Sports News
 Hook,
Line and Sinker
Don't forget Woody Head
Shannon Saye bagged a good feed of cobia (or blackfish) recently. One fish
weighed in at 9.5kg and the other at 10.6kg.
Not everyone has the time or the money to fish the exotic destinations that
we read so much about; places like Kakadu, the Kimberleys, Tasmania, Vanuatu or
New Zealand for trout. There are however many adventures to be had closer to home
that make a nice change to where we generally throw in a line.
One of the best places is the Woody Head region, only an hour's drive from
Lismore. Shark Bay, Jerusalum Creek, Iluka, Back Beach, Second Bluff, Frazers
Reef as well as the huge Clarence River only 10 minutes away at Iluka are all
excellent spots to fish at Woody Head. These places are rich with bream, flathead,
jewfish, blackfish, whiting and more. Apart from good freshwater fishing there
is also great offshore fishing to be had and this can be easily accessed from
the beach ramp at Woody Head.
There are three good caravan and camping parks in Iluka and the very popular
National Park at Woody Head. Although there is no power at the site there are
very good facilities.
- • North Coast anglers are keenly awaiting the details of the Cape Byron
Marine Park, which are due to be released very soon. Hopefully many of the ideas
put forward by locals will have been noted and no one group will be adversely
affected.
It has been recently announced that another Marine Park will be established on
the Manning River extending from Port Stevens to Nambucca Heads and it will be
interesting to see to what degree the opinions of local anglers is taken into
account.
- • The annual Evans Head Fishing Classic is on from July 8-15. Entry forms
are now available at Suffolk Sports Store.
 Call
of the Loon with Laurie Axtens
The culture of competition
Competition is the entertaining core of sport.
Sportspeople are inspired to perform by the thrill of the hunt and now a whole
economy is wrapped around the sale of that competitive spirit. Whether its blue
verses maroon, country verses city or someone in a leotard verses someone in a
jockstrap and army boots, we just love the passionate way they compete.
However, competition but its very nature creates the conditions for monopoly
and the end of competition. After the season is over someone has won, probably
the team with the jockstraps and the army boots, and to the victors go the spoils
and with the spoils they can purchase even better jockstrap-wearing warriors for
the following season. Consequently they win the next year and get even more spoils
and so on until they have every good player going around. In short, competition
bears the seeds of its own destruction: the seeds of monopoly.
In sport we don't want sides to completely dominate - it destroys the thrill
of the struggle if we know who's going to win. In rugby league they invented a
concept called the salary cap that limits the amount of money clubs can pay their
players. The salary cap restricts a club's ability to own all the best players
and we end up with a fair and more competitive league.
In the economy as a whole there are also a few rules that have been put in
place in an attempt to limit anti-competitive behaviour, but one thing is for
sure, there are no salary caps for top CEOs. To be honest, all the anti-competitive
laws do is protect larger companies from insider trading. This leaves what are
ostensibly massive transnational corporations free to compete against the local
corner shop for market share. Which might explain why corner shops are all but
extinct.
So you can see that even here in our little town we are not immune from monopolisation.
Far from it in fact.
One of our own larger sporting clubs has been very generously bailing out other
sports clubs and relieving them of their troublesome administration for over a
decade or so. Indeed rumour has it that this exceedingly generous and gambling-friendly
corporate citizen is getting ready to extend its assistance even further. Now
don't misunderstand me - the club of which I speak is perhaps the most loyal and
devoted sponsor of sport on the Far North Coast, but I'm not so sure that letting
them run every club in the city is such a wise idea.
So what is so wrong with one club monopolising the ownership and control of
our sports venues you might ask? Two things; In a monopoly there is no competition
and competition for consumer patronage has the effect of keeping prices down and
the quality of service high. Secondly, monopolies are cultural deserts. So as
much as the sweaty mob are mostly happy to doff their caps and chow down on meat
and three veg before a couple of hours in front of a pokie machine, some of our
fellow Lismorons would prefer to skip around in their army boots and jockstrap
and a splash of green paint. I think they should be allowed that liberty, and
if everything is run by one club, they won't get that chance to boot scoot, as
it were.
In short, diversity is vital to the competitive and cultural life of our community.
We need to make sure we maintain it, so lets get some rules in place locally to
protect it.
 Courtney
Pietens chases down Shaylee Millard in the Intermediate 3/4 division of the Far
North Coast Netball Competition between Summerland Lorikeets and the Summerland
Dolphins in Lismore.
