Sports News
 Hook,
Line and Sinker
Bruce Mahony with a juvenile Queensland groper.
Two questions asked in the last week include "what are local dam levels"
and "what is the length of the Richmond River."
The following dams current capacity's are:
Clarrie Hall - 92%
Glen Lyon - 26%
Pindari - 65%
Toonumbar - 73%
Keepit - 27%
Copeton - 24%
Split Rock - 28%
Chaffey - 50%.
In terms of river length, the Richmond River is about the fourth largest coastal
river in NSW. It is well over 100kms from Ballina to Lismore. The tides are therefore
much later as we move upstream. The following figures can vary according to the
moon and climatic conditions but as a rule of thumb, Woodburn is about two and
a half hours later, Coraki four hours and Lismore about six hours. That is, when
it is low water in Ballina, it is close to high tide in Lismore.
High tides are always much higher on the new and full moons, and therefore
there will be more water to move and the current will run harder at these times.
There will also be a time after each high and low when the tide will not get any
lower or higher but will continue to run in or out. Fish feeding times are very
closely associated with the tides.
Consequently, this weekend the best times to catch a nice feed of bream would
be about midday or just on daylight or dark.
Remember, bream like to feed on the bottom and if bait fishing, have a small
sinker right down on the hook. For bait try yabbies, shelled prawns (yes, shell
them before baiting the hook) or white pilchards.
 Call
of the Loon with Laurie Axtens
How to sit on your hands - a Council workshop
During the last 20 years, participation rates in sports have been slowly declining.
Simultaneously, crime rates, obesity and youth suicide have been on the increase.
I wonder why? Could it be due to a sense of isolation that our children feel?
I wonder how we could address that? Hmmm.
Last week Lismore Council were in a perfect position to address these issues
when they voted on fees for sporting grounds, but rather than think laterally
or creatively, they merely decided to sit on their hands and continue the two-year
long fee freeze for another year.
They could have offered fee refunds to clubs on the basis of their percentage
of junior registrations. They could have outlined fee reductions for clubs who
can demonstrate expenditure on field cleaning and maintenance. They could have
offered all sorts of encouragements to our sporting groups to increase involvement,
but they didn't.
Instead our beloved representatives argued that Lismore has a fair fee structure
and as infrastructure proposals are on the books (flood lights for Crozier) it
would only be fair to maintain the fee structure we have.
I have no doubt that the sports community is happy to pay reasonable fees.
The point is that Council had a chance to address participation rates and instead
they searched for every excuse they could think of to maintain the status quo.
On one occasion Cr Chant even suggested that associations couldn't be trusted
to pass on any reduction to their members. He's lucky I can't throw straight and
that I didn't bring a cricket ball with me or I would have taken a shy at him.
Most of our sporting clubs are non-profit associations run by player/volunteers,
and of course they're going to pass on the reduction. It's offensive to suggest
they wouldn't.
No one doubts there is a balancing act between extending infrastructure and
encouraging participation but considering our present social problems we should
err on the side of participation. More kids in sports means less kids breaking
into cars or eating themselves to death in front of the box.
As Cr Frank Swientek pointed out, families are paying around $100 per child
per season and several hundred extra if they want to play themselves. Consequently,
many parents have chosen to give up playing so they can afford to register their
children and others have just decided against sport as an option altogether.
A few of our present councillors picked up votes on the understanding that
they would do what they could to reduce fees. Of all the councillors at the last
week's meeting, only Cr Swientek argued for a reduction in fees. It's worth remembering
next time you pencil in a number at the next Council election.
Ballina back with a vengeance
Ballina have answered their detractors in the only way they know how by turning
on the razzle dazzle and belittling Northern Star 7-2 at Hepburn Park last Saturday.
The champion Ballina side had looked a little brittle at the back in the last
few rounds, even losing to Star in their previous meeting 3-1. On Saturday the
seasiders swept those doubts aside as they peppered the goal. Former Australian
representative Grant Smith always looks to have so much time on the ball and his
distribution was exceptional. This weekend Ballina will travel to Murwillumbah
to take on United.
