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Bowling News with Lois MawlerBowled Over

with Lois Mawler

Three's a Crowd

Lismore City Bowls Club, celebrating its 95th year, is holding the Richmond Triples Carnival next Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 17-19.

Friday's event is Men's Triples and comprises two games after a 12.30pm start.

On Saturday, the same format continues, but the start is 1pm.

An open/mixed triples event is scheduled for Sunday, and two games will be played after a 9.30am start.

Prizes will be awarded for the winner, runner-up and best round each day. The entry fee per team is $18 each day and nominations can be made by phoning the Club on 6621 5991.

Alstonville Bowls Club will conduct its Classic Two Bowl Triples event on Monday, May 27, at 9.30am.

The format is two rounds of 21 ends and prizes of $600 will be awarded to the overall winning team, $300 to runners-up, $75 to round winners and $45 to round runners-up.

The entry fee of $45 per team includes lunch. Nominations can be made by phoning the Bowls Office on 6628 0479 or the Club on 6628 7194.

East Lismore's Mid Winter Classic Carnival will be held from June 8-10.

On the Saturday, Men's Two Bowl Triples is the format, three rounds of 21 ends after a 9.30am start.

Prize money of $1100 will be given thanks to the generous sponsorship of BCIB Insurance Brokers, East Lismore Travelling Bowlers, Wade and Wotherspoon Construction.

Entry fee is $14 per player which includes lunch and snacks.

Mixed Triples is played on Sunday, with two rounds commencing at 12.30pm. Prize money of $520 is up for grabs thanks to Thomas, Noble and Russell Chartered Accountants and Crusty's Bakehouse.

Men's Pairs is the format on Monday, 12.30pm start and two rounds. First Pacific Credit Union is sponsoring this event to the tune of $600.

Entry fee for both Sunday and Monday is $8 per player which includes afternoon tea and snacks. To nominate, phone the club on 6621 5098.

Workers Heights Sunday mixed bowls, which now starts at 1pm, will relax its dress regulations to allow players to wear mufti if they prefer.

After sessions with one of their qualified coaches, new bowlers will be encouraged to join in with this group where bowls is played in a less competitive and more social manner.

Club selected triples/ pairs is usually the format and single name entries are accepted until 12.30pm on the day.

One of the things which often confuses new bowlers are the words, fast or slow, used to describe the pace of the green.

Merle Richardson has this to say in her book, Bowls for Everyone, which I mentioned last week:

Measuring a green means establishing the speed at which the green is running.

Like golf greens, bowls greens can vary in texture, grass length, and so on, and this can affect the time taken for a bowl to travel from point A to point B.

The pace of a bowling green is measured in seconds. This can be confusing at first to the uninitiated.

The faster the green, the longer the bowl takes to reach the jack.

So an eighteen second green is fast and a ten second green is slow. The pace is measured from the moment the bowl leaves the hand to when it stops by the jack 21.4 metres away.

On a hard, fast green it is necessary to take a wide arc to reach the jack. The bowl may take a leisurely 16 seconds to reach its resting point.

On a heavy, slow green, the bowler needs to apply more weight to get the bowl up, and the bowl will travel in a narrower arc, reaching the jack sooner-say, in 10 seconds.

Until next week,
good bowling.

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Golfing News with Stan Bendall - The Northern Rivers Echo www.echonews.comHooks and Slices

with Stan Bendall

NRDGA

Northern Rivers pennants are to commence May 26 - Nominations close May 10. The final will be played on June 23.

There will be a match committee meeting on Tuesday, June 14, at Lismore Workers Golf Club from 7pm.

The Foxsports Men's Fourball District Final will be at Ballina on Sunday, June 6.

The Club Keno Fourball District Final will be at Coolangatta-Tweed Heads on Sunday, July 7.

The Brunswick Valley Junior open which was postponed last Sunday because of rain still has to be re-scheduled. Will advise when final details are to hand!

