Murphy plays for Ireland in Series as Australia win
AUSTRALIA IRELAND
(Australia win series 116-103)
53 50
top scorer on 16 points.
Ireland led 17-11 at the end of the first quarter, having made a decisive break midway through when they struck for two goals in a minute.
Gary Brennan scored the first, followed shortly afterwards by second from Chris Barrett, who timed his run from defence perfectly to show up at the end of a good move.
Ireland led 13-1 at that stage but Australia rallied and had cut the deficit to six points heading into the second quarter.
Ireland won an eventful second quarter 13-6, to take a 30-17 into the break. Michael Murphy and Conor McManus scored two ‘overs’ each in a period when Ireland controlled possession well and defended intelligently.
Shane Walsh used his speed to good effect, sprinting away from opponents on a few occasions.
Overall, it was an excellent first half by Ireland, who made far fewer mistakes than in Adelaide last Sunday.
Australia lost Joel Selwood on a black card for a head-high tackle on Chris Barrett just before the break, an incident that sparked a clash between the teams as they left the pitch.
It was one of a few flashpoints but thankfully common sense prevailed, with both sides re-establishing their discipline.
Australia won the third quarter 17-11, leaving them trailing by seven heading into the final 18 minutes.
It was an edgy period for Ireland but they finished well with McManus firing over a delightful ‘over’ from near the sideline.
Shortly before that Walsh’s cracking drive for a goal was saved by Brendon Goddard, who diverted the ball around the post for a ‘behind’.
There were supporters from Niall’s club and county there cheering him on during the game and he was receiving many messages of support from back home.
The result didn’t go the way Ireland had hoped but it was a great occasion for Murphy and Sligo GAA seeing the 24-year-old represent his country.
Scorers: Australia: D Zorko 10, E Betts 9, C Wingard, R Sloane 6 each, Z Merrett 5, L Shuey, B Browne 4 each, N Fyfe, S Burgoyne, R Laird 3 each
Ireland: C McManus 16, G Brennan 7, C Barrett, M Murphy, S Walsh 6 each, C Sheehan, N Grimley 3 each, D Hughes, N Murphy, E Smith 1 each,
IRELAND: N Morgan (Tyrone); B Harrison (Mayo), O Cadogan (Cork), S Powter (Cork); C Sheehan (Cork), Z Tuohy (Geelong & Laois), C Barrett (Mayo); K Feely (Kildare), A O’Shea (Mayo); S Walsh (Galway), D Hughes (Monaghan), N Sludden (Tyrone); P Geaney (Kerry), M Murphy (Donegal), C McManus (Monaghan).
Interchange: G Brennan (Clare), K Clarke (Cavan), P Crowley (Kerry), N Grimley (Armagh). N Murphy (Sligo), P Murphy (Kerry), E Smith (Roscommon), C Sweeney (Tipperary).