Sports News
 Bowled Over
Are you Ready?
With Pennants here for the men and only weeks away for the women, the question is: are you ready?
I acknowledge an article written by the NSW Women's Coaching Panel in March, 2000, titled Fitness for Bowls.
Lawn Bowls, like all sports, requires skill, fitness and concentration. To help improve the quality of these attributes, a series of exercises should be undertaken in conjunction with a good and healthy diet, plus adequate rest and relaxation.
Daily exercise of some kind will not only benefit a bowler's game but is crucial to one's health and well-being. Also, it is never too late to start stretching and the older we get, the more important it is to do stretching exercises on a regular basis.
With a regular program of fitness the recovery of lost flexibility and strength will be noticeable. Stretching is an ideal way of warming up, because it will relax your mind and body, ensuring the best performance and reducing the chance of injury. Regular stretching takes only a few minutes before playing and can be done as a regular start to the bowling day.
An exercise regime will:
- make activities easier as it prepares you for them and is a way of signalling the muscles that they are about to be used,
- reduce injury, muscle strain and make the body more relaxed,
- develop body awareness,
- promote circulation by increasing the activity of the heart and lungs,
- help co-ordination by allowing for freer and easier movement and FEEL GOOD!
Once into a routine, the key is to ensure a careful and gradual increase in the vigour of the program.
Exercising should be gentle, slow and easy and should not strain or tire.
If you are thinking of embarking on an exercise program of any kind for the first time, or if you have existing medical conditions, it would be wise to check with your Doctor first.
We all know about the necessity for a good, healthy diet but occasionally it may be well to remind ourselves about the benefits if we have slipped into more than a few bad habits - I'm always really glad when I read how good red wine is for us!
Rest and relaxation is the third factor mentioned earlier and long-term inadequate sleep will have a detrimental result.
Simple routines of stress reduction can be carried out during a game. Consciously relaxing the neck, shoulders, arms and chest so that the tension disappears will result in a smooth delivery and will help towards having an enjoyable and rewarding game.
Until next week,
good bowling.
 Hook and Slices
with Stan Bendall
Great Scores at Ballina
NRDGA
Hope everyone had a great Australia Day and doesn't it make you proud to be an Aussie?
An interdistrict match between the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast will be played at Coffs Harbour on February 16-17.
The Northern Rivers Directors' Day will be held at Mullumbimby on February 24. Phone Mullumbimby on 6684 2273 or nominate through your own club.
Ballina
The men will contest the February medal this Saturday while the ladies play a stroke for the first medal of the year and Brownie's RSL golfers play off for the monthly mug.
There were some exceptional scores last Wednesday and Friday due to all the tees being scarified and top dressed and also people playing on temporary tees which were much further forward than usual.
Keith Myers returned to the winners' circle last Wednesday, winning the overall trophy. David Mitchell won A grade from Peter Rooney, Tony Davis won B grade from Len Olsen and Gordon Fisher took out C grade from Ken Hardwicke. Athol Dodd achieved the ultimate in golf when he aced the par 3 18th hole. Top shot Ole!
Phillip Gordon won the single stableford last Friday on a countback from Charles Heynatz and Keith Johnson.
Peter Salgram, my old pennant enemy, won the single stableford last Saturday. Michael Harvey took out A grade on a countback from another former Lismore buddy, John Wright. Andrew Atkinson won B grade on a countback from Tony Hughes and Brian Clarke won C grade from Greg Messiter.
Kyogle
The February medal will be played this Saturday.
On Saturday, February 9, there will be a single stroke as the 12th round of the Summer comp and first round of the Summer Cup, sponsored by Norm and Pat Moore.
The Henrys, Mike and Luke, won the 4BBB stableford on a countback last Saturday from Des Wittleton and Jeff Watkins.
Fees next week will be $11 and the vets will recommence on Thursday, February 7.
Lismore
The first round of the Summer Cup will be played this Saturday over 36 holes.
Four 63s were recorded in the single stroke last Thursday. Geoff Gaggin won overall on a countback from Terry Duff and Arthur Monaghan. Les Britt won the first nine from top cop Neville Graham and Dean Skinner featured again by winning the second nine from Ken Pollack (the other 63). Peter Warren, (my tip again for Easter) showed his talent by recording a fine par round 70 also winning the nearest the pin. Hope you're not peaking too soon Pete! Balls were won with 69 or better.