Ballina Junior Classic winner Peter Hall with runner-up Rhein Gibson.

Ballina Junior Classic winner Peter Hall with runner-up Rhein Gibson.

Lismore Workers Golf Club Ladies' champion Nicole Jenkins and runner-up Margaret Hayes.

Lismore Workers Golf Club Ladies' champion Nicole Jenkins and runner-up Margaret Hayes.

Ballina Juniors

The McDonalds sponsored Junior Classic hosted by Ballina Golf Club attracted a very good field of 160 young talented golfers. The overall boys winner on the day (gross) was young Northern Rivers representative Peter Hall, (playing off 3 at 16 years of age), who recorded a remarkable round of 64, which equalled the course record, but could not be claimed because they played off the white tees. But what a great effort.

The gross runner up was Lismore junior talent, Northern Rivers representative, and Junior NSW state squad member, Rhein Gibson, who finished 6 shots further back after recording a fine 2 under par round. Rhein has also been nominated to attend the talented athletes camp at Narrabeen in June and August, all expenses paid and deservedly so. A big future under the watchful eye of Lismore's Peter Jaeger.

The A Grade gross was taken out by Dylan McPhie with a par round of 70. Simon Jones, won B Grade, with Ballina's young talent Adam Engel winning the Colts section. Samantha Ferguson Coolangatta/ Tweed Heads, again won the girls section, with 77 hits defeating Lismore talent Emily Grey, 16 years of age and playing off 3 hcp also under the watchful eye of Peter Jaeger. Emily has a big future, recently winning the final of the North Coast schoolgirls matchplay, and will contest next stage of matchplay on the central coast next week. Emily has also been selected to attend the girls talented athletes camp. Well done Em. Two more youngies to watch are the Dowling brothers out of Ballina, finished 1st and 2nd in the 5 hole comp. Go you good young things! Very successful day and well done Ballina!

Alstonville

Members played an 18 hole stroke event last Sunday at Woodburn-Evans Head with trophies donated by Alstonville Handy electrics. The winner on the day was Alan Parr (had a couple) with 62, winning by 2 from Tony Melbourne. Nearest the pins - Greg Cross, Alan Parr, Dennis Leard.

Guess who won the NAGAS award? Transit centre manager Greg Cross - sorry for the advice!

Next game Byron Bay, May 19, tee-off 7am.

Ballina

This Saturday the May Medal will be played, with the women to play a single stroke for the fourth Monthly Medal and the RSL to play their May Mug and matchplay qualifying.

Last Wednesday a single stableford event was played, with John Hume taking out the overall trophy. The A Grade winner was Smilin' Mick Donovan from Don Beck, back after a spell. Tony Farrell took out B Grade from Brian Hannan. The C Grade victor was Stan Cowle from Noel Cuskelly.

Last Friday another stableford was played with Len Diett taking the honours from Graham Birney with Peter Scully third.

Last Saturday and Sunday the Maytime Cup was played over 36 holes, with top young prospect Adam Engel winning the gross with 143, winning by 4 from Neil Bullen. Gavin Burley took out the net trophy from Mitchell Krause, with Greg Gill winning A Grade, John Gallagher B grade and John Wicks C Grade.

Last Sunday Peter Scully took out the gross with 5 over 77, while David Fraser won the net with 69. The A Grade winner was Keith Holmes, with Brendan Pollack winning B Grade, and Robert Bennetts C Grade.

Casino

This week the final round of the Cassino Security club champos will be held, with my stable pony Mick Greber still leading by a shot, from another past title winner Brad McLennan and Brett Dean, with Floody 4 back. Go Mick! Adrian Lotz leads Terry O'Brien by 4 in A grade but Terry should win! Cricketing talent Mark Bratti leads B Grade by 6 from Frank Tarlington and should win. Andrew Campbell only leads by 2 in C Grade and might not be enough from young Ross Pedrini. The top eight in each grade will be placed in a seeded draw for this Saturday, and after that the top eight in each grade will qualify for the matchplay champos.

