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AFL Europe Match of the Round

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CNFA Grand Final – Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes v Paris Cockatoos – Bordeaux 25/6/16

The Euros have taken centre stage in France over the past couple of weeks but this weekend all eyes will be on the CNFA Grand Final hosted by the Bordeaux Bombers. Stade Robert Monseau will play host to the Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes and the Paris Cockatoos in a battle of the ages in which a new champion will be crowned as the much coveted, CNFA Premiers.

The Coyotes finished the regular season as Minor Premiers, claiming top spot by 3 points ahead of the Parisian pair, the Cockerels and the Cockatoos. They won through to the Grand Final with a 4-point win over the fourth-placed, Toulouse Hawks, in what proved a far tougher game then the minor premiers would’ve liked. The Cockatoos had a massive semi-final showdown in Paris against big brothers and 2014/15 Premiers, the Cockerels. Many expected the Cockatoos to fall short to their more established rivals but grit and determination shone through with a hard-fought 27-point victory.

Both teams will be experiencing a Grand Final for the first time, so the team that settles the nerves first will be a good shout to carry on with the victory. The Coyotes go in with the knowledge that they were the best team all season, however, the Cockatoos were the only team to knock off the Minor Premiers, giving them a slight psychological advantage.

The Coyotes boast a number of players from the French national team and have three of the best from the ANZAC Day showdown with Australia earlier this year in Max, Herve and Billy. Keep an eye on long kicking defender, Kevin, who can be a real game-changer with his run and carry off the halfback line.

The Cockatoos are strengthened by their midfield depth with four quality Frenchmen rotating through the engine room in Dagois, Bouchet, Daniel and Leyson. First use of the footy is crucial so this midfield depth could be a real focal point for the boys from Paris. The Cockatoos rugby connections, Jacob and Kevin, are normally away with work commitments on a Saturday by have shown real promise for recent converts and could prove the difference.

A full day of Aussie Rules action has been organised for the culmination of the CNFA 2015/16 season. A friendly, mixed gender curtain raiser is being played along with a soiree following the Grand Final.

Regardless of the result it’s going to be great seeing two new teams contesting for the top prize the CNFA have to offer. The Bordeaux Bombers and CNFA have organised an amazing day for all to enjoy. This one is expected to be a nail-biter, best of luck to all involved.

Coaches Thoughts – (Hervé Desjardin), Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes

“This game is the result of a long and interesting season. As the Coyotes’ coach, it was my objective to reach the Grand Final. We are going to play against the only team that has beat us during the 2015/2016 Season which will add a little spice to the match. We are clearly the outsider of this event as many of the Cockatoos were part of the 2015 Cockerels premiership team. We are going to give this game 100% and we hope to offer a great game to all our supporters. We are going to focus on our strengths and values: abnegation and determination ! Go Coyotes !”

Coaches Thoughts – Andrew Unsworth, Paris Cockatoos

“Creating a new team was always going to be a bit of a risk… but this group has put all that to bed by reaching the grand final! Hopefully we can go one better against an impressive Cergy outfit that travels well and is always up for a contest. Will be a great day for French footy with the girls also playing. Can’t wait!”

 

 

 

 

Player of the Week – Coline Duquet

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Each week AFL Europe is profiling a European player and finding out how they got into the great game of Aussie Rules and a bit about themselves. If you’d like a profile or know of someone who would, then email admin@afleurope.org to receive a question sheet.

This week’s player profile is on French ruck, Coline Duquet. Coline first fell in love with the game of AFL on a study exchange in Sydney, Australia, where she played for the University side. She has been a member of the French national side for the past few years and this year represented France in both the AFL Europe Champions League and ANZAC Day clash in Villers-Bretonneux.

Coline picked up the nickname ‘Emu’ during her time in Australia and loves singing the French national anthem before her games for her country.

Well done Coline, best of luck for the rest of the season.

 

Name:

Coline Duquet

Club:

Paris Cockerels

Nationality:

French

What position do you play?

Ruck

AFL team you support:

GWS Giants

Favourite AFL player:

Jeremy Cameron

How did you find out about AFL?

