Sports News

Hook, Line and Sinker with Lindsay Doust

The second coming of Cod

That's James Essery underneath the "mobile sun defraction device' (hat), with his first big barramundi.

The May 2004 news-cast from NSW Fisheries, announcing a grant of money for further research on the Eastern Cod, shows that there is a future for Cod anglers if the right thing is done now.

The Fisheries Department said that it is hoped the recovery of stocks will continue and that some level of recreational fishing will be allowed in the future. Let's hope that all anglers do the right thing and if you catch one, please handle carefully and release immediately. Sounds as if it is in our interests to do the right thing.

Serious negotiations are taking place in Ballina to improve the Fisheries Creek boat ramp and facilities. The two most urgent needs are better water pressure and a toilet block. Better lighting for security for vehicles is also needed.

Remember this is bass spawning time. Every female kept in the next couple of months is probably killing off up to 80,000 possible fish.

I have heard of a few nice catches lately. There have been nice bream from just below Woodburn, caught on soft plastics, mixed with some flathead of up to 3.5kg. There are also good flathead being caught on lures from just above Wardell. Blackfish have been very good at Prospect Bridge but fairly quiet in the main river. Some good bream can be found of a night from the Porpoise Wall in Ballina.

Younger Brothers and Bunnies draw crowd - Rugby League

South Lismore front-rower Scott Biddell-Brown, 14, crashes his way through a determined Marist Brothers defensive line during their Under 14 clash at Crozier Field on Saturday.

The past and future of Group One was on show at Crozier Field on Saturday afternoon. A crowd of almost 200, including some of the Bunnies heroes from days gone by, attended the Marist Brothers v South Lismore Grade 12 match.

The start of the match saw the Souths Old-Boys, including Barry Stewart, Lenny Sill and Rex Walker, form a guard of honour for the juniors who have brought new life to the club.

For the record the result looked like it might be an exact repeat of the teams past two encounters, 24-20 victories to Souths. With about eight minutes remaining Souths scored to again hold a 24-20 advantage, but the Brothers team showed great spirit to cross for a try close to the posts with only seconds to go to take the game 26-24. The interest in the rivalry between the two local clubs could be a pointer for a far healthier future for Group One.

Defence takes a holiday

In a condemnation of their collective defensive alignments the four losing teams last weekend conceded an astonishing 214 points. Even top placed Mullumbimby, victorious against South Grafton, let in 42 points, ultimately costing them the ladder leadership.

Mullum's defensive set-up, although possessing the second best record in the league, was exposed as being porous by South Grafton. They will need to improve to survive the white heat of the finals. It may even mean a slight compromise of their current attacking alignment. Mullum took the game 60-42.

Lower Clarence, while possessing one of the most attacking teams in the competition have conceded 100 more points than any of the other teams currently in the top four. While Clarence is a likely finalist their forwards must learn to be consistent in defence if their season isn't to be headed for disappointment. They were taken apart methodically by Marist Brothers on the weekend, losing 52-14.

Ballina saw off a potentially awkward Grafton Ghosts by 48-4 while in the other match Byron Bay showed some of their early-season promise in over-running Casino RSM 54-20

Minor premiership on the line

The battle for the minor premiership in Group One could be decided as early as this weekend. Marist Brothers will host Mullumbimby at Oakes Oval, with both clubs sharing top spot on the ladder, equal on 18 points, two and a-half games clear of the field. The clubs are separated only by points-differential, and that is so close that it has been changing from week to week.

Lower Clarence will take out their frustrations on Casino RSM, Ballina will face a tough task against Byron Bay and Kyogle will test their new-found improvement against Grafton Ghosts.

National body coming to town

The Australian Rugby League has advised Group One officials that Lismore will be hosting a meeting of the ARL Foundation, the development arm of the ARL during October. It is hoped that strategies will be developed in concert with the Foundation to ensure the sport's future in the region and to help Lismore regain its former prominence as a rugby league city.

