Sports News
 Hook, Line and Sinker with Lindsay Doust
Operation Big Fish and the banned Eastern Cod
Last week-end was spent relaxing alongside the Nymboida River, a tributary of the Clarence. Some time was spent fishing and some nice Eastern Cod were caught, along with Bass.
The Eastern Cod is a threatened species and some of us have worked hard to improve their numbers in the Clarence and Richmond Rivers. I have been part of Project Big Fish since the early days and with the Richmond Valley Sportfishing Club, have been releasing them for ten years.
I have assisted Southern Cross University in getting fin samples to scientifically see if they are breeding and if there are any genetic problems.
It is illegal to take an Eastern Cod. The fine is $220,000 per fish and the confiscation of any gear used in taking the fish.
They are a beautiful species which we thought were related to the Murray Cod but latest research seems to be saying they may be part of a species that inhabited the eastern seaboard in such rivers as the Brisbane and Mary in Queensland.
NSW Fisheries has provided a grant for research into the Cod on the Richmond River and I will be working with the scientist on this. The day will come, we hope, when the fish will be in numbers sufficient to allow us to enjoy catching them. Meanwhile, if you do catch one, please let it go, as carefully as possible. Always handle this fish with wet hands and remove the hook carefully. It is better to not even touch the fish, and release it in the water.
Giants storm the league
 Scott McKinnon touches down in the right hand corner to register the first of Marist Brothers nine tries against arch rivals South Grafton.
With Rugby League under fire for the alleged off field behaviour of its stars it is easy to lose sight of the game and the courage, skill and endurance of the local players who put in every weekend.
This weekend was no exception to that rule as Mullumbimby Giants swaggered to the top of the competition with a near faultless display. The Giants stomped the Casino Cougars at Queen Elisabeth Park 40-10.
New Mullum coach David Latta was delighted with the effort of his forward pack, particularly from rugby convert Jamie Coote, who is providing the 'go forward' necessary to open the game up. Mullum's backline thrived under these conditions with Murray Brown posting a hat trick of tries and half Chase Nelson nipping in for two.
Casino worked hard in the second half to hold back a marauding Mullum and touched down for two tries of their own, but it was never going to be enough.
After three rounds Casino RSM is averaging just 14 points a game while letting through almost 53 points per outing. The club has been struck hard through a couple of high-profile transfers to Lower Clarence and they are being found wanting week-in week-out for the experience that brings discipline in defence.
Creatively they are not far off the mark, but they will need to dig deep in the coming weeks to find the sense of purpose that is needed to save their 2004 season.
The Brethren once again put paid to South Grafton's aspirations by dealing with them 44 to 20 at Crozier Oval on Saturday, in a game that had been transferred from Oakes Oval on Sunday due to it clashing with the final of soccer's Anzac cup. Marist Brother's superior fitness, the work rate of their forwards and the attacking flair of their backline proved the difference.
Ballina and Lower Clarence have both shown promise at the start of the 2004 season but neither could gain the critical advantage in their clash at Kingsford Smith Park. Ken and Ray Mercy as well as Wes Torrens provided the attacking flair for Lower, but Ballina's young outfit were able to meet the challenge finishing with a 28-all draw.
The young players on the Kyogle list are starting to mature at a rate of knots. Although they seemed outclassed on paper the Kyogle Bush Turkeys put in a great effort to almost take a shock win against Byron Bay. However, the Bay saw it through to the end and came out 26-24 victors.
Mullum will host Ballina in the match of the round on Sunday. Brothers have the bye.
Hawks win again - a decade on
The Murwillumbah Hawks christened the new Showground Oval with a nail biting come-from-behind 5-point win over the hapless Casino Lions 11-6-72 to 10-7-67.
It was the club's first win since returning to the competition after a 10-year break.
Captain coach of Murwillumbah, Paul McCullough, was best on ground and ensured full forward Peter Burton was provided with fine service, with Burton kicking five goals in a low scoring affair.