As well as the third round last Saturday it was the May Medal, with the best net score of the day recorded by young Pedrini, in C Grade winning by 2 from Steve Locke. Mark Bratti took out B Grade from Elk, Ian Elkerton, with Adrian Lotz winning A Grade from Trenton Root.

Wayne Underhill senior took out last Thursday's event by a shot from Dave Owen. Onya mate!

Coraki

This Saturday a 4BBB stableford will be played and will be round 1 of Blanches knockout.

Last Saturday an 18 hole stroke event was played in three grades. Mark Scurr won the Monthly Mug and will put it to good use, with Ken Partridge winning B Grade and David Loader C Grade. As predicted in the paper last week the Righties were too good for the Lefties. Nearest the pins: 3-12 M Templeman; 6-15 R Newby; 9-18 R Grimley. Big Rodge won the putting on a draw (25).

Lismore

This Saturday Byron Bay golfers will visit Lismore for the annual interclub visit for the Thomas, Noble and Russell trophy.

Don't forget pennants close 5pm Friday, May 10. No post entries!

Don't forget Charity Day, May 19, for the Blind Society - plenty of time slots - four person ambrose high noon start. $25 dollars golf and barbecue with over $1000 worth of trophies.

Last Thursday a single stableford was played with Warren Selway winning by a point from welcome back Matty Buckley. Peter Irwin (Byron Bay) was the second runner up. Workers Club general manager Barry Crimmins is back and took out the first nine by 2 from Phil Luckie, with John Sheridan winning the second nine by 2 from Steve Gannon. Kyogle greenkeeper Trent Webber took out the gross trophy with 2 over par 72.

Last Saturday the May Medal was played in three grades, with Bill Carlson winning A Grade by 3 from Chris Quinn. The B Grade winner was Darren Cormick who played great golf in the atrocious conditions in the arvo, with 65 winning by 3 from Roger Boyd. John Carroll won the C Grade by 4 from Gerard Egan, John also winning the Mug. Steve Fredericks won the A Grade gross with 2 over 72. Ray Evans took out the C Grade gross. Nearest the pins - 2nd S Morrissey; 5th G Mulroy; 8th E Bennett; 11th P Thomas; 13th D Knight; 16th C Quinn. The Bradman's was taken out by Toby Daley with net 96 and reckoned he slept very well that night. Saturday arvo was not conducive to golf with most of the greens half awash, with the pouring rain so don't worry Tobe we are dry weather players!

The ladies played a single stableford last Wednesday with consistent Sue Pringle taking the honours from Robyn Watt and Elaine Barry.

The Ladies champos were completed last Friday with Margaret Harrison defeating Margaret Nixon in 2nd Division. The 3rd Division winner was Michelle Wilson beating Johneen Pethers, while Margaret Gardiner defeated Lyndall Riordan, and of course Nicole Jenkins won back to back titles by beating Margaret Hayes last week.

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Fishing News with Ian Clark - The Northern Rivers Echo www.echonews.comWhat's My Line

with Ian Clark

Commercial Free

As usual, it rained most of last weekend and then on Monday the sun shone brightly.

The rain has been welcomed though and from the colour of the upper reaches of the estuaries it could be good fishing in the bottom ends come this weekend.

Sunday night, Sixty Minutes aired a segment on the buy out schemes for commercial fishermen.

Whilst we are pointing at one another looking for someone to blame on the depleting fish stocks, no doubt another development application has been approved for a coastal land clearing or a swampland destroyed for the establishment of a new canal development.

If the water quality is not there or the start of a food chain is destroyed there is no point in stopping fishing activities in that area as there is no sustainability for fish to live there.

The areas closed to commercial fishing on the Richmond and Tweeds Rivers were effective as from May 1, 2002. The Clarence River will be effective from September 1, 2002.

All the areas that have been closed to commercial fishing can be viewed on the NSW Fisheries website - www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au

While you surfing their website check out some of the rules on the number of hooks allowed on your line at one time.

