Sports News

A hunting we will go

A great shot of "Santa Claus" sometimes known as Max Strong of Ballina, with a 3Kg + flathead he caught on a soft plastic.

The annual 4WD & Camping Show supporting the Westpac Helicopter was held last week-end. It is a true reflection of our Aussie outdoor lifestyle showcasing vehicles for recreation, caravans, campervans, tents, boats, canoes and accessories. The Show gets bigger every year.

The boats on display reflect the change in fishing styles over the last few years. Not only boats were on display but state of the art canoes.

Fishing too is rapidly changing. We live in an age when our population is much larger than 20 years ago and now more people are fishing than ever. We have sophisticated fish finding equipment - sounders and GPS systems.

Fishing tackle has leaped ahead in technology and all this means there are more people finding less fish, so much so that there are reviews taking place of bag limits and legal sizes to take account of these changes in technology as well as climate change and pollution.

This week-end try getting out early or late in the day - 4:30am to 7:30am or 5pm to 9pm. If you would like a copy of the 2004/2006 Fish Predicta, we have them at Suffolks Sports Store for only $9.95. These calculations are made according to moon phases, times and tides.

A hunting we will go - Archery

President Graham Bultitude gets some practice in the field archery event format. To his left stand Fred Grenenger, Bob Rawlins and Len Butler.

World Masters double gold medallist Ann Johnson takes aim during a practice round at Arthur Park on Saturday morning.

The Great Eastland Archers club have been asking for landfill at their shooting range for over 10 years. The club requested landfill from Lismore sports trust in order to level the old Arthur Park tip site, where the range is situated, to allow disabled access. Archery is a favoured sport of wheelchair athletes and the club already boasts of one such member, sadly, he requires a helper to retrieve his arrows.

"They have laid a little bit of fill around the targets but I think they should come and finish the job," said club president Graham Bultitude. "We've been asking for help to level the site since we formed the club in 1993. We do pay rental on the site."

"We need about 100 cubic metres of fill," club stalwart Bob Rawlins said "That would be enough to get rid of the cracks and undulations."

Lismore City Council's Parks Roads and Infrastructure department are in discussions with the group about assistance.

Interested in archery?

Annika McGinley is a trained coach who runs the bimonthly training course at the club which starts again Sunday August 1 at 3pm. It cost $60 to do the month long course which includes the hire of a bow, arrows, wrist guard, finger tab and quality coaching.

Prospective members should contact Graham Bultitude on 66217790.

Come on you young guns - Tennis

Kirsty Jones at the net

Six local junior tennis players have returned with honours from a triumphant tour of the NSW Country Tennis Championship held in Foster July 12-16.

Brittany Japp, 10 years and under, Kristy Jones, under 13s, and Emily Wilson, in the under 15 years bracket, each won their singles title.

The touring team was particularly strong in the girl's events where Ellie Wray won the under 14s doubles title partnered with a girl from Orange. Ellie was also the runner up in both the 14s and 15 years singles event.

Carrying the torch for the boys was under 16 Luke Devlin and Steve Gort in the under 14s who both successfully took out the doubles title in their age group, they were partnered by players from Newcastle and Coffs Harbour respectively.

Ken Wray, who coached the squad and drove the bus during their week away said, "We had a great time, the kids get to play a lot of tennis, twice as much as a normal tournament and that is gives them a real chance to develop".

Internationals play in Lismore - Baseball

The Australian Under 19 AAA Baseball squad are coming to Lismore next week for a two game series at Albert Park. Far North Coast baseball has named a 22 man squad to take the young guns that includes Matt Gahan, Australian squad representatives Lucas Myers and Mick McClelland along with a brace of ex-junior state representatives.

The Australian team will also be sharing their bull pen with the Timberjacks so expect to see state of the art 90 km pitching through out the series.

Australian Under 19 AAA -V- FNC Timberjack Seniors
Monday, July 26, at 6.30pm
Tuesday, July 27, at 6.30pm
Baxter Field - Albert Park
9 Innings Games

Major League

Without the prodigious pitching skills of Queensland Claxton shield representative Matt Gahan on the mound, the Workers home run feast continued unabated last weekend as they clotted the Brethren 16-6 in the Rex Airline Far North Coast Baseball Major League.

