Sports News
 Bowled Over
In a Heartbeat
Members of the Heartbeats Bowling Club are reminded that the last meeting of the year will take place at Alstonville BC on Monday, December 10, when members and their guests will enjoy a game of bowls followed by lunch.
All bookings can be made by phoning Brian on 6621 5024 or Ray on 6622 1792 by this Saturday, December 8.
Since I started playing bowls a mere six years ago, I have read many books on the subject and one person always mentioned is the famous David Bryant. Arguably one of the best the world has seen, David's entry into this great game is a fascinating one.
Loaned to me by Terry and Moya Doyle, the book, titled The Story of Bowls: From Drake to Bryant, edited by Phil Pilley, has lots to relate from David's life. I found the following excerpt headed How I Began written by David Bryant himself in 1966, most interesting.
'My dad was a fine player. I almost lost count of the times he won the Clevedon club championship. Even when I was a babe in arms, Mother used to take me down to the club; and long before I began school, I used to toddle round to Princes Road, climb on a seat at the end of the green and watch the afternoon bowlers in action.
Much as I enjoyed watching, the urge to go out and try for myself was ever present, and when I discovered a set of old bowls behind the Exmouth clubhouse Dad had no peace until he had asked the greenkeeper if they were wanted. Dad handed over five shillings and I became the proud owner not only of a set of woods, but of a jack to go with them. Soon they were augmented by a set of 16 croquet balls. These, of course, were not biased, but as the family lawn slopes across its ten-yard length, this did not matter too much. Soon some of the most important fours in the English season were taking place on our lawn, with seven-year-old David Bryant filling all positions in both sides.
Dad was always telling me to master length bowling and the draw shot, and - often overlooked - the importance of being content with second wood when the head looks ominous. But at that stage of my life I was much more taken with the cannons, yard-on shots, jack-trailers and, above all, firing shots. I became very accurate with the firing shot - and I was seven years old.
I had my first game on the club green at eight, and later that year war broke out. For most of the next six years Mother was almost my only opponent and very good she was, too.
It was not until October 1947 had come and gone that Dad asked me if I wanted to join Clevedon. I decided I would. At about this time my eyesight deteriorated badly, and I found that my performances on the cricket field, where I was opening bat for a school team, were not very satisfactory. My other love was tennis, but I began to play bowls in the evening and, finding the games did not mix, decided to concentrate on bowls, though until recently I mixed this with table tennis in the winter.
I won the Cleveland club handicap in my first summer and reached the semi-finals of the Somerset singles in my second year. It was about then I realised I possessed some flair for the game and decided to try seriously to improve.'
Perhaps if we had started when we were six, there might be a story or two to rival David Bryant's.
Until next week,
good bowling.
 Hook and Slices
with Stan Bendall
Children's Home Charity Day
Alstonville
Members will travel to Yamba for a two person ambrose this Sunday. The bus departs from the rear of the Federal Hotel, Alstonville at 6.15am.
The Christmas Party and Presentation night were held last Sunday. Greg Cross from the Transit Centre is the 2001 club champion, Tony Threlfall is the A grade champ, Dave Harley the B grade and Tony Melbourne the C grade champion. Ian Welch is the club net champ; Terry Hargrave the matchplay champion and talented big hitting member Robert Hicks is the pointscore winner.
Casino
The Christmas hampers continue for another couple of weeks with this weekend's hamper on offer for a 4BBB stableford this Saturday.
Visiting golfer Mike Smith scored the best round of the day last Saturday with 64 on his first time around the course. Although he was ineligible for the hamper and the medal he was well recompensed. Club pres Malcolm Claude won A grade and the medal from the bloke I'm picking to win next year's club championship, Scott Thomson - you read it first in this newspaper! Darryl Green is still poking them up the middle and took out B grade from Jim Donnelly who finished runner up on a countback. Darren Morrissey had a top day and broke 90 for the first time to win C grade from Graham Cross.
Terry Heir figured in last Thursday's comp, winning from Scott Thomson while Harry Rankin showed he still has all the skills by taking out the 11 hole comp on a countback from Greg Northfield. Onya Harry!
Coraki
There will be a two person ambrose this Saturday for Christmas hampers.
