Goodnight
Alright everyone, thanks for joining me for another enjoyable edition of Sportwatch, and thanks to all those in particular who contributed below the line. Hope you enjoyed the coverage of the quirky game of international rules, as well as our minute-by-minute A-League amongst W-League, Rugby League World Cup, NBL and WNBL results.
Stay tuned next week for another edition of Sportwatch.
Rugby League World Cup Ireland beat Wales 34-6
Ireland put the finishing touches to an impressive World Cup with a 34-6 win over Wales in stifling heat at the Rectangular Stadium. Second-row forward Oliver Roberts scored two of his side’s six tries as the Irish comfortably secured their second victory from their three group games but still head home before the knockout stages.
The result leaves Wales still looking for their first World Cup win since 2000 but, after conceding 122 points in their first two games, at least they were competitive for much of the game, which was played as a curtain-raiser to England’s clash with France.
Queensland-born half-back Josh Ralph made a lively contribution on his Wales debut and veteran forward Phil Joseph hung up his boots at the end of the game knowing he had given his all in the final match of his career.
- With thanks to Press Association
A-League Melbourne City and WS Wanderers draw 1-1
Fitzgerald runs onto a loose ball with pace, but the whistle beats him. Western Sydney make it six away draws in a row, after Janjetovic made several impressive saves. McCormack will rue a number of golden opportunities to strike for his side.
Newcastle Jets stay on top of the ladder - with City second. Who would have thought?
Player of the match to Schenkeveld - well deserved. He says: “I feel really shit. We had to win that game. I’m sad”. Never a truer word spoken - I’m sure all City fans are feeling it. Janjetovic, meanwhile says the Wanderers keep “letting teams off the hook”. Reckon they’ll be satisfied with the draw today, given how many chances City had.
Updated
A-League 93:30 Melbourne City 1-1 WSW
McCormack has a late chance at a free-kick, it’s out rather wide, and he drives it in too low for the header.
A-League 93:00 Melbourne City 1-1 WSW
Cejudo with a lifted pass but Sotirio can’t make anything of it - he looks out on his feet. Sotirio tries to take the corner off Galekovic - who isn’t impressed, and promptly punches the ball out of his hands. Those two have had several run-ins tonight.
A-League 90:00 Melbourne City 1-1 WSW
Five minutes added on - thanks largely to the VAR. Wouldn’t be surprised if we got a score with the tired legs out there, but then again City have had a mountain of near-misses.
A-League 89:40 Melbourne City 1-1 WSW
Jakobsen with another beautiful back-heel, and it opens up space for Schenkeveld, who can’t get a shot away in dangerous proximity.
A-League 87:00 Melbourne City 1-1 WSW
Cejudo forces the corner for Western Sydney - and Sotirio stays down with what looks like cramp. It’s just cramp, as some trademark hamstring stretching does the trick. Interesting how that works, no matter the injury.
The corner amounts to nothing as Cejudo continues to cause headaches for City. This time he finds Bonevacia but it’s too tight for him to weave his way through the defence.
A-League 83:00 Melbourne City 1-1 WSW
Fitzgerald’s footwork gets too fancy for his own good, and he leaves the ball behind in the box. Disappointing after a brilliant back-heel flick by McCormack, who has plenty of his own missed chances.
A-League 82:00 Melbourne City 1-1 WSW
The crowd is getting into the game at AAMI park - but it’s the Wanderers who are pressing.
Yellow card to Santalab who almost gets past the entire City defensive line. Good thing he hit the ball and not the player - it was a poor boot from him - and Schenkeveld takes his time getting to his feet.
On replay Riera can be seen slapping away the handshake of coach Gombau as he was subbed off. Looked filthy.
A-League 77:00 Melbourne City 1-1 WSW
15 shots on goal to 6 for City - but they can’t break the deadlock, yet anyway. McCormack may live to rue his multiple opportunities. He’s had eight shots on goal, six on target, six inside the box and two outside.
This time Bonevacia has a golden opportunity in a 1-2 play with Sotirio - Cejudo looks certain to score but there’s a deflection. Wanderers corner to Cejudo, who fires an in-swinger - and Galekovic gets stuck trying to make his way through. Missed opportunity for Western Sydney to capitalise on his mistake.