Dallas Knapp, Josh Daley and Scott McClelland continued to show the form that has them odds on to take out the minor premiership as they bombarded the car park from the home plate. Lucas Myers and former representative player Dave Youngberry both suffered at the hands of the all-powerful Workers line up.

At Baxter field, an outgunned Redbirds went down 20 -1 to a weakened Norths on Saturday afternoon. Redbirds have been super glued to the bottom of the ladder for years. This weekend when they make their way out onto the diamond against Marist Brothers the spirit and brilliance that has lain dormant within them will rise undaunted so beware, Brethren, beware.

Norths take on Workers in the match of the round. Norths are second on the ladder and they will be keen to bring workers down a rung.

Centre of Excellence selections

Trent Clark, Shane Davis, James Linger, Sam Keehn and Paul Kenyon are among 12 local juniors selected to attend an intense training clinic at the Centre of Excellence, part of the Qld Academy of Sport. During their time away they will come under the tutelage of professional 'ball' players including local stars Matt Gahan and Matt Buckley both former Australian players.

Remembering a Rose among the jacks - Bowls

Mike O'Brien attempts to draws shot in the major pairs semi final on Saturday afternoon under the considered gaze of his partner Allen Davis.

On Sunday July 25 the Snow Rose Memorial Day will be held at the Goonellabah RSL Bowls Club with play commencing with 9.30am and the second game at 1.30pm.

Herbert Stanley "Snow" Rose (24.5.20 to 16.10.03) emerges from the local sporting annals like a giant from another era. Father of seven boys and one girl, Snow was a cheerful, wise, 'salt of earth' farmer from Rous Mill who could land a ball on coin from 20 yards. His ability to control 'the six stitcher' combined with a masterful temperament to get him selected as a Far North Coast cricket representative soon after World War Two. Whilst he did not play at a state or national level, 'Snow' played 1st grade in Lismore until he was 56 during which time he was accorded the honour of life membership of the Southern Districts Cricket Club.

Snow played cricket until he was 62 and then he turned his attention to bowls in 1983. Being a bowler of course he took it like water bird takes to a lake. So that by 1984 he was a minor pairs champion and by 1990 at the age of 70 he had won the major fours, the triples and the minor single championship a number of times.

Meanwhile Snow, being a pig farmer, had decided to donate a pig to the bowls club to be raffled and consumed by the members as a fundraiser. He did this on a yearly basis for over 13 years and after he gave away farming the bowls club continued the tradition and it was called the Snow Rose fun day.

Since his death this annual event has come to be known as the Snow Rose Memorial Day. Snow Rose was an unforgettable man. His kindness, generosity and wisdom set him apart and nothing could be more appropriate than to celebrate his generosity of spirit than to play a game of bowls and have a good feed.

Nominations close Saturday July 24. Fees for the day are $8 all day or $4 for half day or for those having tea only, mixed mufti dress, flat shoes required.

Musical chairs - Soccer

Peter Warren is carried from the field by compassionate team mates Garry Wilson (right) and James Thearle (left) during an over 35s match between Italo Stars and Tintenbar. Photo courtesy Renae Kelly.

While the entire TNR Soccer Far North Coast premier division are busily swapping places on the ladder half the Italo Stars premier division team will be playing musical chairs as well at 'Splendour in the grass'. Star striker Callum Starrett, Jamie Austen and Mark Maslen are among the crowd of players who have muted that they will be missing for the clash with competition leaders Casino when the teams run on to the Barrow Lane field on Saturday.

Casino, who returned to number one position last week by downing archrivals Richmond Rovers 2-1, will be beside themselves to hear of the depletion in the stars ranks. At the same time Garth Andrews, Stars coach, will need to be at his most persuasive in the next few days if he is to get his wayward chargers to give up their day tickets.

