Sports News
 Bowled Over
with Lois Mawler
A Green Heart
The next get-together of the Heartbeats Bowling Club will be on Monday, April 8, at Brunswick Heads Bowling Club.
Members are requested to book early to assist in selection and catering arrangements. Names are to be phoned in to Brian on 6621 5024 or Ray on 6622 1792 by Saturday afternoon prior to play.
The first meeting of this group was held at Brunswick Heads nearly 11 years ago and it currently has more than 100 members. To belong members must have had open-heart surgery, a heart transplant or other associated major heart-linked operations. Partners of members are welcome as associates. More information can be obtained from either of the above men.
The St Vincent's Hospital 65 Years and Over Championships are on the horizon and as this is a popular event among the more mature men, you need to get your entries in promptly.
This is a mid-week competition and runs over five weeks for pairs and five weeks for singles. Pairs entries close on April 14 and playing dates are April 30 and May 9, 14, 21 and 28. Singles nominations close on May 12 and are played on May 28 and June 6, 11, 18 and 25.
Nomination fee per player is $4 and a playing fee of $3 will apply for each game.
Generous prize money will be given to first, second and equal thirds in both events. This is a NRDBA hosted event but should you require more information, see your club Bowls Secretary.
I am still in the process of studying the book Brian Johnson loaned me, Mark de Lacy's Think and Play Better Bowls and keep coming across gems which I think are worth sharing.
One of the most difficult things for bowlers to accurately judge is how short or long their bowl is - de Lacy reckons only one in 500 bowlers can accurately say from the mat how far off the mark a bowl is.
How often do you hear bowlers say, upon arriving at the head, 'I had no idea the bowls were so short/long?'
His point is, that if you are thinking you are 60cm short (when in fact you are 1.5m short) and you are relaying that information to Rupert, your computer, then of course your next bowl is still going to be short.
It follows then, that skips need to tell the truth when indicating to players how long or short they are. How may times have you arrived at the head only to find that the skip has under or over stated the distance, sometimes with all good intentions, but in reality, doing you no favour at all?
The only way to develop the skill of accurately estimating the distance from the bowl to the jack is to practise doing it and keep on until you gain consistency to within a few centimetres.
Roll a bowl, estimate the distance you think you are out and get someone to check or if practising alone, go and check yourself.
When you get it right, your Rupert will have the necessary data to produce more and more accurately weighted shots.
Having this skill is particularly important in singles because it is too time consuming to ask the marker after each bowl how far short or long your last bowl was. The player who has this skill certainly has a big advantage over the opposition.
Until next week,
good bowling.
 Hooks and Slices
with Stan Bendall
Easter Tournament Time
Lismore
Here we are finally at Easter, with Lismore Easter Carnival all ready to fire, the course looking good and ready to take on all comers. The event looks like attracting more than 200 players. There are trophies to be played for each day. The club thanks all the sponsors supporting this top carnival. There are quite a few golfers playing off three or less so we should see a new record created this year, to beat the current 66, which is jointly held by Phil Dolby (Ballina driving range pro) and Ballina's Sav Glavocih off the deck and off the back tees. Titleholder Robert Penman will be down to defend his title and will be hard to beat, as will Ballina club champ Neil Bullen.
Club champ Steve Fredericks has recorded some fine sub-par rounds over the past few months, and if he can string three together he will also be a big show. Watch the young talent from Mullum, Bradley Mott, 16 years of age, playing off 2. Don't forget, if you are not a golfer, then come down to the club, on Friday or Saturday night or both, and witness top entertainment, with Zeke Rivers and 'Elvis' international commencing at 7.30pm. The buffet dinner on Saturday night has been canned because of lack of numbers but 'Elvis' will still entertain. The volunteers have again done a great job laying turf alongside the tenth tee path, with a garden also laid, thanks to Prattie's boys. Well done fellas and girls. Don't forget the Italian style cuisine restaurant 'La Valle' open at your service managed by Jamie. See you all there and have a happy Easter weekend.
Last Thursday a single stableford event was played with Gildo Pagotto winning with 45 points, by one from Paul Gray (got lessons from talented daughter Emily) and Col McKenzie. Steve Fredericks won the gross with 4 under 66.