Riera off for Santalab. Riera looks highly displeased.
Updated
A-League 72:00 Melbourne City 1-1 WSW
Kamau now coming off for Budzinski. Cornthwaite takes McCormack down in what was surely a professional foul - and it’s a yellow for him.
A-League 68:30 Melbourne City 1-1 WSW
McCormack can’t find the goals AGAIN! That’s an incredible eight shots for him - and another near-perfect delivery, this time from Jamieson. The header won’t go past Janjetovic, and he can’t volley the deflection from his own strike.
City can thank Fitzgerald for that chance - he’s in career-best form - but is he under consideration for the Socceroos?
Updated
A-League 65:30 Melbourne City 1-1 WSW
Sotirio gets a one-on-one, but he doesn’t have a teammate, hesitates, takes an unnecessary extra touch and can’t trouble the keeper.
Down the other end, McCormack misses a gilt-edged opportunity after the perfect lobbed pass from Fitzgerald - but he can’t nod it in. An action-packed couple of minutes yields no result.
A-League 63:30 Melbourne City 1-1 WSW
Great cut-back from Kamau to Fitzgerald, who hits it nicely on the half-volley, but there’s a deflection. Corner to McCormack lacks menace.
Unlucky for City. Another clear foul is missed - this time to Sotirio.
A-League 60:00 Melbourne City 1-1 WSW
Baccus continuing his excellent distribution - 29 passes at 86.2% accuracy today.
Looks like Cejudo will come on - despite his wrist being strapped. He comes on at the expense of Jumpei.
First yellow of the evening goes to Jakobsen for his clumsy tackle on Bonevacia.
Updated
A-League 57:40 Melbourne City 1-1 WSW
Free-kick to Wanderers is taken by Bonevacia after Sotirio won another in good position for his team. Cornthwaite can’t get his head to it. Who will break the deadlock? City looking the superior side, again, but that’s what we said before the Wanderers scored last time.
Updated
GOAL! Melbourne City 1-1 WSW
McCormack steps up to the spot - and surely Janjetkovic can’t save another. It’s in! City finally equalise. Fourth goal to McCormack this season.
Updated
A-League 55:40 Melbourne City 0-1 WSW
Malik with the sliding tackle in the midfield - and *surely* he won a penalty after Llorente tunnelled into him in the box. VAR is in play... and McCormack is waiting with the ball. Overrule - and a penalty.
That has to be a penalty. Woeful from the ref #MCYvWSW
— Matt (@Mattys123) November 12, 2017
A-League 52:00 Melbourne City 0-1 WSW
Nothing doing again for McCormack who goes for a long-range blast, and blazes it well over the bar (again). Yet another wasted chance for Melbourne, who have started this half as they did the first - with plenty of running.
A-League 48:00 Melbourne City 0-1 WSW
Carrusca comes on for Mauk in a half-time substitution. Kamau, meanwhile, falls in the box, but there’s no foul called. McCormack finds Carrusca on the burst - but he hits it far too hard, well over the bar and into the crowd.
Updated
Rugby League World Cup: PNG beat USA 64-0
Papua New Guinea crushed the United States 64-0 to top World Cup Group C and secure a quarter-final against England in Melbourne next Sunday.
The Kumuls ran in 11 tries, three of them from winger Justin Olam, for a predictable victory that snuffed out the faint hopes of Ireland and delighted a third successive full house of 15,000 at the national stadium in Port Moresby.
It was another harsh lesson for a United States team coached by Leeds’ Grand Final-winning boss Brian McDermott but consisting largely of part-time domestic players who have conceded 168 points in their three matches.
Lachlan Lam, the 19-year-old son of former Wigan and PNG scrum-half Adrian Lam, made a fairytale debut for Papua New Guinea, scoring the first try on eight minutes and adding another before the first water break on 20 minutes, while Rhyse Martin kicked 10 goals from 11 attempts.
- With thanks to Press Association
A-League half-time Melbourne City 0-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
Just the one minute of stoppage time, and the ball goes end-to-end for most of it.
