Aussies lash Irish in International Rules
A DOMINANT Nat Fyfe has propelled Australia to 10-point triumph against Ireland in yesterday’s International Rules game in Adelaide.
Collingwood’s AFL captain Scott Pendlebury appeared to re-injure a finger – he didn’t return after receiving treatment in the second quarter.
Pendlebury missed the last six rounds of the AFL season after breaking the middle finger on his right hand.
Australia won 2.13.12 (63) to 1.13.8 (53) before a crowd of 25,502 at Adelaide Oval.
Pendlebury’s injury took some gloss off a largely polished Australian victory in the series opener – the second and final game will be played in Perth next Saturday.
After struggling to handle the round ball, Fyfe inspired an Australian comeback.
The Irish had skipped to a 10-point lead early in the second quarter before Fyfe took control – he kicked a goal and converted three overs.
After leading by a point at halftime, Australia blitzed the Irish to create a 15-point advantage at three quarter-time.
Australia’s lively attacker Chad Wingard, Dayne Zorko and tall forward Ben Brown each kicked two overs while Luke Shuey scored a goal.
Ireland relied on two threats – Michael Murphy and Conor McManus – for the bulk of their scoring. Murphy kicked a goal and four overs while McManus potted seven overs. Ireland in the last quarter got within seven points before Shuey steadied Australia with a goal.