It was a memorable day two for the Antipodes at the World Games as we recorded 12 wins out of 12 across our six teams.
The focus now turns to the final day of the group stages tomorrow, where each Australasia team will be in contention for a place in the cup knockout stages.
Results
Open women’s football
Australasia 11-18 – 0-0 Iberia
Australasia 5-5 – 0-3 Central and Eastern Europe
International women’s football
Australasia 4-10 – 0-0 Siróc
Australasia 7-7 – 0-1 Iberia
Open men’s football
Australasia 7-9 – 0-1 Benelux
Australasia 14-15 – 0-1 Italy
International men’s football
Australasia 3-4 – 0-3 Ottawa
Australasia 4-8 – 0-1 Galicia Blue
Camogie
Australasia 6-7 – 1-1 Britain 2
Australasia 7-8 – 0-1 Asia
Hurling
Australasia 6-12 – 0-6 Benelux
Australasia 3-12 – 1-9 Benelux
Round-ups
Open women’s football
Our Irish-born women’s football team got day two off to a successful start with a win over Iberia. The girls were in control from start to finish, and ran out comfortable winners on a final scoreline of 11-18 to 0-0.
The second match of the day against Central & Eastern Europe continued in a similar vein, with the team’s quality shining throughout. The final score was 5-5 to 0-3. The girls are looking forward to two tough tests against Asia and Parnells of London tomorrow.
On a side note, all of the panel and management wish Jade O’Donnell a happy birthday on a day where she covered every blade of grass in Owenbeg.
International women’s football
Our international women’s football team claimed two dominant wins on the second day of the tournament. In the first game, the ladies played Siróc of France, and won by 4-10 to 0-0. The pace of our women’s attack and midfield overpowered the French side, with the rapid interplay leading to another big win. By half time we were 2-4 to the good with Becc Higgins and Lauren Saunders each scoring 1-1, and Chloe Roesler and Tahlia Tatlock each scoring a point. In the second half, further scores were added by Becc Higgins (1-1), Chloe Roesler (1-1), Penny Rawniski (0-2), Lauren Saunders (0-2). Again, our high score was complemented with tight defending, sitting down any opportunities for the opposition to attack.
In the second game, the team faced Iberia and ran out winners by 7-7 to 0-1. The game opened with two quick goals from Becc Higgins with Lauren Saunders, Tahlia Tatlock and Penny Rawinski all adding points. In the second half, another 4-5 was clocked up thanks to Tam Knox (2-2), Becc Higgins (1-2), Penny Rawinski (1-0), and Siena Covino (0-1).
To date, the games have seen the team taking three wins from three with big winning margins. That said, the team’s defence in the form of Heather Williamson, Siena Covino, Tess de Grandi, Anita Doecke, Kate Fenton and Tia Verenitani has been rock solid. Tomorrow, the girls play Galicia Blue and Brittany.
Open men’s football
Day two saw our Irish-born men’s footballers pick up two comprehensive wins against Benelux and Italy. Even with a slow start against Benelux, the lads got into their stride before half-time with quickfire goals from Evin Scanlon, Seán Mc Sweeney, Kevin Smullen and Adam Neely. Benelux never got going and the goal of the day was scored by Cory Quinn with a smashing shot into the top corner. The final score was 7-09 to 0-01.
In the second game, the team started strongly, and piled on the pressure on a tired-looking Italy team. In particular, the pressure on their kickouts resulted in a glut of goals for Kevin Smullen, Seán McSweeney and Cory Quinn. The game ended 14-15 to 0-0. Best on ground today was Stefan McKenna, who was excellent throughout the two matches. The lads look ahead to day three where they hope to maintain their impressive form against Iberia, and fellow title contenders in Middle East.
International men’s football
Our international-born men’s football team had a successful day two at the World GAA Games today winning two from two. They learned a lot from yesterday’s game and came out all guns blazing today. They beat Ottawa 3-4 to 0-3 in the first game, taking control early on, defending sensibly and powering forward through the middle. Johnny Pegoraro was instrumental in the midfield and Jamie Conlon was all class upfront with his running, offloading and finishing. Josh Kavanagh was also excellent in goals.
In the second game they beat Galicia Blue 4-8 to 0-1. This was a more even and robust contest than the score suggested but our lads’ powerful running and finishing was top class. Adam Smyth was rock solid at full-back and Justin White, Liam O’Connor-Dawkins and Richard Eston were all very lively and accurate up front. The lads are greatly looking forward to day three where they face France Red and Iberia.
Camogie
Our camógs enjoyed two big wins on day two of the competition. First up was Britain 2, and this offered a unique match-up with Courcey Rovers (Cork) sisters Lorraine Collins (Britain) and Paula Collins (Australasia) going head to head. Paula can claim the familial bragging rights with a 6-7 to 1-1 win for her team, but Lorraine won the physical battle with her strong tackling on a number of players throughout the game.
Game two was another convincing performance for the team with a 7-8 to 0-01 win against Asia. Tomorrow the team face Britain 1 and Europe in their final games of the group.
Hurling
Day two and the hurlers continued their decent form with a convincing win over Benelux, and a hard-earned win over Middle East. The first game against the European side saw Shane O’Regan in fine form, scoring a hat-trick of goals. And he wasn’t the only one in dominant form, as there were fantastic performances from defence through to attack.
Game two was against a strong Middle East side. This was a tight affair, with some great scores from both sides. Middle East were physical all over the pitch, but our lads matched them. In the end some well-taken scores by Aidan O Flynn, who was very accurate from frees, and a superb Sean O’Leary point late in the second half sealed another win for the lads to make it three wins on the bounce. Tomorrow the team face Asia and Benelux for the second time in the group stage.
Day 1 round-up – Monday 24 July
