Ireland staged a remarkable comeback to draw the first Test 39-39 in the Junior International Rules tour of Australia, at the Telstradome, Melbourne today.
Played as a curtain-raiser to the AFL meeting of St Kilda and the Brisbane Lions, a large attendance watched an evenly contested game in which Ireland led by three points at half time.
In the third quarter, the Australians enjoyed a period of significant dominance opening a 13 point lead, which appeared to have set them on the road to victory.
However, the Irish showed magnificent battling qualities to get back into the game in the final quarter.
Led admirably by captain Ray Cullivan (Cavan - five points), the team clawed back the 13 point deficit to level the game at the final whistle.
Significant contributors for Ireland were: Shane O'Rourke (Meath - 11 points), William Mulhall (Offaly - 6 points), Colm O'Driscoll (Cork - 6 points [goal]), Pearce Hanley (Mayo - 6 points [goal]), Michael Murphy (Donegal - 4 points) and Paddy Andrews (Dublin - 1 point).
Scores after each quarter:
1st: Australia 11-9 Ireland
2nd: Australia 14-17 Ireland
3rd: Australia 31-18 Ireland
4th: Australia 39-39 Ireland
The Test series moves on to Adelaide this Sunday, April 19, where the second of the three match series is to be played in Football Park.
