Sports News

Bowled Over

with Lois Mawler

A Fine Pairs

Lismore Workers Heights Annual Pairs Festival will be held on Friday and Sunday, August 2 and 4.

Open Men's Pairs is the format on Friday, starting at noon and comprising three games - one standard pairs, one three-bowl pairs and one two-bowl pairs.

Entry fee of $15 per team includes afternoon tea. Prizes of $200 for winners, $150 for runners-up, $100 for thirds, $60 for fourths and $30 for round winners will be awarded.

On Sunday, mixed versatile pairs is the format. Teams of four, two men and two women, will rotate partners during the three games which will be the same as Friday's format but with a starting time of 9.15am.

Entry fee, which includes lunch, is $60 per team. Prizes will go to winning team - $300, runners-up - $200, third placegetters $120 and round winners will receive $80 per team. To register, phone the club on 6624 3040 or Coordinator Alasdair Watts on 6625 1123.

Sometimes, during the course of a game, an interesting or difficult situation arises and players are not sure how to handle it.

The golden rule is, when in doubt, call the Umpire (providing there is an Umpire in attendance).

However, the Umpire must be called immediately, not one or two bowls later, and of course, the Umpire's decision is final, unless Law 65, Appeals Against an umpire's Decision, is brought into play. If the Umpire has been called to measure, players must retire at least two metres away, but can be called on to assist the Umpire if needed.

One such instance occurred last week relating to Law 52 Play Irregularities - specifically 52A Playing out of turn, which states: When a player has played before their turn, the opposing director shall have the right to stop the bowl, and it shall be returned to be played in the proper sequence.

If the bowl so played has come to rest as part of the head and it has not disturbed the head the opposing director shall have the option of returning the bowl to be played in the proper sequence or leaving the bowl where it has come to rest and having two bowls played in succession to restore the correct order.

If the bowl has come to rest in such a position that it would be considered dead it shall not be replayed and the opposing team shall deliver two bowls in succession to restore the correct order.

If the bowl has disturbed the head, the opposing director shall have the option of:

allowing the disturbed head to remain, and have two bowls played in succession to restore the proper sequence of play; or replacing the head to its former position and returning the bowl to be replayed in the correct sequence; or having the end replayed.

Recently, we have been experiencing fast greens, in some cases up to 18 seconds, and while some of us relish this, others find it very difficult to adjust.

The NSW Women's Coaching panel offers this tip - Take your normal stance on the mat, hold the bowl just above knee height, using the finger tip grip. Now visualise the path you require for your bowl to arrive at the desired point, concentrating on the point your bowl should turn.

After delivering your bowl, evaluate the result. If over-bowling, try bringing the aiming point back towards the mat, keeping the aiming line at the same angle.

Remember - to and through for slow greens, low and slow for fast greens.

Until next week,
good bowling.

Hooks and Slices

with Stan Bendall

The Northern Rivers Championships including the champion of champions play-off, 36 hole stroke for seniors, junior and colts, will be hosted by Mullumbimby Golf Club on the weekend of July 27-28.

Ballina

Today (Thursday) the men's Backmarker single versus par will be played while the RSL boys will play the second round of their club champos.

Don Kennedy won the single stableford last Wednesday on a countback from Greg Pollard, and the smiling accountant Barry Wappett. The aggregate comp played in conjunction was taken out by Adam Fryer and Don Kennedy.

Last Friday another single stableford event was played with Eddie Linder winning the day.

Last Saturday a single stableford was played with Peter Gallaway winning the overall trophy. Jon Casey was the A Grade victor. Scott Hamilton took out B Grade with Scott Campbell taking out C Grade.

Last Monday the veteran golfers teed off in a single stableford event with Jim Everingham winning the 9 hole comp. The 18 hole comp was won by Bob Jemisen.

Casino

This Saturday the Lismore boys will travel to Casino for the second and final round of the Michael Cup, with Lismore in front by 3, and should win despite the slick Casino greens.

A single stableford event was played at home. The highlight of the day was a fine 44 pts registered by Allan King, who took out C Grade Gary Wedesweiler was the B Grade victor, Greg Hardy took the points in A Grade.

