Sports News

Call of the Loon with Laurie Axtens

Battle of the bulge

I treasure my vote just as I treasure the political system that offers me that secret moment of discretion in the polling booth. This time around, however, before I take out my pencil to practice my Arabic numerals, I would like the candidates in the upcoming federal election to answer a few questions.

Firstly, as you know, our society is becoming increasingly sedentary and a growing majority of our people are spending their recreational hours in front of computer monitors and television screens. Consequently, Australia now has the unenviable title of the second most obese nation on earth. The United States still has a firm hold on the top spot.

So what policies and practices, cherished candidates, do you have to fight the battle of the bulge? How do you intend to encourage our citizens away from the vicarious glory box, the glowing blue altar of propaganda that sits in the unliving rooms of the nation? How do you intend to draw them out into the streets and parks for their daily constitutional walk?

Secondly, most beloved aspirants to the parliamentary pensions package, could you explain how you intend to raise the quality of food stuffs available in our school canteens and in our supermarkets? What are your policies on food irradiation, contents labeling, genetic manipulation of foods and organic food production? In all how do you intend to safeguard the community from inferior or harmful produce?

The battle to keep Australia happy and active is the single most important health issue this nation faces. What are you going to do about it?

Also, dearest candidates, could you outline for me the percentage of sports funding that you believe should be spent in each of the following sectors?

1) Local councils, 2) Non-profit sporting clubs, 3) Public schools, 4) Private schools and 5) Elite sporting organisations, such as the Australian Institute of Sport and its associated regional academies.

Finally, which of these two notions do you think is more important; sporting excellence or sports participation and how would you go about addressing any perceived inequity in the system in this regard?

I will print without fear or favour any letter from a candidate in this electorate that addresses these issues in 150 words or less.

Get Out There - Surfing

These school holidays, Billabong is sponsoring a sequence of Girls-Get-Out-There Days. The Get-Out-There Days will be an opportunity for girls between the ages of 12 and 25 to learn to surf under the guidance of a licensed Surfing Australia surf school.

The sequence of training days start in Noosa on September 18 and wind their way down the east coast over 12 days, finishing up in Torquay, Victoria, on September 29. Girls on the Far North Coast will get a chance to be part of activities in Byron Bay on September 20.

"Our aim is to introduce girls to surfing in a fun, relaxed environment among friends," said Surfing Australia's national development officer, Kylie Bates.

Participants, for a mere $35, will receive a one hour surfing lesson and a Billabong show bag containing a range of other goodies such as a tanker and cap.

Places for the days are filling fast. To register in your area simply visit www.billabonggirls.com or phone Billabong HQ on (07) 5589 9889.

Hannah sets pool alight

The Lismore Indoor Swim Team broke six records in the Grafton Short Course Spring Carnival recently. Hannah Britton had a magical meet where she recorded four race records in freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly. Che Hooper and Suzzanna Lack both set new records, with Che swimming a full 2 seconds under the previous best for the 50-metre breaststroke.

The 11-member Lismore squad were thrilled by their success at the carnival where they returned an extraordinary 41 personal best times, 16 gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze medals.

Registration for swimmers wishing to join the Lismore Indoor Swim Team, which trains at the Summit Sports & Fitness Centre in Goonellabah, can be made any afternoon after 4pm. For further information phone 6629 5409.

Beam me up, Surfie!

Danny Wills of Byron Bay ended the run of fellow Australian Luke Hitchings in round two of the Quiksilver Pro in Japan last week with a stunning display of aerobatics. Photo courtesy of ASP Tostee.

In a first for grass roots surfing, Jim Beam will become the umbrella sponsor of club surfing in Australia with the introduction of the Jim Beam Boardriders Cup.

The Boardriders Cup commences in September and runs through to January when the winning surfer will be crowned their club's champion and receive $500. In this way Jim Beam will directly support 40 of the country's best clubs. In addition the company will be providing rash shirts, surfboards and trophies to contestants.

The JB Boardriders Cup has been introduced as a lead-in competition to help clubs determine their Surftag team for the season. Its also gives individual club members a chance to prove their worth before Surftag selections take place.

The Jim Beam National Surftag Series itself is set to take place in February and March.