Meanwhile, Northern Star will face East Lismore in the local derby on Saturday
at Hepburn Park at 2.55pm.
East Lismore overcame a plucky Alstonville 4-2 last Saturday thanks to the
gymnastics of their keeper Nathan Hughes. Hughes has been playing out of his skin
this year and despite Alstonville's domination of possession, Easts withstood
their onslaught and finished off a number of breakaway goals to topple the red
soilers.
Alstonville will also play in Lismore this weekend, when they take on Coraki
at Hepburn Park at 5.45pm
Coraki, like Easts last round, succumbed to the venom of the Mullumbimby Taipans,
losing their match against the resurgent Taipans 1-nil. The Coraki contingent
was dumbstruck by the loss, having dominated possession and field position for
most of the match.
Coraki beat Alstonville 3-nil last time they met but Alstonville have started
to gel as a unit and should prove a difficult prospect.
In the other matches, the Taipans will take on Capri. Capri drew 3-all with
Allstars over the weekend. Allstars will host Labrador. Labrador are coming off
a 4-1 loss to the Waratahs. Waratahs are at home to Burleigh. Burleigh will find
the going tough against the flashy Waratahs after going down to Kingscliff 4-2
last Saturday. Meanwhile, Kingscliff will match it with Mudgeeraba after Mudgee
knocked off the Redbacks 2-1 last Saturday. Redbacks get the bye.
Get on board
The second round of the Headlanders Bodyboard Club competition will be held
this Sunday, May 22, with competitors set to meet at Lighthouse Beach Lookout
in Lennox Head at 6.30am to survey the scene. People of all ages are encouraged
to come on down. It's still not too late to become a member. Membership is $60
for the year.
For further information phone Chris Clarson on 0422 776 468.
Winter cricket cup begins
The Lismore District Cricket Association Winter Cricket Cup gets underway this
Saturday, May 21, with last year's winners Goonellabah RSL up against the newly
formed South's Pirates on Rec 10.
Last year's runners up, Workers, will match with another newcomer, the Boomerangs,
on Arthur Park, while Norths will take the field against the South's Station mob.
All games start at 12.30pm. If you're interested in taking the mad dog out of
the English game and playing winter cricket, get in touch with your club ASAP.
A Roar deal for soccer
The crème de la crème of Australian soccer will be in Lismore
this June thanks to a deal brokered by Soccer Far North Coast (SFNC) general manager
Matt Kelso.
In a major coup for SFNC, Queensland Roar, one of the new National A-League
franchises, have committed themselves to play two challenge matches against the
North Coast Suns and the North Coast Allstars at Lismore's Oakes Oval on Sunday,
June 26.
"We approached Queensland Roar to gauge the potential to introduce a new
challenge fixture into our calendar and were delighted when we learnt of their
interest and commitment to bring their regional showcase to our region,"
Kelso said. "Perhaps the fact that Todd Gava, a former Italo Stars junior,
has been signed by the Roar might have had something to do with them deciding
to embrace our area."
The two regional teams will commence training tomorrow, May 20, at Southern
Cross University. Good luck gentlemen.
Premier league
Thistles made a statement on the weekend; a clear and unequivocal statement
that relegation is not on their agenda this year when they shot down a more favoured
Italo Stars 2-1. Thistles, who are still rebuilding, have realised that they must
out-passion their opposition each weekend and so far it's working.
Thistles' battle plan received a big boost in the second half when Star midfielder,
Clint Willoughby, was sent from the field after a nasty tackle on Ben Boland.
Thistles play high flying Ballina this weekend at home. Ballina may still be
recovering from the replay of the Anzac Cup final on Wednesday night and this
could give Thistles a chance to hold them out, although it's unlikely.
Stars travel to Bangalow to take on the last placed Bluedogs. The Bluedogs
haven't managed a win yet this season but they're dangerous at home.
