GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 21 – March 14, 2015 | Page 13

Middle East 2 and Australasia squared off in the first semi
with the southern hemisphere team the favourites to advance. Australasia was strong in defense and midfield and
this set them up for a deserved 1-9 to 1-2 win over Middle East 2. In the second semi-final, perhaps the tournament
fancies Middle East 1, did the business when outclassing a
gallant Asia 1 side. Asia 1 had a good tournament but found
the Mid East top team that bit too strong with a final scoreline of 0-2 to 5-11.

Into the second half, the game continued at a hectic pace with
both sides trading points. Then Middle East awarded a penalty found the back of the net to make it a drawn game and
now momentum was on their side. They struck for a fourth
goal and found themselves in-front and Australasia were unable to bridge the gap with Middle East 1 running out for a
famous win on a scoreline of 4-7 to Australasia’s 2-11. The
standard in the ladies tournament was very high and the final

The final between Middle East 1
and Australasia was another highly
anticipated match. Despite the Mid
East team having narrowly defeated
Australasia in the group stages, the
Australasians with limited experience training as a team together was
also a side that was improving as the
competition progressed. This was
an epic final and perhaps the best
match of the World Games.
The home side received an early
shock when right from the throwin, Australasia won possession ad- Middle East 1 winners of the inaugural Ladies GAA World Cup. Photo courtesy of Middle East
GAA/ T & S. Hunt.
vanced down field and blasted home
an unstoppable goal. Australasia were fired up and soon afproduced an exhilarating display from both sides. Australater scored another goal and looked like they were on their
sia were a very strong side and for long periods of the decider
way with the home side in deep trouble. But Middle East 1
they looked like they would take home the cup but the home
cheered on by the large home support didn’t panic and when
team unbeaten throughout proved that bit stronger.
they hit the back of the Australasia net after a fine move, a
huge roar went up from the stands. This left the score 2-2 to
The four bottom teams at the group stages of the Men’s World
1-0 with the local side now back in the game. Immediately
Cup then played off for Plate honours. In the first semi-final Euafter Mid East struck again for their second goal and one
rope beat Canada (2) while in the second Plate semi Canada 1
sensed an epic was in hand. Just as Middle East had recovdefeated North America who in all had a rather disappointing
ered well so did Australasia who showed their determination
tournament. In the Plate final, Canada 1 was the team that got
as they slotted over several points without reply and at half
the goals and were too strong for Europe who did well in maktime they still looked in pole position when leading by 2-7
ing the decider. The final score here was 6-9 to 2-5 with Canada
to 2-2.
1 showing good form towards the end of the competition.

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