"Jim Beam's sponsorship is fantastic for the clubs - it's great to have Jim Beam as the naming rights sponsor," said global Surftag managing director, Steve Harrison. "This is a huge boost for grass roots surfing and will no doubt increase club memberships."

Nipping at their heels

The female nippers at the Ballina Lighthouse/ Lismore Surf Life Saving Club are looking forward to the start of the new season so they can continue to give the boys a run for their money. Indica Magnay (pictured) is ready to try her hand at beating the boys on the nipper boards this season. Indica started with the Under 6 age group in October 2000 and is now more confident in the surf than ever.

"We are looking forward to hosting the branch titles at Ballina in February and it will be great to see the girls mixing it with the boys and enjoying friendly competition," said this year's junior club president, Sandra Baker.

Children from six to 14 years are welcome to join. Sign-on days will be held this Sunday, September 12, as well as next Sunday, September 19, at Shelley Beach Club House from 10am to 12 noon. For further information phone Sandra Baker on 66811 270 or Sharon Balkin on 6686 2011.

Swim and Survive

While we watched our Athens Olympians line up on the blocks, take their craft out on the water or dive in, 750,000 Australian school kids were working hard to copy them.

To keep them safe in their endeavour to emulate our sporting heroes Australian schools have been running the Swim and Survive program since 1982.

Skills such as developing water awareness, swimming strokes and survival skills are the stepping stones to enjoying the water, whether it be with friends, or at Olympic level.

The Swim and Survive program has educated over 11 million Australian school children with aquatic skills since its inception.

"It's not necessary to get involved with the aim of becoming an Olympian, but Swim and Survive ensures you have the skills to enjoy aquatic activities not just for tomorrow but for life," said national education and training manager of Royal Life Saving, Penny Flint.

Swim and Survive is conducted at the Alstonville heated swimming pool. For further information phone Julia Bowyer on 8217 3123 or 0413 669 745. Alternatively, email jbowyer@rlssa.org.au or visit www.royallifesaving.com.au.

Cycling

Only a small group met by the river at Dungarooba circuit to contest the 40km road race as many members were taking part in the Evans Head triathlon over the weekend.

There's not much traffic on Bagotville road early on Sunday morning so once again the cyclists had the quiet country lane to themselves.

Results

B Grade - Rod Bailey, C Grade - Wayne Fisher, D Grade - Glen Hannan.

Next Event

This Sunday, September 12, the NRCC is holding a free fun cycling day at the Casino velodrome.

Meet at the velodrome from 8.30am or join a 65km ride for experienced cyclists leaving Heritage Park in Lismore at 7am and returning after the event. Everyone will get a chance to ride on the velodrome. There will be a free bicycle safety lesson for children as well as pursuit races for race-licensed cyclists. For more info phone Darryl on 6621 4152 or visit the website at www.nrcc.org.au.

Bowls

The Ken McAlary Memorial mixed bowls day is on again next Saturday, September 18, at the Lismore City Bowls Club. The day will be closely followed by the inaugural Patron's Day on Sunday, September 19. To nominate phone 6621 5991.

Breakaways cement spot in decider - LDNA Netball

All Saint's Maraka Jacky looks to pass in the Saints match up against Daley's Tribes on Saturday. The game was washed out and replayed on Monday night.

The Breakaways cemented their spot in the Lismore Netball grand final with a solid 38-24 win against a depleted Daley's outfit in Monday night's major semi final.

Daley's were without inspirational goal shooter Maria Durheim and talented defender Lisa Brown - evidently a deciding factor in this match up.

The well-drilled Breakaways outfit led at every beak, jumping out to a 13-7 lead at the first quarter before stretching the lead to 10 goals by half time. Breakaways never let the pressure off throughout the encounter in what became a rather lop-sided affair.

Daley's shooter Kylie Davis and Hayley McAnelly were forced to work hard against the rock solid defence of Silvana Wilson and Narissa Brownee, who together made life difficult in and around the circle. Rachelle Watson and Toni Sales read play beautifully for the Breakaways, forcing turnover upon turnover against their more youthful opposition.

