Ireland claims First Test
7:17:21 AM Sun 29 October, 2006
Matt Burgan in Galway
Exclusive to afl.com.au
Ireland produced a thrilling First Test victory over Australia in the opening match of the 2006 International Rules series on Saturday night after local boy Galway's Joe Bergin kicked his country's only goal of the match with just over one minute remaining.
Bergin's goal gave the home side a stunning eight-point victory - 1.12.6 (48) to 1.9.7 (40) - after the Aussies looked home during the final term in the first-ever Test Match to be played at Pearse Stadium in Galway.
In the dying stages of the match, Ireland made a late charge and when the home side pounced on an Adam Selwood turnover it allowed a forward thrust from the Irish and it give the locals their first and only goal of the match.
AUSTRALIA: 0.1.1, 0.4.2, 1.8.3, 1.9.7 (40)
IRELAND: 0.5.1, 0.6.3, 0.8.5 1.12.6 (48)
GOALS - Australia: O'Keefe
Ireland: Bergin
OVERS - Australia: O'Keefe 3, Davis 2, Hall 2, Davey, Lappin
Ireland: McDonnell 4, Barden, Begley, Bergin, Brogan, Cavanagh, Earley, Geraghty, Kennelly
BEST - Australia: Lappin, O'Keefe, Fletcher, Sherman, Hall, Davis
Ireland: Kelly, McDonnell, Fitzgerald, Bergin, McGeeney, Brogan
INJURIES - Australia: Nil
Ireland: Nil
Umpires: Pat McEnaney (Ireland), Shane McInerney (Australia)
CROWD: 30,000 (approx) at Pearse Stadium in Galway, Ireland
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