Ground closures meant that the only other game played in the men's premier
league last weekend was between Maclean and Workers. In that match Maclean continued
its home ground tradition of wrecking more favoured opposition. On this occasion
the Bobcats mauled last year's premiers Lismore Workers 5-1. Maclean's Wherrit
Park has been a graveyard for virtually every team in the competition over the
last few years and the weekend provided another stirring example of how dangerous
Maclean are at home.
Workers went belly up in the first half of their last game against Ballina
and this match produced a familiar storyline as the Bobcat's put the Redmen to
the sword early on.
The season has taken a nasty turn for Workers, although fortunately they will
face cellar dwellers Casino this weekend and should be able to restore some pride
with a much-needed win.
Maclean are coming to Lismore this weekend to take on last year's minor premiers,
Rovers. This encounter will be much more difficult for the Bobcats.
Pointscore ladder
Men's premier league
Goonellabah 10, Ballina 10, Richmond Rovers 7, Lismore Workers 7, Italo Stars
7, Byron Bay 6, Lismore Thistles 6, Maclean 5, Casino 1, Bangalow 0.
Women's premier league
Workers 7, Italo Stars 7, Ballina 6, Rovers 6, Byron Bay 4, Goonellabah 4,
Lennox Head 3, Casino 0.
Men's premier division
9 - Peter O'Neil
6 - Ben Andrews
4 - Adam Bostock
3 - Tyson Price, Darren Beardow
Women's premier division
6 - Lisa Kelly, Arlena Swientek
4 - Vanessa Tyler, Kim Wraight, Renee McIntosh
Swans finally overcome Lions
 Ballina
centre Chris Fangos skirts the boundary line while playing Lismore on Mortimer
Oval last month. Notice firstly how Chris holds the ball in play while running
outside the line and secondly how another Ballina player shepherds a tackler away
from Fangos. Both moves are completely legal in Aussie Rules.
The Casino Lions hosted neighbours Lismore Swans last Saturday at Queen Elizabeth
Park, which also coincided with the unveiling of the new scoreboard.
A great crowd was once again on hand to support this unique brand of football.
'Human locomotive' Steve Kreig was out in force and straight away booted Casino
to an early first quarter lead with one of his six goals. The ever-improving backline
of Dylan Thomas and Steve Formaggin proved a nice combination, with Lions holding
a two-point lead at the first break.
The match was turning into an absolute thriller with Lismore landing a 'murderous'
free kick right in front of the goals as the hooter sounded to take a two-point
lead going into the sheds at half time.
The scores were locked at 10.10.70 going into the final quarter but a determined
nine-goal last term from the Swans ensured Lismore a gallant victory over the
ever-improving Lions outfit. The final score read Lismore 19.16.130 to Casino
Lions' 11.11.77.
Meanwhile, Ballina blitzed the Murwillumbah Hawks 16.11.107 to 7.4.46. The
Byron verses Nimbin match was washed out.
Perth and NSW Country build toward Lismore
The NSW Country Cockatoo rugby team continue to impress in the lead up to their
big match against Perth Gold at Lismore's Oakes Oval next Saturday, May 28.
On the weekend the Cockatoos downed the Melbourne Axemen 38-18 to confirm their
status as the team to beat in the Australian Rugby Shield.
Meanwhile, Perth Gold also continued their excellent form, knocking off Adelaide
38-23 in Adelaide on Sunday. So the stage is set for a gripping showdown between
the two squads in Lismore.
This Saturday, May 21, the Cockatoos will play the Queensland Blue Heelers
at Narrabri and Perth will play the Darwin Mosquitoes in Perth.
Far North Coast Rugby
Despite a shoddy display of handling, Lismore City still nailed the Yamba Buccaneers
38-17 in Yamba over the weekend. City crossed for six tries during the bruising
encounter but rumour has it the scoreline could have been much larger. Yamba's
half back Ben Ralston was injured during the match and he will be grateful that
Yamba has the bye this weekend so he can recover.