I studied in Sydney, Australia for a year and played a season with UTS

How long have you been playing for?

3 years

What is your memory of your first Aussie Rules game?

It was a preseason game in Sydney, really warm weather. They put me in the midfield and I didn’t know what I was doing but I felt really welcomed in the team and knew I would love it.

Best AFL moment?

Singing the French anthem with the French national team

Any other interesting information, quirky stories or interesting things about yourself?

At a training session in Sydney, the coach said “don’t bend over like emu” which made me laugh very hard because it sounded so Australian. My nickname there was emu.

 

Tuesday Around the Grounds

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Around the Grounds

Swedish Elks and Irish Warriors release their AFL Europe Champs Squads

The Swedish Elks and Irish Warriors have released strong squads for the upcoming AFL Europe Championships taking place in London during the third week of August. Congratulations to everyone selected. We look forward to seeing these boys in action.

Team lists as follows:

Irish Warriors

Defenders

Muiris Bartley (UCC & Leeside Lions)

Sean Paul Henry (Belfast Redbacks)

Luke Hickey (UCC & Leeside Lions)

Brendan Kelly (Belfast Redbacks)

Stiofán Mac Finn (Wimbledon Hawks)

Tom McKenna (Belfast Redbacks)

Paul Murphy (UCC & Leeside Lions)

Conor O’ Halloran (Leeside Lions)

Eoin Ó Súilleabháin (Leeside Lions)

Tom Stack (Manchester Mosquitoes)

Gerard Walls (Belfast Redbacks)

 

Midfielders

Liam Burns (South Dublin Swans)

Conor Fitzgerald (Wandsworth Demons)

David McElhone (Belfast Redbacks)

Sean McGlinchey (Belfast Redbacks)

Stuart McKeating (Belfast Redbacks)

David Miller (Belfast Redbacks)

Gavin Murray (South Dublin Swans)

Kevin Young Kev O’ Brien (Wandsworth Demons)

Eoin Ó Murchú (Wandsworth Demons)

 

Forwards

Conor Fitzgerald (North London Lions)

Dominic Joyce (Leeside Lions)

Ryan McCloskey (Belfast Redbacks)

Kevin McDonnell (Galway Magpies)

David McGinty (Galway Magpies)

Kevin McSorley (Belfast Redbacks)

Kevin Old Kev O’ Brien (Wandsworth Demons)

Padraic O’ Connell (Leeside Lions)

Cóilín Ó Lordáin (Leeside Lions)

 

Standby/Emergencies

Rory O’ Donnell (UCC & Leeside Lions)

Alan Tobin (Wandsworth Demons)

 

 

Swedish Elks

Andreas Svensson – Helsingborg

Anton Tellström – Helsingborg

Jacob Lantz – Helsingborg

Hampus Olsson – Helsingborg

Jacob Nilsson – Helsingborg

Philip Nilsson – Helsingborg

Robin Nilsson – Helsingborg

Niklas Jonsson – Norrtälje

Martynas Alijosius – Norrtälje

Erik Lindqvist – Norrtälje

Gustav Svensson – Norrtälje

Buster Sund – Norrtälje

Tim Lindgren – Port Malmö

Tobias Gogu – Port Malmö

Tony Persson – Port Malmö

Jonas Lovén – Port Malmö

Christopher Mårtensson – Port Malmö

Jonas Birgén – Årsta

Mattis Kvarnström – Årsta

Oscar Magnusson – Solna

Pekka Tångström – Göteborg

Kaj Karlsson – Södermalm

 

AFL announces 8-team women’s competition for Season 2017

Last week the AFL announced a new 8-team national women’s competition for 2017. With the growth of the women’s game over the past few years this will further develop the amazing participation and exposure for women’s football.

We’re hopeful one of our talented AFL Europe women’s players will be running around on the MCG in the near future.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-06-15/eight-teams-named-for-inaugural-womens-league

 

CNFA Grand Final takes centre stage

Forget about the Euros a brand new CNFA premier will be crowned this weekend in Bordeaux when the Paris Cockatoos and Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes go head-to-head. Both teams head through to the big dance with wins two weeks ago. The Coyotes downed the Toulouse Hawks and the Cockatoos took down reigning premiers and big brother, the Paris Cockerels.