The annual Holden Scramble was played last Sunday with the Lismore team of apprentice greenkeepers, Damian Haselden, Rick Savins and Daniel Clements, finding the course to their liking (love fast greens) winning the day with 53 (60 Hits) and became leading qualifiers for the next round at Royal Pines. Onya fellas!

Coraki

This Saturday the final round of the club champos will be played and has reached the exciting stage. The winner of A Grade was another top club golfer, Chris Rose, with Peter Gynther taking out A Reserve, Kevin Copas B Grade and Dick Beerens C Grade.

Last Sunday the third round of the champos was played with things starting to hot up. Club Preso Pat Neven was the A Grade victor on the day with Don Cox taking out B Grade. Barry Kennedy was the B Grade victor with David Loader winning C Grade. Talk about burglars!

Now for the good stuff! My man Rodney has made a move and is sharing second place with Gordon Dutton (the patients' friend) both on 228, with bridesmaid for the past couple of years, Peter Cordery. I don't think Peter can tough it out over the final round next week, I'm backing Rodney winning the title back to back. Go you good thing. Daniel Rogers and Peter Gynther are equal leaders in A Reserve, with Peter to win. Brian Walker is 1 shot ahead of the council man, Kevin Copas, and I think Kev will win his first title.

The C Grade title is an easy one to pick, as David Loader is 9 shots ahead of Tim Fisher, and needs only to turn up. So there it is, Bendy's tips for the final round, and good luck to all!

Kyogle

This Saturday an 18 hole single stableford event will be played as the fourth round of the president's trophy, with the annual Norco day, which will be a 4BBB aggregate stableford - draw for partners.

The club mixed foursomes will be played on August 8.

Lismore

Nomination sheets are on the board at the club for shotgun start on August 11 and also for the Gold Coast trip August 24-25.

Last Saturday a 2BBB stableford event was played and sponsored by Amalgamated Pest Control (Max Barton). The winners on the day were, club talent Nathan Scroope and Glen Martin with 48, winning on a countback from Steve (Mr Soccer) and Deane Skinner, from Max Leeson and another young club talent Luke Sharpe (how's your shoulders Luke?). The Casino winners were, Phil Molloy and Wayne Underhill. Well done boys!

Lismore Workers Social Club played the back nine last Sunday, with John Duncan and Dennis Hyde sharing the spoils with 25, from Jack Carroll 2 shots away.

Lismore Ladies played a single stroke event for the July medal with Ladies club captain Maureen Neven winning Div 1 with a - wait for it - net 59. Top effort Mor! Sandra Larsson is back and on track by taking out Div 2 with Dianne Kennedy winning Div 3 with Lola Riordan winning Div 4. The Monthly medal winner was Dianne Kennedy with another top score of 56 net.

The men's single matchplay comp has finally finished, with Steve Fredericks taking out A Grade beating Glenn Mancell 3 and 2, with Dean Skinner winning B Grade def Peter Hughes 2 up, and one of the most underrated golfers on the Northern Rivers, Mark Sharpe def Joe Mielcarek up. Well done fellas!

Woodburn-Evans Head

This Saturday the Rod and Reel Hotel single stableford event will be played

The Biala Special School Charity Golf Day is on this Sunday.

Last Wednesday the ladies played a single stroke event for WGA and Club medals. The A Grade winner was Hazel Campbell, with Mary Baker taking out B Grade and Eleanor Tinker C Grade, with Hazel Campbell winning the eclectic trophy with 59.

What's My Line

with Ian Clark

Sustainable solutions to escalating problems

How many times have you heard this kind of statement in a fishing conversation:

"Yeah I remember fishing there thirty years ago with my dad/grandad and we use to always catch big fish there."?

I have heard it a million times.

So, what has gone wrong in those thirty years for things to change for the worse?

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has completed their Global Environment Outlook, GEO-3.

Over 70 percent of the Earth's land surface could be affected by the impacts of roads, mining, cities, and other infrastructure developments in the next 30 years unless urgent action is taken.