Strange first half, really, City came out well on top, with considerable swagger, and then conceded a poor goal. They created no shortage of chances, but couldn’t convert - largely thanks to a brilliant save by Janjetovic.
Back shortly.
A-League 43:00 Melbourne City 0-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
Mauk to Kamau on the right who hits the perfect cross, but Fitzgerald can’t find the tap-in. Here comes Mauk again with a through ball to McCormack, but he loses his feet. No foul play. McCormack can’t get anything right this half - much like this team.
I was just about to retract that, as Fitzgerald looked to have one of the best chances for City so far -and he finds the hand of Cornthwaite. Could have been a card. Can McCormack finally find the net? He fights off Jakobsen for the ball and almost hits the left, top-hand corner with a near-perfect shot. Brilliant save to Janjetovic. That’s four for him tonight - and he leads all-comers with 22 this season.
A-League 40:00 Melbourne City 0-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
55% possession now for Western Sydney. La Rocca has had the most passes for City with 27 (85% accuracy) while Thwaite has 35 and (88%) and Llorente 25 (84%)
Here comes Kamau down the wing - but Thwaite heads it away. McCormack couldn’t get near it. Needs to try and find front position with his inferior heading capacity.
A-League 35:00 Melbourne City 0-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
Fitzgerald with the sliding tackle on Jumpei in the box - and it’s a good one. Risky - but well-played. Still, the Wanderers now have a corner, but Jakobsen heads it clear easily.
A little lull in play here as Jumpei collects Mauk - no card.
A-League 32:00 Melbourne City 0-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
Sotirio is causing all kinds of headaches for the City defence, they’ve got no answers for his bursts of speed.
Schenkeveld has been some find for the City - he repels a dangerous-looking Riera this time, as he did Jumpei earlier.
A-League 30:00 Melbourne City 0-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
Suddenly the swagger of the City is gone - as their own fans start to boo Jamieson and others’ slow movement through the middle.
Fitzgerald with another great chance for Melbourne - he came steaming down the left-hand wing, everyone waited for the flag, but it doesn’t look offside on the replay. City blow another one-on-one with the keeper.
A-League 25:10 Melbourne City 0-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
How good has Fitzgerald been for City? Still, they can’t find a breakthrough, despite a few chances directly following the Sotirio goal.
Meanwhile, Sotirio has another chance on goal - after Riera finds him at the back of the defensive six. It’s a perfectly-weighted pass from Riera, who has four of his own goals this season to date. The header, however, is repelled by Galekovic.
Updated
GOAL! Melbourne City 0-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
Schenkeveld - who stymies Jumpei’s run forward - plays the ball back to Malik, who is far too slow with possession. Llorente wins the duel - and it’s a perfect pass for Sotirio, who finds the goal on the second attempt after Galekovic got his hand to the first.
Disappointing for City to concede after they dominated early play.
Updated
A-League 18:00 Melbourne City 0-0 WSW
Sotirio does his best to force a corner off Jamieson, but he’s too smart for him - and wins back the throw. Little doing for the Wanderers in terms of any fluency in their movement forward.
Bridge, however, is able to find a gap in the defence and Riera almost gets onto the through ball (nicely timed run, but the pass is too heavy for him). Better from Western Sydney.
A-League 15:00 Melbourne City 0-0 WSW
56% possession to the Wanderers (according to the A-League website) - I’m finding that hard to believe, and wondering if it’s an error. It feels as if the Wanderers have hardly touched it. City have certainly looked far more dangerous - while the Wanderers look to be second-guessing themselves. Wonder if the change of coach has unsettled them. Hayden Foxe certainly did well at the helm, all things considered.
A-League 11:00 Melbourne City 0-0 WSW
The pace of Sotirio (in for Cejudo) is already worrying the City defence. Schenkeveld does well to stop his forward foray, and the corner for the Wanderers fails to trouble Galekovic.
Corner for City as a backwards header goes astray for Western Sydney. McCormack whips another dangerous ball in, but La Rocca’s header is over the bar against his old side.
Oh no! McCormack has a rare opportunity (in space and with plenty of time) to score after a horror turnover, but it’s a wonderful save by Janjetovic, who was left one-on-one.
