Sports News
 Hook, Line and Sinker
A fanatics paradise
Sometimes it's good to explore a new fishing area. Although the Macleay River at South West Rocks is not new to me, the branch of the river that runs north of the main estuary was new. It runs virtually parallel to the beach up past the little village of Stuarts Point. It is an area that could prove to be a fishing paradise for fanatics wanting to cast lures, flies and plastics. Big areas of mangroves, sea-grasses and oyster leases. We managed quite a few undersize fish plus a couple of nice flathead in a very fleeting stopover. Fishermans Reach and Stuarts Point both have good boat launching places.
With the exception of whiting, local fishing has been fairly quiet. Beaches do not seem to be producing great numbers of fish, with the exception of a nice taylor. In the estuaries, there is the occasional nice flathead but bream seem to be overall waiting for a few cooler nights to arrive.
Easter generally signals the beginning of our winter run of fish but this year, Easter is quite early and it may be three or four weeks before we see good numbers of bream and blackfish.
Persons or clubs wanting to stock the Richmond River with native bass are asked to contact Craig on 6765 4591 for an application kit.
Candid cod camera
Southern Cross University, in collaboration with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, will use fixed underwater cameras to assess the prespawning and postspawning behaviour of eastern freshwater cod. The cameras will be positioned at known breeding sites in the upper Clarence River catchment. Each camera array will provide a 360-degree view of nesting sites and be fitted with infrared lights to assist with night monitoring. The study will be used to determine the potential effects of angling on nesting eastern cod and to construct a spawning model for the species.
 Call of the Loon with Laurie Axtens
The hills are alive...
During early autumn the fields fill with the cries of hamstrings tearing, ligaments snapping and ankles spraining.
When we rise from our summer slumbers and once again take to the winter sporting fields many of us experience the excruciating difference between what we think we can do and what we can actually do. They say that pride cometh before the fall, but there are a host of factors that can get in the way of a fair and reasonable self-assessment of our own physical prowess.
The primary reason is the lack of testing our own abilities. Any sizeable break in competitive activity allows the muscles to lose tone, for bone density to lessen and for our delusions of grandeur to grow. Wise winter sportsmen and women find a way of playing throughout the summer or of playing summer sports that require a similar level of exertion so that their self-assessment is ongoing.
Self-awareness is the critical factor, particularly as our bodies age, and how are we to know what we're really capable of if we don't test ourselves regularly?
So, at the risk of getting a Valentine's Day card from federal treasurer Peter Costello, I urge you all never to retire. Do not retire from you're work or your sport unless you have something just as demanding to take up in it's place. Most retirees die within two years of retirement. Giving away you're favourite sport or physical exercise should only be contemplated by people recovering from injury, changing to another physically demanding activity or those who have scored a good deal on a coffin.
For those not pricing out pine boxes, studies in Scandinavia have concluded that warming up exercises can limit sports injury by 50 per cent. Note also that a warming up regime is not a stretching regime. Get there early and warm up with a light run and a few mild stretches and turn a few practice plays. If it's too late and you've already torn it, snapped it, broken it or burst it, get treatment straight away. Delay can double or triple recovery time and can create chronic conditions. Life's too long to live with perpetual back pain and too short to spend just as a spectator.
Undead Masters to be exhumed
 Lismore City Council's event manager, warlock John Bancroft, delves into occult forces at the launch of this year's Masters Games.
The increasingly loopy team at the Lismore's economic development unit have unveiled a new macabre way of finding the 2000 odd players needed for this year's Masters Games.
"We're going to dig 'em up," said Lismore City Council's event manager, John Bancroft.
During a multimedia séance, Bancroft and a cross-dressed Mistress Medium (aka Tony Clarke) contacted Edwin Flack, Sir Bobby Moore, Marilyn Munro and Diego Marradonna. Each of the superstars gave an assurance that they would be making it to this year's Masters Games in Lismore in September.
Baseball, basketball, cricket, dressage, golf, hockey, mountain bike riding, netball, Oztag, pool, soccer, softball, swimming, touch and volleyball are all included in this year's dark and midnight fun. Past competitors will be invited and perhaps even exhumed in the next couple of weeks.
Anyone else interested in slapping a pumpkin on their head or playing trick or treat this September are encouraged to get a entry form from the Tourist Information Centre and return it before August 19.
Lismore City Council's event manager, warlock John Bancroft, delves into occult forces at the launch of this year's Masters Games.
The increasingly loopy team at the Lismore's economic development unit have unveiled a new macabre way of finding the 2000 odd players needed for this year's Masters Games.
"We're going to dig 'em up," said Lismore City Council's event manager, John Bancroft.
