03 October 2005 Australasia win the International Tournament Share this Article 0 0 0 Shares! 0 Shares! Australasia Come Out Tops At Internationals Seven teams battled it out all week at the Naomh Mearnog grounds in the International Tournament. The action kicked off for Canada, Australasia, New York, London, North America, Britain and Europe on Monday morning with the opening round fixture. On Monday evening it was then onto Croke park for the official launch. Tuesday was a busy day with three rounds of fixtures before a meeting with Aras an Uachtaran for representatives of each side on Wednesday morning. After completing their opening round fixtures on Wednesday it was down to semi-final stage on Thursday with pre Tournament favourites Australasia facing North America and New York against London. As expected the favourites had little problems but the other semi-final clash turned out to be the tie of the competition. In the end London held off the challenge of New York to advance. So it was onto Friday and Finals day. First into action went Canada and Britain followed by the big one Australasia and London Shield Final Canada 4-18 London 3-08 Canada deservedly took the Shield back home with them after holding a battling Britain in the final. The Canadians were well on their way at the midway point leading 1-12 to 1-03 with player of the Tournament Erin Gallagher excellent in the opening period. There first half goal coming from Patricia Staniforth and some fine points from Sharon Higgins, Erinn Lynch and Gallagher. Claire Murphy struck for Britain’s opening major. Lynch struck early in the second half from the penalty spot for Canada second major. However this game was far from over and Britains two quick goals from the outstanding Claire Murphy to reduce the deficit to just seven points. Staniforth hit back with her second goal of the game but with Sinead Whelehan firing over some great points they came back to within five points. That was as good as it got though and Canada dominated to the finish with some cracking scores from Lynch and Gallagher and a forth major this time from Lynch to run out easy winners. Cup Final Australasia 2-13 London 1-03 In the end Australasia had far to much to offer and easily retained the International Tournament with some delightful football and some class individual players. The game opened very evenly with Australasia leading 0-03 to 0-02 after ten minutes. But suddenly they began to tear London apart with their speed and skill levels to hot to handle. Ronni Browning and Sally Cooper just two of their stars in a dominant period that seen them race into a 1-08 to 0-02 interval lead. The all important goal coming from the boot of Cooper as half time approached. London to their credit battled for everything and at times realy held their own in the second half. Joanne Deward hit the opening point of the half for the Londoner’s but at the other end Mel Cowie riffled home her sides second goal. London did get rewarded for their own hard efforts with a goal of their own from Deward but on the day the eventual winners were much to strong all over the park. Over the full week Australasia won many admirers for their fitness and skill levels. All of the panel are Australian and they have picked up our game very well. Congratulation to both the winners but the real winner over the week was all the teams that took part. The excellent facilities of Naomh Mearnog playing a major part to the success of the competition. . See full results elsewhere on News page Alan Gunn (PR Committee) Share this Article 0 0