Updated
A-League 07:13 Melbourne City 0-0 WSW
McCormack upended by Baccus just on the edge of the 18 yard box. What can he produce? He’s already scored two from set-pieces this season. This time he’s unselfish - and it’s off a defender for another corner. Nice flat delivery. This one is cleared, but City are pressing early.
A-League 04:20 Melbourne City 0-0 WSW
Alright! We’re finally on after a hole was found in Janjetovic’s net. We had to wait for some trusty gaffa tape to get it fixed. You couldn’t make this stuff up.
First shot of the game goes to Fitzgerald. The deflection is off the Wanderers so the City have a corner through McCormack. Jackobsen whips in the cross - and it’s headed out for a second corner. Jamieson tries a long-range volley but doesn’t connect sweetly.
W-League Melbourne City beat Newcastle Jets 5-2
Reigning W-League champions Melbourne City returned to form with an ominous 5-2 comeback win over unbeaten league leaders Newcastle Jets on Sunday.
City’s international players made the difference with Wales captain Jess Fishlock and Matildas striker Larissa Crummer both netting two goals. American Ashley Latch and Australian international fullback Steph Catley provided two assists each in a powerhouse performance from a City side hunting a third successive championship.
Newcastle defied the run of play to take a 2-1 first-half lead at AAMI Park thanks to a quickfire double from striker Katie Stengel, but they had no answer as City scored four unanswered second-half goals.
A-League Melbourne City v WSW
In case you’re wondering, Cejudo has been relegated to the bench thanks to a wrist injury - so we’re not sure we’ll see him at all tonight. That’s a blow for the Wanderers.
This game WAS about to start - but we’ve got another hold up to check on Janjetovic’s net. We think. Honestly. The players are having a little kick-to-kick.
Updated
NBL Brisbane Bullets beat Cairns Taipains 82-74
While we’re (still) waiting...
Former Cairns import Travis Trice has come back to bite the Taipans, stepping up to nail back-to-back three-pointers and seal Brisbane’s gutsy 82-74 NBL home win.
The Bullets bounced back from last week’s record 31-point home loss to Illawarra to notch just their third win of the season after a fast-finishing Trice helped deny the Taipans a stirring comeback.
Brisbane (3-4 record) delivered on their promise to tighten their defence following last week’s humiliating Hawks rout - their biggest home loss to Illawarra - by limiting the Taipans to the NBL’s lowest half-time total of the season, just 24.
- With thanks to AAP
A-League Melbourne City v WSW
There is a delay. Players on the ground now.
This.
— TheMoscowSlip (@TheMoscowSlip) November 12, 2017
Game.
Was.
Scheduled.
To.
Kickoff.
At.
7.00.
pm.#MCYvWSW pic.twitter.com/MScmgsR0sb
Yes, we know. But the Wellington game went overtime, and then the earlier game in this double-header - the W-League clash between Melbourne City and Newcastle - went overtime (will bring you more on City’s 5-2 win shortly, but for those who saw it - how good was Fishlock? I caught her brilliant long-range goal on my dinner break!)
Amazes how many A-League games start well past the initial kick-off time #MCYvWSW
— Mitchell Keating (@MitchKeat) November 12, 2017
Updated
A-League Melbourne City v WSW
Some interesting stats for you as we wait for this game to get underway.
- None of the last 11 games between these teams has seen the same result in consecutive games, with the last fixture between these teams ending in a 3-1 victory to the Wanderers.
- Melbourne City have won three of their last four meetings with the Wanderers at AAMI Park, including each of the last two.
- 10 of the Wanderers’ last 13 goals against Melbourne City have come in the second half.
- Melbourne City have scored three goals from outside the box this campaign, more than any other team.
- Bruce Kamau has a shot conversion rate of 60%, the best of any player to have attempted at least five shots this campaign.
Updated
A-League teams
Western Sydney Wanderers (4-2-3-1)
Starting XI - Janjetovic (GK); Hamill, Cornthwaite, Thwaite, Llorente; Bonevacia, Kearyn Baccus; Kusukami, Bridge, Sotirio; Riera.
