7 Aug 2017

Sport: PNG's AFL title defence begins on losing note

12:56 pm on 7 August 2017

Defending men's champions Papua New Guinea have been beaten in their opening match at the AFL International Cup in Melbourne.

2011 winners Ireland defeated the Mosquitoes 41-30 in a rematch of the past two grand finals, with Padraig Lucey kicking three goals.

Ireland got the better of PNG in the opening round.

Ireland got the better of PNG in the opening round. Photo: AFL PNG

The New Zealand Hawks lived up to their pre-tournament favourites tag by thrashing the Nauru Chiefs 81-34, while Fiji thumped France 80-14, with Isimeli Qiolevu and Alipate Kiti scoring three goals a piece.

Meanwhile the PNG Flames marked their return to the International Cup in style, outclassing the European Crusaders 55-0 in the opening round of women's matches, with Tonok Hedwick top-scoring with three goals.

The Papua New Guinea Flames made a winning start.

The Papua New Guinea Flames made a winning start. Photo: AFL PNG