Best wishes to Barry Condie and his wife who are moving to the Gold Coast to live. Barry has been a member since 1946, and will be joining Helensvale in Queensland if anyone wants a game. Good luck Baz! Happy birthday to Bert Hicks, 80 last week and still walking the hills and playing golf.
The lady golfers played an 18 hole stroke last Thursday, with Mary Jenkins winning on a countback, Ada Kelly winning division 2, Helen Nobbs division 3, and Vianca Dadswell division 4.
NRDGA
Last Sunday Coraki Golf Club hosted the annual Blue Ribbon Mixed Foursomes played over 27 holes. The event was very well supported with 160 men and women golfers taking part.
Thanks Helen for putting up with me for 27 holes! Conditions were pretty good on the day with only a few showers and the course was presented in top condition due to the lack of rain.
There were certainly heaps of talented couples playing on the day, which was too hard to stick my neck out and pick a winner. The titleholders Jenny Causley (Lismore) and Jeff Grayson were there to defend their title, but alas it was not to be.
The Blue Ribbon event proved an exciting finish with two pairs tying on 116 which necessitated a sudden death play-off commencing at the first hole. The two finalists were Anne Jackson and Dan McPhee (Ballina), and Casino's Brad McLennan and Cassie Leeson. The play-off only lasted one hole with the Ballina combination of Anne and Dan winning with a bogie 5. Woodburn-Evans Head host next year. The 27 hole winners were Chris and Dot Rose with a top score of 97. Well done Coraki, and a great day was had by all!
Alstonville
Members travelled to Byron Bay last Sunday and played an 18 hole stroke event. Paul Flatley was the victor on the day, on a countback from Ross Woolfe with 74 net. Ross has been the bridesmaid for the past three weeks, and next time mate, don't catch the bouquet. Mark Fisher had a tiring day on the course recording an 83 net. Next game will be played at Woodburn-Evans Head on Sunday, April 7, with a 7am tee off and new members most welcome. The club plays every fortnight playing on most courses in the area. For more info ring Greg Cross - W 6621 8620.
Casino
This Friday a medley stableford event will be played, while next Saturday a single stableford will be played, with a medley single stroke on Easter Monday.
Victory at last! As stated in last week's column, Casino went into the last round of the Digger Roberts Jug only being 2 behind and favourites to win, and win they did! They won by 2, claiming the Jug for the first time in two years. Top stuff guys! With the course in good nick a stiff breeze provided some thought on various holes. However 48 points was good enough to win, with Tony Shaw and Dennis Westerman winning on a countback from talented young Northern Rivers rep Trenton Root and Brad Cooper. The best for Kyogle were Peter Allen (not the Tenterfield saddler) and Maurice Laarhoven beating Geoff Moore and Tony Roberts.
Casino pro Ian Halliday has obviously been giving some lessons to his dad John, as he took out Thursday's comp with 41 points, by 2 from Trevor McInnes.
Ballina
This Saturday the men and women will both play a single stableford event while on Sunday Brownie's boys will contest the Monthly Mug with the RSL.
Last Wednesday a single stableford event was played and won by David Shaw with 45. The A Grade winner was, Peter Smith, on a countback from Graham Fenton. Peter Craig took out B Grade from Vince Newman. The C Grade victor was Max Crummy from Colin Huett.
Last Friday another single stableford was played with Barry Davey winning the day by one from David Middleton and Adam Engel.
Last Saturday the overall winner was William Payne with 48 big ones (I thought all these four ball scores had finished). Cyrill F. Connors took out the A Grade on a countback from Barry Spry. The B Grade winner was Lismore's Tony Denny from James Hackett. The C Grade victor was Neville Anderson from Max Steinmann. Nearest the Pin - 3rd M Keen - 8th N Boyce - 9th A Layton - 14th M Schreiber - 18th R Lindsay.
Coraki
This Saturday an 18 hole stroke event will be played in three grades, with an 18 hole stroke for the April Medal to be played on Saturday, April 6.
Last Saturday a 4BBB Blanchs knockout was played with Alan Ganter and Geoff Browne winning the day with 51 from Tony Phillips and Ron Fuller (Jnr). Nearest the Pins - 3/12th W Roche - 6/15th R Swords - 9/18th D Lancaster.