UNEP is made up of over 1000 people in a global network of collaborating centres that contributed to the GEO-3 report.

The report says that the planet is at a crucial cross roads with choices made today critical for forests, oceans, rivers, mountains, wildlife and other life support systems on which current and future generations depend.

The increase in strength and frequency of natural hazards such as cyclones, floods and droughts are intensifying our vulnerability to food insecurity, ill health and unsustainable livelihoods.

It has been estimated that if all food sources ceased at the one time we would have enough food for about seven days to feed the world.

Declining environmental quality is also a rising health risk.

The report claims "sewerage pollution of the seas has precipitated a health crisis."

For example, the eating of contaminated shellfish is causing an estimated 2.5 million cases of infectious hepatitis annually.

The GEO-3 is not a document of doom and gloom or a gloss over the acute challenges facing humankind. It is the most authoritative assessment of where we have been, where we have reached and where we are likely to go.

In 1994 about 37 percent of the global human population was living within 60 kilometres of the coast. This is more than the number of people alive on the planet in 1950.

Sewerage is the largest source of contamination by volume as a result of rapid urbanisation, population growth and a lack of planning and financing for sewerage systems and water treatment plants.

Just under a third of the world's fish stocks are now ranked as depleted, over exploited or recovering as a result of over fishing fuelled by subsidies estimated at up to $US20 billion annually.

In September 2000 the ozone layer, which protects life from damaging ultra violet light, had a hole in it above Antarctica that covers an area of 28 million square kilometres.

The decisions taken today and tomorrow will define the kind of environment this and future generations will enjoy.

GEO-3 in its Outlook chapter outlines four policy approaches leading to different outcomes over the next 30 years such as a market driven or sustainability first outcomes.

If chasing a copy of the report the easiest way would be to log onto www.earthscan.co.uk .

Looking away from the global scene and concentrating on our little piece of the world and things are looking pretty good.

There are some nice snapper offshore at Riordans and further wide.

Bream are still in the rivers with some good size bream on the south beaches as reported last week.

Tailor, jew and bream are along most beaches and walls. Best spot would be the southern beaches again with the better looking area at Broadwater.

Until next week,
fun fishing.

Lab Rats take on Rous - LDNA Netball

The Southern Cross University Lab Rats will be hoping their mid-semester break has given their players the rest needed to return them to the top of their form for their game at 1pm against Rous 1 in the premier division of the Lismore and District Netball Association competition.

With only three games left before the split into three divisions every result now takes on even greater importance.

The Lab Rats are currently in fifth position on the table but another win would put them in serious contention for the top division.

Rous are also up near the top but with Lab Rats and Daleys Tribes pressuring from underneath they'll want to make sure of the win.

With so much importance on the game it should be one of the most entertaining of the weekend - and certainly one of the closest.

The Lab Rats have just returned from University Games and should have learned a thing or two there (aside from how to drink more) so despite Rous being a very polished outfit the Rats should win this one.

Top of the table Breakaways take on Woodlawn Golden Eagles at 2.05pm.

Breakaways are yet to lose a game while the Gold Eagles are yet to win one so this will probably be a fairly one-sided affair.

Breakaways should win by lots with the only question being exactly how many.

It will probably be a similarly lopsided match when SCU Yellow take on Daleys at 2.05pm.

Daleys have been powering through opposition sides this season and while Yellow have some good, young players they're not quite as strong as they'd need to be to knock off the professional Daleys side.

Daleys should win this game pretty easily again with the only question being how many goals their accurate shooters can nail.

Workers Purple take on clubmates Workers Gold at 3.10pm in what should be one of the closest games of the weekend.

Again, with the results of the next three games deciding which division each team goes into, this match up takes on high significance.

Purple and Gold have each won two games this season and so the winner of this game will have a distinct advantage when it comes time for the split. Games between clubmates are always even harder than regular games and teams often play above themselves. This one's just too close to call but should provide some very competitive netball for spectators.

Daleys White will take on their clubmates, Daleys Tribes at 1pm.

Daleys Tribes are currently at the top end of the table and desperately trying to stay there, meaning every win is an important one.

