Ireland breaks Australia hearts in Perth Final

Sun, Jan 28, 2024, 9:29 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Ireland upset Australia to claim the Perth title. Photo: Getty Images
Ireland upset Australia to claim the Perth title. Photo: Getty Images

Ireland have broken Australia's hearts with a 19-14 win in Perth

It's Ireland's first title win on the World Series, scoring with 90 seconds left in the game to secure the victory through Eve Higgins.

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The Australians showed the nerves of the occasion early on as the kickoff went straight into touch.

It was up to their senior players to steady the ship as Charlotte Caslick wrapped around Madison Ashby and raced away for the opener.

Ireland responded almost instantly as flyer Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe sprinted away to level the scores.

Australia looked to hang on in defence but found themselves down to six when Caslick was sin binned for a deliberate knock down.

Ireland took full advantage as captain Lucy Mulhall dived over for the seven point half-time lead.

Caslick returned and had an instant impact, putting the returning Teagan Levi into space to bring the game level again.

Both sides tried to launch attacks late in the game but Australia couldn’t make their opportunity stick.

It allowed Ireland a chance to strike late and Eve Higgins was there to score the winner.

Australia couldn't control the kickoff, allowing Ireland to close out a historic win.

“Losing at home always hurts,” captain Charlotte Caslick said.

“I think the emotional toll and the lack of discipline really let us down. Regardless of the result, we know we have a lot to work on.

“We know Paris is a big one this so we’ve still got a lot to work on.”

Ireland was playing in their just Final in World Series history, whilst the Australians will extend their lead on top of the World Series ladder.

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