On Saturday, December 15, there will be an 18 hole stableford played in two grades.
Smiling Tony Clark won the single stroke last Saturday from Peter Martin. Greg Johnston took out B grade on a countback from Neil Clark and Arthur Foley won C grade from John Bryant.
Lismore
There will be a 2BBB stableford this Saturday and then another on the following Saturday.
Don't forget the North Coast Children's Home Charity Day this Saturday. More players are needed for this worthwhile charity event. it will be a four person ambrose with a shotgun start at noon.
The Red Cross Charity Golf Day will be held on Friday, December 14. Brekkie at 7.30am, tee-off at 8.30am, presentation at 1.30pm, cost is $25 and it will be a four person ambrose. Again, more people needed.
Brenton Hare won the single stroke event last Thursday from Alex McDowell and Luke Sharp (son of that famous Iluka golfer, Mark). Murray Cooper won the first nine from Bob Sydenham. Brian Hayes won the second nine from Joe Mielcarek. Steve Fredericks again took out the gross with a 2 under par round 68 and Barry Pratt won the nearest the pin award.
Mel Sawtell recorded a 61 net last Saturday to win A grade and the December medal by 3 shots from Bob Rose and local cop Adam Rhodes. Steve Morrissey won the gross with 1 under 69. Vets preso Brian Hayes won the B grade form Callum Agnew and John Coster. Kevin Franey won the gross. Stewart Hase won C grade from Peter Lampard and Dale Smith. Brenton Hayes won the gross and the young and talented Bill Carlson win the medal of medals Wilson Motel Mug with a net 70.
The Rotary Charity Day last Sunday was a great success with about 120 people participating. Rod Kirkland's team won the day from the Morrissey clan (Mick and his good wife Janelle and cousins Steve and Scott - a real family affair). Onya boys and girls!
Work on the third tee and combining the fourth and 17th tees is coming along nicely and they should soon be ready for turf.
The new committee for 2001-02 is:
- President - Charlie Johnson
- Captain - Ed Bennett
- Vice President - Col Arnett
- Vice Captain - Geoff Sheaffe
- Match Committee - Brian Deegan, Errol Kerr, Bill O'Sullivan, Bruce Willoughby and Stan Bendall.
- Greens Committee - Jim Kelly, Dick Smith, David Noble (handicapper)
Woodburn - Evans Head
A 4BBB versus par will be played this Saturday for Christmas hampers.
On Saturday, December 8, a single stableford will be played.
June Howard took out A grade in the ladies 18 hole stroke last Wednesday. Dianne Perkins took out B grade and Irene Crampton won the putting comp.
John Ramsay won the veterans' 12 hole stroke event last Thursday from Alex Smith.
Rob Lassig won the overall trophy in last Saturday's single stroke and B grade. Big Keith Sawtell took out A grade, Brett Forrester won C grade and Irene Crampton won the ladies section.
Marina Davey won the ladies section last Sunday.
 What's My Line
with Ian Clark
Hunting for a Flattie
Not much to report this week. I have not been fishing for a while as the weather has not been its best.
There are some good reports about, with the fresh water from the recent rains stirring a few things up. And some nice flathead have been amongst it.
Many anglers check the sand or river flats at low tide for signs of flathead as they say the flathead usually return at high tide to the same spot or to one close by.
This theory could well have some validity to it, as evidenced when a tagged flathead was recaptured in the Southport Seaway.
The fish was earlier caught and tagged at Paradise Point at 65cm. 1867 days later she was caught in the Southport Seaway, 8km further south, at 85cm. The fish was released again.
The same happened with a red emperor in Southport. He was captured and released six times! All anglers that caught the fish were fishing in the same area by about 20m. At this stage, we believe he is still swimming around in the same area.
At Evans Head there are bream and whiting along the beaches. Be prepared for an early rise because once the wind gets up they go very quiet.
Luderick have come close in around the walls and flathead and whiting are in good numbers on the bottom end of the river. The small ones are outnumbering the big too.
Around the headlands there are some tailor and bream.
If keen to get outside there have been some good catches of snapper and trag on the reefs in close.
At Ballina it is much the same.
Whiting are best up around Pimlico and some school jew are moving about within the system as well.