Substitutions - Hall (GK), Cejudo, Santalab, Aspropotamitis, Keaunu Baccus.
Melbourne City (4-2-3-1)
Starting XI - Galekovic (GK); Muscat, La Rocca, Shenkeveld, Jamieson; Malik, Jakobsen; Kamau, Mauk, Fitzgerald; McCormack.
Substitutions - Bouzanis (GK), Kilkenny, Carrusca, Brattan, Budzinski.
A-League Melbourne City v Western Sydney Wanderers
Now to the second part of the football double header at AAMI Park (following Melbourne City v Newcastle Jets in the W-League) and our feature match of the day: Melbourne City v Western Sydney Wanderers, the latter who are tonight officially, for the first time, under the stewardship of the returning Josep Gombau. We haven’t seen the Spanish coach in the A-League since his days in charge of Adelaide United - heady days indeed - and if you’re a Wanderers fan, you’re probably a bit excited. He’s said he wants to bring free-flowing, attacking football to Wanderers and takes over a team just waiting to make good on that promise. The form of Oriol Riera, Alvaro and Raul Llorente has been encouraging so far this season, even though their first win of the season only came last week. Still, they’re one of just three unbeaten sides and will fancy their chances of coming away from AAMI Park with something come 9 o’clock tonight. City, who ceded top spot on the ladder with defeat to Sydney FC last week, will be looking to bounce back and get back in the winning column. Anyway, kick-off is nearly upon us, so stay tuned. Should be a decent game.
I’m back... sort of
Just my luck, my monitor has died. So I’m here, with my tiny laptop screen. I’ve tried literally everything to fix it and it just isn’t happening.
Give me a few more minutes and then we’ll get stuck into the A-League.
Taking a break
Alright, I need a dinner break, but I’ll be back later on to take you through the A-League match between Melbourne City and Western Sydney Wanderers, as well as W-League and RLWC results. Cheers!
WNBL Melbourne defeat Adelaide 77-74
The Melbourne Boomers have flashed their WNBL championship credentials by knocking off three major contenders in the space of seven days.
Slow out of the gates after injuries to key signings Jenna O’Hea and Louella Tomlinson, the Boomers are now clicking into gear with recent wins over Dandenong, Sydney Uni and a dramatic 77-74 victory against Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.
Liz Cambage is back to her dominant best, averaging 29 points and nine rebounds in the past three games; including a 44-point, 12 rebound performance against the Lightning; with her presence in the paint creating open shots for her teammates.
- With thanks to AAP
International rules Australia beat Ireland 63-53
Both Fyfe and Betts miss very gettable goals at the death - which means the Australians don’t quite close the game out as they should have. Zach Tuohy had a long-range shot at goal with a minute or so left, and chose to put the ball on the grass - going for a free-kick style soccer goal, but missed everything.
As far as these tests go, this was a fairly one-sided contest. Nat Fyfe looked dangerous - and is unofficially ‘best on ground’ for the commentary team (Freo fans would’ve loved every minute of this). Scott Pendlebury, meanwhile, has apparently re-injured his troublesome finger, which is awful news for Pies fans. Zorko is also getting some ice and strapping to the ribs at the conclusion.
Just over 25,000 is the official crowd figure, apparently - lauded as ‘impressive’ but I’d say pretty disappointing. Sounds as if average fans might have been priced out.
A relatively fun affair from a viewing perspective - will you be tuning in for the second leg? Next stop for this series is Perth.
International Q4 13:30 Australia 62-50 Ireland
OK I’ve just cottoned on to the fact that Kade Simpson is sporting a ‘mo’ - I was wondering why I hadn’t recognised him despite the fact that’s had 39 disposals!
Fyfe misses an easy over - to keep the Irish close enough to give them hope for the series overall.
International Q4 10:30 Australia 58-44 Ireland
Kade Simpson has had 35 disposals, Hibberd 31, and Zach Merrett 34 - of those I’d say Hibberd has had the biggest influence.
It’s a tap in by Shuey for six! That might just do it for the Australians. Great set-up from Gunston, and the Irish goalkeeper stayed back - gifting Shuey the chance to ‘dunk’ a goal. Sloane then misses, failing to put Ireland away.