I believe a couple of anglers found out the rules the hard way when they were busted by inspectors for using long jag hooks in amongst a school of mullet at Evans. I am led to believe they were fined.

Early next month is the Greenback Competition based at Cabarita. Some good prizes are again on offer and we hope the weather is fair for all.

The coming weekend is hard to predict.

Airforce and Broadwater Beach have had the odd report of some good jew in the area.

Boulders Beach was looking good on the weekend and there were some cars there Saturday night which is generally a good sign. This weekend the sand might have shifted but it should still be worth a shot.

Byron was blown out on the weekend so not much to report from the north.

Outside was just too rough right along our coast. The odd flathead with juvenile bream are being caught in the rivers.

With the rain we had, I think it could affect our crab catch rate, for a while any way.

The hotspot this week will be the river walls around the brackish water mark for some jew.

Until next week
fun fishing.

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Byron in Slump

After dominating the Summerland AFL for over a year and recording 21 wins on the trot, the Byron Magpies have experienced a new sensation in 2002 with two losses in the first four games of the season.

They clash with the Ballina RSL Bombers at Fripp Oval Ballina on Saturday from 2pm and will need a victory to remain in the top two.

Ballina will not be willing to give Byron any sniff of an upset as they are warming to the early lead they hold.

A win for the home side will cement their early favouritism, and allow them to maintain the two game lead on the ladder.

A slow start against Lismore, and last week's win over Nimbin showed lapses in the Bombers' momentum, which will be worked on at training this week. They turned around the sloppy discipline, though, and played for the ball in the Memorial Shield.

Byron has been slapped by a number of niggling injuries, and players with other commitments have been leaving the side short of full strength, allowing them to blood several youngsters, and giving Captain Jason Rawnsley the opportunity to take over the reins on the field.

In the last game between these Clubs, Ballina was victorious by over six goals.

Byron will be smarting from two early losses and will be pumped for a big show against the Bombers at Ballina.

Nimbin Big Improvers

Leaps and bounds describe the vast improvement Nimbin has showed since their first game at Ballina when they were pumped, scoring only 2 points themselves.

The Demons showed heart and desire to score a very respectable 6.11.47 against Ballina in the Shield match last week, and would have challenged Byron for the points if it had been them they played.

With the acquisition of some good players around the ground, they are sure to continue improving.

Royden Butler has laced his boots for the Demons this year, and after a stint with all other Clubs over many years, will be a handy forward option in front of goals.

The Nimbin crowd was given a treat on the weekend when the Demons won both the second and last quarters, to show that they can play skilled Footy when the team goes hard. Cameron Hatty was again their best player and many of the new recruits are quickly learning the skills needed.

Lismore Swans host Nimbin at Clifford Park Goonellabah this Saturday and a win to the Swans could give them clear second spot on the ladder if Ballina down the Magpies.

Lismore has also shown vast improvement this season, with more focus on the team game allowing for set shots at goal instead of running blasts. They have been looking dangerous from the outset when they lost the first game to Byron by 8 points, but have started to shape into a top contender for the Flag, with a convincing turnaround handing them a 22 point win over Byron last weekend.

Coach Meldrum is pleased with the team orientation and is moulding his side to now be tougher for the hard ball gets.

Roly Barrett

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Rep Softball Team Chosen

Steve Clough, head coach of the Academy softball program, is proud of the current successes of his athletes and will soon be on the look out for new squad members .Steve Clough, head coach of the Academy softball program, is proud of the current successes of his athletes and will soon be on the look out for new squad members .

The North Coast Academy of Sport Softball squad will meet their match this weekend when they head to Gulgong in central NSW for the Inter-Regional Academy Games. The games are the final event for the current and very successful Academy program.

Hosted by Softball NSW, the camp will involve the North Coast Academy squad playing the other regional academies of Hunter, Northern Inland, Western and Riverina.

