Issue 737
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Sports News
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The Ladies Masters Games winners - Iris McPhee (silver) and Michelle Fitzsimmons (gold). |
Next Saturday is a men's stableford backmarker event. The ladies play a single stab. On Sunday, Miami social golfers will visit. The Suntori M/M was played recently with C. Richards winning the overall trophy. The A Grade was taken out by B. Rodger from J. Casey with Lindsay Lewis winning the gorss. The B Garde winner was A. Zaferis from J. Hume with S. McDowell winning the gross. W. Ryan took out C Grade from P. Chesham with J. Walo winning the Gross. Last Wednesday John Guyatt was the overall victor. Rod Kilby won A Grade from Sec. Manager Greg (doggie) Hawkins. Alan Walsh took out B Grade. T Noonan won C Grade.
Next Saturday and Sunday is the Westpac Helicopter weekend - a 2 days 3 person Ambrose, with Baytzee performing on Saturday night. Last Saturday's single stroke saw consistent young golfer Daniel Rogers take out A Grade, Steve McDonough B Grade and Gary Rowsell C Grade on a c/b.
Next Saturday, NORCO Rural Stores sponsor a 2 person Ambrose with each team member to have 6 shots. Members please note the return visit of the Bardwell-Ellis trophy at Ballina is proposed for October 13. Last Saturday the second and final round of the "Mulherin & Schier" Spring Cup. Mark Patterson could not go on with his lead from the week before. The day was dedicated to the late Board member Geoff Thomson. Tom Jones returned to the winners circle, taking out the cop and A Grade. Lyle Jordan blitzed B Grade beating popular Club Captain Ian Elkerton by 2, who won the "Thommo Shield", which is restricted to club members. Casey Leeson, the club's only female Saturday player became the first woman to win a Saturday Trophy.
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Some old masters… the Men's winners at the weekend Lismore Masters Games (l-r) Mark Sharpe (bronze), Les Amor (silver) and John Chant (gold). |
Next Saturday the Club champos commence with the second round to be played on Sunday, with the final two Saturdays to complete the 72 holes of stroke play. Steve Fredericks should win back-to-back titles but keep your eye out for a relative new member, Roham Williams, playing off 4 and expected to give it a shake. Last Thursday's single stroke saw Earl Durheim come in with a big smile and a 59, but he was beaten on a c/b from Mick Jarrett.. Let's spare a little thought for bar manager Ross Fletcher who went into Brisbane Hospital last Thursday for an operation - we hope everything went okay. The Camp Quality, 4 person Ambrose event is on 21 October with sheet on board.
The Master's games began on Friday with a 4 ball medley stableford event played. John Chant and his partner Earl, a new member from Canada, took the gold medal with 48. Craig Austin and Brenton Hare won the silver and Peter McEwan and Di Swift won the bronze with 46 winning on a c/b from Steve Williams and this writer.
The Masters Games single over 36 holes on Saturday and Sunday saw the gold medal being won by John Chant with 70-60 (130) from Les Amor and Mark Sharpe. The Ladies Master's Championship winner was Michelle Fitzsimons from Iris McPhee and Lesley Lisha.
The Social Club saw 23 golfers tee off on Sunday on the front nine with J. Carroll winning from Tom Dwyer and Gary Rogers.
On Sunday 7 October the Sunnybank visit will be held at Lismore.
What's My Linewith Ian Clark
Last week I was a bit side tracked and neglected to discuss different forms of rod carrying devices as I said I would a couple of weeks back.
Just to jog your memory the rod holders on the front of bullbars are illegal if they jut out from the bar.
So off I went to see what is available. The old favourites are still around in varying styles. They are the ones that clip onto the vehicle's roof gutter.
But with my vehicle, and a lot of new vehicles, they do not have this channel to clamp brackets to.
Then there are rod holders that clamp to the roof of your vehicle via a suction cup. They look versatile enough although I have heard that if you have a highly polished vehicle they can slip around if travelling at high speeds or on corrugated roads.
I bought some Rhino Bars that clamp under the top of the vehicle's sill which allows the doors to close over them. However, they do keep the doors ajar enough so that an increase in road noise is noticeable inside the vehicle.
