Sports News

Hook, Line and Sinker with Lindsay Doust

A barramundi recently caught at Lake Awoonga in north Queensland.

It is quite amazing to think that metre long barramundi are being caught just under 10 hours drive from Lismore. Lake Awoonga near Gladstone has featured in our articles previously, but today's picture is more evidence of what a top fishery it is. The warmer months from November to March are definitely the best.

The recent heavy rains have coloured the river and although it did largely spoil the whiting run on the new moon last weekend, it did bring on some very good bream, yabbies and a few nice jew on lures.

The whiting still seemed to be there but it was a matter of having to put up with many catfish, dogfish and stringrays.

The Christmas holidays bring out anglers who fish only once a year on their annual holidays. Remember all adults, excluding pensioners or Aboriginals, need a licence to fish and there are bag limits and legal sizes. At Suffolks Sports Store we have a NSW Fisheries brochure with all the details needed. Licences are also available from 79 Keen Street, Lismore.

The NSW murray cod season has opened and many of us are heading west to tangle with one of the great Aussie fish. Restocking has seen numbers improve in both rivers and dams out west. I was fortunate last week on a trip to bag five nice fish; only one cod but four yellowbelly, with one weighing in at 9kg and two at 6kg.

Notices

Fisheries have just released the new saltwater and freshwater legal size stickers with colour plates of the species.

A warning to take care at the Fishery Creek Boat Ramp in Ballina. Police advise that several cars were damaged and goods stolen last weekend.

Call of the Loon with Laurie Axtens

Rolling with the punches

After a long, tawdry and suffocatingly hot day in the field, my team and I retreated to a nearby public house to consume a few quiet drinks. The public house was small but dignified and smelt vaguely of naphthalene. The team maintained a quiet and thoughtful demeanour throughout the evening, except for Pissy, Blackout, Passout, Twopots, Bangers, Carrot, Ratface, Legless, Blinder and Hoover, who did raise their voices on one occasion; that occasion being the rugby league triple-header.

During our restrained and gentlemanly revels, I found it necessary to relieve the strain on my bladder and retired to the bathroom.

Having entered the small room, I was surprised to see the single cubical was full of white fluff. Upon closer investigation, I was astounded to note that the copious white fluff, which billowed from under the door, possessed a small waging tail and a pungent, musky odour.

Perhaps someone had become wedged in their mascots uniform and fallen asleep.

"Are you alright?" I yelled.

The noise seemed to surprise the creature, who quickly and with great aplomb replied, "I'm fine, just riding the porcelain bus, but I'll be out in a min..."

After the wretching sound finished I asked, "Are you sure?"

"Sure, I'm sure, just leave me alone for a couple of secs," it said.

"Righteo," I replied and walked away.

Several minutes later Pissy, Blackout, Passout, Ratface et al piled into the toilet, their faces flushed with concern for the fallen.

"Hey mate? Hey mate? Are you alright?" Pissy asked on behalf of the throng of onlookers.

"Oh shit no," came the muffled reply from the fluff full compartment. "Look I'm right, I'm just having a little purge."

"You don't look so good fella, your fur has gone brown all down the front," said Passout, who had kindly clambered on top of the sink and was staring down at the beleaguered figure over the edge of the partition.

"Thanks for that," Mascot muttered.

"No worries," Passout said. "Did you know that the government have just finished a report on alcohol consumption and sport?"

"No I didn't," came the Mascot's rye reply, "Do you think this is a good time for..."

"Yeah, apparently over one third of all sportsmen and over half of all sportswomen drink at levels that harm their long term health at their local," Passout continued.

"That's wonderful, ah excuse me ..."

But Passout, who was never one to care whether anyone was listening, maintained his verbal onslaught.

"Yeah it's true and what's worse, the overwhelming majority of these men and women drive home from their sports club after drinking and 30% are over the legal limit."

"Come on down from there," Pissy interjected as he hauled Passout away from the poor bilious bundle of fur. "Leave the bastard alone."

"It's true," Passout protested. "Drinking might have a significant and historic place in our folklore but he needs to consider the effects of linking alcohol promotion with sport."

"I hate how lucid you get when you're drunk," Pissy said.

At that moment the eight-foot tall, 250-pound monstrosity burst out of the cubicle.

"I'm going home," it gurgled.

"Do you think we should get his keys off him?" Pissy asked

"Are you insane?" Passout replied, "Just get the Loon."

Swim and survive this summer

Olympian Michael Klim and his mum Ewa (pictured) have joined forces to promote Swim and Survive - Australia's largest drowning prevention program for children.

