Irish tonight by 36 points in front of a sold out Subiaco Oval.

Led by Andrew McLeod and Chris Johnson, the quicksilver midfield sliced through their opponents and led at every change to record the highest score in the history of the international rules code by scoring 100 points to 64.

The only downside for the Aussies was the report of Russell Robertson for a good old fashioned shirtfront of Irish defender Tom Kelly.

It was a true team effort from the home team – who were put together beautifully by new coach Kevin Sheedy – which had 15 players who booted overs while the visitors could only offer six.

The midfield, led by best on ground Luke Hodge, Chris Newman, Nathan Eagleton and Andrew Lovett were the catalysts of the victory for the Australians as they proved dominant all over the ground, with their speed and physicality always a worry for Irish coach Pete McGrath.

The Irish were down on players, with only forwards Brendan Coulter (two goals, one over) and Stephen O’Neill (three overs) keeping Australian goalkeeper Dustin Fletcher worried.

Although the match started at a great pace, almost basketball like, it was the Australians that gained the ascendancy late in the first quarter with late overs to Matthew Lappin, Johnson and premiership player Ryan O’Keefe setting up a 10 point lead at quarter time.

The second quarter was more of the same with a tight opening, until Bomber rookie Andrew Lovett broke the game open with the first goal of the match, punching the ball past Irish goalie Mick McVeigh. With a lead of 17 points as the teams entered the sheds, the Irish needed early points to bring the margin back.

However, this did not eventuate as the Aussies set about dismantling Ireland, piece by piece with an 18-0 run that was only halted when Coulter punched past Fletcher, who was in two minds whether to punch away or mark the ball.

That momentum quickly subsided as Shannon Grant and Amon Buchanan booted overs, while Chris Johnson converted from the penalty spot to see the margin 40 points at the final change.

The last quarter was a disappointing affair with only late cosmetic surgery seeing the Irish bring a tiny sense of respectability to the scoreline. Tom Cavanagh’s goal in time on, ensured that the Irish won the final quarter, but the Aussies had well and truly taken the foot off the pedal by then.

Next week the international rules bandwagon heads to Melbourne as the Telstra Dome will see it’s first Test match, the crowd, however may be down, considering the pathetic effort of the Irish tonight.

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