They are bulky to fit and remove but they do the job for camping and that is the main use.
The other form of roof racks are the permanent ones that have the tracks fixed to the roof. I looked at these before I bought the Rhino Bars and if you feel comfortable with holes drilled in your roof then by all means go for it.
The price ranges from about $6 for some screw on holders up to around $45 for the suction cup carriers for basic click on carriers.
Once you start looking at roof racks be prepared for an extra zero to be added to the price list.
All I can advise is to look at all options and pick the most economical and practical form for you.
Sticking your rods out your side window is another no no as well.
Good news from the Fisheries Department as I believe all restrictions for the Richmond River will be lifted at the end of this month. I did not have a chance to get official confirmation on this but my source is very reliable.
This weekend should be another good chance to get outside for some snapper, trag jew and the odd cobia.
Last weekend a cobia over 30kg was weighed in as well as a jew from the river tipping just over 23kg.
There are some jew in the river taking live bait or some anglers have been successful with trawl whiting fillets.
There are nice whiting using worms along Seven Mile and nice snapper have been caught off Lennox Headland and towards Julian Rocks.
The odd bream is still being caught with an increased presence of flathead starting to move around in the rivers a bit more.
Wardell Bridge has been a good spot to target big flathead in the past and remember than once they get over the 50cm mark they are female. It is nice to catch one that big and believe me it is just as rewarding to release her.
Good punting at the races and if you pick the winner the Queensland Boat Show is on in Brisbane this week.
Until next week fun fishing.
Back row: manager Dave Cowan, Daniel Fredriksen, Ryan Smits and coach John Wardrop. Middle row: Kahliff Glass, Alex Watson, Josh Cowan, William Ransford, Josh Fredriksen, Kurt Stevens. Front row: Kody Graham, Beau Ryan, Paul Carmichael, Luke Wardrop, Tim Graham, Josh Noble.
The Alstonville Allstars under 11s first division soccer team are off to a great start in the Champion of Champions statewide knockout competition after beating visiting Sydney team Collaroy 4-2 last weekend.
The Allstars provided spectators with a supercharged game of football and now take on another team from Sydney's North Shore in the second round.
The win capped off a highly successful season for the Allstars, who finished the season undefeated, won the overall pointscore championship, won their age group at the Dunoon and Alstonville carnivals and emerged victorious from the grand final after defeating Lismore Thistles 2-1 in extra time.
Coach John Wardrop was extremely pleased with the Allstars' team effort in the grand final.
"The boys had fixed grins on their faces for days afterwards," Wardrop said.
Jaguars roar
The Alstonville under 14s Jaguars earned high praise from the opposition coach, (Dave Scott, coach of Beacon Hill in Sydney) in their first round game of the Champion of Champions.
"It is fabulous to see how much this teenage boys team has matured - it's a great example to those coming through in younger age groups. Our team was top in the Sydney Cup but we sure learned that Alstonville have exciting soccer skills plus exceptional gamesmanship," Scott said.
The Jaguars beat Beacon Hill 2-1, following on from their major premiership win two weeks ago, their fifth grand final appearance in as many years making the Jaguars the most successful junior soccer team on record in the area.
What a year it has been for Australian and local rugby union.
On the international paddock we have seen the ACT Brumbies win the coveted Super 12 crown and the Wallabies again take all the silverware on offer, while locally rugby has never been stronger.
The Australian Rugby Union is now polishing the Tri Nations trophy and Bledisloe Cup to go beside the Tom Richards Cup they received after winning the British Lions tour for the first time in history.
We have also been witness to some other significant milestones, none more important than the culmination of the careers of two recent pillars in Australian rugby, coach Rod Macqueen and Wallaby captain John Eales.
In years to come we will consider ourselves blessed to have been around to enjoy what these two great Australians achieved - world dominance in our great sport and the lifting of the standard of Australian rugby nationwide.
Rugby aside, Macqueen and Eales, along with the other Wallabies, are largely responsible for boosting the level of pride we feel in being Australian.