Lismore City will be off to Grafton to take on the might of the rejuvenated
Redmen. The Grafton tight five seemed to get the better of City in the first round,
although the score ended up going 26-20 to Lismore. City won't have the home ground
advantage this time around.
In the match of the round in Casino, Casino came home hard against a determined
Ballina Seahorses outfit to post a 26-12 win. Casino turned the tables midway
through the second half, thanks to a try to Dan MacDonald, which pushed the Bulls
ahead 14-12.
This Saturday Ballina will be looking to bounce back against the Wollongbar
Alstonville Pioneers. The Pioneers are coming off the bye and should be raring
to go against the Seahorses. The Seahorses won 20-15 last time the teams met in
the first round, but this time Ballina will be carrying the wounds that Casino
always inflicts.
Casino will take on SCU, who should have their full line-up on the paddock.
Last week the students were without many of their stars and suffered at the hands
of the Redmen 41-17.
Curtis kayak kudos
 Tony
Curtis (left) and his brother Glen after they both won selection in the Queensland
marathon kayak team earlier in the year.
Tony Curtis held off his brother Glen to take out the open division of the
fifth annual Lismore Kayak Marathon on the Wilsons River and Leycester Creek in
Lismore on Mother's Day.
Tony, who is a member of the Queensland State Kayak team, completed the unique
22.5km Y shaped course in a stirring time of one hour and 40 minutes.
The event has been growing in popularity since its inception and drew a large
contingent of paddlers despite the squally conditions.
Other locals who performed well on the day included Mark Yager (winner of the
under 18 K1), Brent McGeary (second in the young veteran division), Paul Yager
(winner of the mature men's veteran division), and champion paddler Marion Brownlie
(winner of the mature women's veteran division).
Local paddler Tony White also won the vintage veteran K1's, Barbara Davies
took out the touring kayak (TK) mature veterans and Ron Bennett topped the vintage
veteran class. Young veteran Elspeth Berger topped the short course TK1 paddle.
Brothers just barely
 Casino
Cougar Tim Stark is tackled on his own 40-metre line by a gang of Marist Brothers
defenders on Sunday afternoon at Oakes Oval.
Marist Brothers were fortunate to overcome a determined Casino Cougars at Oakes
Oval on Sunday after a lacklustre performance from the Brethren.
You could have counted Brothers' completed sets on one hand during both halves
of the match as the Cougars almost pulled off the boilover of the season.
Marist opened the scoring with a try to Graham Smallwood early on, and it looked
like being just another day at the office for the men in blue, but the Cougars
had other ideas. Soon after, the Casino side scored twice in a matter of minutes,
after two long kicks created problems for the Brethren at the back. One try from
an intercepted flick pass typified Brothers' issues with ball security during
the match.
By the half time break Casino were ahead 22-14 and that's how it stayed for
the first 15 minutes of the second half until Brothers' centre, Smallwood, put
on a barnstorming 70-metre run and linked up with Adrian Gooley to score under
the posts.
As the game wore on, Marist Brothers' superior fitness began to tell. In the
last 10 minutes they scored two more tries to pull away 34-22. The scoreline flattered
Brothers, who have really gone off the boil and may struggle this weekend when
they take on in-form Murwillumbah.
In other matches, Ballina were too strong for Kyogle, running in 10 tries in
their 54-26 win. The South Grafton Rebels took out the local derby against Grafton
Ghosts 30-12. The Tweed Seagulls smashed last year's premiers Mullumbimby 58-12.
South Tweed played its part in the northern division domination of the Northern
Rivers Regional Rugby League competition with a 42-22 dismissal of the Lower Clarence,
while Murwillumbah whipped Byron Bay 52-20.
Round 8
• Murwillumbah host Marist Brothers
• Cudgen host Kyogle
• South Tweed host Grafton Ghost
• Ballina host Mullumbimby
• South Grafton host Byron Bay
• Lower Clarence host Seagulls
 The
local Marist Brothers team is more than just a breeding ground for top quality
players; it is also a training ground for cheer girls like Victoria O'Neil.
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