In first division Daley's continued to dominate the competition as they knocked
off the Woodlawn Herrons 36-28. All Saints were far too powerful for the university's
Random Rats, coming away 47-22 winners. In the only other matches, Rous held on
to defeat Workers 44-32 and Workers Tribes crushed Workers Purple 80-12.
Battle for the final four heats up
The winter cricket experiment continues this weekend as front-runners Goonellabah
RSL take on Norths on Rec 10.
Workers match it with Souths' Pirates on McKenzie and Souths Station Hotel
play the Boomerangs on Arthur Park. Goonellabah RSL and Souths Station Hotel remain
the only undefeated teams and now look certain of a finals berth. Whereas Souths
Pirates, Norths, Boomerangs and Workers all need a win to give themselves a chance
of a spot in the final four. All matches get underway at 12.30pm this Saturday,
June 18.
Country sport support
 Local
karate exponents Tyson Hussien, Joel Parrey and Tasman Wales will all receive
assistance under the Country Athletes Scheme. In the front row of this line up
at the Miyagi Kan Karate Dojo, Tyson Hussein (Australian 15 years boys champion)
is second from the left and Joel Parrey (Oceania 15 years boys champion) is fourth
from the left. Also in shot are head instructor Dean Marshall and Australian middle
weight champion Ari Carr.
Nine young sports people in five different sports will share $8,500 in funding
from the NSW Government's 2005 Country Athletes Scheme.
Karate is the big winner from this year's scheme with Tyson Hussien, Joel Parrey
and Tasman Wales all picking up a share of the grant money for their success in
the dojo.
In softball, Brendan Shailes and Niki Clough both earned assistance, as did
Emma and Amy Behan in gymnastics. Local canoeist Rosalyn Lawrence was also successful
in her application and Workers' Abbey Moss will also get her share of the spoils
for her efforts on the soccer field.
Applications for assistance under next year's Country Athletes Scheme will
open in September and close in November. To be eligible to apply athletes must
be 17 or under as at December 31, be competing at state-age level in their sport
and be permanent residents of NSW. To find out more or apply visit the website
www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/finance/f_cas.asp.
First camp off the rank
 Attending
the Far North Coast Swimming Association State Qualifiers Camp were William Aitkin
(Lismore), Tanyn Lyndon (Ballina), Ian Zilm (Ballina), Kara Mackay (Ballina),
Alex Hahn (Lismore), Hayden Thomas (Ballina), Dylan Brown (Yamba), Samuel Clark
(Goonellabah), Joshua Fisher (Goonellabah), Michael Barnett (Ballina), Nathan
Gray (Ballina), Adele Jordan (Ballina), Oliver Hulbert (Ballina), Jesse-Clare
Beresford (Yamba), Letarcia Hurt (Twin Towns), Julia Petronis (Ballina), Mikayla
Gray (Ballina) and Clarice Mellick (Ballina).
Nineteen enthusiastic young swimmers have attended the first Far North Coast
Swimming-sponsored State Qualifier Camp in Ballina recently.
The program for the day included a two-hour swimming session in both the morning
and afternoon where the focus was on skill and technique.
Swimming NSW mentor coach, Peter Freney, provided guidance on the four main
strokes. Peter was former coach of Olympian and Australia World Championships
representative, Sarah Louise Paton.
In addition there were lectures from Dave Hoffman on weight training for kids
and Rosanne Coutts talked about psychology in swimming.
The swim camp is the first in a series of events where the region's swimmers
will get the chance to benefit from the combined efforts of the Far North Coast's
best coaches.
The second camp is scheduled for July 24 at the Ballina Indoor Swim and Gym.
To be eligible a swimmer must have swum a NSW state age qualifying time, not
just a state school swimming qualifying time. For further information phone Lin
on 6687 6703.
Having a ball
 The
winners of this year's Northern Rivers District No. 3 grade pennant were the Lismore
Workers Heights team of (l-r) Enid O'Halloran, Marie Bird, Moya Doyle, Cathy Clapman,
Beryl Stephen, Betty Boyle, Joyce Williams and Elaine Fowler. They received their
prize at the South Lismore Bowling Club recently.
A few small grants
Sportscover is looking forward to assisting a new generation of grass-roots
amateur sporting clubs and associations to reach their goals by providing 20 $1000
grants for sporting club across the country.
Applications for the second round of the Sportscover Sponsorship Fund close
on June 24 with winners announced on July 25.
Application forms and eligibility criteria can be found at www.sportscover.com.
Academy key to selection success
North Coast Academy of Sport triathlon head coach Justin Drew was pleased with
the academy selection successes for this year's Triathlon NSW squads.
The strength of junior triathlon talent in Northern NSW continues to grow with
the recent announcement that nine North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS) athletes
have gained selection into Triathlon NSW (TNSW) state development squads.