This may sound a bit flowery, but have you ever cheered as long and loud as you do now when the Wallabies play?
Remember the 'Wobbly Wallabies' tag of the early 90's?
No, I don't like thinking of it either!
Nowadays we feel a sense of national pride when they take the field, and should the game be a close one - and they always seem to be - we now almost expect the Wallabies to pull it out of the bag in the end, no matter the odds.
Locally, we have had a season second to none, with many close games and fantastic spectacles.
Of special highlight was the rise and rise of Byron Bay.
Once considered the easybeats of the comp, Byron were more renowned for their punching skills than any rugby ability.
This year they have put that image to rest by playing some of the most entertaining and skilful rugby in the zone.
They have worked hard for this improvement and we all hope this continues as the town is a potential gold mine for local rugby.
Another highlight was the return of our Clarence cousins from Grafton back into the Far North Coast competition.
Grafton have a strong club and are a heartland for rugby development, watch out for some very strong teams coming out of there in years to come.
Here are some of the picks of the local and national season.
Best Forward - No.8 Mick Schneider, Casino.
This guy tackles like there's no tomorrow and leads his dominant forward pack with his technique and aggression.
Best Back - Fly Half Luke Sullivan, Byron Bay.
Luke was one of the main factors in Byron's improvement in 2001 with his vision and speed of service.
Best Tackler - Openside flanker Chad Duensing, Ballina.
Chad is young and strong but it is his low body height positioning that won him this accolade - there's no better exponent of the 'Hit-Lift and Drive' technique in the zone.
Best Runner - Fullback Kane Scott, Ballina.
Kane's balance and angled running is second to none.
Best Try - Try to Lismore outside centre, Scott Thererkauf in the preliminary final against Casino following lead up work that went through seven sets of hands down the sideline.
Most Dominant Team - Lismore Under 19s, who did not lose a game all year.
Best Highlight - The rise of Byron Bay in the zone standings.
Worst Lowlight - The loss of the Carlton United sponsorship.
Best Senior Club - Club Champions Lismore, who were in all grand finals of every grade, including juniors.
Best Junior Club - Wollongbar, won all junior grand finals in a very strong club effort.
Best Try - Toutai Kefu's superhuman effort to win the Tri Nations decider with one minute to go.
Best Tackle - Owen Finegan's devouring of Johnny Wilkinson in the second Lions test which turned the game, and series, in our favour.
Best Effort - Our local lad Justin Harrison's lineout leap to steal the ball in the dying seconds of the final Lions test - you legend!
Best Moment - Watching John Eales' face after the Tri Nations decider, his last test, when the huge crowd gave him three cheers.
Worst Moment - Watching Steve Larkham taken out late by Lions No.8, Scott Quinell in which he damaged his shoulder.
Best Cheap Shot - The 18 that Waratah, Duncan McRae landed on Lion Ronan O'Gara following some very unsavoury tactics by the tourists.
And that, as they say, is that.
Our 2001 season now draws to a close and we are left to relax, enjoy the time off, especially Saturdays, and contemplate either our successes or what could have been.
I would like to thank all those involved in helping make this season happen, and those who assisted me in writing this column - it has certainly been an interesting year, to say the least!
Enjoy the off-season everyone, take care of yourselves and I hope to see you again next year.
Yours in rugby,
Ed Rummery
For the first time in the 52 year history of Soccer FNC's premier division, the grand final will be contested without a Lismore-based side, when pointscore champions Maclean take on the young guns of Byron Bay, in an historic Oakes Oval decider on Saturday from 6pm.
Both Byron and Maclean will be playing in a grand final for the first time, graphicly illustrating the shifting powerbase in the premier ranks.
Byron Bay finished fourth on the ladder but have single-handedly and systematicaly knocked out all three of the Lismore heavyweights, in their most successful semis campaign on record. The Rams first disposed of Thistles 2-1 in the elimination semi, then erradicated Richmond Rovers by the same margin in the minor semi, before dishing up an unpalatable defeat for defending premiers Italo Stars in last week's preliminary final, yet again by a 2-1 scoreline.