Bigger schoolies are being caught along the walls.
The bream are also hanging around the walls on the edge of the brackish water.
It has been quiet offshore with some snapper being picked up on the far out reefs.
Luderick are kicking around in their usual haunts along with a few catches of mangrove jack in the creeks and man made lakes.
The bass have been off and on with best strike rates coming around the Wyrallah and Casino areas.
That's all for this week. Short and sweet.
Until next week,
fun fishing.
Win with Water Safety
 Olympic medallist Matt Welsh modelling one of the T-shirts and hats you can win.
The Northern Rivers Echo has teamed up with Australia's biggest water safety initiative 'Wet 'n' Wise' to give you the chance to win some great prizes to enjoy over summer.
'Wet 'n' Wise' is a partnership between the Royal Life Saving Society Australia and this year's program has the backing of top Olympic swimmer, Matt Welsh.
We have some great 'Wet n Wise' T-shirts for you to try and win and we also have some very cool 'Wet n Wise' hats up for grabs, as seen in our picture of Matt Welsh.
Latest figures show 269 Australians drowned in preventable water related activities during the period from 2000-01.
'It's up to everyone to learn more about water safety so that we can prevent tragedies. Drowning is now the 4th most common cause of accidental death in Australia,' Welsh said.
'We can all play a role in reducing drownings - 70% of all drownings happen in inland waterways and people have to be aware of the dangers of lakes, rivers and dams.'
'Families can get more information about water safety by visiting wetnwise.com which has tips for kids and adults as well as educational games for children to play.'
- If you would like to win one of our great 'Wet 'n' Wise' hats or T-shirts, all you have to do is ring The Echo on 6622 2888 10-10.15am on Monday, ask for Caitlin and give the answer to this question: What stroke was Matt Welsh swimming when he won his three medals at the Sydney Olympics?
Southern Hospitality
Lismore Workers have set Southern Districts a tough target of 182 in the LJ Hooker Cricket League but Souths, unlike the Australian cricket team, look to be in good enough form to manage a hard chase.
Workers openers started the trend with David Breckenridge (27) and Damien Lovett (35) managing a 62 run partnership before the first wicket fell.
Alex Watts came to the rescue for Souths, taking 3-17 off just 7 overs and breaking the tenth wicket partnership for 37 between Tim Townsend (29) and Ward Ritchie (7 not out).
However Workers couldn't follow their strong batting performance with an equally impressive showing with the ball.
Workers' bowling was a bit loose, the 12 extras putting Souths at 1-51 at stumps and in with a reasonable chance of meeting their target and taking a first innings victory when they go back in this Saturday at Nielson Park.
Alstonville struggled with the bat against Norths-Goonellabah RSL last weekend at Oakes Oval, only managing a score of 124.
Bill Crane (39) was the only Alstonville batsman to total more than 15 and managed to give a taste of respectability to an otherwise disastrous innings.
Clynton Halstead (3-16 off 10) and Daniel Hughes (3-24 from 13) did most of the damage for Norths-Goonellabah RSL.
Alstonville were also a bit undisciplined in the field, giving away 11 sundries to see Norths-Goonellabah RSL at 2-37 at the end of the day's play and in a strong position to take the first innings points.
The Ballina Bears knocked up an impressive 241 all out last weekend against Marist Brothers at Fripp Oval putting the pressure on Brothers for the chase this Saturday.
Opener Scott Brown scored an impressive 90 before falling leg before wicket to Steve Arnett.
Adam Rose also contributed to the Bears' high score, managing 82. The only real high point of the day for Brothers was the performance of Stuart Fiedler, who came on late in the day and took 4-8 off just 4.2 overs.
Casino used their home ground advantage to put Lennox Head on the back foot last Saturday.
The Cavaliers declared at 8-211 thanks to a strong performance by their top order, including opener Adam Shields (71), Michael Wood (57) and Michael Kilkeary (36).
Casino then had Lennox at 2-27 at stumps, needing a strong performance this week if they are to deny the Cavaliers the points.
It was a similar story at Thompson Oval, Brunswick Heads where Tintenbar-East Ballina look to be very much in control of the game against Brunswick-Byron.