In other regional league news the Gold Coast Group 18 competition may not be collapsing after all. A meeting is being held late this week on the Gold Coast to see if it is possible to return the failing competition to it's original format, which once saw it as one of the strongest regional competitions in the country.

Academy opens up to Open swimmers

Swimmers turning 13 or older this year, and with a national championship qualifying time to their name, can apply now for entry into the North Coast Academy of Sport swimming program for 2004-05.

The program this year has extended its age range and will accept applications from open-age swimmers that have reached a national qualifying standard over the last 12 months.

A key focus for the program will be the support provided to the swimmers own local coach. These coaches will become NCAS satellite coaches and form an integral part of the program.

The NCAS swim program will consist of three separate weekend camps to be held at Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Banora Point between August and March 2005.

Nominations for the program must be submitted via each swimmer's club coach. Swimmers or coaches requiring further information should contact NCAS executive director, Tony Clarke at info@ncas.org.au or by phoning 6620 3073.

Croquet variants prove to be a hit

Bruce Graham watches on as Nancy Graham lines up for a shot of Croquet golf, one of the side games now being offered at the Lismore Croquet Lawns.

Have you ever noticed that the games being played on the Lismore Croquet Lawns aren't always the refined game of croquet? While the club has initiated a revitalised competition program in traditional Association Croquet, they are also conducting an array of croquet 'side-games', such as Croquet Golf and Ricochet.

The games are fairly simple to learn, but like any sport provide a lifetime of enjoyment while perfecting the craft - with plenty of cheering and cursing in-between.

The club has an open invitation out to those who are interested in trying their hand at any of the games. Players just need to have flat-soled shoes, such as joggers, and be eager to learn something new. Everything else you need will be supplied, including the mallet.

Croquet & associated ball games are suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness. If you would like to give it a try head along to the Lismore croquet lawns in Molesworth Street, on Monday or Thursday mornings from 9am or call the club secretary, Fay Ross, on 6622 3776 for further information.

Winds, fast greens - who's complaining? - Golf

It seems as though the players in the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, are whingers. The final day of the event was a shambles that made a mockery of the Championship because of the poor pin placements, 'hardwood floor' greens and strong winds. But that's all in a days work for your Northern Rivers golfer, particularly for those slightly inland during semi-drought conditions, such as we are having now. Take last weekend at Casino for example. The official report starts "Strong wind, and speedy greens kept the scores in check in the Ron Howard Memorial 4 BBB Stableford at Casino last Saturday". A simple statement of the facts - no whingeing.

The real issue was the weather and it is worth remembering that the green keepers of our region have not only maintained the courses through extreme conditions, in many cases they have improved their courses.

Maybe we should lend the USGA and Shinnecock Hills one of our local green keepers. They have proved they are up to the task.

The Casino event also served as the qualifying round for the Alex Armstrong Memorial 4 Ball Knockout, with 16 teams qualifying. Paul Mulherin and Max Casey managed to keep it together under the conditions and put together 47pts to win the day, snaring the number one seeding position for the Knockout.

Darwin at 'copter fund raiser

Former Wallaby prop, Ben Darwin, whose career was cut short due to a neck injury during the World Cup, will be in Lismore next week to help out the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Darwin will be the guest of honour at a luncheon to be held next Tuesday, at the Southern Cross University Union Restaurant. Tickets to the fund-raising luncheon are $55 per head and covers a three-course meal, wines and ales.

For details and bookings call 6627 4444.

Villa - it's lonely at the bottom - Soccer FNC

Thistles and Alstonville's clash last Saturday was all about avoiding relegation. For a while the game looked headed for an uninspiring nil-all draw; but Thistles broke through on the hour via Darren Beardow. Another strike soon followed, to Matt Weir, giving Thistles a 2-nil victory and allowing 'Villa some elbowroom in the cellar.

Ballina defied predictions by winning 2-1 at Casino, toppling the home side from first place on the ladder.