While the Rams have been playing tough, sudden-death matches for weeks now, Maclean go into the biggest match in the club's history after just one game in the last month, a 2-0 home win over Stars in the major semi a fortnight ago.
The contrasting preparation raises the old chestnut of 'hardened match fitness' verses 'rested and free from niggling injuries', but one certainity is that spectators will witness two sets of players giving their all for a slice of history and their club's first major premiership.
Only one player will run onto the paddock with previous grand final experience, Byron Bay's top scorer Bruce Morhaus.
Morhaus won grand finals with both South Lismore and Thistles in the early 90s and will be rushed back into the Rams lineup after missing last week's win through suspension.
The Rams gutsy win over Stars without Morhaus says a lot for their depth and determination. Trailing 1-0 with seven minutes to go the Rams looked gone, but subs Luke Glanz and Glen Sheldrick typified the fighting spirit growing within the side, scoring two late goals to snatch a thrilling win.
With Morhaus back to partner Jed Wright in attack and midfielders Todd Knaus and Nathan Jones in top form, the Rams have plenty of options in attack, while in defence Floyd Pandava is expected to return to his usal role in the back four, led by one of the best young sweepers to emerge in years, Aaron Richter-Steers.
Coach Graham Bird has the Rams playing an organised structure and their ability to hold shape and absorb pressure has been another key element to their success.
For all their attributes, the Rams will still have to be at the peak of their game to roll the confident Bobcats, who have gone 15 games without defeat.
Ironically, the last side to beat the Bobcats was Byron Bay back in May on the Rams home turf.
Maclean extracted their revenge by whipping the Rams 5-1 in the return fixture on the Clarence, setting the stage for a classic showdown in the decider.
Maclean's intensity has been a trademark of their game all season and will be at fever-pitch on Saturday, as the side plays its last game together and looks to exorcise the ghosts of '99.
Two years ago Maclean won the minor premiership for the first time, but failed to progress to the grand final, leaving the Bobcats determined to complete 'unfinished business' with a side playing its swansong game.
Golden Boot winner for the last two years Daniel Fung and classy flanker Aaron Bylos are both moving to the Gold Coast, while midfield general Graham Beamer is talking of retirement and Beau Paine is likely to be leaving the area.
The closely-knit team will be determined to end their combination on a high and with a star-studded lineup that has consistently produced quality soccer all season, the Bobcats go in as favourites.
Fung and striking partner Grant Nielson have been the premiers most dangerous combination in attack and with a midfield boasting Kevin Crofton, Aaron Bylos, Graham Beamer and Beau Paine, goals can come from anywhere.
In defence, stopper Craig Anderson has had a superb season containing opponents key attacking players and will probably be assigned to keep Bruce Morhaus quiet.
Bobcats coach Jamie Harris has had a dream first season, winning the coach of the year award and lifting the side to the verge of a premiership double.
Harris is sure to have the Bobcats focusing their intensity on his game plan, which is sure to revolve around attacking options.
Getting the ball wide to stretch the Rams defence will be a key element and if the Bobcats deliver quality ball to Fung and Nielson, the two deadly finishers will do the rest.
With both sides looking to create history in their inaugural grand final, early nerves could play a role in creating chances through defensive errors, but once both sides settle the match should produce an engrossing contest for the season's ultimate prize.
Two curtain raisers will be played before the premier division grand final, with the day's action commencing at 1:30pm with the over 35s grand final between defending champs Thistles and arch rivals Italo Stars, followed by the premier reserve division grand final at 3:45pm when Richmond Rovers will be chasing the premiership double, also against Stars.
Grand finals in four of Soccer FNC's senior mens divisions were fought out last weekend, with Richmond Rovers showing their enormous depth by winning both the first and first reserve division major premierships.
Rovers beat arch rival Bangalow in both deciders, scoring a massive 7-1 win in firsts to complete the premiership double and a 1-0 win in reserves.
Nimbin took out the second division double after a penalty shoot out win over Casino, while in thirds, Ballina scored an emphatic 5-1 win over Brunswick Valley.
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The Rainbow Region Masters Games organisers outdid themselves in 2001.
Games organiser John Bancroft is over the moon at the way the event went off.