Daleys White still have enough time to claw their way up the ladder if they can win enough games. The match between these two should be extremely tough and although Tribes should win White certainly have the personnel to effect an upset.

Woodlawn Falcons play Daleys Maroon at 3.10pm in what should also be a very entertaining, close game.

The two sides are next to each other on the ladder and obviously the winner will have the advantage come split time.

Falcons have looked just a bit more consistent and accurate and should just have the edge in the closest of results.

Through the Hoops Murwillumbah Croquet Captain Margaret Mitchell relunctantly hands over the Lismore/Murwillumbah Shield to Lismore Croquet Club Captain Bev Bass and Lismore President Elaine McCormick. Lismore have regained the Lismore/Murwillumbah Croquet Shield. The competition between the two clubs is held annually and is contested hotly but in a friendly manner early in July. Murwillumbah held the shield but Lismore won it back thanks to the clever tactical play of the team, led by captain Bev Bass.

Heavyweights Through to TURSA Cup Final - Soccer FNC

Soccer FNC Premier League contenders Byron Bay will take on Ballina in an all seaside TURSA Cup final on Wednesday, July 24, at Oakes Oval after solid wins in semi finals last Wednesday night.

Byron move through after accounting for Maclean in comfortable fashion 3-0.

All three goals were from individual brilliance with sweeper Aaron Richter-Steers opening the Bay's account after 10 minutes with a low drive from the edge of the area.

From that point on it was only a question of when the next goal would come. And arrive it did, in spectacular fashion, with Byron striker Bruce Morhaus stealing in to pinch the ball from under the noses of the Maclean defence.

With the goal keeper stranded Morhaus curled his shot into the far side of the goal from what seemed to be an impossible angle.

To top off Byron's confident display midfielder Glen Sheldrick bagged the third for the night curling a free kick into the far corner - an effort worthy of a bigger stage.

In the preceding match Ballina showed why they are sitting atop the Premier league with an emphatic 5-1 win over Lismore Workers.

The game certainly lived up to expectations with Ballina's goals coming from Steve McAteer, Justin Stockham and Clint Colless while Workers' solitary effort came through veteran John Wraight.

Brothers come from Behind to down Norths - Baseball

Norths started with a bang against Brothers in the major league last weekend as Joel McCarthy led off with a double followed by consecutive singles to Lee Robb, Matt Hill and Paul Simes. Clint McCarthy added a single for Norths to score 4 in the first inning.

Paul Simes homered in the 3rd for Norths to lead 5-0.

Meanwhile, Norths pitcher Mark Robb set Brothers down in the first three innings.

Dave Youngberry, Steve Egan, Matt Gahan, Daniel Rosolen and Craig Poole singled in the 4th for Brothers to pick up 3 runs and an inning ending double play finished the threat. Brothers came right back in the 5th on hits to Mick Youngberry, Matt Gahan and Jeff Mackney to tie the score 5-5.

Brothers picked up 2 more runs in the 7th to take the lead on a triple to Mick Youngberry and hits to Dave Youngberry and Shane Milgate. Two more runs scored for Brothers in the 8th from 2 hits to Craig Poole and Shane Milgate and an error.

Brothers finished the scoring in the 9th with hits from Craig Bateman, Mick Youngberry and Terry Youngberry to take the game 10-5.

Matt Gahan relieved Craig Bateman in the 5th inning and finished strongly with 6 strikeouts and allowing 1 hit and no runs.

BROTHERS: 000 322 021; 18H, 10R, 0E. NORTHS: 401 000 000; 9H, 5R, 1E.

Workers Slip By Redbirds

After losing their previous game by one run, Workers turned the tables last week and won by one over Redbirds.

Redbirds drew blood first scoring a run off a hit batter and an error.

Workers came back in their half to take the lead 2-1 on a walk and Scott McClelland's double. Workers scored 2 more in the 4th when Dallas Knapp led off with a double followed by Scott McClelland's single to take the lead 4-1. Workers picked up another run in the 5th on a hit batter and Dallas Knapp's single.

