World Footy News

‘Twas a grand day for the Warriors, but a sad one for the Irish as the Malaysian Warriors extracted some retribution for the Australian AFL failure in the recent International Rules series by comfortably defeating the Malaysia GAA Orang Eire in the first International Rules contest held in Malaysia at the Alice Smith School on November 22nd.

Playing for the Finnegan’s Cup, the trophy donated by the well known Irish hostelry in Kuala Lumpur, a generous sponsor of both teams, the Warriors triumphed 109-61 in what was a highly entertaining game, played in great spirit before an enthusiastic crowd.

It was interesting to note that both sides had little difficulty adapting to the rules, and specifically the Warriors managed to handle the spheroid ball particularly well. This is probably due to the fact that unlike Australian-based AFL players many of the competitors on both sides have played numerous codes, the Australian game, the Gaelic game, soccer and the various rugby codes and hence can easily adapt. The simple fact that the Warriors were able score 6 unders and 19 overs is testimony to their accuracy in dispatching the round ball.

Tactically, the Warriors made great advantage of running and switching play from side to side of the ground, a tactic which seemed to confuse the Irish who had a more structured game plan. Particularly in the first half, this led to loose men being regularly created, and the setting up of scoring opportunities.

The technique of ‘around the body’ kicking rather like Johnny Wilkinson also proved very effective in shooting for goal and by half time the Warriors held a handsome lead of 63-30.

The Irish, however, were not to be denied and came out hard in the second half, and troubled the Warriors with their running out of defence, but the Warrior bastion held firm and they maintained a 78-48 advantage at threequarter time, to cruise away in the final quarter to a comfortable win.

Needless to say, the post game events were almost as memorable as the game itself, with both teams taking full advantage of the sponsor’s hospitality, and many tall but true tales being told until late into the night.

To be sure, the Irish will be back next year for revenge, and this fixture is bound to become a regular on the calendar of both clubs.

A great day, with International Rules the winner.

Photos thanks to Mark Stennet and Peter Habel.

Best Players:-

Warriors:- Brad Cowain, Scott McDonough, Greg Catterall, Glen Sargeant, Mark Stennett, Tony Hills

Goals (unders):- Scott McDonough 4, Dave Matthews, Shane MacFarlane

Orang Eire :- Aidan Cotter, Liam Mullen, Tom O’Malley, Niall Keating, Pat Goreham

Goals (unders) Eion Duggan 3, Liam Mullen 2