"The reaction from people has been really positive. Everyone enjoyed themselves. A lot of people are sore and tired but they're happy!" Bancroft said.
The action above is from the grand finals of the Masters Cricket, which was won by Workers, and the soccer.
The students from the Southern Cross University School of Exercise Science and Sport Management organised an extremely successful Darrel Chapman fun run last Sunday.
Fun Run supervisor Dr Dave Arthur took time out from recovering from the Masters Games to sing the praises of the 2001 fun run.
"It was a big day with great weather and everyone did a wonderful job. The students from the SCU School of Exercise and Sports Management should be very pleased with themselves as they organised one of the most successful well organised fun runs to date. The University's involvement was also integral to the success of the event, and the Fun Run will certainly be a permanent inclusion on our yearly calendar. We're now looking forward to our ten year anniversary next year," Dr Dave said.
The Darrel Chapman Fun Run attracted more than 600 runners this year and raised over $5,000 for the Cancer Council.
Darrel Chapman was a local character who captained the legendary South Sydney Rabbitohs and played with the Australian Rugby League side, the Kangaroos. He was also instrumental in the formation of the North Coast Academy of Sport, the SCU School of Exercise Science and Sports Management and the NSW Academy of Sport.
Darrel died due to cancer in 1992 and the Fun Run has been held in his honour every year since.
The Summerland Australian Football League Season 2001 Grand Finale takes place at Fripp Oval, Ballina, this Saturday from around midday when the Far North Coast Junior AFL play curtain-raisers before the big clash between the Byron Magpies and the Ballina Bombers which will begin at 2pm.
Last week Ballina was too strong early in the preliminary final to run out convincing winners 18.10.118 to Grafton's 6.6.42.
A last quarter lapse by the Bombers saw Grafton score 32 points to 8, an error Ballina cannot afford this week if they want the season's ultimate prize.
Byron has won all five encounters against Ballina this year, but Ballina did give the MAggies a run for their money on two occasions when they lost by 6 points in one game, and by 17 in another when they kicked 5.19 for the game.
Their last clash saw Byron absolutely whitewash Ballina in the major semi final two weeks ago, crushing them 28.16.184 to 3.5.23, at Grafton.
Byron has been in awesome form this year with a load of talented players making them a strong, team-oriented squad. Unbeaten this year they have notched up 17 consecutive wins, and are definite favourites to wrap up their hat-trick of grand final medals.
A whole Magpie effort has the likes of John Porritt rucking to onballers Joe Davidson, Jason Rawnsley, and Nathan Moss who deliver forward to Jason Black, Jamie Smith, Tim Fisher, Darren Lunan, and Stuart Burns. The defensive line has also been a fortress with Gary Nash, David McLean, Dean Baulch, Gannon, Robinson, Hurley combining to keep opposition chances to a minimum.
The SAFL Season 2001 Presentations vote count for the Best and Fairest Player also handed Byron another accolade with Nathan Moss emerging the 2001 Runner Up.
Ballina also has its share of skilled players with Brian Walshe, the SAFL 2001 Best and Fairest Player, also the 2001 Player of the Interleague Carnival. Full forward Peter Plummer also heads a dangerous forward line, and was crowned the 2001 SAFL Leading Goalkicker (61). He is in good form for this week's battle after kicking seven goals against the Tigers, and has booted nine, four, three, and one against his most likely nemesis Gary Nash, in each of their games against Byron.
Plummer is supported well in the forward line by Tim Price, Paul Ellem, Damien Holland, Scott Carraige, and this week the return of Captain Mark Stafford to the side will boost the morale of the Bomber underdogs. Roving Ruckman Roly Wintle has been inspiring for the Bombers during the season and has given plenty of opportunities for the Ballina crumbers to clear. Gerard Piper has marshalled the Bomber defensive zone, leading by example to regularly drive the ball back out and fly high for the spoils. Youngsters Rowan Glover and Bob McCallum have been learning fast and improve with each game while utility players Jamie Steele, Luke Crowe, Jake Gardiner, Brad Schofield, and Tony Archibald add to the experience of a potential grand final upset.