Kyogle
This Saturday an 18 hole single versus par will be played.
Last Thursday a single stableford event was played and won by evergreen Rob Mortimer, winning by 2 from Paul Hillary.
The next veteran Open Day will be held on Wednesday, April 3, with the youngest male or female to play as well.
Last Saturday Kyogle golfers travelled over to Casino for the second and final round of the 'Digger Roberts Jug' only 2 in front. Sadly, playing Casino with a hometown advantage, benefited the locals with a win by 2. The Kyogle winners are in the Casino section.
Woodburn-Evans Head
This Saturday a single stableford will be played.
Last Wednesday an 18 hole aggregate stableford event was played and won by Shirley Payne and Lorraine McDonald.
Last Thursday the veteran golfers played a 12 hole stroke with Forbes Murdoch winning the day from Warren Woodcock
The men played an aggregate stableford last Saturday. The winners were Michael Gordon and Russell Eathe on a countback with Lorraine McDonald winning the Ladies section again from Sue Jacobson.
Happy Easter to you all!
 What's My Line
with Ian Clark
Winter Looms
With the long eared, stumpy tailed rabbit nearly on our doorsteps it is the last chance for a couple of days off in the warm sun before we get ready for winter.
I find that around Easter is a bad time to fish, but over the past week there have been good results and it looks like this will continue - if the weather is kind to us.
I hate to jinx everyone but we are planning to hit the bush for some good old roughing-it style camping. So hopefully it will not rain, as it usually does for us, when the tent looks like being thrown onto the roof racks.
Byron and Brunswick is still fishing well for tailor. Outside is pretty ordinary with the locals picking up the odd catch at their favourite 'secret' spots.
Mangrove jack have appeared in the bottom end of the Brunswick River, although I cannot confirm whether lures or live bait were used.
Tallow Beach through to and along Seven Mile is good fishing for bream and dart with the odd whiting popping up in amongst them.
Over the last week and a half schools of bait fish have been moving along the coast and this has brought the bigger pelagics close to our shorelines and estuary systems.
The Richmond River is proof of this as some big eye and GT trevally have been chasing the bait schools throughout the system. The best spot seems to be the stretch between Pimlico and Wardell.
Blue swimmers are still popping up in the dillies; jew have been active at night on squid and worms and luderick are hanging around the porpoise wall and Munsies Bridge.
The luderick are in amongst bream at the Evans walls while main beach has had some nice whiting being caught between the north wall and surf club.
The beaches are good for tailor, jew, bream, dart and whiting. Darkness seems to be the better time for fishing for tailor and jew while the others are picked up early morning, dusk and spot catches during the day.
It is hard to pick a spot this week. They all seem to be firing well.
The best tip would be to head to those hard to reach spots that the tourists do not know about. Black Head, the southern corner of Flat Rock and the South Ballina Beaches would be the pick of them.
On that note, on behalf of my family, I would like to wish your family a safe Easter break and one I hope that is successful in fishing results.
Until next week,
fun fishing.
Defence 2002: Hockey Coaching with renowned
ex-Australian Captain Michael York
Former Australian cricket captain Michael York will be in Lismore this week to run coaching clinics for juniors.
Former Australian Men's Hockey Captain, Michael York, is truly one of the legends of the game and is back on the North Coast after running a highly successful series of coaching clinics last year.
He will also visit a number of schools attempting to raise the profile of the sport.
'The North Coast has a good reputation for its junior development and I am very keen to help support some of the talented players coming through,' York said.
The series of clinics are being promoted as 'Defence 2002' and York intends to target midfielders and defenders, the positions he played throughout his career.
'I will be encouraging halves and backs to further develop their tackling techniques and to emphasise the importance of ball control in pressure situations,' York said.
Two sessions will be conducted at the Lismore turf field, at Hepburn Park, on Thursday, March 28, one for the 12-14 years from 4-5pm and one for the 15-18 years age group from 5.15-6.15pm.
In hockey circles, 'Yorky' was regarded as one of the best defenders in the game. He possessed - and still has - fantastic tackling skills and is an expert at reading and controlling play.
Each session will involve analysing tackling techniques and include practical training drills that helped Michael reach the top level of his sport. The Far North Coast rarely gets the opportunity to learn defensive skills from one of our country's best hockey players.