After a tight first quarter Casino led in the second term and went in to the break with a 15 point advantage. Without having registered a win in their inaugural season in 2003 the Casino Lions were on the verge of creating their own club history as they held a 10-point break with just one quarter to play.
In a tense first 10 minutes of the last quarter both teams traded goals but the Hawks gradually overhauled the Lions to take the points in the first game played at their new home.
McCullough was happy with his team's effort as well as the win.
"We'll enjoy a week off and head to Nimbin with some confidence and then look forward to measuring up against Byron Bay," he said after the match.
At the Nimbin Showground the Lismore Swans carved out their second impressive win of the season, this time over the Nimbin Demons 21-16-142 to 6-8-44.
The loyal and vocal Demons supporters must have thought the unveiling of the new scoreboard and the presence of Lismore Mayor Merv King had rekindled the magical form of 2003 as the home side kicked the first two goals.
However from then on it was all the Swans as Josh Suffolk bagged his second consecutive 5-goal haul. Also grabbing five goals was Darren Moncrieff who was instrumental in most of the Swans' forward movements.
For the home side nobody gave more than stalwart Frank Reid. It can only be hoped that the Nimbin team find some of their missing magic during the team's week off as their town hosts this weekend's Mardi Grass.
Swans coach Ron Meldrum considers this Saturday's home game against Byron, the competition's other undefeated team, as a measuring stick of where his team is placed in 2004 after a disappointing fade out in 2003.
At Shultz Oval, Bangalow, Byron Bay accounted for a depleted Ballina outfit by 106 points. Byron had match winners all over the ground with Paul Fisher, Lance Pititto, Jason Rawnsley and James Jordan efficiently feeding a very hungry forward line.
Byron led by 8 goals at half time and after a stout third quarter effort by the outgunned Bombers, Byron went on the rampage again in the final term to run out winners 23-18-156 to Ballina's 7-8-50.
Bears maul Brethren
In an awesome display of power Paul Simes and Brad Daley teed off for Norths against Marist Brothers in the third round of the Rex Airlines Far North Coast Baseball League. The pair combined for 10 hits from 14 times at bat as the Bears mauled thee, depleted Brothers squad 27-6.
Over the past 12 months Norths have struggled against the exceptional pitching talents of young Matt Gahan, however in Gahan's absence the Bears had a picnic, hammering 23 hits over nine innings.
Brother's most notable performance came from 'thirsty thirds' replacement Stuart Watt who came away with two hits in the top flight.
In the other game in the top division, Workers took full toll of a struggling Easts to record a 20 to 2 win over the Redbirds.
Worker's Troy Pruess pitched a shutout for the first 5 innings, and Australian Provincial recruit Martin Tucker closed out the game for Workers conceding only 1 earned run from his time on the mound.
Worker's Dallas Knapp (home run), Wayne Devlin, Mick Lewis, and Nathan Olley (Doubles) all dominated their opponents from the start, accumulating a 14 to nil lead going into the sixth. Aaron Olley also walked away from the game with 5 runs batted in for his side.
Redbird's Veteran Graeme Snape held out valiantly with three hits during the afternoon but to no avail.
This coming weekend Brothers and Workers will go head to head on Baxter field, whilst Redbirds will look to turn their season around against Norths on Thew Field.
Kane and Hall share big victories as Lismore set to host Nationals
Speedway with Ben Daley
It was a huge two nights of action at the Bartercard Lismore Speedway over the Anzac weekend. The Super Sedans annual Trevan Ford East Coast Grand National, one of the most prestigious events on the speedway calendar, and the NSW AMCA championships shared centre stage, with each providing their fair share of thrills and spills.
Meanwhile, the news coming out of the modified production sedan stables is that Lismore speedway will be selected to host the 2004-2005 Australian Modified Production Sedan championships next Easter.
On the track Queenslander and current Australian Super Sedan champion Darren Kane took the win in the 50-lap East Coast Grand National feature race, pocketing a cool $5,000 in the process.