During a multimedia séance, Bancroft and a cross-dressed Mistress Medium (aka Tony Clarke) contacted Edwin Flack, Sir Bobby Moore, Marilyn Munro and Diego Marradonna. Each of the superstars gave an assurance that they would be making it to this year's Masters Games in Lismore in September.
Baseball, basketball, cricket, dressage, golf, hockey, mountain bike riding, netball, Oztag, pool, soccer, softball, swimming, touch and volleyball are all included in this year's dark and midnight fun. Past competitors will be invited and perhaps even exhumed in the next couple of weeks.
Anyone else interested in slapping a pumpkin on their head or playing trick or treat this September are encouraged to get a entry form from the Tourist Information Centre and return it before August 19.
Sprintz and Daicos in the Lions den - Aussie Rules
Casino Lions AFL team have appointed new coaching staff for this year.
Mick 'Daicos' Rolfe and Ron 'Sprintz' Visman are hoping to launch a new era in the youthful history of AFL in Casino when they mastermind this weekend's trial match against Inverell.
The new coaching team is sure to be lorded over by players keen to make the starting line-up for the season proper at the infamous annual 'presentation of the jersey' and trivia night at the Tatts Hotel this Saturday, March 19, from 5pm.
Rumour has it that Byron Bay, who made light work of last year's premiership, have lost some players, so maybe the Lions are in for a good season.
Seeking assistance
The North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS) is seeking an assistant coach for its high profile netball program.
The new assistant coach will join the existing netball staff - head coach Tracey Robinson from Lismore and co-assistant coach Patti Berrigan from Wauchope. Two apprentice coaches in the form of Terri Collingburn from Angourie and Lesley Kirk from Ocean Shores also provide support to the team.
Applicants must have a minimum of a level one coaching accreditation and at least three years of recent coaching experience at a club, representative or higher level. An understanding of athlete development pathways for netball in NSW will also be considered an advantage.
Applications for the assistant netball coach position close next Friday, March 25. For further information and an application form visit www.ncas.org.au or phone 6620 3073.
Out of the telephone box and into the surf
 Telstra Countrywide's Sue Passmore congratulates Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore Surf Life Saving Club president Paul Kelly and IRB captain Steve McNabb on acquiring their new inflatable rescue boat.
Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore Surf Life Saving Club's efforts to provide a safe and fun beach environment for all received a boost recently with the arrival of a new Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) funded by the Telstra Surf Lifesaving Assistance Fund.
The Telstra Surf Lifesaving Assistance Fund is a national grants program designed to assist Surf Life Saving Australia to equip surf clubs with vital surf life saving equipment.
"Last season we performed about 35 rescues, with the majority involving inflatable rescue boats," said club president Paul Kelly. "And with Ballina beaches still a haven for hundreds of locals and holiday makers every week, this kind of assistance is invaluable. The club has decided to name the boat 'Steve McNabb' after our dedicated IRB captain and long-time club member Steve McNabb."
Golf with Stan Bendall
As we close on the Lismore Workers Golf Club Easter Carnival many past winners have once again registered to do battle during the 54-hole strokeplay tournament.
One time local representative golfer, Tony Nobbs, is returning from Western Australian to take on, among others, Ballina's Neil Bullen. Neil is a past Easter Carnival Champ and Northern Rivers Champion and could be a big show this time round.
Mal Huth from Windaroo Queensland will be joining the fray and will be grateful to know that last year's nett champion, Lloyd Kelly, won't be contesting the championship due to work commitments at the golf club.
Top Murwillumbah junior representative golfer, Gary Wright, looks like he has a good chance of retaining the Les Mancel junior memorial trophy. However, he will come up against some stiff competition from locals Craig Hurley, Brett Forrester, Anthony McLean, Luke Ryan and Rick Austin.
All of these young men have the where with all to put together a good 54-hole display and could figure in the larger competition prizes.
Heaps of trophies will be up for grabs during the three days of the championship - which starts next Friday, March 25 - so that even if you can't play all three days you could come away with some silverware.
Get On Board with Coach Geoff Baxter
Coaching kids - four more clues
Do not assume they know what you mean
Not all children know where their positions are. Most likely, they'll probably not remember from practice to practice, so be prepared to show them repeatedly.
Young children are very literal
If you are about to execute a drill make sure they understand what you expect. Demonstrate everything.
Express your goals to the parents
The single most important thing you can do is clearly communicate your goals and expectations to the parents. Most will be concerned only if they perceive your coaching style as the "win-at-all-costs" type. If they know you will help their child get somewhat better, that you will treat him or her fairly, and that you will provide a positive influence, they will be thrilled.