Michael's Representative Achievements include 285 Australian Caps, four Olympic Games, three Olympic Medals, three World Cups, two World Teams, one Commonwealth Games, 10 Champions Trophies and 20 National Titles.
Gromsearch
The Rip Curl Grom Search is on again. The event is for girls and boys aged 16 and under. It is a huge series which has heats in all states with the National final at the Rip Curl Pro at Easter next year.
Local heats will be held from April 10-13 at Broken Head.
Entries close on April 3 and forms are available from surf shops and club secretaries or by calling Keith Anderson at Surfing Far North Coast on 6685 7822.
The Maddog Surfing Far North Coast Regional junior titles have been rescheduled to the weekend of May 25-26 to accommodate Gromsearch.
For entry forms, again, check out your favourite surf shop or ask your club secretary.
The Easter Classic starts at Byron Bay on March 29 followed in April by the Wild/Bad Boy Pro Junior at Newcastle on April 4; the Surfing Queensland Classic on the Gold Coast on April 6 and the Pines Pro Junior on April 18 at the Central Coast.
Academy Seeks Board Members
The North Coast Academy of Sport is seeking nominations from members of the north coast community interested in joining their Board of Management for 2002.
Six positions will be declared vacant and filled at the Academy's annual general meeting in Goonellabah on April 22.
The Academy is a community-based organisation extending from Port Macquarie to Tweed Heads and aims to assist the development of talented junior athletes within this region. Foundation sponsors, the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation and Southern Cross University, have provided sponsorship to the Academy since its establishment in 1989.
Services provided by the Academy include sport specific development programs in canoe slalom, lawn bowling, netball, soccer, softball, squash, rugby union, triathlon and yachting. The Academy also supports the north coast sporting community with its Sport Smart, Coaching Conference and Athlete Subsidy Scheme programs.
'A major goal in 2002 is to increase the number of Academy sports from nine to 12, sports thereby increasing our athlete base to around 240,' Academy Chairman David Parkinson said.
'All positions on the Board are voluntary, and require a level of commitment including attending four Board meetings and various other Academy functions throughout the year.
'Applicants must be adults who reside on the North Coast and have a genuine commitment to the Academy's mission of sport development for high achieving athletes. Experience in the management of a local or regional sports club or association and a desire to advance our local community is also highly desirable,' he said.
Nomination forms and further details are available by phoning the Academy office on (02) 6620 3073, or visiting www.ncas.org.au. Applications close on Tuesday, April 2.
Urunga Swing Hard
The Lismore Croquet Club went down to Urunga in its defence of the Trevethick Shield last weekend.
Though Urunga won by 6 games to 2 there was little in the points score which favoured Urunga 106 to 101.
Urunga, which has now won the Trevethick Shield for the first time in four years of competition, got away to a three games to one lead on Sunday with the Lismore winners being Bev Bass and Robyn Stock.
Barry Davidson
Alstonville Win Grand Final
Alstonville took their revenge in the LJ Hooker cricket league final last weekend.
Cricket is a game where the statistics matter but can be misleading.
Tintenbar-East Ballina finished the season on top of the LJ Hooker cricket league table so it would seem natural to assume that they would be most likely to take out the competition.
The problem with this assumption is that it fails to take in to account the unusual cirumstances in which Tintenbar-East Ballina took out the minor premiership.
Alstonville were the team to beat throughout the season but were pipped at the post for the minor premiership in the second last round when Tintenbar recorded an unlikely outright victory over Workers.
Alstonville had the last word of the season last weekend when they took a first innings victory over Tintenbar in a rain-affected two-day match.
Alstonville took off to a shaky start after a run out and another wicket had them at 2 for 17 but the middle order and tail-enders rescued their title chances.
Semi final hero Brendon Drew again fired for Alstonville, coming in at number eight and top-scoring with 41. Bill Crane (26), David Alley (29) and Mark Newstead (20) also helped Alstonville post their total of 213.
Tintenbar fast bowler Jason Stewart was on fire with the ball, taking 5-48 from 22.5 overs but Alstonville batted stubbornly and plugged away to set Tintenbar a possible but difficult target.
Brendon Drew struck first with the ball, taking the wicket of opener Mark Warbuton for just 3.