It’s a ‘cumulative’ series, so the margin here matters. Aka Ireland will want to stay close even if they lose.
International rules Q4 05:30 Australia 51-44 Ireland
Michael Murphy manages to open the account for the Irish in this final quarter - have been super impressed with his game. Think the Irish might have too much of a differential to claw back, but these games are fast-paced (and close) if nothing else.
On cue, Conor McManus (nine scores from ten disposals!) scores a long-range over for his team, and things start to heat up again. Paul Geaney almost makes another long-range bomb for the Irish, but it’s an impressive save from Goddard (impressive agility on display). He’s performed admirably in Fletcher’s absence - the man I thought might never retire.
Gaeney finally makes an over - and it’s a seven-point game.
Updated
W-League
Thanks Blue, for your below the line live blogging on the W-League - I regret that today’s shift didn’t work so that I could cover a game - but rest-assured I will be trying to do one ASAP! I’ll bring you results of Canberra United v Sydney FC and Melbourne City v Newcastle as soon as I can.
A-League Wellington Phoenix beat Perth Glory 5-2
Wellington Phoenix have recorded their first win of the A-League season, downing Perth Glory 5-2 in an entertaining and controversial match in Wellington on Sunday.
The decisive blow in the thriller came in the 74th minute when the video assistant referee adjudged Glory defender Scott Neville had blocked Andrija Kaludjerovic’s volley with a hand. The penalty was eventually awarded, Kaludjerovic converted and Wellington opened out a two-goal lead in the action-packed end-to-end match.
Kaludjerovic extended the margin in the 87th minute, heading home Adam Parkhouse’s cross to grab a brace and boost his tally to five goals for the season.
The win over fifth-placed Perth finally shifts Wellington off the bottom of the ladder into eighth place, adding a much-needed three points to their two draws and three losses for the season.
- With thanks to AAP
International rules three-quarter-time Australia 50-35 Ireland
DrRudi tells me (below the line) that tickets for International Rules were $70 - really? Can’t understand how they can be so expensive, especially given they’ve struggled to draw a decent crowd in Australia. Agree with you that publicity has been poor - and there’s no live stats either, which is disappointing for me! Get the impression Ireland care about this series more than Australia (or the AFL does). Is that fair?
Meanwhile, on field, the Aussies have pulled away with an over to Paddy Ryder and ALMOST a six-pointer to Eddie Betts with a tap over the goalkeeper that was millimetres from crossing the line. Dangerfield then gets stuck into Chris Barrett (Ireland’s number two) after he appears to trip him. Some feeling in this.
International rules Q3 12:00 Australia 44-34 Ireland
Fyfe! Possibly best on ground, he manages the first six-pointer for the Australians - he’s pumped, and his teammates come from everywhere. You get the sense he’s popular.
The Australians have managed a 21-point turnaround, at 41-30, before the Irish hit back with an over and a behind.
Speaking of hybrid naturals - Hibberd looks at ease, as does Dangerfield - as in the AFL, he looks to have all the time in the world.
Alright, confirmation Joel Selwood isn’t playing. Says he’s struggled with less preparation than his teammates, and should be back for the next test. Meanwhile, Eddie Betts wins a contested mark and resultant over - and is clearly the favourite of this Adelaide crowd.
International rules Q3 06:55 Australia 35-30 Ireland
Speaking of Fyfe, here he is on the end of a nice pass from Shaun Burgoyne (who was the unexpected choice for captain in an Australian side heavy on leadership - Fyfe, Boak, Pendlebury and Selwood are the club captains named in the Australian side). To be honest with you, I’m not even sure Selwood is playing - if he is I haven’t spotted him!
Fyfe converts, but the Irish respond quickly with an over of their own. This game has settled into a score for score pattern. Shuey then hits the post - and some of the Aussies are slow to respond (probably not used to the rule that a poster is play on!)
FYI you can also ‘knock through’ a goal, unlike in AFL - meaning you can punch through a six-pointer.
The latest over goes to Hibberd - who has had a mountain of possession.
Just spotted Bec Goddard in the coaches’ box. What a year for her! Can’t wait to see what she can do with the defending AFLW champions, the Adelaide Crows.