The minor semi final was the game of the night with extra time needed to find a winner. Daleys Tribes forced the game into extra time after clawing back the 2 goal lead All Saints held going into the last quarter. Daley's fight back was led by some inspirational play by Kristy Durheim, Lauren Woods and Françoise Naeyaert while Riqui Sharman kept All Saints in the hunt with some brilliant aerial intercepts.

The whole game was played at a frenetic pace between the two young teams with the battle in the centre perhaps the most absorbing of the match ups. Tribes' Kirsty Durheim and All Saint's Carly Bindan didn't give an inch in their non-stop performances. When the full time siren sounded the teams were locked 24-all. The two teams very much represent the future of netball in Lismore and the large crowd that they drew for was held spellbound during the closing moments of the game as Tribes eventually toppled their opponents 29-27.

Pitching all important - Baseball

Veteran pitcher Brad Daley did more than enough to win the Friday night match.

Marist Brothers pitching stocks were too thin on the ground to hold back the might of the Norths batting line-up in the semi final of the Rex Airlines Far North Coast Baseball Major League.

Brothers began well in the Friday night match, scoring three early runs, whilst stocky Marists pitcher Lukas Myres' three quarter arm breaking pitch kept the Bears batters swinging without effect.

However, the fortunes of the game took a distinct turn in the fifth innings as the Norths offensive line-up started to pick up the pace of Myres arm. Brothers conceded six runs and were forced to swap Myres for third baseman Mick Youngberry. Youngberry got them out of trouble in the fifth but he started the sixth poorly, walking the first three batters and then offering up a hit for Norths to score two. After walking another batsman, Mick was replaced on the mound by his brother Dave and the innings descended into batting practice for Norths as they peppered left field with hits. Bears managed 8 runs in the sixth innings and the game was called early under the 10 run rule.

Veteran pitcher Brad Daley made the most of his return to mound for Norths, allowing just four hits for the game. Highlights for the evening included Paul Simes' three hits from five at bats and Paul Deegan's three from four.

Game two was a mere formality for the Bears, with Norths holding three fresh pitchers and a 1 rubber lead in the best of three. Mark Robb took the mound for the Bears, while Mick Youngberry took on that responsibility for the Brethren, as representative pitcher Matt Gahan was still too injured to pitch.

Norths slowly pulled away until the fifth innings, when again Norths knocked in a host of runners to run away with the game.

Norths' Steve Ross (3 from 6) picked up a single home run in the sixth, whilst Paul Simes again hit 3 from 5. All up, Norths smashed 19 hits to take the game 16-5 in the eighth.

Norths will face arch rivals Workers this weekend, in what should be a rugged encounter. Norths have the luxury of four strike pitchers and know they can go the distance across a three game series. Workers, however, have the ability to hit any pitcher off the mound. Workers' bullpen contains Josh Daley and Troy Pruess. If Norths can take a game from one of these two then they're in with a real chance.

O-day for little athletes

Five-year-old Hayden Scurr in full flight. Hayden is part of the Tiny Tot program at Lismore Little Athletics.

The Lismore Little Athletics season kicks off this Saturday, September 11, at 8.30am with a parent/athlete orientation session. Little Athletics offers children from three to 15 a chance to participate in all types of track and field events. The events chosen for each age group take into consideration the physical and psychological development of young people. Hence all equipment used is modified to suit the development of the children participating.

"Last year the Lismore centre had over 200 members and registrations to date indicate that there will be just as many this year," said club secretary Sue Payne. "One of the reasons that Little Athletics in Lismore has proven to be so popular is the fact that the emphasis is not placed on winning but on the personal achievement and improvement of each young athlete."

This September school holidays the Lismore centre will be hosting a junior athlete development clinic. This clinic, run by coaches from Little Athletics NSW, is open to any athlete between eight and 15 years of age. It is not necessary for them to belong to a Little Athletics centre.

Numbers are limited for the clinic and Sue says it's filling fast, so book early to avoid disappointment.

The cost is $25 per child for the day. For more info phone 6624 8553 (a/hrs).

