A sunny late winter's day greeted the pride of women's footy from Ireland and Canada as they set out to write their names into history as the first winners of the Women's International Cup, just as Ireland claimed the inaugural men's Cup nine years ago.

The opening quarter of the Grand Final on Friday was all Ireland’s way with the ball rarely leaving Canada’s back 50. Ireland got plenty of chances to put the ball away, but their kicks kept slipping wide for behinds. The Northern Lights couldn’t hold the Banshees back forever though, diminutive Irish forward O’Hagan slotting the ball through the posts at short range for Ireland’s first goal.

At quarter time it was Ireland 1.5 (11) to Canada 0.0 (0), but wasted opportunities had left the door wide open.
 

See also IC11 Men's Div 1 Grand Final - Ireland's Double Glory for match report.


Ireland win their second International Cup!  Final Score Ireland 8.5 (53) to PNG 5.5 (35)

Q4 Finn goals after the siren.

Q4 3 mins to go Ireland lead by 2 goals 7.5 to 5.5.

Q4 Beno two marks in the back line?  Susuve kicks out of bounds on the full shooting for goal. 5 mins to go.

Q4 7 minutes to go. 

Q4 Purcell from Ireland with a great running goal from the  pocket.  Ireland 7.5 to PNG 5.5

Q4 Susuve set shot from 50 for PNG  out on the full.  7 minutes gone.

Q4 Finn goals from 60 with a long kick over the pack.  Ireland 6.5 (41) to PNG 5.5 (35)

Q4 point to Carey for Ireland. Scores level 5.5 all.

3/4 time PNG 5.5 (35) lead Ireland by a point 5.4 (34)

The 12:30pm slot today at McAlister Oval in Royal Park, Melbourne, saw the South African Lions, disappointed not to make the top 4, take on Nauru, who also had an eye on the semi-finals but fell short.  Both sides had clearly re-grouped and were desperate to claim 5^th spot.

The opening goal went to the Lions after Steven Malinga (#9) was taken high when he had his head over the ball in the goalsquare – an easy conversion from straight in front.

Nauru goaled next but it was answered by a clever snap from former GWS Giants player and captain Bayanda Sobetwa, always amongst South Africa’s best.  This was followed by a clever fake around an opponent by Thiboeng ( #19) who ran on to kick another goal for the Lions.

The USA Freedom today re-grouped after the disappointment of just missing the play off for top spot to claim third spot against an improved Papua New Guinea Flame.

The US women were relatively quick to get the opening goal, but determined not to lose their last chance to get on the Australian Football map, the PNG Flame came back hard, but only managed a behind. The Freedom drove it straight back down the Flames throats, Lindsay Kastanek racing into the goal square, but she was tackled at the last second by the PNG full back. Undeterred, Kastanek stretched out her foot and tipped the ball over the line for the Freedom’s second goal.
 

The second game for the morning on McAllister oval would be the battle for 7th placing between European rivals Great Britain and Denmark. With clouds breaking to a fine sunny morning and the breeze picking up, the 1st quarter saw Great Britain attacking consistently against strong pressure from the Danes. After racking up 5 straight behinds, including successive misses to Judson (#7), the Brits had wasted an early chance to take control.

The Danes were at times more precise and one such forward move, not surprisingly including a decisive disposal from the World XVIII experienced Biron, saw Norlander converting a set shot on goal and Denmark suddenly held a 1 point lead.

At the first break, a further behind to GB via Chris James saw scores level, but 6 shots to 1 and the Danes knew they were fortunate to be in such a position.

At Ransford Oval it was the NZ Hawks taking on the US Revolution. Both teams were looking to shake off the disappointment of Wednesday’s losses and stake a claim as the third best team in this competition.

It was the Hawks who struck first.  Long kicking to their tall targets up forward in Bradley and Brown paid off early as they kicked the first two. Dragus continued his good form up forward when the US were able to break against the run of play as Fashant hit him with a good pass and he goaled from the set shot. A third for NZ gave them a handy lead at quarter time.