This one is set to be an absolute thriller. Keep an eye out for the match preview this Friday as AFL Europe’s ‘Match of the Round’.

 

Get your nominations in!

Nominations for the AFL Europe Championships in August and the Euro Cup in October are still open. We’d love to have as many teams as possible join in the fun at two of the biggest AFL Europe events of the year.

For further information regarding either tournament please email admin@afleurope.org

 

Another female umpire joins the ranks

Massive congratulations to Odense Lioness, Maria Falkesgarrd Jorgensen, for becoming the first Danish female field umpire during a game between the Odense Lions and Farum Cats in late May.

This is a huge achievement and a testament to Maria, the Odense Lions and the Danish Australian Football League. Keep up the good work.

Maria

Mixed results for Titans in AFL England South

The Southampton Titans had mixed results over the weekend in what was a hard fought day of footy in Brighton.

In their first game they got the W against the Surrey Stags 16.5. 101 to 1.6. 12. The tables turned when they came up against the Sussex Swans who downed the Titans 14.15. 99 to 4.5. 29.

Best on Ground for the day for the Titans was Martyn Hinchey.

Keep up the good work down in AFL England South.

Southampton Titans

Surrey Stags

Sussex Swans

Tuesday Around the Grounds

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Demons ‘Freeze the C’ for MND

Despite going down in all three grades on the weekend the Wandsworth Demons had major success off the field. The big ‘Freeze at the C’ took place with an array of homemade cupcakes, beanies, hats and raffles seeing the Demons raise over 2300AUD for the Cure for MND Foundation. A simply amazing result.

Special thanks goes out to the great support of the opposition West London Wildcats, Jimmy Perrett, Ash Walsh, all the girls who helped at the stall and last but not least, Gaby Duncan. Days like these go to show how amazing football clubs are.

Amazing initiative Demons.

Demons

 

Cock fight ends in a thriller between the two Parisian sides

It was a changing of the guard in the French capital at the weekend. 2015 CNFA premiers, the Paris Cockerels, went down in a thriller to their little brothers, the Paris Cockatoos, 18.5. 113 to 13.8. 86.

The French league is certain to crown a first-time premier in two weeks’ time with minor premiers, Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes winning through in their semi-final by claiming a 4-point win against Toulouse.

The CNFA is fast developing into one of the premier competitions across Europe and no doubt the AFL Europe community will be keeping a close eye on the Grand Final in Bordeaux on the 25th of June. Watch this space for a match preview of that game.

COCK!

 

Port Malmo go back-to-back to claim the 2016 Swedish Cup

The Port Malmo Maulers continued their dominance in Sweden claiming the Swedish Cup in Norrtalje for the second consecutive year. The day was a huge success with the tournament getting a full page spread in the local paper. A big shout-out to all those who put this amazing tournament together.

Final standings for the day were as follows:

  1. Port Malmo Maulers
  2. Sodermalm Blues
  3. Norrtalje Dockers
  4. Oslo Crows
  5. Mixed Bags
  6. Arsta Swans

Swedish Cup 2

 

GB Swans meet in Birmingham and name their first 17 for AFL Europe Champs in August

British girls from all across the country made the trip to Birmingham at the weekend for a fantastic training session in the lead up to the AFL Europe Championships in August. The first 17 girls were selected to represent Great Britain following the session.

Congratulations to the following girls on making the GB Swans side:

Beth Bailey

Jen Bennett (Wimbledon Hawks)

Freya Blount (University of Birmingham)

Lea Cobham (North London Lions)

Lousie Darby (Wimbledon Hawks)

Charlie Eales (Wimbledon Hawks)

Chloe Hall (University of Birmingham)

Stacey Hughes (Glasgow Sharks)

Lucy Jones (University of Birmingham)

Rose Lewis (Wandsworth Demons)

Laura Mackay (University of Birmingham)

Rania Ramadan (North London Lions)

Alex Saulter (North London Lions)

Danni Saulter (North London Lions)

Caroline Sellar (Glasgow Sharks)

Laura Turner (North London Lions)

Lisa Wilson (Wimbledon Hawks)

GB Swans

 

Johan clocks up 100 of the best

Sodermalm Blues didn’t quite get the win at the Swedish Cup at the weekend but that didn’t dampen their spirits. Club stalwart Johan was elevated to legend status are clocking up his 100th game for the Blues. An absolutely amazing achievement Johan, well done.