Redbirds closed the gap in the 6th when Graham Snape led off with a triple followed by Andy Ferris' single to score 2 runs for a 5-3 score. Redbirds picked up one more run in the 7th on a wild throw and a double to Michael Munro, but Workers pitcher, Troy Pruess, struck out the side.

Redbirds threatened in the 8th but could not push the run across as they went down 5-4.

WORKERS: 200 210 00; 5H, 5R, 3E,

REDBIRDS: 100 002 100; 8H, 4R, 2E.

Brothers v Redbirds

Redbirds will be hoping to reverse last weekend's result when they meet Brothers at 2.45pm this Saturday.

Workers, on the other hand, are after the same sort of result they manufactured last round for their match up against Norths also at 2.45pm on Saturday at Albert Park.

Coaches Tour to Liverpool Football Club

The Northern NSW Soccer Federation in conjunction with Soccer Australia and The International Academy are offering soccer coaches the trip of a lifetime.

A coaching tour will visit the Liverpool Football Club in England in October.

The tour offers an opportunity to observe and interact with coaches at an English Premier League club and provides an insight into the structure and functioning of the most successful football club in England.

Any coaches interested in attending should contact Stuart McAteer at the Federation Office on 4964 9661 before July 26 for details.

Level 1 Surf Coaching

Surfing Far North Coast will run a level 1 surf coaching clinic on September 14-15.

The course will align Surfing FNC to the local surf clubs for the bronze medallion and proficiency update.

Information sheets will be sent to all applicants and anyone wishing to participate.

For more details phone 6685 7822.

Junior State Surfing

The dates for the junior state surfing titles are still up in the air but it looks like they will be some time in September. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

Seahorses Start to Ride Wave of Success - FNC Rugby Union

After just beating Lismore 17-16 last weekend Ballina lifted their chances of making it six Rugby Far North Coast Titles in a row.

Byron Bay had less luck than the Wallabies in their game against Casino last weekend, leading 12-10 until the final 10 minutes when the Bulls nailed a penalty goal and then crossed for a try to win 20-12.

Casino have a visit from Grafton this Saturday and with competition for the bottom two semi spots pretty fierce they'll need to make sure of the win.

Grafton have just been looking for a chance to let loose and if the Bulls revert to their previous bovine rugby the Reds will do just that.

Ballina look to be making a late charge for the semis and giving themselves at least a shot of making it six championships in a row after just beating Lismore 17-16 last Saturday.

Ballina do have the hard task of beating Wollongbar this Saturday but given that they smashed the Pioneers two weeks ago that's a lot more likely than the Socceroos ever winning another International tournament.

Wollongbar made Mullumbimby suffer for being in the wrong place in the draw at the wrong time (having to play the Pioneers after their first loss) and smashed them 36-14 last weekend.

Wollongbar are now going to be prepared to make Ballina pay for ending their unbeaten run but Ballina seem to have found the spark their early season rugby was missing.

The Seahorses have the home match, really need the win and beat Wollongbar last time - all good reasons to think they'll win again.

Wollongbar have only lost one game - a pretty compelling reason to think they'll win.

Only one aspect of the game isn't in doubt - it'll be tougher than the All Blacks defence (but with the spectators a lot more likely to be on their feet).

Mullum take on the students at Maurie Ryan Oval this Saturday.

The Gold Rats have had a couple of weeks off with Uni holidays and while they are sitting on top of the table it's complacency that's the danger for the students.

The Moonshiners took a smacking from Wollongbar last weekend and won't be in a pretty mood to play the Rats, who'll want to use all of their rodent cunning to take care of them.

The Rats have looked very good this season though and should be disciplined enough to not take Mullum for granted and win the game.

Lismore head to Byron this Saturday.

While the Bay's chances have risen with the return of star fly half Luke Sullivan they are losing players faster than the Democrats are losing members.

With Splendour in the Grass on this weekend player numbers for the Bay are sure to be down and Lismore need the win to boost their semi hopes.

Mark Sivewright just continues to improve his union skills for Lismore and with tough scrum half Paul Jeffery calling the shots Lismore have to go into the game strong favourites.

