The Irish Under-17 team suffered another major loss yesterday in the second International Rules Test match against the Australian schoolboys. Played under intense heat in the Deakin Reserve in Shepperton, Victoria, the superior strength and skills of the Australians simply burnt out the Irish during the course of the four quarters.

Despite gaining a 12-point lead in the opening few minutes, the Irish were soon playing catch-up and trailed 22-15 by the end of the first quarter.

The prolific kicking and catching of Australia continued to make the difference and they moved to a 29-point lead by the half-time, with Josh Fraser proving unstoppable at full forward. Cork's Eamon Collins was most consistent Irish scorer and they managed to rally in the third quarter, outscoring the hosts 14-13. Mayo's Brian Naughton also made a big impact along with his county partner Conor Mortimer.

John Tierney of Cavan and Damian McGrady kept some scores coming, but it was Australia who finished by far the stronger, eventually winning by 52 points - the highest score yet by an Australian team in any of the International Rules matches.

Australia scorers: K Pettifer 20; J Fraser 18; R Houlihan 13; L Faulkner 7; B Guerra 7; D Smith 7; D Corey 6; M Davis 6; B Beethan 5; J Doust 3; D Ednie 3; D Roach 3; L Brown, M Green, R Kelly 1 each.

Ireland scorers: E Collins 9; C Mortimer 7; R Cahalane 6; D McGrady 6; J Tierney 6; C Murphy 5; L Heneghan 4; B McCormack 3; B Naughton 3.