John Tobin's touring Ireland under-17 team were comprehensively beaten by Australia in the first Test against Australia in Melbourne yesterday. Australia's score was made up by 2 goals (six points each), 17 overs (three points each) and two behinds (one point each). Ireland's reply was made up by five goals, 3 overs and 13 behinds.

The Irish side never really recovered after a physically-imposing Australian team got off to a good start in the opening two quarters. Ireland only managed 10 points in the first half, Australia adapting much better to the hybrid game as they went into a 26-10 lead. The match, which was screened live on Australian TV, acted a curtain-raiser to the AFL game between St Kilda and Melbourne.

Ireland's star was Liam O hEineachain who contributed 21 points. The Dublin player, a star of Colaiste Eoin's Leinster Colleges win last year, scored three goals and three behinds.

Other Irish players to make an impact included Seamus Scanlon, Damien McGrady, Conor Mortimer and John McCarthy.