 

Lisbon, Portugal announced as Euro Cup location

AFL Europe last week announced Lisbon, Portugal as the location for this year’s instalment of the Euro Cup. The Euro Cup is the premier 9-a-side national tournament for season 2016 and is set to be an incredible weekend in Portugal.

For more information regarding the tournament please email sarah.ongarello@afleurope.org

http://afleurope.org/euro-cup-2016/

 

AFL CNE top of the table blockbuster doesn’t disappoint

AFL CNE is the most competitive it’s ever been in season 2016. The weekend saw the two top sides the Manchester Mozzies and Wolverhampton Wolverines go head-to-head with the winner asserting their dominance coming into the backend of the regular season.

The Mozzies came out on top in what proved a scintillating contest in wet condition with the game staying within two kicks for the duration. The final score read 11.20. 86 to 10.13. 73 in favour of the Manchester boys.

 

Benjamin Durance

Tuesday Around the Grounds

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Coyotes claim Minor Premiership of CNFA champs

The Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes have wrapped up the minor premiership of the CNFA Championship sitting 3 points clear of perennial top of the table side, the Paris Cockerels.

The Coyotes claimed top spot after final round opponents, the Toulouse Hawks forfeited, and are now in the box seat to claim the major premiership when season 2015/16 of the CNFA Championships comes to a conclusion in a few weeks’ time.

Wildcats school Lions on home turf in AFL London Grand Final rematch

The much anticipated Grand Final rematch unfortunately ended in a blow out with the Wildcats running over the Lions by 87 points.

Wildcat’s, Jared Risol and Andy Challis receive notable mentions for the tireless hard work and their combined 9 goals.

The Lions sit in a similar position as they did in 2015, however, they’ll need to put in the hard yards from Round 5 onwards to ensure they have a chance at defending their title.

DSC_0020

Scoreboard leans in favour of Milan Eagles in Pisa friendly

The Milan Eagles took the chocolates against the Roma Football Club in a demo match between the two Italian clubs in Pisa at the weekend.

A couple of accidents within the first 5 minutes had Roma on the backfoot and were unable to get back in the game eventually going down 120 to 23.

A special shoutout for Josip Kravar for his help and insight along with all involved in getting this great exhibition up and running.

Roma v Milan

Port Malmo’s big day out

A massive day of Aussie Rules was had by all out at Port Malmo at the weekend.

3 huge games of football were played. First up were the Mini Maulers side who had a great hit out in the lead up to the big show down between the Port Malmo Maulers and Odense Lions. The Maulers ran out convincing winners 172-9.

The final game of the day was played between the Port Malmo women’s side, the Lynx, and some of the Mauler’s who backed up from their game previously.

Great day out for all showing the amazing growth and development in of AFL in Sweden.

Port Malmo

Oslo East sweeps West and Ås aside in Kenguru Cup opener

Oslo’s Eastside squad proved it will be the team to beat in Kenguru Cup 2016 after scoring strong wins in a high quality round one under sunny skies at Voldslokka.

Playing with a mixture of new and old faces, the East shrugged off an indifferent start against Oslo West in the first game to run out convincing winners 61 to 18.

Game two saw the Easties teach an inexperienced Ås side the finer points of contested, skilled football, and another comfortable win, 53 to 13.

In the evening’s final fixture, West took on and conquered the Ås side, which was ably helped out with some extra players from East. The closest contest of the night saw Ås start brilliantly and head into the half-time break up by eight points. West responded however, and hit back with a flurry of second half goals to put the result beyond doubt. Final scores were West 51, Ås 28.

Screen Shot 2016-05-24 at 16.19.39

Copenhagen Barracudas go pink to fight cancer

The Barracudas host the Odense Lions in their 2016 Ladies Day Picnic.