Following Kane home to the chequered flag was Wayne Randall and Grand National veteran, John Leslight.
The feature race was marred by a horrifying rollover involving Victorian Lucas Roberts, whose car launched up on two wheels and literally took off, rolling end-over-end once before landing heavily back on all four wheels. Roberts emerged from the wreck under his own steam, but after complaining of back pain at the nights end, he was taken to hospital for a check up and was released soon after. Roberts also won the first nights 25-lap feature event impressing many on the way.
Grafton's Stuart Hall emerged victorious by winning the NSW AMCA championships ahead of Sydney's Greg Cassidy and Victorian champion Mick Clark.
Hall led from the outset of the 30-lap title race with south Australia's Neil Howard putting pressure on Hall all the way. Howard however had to contend with Cassidy who made a late dash to take second and Howard unofficially third. Howard however was relegated a position for passing on the grass, which then shifted Clark up to third.
The modified production sedan feature provided some awesome jaw dropping racing, providing some very rare 3 wide racing action. Taking the top spots were Steve Jordan in first, David Jacobi and Steve Downes following through respectively.
Pennant aspirants take next step
Zone play-offs for the NSW men's pennant competition will be held in the Clarence District this weekend. Casino RSM have a strong line-up and have an excellent chance to progress through to the state finals, as do the members of the three Evans Head teams in the number 2's, 5's and 7's.
Locally the District Pairs final contestants have been decided after two one-sided semi-finals. In the first semi the favourites, David Ball and Brian Nixon defeated N Rowland and P Vallotto 32-2. Ball and Nixon have already taken out the fours and triples NRDBA titles. The second semi wasn't quite so one-sided with Neil Burgess and David Tancred overcoming Rod Greentree and Rob Montague 27-7.
The final will be held at Alstonville on May 8, starting at 12 noon.
The final of the District Reserve Pairs was held at Lismore City on Saturday with City's Dusty Allison and Larry Maxfield taking the title from Lismore RSL's John Neill and John Piper 23-14. The winning pair have now qualified for the Zone play offs on July 11.
For those interested in a little social bowls and a chance to get to meet the members of Lismore's most successful football team, the Marist Brothers rugby League club, there is a social bowls day at the Lismore City Bowling Club this Sunday, 2 May. All players, family, sponsors and supporters are welcome with anyone wanting to make a late entry to call Luke Campbell on 0405 194 583 ASAP.
McGrath barrels champ
Photo: © ASP Pierre Tostee
 Laurina McGrath spends some time in the 'blue room' during last weekend's Roxy Pro WCT event in Fiji. McGrath finished in the top four and won a special award for this ride, the longest barrel-run of the championship.
Laurina McGrath, a member of the All Girl Surfriders Club caught the ride of the tournament (pictured) on her way to the top four at the Roxy Pro World Championship Tour event, Tavarua Island Resort, Fiji. McGrath thrilled the crowd as she disappeared and re-emerged from the longest barrel ride of the tournament.
A daughter of Byron Bay, McGrath beat world champion Layne Beachley in the quarter. In local news, the waves were small at the All Girls Surfriders April club-round held at Broken Head. Although the surf was messy the sunshine and the sultry conditions brought with it a crowd of over ninety competitors.
Winners included: Junior Beginners: Maddie King. Senior Beginners: Julie Speight, Intermediate: Jade Fenech, Advanced: Rachel Bonhote-Mead, Longboard: Marg Bryant
Byron take Cup, Casino takes lead
 Alstonville players react with despair as the referee signals Stars' Garry Wilson first half strike a fair goal in the Anzac Cup Open B final at Oakes Oval on Sunday, won by Stars 2-1.
Byron Bay won a thrilling Anzac Cup final 2-1 against Ballina on Sunday at Oakes Oval after an extra time golden goal by outstanding youngster Adam Bostock. Bostock scored both of the Bay's goals as they stretched their Cup winning run to four, having won last year's Anzac Cup and the 2002 and 2003 Tursa Cup's.