A $2 gate fee goes to raising monies for the SAFL, a non-profit entity, helping to promote and continue the development of the game in this region.
Jason Rawnsley (c), Nathan Moss, Joe Davidson, John Porritt (coach), Darren Lunan, Jamie Smith, Eddie, Jason Black, Dean Baulch, David McLean, Tim Fisher, Lachlan McKenzie, Gary Nash, Dean Hurley, Mark Tucker, Stuart Burns, Ben Robinson, Mick Donahue, Carl Norton, Chester Dot, Jarrah Davidson, Steve Gannon, Cade Davidson, Dane Davidson, Mick Hosking.
Mark Stafford (c), Hayden Borley, Peter Plummer, Luke Crowe, Tony Archibald, Luke Collier, Paul Ellem, Tim Price, Craig Ross, Scott Carraige, Jake Gardiner, Bob McCallum, Rowan Glover, Damien Holland, Gerard Piper, Brad Schofield, Josh Long, Roly Wintle, Brian Walshe, Michael Woods, Scott Hurley, Bob Burns, Craig Borley (coach), Jamie Steele, Shawn Hartley, Paul Frangos.
The Lismore Swans were bundled out of the finals race when Grafton won the most thrilling match of the season in the elimination minor semi final.
Copping their worst injury toll of the season, the Swans lost three top players with broken bones and finished with four in the Grafton Hospital. A top crowd-pleaser saw the Tigers continue with a victory of six points, only to go down to Ballina last week in the preliminary final by 76.
There will be an airplane lollie-drop before the big game for the kiddies (and big kiddies) and the Ballina Band should kick along an entertaining day of the local regions top Aussie Rules clubs, as they fight for the winnerís prize of a Grand Final Medallion.
Twilight Netball will commence on Monday, October 8, at the Lismore Netball courts Ballina Street Lismore.
Cost per team is $110, which is for 10 weeks of competition and to be paid on the first night of competition.
Teams are to supply their own umpire, ball and position patches.
Teams are to be of players at least 16 years of age, however you can have three players under 16 years of age in your team but only one on the court at any time.
Time slots will be 6pm and 7pm depending on number of teams nominated.
Nominations close on Wednesday, October 3. Contact Lynne Sims on 6621 2038 or Shirley Donovan on 6621 6483.
All enquiries to Lynne Sims 6621 2038.
As the Cronulla Sharks' campaign to make the NRL grand final intensify captain David Peachey is calling on the Aboriginal community to get more involved in sport and recreation.
David has joined NSW Sport and Recreation Minister John Watkins to urge Aboriginal community leaders to apply for State Government funds - to establish sporting opportunities for Aboriginal people across NSW.
"Since my days as a young kid running around in Dubbo sport has been a major part of my life," David Peachey said.
"It has taken me to playing sport at a state and national level and enabled me to have a career as a sportsman.
"It also keeps me fit and healthy and helps me to feel good about myself. And I love the mateship that comes from playing team sports," Peachy said.
The Department of Sport and Recreation assists Aboriginal people to get active in a number of ways. This month it is calling for applications for a slice of $100,000 under its Aboriginal Community Grants Program.
Mr Watkins said the Department of Sport and Recreation has assisted Aboriginal people with the following programs:
"We've also funded programs which have helped give kids a positive focus, and helped them to connect with and respect their local Aboriginal elders," Watkins said.
Through NSW Sport and Recreation David Peachey acts as a mentor to country kids, coaching them in the basic skills of rugby league and touch football, and encouraging them to participate in sport.
The grants scheme is one way to create sporting opportunities. For information or an application form call the Department of Sport and Recreation 13 13 02, or contact Mr Paul Hernage, Regional Director for the North Coast Regional Office of Sport and Recreation on 6687 7168 or phone Ricky Lyons, on (02) 9006 3826. Alternatively information is available on the NSW Sport and Recreation's website: www.dsr.nsw.gov.au
Applications close on October 26, 2001.
NSW Sport and Recreation has a number of other initiatives to increase Aboriginal participation in sport and recreation. They include:
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Bowled Over
Hook and Slices