Barring missing musical devotees, Workers should put Thistles back in their place when they travel to Wade Park on Saturday afternoon. Thistles have been flirting with relegation all year but last week they pushed past fellow crypt creature, Bangalow 2-0 to draw clear of the drop. Workers out flanked a poorly disciplined Byron Bay Rams 5-0 at Rec 12 last weekend and this week we can expect much of the same from Steve Morrissey and Tom Guttormsen against lowly Thistles.

Alstonville are looking odds on to take out the wooden spoon this year after Italo Stars cruised to victory over them 3-0. Although they badly need a win to avoid this fate, they will struggle against the Bobcats when they travel to Maclean on Saturday. For although Maclean copped a 4-1 drubbing from Ballina in the last round they are always difficult to beat at home.

Ballina are hitting their stride at exactly the right time of the year, and as long as they have a dearth of music lovers in the top team, their match up with Byron Bay could be just the thing to get the Seahorses back in the top five. Ballina looked the goods in the failing moments of their clash with Italo Stars two weeks back and their dismissal of the Bobcats bodes well for this weekend and for the mid week TURSA cup final.

Oakes Oval will be the venue for the long awaited TURSA cup final on July 28, 8pm, where the Byron Bay Rams will face off against Ballina Seahorses in a replay of the pre-season Anzac cup. Ballina are yet to beat Byron in a match of this importance but never has the timing been so right for them. The Seahorses were in a class of their own last week against Maclean, constantly making yardage down the wings and creating chances in the box. Meanwhile, the Rams marking has been slack and if they don't keep a close eye on Christain Watson the scoreline could easily become embarrassing.

Seasiders tough test for Brothers - Rugby League

It takes an enormous amount of courage to run out onto a field to play Rugby League. It's a ferocious and demanding sport and it takes a very special sort of bloke to put their body on their line, but it takes an even more courageous and humble man to go into a game knowing his team is about cop a flogging. The 13 men who ran on to Oakes Oval for Casino RSM against Marist Brother on Friday night are just that sort. The Brethren scored at a point per minute to take the game 80-0.

There are 12 Cougars missing from the previous season, but Casino hasn't forfeited a game in any grades, a claim not all the clubs can make. This week the Cougars travel to Grafton to take on the Ghosts. Last time Grafton beat them 30-10 but for Casino, the scoreline has stopped mattering - they're playing for something much more important. Pride.

For one moment the Kyogle faithfully must have thought the momentum of their winning streak would be enough to overcome competition leaders the Mullumbimby Giants as Hudson Smith's men opened the scoring last weekend. However, it wasn't long until David Latta's Giants reasserted their dominance, eventually running out 54-14 winners on the back of 11 tries. Mullumbimby get the bye this weekend and they earned it during what was a very bruising encounter.

Kyogle's winning streak may have come to a halt but the passion and commitment that funded that success remains undaunted. Despite wiping the ground with the Turkeys in round six 60-12 the South Grafton Rebels can expect to be up against it when they visit the mountain men in Kyogle.

Lower Clarence are moving back into full gear as they approach the finals, which must be a relief to the coaching staff who've watched the Magpies' form fluctuate wildly through out the year. They managed to hold off a late charge from the Ghosts on the weekend to take out the match 28-24. They should easily account for Byron Bay as they did in round six when the score line blew out to 52-24.

Marist Brothers will face a much sterner test when they travel to Ballina to take on the Seagulls, granted that the officials don't boycott the show. The Seasiders have made a habit of coming home with a wet sail, as they did against South Grafton last week to win 28-26.

A meeting to reconcile the League association and the Referees association will be held on Wednesday night at Lismore Workers Club, 7.30pm. If the ban on Ballina remains the game will probably be moved to Oakes Oval.

Charitable students strike fear - Rugby Union

SCU Rugby president, Tim Breen, hands off to PCYC activities officer Leanne Miles before the Gold Rats Charity Match on Saturday.

From Grafton to Ballina, every team in Far North Coast Rugby competition bar one has to face the disturbing fact that university holidays are over and the SCU's Gold Rats backline, rich with the talents of Anderson, Sherwood, and Thom, have been reunited with a working tight five.