Rams Down Seagulls to Stay on Top - Group One Rugby League

Marist Brothers Paul Latta kicked 2 goals in their controversial 24-20 victory over the Ballina Seagulls last weekend.

Group One first grade competition leaders Marist Brothers kept their place at the head of the ladder with a 24-20 win over Ballina last Sunday but the game certainly caused some controversy.

Ballina captain Josh Mather was sent off in the first 10 minutes for a high tackle after the referee had warned several players for the same offence, meaning that Ballina played most of the game a man down. The Seagulls also lost centre Keith Beauchamp for 10 when he was binned for elbowing.

Despite having fewer personnel for the majority of the match the Seagulls competed fiercely with Brothers and only scored one try less.

Ballina have a home game against Casino this weekend and will be looking to make up for their disappointing loss to Brothers.

Casino also suffered a defeat last weekend going down to South Grafton in a 31-20 upset.

Casino are just out of the five and with only four games left until semi final time need every victory they can steal.

With so much on the line for both sides the game should be another fiery one but Ballina have been the more consistent side this season and also have the home advantage, which should see them take the points.

Brothers head to Kyogle to take on the Turkeys this Sunday.

Kyogle's three game winning streak came to an abrupt halt last weekend when they ran into a stubborn Grafton Ghosts, who took the game 52-16.

Although Kyogle have been the big improvers in the second half of the season beating Brothers is a huge ask and one the Turkeys are not quite capable of at this stage.

Grafton will have a visit from Mullumbimby this Sunday and with only 1 point separating the two teams on the table a win could be the difference in a home or away semi final.

Mullum annihilated the Byron Bay Red Devils last weekend 50-0 (although Byron were unlucky not to score when the ball was stripped from a remarkably union-like forward only metres out and play stopped so the ref could deal with a fight).

Grafton have been fairly erratic this season, playing some brilliant games and then also delivering some absolute shockers. They do appear to be back on track though and with the home advantage will give the Giants a run for their money, although Mullum should win.

The Bay will play the Lower Clarence Magpies this Sunday at Red Devil Park.

The Maggies smashed Workers Tigers 49-12 last weekend and although the Bay have desperately been trying innovative recruitment techniques during the past few weeks they are still struggling with numbers.

Although the Red Devils always perform better at home it won't be enough against a Lower Clarence side in the hunt for the fifth semi final spot and the Maggies should win by a pretty big margin.

Workers play host to South Grafton at Crozier Oval this Sunday.

The Tigers have had a dismal season this year with injury problems not helping their cause.

South Grafton have had a mixed season but should be full of confidence after their win over the Cougars last weekend and will provide the Tigers with plenty of trouble this Sunday, in a game the Rebels should take by several tries.

Success Helps Kids

Success Martial Arts is holding an Open Day this Sunday with all proceeds to go to the NBN Children's Appeal.

This Sunday, July 21, there will be an Open Day at Success Martial Arts in South Lismore to support the NBN Children's Appeal.

There will be hourly displays of Karate, Tai chi, adults and children's self defence and weapons.

There will also be free introductory lessons for adults, children and families all day between 10am and 4pm.

There will be an entry fee of $2, which goes towards the NBN children's appeal.

Master Instructor and owner of Success Martial Arts Richard Marlin is proud to be able to help support this worthy cause.

"The instructors, black belts and students are all volunteering to do this because the NBN Children's Appeal is a great cause and it is an important part of our philosophy to contribute to the wellbeing of the community through the benefits that the martial arts have to offer," Marlin said.

And to encourage more people to attend Marlin is offering a great incentive.

Everyone who attends will qualify for a free two weeks of training plus a free martial arts uniform, a free workbook about self defence and a free workbook on how to apply the mental qualities of martial arts to other aspects of your life - worth more than $100 for free!

"Anybody who comes in on Sunday will get a glimpse of the physical skills that can be developed through the martial arts as well as find out how you can get into great shape, reduce stress, stay motivated and focused and defend yourself in any situation. if you are a parent you will be able to see how the martial arts can teach your child discipline, confidence and self esteem. And you will also be helping a good cause!" Marlin said.

