This is the second test highlights of the international rules series 2010. This is the first half, between Australia & Ireland. AUSTRALIA has regained the Cormac McAnallen trophy with an amazing three-point victory in the second International Rules Test against Ireland. Ireland, which lost the first Test by seven points, had to win the game by at least eight points to regain the trophy on aggregate and at one stage in the last quarter hit the front. A total of 61,842 fans roared support for their side, which was under enormous pressure after the first Test, but in the end they lost 55 to 52. Dane Swan won the Jim Stynes Medal for the best Australian of the series, while former St Kilda player Colm Begley was Ireland's best player. Ireland hit the front for the first time of the game when Daniel Goulding scored an over eight minutes in to a frantic last quarter when the Australians were under siege. Australia's biggest lead for the game was 14 points. After Goulding put the Irish one point in front, the home team soon had their lead out to four points. Swan tied the scores with an over with just three minutes to go and then Brad Green put Australia back into the lead with a three pointer. Australian goal keeper Dustin Fletcher spilled a mark in the dying seconds but then made a gutsy diving save to deny the Irish victory in this second Test. The first and only goal (six pointer) brought the Irish crowd to their feet and sparked renewed enthusiasm from the home time, just as it did when they scored a six pointer late the first Test in Limerick. Fletcher left the goal square vacant as he pursued a couple of Irish forwards. James Kavanagh was presented with an easy opportunity and his goal at the 13 minute of the third term allowed Ireland to get within 11 points of the Australians who were suddenly under the most pressure of the night after retaining an easy lead of 10 points- plus. After scoring three successive behinds, Brad Green brought up his third over (three points) of the game, but the Irish continued to go on the attack and used the ball wisely and with more precision. Unlike the first Test, the Irish looked dangerous each time they ventured forward. Play came to a sensational halt in the second term when Australia called for a head count. The quarter had only been going about 90 seconds when the play halted and the players were lined up. After some confusion, former Collingwood player Marty Clarke walked off the ground through the Irish interchange area. The Australians were leading 16 to 11 at the time. The only penalty the Irish got for having an extra man was a free kick to Australia. The Irish were more competitive and physical than the team that lost the first Test in Limerick last week. But while it was the Irish who laid several late tackles, the Aussies kept their cool in the deciding Test. The only skirmish was early in the second term when Paul Duffield tangled with dangerous Irish forward Steven McDonnell. Australia led 28 to 17 at half-time. Former St Kilda player Colm Begley was named Ireland's player of the series. As well as Swan, the Australians were well served by Garrick Ibbotson, Todd Banfield, Bryce Gibb and James Frawley. Geelong pair Travis Varcoe and David Wojcinski also played after missing much of the tour through injury. After the final hooter the Australians embraced and were presented with the Cup after the song "Down Under" blasted around the ground. Skipper Adam Goodes held it high and proud. But the Irish ground announcer - in good humour - warned the Australians that they are only minding the cup until next year. AUSTRALIA 0.4.4 0.7.6 0.12.12 0.14.13 (55) IRELAND 0.2.3 0.4.5 1.8.8 1.11.13 (52) Aust: Goals: Nil Overs: B Green 4 D Swan 3 T Banfield 2 A Goodes 2 L Montagna A Goodes J McVeigh Ireland: Goals: J Kavanagh Overs: B Coulter 2 S McDonnell K McKernan B Brogan T Kennelly C Begley S Cavanagh D Goulding M Murphy B Murphy Crowd: 61,842 at Croke Park, Dublin.

• published: 01 Nov 2010
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