Sports News

Hook, Line and Sinker with Lindsay Doust

Hey paradise, put up a Marine Park

Peter Cumming of Lismore with a 6.7kg bar cod, caught 26km off Ballina bar at a depth of 150 fathoms (900ft).

Fishing, which was once one of the most innocent of all hobbies, is increasingly becoming a "rat's nest" of controversy. Recreational anglers will be alarmed at the amount of fishing area they are losing in the Cape Byron Marine Park. I've said it before, but it needs repeating. The only interest group adversely affected is the recreational angler, and maybe the commercial fishermen. Beach users, divers and whale watchers seem to have escaped the harshness of the Marine Park regulations (but guess who has to buy a license to enjoy their passtime?).

It is all very well to say that the majority of the park is open to angling, but so much of the total area is not fishable or not fishing territory. Within the boundaries, the majority of the 'top' fishing spots are scheduled to be off-limits. We have one last chance to have a say. Please be sure as an angler your submission on this final proposal is sent in on time. The final day for submissions is November 12. For further information phone Andrew Page on 6685 8505.

Congratulations to Lismore City Council and the Riverbank Committee for the new boat ramp and wharf in Lismore. Freshwater anglers and all river users will benefit greatly. Recreational anglers wish to record their gratitude.

How fickle fishing can be! The westerlies and cold spell should have brought the fish on. So far, most reports I've heard are that last weekend was very ordinary in the river, off the beach and offshore. Hopefully it will all be better next weekend.

Call of the Loon with Laurie Axtens

The urge

Sportspeople across this grand arid continent suffer from one failing more than any other - bigotry. Each sport's adherents claim that their chosen pastime is somehow more noble than the others and the closer the games are in format and skills the more likely these zealots are to damn the other code. Their sport is "more difficult", "requires more intelligence to play", is "less dangerous", it's 'the' beautiful game or it's "simply the best, better than all the rest".

Each and every sport, be it bocce or croquet or hurling, has its own inimitable set of rules and strategy of play and it is only the lack of knowledge of the rules and strategies that cause people to denigrate those 'other' games as being stupid or silly.

Perhaps we are lucky that sportspeople are so divided, when you consider the proportion of the vote that they represent! If sports enthusiasts were united behind one single political party, then that party would never lose office. This might explain why elite sports people are increasingly plagued with premiers and prime ministers after every premiership winning performance. Just when they're really keen to have a party, there is the dowdy little guy with big eye brows or the scrawny frog mouth bloke in black shoving their humourless gobs into every photo opportunity going. Why don't they get their own games? They could contest the 'shit put', the 'rave on', the 'Try it on - there is one born every minute', the 50, 100 and 1500 illuminating questions where the contestants drop out with ever unequivocal answer, the conga line dancing competition for suck holes? Hey wait a second... that sounds just like an election. Well there you go! Why do they have to usurp other people's triumphs when they've got their own election night parties?

For all that, we like to compete with each other. It adds interest and sparkle to our lives and it keeps us fit if we can avoid injury. However, left unregulated the instinctive urge to compete can lead to all manner of socially reprehensible behaviour. Of course more often than not, it just ends up as bigotry.

Are you a world cycling superstar?

The search for hidden sporting excellence continues - this time the North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS) is searching for a road cyclist. If you're are an athlete aged 13-15 and have little or no cycling experience, this is your chance to make it big almost overnight. All you need to do is book in for a screening at Byron Bay on Saturday, August 21.

Applicants will be analysed using the Talent Search principles developed by the Australian Institute of Sport. The testing occurs in two stages, the first stage consisting of a progressive exertion test to measure endurance and a vertical leap test to measure explosive leg power. Athletes who perform well in stage one are then chosen to undergo the second stage of the testing, which involves a moderate sub-maximal test on a cycling ergometer.