So come along to Success Martial Arts at 81 Union St, South Lismore, this Sunday. You can come and have a tour of the largest full time martial arts facility on the north coast, have an introductory lesson with a qualified black belt instructor or just relax and enjoy the displays on offer all day.

For more information contact Lisa on 6622 4799.

Premiership Race Overshadowed by Controversy - Premier Division

What promises to be one of the closest finishes to the minor premiership in years is being rapidly overshadowed by an escalating drama that has seen Soccer FNC take points from two clubs within the last week.

Alstonville has been deprived of a valuable point in its battle to avoid relegation, while Maclean can virtually forget about a defence of its major premiership title, after being penalised three points.

Both clubs allowed more than four players to participate in both reserves and premiers on the same day, infringing rule 7(b) of Soccer FNC's match rules.

Villa offended in their mid-week clash with Rovers due to a shortage of players in an away fixture, before Maclean astonishingly made the same error just three days later in their 3-1 win over Uni, despite an abundance of players for a home match.

While some see the rule as obscure and counter-productive, it has been in existence for over a decade and is closely adhered to by most clubs.

But strict enforcement of the rule could have far-reaching consequences if Soccer FNC decides to do what some suggest and check all match sheets for the season, something that is not routinely done on a weekly basis.

Some clubs fear such a retrospective ruling or inadvertent slip-ups could cost them points if such a scenario became reality, while others will be looking to have the rule tightly enforced to justify their own diligence.

In such a volatile atmosphere and with appeals being lodged against the loss of points by both Alstonville and Maclean, Soccer FNC faces one of the most delicate issues it has confronted in the last decade.

Meanwhile, Back on the Field...

While the off-field drama is being played out, the real action will take place on Saturday, with all six games set down for Lismore.

Joint leaders Ballina and Richmond Rovers both face difficult opponents, the Seahorses travelling to Richards Oval where they confront Lismore Workers at 6pm, while Rovers host Casino from 3pm at Nielson Park.

Ballina moved to the top of the ladder on goal difference with a 3-0 win over Casino last week, but could be disrupted by events in their mid-week Tursa Cup final against Byron Bay, while Workers had an unconvincing 1-0 win over South Lismore in their last start and are missing defenders Matthew Kelso and Dawn Hoare.

But with former player Jeremy Wraight returning to Workers' lineup for his first run last week and performing well, hopes are high that he will help stiffen Workers' defence and help consolidate their place in the top five with a win over the leaders.

On paper Rovers' full strength squad should take the points from the Cobras in their clash, with Casino all but resigned to missing out on the semis after last week's loss to Ballina.

Rovers' confidence has been boosted by taking the maximum nine points from three games within a week (including the points taken from Alstonville in the 1-1 draw), rocketing them into premiership contention, and with a game in hand Rovers are being labelled by some as favourites for the title.

But Byron Bay sits just a point behind the two pacesetters and barring any problems from their Tursa Cup final appearance, should keep the pressure on with a win in its away clash with South Lismore at 6pm.

Italo Stars are the fourth premiership contender and with Wayne Mortimer and Clint Willoughby returning to bring them to full strength, should keep things tight at the top with a home win over Alstonville.

Elsewhere, Thistles' semi hopes will be on the line against wounded premiers Maclean, who will not have written off their own semi chances when they meet at Thistles Park from 3pm, while Uni will be hoping to build momentum for a charge at the top five with a home win over relegation-threatened Goonellabah at 5pm.

Pointed Meeting

At Tuesday night's Soccer Far North Coast committee meeting the committe vote to uphold the ruling penalising clubs for using extra reserve grade players.

The committee then decided to go through all the season;s match sheets and check that all teams had complied with the laws.

Three more games were found to be suspect: Maclean's 3-0 victory over Uni; Stars' 7-1 win over Goonellabah and Casino's 7-1 thrashing of Souths.

The changes will have huge consequences for the premiership battle and greatly affect The Echo golden boot award.

Use the form below to search through the Northern Rivers Echo Newspaper web site.

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