Updated
International rules
Unfortunately there aren’t a lot of pictures coming through from this contest - but here’s one of Adelaide star Eddie Betts, who was warming up prior to the game by dribbling the round ball between his legs, basketball style.
It’s a tight contest so far - reflective of the tight nature of the series to date. Ireland have the edge over the Australians - having won 10 series to 9 (and 21 test matches to 17). The Irish have dominated in recent times, including in the most recent test in Ireland (Croke Park), where they triumphed 56-52.
Updated
International Rules half-time Australia 28-27 Ireland
A couple of overs to Nat Fyfe breathes some life into the Australians. So good to see the former Brownlow medallist running unrestricted. Scary stuff for those who’ll line up on him next season. Ross Lyon is also in attendance from the Fremantle football club, as the Australian defensive coach.
Now the Australians hit the lead with a neat, round the body snap to Ben Brown. He’s made his way to Adelaide from Iceland (where I believe he was on his honeymoon!) to represent his country.
FYI: I have been to Iceland, and it is, in my opinion, the most beautiful place on the planet. Let’s just say I wouldn’t be trading Iceland for Adelaide.
Updated
International Rules Q2 10:30 Australia 17-27 Ireland
A lovely goal to Dayne Zorko gets the Australians on the board in the second quarter, but it’s soon matched by another McManus goal. Zorko looks the most ‘natural’ of the Australians with the round ball, as our commentators have reminded us six, maybe seven times. Meanwhile Travis Boak and Zach Tuohy resume hostilities after Boak rode Tuohy into the ground as he tried to zip away deep in Brendon Goddard’s defensive area.
Looks to be a fairly disappointing crowd in Adelaide. From memory these games have only sold out twice in Australia - in Perth in 2003 and 2014.
Irish leading in the kicking efficiency stakes - 71% to 54% - no surprises there.
International Rules Q2 3:00 Australia 14-24 Ireland
Michael Murphy again – this time for the first ‘goal’ or six-pointer (soccer style) of the day.
What do you think readers, do you enjoy a hybrid sport? What are the best examples out there, in your opinion?
Ireland have hit the ground running in this second quarter - with a big, long curler to McManus (only he and Murphy have scored for the Irish - not that that has been a problem so far!)
Updated
NBL - Melbourne United beat Sydney Kings 108-90
While we’re taking a break here at Adelaide Oval, it looks like Melbourne United bounced back their heavy defeat to Cairns by running out 108-90 winners over Sydney.
After being out-hustled in a big loss on Thursday night to the Taipans, United won the rebounding battle with the Kings and shared the scoring load for their fifth win of the season at Hisense Arena.
“We weren’t happy about the way we lost the other night,” Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman said after his side’s much-improved effort against Sydney. “I thought there was a physicality that was really missing with our group so that was a priority tonight.”
- With thanks to AAP
International Rules quarter-time Australia 14-15 Ireland
For those wondering, this series owes its origin to the Australian Football World Tour, organised by sports broadcaster by former VFL umpire Harry Beitzel and Irish-born Melbournian, James Harkin in 1967 and 1968.
This particular iteration - the International rules series - started in 1984, as a three-match format with the team who took the most wins/series points were crowned winners. However, things haven’t always been smooth - there was a break in the series between 1990 and 1998 after lack of interest and poor Australian crowds (it returned in 1998 in a two-match aggregate format).
In 2014, the series was reduced again to a one-off test match (with only All-Australian players in the green and gold) - to try to revive flagging interest.
The tests were also indefinitely called off by the Gaelic Athletic Association in 2007 after a history of violent, on-field incidents (it then returned in October 2008, with new rules agreed upon by the two nations).
I must admit that when I think of the International Rules series, I think of the ‘biff’. True to form, we’ve already had some fracas today - with the Australians seemingly targetting the Irish No24 Aidan O’Shea.
International Rules Q1 11:20 Australia 8-11 Ireland
The Irish look the better of the two teams so far - have been impressed with the form of Michael Murphy – a man who has purportedly knocked back many an offer to join the AFL. The Irish of course have the advantage of the round ball, while the Aussies have the advantage of the tackle. Speaking of, Goddard has started well, pushing up the ground and catching a few Irish forwards unawares.