The latest figures show that 277 Australians have drowned in the last 12 months and while this figure is down on previous years, it is far from acceptable according to the Klims.

"One drowning is one too many," said Ewa. "When you consider that 277 families were affected by a tragedy in the last 12 months, it shows we've got to do more. Any drowning obviously has a profound effect on all those involved."

Ewa and Michael are encouraging parents to ensure their children get involved in the Swim and Survive program as it develops critical water awareness, swimming strokes and survival skills.

"Swim and Survive is an important program which gives Aussie school kids swimming and aquatic survival skills," said Michael. "8000 primary schools and 1000 aquatic facilities are involved in the program. My message is we want everyone to safely enjoy the water this summer."

Since 1982 more than 10 million Australians have participated in Swim and Survive.

For further information visit www.swimandsurvive.com.au or phone Jason Phillips on 6651 6266.

Key tips for safe swimming this summer

• Always swim with another person
• If you see someone in trouble in the water, get help quickly
• If you're in trouble in the water, stay calm, float on your back, wave one arm for help
• Listen to lifeguards and pool attendants
• Shut the pool gate
• Don't push people into the water
• Don't leave toys in the pool - they attract kids
• Empty all buckets and play pools after use
• Stay away from the deep end unless you can swim well
• Check for swimmers before jumping in
• Don't run around the pool edge
• Check that it is safe before diving into dams and rivers
• Never swim in water tanks
• Always swim with a grown up.

Ripping surf, curly girls Sophie Hurford, 8, from Lennox Head, with professional surfer Tessa Bergan at the Rip Curl Girls Surfing Day. A new team of coaches and kids at the Rip Curl weekend.   Photos: Kellie O'Brien. Perfect surf and good beach conditions were a winning combo for local girls at the 14th annual 'Girls Go Surfing Day' at Lennox Head and Byron Bay last weekend. "It was so cool to see the big smiles on all their faces as they experienced riding the surf," said Lennox Head organiser and coach Kellie O'Brien. "There really is nothing like surfing." The 'Girls Go Surfing Day' is the largest all girls learn to surf program in the world, with 6000 girls participating on 60 Australian beaches during last weekend's surf lesson extravaganza. The special day encourages females of any age and ability to get to the beach and experience the joys of surfing. Joining the Lennox Head sessions this year was local East Ballina Rip Curl team rider and champion surfer Tessa Bergan.

Oddballs gets even

Their age might be odd, but the Lismore White Under 17s certainly got even last weekend, when they rebounded from a 11-0 deficit to win this year's Coffs Harbour Odd Age Basketball Carnival.

Lismore White stormed through the round robin series undefeated and into the grand final against the Coffs Harbour squad. Coffs Harbour defeated Lismore in the grand final at the Grafton Odd Age Classic and the local lads were determined to atone. However, Coffs Harbour quickly established a strong 11-0 lead. The Lismore players were shell-shocked. What happened next can only be guessed; maybe Coffs came off the accelerator, maybe Lismore found the steely resolve that had been missing in their defence. Whatever is was, by half time they had fought back to trail 17-11.

The second half was a seesawing affair, but Lismore got the upper hand, levelling the score with just two minutes remaining on the clock.

At that stage Lismore's Matt Kosack was fouled and went to the free throw line with one minute remaining. The resultant goal forced Coffs Harbour into desperate long shots and fouling to stop the clock. Lismore made light work of the consequent rebounds and calmly sank their free throws to pull away in the final staggered seconds, 31-27.

Dan Brunsdon, Tom Hemsley and Warren Rogers complemented outstanding performances from Matt Kosack, Ben Ireland, Josh Livas and Joe Roche in a remarkable display of team unity and individual brilliance.

Lismore's second Under 17 men's team, Lismore Blue, competed strongly all weekend, coming away with a hard fought draw against The Entrance 1 and two quality wins against Grafton and The Entrance 2. Unfortunately they missed the grand final.

The Under 17 women's team had three representative players from the Northern Junior League and played five games against experienced Division 1 teams. Although the team didn't win any games, they gained valuable experience for the 2005 season.

The Under 15 boys, though often mismatched, demonstrated their outstanding attitude and commitment.

Lismore entered two Under 13 women's teams of equal ability, who both finished 4th in their pool.

After winning the Grafton Odd Age Classic in October, the Under 11 boys were the team to beat at Coffs Harbour. The first game was tough against Coffs Harbour Black, which was won by the hosts by 4 points. The Under 11s won the remaining three games convincingly.

