Match Report - Bobby Carolan International Cup 2017
International Rules Clash, Irish v CAFL
Friday 30th June at Christchurch Football Centre, Yaldhurst.
What a Friday night of football it was.
A spirited game that saw the Gaelic Football League and CAFL boys come together to begin an annual event that will raise money for a nominated local charity. Named the Bobby Carolan International Cup, it saw our two teams fundraising for a young lad known to the Irish team, Bobby Carolan, and Heart Kids Canterbury.
It’s been 10 years since the last Irish v CAFL tussle shook Christchurch. And with a history of Australia and Irish nations battling at a more professional level, the stage was set for a Friday night clash of gladiatorial proportions.
With the International rules outlined, the toss won by our Irish friends and their own ball chosen for the first quarter, the game was under way. It saw the fast, fit, Gaelic side dominate the 1st quarter with their native pig skin. Slamming the back of the net, time and time again and placing them in a commanding position. (for those unsure of the International Rules an under the bar through the net gets you 6 points and over the bar through the posts 3). Baley Grey and Mert Halloran both putting good efforts in and getting their hands on the ball.
As the second quarter began there was a change a foot. With the rosy glow of a majestic Sherrin in the hands of an experienced CAFL side, (tongue/cheek) they clawed back a few points. To their surprise the Irish, although not as confident, seemed to handle the odd shaped ball with less difficulty than we thought. The ball advantage was not so significant. It was obvious this was not going to be easy for either side to stamp their dominance on the game. The quarter saw steady points scored on both sides, Nathan Hayes (Stoat), James Bowden, and Patrick Smith strongly influencing the game.
With half time called and inspiration transferred by the way of spoken word, the round ball was re-introduced. (HA!) This time our CAFL boys didn’t slip, but took the challenge head on. Slowing the youthful sprite of the boys from the green, green, fields… controlling and forcing them to still their flight. The CAFL fellas picked up the scoring rate and saw more than a few score, with Stevie Ferres, Captain Adam Clarke (Jinx), Devin Pullyblank (Dev), Stoat and Baley all putting on scores.
Having slowed the Irish boys down we found ourselves in greater command of the ball. Our final quarter sore us hit our stride with Jaime Exeter, Stevie, Bowden, Jinx and Dev all peppering the goal line with the ball… Devin Pullyblank slotting the only CAFL 6 pointer for the game from beyond the 45m mark. But it just wasn’t enough. With the Irish dotting scores over the bar throughout the game the earlier onslaught was too much to be clawed back and the Irish came through with a hard fought victory 5-10 (60) to 1-16 (54).
All in all, it was a friendly, well spirited game with just the right amount of niggle. Congratulations to Patrick Smith who was chosen as best on ground by the Gaelic team.
I thank all involved. As specially the crew at Christchurch Football Centre, Yaldhurst. It was a bloody good night. We look forward to next year’s clash and the opportunity to build on the small contribution we all made by playing on the night.
Carson Pullyblank
Bobby Carolan International Cup 2017 - CAFL Rep
Last Modified on 03/07/2017 19:59