Boons from Boondall

Brisbane's Boondall Entertainment Centre became a happy hunting ground for 13 of Lismore's best karate exponents as they hauled in a massive 20 medals in the recent National Karate Championships. In a range of hotly contested divisions including kumite (sparring), kata (prearranged forms) and team events the Lismore team took out five gold, seven silver and eight bronze decorations. Dave Curtis, Dean Mills and Rhiannon Beardow all came away with gold while Adam Russell doubled up in the gold medal stakes.

"It's great to win medals and trophies but in the end they are empty of any real meaning if you haven't learnt some important lessons about winning and losing and about yourself," said coach Richard Marlin.

The other successful competitors from Success Martial Arts include John Russell, Joshua Russell, Liam Huxter, Ned Pleace, Mark Flynn, Matthew Pearce, Melanie Sharpe, Daniel Donovan, Nelson Holtby and Tim Short. The successful Mens Open Kumite Team consisted of Daniel Donovan, Tim Short and Nelson Holtby while the Childrens Kata Team consisted of Rhiannan Beardow, Joshua Russell and Natalie Russell.

Anyone interested in learning karate should phone Richard Marlin on 6622 4799 or visit the website at www.successmartialarts.com.au.

Great Dane

Young Dane Edwards (pictured) has continued to impress in this year's inter club judo tournaments, winning gold in the under 25kg under 10 year division in Surfers Paradise over the weekend. The committed young athlete, together with fellow Lismore Judo Club members, is required to leave Lismore by 4.30am to get there on time. Obviously, Dane doesn't suffer much from travelling sickness.

Allan Foley has also been in great form. Allan's gold in the mens under 100kg was enough to confirm his place in the national championships to be held in Tasmania later this year. Allan's lightning-fast foot-sweeps were very effective in this tourney and the club is very happy with his come back.

City snavel the big one - FNC Rugby Union

The grand final of the Far North Coast Rugby was marred by referee abuse and hooliganism of the highest order in Yamba on Saturday afternoon.

At one stage late in the second half, with both sides within striking distance of the title, a bunch of lunatics commandeered a golf buggy and took it for a joy ride across the field. The event was brought further into disrepute by the appearance of three streakers. To top it all off the referee was threatened and abused after the game in full view of his wife and children.

The patent disregard that elements of the Yamba crowd had for the big match must surely have Far North Coast Rugby officials doubting the wisdom of holding the match at Yamba in the first place. Only Yamba's third grade made the grand final and the partisan crowd obviously didn't care much for the hard work and commitment that the Lismore and Casino squads had put in during the year to reach the grand final.

The zone officials will almost certainly be taking action against those who participated in the offensive behaviour once they are identified.

Despite all this the final itself was a great game of football where both sides defended their line with courage and ferocity.

The only try of the match came in the last quarter of the game when Bulls replacement centre Dywayne Corrigan outflanked the City defence to score in the corner. It was the only time the line was breached.

In a game that was eventually decided by a penalty goal Lismore City brought on specialist goal kicker Ben Sloane late in the second half. It proved a master stroke as Sloane kicked the winner in the dying moments to give City their second major title in two years, taking out the Bulls 9-7.

It was a deserving win to the earnest City combatants who have fought hard all year and by all rights should have hosted the game.

RSL win winter cricket

Travis Jenkins set himself to smack one out of the ground in an earlier round.

The good temperament and solid stroke play of Neil Hellyar and Paul Attewell gave Goonellabah RSL victory over Workers Club in the inaugural Winter Cricket Shield held on Rec 10 recently. Workers got away to a flyer due to the scintillating stroke play of Rob Devoy (63) and the daring aggression of Travis Jenkins (40), although they ended up only batting 25 of the possible 35 overs. RSL's brains trust knew that Workers 165 total wasn't enough and all they had to do was bat within themselves to ensure the victory and so they did. Hellyar's 40 at the top of the innings set the platform and Anthony Graham and Paul Attewell finished off Workers with two overs and five wickets to spare.

Soccer FNC

Paddy Laidlaw from Italo Stars and Josh Maroney from Rovers come to grief in the Grade 10 2nd division grand final. Italo Stars took out the major title 2-1 with a goal in the final seconds of the game.

Men's Premier Division

Redmen or Rams?

The final of the TNR Soccer Far North Coast between Byron Bay and Workers should prove to be a tight affair when they run on to Rec 12 this Saturday at 3pm.

