Ireland win first test

Ireland started strongly in their quest to deny Australia a three-in-a-row of International Rules Series successes, by carving out a hard-earned 45-44 victory before a 35,153 attendance at the Subiaco Oval in Perth.

Sean Boylan's Ireland side had opened up a 17-point lead four minutes into the final quarter, but a strong finish by the Australians saw the tourists' advantage whittled away.