If you're thinking, "hey this might be my way to sporting fame, fortune and seven gruelling training sessions per week," then you will need to remember that you must live within reasonable travelling distance from either of the two training centres at Byron Bay or Port Macquarie. You will also be required to attend the twice weekly supervised training sessions with NCAS coaches, granted you pass the test.

Successful applicants, who will make up 50% of the cycling squad, will be expected to perform well enough to compete in regional junior races later this year and at state level by April 2005.

The other half of the Academy's new cycling squad will be selected from already accomplished cyclists, aged 13-18 years, who have recorded consistently high levels of performance in road cycling over the last 12 months.

Prospective young cyclists must register their interest before the screening day. To obtain a registration form and more information, visit www.ncas.org.au or phone 6620 3073.

BADMINTON

Badminton is played at Southern Cross University Sports Hall every Thursday from 7pm-9pm. Phone Raewyn on 6624 7244 for more info. Rackets provided.

CRICKET

Players, umpires and organisers are invited to discuss matters relevant to the Far North Coast Cricket Council's hosting of the Australian Country Cricket Championships in Lismore, Ballina and Casino shires in January 2005.

The meeting will be held at the Lismore Workers Club next Thursday, August 19, at 2pm. To attend, phone Leanne Clark on 6622 1074 before Wednesday, August 18.

Brothers burst bubble

A single home run from the bat of Matt Gahan in the last innings destroyed the 20 rounds of Workers domination in the Rex Airlines Far North Coast Baseball League. Workers have been dominant all year, blowing away teams with their combination of aggressive batting and exceptional pitching. On Saturday they fell prey to the older heads of Marist Brothers squad.

Was it complacency that bought Workers perfect season undone? By no means. The competition is much more tightly contested than Workers domination might imply and the absence of Josh Daley and Wayne Devlin was more than enough to undermine the minor premier's game plan.

Daley is the second pitcher in the Workers armoury, and a big hitter. Similarly, Devlin's value in the batters box cannot be discounted in a game where success with the sticks is often the deciding factor.

The writing was on the wall early as Brothers knocked in eight unanswered runs in the first three innings. Meanwhile, veteran pitcher Mick Youngberry showed a masterful control of accuracy and off-speed pitching to keep Workers scoreless during the same period.

Slowly the red, white and blue batting machine rumbled into action as Workers clawed back two runs in the fourth, five in the sixth, to finally tie it all up in the seventh. However, just as Workers were looking like snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, Brothers stole the initiative with another three runs in the bottom of the seventh. A deluge of runs followed in the final two innings, with Workers tying up the game at 12 all in the last. With the game on the line Brothers stalwart, Matt Gahan, strode to the plate and deposited the ball over the fence to take the win.

The Valiant Redbirds have not won the top flight in 23 years. Theirs is one of the oldest and proudest of baseball traditions in Lismore and it must be hard for the old men of East to watch their side be humbled repeatedly. On Saturday, Norths massacred Rose's Redbirds 30-4.

Norths, however, are well and truly on the offensive and will be keen to make life tough for Brothers and Workers in the upcoming finals series.

A game for all the family

In Division Two, Workers accounted for Norths Bears with a rare family double when veteran Trevor Clark knocked two out of the park and his son, promising Far North Coast junior, Trent Clark, cleared the fence as well. At least his father won't hold all the bragging rights.

Won at a time

Daniel proudly displays his silverware.

Daniel Wilson from Evans River K-12 School has won every cross-country race in his division this year, bar one. Having romped home in his school cross country, the Far North Coast zone and North Coast Regional races, Daniel came in second by the smallest of margins in the 13 years PSSA State cross-country championship run at Eastern Creek raceway at the end of July. Daniel is the first local cross country runner to bring home silver from the State Championships ever.

On a cold and overcast day the self trained youngster took on 50 of the states best young athletes and all but came away with the prize.

Cross country racing requires speed, agility and most of all endurance, Daniel has these qualities in abundance and a sense of professionalism far beyond his years. Daniel rose at 5am before the Sydney race and walked the 3km course, after a light juice breakfast, he kept his cool and wasn't drawn into any early sprints and was there at the end, daylight came third.