Tintenbar were on the ropes at 9-118 with the Alstonville bowlers sharing the spoils around.
Jason Stewart tried to take the win all on his own, putting on 43 and top-scoring but Alstonville proved too strong and dismissed Tintenbar for 163, giving them their first premiership victory since joining the competition.
Congratulations also to Workers fifth grade for winning their grand final last Saturday.
Workers knocked up 164 in their 40 over a side game and then dismissed opposition Souths for 155.
A Tale of Two Semis
The 2002 Anzac Cup finalists will be determined by two intriguing semi finals that loom as vastly differing contests on Wednesday night (April 3), in what promises to be an engrossing double header at Weston Park, Goonellabah.
Richmond Rovers will take on a confident Southern Cross Uni outfit, boasting several impressive new signings, from 6pm. Cup finalists for the last two years Italo Stars meet a Thistles side hard-hit by suspensions to key players at 8pm.
Rovers' first round clash with Uni was one of the best games of the Cup so far and their re-match looms as a fast, entertaining and unpredictable contest. Meanwhile in-form Stars go into their clash with Thistles as raging favourites to eliminate the Blues, who are well under strength but still dangerous.
Rovers emerged victorious from their initial clash with Uni, but were left clinging to a 3-2 win thanks to a Tim Sheridan hat trick after 90 minutes of free-flowing soccer, in a game that could easily have gone either way.
While Rovers have won all three of their pool games and go in at full strength with classy new signings of their own in Queensland representative flanker Joshua Mann and former Ballina 'keeper Steve Hunt, Uni's new intake of students has provided a rich vein of talent that threatens Rovers' Cup aspirations.
Former Dutch national youth league captain Antinio Meyer scored a memorable goal past a stunned Rovers defence on debut, while ex-Dubbo striker Peter O'Neil has four goals to show from his first two outings and NSW schoolboy rep Mitch Amidy also looks set to make a big contribution.
With Uni expected to field a full strength combination for the first time, the students present Rovers with a huge threat to their hopes of a second title within three years.
The Sheridan brothers - Tim and Adam - have been in good touch and their ability to take chances will be crucial to Rovers' hopes, while in defence the experience of Brendan Matthews and the anticipation of Luke McAnelly will be put to the test by Uni's fast-breaking attack.
If their first clash is any indication this will be a match not to be missed between two quality sides, full of fast, attacking play, goal mouth action and fine individual performances.
While few pundits will be picking a winner between Rovers and Uni with any confidence, most will be backing Italo Stars to overpower Thistles in the night's second clash.
Stars have started the year in great form, belting in 17 goals in their three wins and after consecutive Cup final losses are determined to move into the 2002 decider to complete 'unfinished business'.
New signing Wayne Mortimer has quickly blended into Stars' lineup, providing a fresh spark in attack, while regulars such as Clint Willoughby, Craig Wiblen and Tim Casagrande have all found good early touch.
Last week's 3-1 win over defending champs Workers ended the Redmen's chance of extending their remarkable run after winning nine of the last 12 titles, leaving Stars hoping the result is an omen that they are truly the heir apparent.
By comparison Thistles' preparation is far from ideal after attempts to re-build their new-look lineup suffered a major blow with the suspension of three of their senior players.
Sweeper Andrew Hewett is out on a yellow card, while both striker Neal Harding and midfield dynamo Anthony Nind will be sidelined, after being sent off in last week's 2-0 loss to Uni.
New signing Simon Witchard also limped off with a bad ankle injury and remains a doubtful starter but, despite the loss, Thistles crept into the semis as the top side in Pool 1 after a win and a draw from their previous two games.
But, as a means of comparison, if final points for each side were compared across all three pools Thistles would have finished in sixth place and despite the traditional Blues spirit they will go into the game as obvious underdogs.
The Anzac Cup final will be played on Anzac Day at Oakes Oval.
Swimming Pretty
Whian Whian primary school relay team Chamonix Birrer (11), Bethany Trigger (9) and Sorrell McGee (9) are off to Sydney to compete in the state swimming championships. Absent Dael Leishman and Alana Shanley.
Four Whian Whian primary school students will have their chance to follow in the footsteps of great Australian swimmers this week when they head down to Sydney for the Primary Schools Sports Association Swimming Championships.
