World Footy News

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Photos from the Gala dinner on Friday 22nd August 2014

As most teams were preparing for the International Cup Gala Dinner, tournament concluded, India and Indonesia prepared to face off in the final Division 2 grading match. Both teams were yet to win a match this tournament, and Indonesia was looking for their first victory at an international level.

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Apologies for late publication, an editorial oversight.

Women's Grand Final, Punt Road Oval, 23rd August 2014

On the day on which footy’s traditional rivals, Geelong and Hawthorn clashed just across the Yarra Parklands, where footy began, the Canadian Northern Lights comprehensively defeated the 2011 champions, Ireland. It might have even been bigger than the traditional rivalries in international ice hockey and in the Olympic pool.

With 9 Canadians and 6 Irish footballers in the IC2014 best players’ team, and the Banshees’ Laura Corrigan named Female Player of the Tournament, it was guaranteed to be a clash of the titans.

While the Irish ran as a phalanx in the pre-match, the Canadians, supported by either a larger crowd or by more colourful supporters, warmed up with skills and drills.

That was how the game would unfold.

John Corrigan gives us his match report from an Irish perspective.

The Irish Warriors suffered a heart breaking three point loss in the grand final of the International Cup at the MCG on Saturday. Following an epic contest the Warriors went down to a skillful Papua New Guinea Mosquitoes outfit despite leading for virtually the entire contest. Two late goals by the Mosquitos saw them take the title for the first time since 2008, gaining sweet revenge having lost to Ireland in the previous final in 2011.

Full of speed and slick skills the PNG outfit dominated possessions and inside 50 entries for long periods but without a tall presence in the forward line were unable to make it show on the score board. Ireland in contrast were led in attack by tournament best and fairest winner Mick Finn who kicked 3 goals in the first quarter and four in total. Ireland’s full forward Padraic Lucey was equally impressive in the air but failed to take full advantage on the score board,  kicking 1 goal 4 behinds with two out on the full.

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Cometh the moment, cometh the man (or woman). For PNG tonight that moment arrived midway through the final term when undersized ruckman John Ikupu who had been battling it out against the taller Irish followers - flew back with the flight of the ball to take a classic and courageous mark. From directly in front he coolly slotted the goal that put the Mozzies in front and helped cement a best on ground performance.

 2014 International Cup Champions - PNG

The midday game on Western Oval pitted IC14 old rivals Great Britain Bulldogs and Fiji Tribe against each other for the second time. These sides fought a tough encounter on Community Cup Saturday at Bulleen and the enjoyed a social evening at the Manningham Cobras rooms. Friends were made, respect established – but today all that matters is finishing off with a win and for the Bulldogs having lost successive matches to Nauru, Fiji and Nauru again – there was a sense of having underperformed.

With the sun beating down with perhaps surprising intensity, Sean Walton (#21) the Bulldogs skipper won the toss and elected to kick to the golf course or western-tram track end. Without a significant breeze and with the morning dew dried up the conditions were perfect for footy. On the sidelines the Fiji Tribe enjoyed the extra support of the earlier successful Fiji Vonu ladies team; And with national pride on the line the scene was set.

Friday August 22

Fine, cool, no wind with the sun shining equates to perfect conditions for players and spectators alike.  The teams aren’t  playing for finals but to improve their positions which is taken very seriously.

#23 Chris Martensson thumps the Elks into attack for #70 Jacob Nilsson to take mark but the kick drops short for a good Dragon’s defensive mark.  The Elks have the better of play and #14 Max Skarlen roving the ball that clears the pack runs in for an easy goal.

The Dragons are looking for their team mates better but  #23 Chris Martensson marks and passes to #56 Dan Koinberg to kick a 20m goal.

Against the tide the Dragons move the quickly into space and scramble a goal giving them a lot of hope.  The siren goes as the Dragons were pushing for another.

The Elks had control of the centre bounces in the first quarter and in the second they played smarter using that advantage much better as well as defending better.