Daniel runs 3km every afternoon, he is now increasing his regimen to 4km as he eyes off next years nationals.

A wild K2 chase

Mark Yager in his K1 kayak training in Lismore.

Some athletes make a name for themselves setting course records. Others, like Mark Yager from Kadina High make a name for themselves re-setting the course.

Having led the Under 16 championship field from the outset, on Saturday at the Queensland Schools Marathon Kayak Championships, Mark and his Logan club paddling partner came to a poorly marked part of the Kawara Waters course. Confused they turned off and led the entire field down a two-kilometre dead end canal.

Then came the Bob Dylan moment when he who was first was suddenly last. The boys turned their kayak, they had to make up 500 metre on the new race leaders. The pair had inadvertently turned the 6km marathon into 10km epic.

Parents and officials at the finishing line were growing concerned as the race seemed to be taking an eternity. All at once the field emerged around a corner, and there was Mark and his new friend, back at the head of the field. Having won the championship they were rewarded with the gold medal and the offer of a complimentary compass.

Mark also came second in the K1 over the regulation 6km.

Young Mr Yager has been paddling for over seven years under the careful tutelage of the Lismore Canoeing Club, where he trains at least three times a week. The Queensland tournament organisers have promised better signage next year.

Sally Evans (pictured with Assassin and Aseduction), who placed third in the Advanced Tournament Cup in Sydney recently, is one of the draw cards for the Far North Coast Dressage and Championships.

Sally, from the Summerland Dressage Club, will be among contestants travelling from as far a field as Toowoomba and Tamworth to take up the reins at the Bangalow showground this weekend, August 14-15. Many of the Far North Coast's most accomplished riders will be on hand to show off their skills in the disciplines of showjumping, eventing and dressage.

For further information phone Toni Appleton on 6684 9185.

L.J. Hooker League

Les McGuire has left Lennox Head and taken up the offer to captain Workers Club Hooker League cricket squad for the upcoming season. A bright and extremely enthusiastic cricketer, Les has been asked to take on what will be a cobbled together side of reserve graders and up and coming Evans Head players and hone them into a match winning combination.

Les' late father was a stern and laconic figure who lead Workers by example during the 1980's and young Mr McGuire will need to find his inner iceman if he is to guide Workers out of the wilderness in this millennia. His father was renowned for being difficult to remove when he had a bat in his hand and miserly with the ball. If young Les proves to be a chip off the old block, then Workers are, indeed, in good hands.

Boxing

Their will be nothing metaphorical about it when Cliff Copeland, from Arthur Maloney's Glove Club goes toe to toe with Robbie Boyd from Casino RSM in the Featherweight Golden Glove Championship at the Workers Club this Saturday, August 14. Young Copeland has won the South East Queensland featherweight title and the first national indigenous featherweight title since winning a close points decision over Boyd in July. Boyd will be hard pressed to survive the Copeland onslaught.

Luke Millar from Gympie and Brian Fitzgerald from Parramatta will contest the super heavy weight, Millar has won his last five bouts by knockout so Fitzgerald may well be sharing some blood with the canvas.

Sam Leone's left hook will be searching to make contact with Jason Greenwood's gob as the bloke from Brisbane takes on the big hitting Sydney-sider in the welterweight division.

Many local match ups will fill up the evening's entertainment. Boxers include the Roberts Clan, Greg Pitt and Jake Watts and the Wells brothers from Kyogle.

The boxing begins at 7.30pm. Entry is $10 and $5 for pensioners.

Which side of the club do you stand on?

Local left-handers, who have an AGU or LGU handicap, are encouraged to goto Yamba Colf course this weekend, August 15, and participate in the 4BBB Invitation day to practice before this year's Australian Left-Handed Golf Championship.

The Championship itself tees off in October, when a throng of National and International guests will arrive to contest the event on the beautiful but challenging Yamba and Maclean Golf Courses.