Last Saturday in typical Australia Day fashion golfers teed off in the inaugural Australia Day Shield. Rosco Meyer, a very fine hitter of the ball, won the day, after returning to the golf course after a long absence. Onya Rosco, with a great 62. Nathan Scroope finished in second place by 2 and Terry Russell finished in third. Anthony Magarry won B grade with 63, winning on a countback from Mark Manning and Dean Skinner again. Deni Hyde took out C grade, also on 63, from Warren Walker and Lance Barry. Balls won with 68 or better.
Don't forget members - fees must be paid by this weekend. If you happen to be playing social golf at any time carry your current membership as there will be a course ranger on the course to check memberships. There is a season ticket available for golfers who play other sports and can only play six months of the year - see secretary-manager Kel and he will put you on the right track.
Don't forget the Kooralbyn Challenge - see pro Peter Jaegel for more info!
The club restaurant is now open for business after holidays so come and try the beautiful Italian Cuisine with Jamie.
Condolences to long serving member Russell Rose who sadly lost his wife Royale after a long illness. Our thoughts go with you Russ, and with all your family and friends.
Casino
A single stroke will be played this Saturday as the first round of the Green construction trophy, played over 36 holes, with Darrell Green supporting the club for many years as a member with his sponsorship. Top stuff mate!
Last Thursday's medley stableford was keenly contested between father and son Jim and Brett Pomelly. Young Brett took the honours from his dad on a countback - another good Casino family story! Reg McLennan equalled the pair with 41 points, but lost on the countback.
Milder conditions prevailed last Saturday with the greens recovering at a great rate and a north-easterly springing up in the arvo, making good scores a little tougher. Allan Walsh recorded the best score on the day with 42, which won him B grade from Keith Knight. Trevor Everest took out A grade from Terry O'Brien on a countback and Jeff Lassig was victorious by 2 in C grade from Warwick Francis.
Coraki
An 18 hole single stroke event will be played this Saturday.
On Saturday, February 9, there will be a single stableford in three grades as the Streckfuss qualifying round.
Pat Neven took the honours in the single stroke last Saturday, winning by 2 from Bert McGrath.
Woodburn-Evans Head
The February medal will be contested this Saturday.
The following Saturday, February 9, there will be a single versus par event.
June Hitchin took the honours from Val Forster in last Wednesday's single 12 hole summer comp.
Barry Townsend won the vets 12 hole stroke from Charlie Mayall last Thursday.
John Campbell won the overall trophy and B grade in the single stroke flag event last Saturday. Evergreen Bill Ferrier won A grade; Wayne Legge won C grade and Mary Baker took out the ladies section.
David Brodin won the RSL 12 hole stroke from Dianne Perkins last Saturday.
Brett Dent won the medley stableford from Kay Buckley last Monday.
 What's My Line
with Ian Clark
Fish have weekend off too
This week's article was supposed to be jam packed full of fishing action.
Thanks to mother nature it shall be short and sweet.
My family had the Australia Day long weekend planned well in advance with the wife and myself sorted for a day's outing with Ballina Charters and then myself for a couple of early morning sessions with the old man, Mac.
Mother Nature had different plans as she settled a nice low off the coast and with that introduced winds and big seas.
There was hardly anyone fishing and fresh bait was scarce. Not to worry - there is always this weekend.
The tides are not that good but coming off a full moon there should be some action about.
Lennox Beach looks pretty good, especially the reef, and if the seas die down during the week it will be worth a bash.
The actual beach looks good too with some nice deep holes and channels about midway along.
The water is very clean looking with good clarity. If it stays this way strong daylight will reduce your bites. So dusk and dawn will be the better times to wet your line.
The rivers are still firing fairly well. There were a few boats out on the weekend and most people who tried caught a couple.
It is hard to predict what will happen this weekend as the conditions could still be against us.
The spots I will be looking at are Lennox Reef or along the beach at Lennox or even Boulder Beach in the north corner had some nice deep water last weekend. It will probably wash out so bring extra traces and sinkers.
