World Footy News

The Orang Eire (expat Irish in Malaysia) narrowly defeated the Malaysian Warriors to level the 3 match Finnegans Cup Series at one-all in an exciting International Rules match at Alice Smith gound in Kuala Lumpur on July 25th. This sets up a thrilling finale, to be played November 7th. The Warriors hold the Cup and it will all be on the line for the Gaelic boys.

The match provided an entertaining contest between 2 teams with contrasting styles. The Aussie Rules boys preferring to move the ball using their foot skills and relying on their aerial judgment to win possession whereas the Irish lads used their superior fitness to run the ball by hand, linking up until they were deep inside their attacking zone where the 6 pointers were regularly a possibility.

Turnovers hurt the Aussies and at the end of the first quarter the Irish held an 8 point buffer. They were to retain this buffer throughout most of the game due to the kicking of 3 unders. The Aussie boys hit the front in the 3rd term by 2 points but frittered away a number of goal chances.

The last term was a nail-biter with the Warriors lifting their intensity despite some fierce Irish tackling. The Warriors had the majority of the ball in the last quarter and took the ball inside several times but great defensive pressure by the Irish backmen and goal keeper denied the Aussie boys a come from behind victory.

So the stage is set for the deciding match, which is the closure of the 2 clubs' seasons on the 2nd weekend of November. It is a family day sponsored by both clubs, BBQ, drinks and a jumping castle for kids will be provided. Other highlights will be the girls and kids games after the main event. Like the Men’s Cup the kids cup will be decided on in game 3. What a finale to a great year of International Rules football!

Final Score: Orang Eire 42 defeated Malaysian Warriors 38