AAFC FINISH TOUR OFF IN STYLE

The final match of the AAFC tour saw the Australian boys greeted by typical Irish conditions (wind, rain and cold) when they took on the DCU GAA Academy at Dublin City University. The academy side, missing a number of players due to inter-county finals, gave the Australian side another intense and physical encounter and made them work for the victory at the end of an exhausting tour.
The Australian side, kicking with a strong breeze in the first term, had all of the play and scoring opportunities early. Shaking out some soreness from their previous encounter, the boys clicked into gear straight away with overs to Horsborough, Ellis and 2 to Watts. A couple of attempts at unders were rejected by the woodwork and another quality Irish keeper but the Australians totally dominated the first term and the huddle was buzzing at the first break. Buller, McGettigan, Watts, Dowd and Horsborough were best for the AAFC in the first term
Quarter Time
AAFC              0.4.3  (15)
DCU                0.0.1  (1)

Kicking into the breeze, the Australians maintained their control of the ball during the second term as the Irish tried to adjust to their first match of composite rules. However, the Australians could not quite convert their quality work into maximum points with a number of scoring shots missing their target. Pinkney, playing his best match for tour, converted an over before the Irish started to make their play and slotted through an under at the 12 minute. They also peppered the goals for the next 5 minutes and like the Australians, let many opportunities slip. Wedgwood replied for the Australians with a classic under at the 17 minute mark, tacking onto the end of an exciting passage of play to earn maximum points. Best players for the second term included Iezzi, Hazeldine, O’Sign, Pinkney and Jordan.
Half Time
AAFC              1.5.7  (28)
DCU                1.1.4  (13)

A high scoring quarter greeted spectators in the third term with the Australian side again kicking with the breeze and taking advantage with an over to Pinkney in the first 20 seconds. Again errant kicking let the boys down slightly but the AAFC took a strong lead when Watts punched through a clever under. The Irish boys, as they had done in the previous quarter respond with an under and an over of their own before McGettigan with 2, Wilson with 2 and O’Sign all slotted through overs to again establish a dominant lead at three quarter time. Best for the third term were Wilson, Pinkney, Ellis, McGettigan, McGuinness and Jones
Three Quarter Time
AAFC              2.11.12  (57)
DCU                2.3.5      (28)

Bob Cross spoke to the boys about finishing off the tour well and about enjoying the moment of playing in the jumper for the last time. A overwhelming sense of pride was felt throughout the huddle as the team broke out into their last quarter of football together. The DCU (who played the last quarter with an extra man) slotted through 2 unders in the first five minutes followed by an over the put a slight scare through the Australian camp. Watts responded with another fisted through under followed by overs to Jones and McGettigan to restore order. The DCU scored another under before McGettigan slotted through the last score for the Australians on tour with another fine under. The DCU finished the game off with 2 overs before Australian umpire Tim Sutcliffe called a halt to the tour and the game after the final 20 minutes. With that, a wonderful tour comes to an end, one that many fine young Australian Amateur footballers have learnt a lot from and will surely go back to their Associations better players and be able to share those experiences with their club associates. Our sincere thanks to all that have supported this tour and we look forward to the AAFC’s return to the Republic of Ireland in a couple of years time.
Full Time
AAFC              4.13.16  (79)
DCU                5.7.7      (58)

Unders:
Watts 2, McGettigan, Wedgwood
Overs:
Watts 2, Wilson 2, Pinkney 2, McGettigan 2, Ellis, Jones, O’Sign, McGuinness, Horsborough

Best:
Watts, Pinkney, Hazeldine, McGettigan, Buller, Wedgwood, Dowd