Byron has been pretty good of late with tailor and dart so there is another option and I've also heard reports of muddies in the Brunswick River.
Evans has been quiet as the river is full of juvenile fish and the boaties not being able to get outside.
The walls will probably be the best option as they fire when there is a bit of rough water splashing about.
So this weekend if the conditions are right I would be looking around the Lennox area or off the walls if there is still a bit of swell around.
Until next week fun fishing
Norths take Workers
Workers would have needed Michael Bevan to succeed in their run chase against Norths-Goonellabah RSL last weekend in the LJ Hooker cricket league.
Norths set Workers 224 but at 3 for 4 Workers were in trouble early.
John Bryant (3 for 39 from 16 overs) and Ben Griffin (3 for 22 from 14) put the boot in to Workers with strong bowling.
Norths will play Brunswick-Byron at Oakes Oval in the next round and should take care of them reasonably easily.
Easts took an outright win over Lennox Head at Oakes Oval, Lismore last Saturday.
Easts put in a strong first innings performance with the bat thanks to good knocks by Martin Tucker (47), Luke Bryant (37) and Shane Gregory (20) at all out for 195.
Easts backed up their batting with a fine performance in the field, dismissing Lennox Head for 89 in their first innings.
Ian Gregory bowled exceptionally well, taking a huge 6 wickets for 35 from 11 overs.
Lennox fared a bit better in their second innings and made 126 (despite Gregory raking another 3 wickets) but Easts easily made the necessary runs and took the outright victory.
Easts should have a tough one against Brothers at Nielson Park this round while Lennox will have to show an enormous improvement if they are to beat Souths at Hill Park Oval, Wollongbar.
Alstonville took a first innings victory over Souths last weekend in a low scoring game and will now take on Tintenbar-East Ballina at Saunders Oval, Ballina.
Alstonville scored only 132 in their first innings but Souths could only manage 120 in reply.
Brunswick-Byron suffered a first innings loss against Marist Brothers at Thompson Oval, Brunswick Heads.
Brunswick-Byron managed 172 in their first knock but Brothers took the game with 188 for the loss of only one wicket.
On the coast at Fripp Oval, Tintenbar-East Ballina also took a first innings win over the Ballina Bears.
Tintenbar dismissed the Bears for a total of 114 and then scored 6 for 117 to win.
The Bears will have to stage an Aussie-like recovery if they are to beat the Casino Cavaliers at Queen Elizabeth Park this weekend.
The Rhone Ranger and the Haunted House
 Where is the Rhone Ranger now?
Like most 10 year olds in 1942, Glen Sharpe was drawn to the old abandoned house near the North Lismore Cemetery.
The bigger kids said it was haunted so it was obviously too much of a temptation for any 10 year old not to take a quick peep through the window.
To this little bloke's amazement there inside was a dismantled aeroplane. A full sized plane, but something was missing. It had no engine or propeller. Its wings were stacked against the wall and adjacent to them was a very long rope made of some rubberised sort of material.
The door of the house was open so he had to have a closer look. He sat in the pilots seat and tried the controls, just a control column and rudder pedals, no instruments. Curiosity satisfied he ran home in case he got in trouble.
This apparently was the Rhone Ranger glider built and flown by local lads from about 1933 until the second world war, when most joined up to serve their country. It was built at the height of the depression by lads who 'Didn't have two bobs to bless themselves with'.
They may not have had any money, but they were not short of ingenuity and enthusiasm. The glider was launched into the air by the bungee rope mentioned above or by being towed behind an old car.
What happened to the Ranger afterwards? I have no idea. Did it fly on or was it left to decay? Perhaps your grandad knows. Why don't you ask him? Perhaps he even flew it. The Summerland Gliding club at Casino wants to know.
The following list contains the names of some of the glider pilots of the 30's; Jack Bates, Hilton Murray, Eric Avery, Greg MacAlister, Frank Reid, Fred Fraser, Alex Fraser, Reg Ashberry.
Can you add to or correct this list?
If so ring Trevor Mitchell 6621 5626
Trevor Mitchell
- Trevor Mitchell is the historian for the Summerland Gliding Club
Taringa edge out Southern Cross Credit Union Young Stars
 Taringa's Tristan Fraser turns FNC's Max Latimer inside out.