The Tintenbar-East Ballina top order fired with Mick Warburton (56), Steve Beck (30) and Kent Shay (50) getting the visitors off to a great start.
Tintenbar-East Ballina declared at 9-244 and have Brunswick-Byron at 2-25 in reply and with a big chase ahead.
A workout a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
 Lismore resident Don Patch goes through his paces under the watchful eye of SCU Human Movement Science student, Amanda Scaysbrook.
As part of a federal and state campaign to reduce coronary heart disease by encouraging greater physical activity, Southern Cross University has been working with local doctors to develop a fitness and exercise program that can save lives and significant amounts of precious health funding.
GP Dr. Andrew Binns, said around 95% of the population will see a doctor within any three-year period, yet only one in four is likely to be physically active on a regular basis.
Teaming up with SCU Human Movement Science lecturers, Allan Davie and Jak Carroll, Dr Binns helped develop a Care and Prevention program that put SCU students together with local patients in laboratory trials that provided valuable data on how exercise and fitness can affect health levels.
The program involved patients being referred by Dr Binns for assessment.
Then, an exercise routine was tailored to the individual and monitored by third year Human Movement Science students incorporating their Exercise Testing and Prescription unit.
Working with the patients for one and a half hours three times a week for 12 weeks, the students conducted diverse programs involving such exercises as walking, swimming, weight training, bike riding and the new technique of Nordic Walking, incorporating the movements of cross country skiing.
The course was offered free to all patients, who enjoyed not only a personalised program designed specifically for their needs, but also the free use of the SCU gym and equipment.
The program proved to be a success for all concerned, with the patients showing impressive results. One diabetic man dramatically reduced his insulin dependency and another lost 10 per cent of body mass during the 12-week period.
Lismore resident Don Patch complimented the students and staff on the program, saying it had helped him dramatically.
'They were unreal,' he said. 'They monitored my heart and breathing rate and ensured I did not put myself at any risk. Consequently, I can now monitor myself after learning how to understand my breathing rate and I feel far better for it.'
The students also benefited from the one-on-one experience with the patients as well as working with a local GP, according to student Abby McMaster. 'The improvements in our patients' health were obvious as was the potential for cost saving from less need for medication,' Abby said.
Lecturers Allan Davie and Jak Carroll were impressed with the results and will look to enlarge the program in 2002. They also intend to apply for a government grant to develop a pilot program which would incorporate more local GPs.
'This is a massive cost saving exercise for government health, along with being a massive boost in the well-being of patients,' Allan Davie said.
Dr Binns said he looked forward to the expanded program in 2002.
'I am pleased to say that the results were very good for the patients, who reached certain goals and in fact exceeded our expectations. The students were pleased to get hands-on experience and I was pleased to help my patients in a very positive and sustainable way.
'In all we felt this was a very successful project and we have now had discussions to expand the project for all final year students in the second half of next year.
'I am very excited about this and have extolled the virtues of this project to my medical colleagues,' Dr Binns added.
Ed Rummery
The Man versus the Little Racist
 In a sorry week for Australian sport where we had to being looking to 'Extreme Sports' to find something that meant green and gold victory* it is interesting to notice the difference in public reaction to Anthony Mundine and Lleyton Hewitt.
While Mundine has been pilloried from all quarters for his 'arrogance,' 'bad attitude' and 'big mouth,' Lleyton Hewitt has been praised for levelling the Davis Cup tie at 2 all.
The focus of the Davis Cup has been on the withdrawal of Rafter and the subsequent replacement and loss by Arthurs - never mind that if Hewitt had won his first singles match, against Escude, Arthurs' singles match would than have been a dead rubber and the Davis Cup ours.
This is not to say that it would be any less ridiculous to blame Hewitt for the Davis Cup loss - it is a team sport and in losses, as in wins, every member must take their share of responsibility (in fact, if any blame is to be apportioned then it should go to John Fitzgerald for making the decision to play two marketable singles players in the doubles instead of the fresh, specialist doubles players if he really has 'no regrets' about that decision then he should probably follow Rafter into retirement). It is simply to point out that excuses have been made for Hewitt: 'he's tired'; 'the pressures of being number one in the world' and his brash behaviour brushed aside. The focus on Hewitt this week has been on the positive aspects of his performance.