Its what’s set to be a great day of Aussie Rules so make sure you get on down and support the fight against cancer whilst sipping ‘champagne in the sun, watching sweaty guys in tight shorts and tucking into a lovely BBQ’. Can’t beat that on a spring Saturday afternoon.

Jump on over to the event page if you’re in the area.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1190549217645690/

 

Ben Durance

2014 Axios Euro Cup info hub

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#axioseurocup #euroreps @AFL_Europe

The 2014 Axios Euro Cup is just around the corner!

In the lead up to the event make sure you visit the event page on our website for all the information.

Click here to find out all the information on current standings, player eligibility, venue details and how to register.

Make sure you join the 2014 Axios Euro Cup Facebook event.

 

You can watch the 2014 Axios Euro Cup draw here.

 

Event Details:

Games will kick off at 9am

London Irish Rugby Club

Hazelwood Centre, TW16 6QU

10 minutes walk from Sunbury Upon Thames train station

FREE ENTRY || NO DOGS

Volunteers 

We are still recruiting for volunteers to assist on the day across a range of roles. If you are interested in getting involved please email tia.bool@afleurope.org

Official 2014 Axios Euro Cup Event Merchandise 

To pre- purchase merchandise please do so through the Eventbrite link, this will ensure you get the correct size on the day.  There are two options for pre ordering merchandise, for players this can be done when registering on Eventbrite and for supporters you can do so through the supporters registration. Entry is free, however this registration is for those supporters who would like to pre purchase merchandise and meals.

We will also be selling merchandise on the day, however to avoid disappointment regarding sizes please ensure you pre-order.

 

2014 Axios Euro Cup official hoodie

2014 Axios Euro Cup Official hoodie

AEC Tshirt

2014 Axios Euro Cup Official t-shirt

 

2014 Axios Euro Cup

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With the 2014 International Cup over for another year we welcome home all European teams and congratulate them on a great campaign.

In just over a month more than 20 men’s and women’s teams from around Europe will converge in London for the 2014 Axios Euro Cup. On the 4th of October Aussie Rules Football will take over the London Irish Rugby Club for an all day competition.

There will be a post match function at London Irish Rugby Club to congratulate all participants and announce the 2014 Axios Euro Cup Champions.

London Irish Rugby Club 

Hazelwood Centre TW16 6QU

10 minutes walk from Sunbury upon Thames train station

The entry will be free and no dogs or glass is allowed.

The Official Axios Euro Cup After Party will be held at Belushi’s London Bridge SE1 1HR from 10pm- 3am. Here we will be announcing the Team of the Tournament.

Participating countries and game times will be confirmed in the next couple of weeks. For all competitors please note Eventbrite registrations will be set up soon so please stay tuned.

Players who haven’t received the Axios Euro Cup handbook yet please get in touch with us: gaelle.hazimeh@afleurope.org

photo 1 London Irish Rugby Club photo 3 photo

 Pictures: London Irish Rugby Club facilities

Community Round European results & Round 4 update

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Image: afl.com.au

 

Here are the European results from the community round matches:

Women’s: 

Ireland 3.2 6.5 9.10 10.10 (70)

USA Liberty 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 (6)

Goals

Ireland: Rafferty 3, Treanor 2, Hazley 2, Dempsey, Keatley, Behan

USA Liberty: Kwoka

Best

Ireland: Rafferty, Behan, Keatley, Meehan, Corrigan, McKay

USA Liberty: Even, Thiesen, Regets, Mascher, Vorsatz

 

Men’s:

Ireland: 2.4 5.5 6.5 10.6 (66)

Nauru: 2.0 4.1 6.2 6.3 (39)

Goal kickers

Ireland: Luce 5, Johnston, Stynes, O’Regan, McCluskey, Finn

Nauru: Kenneth 2, Donatello 2, Snuka Tipung

Best

Ireland: Lucey, Healy, Finn, Fanning, O’Halloran,  Stynes

Nauru: Tiana, German,  Lennox, Donatello, Dave, Kenneth

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France 2.6 7.9 9.12 16.14 (110)

Indonesia 0.0 0.2 0.3 0.4 (4)