In a tight and at times quite physical encounter Taringa Rovers showed enough class to gain the spoils against an enthusiastic Far North Coast side in the Australia Day Challenge.
Taringa took control early and through some excellent work down the left by Tristan Fraser jolted the Young Stars defensive quartet into reality. Fraser showed his class by attacking Max Latimer and Clint Willoughby and through exceptional balance and speed he got in behind the defence only to run into the dependable Austin brothers.
From the intensity of the opening it was obvious Taringa were desperate to get an early breakthrough. On the 15 minute mark the ball was again played wide to Fraser who with some fast footwork stepped around Latimer and found himself in the box. The FNC cover defence of Willoughby and Austin were also well beaten but the strength of the challenge sent Fraser tumbling. Taringa were left short changed when referee Clive Owen dismissed penalty appeals.
The scare settled the Southern Cross Credit Union Young Stars and progressively they made their way back into the match. Possession was always going to be the key and through Willoughby, Casagrande and Crofton the home side worked some neat moves down the right in an effort to take the game to the Queenslanders.
This bright period for the locals was short lived though, when an ordinary cross from Taringa's Kris Dodd struck the arm of a Far North Coast defender. Referee Clive Owen pointed to the spot without hesitation, to the dismay of the Lismore crowd.
Shaun Molenda then faced up to University's Kai Connell, a late replacement in goal for the injured Scott Collis. Connell then proved himself a worthy choice by diving to his right and turning away the spot kick.
FNC grew in stature from Connell's heroic deed and contained the Rovers for the remainder of the term. Strong running up front by Casagrande and Jed Wright constantly put the Taringa side under pressure and ensured that any play from the back was hurried. Kris Dodd and Shaun Molenda controlled the flow from midfield for Rovers but again Jones, Smee and Crofton battled away and unsettled their rhythm, gaining valuable possession in return.
The second half proved to be a more spiteful affair as frustration settled into the Taringa team. The commitment from FNC shone during the early stages of the half and it resulted in some good chances to Jed Wright and Craig Wiblen.
As the game wore on the superior fitness of the visitors proved to be a factor. Taringa again took control with Dodd and Craig Slaughter outstanding.
Concerted pressure followed with substitute Reza Aysen again working the left channel for Rovers. Taringa captain Molenda having played a sharp wall pass with Dodd then crashed a 25 metre drive into the top right corner leaving young FNC keeper Mick Polak in despair and putting the visitors one up.
With eight minutes to go the Southern Cross Credit Union Young Stars battled to stay in touch with Polak making some fine saves. Rovers hit the post twice but did not score again. Time came to the rescue leaving the score indicative of the closeness of the match.
For SFNC Aaron Smee, Rick Austin and Kevin Crofton were outstanding while for Taringa Dodd, Fraser and Slaughter proved to be the difference.
Taringa Manager Paul Molenda was all praise for the FNC line up.
'This team was outstanding. They battled well and gave us a very competitive match. We found some of our players struggling and that is a good thing. It means we now have a clearer picture of who we want in the first team,' Molenda said.
The Southern Cross Credit Union Young Stars will travel to Brisbane to play the return fixture in March.
Dust Settles on new Coaching Appointments
While Soccer Far North Coast is yet to decide whether the 2002 premier division will be contested by 10, 11 or 12 teams, all 12 of last year's premier clubs have already appointed coaches in preparation for whatever the forthcoming season may bring.
As usual there's been a lot of shuffling, with seven clubs changing their coaching staff.
Those to stick with their existing coaches include last year's grand finalists, Maclean and Byron Bay.
Maclean's Jamie Harris took the Bobcats to their first premiership double and it's no surprise that he and Byron Bay's Graham Bird have both been retained.
Other clubs to maintain the status quo include Italo Stars (Jim Holmes), Casino (Bob Piccoli) and Alstonville (Michael Saric).
Perhaps the most notable move is that of former Ballina coach Peter Craig to Richmond Rovers.
Craig was looking for a fresh challenge after several years with the Seahorses, while Rovers coach Noel Field was hoping to take on a lesser role after four successful years at the helm.
Field will stay on in a supporting role for Craig and with enormous depth at the club the pair have plenty of talent to work with.
