PSS Presents: Around the Grounds
Each week AFL Europe will take a look around the continent at the Australian Football highlights and thrilling matches. This Around the Grounds article delves into the standout performances from the weekend’s action and is presented by PSS International Removals.
AUSTRALIA MASTERS BEGIN EUROPEAN TOUR AGAINST FRANCE
On Sunday in Paris, the French Coqs hosted the Australian Masters side as part of the 2019 AFL Masters tour of Europe. In hot conditions, it was a demanding game for both teams but there was still plenty of entertaining football played in a high-scoring match. The French side was prepared from the start after finishing fourth in last weeks Euro Cup, and acclimatised to the conditions well, using their pace across the ground in a modified ten-sided game. The Australian side battled hard throughout and really challenged their opponents, but it was the French side who came out top by 41-points in a fantastic match showcasing the skill and passion of both teams on a great occasion. Australia will be playing another game this Wednesday at Hove in Brighton before their big Test Match against England next Saturday at Wimbledon. Following that, they will play two more matches, both in Ireland, against Galway and Ireland in two International Rules matches.
Final Scores (2019 AFL Masters European Tour)
Men’s: France (131) defeated Australia (90).
NORTH LONDON HOST WEST LONDON IN PRIDE ROUND
Teams from across AFL London decked out their kits with rainbow colours as well as face paint and flags over the weekend as part of Pride Round. At Bounds Green, the battle for second place in the AFL London Women’s Premiership saw the North London Lions host the West London Wildcats, and it was the home side who got off to a strong start. In the first two quarters, they had numerous inside-50 entries but couldn’t quite convert due to a strong Wildcats defence. At half-time, the Lions were up by 10 points but extended that to three goals by three-quarter time. The Wildcats got on the scoreboard in the last quarter and challenged as hard as they could but fell short as the Lions won by 19 points to retain second place.
Final Scores (AFL London Women’s)
Women’s: North London Lions (3.7.25) defeated West London Wildcats (1.0.6).
WEST CLARE WAVES WIN AFL IRELAND WOMEN’S SUPER 7’S
The West Clare Waves have won the 2019 AFL Ireland Women’s Super 7’s competition, remaining undefeated throughout the competition, which saw five teams compete over three rounds of footy. While the Waves finished first comfortably, with 10 wins over the 10 games that took place during the three rounds, the battle for silver between the Angels and Garissons was tense, with both teams separated by just one point at the start of the day. In the battle to decide the second place, the Garrisons held on in a thriller, winning by two points in a high scoring game and secured the silver medal in the process. Joining the Waves, Angels and Garrisons were two new teams to the Super 7’s tournament, the South Dubin Swans and the rejuvenated Midland Tigers. The Mid Ulster Suns also played their first game in a promotional match against the Australian Tax All Star team.
Final Scores (AFL Ireland Women’s Super 7’s)
Women’s: West Dublin Garrisons (4.4.28) defeated Dublin Angels (4.2.26).
MAGPIES DOMINANT AGAINST SWANS
While the women were battling it out in Dublin, the AFL Ireland men’s competition continued their home and away season, with finals just around the corner. In a massive match for both sides, the Galway Magpies were too strong against the South Dublin Swans, running out 71-point winners. The Swans were looking for a win to keep their finals chances alive but came up against a determined Magpies side with all their focus on securing outright second on the ladder. For the Magpies, their win was secured thanks to their efficiency in front of goal, kicking 18 goals all day and only three behinds. Even with their best defensive effort, the Swans couldn’t match the opposition in tough conditions.
Final Scores (AFL Ireland)
Men’s: Galway Magpies (18.3.111) defeated South Dublin Swans (6.4.40).
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