Eight Academy squad members were recently selected into NSW state age squads including Garen Clough, Eric Lockhart, Mat Herrington, Shane Azzopardi, Jon Hudson and Michael Munroe in the men's division and Sophie Power and Emily Gooding in the women's division. Additionally, Haley Leeson, David McAnelly and Brad Rodgers were selected into similar state age teams for Tasmania and Northern Territory.

From the national championship held in January, seven of these eleven state grade players were then selected into the Australian U16 Development squad and will be required to travel to Sydney in July for an intensive week of training and games against New Zealand and US representative teams.

Head coach of the Academy softball program, Steve Clough, was delighted with the success of the current program.

'Another exciting result for our squad this year has been the development of a solid group of emerging younger players who should go on to obtain similar state selection results in 2003 if they continue to train hard.

'We will also be on the look out for new squad members later this year to maintain our strong base of talent,' he said.

The Academy Softball program, with the support of Softball NSW, works in conjunction with the regional softball associations based at Tweed Heads, Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey and Port Macquarie and will select its 2002-03 squad in mid-October. Boys and girls who were born between 1988 and 1991 and are interested in trialing, should contact the coaches from their local associations.

The graduating squad, for 2001-2002 includes:

Niki Clough (Goonellabah), Garon Clough (Goonellabah), Emily Gooding (Lismore), Matthew Herington (Lismore Heights), Jon Hudson (Bexhill), Nicholas Jelsma (Lismore), Ashley Lee (Lismore), Haley Leeson (Goonellabah), David McAnelly (Bexhill), Michael Munro (Bexhill), Lucas Myers (Goonellabah), Sophie Power (Goonellabah), Bradley Rodgers (Goonellabah), Karina Sexton (Goonellabah).

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Bulls Look for Second Chance

Casino head to Maurie Ryan Oval to take on the Gold Rats for the second time this season.

Casino have shown this season that they know how to take advantage when they have possession. They also keep playing at their hardest for the whole game, as they demonstrated against Lismore last week.

Casino took the game over City in the final minutes when scrumhalf Glenn Shimanski took advantage of a loose ball and scored to put the result at 17-11.

Uni also had a win last week, their 52-12 walloping of Mullum, ensuring that the Gold Rats remain at the top of the table.

With Uni holidays over and the students back for some real work it is doubtful whether Casino will be able to reverse the result from the previous time these two met.

It should be a game where two distinct styles clash: the solid, hard work of the Bulls versus the flashy, creativity of the Rats. Despite what the teachers may say ('work hard and it'll pay off in the end') in this case it will probably be a matter of the pretty kids coming away with the result (and this is not a reference to the appearance of either team).

Both Mullum and Ballina will be looking for their second win this season when they meet at the Moonshiners' home ground.

Ballina ran away in the second half against Byron last weekend to take the game 31-3 and look to be finding some form.

Mullum copped more of a hammering than cabinet in Evans Head last week and with Ballina looking good again the Moonshiners will want their partisan supporters to be in fine voice.

Ballina should win this one and start to make their way slowly up the ladder.

Byron head to Lyle Park to tackle the as yet undefeated Wollongbar-Alstonville.

Unfortunately for Byron, you'd have to be a worse bookmaker than Robbie Waterhouse to give decent odds on the Bar against the Bay, and Wollongbar should finish the weekend as they begin it: undefeated.

Grafton tried extremely hard to break that record for Wollongbar-Alstonville last weekend but couldn't quite manage it, the Pioneers coming away with a 18-14 win.

Grafton are off to Lismore this Saturday to see if they can improve on that performance. Grafton play a similar game to Casino, with a big, polished forward pack.

After losing to the Bulls Lismore will be hell-bent on coming away from the weekend with the win and on their home turf with their proud, vociferous supporters will provide a much more formidable opposition than any of our current politicians.

Grafton performed very well against the Pioneers last weekend and Lismore will have to step up a notch from their performance last week if they are to win. Again, if Lismore kick away possession then Grafton will make them pay.

