Ireland beat Australia 59-53, thanks to a scrambled goal from Anthony Tohill, and a stunning long-range effort from Armagh's Kieran McGeeney. The Aussies always looked dangerous, but the work rate of the Irish was enough to vanquish the home side. They outscored the Australian side in the final quarter by 18-7. Ireland now take a six-point lead into the second test.
Australia began the game brilliantly, retaining possession as the Irish struggled to come to terms with the conditions inside the MCG. But for all their dominance in the opening exchanges, the Australians only had one goal to show for it. Ireland came back and Anthony Tohill, of Derry, began to take control. Johnny Crowley equalised, and Tohill scored two overs to give Ireland a six-point cushion. Ireland scored a brace of behinds to extend their lead, but ominously Australia fought back at the very end of the quarter.
The Aussies, who led at the halfway point by 28-22, dominated the second quarter. Australia were relentless in their attacks on the Irish defence, which had no answer to their powerful forward play. They outscored the Irish by 18-8 in the second period and many within the ground thought that Ireland's chance had gone. Blake Caracella's palmed goal looked like being a crucial score.
The third quarter marked the turning point. Australia started ferociously, extending their lead to ten points. But a goal from Anthony Tohill in the dying minutes of that period gave Ireland hope. Ireland went on to dominate after that. Keiran McGeeney struck a fierce shot in the final period, which flew over the head of the Australian goalkeeper for a valuable six-points. That lead looked unassailable and although the Aussies came back, it was to no avail.
The only black mark for Ireland came at the end when the hooter sounded and the Irish players started celebrating. But Australia had been awarded a free and they took it while the players were unaware, securing them an extra point.
Filed by John Raftery