'I'm looking forward to a new challenge,' Craig said.
'Obviously it'll take a while to settle in but the club has a great structure already in place and a well organised coaching staff' he added.
The combination of Craig's technical nous and Field's vast knowledge of local players - in his own and opposing sides - will ensure Rovers remain among the leading contenders.
In other new appointments, two of the Lismore heavyweights - Thistles and Workers - have named long-serving club stalwarts for their first crack at coaching at the premier level.
Rod Lees will take over at Thistles, while Kevin Keevers will be at the helm for Workers.
Both face tough challenges to replace players lost during the off season, particularly Workers who have lost six of their best, including emerging talents Brad Hicks and Eli Gilfedder, who have both accepted scholarships at the Australian Institute of Sport.
Two coaches will be making a return after a few years off, with John Percival taking over at Ballina and Scott Hanson at Southern Cross University.
Percival has a wealth of coaching experience at several clubs, including leading South Lismore to the premiership double in 1993, while Hanson also has a good knowledge of Uni's squad after coaching the students in their first season in the premiers in '97 and managing the side under former coach Vlad Knaus last year.
South Lismore and Goonellabah filled the bottom two positions in 2001, but both will be hoping the appointment of new coaches will help reverse their fortunes in 2002.
Assistant rep coach Howard Stubbs will take over at Goonellabah, while at Souths, former Goonellabah junior coach Mal Sanderson has been given the nod.
Both have a lot of experience, but will be coaching a premier side for the first time - if the two sides make the cut.
Softball Clinic
A softball umpiring clinic will be held in Coffs Harbour on February 9 -10.
It will be run by David and Nikki Crowe who are level 5 accredited umpires. Anyone wishing to attend this clinic please give your name to Trish Claydon at Albert Park on Saturday.
Rats in Season
Although footy season doesn't start for a few months the Southern Cross University Gold Rats have decided to get a jump on the competition by starting pre-season training.
Training began last week with a light run and some touch football and anyone interested in playing should just show up to training at 6pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Maurie Ryan Oval, Southern Cross University.
The Gold Rats were disappointed to finish fifth last year, after playing a great 'must win' game against Byron Bay to make the semis but then losing definitively to Grafton in the first semi final.
Uni are looking to improve their performance in first grade this year and with a new coach, pre-season training and lots of new players the students are confident of a successful season.
Luke Prowse, former SCU and North Coast front rower and graduate of Sports Science will take over the first grade reins, assisted by Matt Barlow.
Although many players from last year's side have left including Tony Blazevic, Scott Edwards, Pat Love and Pete Watkins, the Gold Rats will still have plenty of experienced players to guide their new first graders. Matty Want, Steve Spinks, Damon O'Loughlin, Sandy Maxwell and Josh and Adam Condon will all return for the Gold Rats.
Club president and senior player Stuart Moore is looking forward to the upcoming season.
'We should have a strong competition year both in the under 19s and open competitions. As one of the senior members of the club it will be great to have Prowsey back. His experience and knowledge about rugby should prove to be a solid force this year,' Moore said.
Moore also suggested that anyone wanting to play should do so.
Steve Spinks will coach the under 19s but the Gold Rats are currently looking for a second grade coach. Anyone interested can apply in writing to PO Box 157, Lismore 2480 or contact Steve Spinks on 6687 6463.
Swimsafe Lessons for Preschoolers
The NSW Department of Sport and Recreation Pre-School Swimsafe lessons still have vacancies.
The Department conducts annual learn to swim and water confidence classes throughout the year and have lessons commencing in early February for the 18 month to 4 year age group.
The Department's Swimsafe Coordinator Tony Meldrum said that the main purpose of the program was to teach specific skills through games in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.
'Although the children may not get to a swimming stage, they will be encouraged to learn important life-saving skills such as how to blow bubbles under water, float and how to enter the water safely,' Meldrum said.
Eighteen months is the earliest age children are accepted into classes and an adult is required to stay in the water with each child to support them during the lessons.
The final series of lessons commence on February 4 at pools in Byron Bay and Ballina.
The lessons cost $29.70 for the nine-day program and pre-enrolment is essential.
For application forms or further information, contact your local pool or the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation on 131 302.
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