Inaugural Ohio International Rules Football Challenge

Dublin, OH | Saturday, Oct. 22 - The Aussie Rules and Gaelic Clubs of Ohio joined forces to throw the Inaugural Ohio International Rules Football Challenge. The picture-perfect pitch at Darree Park in Dublin - the future home of the 2012 49th Parallel Cup, and '13 or '14 USAFL National Championships - was an ideal setting on a beaut of a fall day to kick-off this soon to be regular post-season (and perhaps preseason) contest.

Ohio is heavily concentrated in both of these foreign games. The Australian footy-ballers were respresented by the Cincinnati Dockers, the upstart Cleveland Cannons, hopeful Dayton ARFC and in-state powerhouse and hosts, the Columbus Jackaroos. The Gaelic lads pulled from past and current players of the Cleveland St. Ignatius, Cleveland St. Pat's, and the first year local Columbus Naghten Street.

Tight through the first two quarters, with only 1 point separating the teams at half-time, the Aussie Rulers pulled away in the third. Not easy or keen to give up, the Irishmen fought back hard to within striking distance, but in the end couldn't close the 11 point gap before the final whistle. Both teams fought valiantly, and will keen as mustard to go at it again.

A big "Good onya" to the blokes from Cleveland that came down and the Cincinnati players that came up. The Australian and Irish traditions were proudly honored on the pitch.

Good sports and a great sport - look forward to the next in the series on everyone's 2012's Spring Pre-Season Schedules! 

Slainte and Cheers all around.

Final Score:
Aussies: 5 (Goals), 7 (Overs), 13 (Behinds) for 64 TOTAL
Irish: 3 (Goals), 10 (Overs), 5 (Behinds) for 53 TOTAL