Stars were not able to take full advantage of Casino's slip-up, being held to a 2-all draw at home by the Maclean Bobcats. They were trailing the Bobcats 2-nil at the break and were facing an ignominious slide down a crowded table. Josh Sharp and Mark Maslen provided the goals to ensure Stars at least earned a point.

Byron and Rovers may both rue their missed opportunities, resulting in a 1-all draw on Saturday. Workers recorded a 2-nill win over Bangalow, although it could have been a nil-all draw, with both of Workers goals coming late in the second half.

Bangalow host Ballina on Saturday. Stars will face another awkward home tussle against Byron Bay while Thistles will host Maclean.

Alstonville's trip to Casino could be something ugly as Alstonville have shown a tendency to be opposition whipping boys of late.

On Sunday Rovers host Workers in a game that could see Workers knocked off the top of the table.

Ballina strike twice

Ballina put together two wins over the past week to move up to fourth in the Intershape Women's Premier Division. A mid-week victory over SCU was followed on the weekend by a 3-2 victory over second placed Byron Bay.

Rovers produced a 2-1 victory over Workers Club to ensure that both of the top two teams suffered losses.

This has set up an enthralling showdown between Rovers and Ballina at East Lismore at 10.30am on Sunday.

Workers should get back on the winners list against Lennox Head at Skennars Head on Friday night. Lennox is coming off their first win in the top flight, a 3-2 victory over Thistles. Not too much should be read into this win as Thistles have not scored a point all year and have conceded 47 goals in just 10 outings.

SCU eked out a draw against Woodburn, but will now take a break due to the Uni semester break. This week it is Woodburn's turn to have fun with Thistles.

Golden Boot standings

TNR Premier Division

13: T Guttormsen (Workers)

10: M Olley (Rovers)

9: A Bostock (Byron Bay)

Intershape Womens' Premier League

13: E Turner (Ballina), K Parker (Rovers)

12: K Gollan (Workers)

11: R Argent (Byron Bay)

Lions squander opportunities - Aussie Rules

The Casino Lions squandered an ideal opportunity to give themselves a two-game cushion in the top four through poor goal shooting in their game against the Murwillumbah Hawks last Saturday. Kicking a woeful two goals eleven behinds in the final quarter they went down to the Hawks 12-15-87 to 8-23-71. The Lions will need to be at their best this week, as they will be facing the Ballina Bombers.

Byron showed they remain the standard for others to aim at with a thorough demolition of the Bombers, winning with a score of 17-12-114 to Ballina's 6-8-44. The half time score saw Byron11-6-72 to Ballina's 0-5-5 points.

Byron will host the Lismore Swans this weekend. Lismore went down to Nimbin last weekend, giving both the bottom two teams a victory during round seven. Nimbin won in most departments across the ground, kicking 11-10 76 to Lismore's 7-8-50.

Murwillumbah will host Nimbin with the winner to gain a likely place in the top four, unless Casino can upset Ballina.

Mufti day at City

This Sunday the Lismore City Bowling Club is providing the perfect event for bowlers to introduce their friends to the game. Starting from 11am they will be holding a Mufti-Dress Mixed Three-Bowl over two rounds of 15 ends.

The event is open to all bowlers and the mufti-garb allows non-bowlers being introduced to the sport a chance to test out their hand on the greens.

Event sponsors Dusty and Robyn Allison will ensure that players will be looked after with nibblies between ends and a sausage sizzle to end the day.

The cost of entry is $15 per team, with single entries accepted by club. To ensure your nominations are accepted contact the club on 6621 5991 or fax your entry to 6622 8320.

A race in four - FNC Rugby Union

If it hadn't become apparent before last weekend it is clear now. The 2004 FNC First Grade competition is a competition between four, with Grafton and Wollongbar making up the numbers from here on in.

The only interruption to this order will be the annual July SCU meltdown.

The Southern Cross Uni Gold Rats always suffer during winter. Season after season they put on a show at the start of the year only to fall apart in July. The reason is that they simply cannot hold on to their talent during the month-long University mid-year study break. The effects of the 2004 winter-talent drain were made worse last week when SCU let slip a potential victory against last year's premiers, Lismore. The Uni Gold Rats lost ladder position as well as the match, going down 46-38 in an absolute thriller. The Students looked out of the game at the half time break, trailing by 26 points, but, taking the initiative through their forwards, fought back to give City a scare that they will no doubt remember come finals time.