Those who have gained a spot in the TNSW Junior Girls Development Squad are
Rachel Brown (Alstonville), Rhys Williams (Port Macquarie), Joseph Lampe (Lennox
Head), Kacey Hickey (Wauchope), Josh McHugh (Alstonville) and Matt Thompson (Gulmarrad),
while those named in the TNSW Junior Sprint Development Squad are Tamika Morrissey
(East Lismore), Bridie Warren (Alstonville) and Bianca Bailey (Uki).
The large number of local NCAS selections is a fair indication that TNSW and
the NSW Institute of Sport acknowledges the selection and training processes of
the NCAS and sees the Academy as the key to identifying and developing regional
junior athletes.
Since NCAS launched its triathlon program in 2001, there have been 45 junior
North Coast athletes aged 14-23 years who have been identified and supported by
the program. North Coast athletes make up more than 25 per cent of the recent
2005-06 state-wide selections.
"The success of our North Coast athletes in gaining these state selections
is proof that higher-level selections can be achieved while living in regional
areas," said NCAS triathlon head coach, Justin Drew from Lennox Head.
Drew is also the head coach of the NSWIS Triathlon program and coordinator
of the NSWIS Northern High Performance Centre.
"Compared to a capital city, the great climate of the North Coast, along
with pollution-free air, quieter roads, great beaches and pools, and access to
quality coaching, makes it a very attractive package for all-year round triathlon
training," Jason said. "The new recent initiative between NSWIS and
TNSW to employ a regional technical coaching coordinator will further add to the
development of triathlon coaches both on the North Coast and elsewhere in NSW.
The opportunities for triathlon in regional NSW have never looked better."
Timberjacks return from Tamworth
The FNC Timberjacks had a more than salubrious journey to Tamworth and were
a little under the weather when they played their first match against Petersham
in the annual invitational carnival. Consequently, although details are sketchy,
the game was drawn 3-all after Petersham got away to a three run lead in the first
innings. Mick McClelland was the Timberjacks' hero on the mound.
In game two, the Timberjacks played the Dead Stars. The Dead Stars went to
an early 3-0 lead thanks to some ordinary fielding, before coach Paul Simes decided
to take Troy Pruess off the mound and put rookie Chris Coleman on. Coleman has
not pitched at all this year and is usually a catcher. He walked a few, got spanked
by a few, then had a few go down in errors and eventually the game was lost 12-nil.
The first game on day two against Queensland colts was abandoned due to rain.
The second game was against the host side, Tamworth. The game see-sawed throughout,
with Tamworth ekeing out a tied score as the game went into the bottom of the
final innings. Fortunately for the locals the Timberjacks managed to get runners
on board early and with two out, brought home the winning run. Paul Simes pitched
for the game and did an excellent job in sloppy conditions. Josh Daley, Paul Simes,
Reece Smith and Troy Pruess all had good games with the sticks.
In the semi-final, FNC were easily knocked out by Petersham, which bought an
end to the Timberjacks campaign.
In the other club games, Workers came sixth in C grade with good performances,
Norths narrowly missed out on the finals in B grade and Casino/Norths had a good
time.
This weekend's major league round starts at 2.45pm at Baxter Field, where Workers
play Redbirds, while Norths take on Brothers at Thew Field. Workers should account
for second placed Redbirds, though the Brothers/Norths match is completely up
for grabs.
Simon's silent call for sponsors
 Simon
Mahony (pictured) has a couple of weeks to raise enough money to fulfil a lifetime
dream.
Simon has been selected in the Australian Deaf Rugby Team to tour New Zealand
but he needs sponsorship to join his team mates in the land of the long white
cloud.
The tour begins in August and includes two test matches against the old enemy.
The total cost of the tour is $2500, and Simon needs to have the money in by
June 30. Here is a chance for a local business house or community group to help
out.
Simon, a third year student at Southern Cross University, trains and plays
with the Uni side where his dedication and whole-hearted approach has been an
inspiration to the Gold Rats both on and off the field.
Anyone keen to sponsor Simon (and every bit helps) can email him at smcd_mahony@
yahoo.com.au.
Little Wallaby muster
 It's
try time practice for these young tykes, all part of the walla rugby way.
Young people from around NSW are being given the opportunity to learn rugby
union skills by playing in the Walla Rugby Tournament as part of this year's inaugural
Respect Yourself, Respect your Culture 2005 Croc Festival in Kempsey.
Walla rugby is the simple, non-tackling introduction to rugby union that combines
the skills of passing, catching and running with modified aspects of the game
including the scrum and lineout.