In the Premiership competition Casino took advantage of the postponement of the games involving the cup finalists by winning 1-nil against Thistles, giving them a three-point break at the top of the ladder.
With all three of Saturday's Round 2 matches resulting in 1-nil victories the Premier League results page looks a little like the early season form of English club Chelsea.
Stars bounced back from their 7-2 drubbing by Byron with a stern one-goal dismissal of Workers. It was a turn around for both clubs as Workers had managed to get the ball into the back of the net four times against Rovers a week earlier.
Alstonville turned around their 2003 home ground struggles by registering a first-up home win over newcomers Bangalow. Alstonville has been maturing slowly in recent years and is on the verge of taking the next step up. As the biggest club in the region Alstonville will be a difficult force to move once they reach the top of the tree.
Although Bangalow have lost their first two outings they have shown that they will be a competitive force in their first year back in the top flight.
Workers shut out Ballina
The powerful Workers Club line-up was relatively untroubled in dispatching Ballina 3-nil at home in round two of the FNC Soccer Women's First Division. The win places them on top of the ladder on goal difference from Byron Bay and Southern Cross University.
Byron maintained their unblemished record by downing Lennox Head 4-nil on a day that Lennox were hosting their first match in the top flight. Coming on top of their 2-1 loss to a seven-player SCU in the first round the Lennox outfit are probably wondering what train hit them. If it was a train then their form should improve after May 15, the final run of the North Coast XPT.
SCU and Rovers made it three away-team victories out of four by taking the points home from Thistles and Woodburn respectively. SCU took the points with a 3-1 win against their rivals at the far end of Military Road.
Rovers strike-force were unfazed by the travel to Woodburn and duly won 5-1.
Lennox will face their hardest test to date when they play Workers on Friday night at Rec 12, while Thistles host Woodburn in a tussle between two teams that have yet to register a competition point.
SCU will host Byron at the Uni on Sunday morning in a game that was rescheduled from Saturday night.
The round will be completed on Sunday at 10am when Ballina host Rovers at Saunders Park.
Anzac Cup results:
Premier Division: Byron Bay 2 d Ballina 1
Open A Div: Goonellabah A 4 d Goonellabah B 2
Open B Div: Italo Stars 2 d Alstonville 1
Under 16: Byron Bay 1 d Workers 0.
Casino on top as powerhouses draw
Casino sits atop the FNC Rugby first grade ladder after the first week of competition having dismissed Grafton 24-8 in their season opener. They were the only team to earn an invaluable bonus point thanks to running in four tries.
Ballina failed to exact revenge on Lismore for having won the 2003 premiership, a title that looked to be Ballina's for the taking for the majority of the season. Their meeting at the Lismore Rugby Field ended in a thrilling 11-all draw.
Southern Cross University announced that they would be a presence in 2004 with their 18-10 victory over perennial power Wollongbar-Alstonville. Although they were unable to score a bonus point they were able to maintain an eight point lead to the end, thus denying the Pioneers the extra point available for losing by seven points or less.
Casino will be able to put their lofty ladder position to the test this Saturday at home when they host Ballina. At issue is whether Casino have improved on last year's fifth-placed effort, a genuine reflection of their season, or did they win as a result of Grafton's deficiencies. Grafton have struggled in the recent past, but are capable of carrying all before them.
Grafton face SCU at the Uni on Saturday (see below) and face a possible whitewash.
The match of the round is likely to be the Wollongbar - Lismore encounter at Hill Park Oval in Wollongbar. Both teams will be disappointed with their efforts last week and will be looking to turn their efforts into premiership points.
The SCU Gold Rats are holding a ladies day promotion for their home game against Grafton this Saturday at the Maurie Ryan Field.
Ladies attending on the day will be spoiled with complementary drinks, a gift pack from the Cosmetic Shop, and a nice sunny day of watching union on the deck.