However, on their home ground, Lismore should beat Grafton.

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Workers and Rebels Need Win

Lismore Workers and South Grafton both desperately need a win this Sunday if they are to keep in touch with the competition leaders.

Each has only recorded one win this season, although Workers do have a game up their sleeve after their scheduled match against Lower Clarence was postponed last weekend due to rain.

South Grafton went down 38-22 to Casino last Sunday, in a game they were expected to win but the Rebels have the home advantage against Workers.

Workers have struggled in defence this season, an area which they will need to improve on, if they want to defeat South Grafton.

South Grafton showed some improvement in ball handling against the Cougars and with the home advantage should beat the Tigers in a close game.

Casino play host to Ballina this Sunday and will probably struggle to contain the Seagulls.

Ballina went down 34-10 to an improving Brothers last weekend but Ballina have one of the best attacking sides in Group One and will be ready to fire.

Brothers look to be back to their disciplined, well-drilled style and will have no trouble making Kyogle look like shot ducks this weekend.

The Turkeys lost 50-16 to the Grafton Ghosts last weekend and it will be a similar scenario against the Rams this Sunday.

The Ghosts head up to Mullum to take on the Giants this weekend in what should provide the crowd with ample entertainment.

Mullum annihilated Byron 42-10 last weekend in their local derby but Grafton are the form side at the moment and despite the Home advantage Mullum will struggle to stop the Ghosts.

Byron are off to the Lower Clarence to try their luck against the Magpies this round but the Red Devils are unlikely to fare any better than they did against the Giants.

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A Day at the Races

If you're after a sure bet to make Mum smile this Mother's Day weekend then the Lismore Turf Club is holding a special Mother's Day Luncheon this Saturday along with their special Mother's Day Cup meeting.

For only $25 per person ($20 for members) you receive complimentary entry and racebook, reserved seating overlooking the winning post, a very tasty two course meal and a free glass of wine or champagne.

The Lismore Turf Club has organised a girls day out in honour of mother's Day.

All female race-goers will have the chance to enter in a draw to win a weekend racing package at the Gold Coast which includes VIP treatment for two people at the Gold Coast Turf Club, including a four course lunch, personal television monitor at your table, racebooks, members' tickets and carparking.

Kids will also have plenty to amuse themselves with a free jumping castle, merry-go-round and face painting and Norco have donated Pecan Caramel Cream Icecream to give away.

Local racing identity Gary Kliese will be running a punters club for those who want a flutter but can't make up their minds, there will be musical entertainment between races and prizes for fashions in the field.

Add to all this a full race card and what more could Mum want for Mother's Day (apart from breakfast in bed the next morning)?

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Council Grounds Closures

With all the wet weather around Lismore City Council have been forced to close their grounds several times during the last few weeks.

On Wednesday afternoon the outlook was fine and all council-owned sports grounds were open for training.

Further inspections will take place if more rain falls.

If you need to check whether sporting fields are open call the Council hotline on 6625 0555.

Lady Rats Rugby

Want to be involved with a club with more spirit than the Queen Mother's drinks cupboard?

The Southern Cross University Lady Rats are looking for coaching staff and players.

The Lady Rats will be playing this weekend at 5pm at Maurie Ryan Oval so head to Uni to check them out or go to training on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm.

For info call Bec Lane on 6621 3395 or email bezza_b@hotmail.com

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North Coast Academy Gets Award

Morris Iemma MP (left) talks with Academy and University staff, as Academy triathlete Clayton Fettell undergoes a fitness test at Southern Cross University on Tuesday. Morris Iemma MP (left) talks with Academy and University staff, as Academy triathlete Clayton Fettell undergoes a fitness test at Southern Cross University on Tuesday.

NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation, Morris Iemma, congratulated the North Coast Academy of Sport on its service to regional sport during his visit to the north coast last week.