This is just what every other team in the comp was secretly dreading. Last week the Gold Rats ran in eight tries against the Redmen from Grafton to take the game 52-10. This weekend the Rats take on competition leaders Lismore City at Crosier Oval. Unless the weather intervenes, it promises to be a game of full of exhilarating, expansive and exuberant running rugby. The Gold Rats have decided to turn this local derby into a charity day for the Police Citizens Youth Club and will be asking for a gold coin donation from spectators. Lismore City flankers Oliveri and Conlan have been all over the opposition like a skin disease in recent days and the Rats would be wise to set a deep backline and work the blind side as much as possible.

In round four, Casino Bulls and Wollongbar Pioneers played out a 17-all draw. Neither team has enjoyed many runaway victories this year and this weekend should be another grinding, forward-dominated match where 'kicking in play' will probably be decisive. Territorial advantage and forcing a penalty in sight of the posts will be the order of the day.

The Ballina Seahorses will no doubt be nursing injuries in the engine room after last week's narrow 15-13 loss to competition highfliers Casino. Though going up the middle will again prove tough, the Seahorses should relish the room Grafton offers out wide.

Have a race with Duncan

Duncan Armstrong, Olympic gold medallist and member of the up coming Olympic commentary team will be taking part in this year's Evans Head Triathalon on September 5. Organised and run by Ballina Triathalon Club the event will centre around Evans Head boat harbour with the cycle leg taking in Broadwater.

For entry forms contact Greg Brown on 66862489 or 0427597450.

Bodyboard comp

Round five of the Headlanders Bodyboard Club comp continues Sunday July 25. Competitors sign on at Lighthouse Car Park, Ballina, at 6.30am. For further information about joining the club contact Simon Bruncke on 0421 789 758.

Duathalon

Ballina Triathalon Club is hosting a 'triple sprint format' Duathalon this Sunday July 25 in East Ballina. Registration to any of the vast array of age categories will take place at Prospects Lakes, Chikiaba near the East Ballina Shopping Centre at 6.30am.

The primary race will consist of three rides of six kilometres and four runs of one and a half kilometres. Contestants are required to be members and pay an entry fee of $8.

For further information, ring Greg Brown on 66862489 or 0427597450

Calling all umpires - Cricket

Sport relies on its officials. It is a difficult job and only trained and experienced individuals can effectively carry it out. It is with in mind that the Clarence River District Cricket Umpires Association has decided to host a seminar at the Grafton District Golf Club for umpires and scorers on July 31-August 1.

Graham Chudleigh and Nick Fowler, accredited trainers of the NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association, will run the seminar. Chudleigh is an umpire with vast experience having stood in 107 Sydney first grade matches. Fowler is a current first class umpire who has officiated in five Pura Cup fixtures.

All interested people are welcome to attend.

For details, ring Paul McErlean on 66423815.

Table Tennis

1st Division

Led by Tony Coronakes, Lismore proved too powerful for Byron Bay last Wednesday in the Division 1 Grand Final at the RSL table tennis centre in Goonellabah as they cleaned up the seasiders 8-1.

Byron's number one player, Werner Borkhardt, has been away for the past few weeks and his absence proved disastrous for Byron. Brian Wiese and Mark Simes both won their singles matches for Lismore as they dominated the contest from the very outset.

2nd Division

Injury and illness in the Byron Bay team restricted the second division semi final to one game. In the other semi, top of the comp Goonellabah were expected to over run Lismore RSL , however, Lismore's Bruce Thomas had other ideas as he help RSL to a two rubber lead.

A seesawing match followed with the teams tied at 5-5 heading into the final game of the night.

Eight year old Ashley Simes stepped up to face Paul Griffin in the nail biting decider. Four games in, the rubber was locked at 2-2 with Ashley looking to take the upper hand. He pushed his lead to 6-4. Sadly for Lismore RSL, Paul Grifiin was able to hold his nerve and sneak past to win the match 11-7 in the game 5.

Next Monday evening the second semi final will be played in 2nd Division with the Grand Final being played on Wednesday or the following Monday depending on the outcome.