Goals

France: Tiefenbach 5, Patacq 4, Tapia 2, L’Hotellier 2, Picard, Dandaleix, Rosado

Indonesia: –

Best

France: Picard, Dandaleix, Tiefenbach, Coste, Patacq, L’Hotellier

Indonesia: Santtoso, Wood, Ibadurrohman, Halim, Suputro, Daichi

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Canada 5.2 12.3 17.4 20.10 (130)

Sweden 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0)

Goals

Canada: Casey 5, Nash 5, Strom 4, Kozlowski 3, Lund 2, Millar

Sweden: –

Best

Canada: Strom, Nash, Casey, Duggan, Armstrong, Millar

Sweden: Svensson, Martensson, Sund, Olsson, Koinberg, Tellstrom

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Fiji 0.4 2.6 5.7 7.7 (49)

Great Britain 1.0 3.3 4.4 4.9 (33)

Goals

Fiji: Koroi 2, Valetiri, Valesu, Natadra, Pauli, Ratu

Great Britain: Willatt 4

Best

Fiji: Valetiri, Nauuss, Valesu, Vatutei, Changkit, Vunitabua

Great Britain: Willatt, Walton, Aburto, Talbot, Worthington, Matias

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China 0.0 0.1 2.5 3.8 (26)

Finland 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.4 (22)

Goals

China: Peng Gao, Chen Shaoliang, Pi Jiaming

Finland: Lampi 2, Lofbacka

Best

China: Chen Shaoliang. Deng Mingjie,Zefan Zhang, Chen Zhushen, Liu Kunsong, Yu Enda

Finland: Lampi, Puntila, Lofbacka, Karlsson, Nurmikoski, Muhonen

 

Round 4

With the results in from round 4 it looks like the Irish Banshees will be in the Grand final on Saturday the 23rd of August. The mens matches will also see two semi finals played out between Ireland and South Africa and New Zealand and PNG.

Womens:

Ireland: 5.3 9.6 11.9 11.12 (82)

Canada Midnight Suns 1.0 2.0 2.0 2.1 (13)

Goal kickers

Ireland:  Behan 3, Loughlin 2, Corrigan 2, Hazley 2, Mahony, Brogan

Canada Midnight Suns: Dall Rosa 2

Bets players

Ireland: Behan, Keatley, Corrigan, McKay, Rafferty, Hazley

Canada Midnight Suns: Tateson, McCabe, De Silva, Dall Rosa, Tong, Legault

 

Mens Tuesday 19th August:  

With the results in from round 4 it looks like the Irish Banshees will be in the Grand final on Saturday the 23rd of August. The mens matches will also see two semi finals played out between Ireland and South Africa and New Zealand and PNG.

Sweden v Indonesia 11:30am

Ireland v South Africa 1:30pm

Nauru v Great Britain 1:30pm

Canada v France 3:30pm

India v Finland 3:30pm

 

#euroreps #AFLIC14 #infohub

Results from Day 2 of the IC14

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Day two of the IC14 saw the European teams battling it out again against some tough opponents. A mixed bag of results and some very memorable matches played.
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Ireland Banshees vs Tonga
Right from the outset Ireland looked determined to carry out the coaches instructions to be hard at the football and Tonga had the same ideas. It was tough and uncompromising for the whole 4 quarters and both teams are sure to be nursing some bruises tonight.
Ireland dominated for periods locking the ball in the forward 50 without really doing the damage on the scoreboard. The banshees roll on to tougher games from this point and a couple of injuries may impact the ambitions of the team. They are clearly improving and are being closely watched by the USA and Canada who will be their major competition.