Mr Iemma presented the Academy with a cheque for $80,000 and promised similar annual grants through to 2004.

'On behalf of the Carr government, I congratulate the North Coast Academy of Sport for the work it has done in the identification and development of junior talented athletes throughout the region,' Iemma said.

'The Carr government's annual commitment of $80,000 for three years provides the North Coast Academy with the financial security to maintain and develop their important services to regional sport development.'

Academy chairman, David Parkinson was delighted to receive the cheque and hear of the move to triennial funding.

'The promise of an ongoing and secure source of funding allows our Academy to confidently achieve our short to medium term business strategies,' he said.

'Over the next three years we will use these funds to expand our talent enhancement programs to cover a wider range of sports including rowing, cycling, sprint canoeing, hockey and swimming. The funding will also allow our Sports Smart program to be enhanced. This year's program will introduce new practical topics which compliment the syllabus for HSC students.

'We will be presenting the improved Sport Smart workshops at various high schools from Port Macquarie to Tweed Heads in August and September,' he said.

Parkinson also said the money would enable the NCAS to run programs improving coaching methods and about drug education in sport.

After presenting the funding cheque, Mr Iemma inspected the sports science facilities at Southern Cross University's School of Exercise Science and Sport Management and spoke with staff while two Academy athletes, Clayton Fettell (triathlon) and Jodi Law (netball) undertook a number of advanced fitness tests.

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Honeymoon over for Alvos as Redmen face Ballina

The honeymoon is over for Lismore Workers' chief playmaker Anthony Alvos, who returns from his first taste of newly-wedded bliss just in time to take his place in central midfield for the Redmen, when they take on form side Ballina on the seasiders' home turf at Saunders Park from 5pm on Saturday.

After recently tying the knot, the former Australian Joey has been enjoying a well-earned break that has seen him miss the last four games, but his timely return will bolster Workers confidence for what is a crunch game for both sides.

After a slow start the Redmen are beginning to build momentum, but are still short of the top five and cannot afford a loss, while Ballina are among the premiership front-runners after one of their best starts to a season on record and with their vocal home crowd behind them, present an enormous challenge for Workers.

Alvos will look to combine with another of Workers' key players, evergreen striker Steve Morrissey, who scored twice in last week's 3-0 win over Souths.

Morrissey won Golden Boot awards in 1987 and 1991 and few would doubt his ability to repeat the feat 15 seasons later!

Experience is also the key in defence for the Redmen, where stopper Jason Toniello and 'keeper Scott Collis will give little away.

But Workers also have a host of talented younger players, such as Morrissey's striking partner Tom Guttormsen, who looks set to follow in the footsteps of last year's prodgies, Brad Hicks and Eli Gilfedder, both of whom are now at the AIS in Canberra.

Ballina also have their share of danger players in attack such as Peter Edwards, Troy Percival, and Justin Stockham, but a miserly defence has contributed just as much to their early success.

Sweeper Adam Walo has been a revelation since being handed the role this year, combining well with hard-tackling stopper David Betteridge in front of giant 'keeper Lucas Wagland, who became the first custodian to win Soccer FNC's coveted Player of the Year award last season.

With both sides expected to be at full strength and highly-motivated, spectators will be treated to a match rich in both skills and intensity.

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Rams on the Rebound

South Lismore will be cursing Thistles for inflicting Byron Bay's first defeat of the season last weekend, leaving Souths to face the wounded Rams at the Bay from 5pm on Saturday.

Byron wasted plenty of chances before going down 1-0 on a sodden Thistles Park last week, shaking the Rams out of any complacency after five wins on the trot.

With only defender Shaun Packham doubtful with rib damage, Byron Bay's well-oiled machine should take the points from a Souths lineup that looks likely to be fighting a rearguard action against relegation again this season.

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Black and Blue Bus Heads South

Lismore Thistles battered and bruised lineup will take the road south to meet Maclean on Saturday at 3pm, but with spirits high on the Blues bus the defending premiers will need to produce their best to send Thistles home without any points.