They went into the final against Coffs Black, but unfortunately a high foul count and strong Coffs defence got the better of them.

The Under 11 women's team did not make their final but improved markedly throughout the carnival.

Championship review - Bowls

The regional successes started during the annual A&B group play-off held at the Armidale Bowling Club in September. Eight local Northern Rivers players made the Group A team and these players were instrumental in Group A taking out the Iris Rush Cup.

Back on the local front, the Northern Rivers District Women's Bowls Association held its 47th three-day carnival in late September. This event attracted 416 bowlers from southern Queensland and from many NSW districts as far south as Soldiers Point. The overall winner was a local team from South Lismore Bowling Club, skippered by Thelma Fredericks.

On October 8, 32 Northern Rivers lady bowlers travelled to Maclean Bowling Club to compete for the Inter-District Shield. Once again the graceful and precise local bowlers brought home the shield.

The last event for 2004 was the Gold Coast/Northern Rivers Friendship Challenge Day. 44 local bowlers travelled to South Tweed Bowling Club to compete. The locals again proved too strong for their Gold Coast opposition and came home with the GCT/NR Friendship Challenge Trophy.

Sand, synthetic and salt drinks for everyone

Over the last 10 years, Goonellabah Tennis Club has poured $72,000 into raising the standard and quality of tennis facilities in Goonellabah. The lion's share of this money went into the establishment of a clubhouse, however, recently the club opened their chequebook again to pay for the re-surfacing of five hard courts with artificial grass.

It is this kind of forethought and commitment to health and safety that should ensure the club's longevity.

During the last decade, two other community-based tennis clubs have folded due to insurance hikes and the growing demands placed on voluntary committees. Goonellabah Tennis Club's committee realised the need to pick up their game and have risen to the task with smashing success. The Club is also planning to upgrade lighting and carry out beautification works to the grounds.

The Club is grateful for grants from the Department of Sport & Recreation and support from Lismore City Council with drainage works around the courts.

Local contractor, Dave Robertson, who had the courts finished ahead of time, carried out the works. Club members have now committed to help with maintaining the courts.

The courts are available for general hire through Rous Road general store. Special arrangements can be made through the club for all day hire of the courts and the clubhouse for tennis days. The Club caters for all standards and holds competitions on Monday night, Wednesday morning and Wednesday night. A game of social tennis costs a mere $2 on a Saturday afternoon (4pm onwards). For further information phone the club on 6624 5101. Coaching for all standards is offered by Matt Scarlett. Anyone interested should phone Matt on 0415 763 857.

Locals ace tennis tournament

To be young at heart - Cricket

After last week's wash out, the LJ Hooker League fifth round has been reduced to a set of one-day matches. This will suit some of the younger, more aggressive sides, whose fielding can prove the difference in the shortened version of the game. This may give Ballina Bears the edge in their match against Marist Brothers. The Bears struggled to 135 against Easts during their last outing at Oakes Oval against the likes of Ian Gregory and Jake McKinnon. Marist don't have the same firepower as the Waratahs, although allrounders Steve Arnett and Dean Collins were both instrumental when Brothers whipped through Alstonville for 54 a fortnight ago.

The Bears should have what it takes at home.

Norths Goonellabah RSL will come up against Souths in a top of the table struggle at Oakes Oval on Saturday. The Oakes pitch played up a treat last game despite the use of the heavy roller, with the ball decking about and rearing from a length. If the weather doesn't clear and allow the pitch to dry out significantly, expect the Souths attack to be virtually unplayable. Souths veteran seam attack of Blok, Bateman and Fredricks has been cutting a swathe through the best batting line-ups in the district. The Hawks didn't fair so well in their last one-dayer, losing out to Ballina in the last overs of the match. South will be a much harder proposition, particularly with Paul McLean and the Nind brothers starting to fire.

Easts travel across to Nesbitt Park this Saturday to take on Lennox Head. Lennox came up short against Casino Cavaliers in their last one-day despite a well constructed 53 from Darren Marsh. Easts are stacked with rep players and are looking bound for the final in both forms of the Hooker League. Nesbitt Park is very heavily grassed and the Seasiders will probably struggle against the speed, size and accuracy of Gregory, Ruttley and McKinnon.

The Cavaliers are an excellent one-day team with few passengers in the field and a very professional attitude to fielding generally, which is why they are the one-day champions. Alstonville, however, are still searching for their first win of the season. It's the perfect situation for a monumental upset. I'm going for Alstonville, against all odds, by the skin of their teeth, thanks to the vagaries of the Queen Elizabeth Park pitch.