Ireland: 3.1 5.6 7.8 9.9 (63)

Tonga: 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.2 (8)

Goals

Ireland: Corrigan 3, Hazley 2, Brogan, McGahon, Mahony

Tonga: Folauhola.I.V.Timani

Best players

Ireland: Hazley, Mahony, McCann, Keatley, Cassidy, Kelly, Dempsey

Tonga: Folauhola.I.V.Timani, Finau, Faka’ilota’u, Ongolea, Motuliki, Afuha’amango

———————————————————————————————————————————
NAURU VS GB
The big bodied Nauru looked the more likely to kick away in the first quarter but defensive efforts from Will Worthington for GB kept the margin at a respectable 5 points heading into the quarter time break. Nauru had a player sent off right on 1/4 time and played with 17 players from that point.
The electrifying pace of Dagiaro Pilo for Nauru caused a lot of headaches for GB in the second quarter but it didn’t stop them from getting a goal back and going into half time trailing by only two points.
With a 17 point lead midway through the third quarter things started to look grim for GB. Two late goals to Harmeston and McGeever brought GB within four points and lifted the whole group. It looked GBs to lose.
Nauru shot out of the blocks in the final quarter with two quick goals to Opponheimer Kenneth in the first few minutes. Tempers ran high and a fight broke out in the Nauru forward line and some undisciplined acts by GB players gifted Nauru a third goal and the final nail in the coffin.
The scoreboard did not reflect the hard fought contest at the end of the match with GB eventually going down by twenty-one points. Anthony Trigg was instrumental in the ruck and Luke Matias didn’t stop running and tackling all day. This will be a disappointing result to the bulldogs who had hoped to improve greatly on their 7th place from 2011.

Nauru: 1.2 1.6 3.9 6.14 (50)

Great Britain: 0.3 1.4 3.5 4.5 (29)

Goals

Nauru: Kenneth 2, German, Charles, Tipung, Pilo

Great Britain: Willatt, Harmeston, McGeever, Maguire

Best players

Nauru: Tiana, Malinson, Jonas, Donatello, Dave, German

Great Britain: Ballard, Aburto, Worthington, Matias, Walton, Maguire

———————————————————————————————————————————
IRELAND V FRANCE
The reigning champions and one of the favourites to take home the International Cup rolled out like a freight train in their match against the 2013 Euro Cup runners up, France.
Within the first ten minutes they had piled on five goals to France’s none and the game looked likely to blow out for there. The French midfield held strong lead by L’Hotellier and they went into quarter time six goals down.
The French picked up their game in the second quarter and had several opportunities to get on the scoreboard but were unable to convert. The Irish defence maintained control and sent it forward where their towering full forward, Padraig Lucey and utility Mick Finn, dominated and slotted a few goals to keep the French at bay.
The third quarter saw a French charge which the scoreboard didn’t reflect. They registered only two behinds despite the ball spending a lot of time in their forward line. French captain, Grégoire Patacq kept France in the competition but the game was all but lost by this point.
The final quarter was completely controlled and dominated by the Irish as they piled on another five goals to win by over one hundred points. The Irish are starting to hit their stride as the pointy end if the competition approaches.

Ireland: 6.2 10.5 12.7 17.9 (111)

France: 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.2 (2)

Goals

Ireland: Lucey 6, Finn 3, O’Regan 2, P. O’Halloran, McSorley, McCloskey, C. O’Halloran, Browne, Skelly

Best

Ireland: P.O’Halloran, Skelly, Finn, Stynes, Browne, Lucey

France: Canonici, Gazeau, David, Denerf, L’Hotellier, Gil

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Sweden vs Finland
Traditional rivals went head to head with talk that the loser may not return home. Emotions ran high early and Sweden seemed to control their efforts at the football and reaped the benefits with a first half to remember. The run and spread of the swedes really troubled the Finns.
The third quarter was a highlight of the Finns campaign so far when they halved the period with the swedes at 2 goals each. They celebrated the goals in style.
Sweden proved too strong for the majority of the day and sung the song with gusto in front of their traveling fans.

Sweden:  4.5 8.8 10.10 13.13 (91)

Finland: 0.0 0.1 2.1 2.2 (14)

Goals

Sweden: Brenmo 4, Lindgren 2, Martensson 2, Sund, Kvarnstrom, Skarlen, Gogu, Svensson

Finland: Kalliojarvi, Kupila

Best

Sweden: Navarro, Svensson, Brenmo, Magnusson, Martensson, Tellstron

Finland: Karlsson, Nurmikoski, Kupila, Puntilla, Lampi, Heiskanen

IC14

 

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