Gold Rats president Tim Breen assures, "It'll be a good hard game with Grafton having a dominant forward pack. But as long as the Uni forwards can hold the Grafton pack at bay, our backs are sure to shine. The Rats will also be strengthened by the return of their five eight, Mark Sherwood".
Reserve grade kicks off at 1.30pm, and 1st grade at 3pm.
Brokes breaks through
Young Brokes Outerbridge from the Lismore PCYC Judo Club clinched first place in his division at the Queensland titles held in Cairns last weekend.
Meanwhile, Alan and Ashley Foley, who are master and pupil, came home with silver medals.
Outerbridge, grappled his way to the Queensland State title in the under 13 year division as club coach Alan Foley, took silver in the state under-100 kgs title. Ashley showed the value of practice to take out second in the girls under 16's.
Practice sessions for the Lismore PCYC judo club are Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5.30 (jun) and 6.30 (seniors).
Club championship time
The tension of club championship time is in the air with Woodburn Evans Head having completed their third round last Saturday and Casino starting their four round tournament on Saturday week.
Daniel Grebert is leading the way in the Club title down at Woodburn with 226 but has Bill Ferrier breathing down his neck on 228.
It is a very busy time at Casino. Not only will they hold their monthly medal this Saturday, the club will also host the Northern Co Op Meat Company Charity Challenge and the Ballina Manor Shootout over the two days of the weekend. If you haven't registered for the event get in quick as there are over $8,000 in trophies and prizes to be won.
Ballina golfers were looking to qualify for the 4BBB knockout over the weekend with players reaching 46 (on countback) getting through.
This Sunday will be the Coraki Club Foursomes championship over 27 holes.
Ballina
Wed April 21,
Overall: Bradley Schofield
A Grade: Stewart Bradhurst
B Grade: Elton Stone
C Grade: Dennis Finn
Fri 23 April
Max Crummy
Sat 24 April,
Paul Wilson Glen Grady
Casino
Thurs April 22
Keith Larsson
Sat April 24
Overall: Greg Lamond
A Grade: Garry Cribb
Coraki
Wed April 21 - Ladies
Sue Clark, Derelle Layton
Sat April 24
Anzac Cup: Corey Mills
A Grade: Don Cox
B Grade: R Loader
C Grade: Corey Mills
Woodburn Evans Head
Wed April 21 - Ladies
A Grade: Dot Cox
B Grade: Kay Buckley
Thursday April 22 - Vets
12 Hole: Forbes Murdoch and Bill Flanagan
Sat April 24
Overall: Coady Strong
B Grade: Murray Cornelius
C Grade: Forbes Murdoch
Club Ch'ship after 3rd Rnd
A Grade
226 Daniel Grebert
228 Bill Ferrier
B Grade
249 Mark Gittoes
252 Luke Turner
C Grade
261 Tim Hawkins
273 Leslie Lewis-Hughes
Donati set to challenge Hewitt
The Northern Rivers Croquet Championship, being held this week on the lawns of the Lismore Croquet Club, is set to be one of the most fiercely fought in many years.
At first glance croquet may not seem to be a sport that raises passions over tense competitive battles, but that is an illusion.
The quality of the local talent involved in this year's championship is undeniable.
Byron's Max Donati and club mate Brett Hewitt fought out the final last year with Hewitt proving victorious.
Donati, who has a long list of credits to his name at championship and representative level, is now in top form, having recently defeated World No. 3 Trevor Bassett of Victoria in the Eyre Cup Interstate Teams Challenge. This was sweet revenge for Donati who had pressed Bassett during the National Championships only to go down in a very tight tussle.
Lismore club member, Robyn Stock, will also be putting her hand up during the championships after having represented NSW at the Eyre Cup, the first member of Lismore to achieve the distinction of NSW selection.
Play in the championships will continue through to the final, set down for Monday, May 2.
If you're one of the many who pass by the croquet lawns in the main street of Lismore and say "looks interesting but I have no idea what you're doing", take the opportunity during this week to see the game at its best. You are sure to find an eager spectator who will explain the mystery and lure of this challenging game.
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