Get help
Involve your parents. Get as many parents as you possibly can involved in the practice and game process. When a person accepts a position of team helper or assistant coach, two things happen: You will have more help (trust me, you will need it) and those parents are then less likely to be critical.
Aussie Hoops hits Alstonville
Hey kids, would you like to be involved in Aussie Hoops in Alstonville? Aussie Hoops is national basketball program for primary school aged children in years 3 to 6, which is an initiative of Basketball Australia and the Australian Sports Commission.
The program is player centred, fun focused, for both girls and boys able or disabled and is suitable for the naturally gifted or sporting battler.
Aussie Hoops will start next Tuesday, March 22, at the Alstonville Leisure Centre from 4pm. This will include a training session of skills and drills, and then a game.
$15 gets you 10 weeks registration and a basketball - that's just $4 per week.
For more information call Steve at Lismore Basketball on 0417 462 245.
Who let the dogs out? - Soccer FNC
16-year-old Bangalow Bluedog, Joel Rudgley, turned on a man-of-the-match performance against Byron Bay to upset the ANZAC Cup holders in their first round match at Bangalow last Friday night.
The prodigiously talented young mid-fielder, son of club stalwart Nick Rudgley, set up two of Bangalow's three goals then sealed the win with a goal of his own.
The Byron Rams started well, dominating for the first 20 minutes and leading 1-0 after a good individual goal from Patrick L'Orange. All that did was awaken the Bluedogs' fighting spirit.
Former Ram Brendan Parkes also had an influential game along with powerful striker Aryan Freriechs who, along with Brent Hosking, scored for the Bluedogs.
Italo Stars will feel they have an embarrassment of riches after they shot down the Casino Cobras 4-1 at home on Friday night without strikers Wayne Mortimer and Callan Starrett. Coach Kevin Wilson will need to make some hard choices before next week's clash with Workers.
Matt Weir, Jeremy Pollard and Mark Greentree (2) all scored for Stars against the heavily depleted Cobras. Nathan Keep did his best to keep the country boys in the contest with a well-taken goal in the first half but from that point on they were never in the race.
Rovers coach, Craig Hamshaw, will need to put aside his cricket bat soon and concentrate his efforts on getting Rovers into shape for this season. An enthusiastic Ballina soundly flogged Rovers 4-1 in Bangalow on Friday night; hardly an auspicious start for the reigning minor premiers, but it's early days.
Rovers are rebuilding under new coach Craig Hamshaw after losing numerous regulars during the off-season.
Ballina slotted three in the second half to run away with the game after a close first half.
Rovers' Adam Gray scored first before Troy Percival (2), Tyson Price and Justin Stockham all got their names on the scoresheet.
The Goonellabah Hornets returned to the top ranks with a 3-1 win over Maclean at Woodburn on Sunday.
Two goals from striker Peter O'Neil gave the Hornets a comfortable half time lead, before another from striking partner Matthew Olley confirmed their successful re-emergence as a premier division contender. Kyle Sutton scored the Bobcats consolation goal.
Major premiers Lismore Workers were too organised and too fit for Thistles as they cruised to a 5-1 win at Thistles Park on Sunday. Goals came from John Wraight (2), Steve Morrissey, Lucas MacPherson and Todd Gordon, while Nathan White marked his return to the Blues with their solitary goal.
Ladies Bowls with Denise Wallace
RSM nudges out Ballina
The Northern Rivers lady bowlers have had another busy week with the district fours being played from March 8-11.
This is a very popular competition and this year 27 teams from 10 district clubs are contesting the trophy. The two teams who battled their way into the final were Noelene Hawke's team from Casino RSM and Stella Kelly's team from Ballina.
After rain interrupted the final on Friday at East Lismore Bowling Club, Stella Kelly and her team of Helen Tootell, Betty Armitage and Hester Miller from Ballina Bowling Club proved too strong for their opponents from Casino RSM, winning the game 18-15.
The next event for our busy Northern Rivers program is the pennant competition that commences next Monday, March 21. This competition includes grades 1 to 5 and will run up to April 29.
You have got to be kidding
"The pitch shall not be watered during the match."
Law 10 - Preparation and maintenance of the playing area (4: watering)
- The MCC official Laws of Cricket 2003
The LJ Hooker cricket semi finals were reduced to a farce on the weekend when ground staff watered and covered all the turf pitches in Lismore basin on Saturday evening. The watering turned what were batsmen-friendly pitches into a paradise for bowlers and finished off any hope of a fair result in the semi finals.
On Saturday Tintenbar East Ballina won what turned out to be a very important toss and batted. Over the next 97 overs the Bar hammered the Hawks to every corner of the ground as they put together an enormous 6 for 357 declared.
