International Rules Under-17 series: Australia - 65 Ireland - 30 Ireland were no match for Australia in their Under-17 International Rules third test at Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday.
The opening quarter ended level, 0-2 to 0-2, but Australia slipped smoothly into top gear following a six-pointer from Troy Chaplin within a minute of the restart. They stretched the gap to 17 points before Moran landed a couple of three-pointers to give Ireland hope nearing half time.
Leading by 28-10 at the interval, however, Australia kept the momentum going and were 40-15 ahead starting the last quarter, when a six-pointer from Stefan Garrubba effectively kill off Ireland's slim hopes.
Charlie Vernon, Shane Hogan, Padraig O'Reilly, Brian Moran and Darragh Egan were best for Ireland but could not prevent the Aussies cruising home.
Despite Australia's clear superiority yesterday, Ireland took the series, having won the first test narrowly and the second on a technicality.
IRELAND: J McCormack, P O'Reilly, S Prendergast, L Quinn, S Hogan (1), C Vernon (4), D Culloty, C Hughes, M Lynch, B Moran (7), F Gould (3), D Barrett (1), A Hanley (1), D Egan (6), B Flaherty. Subs: I Fleming (4), P Kerrigan (3).
AUSTRALIA: C Stewart, D Trotter, P Richardson, B Sharp, S Garrubba (6), D McConnell (4), C Johnson, J Willoughby (4), T Schmidt (1), B McLean (4), T Chaplin (16), B Staunton (13), M Hodge (6), B Morrison, R Tambling (1). Subs: A Walker (4), B Copping (1), S Butler (4), B Hall (1).
Refs: Damian Scully (Aus) Dave Coldrick (Ire)
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