First blood for Ireland as Rules series right back on track
THE International Rules series is back on track -- for the present at least -- after yesterday's first Test in Perth was in no way recognisable from the horror show the last Ireland v Australia game produced in Croke Park in 2006.
Ireland won 45-44 to set themselves up nicely for the second test in Melbourne next Friday night. They had to hang on grimly at the finish as Australia cut a 17- point deficit back to one, but Ireland held out for their first win in Perth since 1986.
Australia's Campbell Brown was the only player booked and it may, in fact have cost them the game. He was sin-binned with six minutes left, enabling Ireland to use the extra man to shore up the defence.
Irish captain Sean Cavanagh top scored on 13 points, but it was also a splendid night for Wicklow's Leighton Glynn who turned in an excellent performance that included a 10-point haul on his international debut.
"It's a great win, but we know we're only half way there. We have a lot to work on, but we'll be doing it from a very positive base. We know there's more in Australia but there's more in us too," said Irish manager, Sean Boylan.
INSIDE
MARTIN BREHENY'S REPORT AND EUGENE McGEE'S VERDICT. PAGES 70-71
- Martin Breheny