Darren Beardow, Anthony Nind and Tony Thompson all defied injuries to all play important roles in last week's memorable 1-0 win over Byron Bay, but the trio will remain in doubt for Saturday's clash, along with one of the Blues' emerging prospects, Barry Rawson.

Thistles' good early form has them jockeying with the leading pack and a win over the defending premiers would kindle hopes of the Blues first premiership title since taking the double in 1992.

Maclean's lack of early form has the Bobcats languishing near the foot of the ladder, but they began last season in similar fashion before storming to the premiership double and on home soil their proud lineup is sure to lift.

Southern Cross Uni and Goonellabah will both be looking to introduce some consistency into their seasons when they meet at Oakes Oval from 3pm on Saturday.

The students earned their first appearance in an Anzac Cup final this year with some spectacular early form, but have struggled to maintain their standard in the premiership.

Goonellabah are also grappling to come to terms with their season after some heavy losses, but have also shown some promising signs, setting the stage for an unpredictable clash on neutral territory.

Premiership candidates Italo Stars and Richmond Rovers are both expected to keep their campaigns on track with wins this weekend, despite facing away games against determined opponents.

Stars will head east for a 3pm showdown with Alstonville, while Rovers' sojourn takes them in the opposite direction to meet Casino under lights from 5pm.

Merciless striker Wayne Mortimer will spearhead Stars' assault on Villa and after scoring a remarkable five goals in last week's 7-1 romp over Goonellabah will be hard to contain, while Rovers have talent to burn all over the paddock and should be able to prise holes through the Cobras' less experienced lineup.

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Institute Turns 21

The Australian Institute of Sport will celebrate its 21st anniversary this year.

To ensure former scholarship holders and staff are able to share in the birthday celebrations, the AIS is updating its alumni database.

If you are a former scholarship holder, or staff member, and wish to register your details then go to the website at www.ais.org.au/21 and fill in the form, ensuring that you will be alerted to details concerning AIS 21st birthday celebrations.

Scholarship holders will be registered as alumni members.

Or you can write with your current contact details and any other relevant information to: Danielle Fornasiero, AIS Alumni, PO Box 176, Belconnen ACT 2616. Tel (02) 6214 1895, Fax (02) 6214 7666, Email ais@ausport.gov.au

A number of events are planned during the year to commemorate the 21st birthday, including functions in each of the State capital cities where AIS programs are conducted and culminating in a gala dinner and open day on the weekend of October 5-6.

Watch the website for full details and to register your interest in being part of the celebrations.

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Bombers Fly West

Sunday saw a day when not even ducks were happy to be out.

Unfortunately, due to ground closures across the region, no junior AFL was played and this round will be dropped from the draw.

A similar fate befell the previous week's game between Ballina Bombers and Brunswick Bulldogs. This game will go ahead later on in the season.

This Sunday has Brunswick playing Byron at the Stan Thompson Oval, Brunswick, and the Bombers flying over to Lismore to the Swans' new home ground, Mortimer Oval.

Lismore Swan Ryan Charry was chosen in the North Coast Side to play in Sydney on May 28.

The team is made up of players from schools from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie as part of the Public Schools Sports Association Team.

Good one Ryan - we are all proud of you!

The next League Meeting will be Monday, May 20 at the Bangalow Bowling Club at 7pm

All clubs are still receiving new players, so if you are interested in playing, call on Robert Rogan 6622 0779.

Robert Rogan

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Grommet News

The Maddog regionjunior titles are on May 25-26. Competitors should meet at Broken Head at 7am each day. There will be divisions for both girl and boy grommets in under 12, under 14, under 16 and under 18.

The Surfing Far North Coast junior team will be selected from this competition and will head off to the state titles on the Central Coast from August 22-25. Travel and Accomodation will be organised for team members.

The entry forms are now at all surfshops and with club secretaries.

For more information contact Keith Anderson on 6685 7822.

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