Local primary and secondary schools registering for the Walla Rugby Tournament
at the Croc Festival will also be invited to participate in the EdRugby Walla
Challenge in the lead up to the festival.
The challenge provides schools with an opportunity to have some fun and prepare
for the festival by organising their own school tournament. All schools registering
for the challenge will be sent a free starter pack including balls, markers and
the Challenge CD with a step-by-step guide to staging the tournament, student
worksheets and lesson plans.
For more information about walla rugby or to enter teams in this year's Walla
Rugby Tournament in September. Register online at www.rugby.com.au/edrugby.
Far North Coast Rugby
The Yamba Buccaneers posted their first win of the season at home on Saturday
when they keelhauled the Wollongbar Alstonville Pioneers 25-12. The Buccaneers,
who managed a draw last week against Ballina, not only came away with the win
but also picked up a bonus point as they crossed for four tries during the encounter.
The Casino Bulls powered their way to the top of the table when they ground
out a 17-15 win over defending premiers Lismore City. The Bulls came back from
an early deficit to post the win.
In the match between Ballina and Southern Cross University it was the golden
boot of Gold Rat fullback, Pat McMahon, which kicked Uni to victory 27-24 in the
final moments of the match.
Round 11 - Saturday, June 18
- Wollongbar hosts Southern Cross University
- Grafton hosts Yamba
- Lismore hosts Ballina
- Casino get the bye.
All games get underway at 3.15pm.
A round of great clashes
 Goonellabah's
Ben Andrews holds off a defender while trying to get control of the ball in a
match against Rovers. Over the weekend Rovers and Goonellabah played out a tough
1-all draw.
The Soccer Far North Coast premier division is hotting up with a whole round
of crucial matches this Saturday, June 18.
The game that seems to be drawing most interest is the top of the table clash
between Ballina and Goonellabah in Ballina at 5pm. Ballina are coming off a shock
1-nil loss to Maclean and Goonellabah off a hard fought draw against Rovers. The
two teams play strongly divergent styles; Ballina has a strong defence, Goonellabah
has a brilliant attack. It's a game that could go either way, but expect plenty
of goals.
At the other end of the ladder the Bangalow Bluedogs and the Casino Cobras
will be locked in a battle to avoid relegation in Casino at 5pm. The Bluedogs
will have played their local derby against Byron Bay on Tuesday night and could
easily be carrying an injury or two. The Byron/Bangalow derby is often a fierce
encounter and considering all of the former Byron players in the Bluedogs' line-up
it is hardly surprising.
The next in a sparkling round of clashes is a replay of last year's grand final
between Richmond Rovers and Lismore Workers at Rec 12 at 5pm. Rovers scored first
against the Hornets last week but could not keep out their star studded strike
force and only managed a draw. In all they have looked a bit hot and cold and
if their match against Byron Bay a fortnight ago is anything to go by, they'll
need to do some work on their set pieces, particularly their corners.
Workers, who defeated traditional rivals Lismore Thistles 4-1 last round, have
also been struggling with consistency. Rovers play a long ball game and Workers
like to keep their passing short and tight. Hard to pick. Workers should go in
favourites but Rovers have a way of snatching victory in the final moments.
Italo Stars will travel to fortress Wherrit Park to take on Maclean at 3pm.
Maclean are undefeated at home this year and Kevin Wilson's men may well feel
the pinch of the Bobcat claw as well. Last week even the Anzac Cup champions,
Ballina, fell to the young guns from Maclean on the sandy turf of Wherrit Park.
The only game that looks a bit lopsided is the match between Thistles and Byron
Bay in Byron at 3pm. This should be a romp for the Rams on their home turf.
Men's premier division table
Goonellabah 17, Ballina 17, Italo Stars 17, Rovers 15, Workers 14, Byron 11,
Maclean 9, Thistles 7, Casino 4, Bangalow 3.
Women's upcoming games
On Friday Ballina meets Rovers in Ballina at 7.30pm. In the other Friday night
engagement Lennox Head hosts Workers at 8pm.
On Sunday Byron Bay will struggle at home against Goonellabah at 11am and Italo
Stars should be able to get the better of Casino in the beef capital at 10.10am.
Women's premier division table
Lismore Workers 19, Ballina 15, Italo Stars 11, Richmond Rovers 10, Lennox
Head 9, Goonellabah 8, Byron Bay 5, Casino 0.
Men's premier division
14 - Peter O'Neil
7 - Grant Nielson
6 - Ben Andrews, Wayne Mortimer
Women's premier division
12 - Renee McIntosh
10 - Lisa Kelly
8 - Emma Turner
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