Grafton's bubble burst in a big way against Ballina. Their forward power is simply not enough to carry the team to victory as the 38-0 final score attests.

Casino confirmed Wollongbar's slide down the ranks by dismissing them 46-15.

Uni Wary Of the Raging Bulls

The beginning of a torturous four weeks begins for the Gold Rats this week when Southern Cross Uni takes on the Casino Bulls at the Maurie Ryan Oval on Saturday.

Student semester break has arrived and the Rats will venture largely into the unknown, unsure of who will be available and when.

The Rats will struggle to field a second grade team during this period, with any personnel available likely to shore up a depleted first grade.

They will come up against a Cougars outfit bolstered by the return of NSW Country captain Ross Larsson.

Larsson has decided to stay with the Bulls in 2004 despite offers to play Sydney club rugby. Matched with the fact that Casino is starting to find their feet at the right time, the match represents a real challenge for SCU.

"It's certainly our toughest time of the year," said Club President Tim Breen. "Inevitably we struggle to field a full complement through all grades, but it's just something we have to deal with."

Grafton might find prayer an option as they host a confident Lismore City this Saturday. The other First Grade game pits Ballina against Wollongbar. Last season this match-up looked likely to be the grand final preview, however both clubs fell in a hole during the finals and they finished third and fourth respectively. Wollongbar have found it hardest to rebound and will likely struggle against Ballina.

Volunteers rewarded

Wollongbar-Alstonville Pioneer's Wayne Millane and Grafton's Owen Turner have been honoured through the Telstra Australian Rugby Union Volunteer Recognition Program.

Both have been long-serving clubmen, occupying many of the official club positions over the years. The pair were feted as guests of honour of the ARU at last weekend's Australia v Scotland Test match in Sydney.

Be a Wallaby winner

Keep those entries rolling in for the Bundaberg Rum Wallaby Supporters packs. Remember, all you need to do is write (in less than 100 words) what the Bundy Bear is saying - and to whom. Make it as funny as you like - but please keep in mind that we will be looking to publish the winners. In other words - no swearing please.

Send your entries in to reach the Northern Rivers Echo by no later than 5pm Monday June 29. So make it funny, tragic, ironic or pithy. Just don't make it mundane.

The best entries will be selected and published with the winners contacted by phone.

Entries can be sent in by fax, email, mail or in person to the Northern Rivers Echo, corner Molesworth and Conway Streets, Lismore. Fax: 6622 1791; email: sport@echonews.com; mail: P.O. Box 37, Lismore, NSW, 2480.

Minor title in Workers sights - already - Baseball

A ten run victory by Workers Club over Brothers has set up this weekend's Norths v Workers clash at Albert Park as a potential minor premiership decider. Workers win in the Rex Airlines Far North Coast Baseball League Major League division ensured that they enter the clash with their closest rivals, Norths, holding a four game break at the top of the table. Norths must make headway this weekend or they will drop out of the running for the direct passage to the grand final that comes with the minor premiership.

Brothers were not so easily vanquished as the scorecard might suggest. After three innings the Brethren held a single run lead, created in the main through two stolen bases by Matt Gahan.

Workers started to fight back in the bottom of the fourth, scoring three runs courtesy of a Martin Tucker triple, and a Dallas Knapp home run.

Showing the fighting spirit that allowed them to sweep all before them in 2003 Brothers moved to a one run lead in the top of the seventh.

Workers took command after Brothers Pitcher Matt Gahan retired from the mound, finding rookie pitcher Lucas Myers 'stuff' far more to their liking.

North are coming off a 24-3 demolition of cellar dwellers Easts Redbirds.

Brothers, having found some form, will be keen to take their frustrations out on Easts, a team that holds no fears for the Brethren.