Aussie rules ace Lynsey makes history
Aussie rules star Lynsey Torrance believes Great Britain made their mark on the sport and have shown the world how far they have come.
The 41 year-old was part of GB Swans’ strong defence who were returning from their first appearance at the 2017 Australian Football International Cup in Melbourne.
Lynsey, a former Cairns Primary and Cathkin High pupil from Cambuslang, played in all five of the team’s matches including a controversial defeat in the semi-final against Ireland and a third-placed play-off win over the USA.
However, even though she was delighted with a third-placed finish, Lynsey felt her team were capable of getting to the grand final which was eventually won by the Irish.
She told the Reformer: “Australia weren’t allowed to enter because this is obviously their national sport. So in the rules, you were allowed to draft in a few Australian players.
“Ireland brought in the maximum amount so everyone thought it was slightly unfair and they beat us by putting a goal past us in the last few minutes.
“The thing was, we have played Ireland in European games and other matches before and beat them so we know we should have won.
“It was gutting to lose but to finish third in the world is amazing. I was over the moon with how we did.”
Lynsey, who was only introduced to the sport two years ago, helped her side keep a clean sheet against minnows Pakistan in their opening game.
A comfortable win over Fiji followed which ensured GB a place in the semi-final before the final group match defeat to Canada.
The semi-final loss to Ireland was hard to take but Lynsey is confident the tournament has brought the best out of a good group of players.
She added: “I’m feeling proud. I’m all battered and bruised but it was amazing out there.
“I’ve never been involved in anything quite like it.”