However, the last time the two sides met, on Rec 12 in July, a close encounter was expected but the Redmen made light work of the Rams 5-0. Poor marking by the Rams on that occasion created plenty of chances for Workers at the far post. This time Byron should live up to their billing.

This time around Byron have the services of Mourhaus, Bostock and Jones up front - a very formidable group with heaps of attacking flare. Indeed across the park the forward line is that which separates the two squads. Workers' will be without striker Morrissey and Wraight is aging and though he has plenty of experience he might find himself denied possession by the younger Byron defensive line, notably Parkes. Byron has no such concerns.

The two teams are in good form coming into this game. Byron were in charge for most of the minor semi against Casino and deserve their shot at the big game. Byron seem to thrive on the excitement and extra pressure of the finals. Workers conversely still hold lingering doubts about their effectiveness at crunch time after the disappointments of the 90s.

Workers and Byron play a similar style of soccer; both have a solid, structured pattern, both are highly skilled with the ball, both keep the ball on the ground and keep their passing short.

Awaiting the winner in the grand final is Rovers. Rovers are just as capable of playing the short passing game, but can also deploy the long ball effectively and it was this fracturing of the format that brought about the undoing of Workers in the major semi. Byron, with the more youthful strikers, might choose to kick in behind the line. Needless to say, whichever team breaks up the structure of the other will be best placed.

Women's Intershape First Division

Workers Return to Form

Lismore Workers had a welcome return to form last Friday night with a solid win over SCU, snuffing out the students' enthusiasm in the Intershape Women's Premier League semi final Series.

The students had found that extra edge the week before, defeating a determined Ballina to move through to the major semi final against Workers. The Reds had felt the full force of Byron Bay in their first semi going down to a Rose Argent goal, so they were looking for redemption in this sudden death encounter.

Workers dominated the game, scoring through Abbey Moss and Kim Wraight, but their defence was the key, keeping player of the year Felicity Kerslake under control and limiting the effectiveness of Amanda Brett coming from deep.

With Kerslake forced to play more defensively the students were unable to counter attack. Workers midfield of Moss Wraight and Bradwell began to control the game.

This win in sudden death circumstances will put the Reds in a good frame of mind going into this weekend's preliminary final against close rivals Rovers.

Byron upset favourites

Byron Bay will make history next Friday night with their first appearance in a grand final after knocking off point score champions Richmond Rovers in last Sunday' major semi final 3-1.

In a match that had all the ingredients for a thriller the Rams took the field with a do or die attitude, pushing Rovers to the limit for the full 90 minutes.

Golden Boot Award winner Rose Argent from Byron Bay scored two goals including the final penalty that ensured Byron victory.

Rovers will now face Workers this Friday in the major final at Stars at 6pm. See you on the balcony.

Plucky Brothers finish off Seagulls - Rugby League

The pressure supplied by Marist Brothers' compact rushing defence was too much for Ballina as they fumbled their way to a season ending loss 28-0 at Oakes Oval on Sunday in the Westlawn Group One Rugby League final.

In attack the big brethren forwards drew in the Seagull defence to make room for the hard running and elusive Brothers backline, particularly Scott McKinnon, who crossed the line twice during the game.

It was a good day at the office for Brothers, whose completion rate was near perfect, in stark contrast to Ballina.

The win has earned Marist a run in the grand final against Mullumbimby at Mullum this weekend. The Giants have got the better of Brothers in every one of their three games this year. Mullum, on each occasion, has surged away to a quick lead only to fall back on their strong central defence to ensure the victory.

In the three previous games, the Giants have thrown caution to the wind, throwing the ball wide to their speedy flanking runners. This has had the effect of skirting the Marist Brothers' rushing compact defence. The consequent slide in Marist Brothers defence has opened up gaps for angled runners that Mullum has exploited early.

Most of all Mullum will want to turn Marist around with deft kicks behind their oncoming defence. Scooter Hogan is a past master of the kicking game and his huge array of kicks could prove a handful for the Marist back three. However, Hogan can expect to be heavily marked from the outset. Mullumbimby's second-string kicker is half back, Chase Nelson. Nelson is developing as league player and how well he employs his subtle kicking game could prove crucial.