Bethany Trigger (year 4), Sorrell McGee (year 4), Chamonix Birrer (year 5), and Dael Leishman (year 6) are off to the Homebush Olympic Stadium to compete in the P6 relay (one teacher schools, made up of children years kindergarten - 6).
Chamonix started swimming to help with her asthma and just kept going.
'I love swimming, it keeps you fit and it's helped with my asthma,' she said.
'The early mornings are worth it, although sometimes it's a bit cold.'
Sorrell and Bethany are both looking forward to their first trip to Sydney.
'It'll be fun to go to Sydney to swim with all the other schools,' Sorrell said.
'It'll be great to swim in the Olympic stadium and meet other children,' Bethany agreed.
Whian Whian only has 19 students and the relay team were successful at the Lismore carnival and the regional carnival at Maclean before being selected along with Cabbage Tree Island for the state championships.
The team is looking for sponsors to support them in their tour to Sydney and anyone interested should please contact Bob Mitchell, principal Whian Whian public school.
Children and parents are also raising money by selling proteas donated by Wendy and Ted Goulding of Dorroughby for 50 cents a stem.
They are also supported by Warren Lewis Electrician, The Dunoon Masonic Lodge, The Dunoon Sports Club and The Whian Whian Pottery Restaurant.
Rolling on
Allan Dalton shows some of the skills that took him to the Paralympics.
Paralympians Kevin Faulkner and Allan Dalton passed on some tips about wheelchair basketball to Richmond River high students Allison Sneath, Allan Goulding, Caitlin Green and Josephine Phipps when they visited the school last Thursday.
Paralympians Kevin Faulkner and Allan Dalton were in the Northern Rivers last week encouraging children to have a go at wheelchair sport.
'Here in the country it's often difficult for wheelchair athletes to make up entire teams so they need able-bodied people to join in,' Faulkner said to a group of Richmond River year 11 students.
Faulkner also had some advice for the students.
'You've just been playing wheelchair basketball and you can see how much fun it is. Remember you've just been in a chair for a little while. It's not fun to have to be in a wheelchair for the rest of your life,' he said.
'You young people are coming to a stage in your lives where you have to learn about responsibility. You're going to be in situations where you're learning to drive, there are drugs and alcohol around and at times you'll be subjected to peer group pressur ,' he said. 'Enjoy life and set yourselves goals. Remember that anything you want is possible with hard work and making sacrifices, even little ones. With alcohol, make sure you stay in control and in everything use your common sense - think about what you're doing,' Faulkner said.
Faulkner used his own story to illustrate his point.
'I was 18 years old and living in a small country town. I'd been out celebrating and drinking with some mates. I decided to climb the clock tower in the main street. I fell off the top and crushed some vertebrae and bruised my spinal chord, meaning I'll be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life,' Faulkner said.
For more information about wheelchair sport in the Northern Rivers contact Jak Carroll, Regional Coordinator, North Coast Sports Council for the Disabled, on 6620 3759 (bh) 6687 2324 (ah).
Bombing Out at Ballina
Local government (councils) can play one of the most important roles in Australian Rules Football, as the game has a long history of being played in any conditions (rain, hail, shine, or snow), but if grounds are closed then the game doesn't go ahead.
Granted, closing grounds is about ground damage, however, the extent of any surface degradation due to local Aussie Rules is minimal compared to most other sports.
The constant running and tackle-avoiding aspects of the AFL game make the occasional divot about the worst effect (apart from a muddy jumper and the occasional bruise for the players!). This has long been held as a reflection of the rugged, natural and go-hard spirit of all Australians and shows that we battle on in any kind of adversity (just as many sports do).
Ballina has always been a club with lots of experience and talent and Season 2002 is going to be no different with plenty of new recruits adding to the side.
They have lost Summerland Australian Football League and Club Best and Fairest Brian Walshe who has moved interstate for family reasons but have seen several players join the ranks from Victoria, SA and WA. There have also been some movements within the SAFL and a very enthusiastic atmosphere at Club and Player level has many excited.
Ballina has won several Premierships with a double in 95/96, but have lost more grand finals than they've won. A changing of the guard at club level sees many fresh faces on the committee for season 2002. The large number of young fellas (teenagers) training with the senior ranks shows the growing interest in Aussie Rules in the region, and the local talent which is just busting to learn the game, cause anyone can be good at it.