Justine Reynold's from the Windsor Club will be on hand to defend his crown along with champion New Zealand left hander, Martin Price, and a host of young Sydney and Melbourne based players.

The Divisional championships will also be held in Maclean on September 19, so don't miss out on your chance to get the run of the greens ahead of time.

The National Left Handed Golf Championships are open to lefties of all skill levels and ages with an open A, B, C, Veterans and Super Senior titles.

For further information phone Keith Gibb on 6645 8863 or Terry Hicks on 6646 1404.

End game

The battle to avoid the fourth division wooden spoon gets heavy as Nimbin's Hugh Tynan shields the ball from Ballina's Chris Doe. Eighth-placed Ballina finally got the best of ninth placed Nimbin to win 3-1.

Men's Premier Division

With only two rounds remaining in the TNR Soccer Far North Coast Premier Division the possible mathematical computations for the final placements have blown out to chess-like proportions. Only Richmond Rovers are in complete control of their own destiny - from here they can take the minor title. However, if they should drop a single game, Workers are set to strike. Workers are rolling teams like the German war machne swept across Europe in 1940. They have scored 18 goals and conceded none in the last four games. That is an average of 4.5 goals per game. Their lanky predator Guttormsen has been in good form all year and now with Morrissey and Wraight hitting their straps the Redmen are open for business.

Of Maclean, Italo Stars and Byron Bay, one side must miss-out on a spot in the top five. If Stars can overcome Thistles this weekend, no easy task, and Maclean fall at the hands of Rovers, then their last round match up should be a cracker. Even if Maclean manage a draw against the imperious Rovers, Byron will need to at least draw both their next two fixtures to be safe from Stars, granted Stars can get their act together. To be fair Stars were unlucky not to come away with a draw against Rovers last weekend. One thing is for sure Stars, last year's premiers, must win everything from here to make the finals.

The battle to avoid relegation is just as intense with Alstonville needing at least one win and a draw to steal past Bangalow. It won't be an easy task for the men from the deep red soil, they will need to hold off a disgruntled Ballina and overcome Thistles on Thistles home turf. The only thing in their favour is that Bangalow must face Byron Bay and the Workers juggernaut in their last two matches of the season.

Women's Intershape Premier Division

Workers faltered in their march to the minor premiership when they hosted the University students on Friday night, only being able to force a 1-1 draw. Both Rovers and Byron Bay are in hot pursuit of the Redwomen with only one point separating the three teams. To their advantage Rovers have two games in hand and Byron Bay one in the race for the minor crown.

This Friday evening Rovers, their physical defensive line re-united, will take on Byron Bay. Byron will then back up against Workers on Saturday, where suddenly the extra game advantage becomes a disadvantage for the Byron squad.

Rovers have an easier passage when they go up against competition crypt inhabitants Thistles. That said Thistles have been putting in recently and their experienced line up, if they keep their shape, could be a real stumbling block for the would-be premiers. Thistles are only one win away from slipping by Lennox Head and avoiding the wooden spoon.

Harvey World Travel Lismore Golden Boot standings

Men's Leading Goal Scorers

T Guttormsen 18; M Olley 17; A Bostock 14; G Neilson 13; W Mortimer, C Starrett 9; B Morhaus, T Matthews 8; N Scully, S Morrissey 7

Women's Leading Goal Scorers

R Argent 26; E Turner 21; K Parker 20; K Gollan 15; C Dunsmore, T Want 13; L Kelly 12; J Gollan, R McIntosh 11

Rampaging Bulls seeing green

Bulls back rower, Dave Schneider, captures clean ball for Casino during the first half of their game with Lismore City. Casino went down 28-20 to City.