How quickly we forget.
This is the same sportsman who earlier this year called a linesperson a 'spastic' and came up with a barely plausible excuse to hide racist comments of another match official.
Compare this with the vitriol handed out to Mundine this week in the wake of his first loss in a sport that he has only been competing in for a bit over one year.
Now, Mundine can probably be justly accused of making some pretty stupid public comments in recent times (and if you look at the actual comments he made about the 'War on Terrorism' in context, they are very similar to a number of analysis put by noted international academics, although not as delicately put) but he's never been as offensive as Hewitt.
Mundine DOES have a big mouth; he says what he thinks. This used to be a quality we admired in our public figures - think Paul Keating calling Mahatir a recalcitrant: that brought a smile to almost all Aussie lips.
Mundine also does talk himself up but this is understandable in a sport that depends so much on confidence - if you go into a bout with even the slightest doubt in your ability you're going to get smashed.
It is not acceptable in any sport to abuse an official, something Hewitt has done many times and in horrible, schoolyard bullying ways. He HAS been fined but nowhere near to the extent of the fine that Mundine copped for his comments on America.
Hewitt has also been forgiven.
Suddenly the world's youngest tennis number one ever is Australia's favourite son.
John Fitzgerald was even telling an adoring press corps that he 'never stops learning' from Hewitt.
Mundine has received no such charity - the public and the media are baying for more blood - 'he got what he deserved' seems to be the most common assessment - South Sydney Leagues Club have even decided that Mundine's price to return to League has lowered.
Anthony Mundine has achieved a hell of a lot in his sporting career - an exciting rugby league player who refused to be tamed by administrators who want to homogenise the game for television, he turned his back on big bucks to try to become the best in the world in another harsh, punishing sport. And he hasn't missed his goal yet - he's only lost one fight from 11 and if he's half the fighter he believes he is Anthony Mundine will be back with a vengeance.
He deserves the forgiveness and support the Australian public have shown little Lleyton Hewitt - and not after he becomes world champion, before.
* Apparently Australia won the world skyboarding championship last week.
Karate Kids Go Off
If you are sick of the kids having too much energy and complaining that they're bored during the holidays there is a new project being trialled in South Lismore for preschoolers.
In a pilot project designed for 4-5 year olds called 'Kindy Mites' Success Martial Arts is offering free martial arts classes between now and Christmas.
For five years Success Martial Arts Instructors have been teaching a hugely successful program designed to develop concentration, physical coordination and self-defence awareness for 5-8 year olds. The popularity of these 'Mighty Mites' classes has stimulated the demand for younger children.
Richard Marlin, Karate Federation Coach of the Year, believes the program will be a winner for a simple reason.
'The big difference between the 'Kindy Mites' program and other martial arts programs apart from the age of the participants is our philosophy of total parental involvement,' Marlin said.
'We allow and encourage parental involvement at every opportunity. We also aim to make learning fun while gently directing the unbounded energy of our children in a constructive and positive direction.
We believe unreservedly in the limitless potential and the unique qualities of each child. This is an innovative program that will grow with the input of the people who love and understand their children the most - their parents,' he said.
If you would like your 4-5 year old to try out 'Kindy Mites' for free call Success Martial Arts on 6622 4799. The classes are being held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-4.30pm.
So come prepared to kick off your shoes, have some fun holding the pads and partnering your child - wax goes on, wax goes off!
Camping It Up
 Camp Quality fundraiser Stan Bendall with Furlongs wines consultants Margaret and Shane Spargo.
Last Friday night at the Lismore Workers Golf Club people were getting into the party spirit to raise the spirits of kids with cancer.
The club played host to a wine tasting to raise money for Camp Quality, a charity organisation that organises camps for kids with cancer.
A special thanks to the committee of the club for donating their premises and particularly to Phil Kelly (secretary/manager) for his invaluable assistance in helping with the organisation of the night.
Thanks also to Margaret and Shane Spargo of Furlongs wines for educating those of us with less knowledge.
If you missed the first tasting keep an eye out for a re-run - hopefully should be some time early next year.
Camp Quality is always looking for raffle ticket sellers and volunteers so if you can lend a hand please call Stan Bendall on 6622 1873.
|