Brett Crawford championed the innings as he rode his luck to a massive 166 not out.
Keeper batsman Scott Hogden (44) and lower order stroke maker Luke Shay (50) also joined in the carnage. Of the bowlers only Steve Lockhart, 1 for 49 off 22 overs, and Sean Mead, 2 for 42 off 17 overs, managed to restrict the Bars' run rate.
On Sunday the players arrived at the ground to find the pitch had been reduced to kneadable clay. Even Tony Greig's notorious key would have disappeared below the surface.
Despite these conditions, which helped bring the early demise of the Hawks' top order, Rodney Wells mastered the popping ball and rode his good fortune to an excellent 64 against the odds. It wasn't really until the afternoon that the pitch became a decent strip and the Hawks' Nathan Bonamy laced a quickfire 82 with sixes. But it was never going to be enough. Considering the difficulty of the playing conditions it was a credit to them to finish with 264 and one is left to ponder how close a game it could have been if the likes of Joel Henderson had been given a fair go.
In the other match on Oakes Oval, Souths won the toss from Lennox Head and batted, but were in trouble early as Shaun Savage and Mark Demeade picked up the openers with 11 on the scoreboard. This bought Michael Nind to the crease. Michael has looked due for a good score recently and he didn't disappoint, compiling a hard-hitting 70. However, the wickets kept falling at regular intervals for the premiers and in the end they were all out for 165.
The men from Lennox shared the wickets, with Glen Watkins walking away with the best figures of 3 for 51.
Lennox was required to bat for 28 overs on Saturday afternoon and they were 3 for 51 at stumps, with the game evenly poised.
On Sunday the umpires postponed the game a full hour because of the damage to the pitch - in retrospect maybe they could have put it off another hour or two just to give the seasiders half a chance. They didn't. 42 overs and a mere 28 runs later Lennox's season was over as they were bundled out for 79. Len Blok was the destroyer, taking 6 for 23.
When asked about the turn of events, Lennox opener and former Brisbane first grader, Paul Everingham, said, "It's unheard of... it's the stuff nightmares are made of."
Lismore City Council's parks coordinator, Martin Soutar, has since apologised for the stuff up, but Lismore District Cricket secretary Norm Ryder assured The Echo that the games could not be replayed.
"We can't reschedule another match," Norm said. "It's just an unfortunate accident."
The watering fiasco was due to the inexperience of the staff and it was a shame that the error came during the local finals, especially considering how well they tendered the pitches during the recent National Country Cricket Championships.
The up shot is that Souths will defend their premiership this weekend at Oakes Oval against Tintenbar East Ballina. The two teams have been so evenly matched this year that during the first round of the one-dayers they tied. This one should be an absolute cracker.
The final will be played over both days of the weekend. Play will start at 12pm on Saturday and go through to 6.30pm with a minimum of 95 overs to be bowled.
On Sunday play will commence at 10am and go through to 4.30pm. A minimum of 100 overs will be bowled on the second day.
Aussie Stadium - here we come - FNC Rugby Union
A 27-13 win by the Under 20 Far North Coast Dolphins over Mid North Coast Axemen has earned the young guns a spot in the curtain raiser for the Waratahs vs Bulls Super 12 match at Aussie Stadium on March 26.
The win meant the Far North Coast team ended top of the northern pool. Their clash on the haloed turf of Aussie Stadium will be against southern pool champions New England.
The Dolphins win on the weekend at Port Macquarie started with the Far North Coast men dominating possession and field position for the first 15 minutes. However, the Axemen's defence did not crack. In fact it wasn't until the Axemen's Rohan Jones scored against the run of play that the Dolphins were stung into action.
Dolphin winger Eric Smyth crossed on the end of a slick backline movement to level the scores, then No 8 Henry Vanderglas scored from a maul. Penalty goals to Dolphin captain Adam Gordon and the Axemen's David Gorter left the Dolphins with a 15-8 half time lead.
At the start of the second half Gordon sold the Axemen an excellent dummy and crossed for an early try. He promptly converted the try to help the Far North Coast men to a 22-8 lead.
Dolphin centre Ben Sloane plucked in a Vanderglas kick to race over for the fourth try and a bonus point.
The Axemen came back strongly in the dying minutes of the game as Jones scored his second try, but it was too late, with the Dolphins running out 27-13 winners.
Seniors
Mid North Coast Axemen scored 15 unanswered points in the second half to overhaul Far North Coast Dolphin's 15-12 half time lead in the Northern Provincial Championship match in Port Macquarie on Saturday.
The Axemen now progress to take on Central North at Narrabri next weekend to determine the winner of the northern pool, while it is the end of the tournament for the Dolphins. Bad luck fellas.
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