Workers were the only team to lose in the last rain ruined match. They won the toss and batted against the Cavaliers, making 44. This weekend its back to the demon Neilson Park pitch to play the powerful Tintenbar/East Ballina line-up. Tintenbar managed a tie against the premiers, Souths, in their last one-dayer. The Neilson Park pitch should be a real eye opener for the 'Bar captain Duncan Elphick, who is the curator for the Kingsford Smith footpath, especially when he gets out there to bat.

The finishing touches - Baseball

Rodney Green takes advantage of the break in the weather to mow Baxter Field. Behind him, Lismore City Council parks and reserves manager Martin Soutar and Baseball organiser Geoff Hallman inspect the work of volunteers Bryce Martin, Tom Martin, Trent Clark, Wendy Bostock, Geoff Keehn and Erin Angelosanto. Geoff was keen to thank volunteers for all their hard work.

Members of the Far North Coast Baseball Association have been working hard to put the finishing touches on the Albert Park facility, before the AA National Baseball Championships from January 7-16.

The under 16 tournament is the first national event for a number of years and heralds the return of the facility to international status. Teams will come from all over Australia to compete for the title. Local lad, James Linger, has been selected for Queensland and will be looking to impress selectors as he vies for Australian selection. The Queensland coach is none other than Olympic silver medallist Andy Utting, a coach that has been actively involved in the development of local players.

The tournament will have four games per day, with quite a few night games. Entry is free and there will be an inflatable T-Ball net for the kids to kill some time in between games.

Tournament director, Leanne Clark, has marshalled an impressive array of resources, including Tursa, who are constructing the new back net for Thew Field, and Lismore Council's parks and reserves manager Martin Soutar, who has volunteered over 20 hours to ensure the field is returfed and ready to play.

Groundwork and netting are but a small part of the massive capital works program undertaken in recent months. The small band of dedicated workers have added a brand-new score box and scoreboard, enclosed the two main diamonds, situated a new first aid shelter, restrung netting, hung new batting nets and done plenty of repainting.

"We still have a lot of work to do over the next few weeks and we still need volunteers from among our members to assist with all these little jobs," said tournament director Leanne Clark. "We especially need assistance in January. If members were to give us an hour of their time, it would be much appreciated. Every member benefits from the upgrade of the facilities and the income generated for Far North Coast Baseball - especially our juniors."

This year major sponsor Rex Airlines is joined by Lismore City Council, Lismore Workers Club, Hurfords, Radio Rentals, Southern Cross University, Mary Gilhooleys, Guardian Home Loans, Country Energy, Richmond Waste, Geoff Keehn Security, Paul Denmeade & Co Solicitors, Birch Carroll & Coyle Cinemas, the Lismore Motel Community, NBN, ZZZ/2LM and Norco.

Working bees are held every Thursday from 5 to 7pm, and each Sunday from 8 to 11am.

From January 7-16, about 50 people will be needed to volunteer as ball boys or team liaisons, or to undertake ground maintenance, canteen and internet work.

Members are encouraged to attend the fields on Thursday and Sunday. For information phone Leanne Clark on 6624 3000 or 0403 721 874.

A little ray of hope - Soccer

As we move into the last round of the Canale Summer Youth Soccer League, Tom Guttormsen is the only player in Group A to have scored against Group A leader Rochedale Rovers.

This is testimony to his skill and to the general strength of the North Coast Suns. This weekend the greyhound goal merchant will need to be at his scintillating best against Slacks Creek if the North Coast Suns have any chance of progressing to the next stage.

The Suns deserve a spot in the final eight, but their early competition losses of 5-0 and 4-1 to Rochedale and Brisbane Force respectively, have them badly placed in terms of goal averages.

At present the Suns are vying for the last position in the finals against South West Queensland from Group B. South West Queensland have a goal average of - 4, the Suns have a gaol average of - 8. This weekend South West Queensland will be playing the Sunshine Coast Hawks in what should be a close game. This bodes well for the Suns, but they will still need around four goals to have a chance at the quarter finals.

Last time the Suns played 'The Creek' in Lismore, the Suns came away with a 3-1 win.

Unfortunately for the Suns, Slacks Creek has also been on the improve since their massive 9-0 loss to Brisbane in their first round match.

In the Suns favour, 'The Creek' may well trial some of their younger fringe players in what is certain to be their last match of the competition. In addition, the speedy Suns have been enjoying the size and quality of Rochedale's Underwood Park, where the game will be played at 5.30pm this Saturday.