The Ballina RSL Bombers train at Fripp Oval, Ballina, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5.30pm and any interested players or supporters can reach Coach Peter Plummer on 6687 8837. Enthusiasm is high for last year's grand finalist.
The Ballina RSL Bombers first game of the season is on April 6 at Fripp Oval, Ballina, against the Grafton Tigers.
With over 30 players signing on so far this year, the Bombers are looking very keen with numbers, and may be looking for the step up in the number of grades in the near future. Other Clubs have also experienced excess numbers over recent seasons as more and more guys (and gals) have become interested in one of Australia's greatest games, while some are also struggling to boost the AFL profile.
A special Gala Day is planned for Round 5 (May 4), Nimbin Mardi Grass Weekend, and will see an Annual SAFL-sanctioned match to be played between Nimbin and Ballina at the Nimbin Showground as a commemorative game for the memory of one of Nimbin's young sons who sadly died last year, and will be called the Sean Stewart Memorial Shield. As a showcase opportunity for Australian Football, the SAFL is running a double header with the Shield match as the main game from 2pm, and Byron versus Grafton as the opening game of the day at noon for this year.
Any person or business wanting to sponsor this Inaugural Annual Gala Day should be directed to Nimbin's President Mick Martin on 6689 1798(h) or 6620 3202(w).
Ballina RSL Bombers AFC Inc
Postal Address:
39 Teven Rd
Alstonville NSW 2477.
Coach:
Peter Plummer 6687 8837 (ah)
Assistant Coach:
Damien Holland 6680 4228 (ah)
Secretary:
Gerard Piper 6628 1230 (ah)
Home Ground:
Fripp Oval
Canal Rd
Ballina 66869404
Coach's Corner
A short interview with Ballina Bombers coach Peter Plummer:
Training each week and where?
Tuesday and Thursday at Fripp Oval, Ballina, from 5.30pm.
Major Sponsor(s) for Season 2002?
The Ballina RSL Club, Australian Hotel
Requests?
As many sponsors as possible are needed with increased insurance expenses. Also seeking Player Sponsors for $200 per player, which gets the sponsor a large embroidered badge below a player's number on their playing jersey.
Changes this season?
Discipline on the field both mentally and physically will help the team focus.
When and where can potential supporters and spectators see the Bombers in action this year?
From April 6 the home-away season goes for 20 weeks. All home games will be played at Fripp Oval on Saturdays from 2pm, and the first game of the season is at home against Grafton.
Club News
2001 Premiers Byron Magpies are now back on the track at Shultz Oval, Bangalow on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm. John Porritt is the 2001 Premiers coach again and can be reached on 6681 3363 (h) or 0414 247 225 (m).
The Grafton Tigers are focusing their preparations at Ellem Oval, Grafton on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings, and are still looking for more fresh faces to join the Club. Wayne Phillips, 6643 5830 (h) or 0419 982 862 (m), is the man to call about signing up.
Lismore Swans are at Clifford Park, Goonellabah, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm and are looking strong with good numbers of new recruits joining the Club. A strong core of locals and Uni students give the Swans plenty of solid support at Club level.
The Swans showed they're ready to soar by performing outstandingly in their first pre-season hitout, against the Woolgoolga Blues last Saturday. The Swannies took the Blues 116-57 with Travis Eddie, Simon Howard, Scotty Adam and Matty Moore all performing very well.
Lismore still need to work on their accuracy as more points were scored than goals but good signs of fresh faces and new recruits indicate a successful forthcoming season.
Call Coach Ronny Meldrum on 6622 5024.
The Nimbin Demons are sweating out the off-season swell on the Nimbin Showground every Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30pm.
Game one for Nimbin is at home in two weeks against the Lismore Swans and only gives four more training runs for Coaches to learn from past mistakes and move on.
More local players and support staff are needed in all clubs as a very competitive season is shaping up.
A great bonus for all teams would be the addition of strappers and/or medically minded persons for the purpose of treating injuries on game days. Most Clubs have untrained volunteers in these roles and it would be of huge benefit to all Clubs if more skilled people came along and offered their services.
Roly Barrett
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