The first Australian over went to Chad Wingard - with a lovely checkside of the round ball. Dangerfield follows up with another, this time a low, floater. But it’s Michael Murphy for his second over - he’s dominating.
Rory Sloane, on the bench, talks up the ‘wonderful’ Adelaide weather, which I must say looks a little grey on the television.
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International Rules Q1 05:00 Australia 1-6 Ireland
You’ll notice some familiar faces in the Irish side - Zach Tuohy is playing for his home country, as is Pearce Hanley. The first ‘over’ goes to Conor McManus (the second-most capped player in the series). He has apparently been looked at by Essendon, who have thought about recruiting him as an international rookie.
This is something of a depleted Irish side - it’s the first time since the ‘formal’ resumption of the series in 1984 that there will be no All-Ireland champions in the squad.
The Irish follow up with another over to Michael Murphy (from a Goddard turnover), while Eddie Betts can only manage a point for the Australians.
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International rules - the rules
We’re just about to get underway here, but for your benefit as much as mine, here are some key rules:
There are 15 players on the field per team. There are no boundary throw-ins (whoever touches it last concedes a free-kick), and no shepherding allowed. Tackling, however, is permitted – which is not something the Irish are used to (it’s not part of their game!) If the ball hits the post, it’s play on (unlike in AFL!)
As for scoring, a behind = 1 point, ‘over’ = 3 points (through traditional AFL goal-posts) and ‘goal’ = 6 (through soccer-like goals).
International rules - teams
Here are your teams for this match - with plenty of star-power representing the Australian team. Can’t say I know much about Gaelic football, but I’m sure the same applies for Ireland!
AUSTRALIA
Coach: Chris Scott
Captain: Shaun Burgoyne
1. Travis Boak, 2. Paddy Ryder, 3. Michael Hibberd, 4. Jack Gunston, 5. Kade Simpson, 6. Zach Merrett, 7. Nat Fyfe, 8. Brendon Goddard*, 9. Shaun Burgoyne, 10. Scott Pendlebury, 11. Rory Sloane, 12. Robbie Tarrant, 14. Joel Selwood, 15. Dayne Zorko, 16. Ben Brown, 17. Neville Jetta, 18. Eddie Betts, 20. Chad Wingard, 21. Luke Shuey, 29. Rory Laird, 35. Patrick Dangerfield
*Goddard will play as goalkeeper, taking over Dustin Fletcher’s traditional mantle.
IRELAND
Coach: Joe Kernan
Captain: Aidan O’Shea
1. Niall Morgan, 2. Chris Barrett, 3. Gary Brennan, 4. Eoin Cadogan, 5. Killian Clarke, 6. Peter Crowley, 8. Kevin Feely, 9. Paul Geaney, 10. Niall Grimley, 11. Pearce Hanley, 12. Brendan Harrison, 18. Conor McManus, 20. Michael Murphy, 21. Niall Murphy, 22. Paul Murphy, 23. Karl O’Connell, 24. Aidan O’Shea, 25. Sean Powter, 26. Niall Sludden, 27. Enda Smith, 28. Conor Sweeney, 29. Zach Tuohy, 30. Shane Walsh
Welcome
Hello everyone and welcome to this Sunday’s edition of Sportwatch. I’m here to take you through today’s live action, whatever your preferred shape of ball.
Today’s feature games are the International rules game one between Australia and Ireland, at Adelaide Oval, which is about to get underway. It will be interesting to see what the crowds are like for this one, given the hybrid game’s flagging interest in previous years.
Then we’ll have a minute-by-minute account of the Melbourne City v Western Sydney Wanderers A-League game at 7pm AEDT, which I’ll preview closer to.
I’ll also endeavour to bring you the results of other A-League, W-League and Rugby League World Cup fixtures as we go.
Don’t forget we’ve also got our women’s Ashes liveblog happening now, after Ellyse Perry stunned England with a maiden double century yesterday.
Kate will be here shortly.
In the meantime, read about Ellyse Perry’s incredible, maiden double-century in the women’s Ashes yesterday.
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