Casino Bull's strength is in the power and discipline of their forwards, yet this was exactly where Lismore City chose to attack their opponents in the Far North Coast Rugby First Grade on Saturday. For the first 15 minutes, Casino strength proved their weakness, as the Lismore team broke through around the edges of the ruck. Taylor and Sloane both crossed to have the big country boys down 12-3. At one stage, Lismore's pack even marched the much-vaunted Casino scrum backwards, almost pinching possession against the head.

Casino's forwards, roused by City's dominance, finally found their feet and rolled two mauls over the Lismore's try line in rapid succession.

However, City were quick to hit back in an entertaining and high scoring first half, when a well worked backline move made space for Matt Scheibel to slice through under the posts. Just before the break Ben Sloane slotted a long distance penalty to have City ahead 22-13 when the teams stopped for oranges.

Early in the second half Lismore drew away thanks to the golden hoof of Sloane and some poor discipline from the Bulls in the ruck. From then on, the Casino team dominated field play and if it wasn't for poor handling at the base of the scrum and some woeful kicks for touch the score line might have been quite different. It was as though Casino crumbled under their own pressure and they will need to clear their heads and get the basics right if they are going to knock Lismore off in the major semi next weekend.

As expected, the injury riddled University Gold Rats were put to the sword by Ballina as the Sea-siders romped away 69-14. In an eleven try rout the Seahorses dominated from fro most of the game. University won't be looking forward to next week's semi final when the sides, once again, run on down at Ballina.

In the battle for the wooden spoon, the determination of the Wollongbar Pioneer's pack, particularly Hamilton, Nunn and Ireland, successfully slowed the flow of ball for Grafton's Redmen. Both teams managed to find room on the flanks when they could get quick ball. The win allowed Wollongbar to jump Grafton and escape the wooden spoon.

Best and Fairest

Far North Coast Rugby have managed to secure sponsorship for the best and fairest competition from Qantaslink. Both the first grade and Under 19s Best and Fairest will win return flights to Sydney. At present Ray Taylor (Lismore) and Daniel Doyle(SCU) lead the competition in which players are allocated points by referees after each match.

Prizes will be presented at the grand final at Yamba on September 4.

Falling at the final hurdle - Rugby League

In round nine of the Westlawn Group One season, the Grafton Ghosts handed the Mullumbimby Giants their only loss of the season. Godbee, Latta, Hogan and all the soon to be minor premiers from Mullum will be very keen to set the record straight before the finals when the teams once again do battle on Les Donnelly Field at Mullumbimby this weekend.

Dean Callaway, Ghosts captain-coach, was most impressive last game when the big river men knocked over competition go-getters Marist Brothers 25-16. Sadly, for the Ghosts, they started their run too late to make the finals but that doesn't mean they will just roll over and die during the weekend's softening up period. Far from it! Wicks, Davison, Adamson and Brown all crossed last week against the favoured Brethren and Mullumbimby may well find the mobile Ghosts team difficult to contain. Most of all the Giants will be concerned not to suffer an injuries going into next week's finals series. The Ghosts won't share those concerns.

Marist Brothers will be grateful that their final game in the minor rounds will be against the injury riddled Byron squad. Marist Brothers have been on the wrong side of the scoreline two out of the last three games. Brothers have a strong tradition in finals football, right at the moment King's men seem to be suffering from a distinct lack of heart. If they don't win this weekend they could even surrender second to the fast finishing Ballina squad.

Ballina Seagulls will be hoping that Kyogle's 56-26 victory over Casino RSM hasn't set the Turkeys off on another winning streak, as it did earlier in the year. Back in early June, a reinvigorated Kyogle, led by the inspirational Hudson Smith out-muscled the Seasiders 22-20.

The local derby between Lower Clarence and South Grafton at McKittrick Park will probably determine fourth and fifth, though South Grafton have an outside chance of sneaking past Marist or Ballina should they pile on the points. For that to happen the Seagulls or the Brethren would need to fall at the last hurdle and their isn't much chance of that.

Casino will enjoy missing the last match of the round, after a very disheartening season. Yet they deserve applause for hanging in their despite weekly floggings. Better luck next year.