Sports News
 Bowled Over
with Lois Mawler
Big Tournaments Ahead
There are still some places available in the Vietnam Veterans Challenge Shield being held at Alstonville BC on August 17-18 and if you haven't entered, men, this is one event which you will surely enjoy.
There are a few aspects of the way this tournament is run which makes it a very competitive but fair event.
One which I particularly like is that relating to dead ends. Each team is allowed only one dead end per round. If a team kills a second or more ends, they lose three shots and the end. What this means, of course, is that a team which finds itself in a difficult situation can only drive their way out of it once and thereafter has to rely on skill drawing or conversions to get out of trouble. This condition of play is very popular with the regulars and ensures a more accurate picture of the better team over 15 ends. Another popular aspect of the event is the way that after the first round, which is an open draw, winners play winners and losers play losers. This method continues after each round, so that by the time round six is to be played, the cream of the crop is battling it out for honours. It also gives rise to more evenly matched games as each round passes.
A third attraction of the event is the prize money of $4000, which is distributed among the first five placegetters, each round winner and the Tail-end Charlie team. A very reasonable entry fee of $42 per team includes morning tea, hot lunch and high tea each day. The format is three rounds of triples both days, but remember, composite teams are not allowed. Bruce Ravenscroft, the enthusiastic coordinator of the event, is happy to take entries or provide more information, ph 6682 4202.
The next two weekends are busy ones for bowlers with the following tournaments taking place.
Lismore City's 95th Birthday Carnival is on from July 26-29 - Mixed Fours on Friday, Men's Triples on Saturday, Men's Fours on Sunday and Men's pairs on Monday.
Details are available from the Club on 6621 5991. I am sure that all bowlers wish the oldest Club between Newcastle and the border a very happy and successful celebration.
Two clubs are holding tournaments from August 2-4.
Lismore RSL has its Annual Carnival with Mixed Triples on Friday, Men's Triples on Saturday and Men's Pairs on Sunday. To enter, phone the Club on 6621 4898. Workers Heights has its Annual Pairs Festival with Open Men's Pairs on Friday, Members only Major/Minor Pairs on Saturday and Mixed Versatile Pairs on Sunday.
Details from the Club on 6624 3040.
A topic of discussion during the week on both men's and women's greens was that of... Law 54 DELAYING PLAY. Players shall play their bowl without delay and when players are changing position as part of the play of an end this change of position shall occur without delay.
Is sitting on the bank, chatting, instead of being ready to deliver the bowl delaying play? Is stopping midway on crossover and engaging in lengthy discussion of the head delaying play? Is asking numerous questions about which bowl is whose (especially when the player has just left the head) delaying play? Is taking time on the mat to settle oneself and think about the delivery delaying play? (I have never read anywhere of a time limit regarding this). As with all laws, this one, too, is open to interpretation, but commonsense and courtesy must prevail.
Until next week,
good bowling.
 Hooks and Slices
with Stan Bendall
NRDGA
Well it's on next weekend - the prestigious Northern Rivers champos - 36 holes of stroke play, featuring the Champions of Champions play-off, Seniors, Colts and Juniors competing against each other to see who is the best in each category. If you haven't nominated, ring Mullum now 3384 2273.
Next Tuesday, July 30 is the Nth Rivers delegates dinner meeting at Lismore Workers Club. Exec. 6.30pm, followed by delegates at 7pm.
Ballina
Next Saturday the men and ladies will both play a single stab event, with the mens foursomes to be played next Sunday over 27 holes. The RSL will play round 3 of their club champos. Last Wednesday, 194 golfers teed off in a single stab event with Peter Smith taking out the overall winners trophy. Barry Spry was the A Grade victor, with old legend George Morris taking out B Grade, and Jim Hay C Grade. Last Friday's stab saw John McPherson win. The highlight was an ace by Graeme Birney, on the par 3 18th. Good as riding a winner eh Gra!
Last Saturday, hard working life member Ron Drew won the overall trophy in the a single V par event. The A Grade winner was young talent Chris Atkinson, with Julian Beaver winning B Grade and Gus Cuskelly, C Grade.
Byron Bay
Next Saturday a single stroke event will be played, with the August M/Medal Saturday week.
Kyogle
Next Saturday is the annual Norco-sponsored day: 4BBB Agg Stab - draw for partners, with the August M/Medal Saturday week sponsored by Herds Central Butcher. Last Saturday's single stab saw Ben Durand win A Grade on a c/b from Paul Hurley. I think Ben enthused big Ernie Els to win the British Open as they are both South Africans. Rob Mortimer won B Grade.
Lismore Workers
On Saturday, August 3, the July M/Medal will be played in 3 grades. The St Vincents Hospital Charity Golf Day is on Sunday, August 4, the cost is $2.
You might have noticed some good scores of late - but only because of 17 hole comps due to the fairway watering being put into place. Handicaps cannot be adjusted, but there's some suspicions about!
It's only about seven weeks before completion, so please bear with us! Mark Sharpe was victorious in last Thursdays single stroke event with 59, by 2 from Blake Jamieson and Ray Nugent. Ian Marsh took out the first nine, and young talent Brett Forrester the back nine. Steve Fredericks fired a 69 to win the gross.
Last Saturday, the Lismore boys travelled to Casino for the Michael Cup with no result!
The ladies last played the Sydney Morning Herald Qualifier, a 3BBB V Par. The winners were Elaine Barry, Nita Copeland and Diane Kennedy, from runners up Robin Gough, Shirley Turner and Val Cawley qualifying to play the final at Woodburn/Evans Head. Well done girls and good luck!
The Lismore Workers Golf Club winner last Sunday morning was Jeffrey Little, from Brian Way and Phil Lobban. There are sheets on the board for the shotgun start on August 11, 24 and 25. Don't forget the 41st Lismore Trades (motor) Golf Day on Thursday August 15. Entry fee is $30. inc morning tea, lunch, snacks and smorgasbord dinner, and trophies in excess of $6000.
Woodburn/Evans Head
Next Saturday, an agg teams stab will be played.
Last Wednesday, the ladies played a single stab with Nancy Webb winning A Grade, and Jean Pike B Grade. Bill Flanagan won last Thursdays vets comp over 12 holes, from Ian Breguet.
Last Saturday, the men's single stab with John Copeland winning the overall trophy and B Grade. The A Grade winner was Russell Eather, with Ian Forrester winning C Grade. Jim scored the ultimate in golf when he aced par 3-5-14th. Top shot mate! Eleanor Tinker continued her purple patch by winning the ladies section. The charity day last Sunday was taken out by John Copeland, Michael Gordon, Kath Fawkes and Helen Savins.
 What's My Line
with Ian Clark
Rain Needed to Pick Things Up
With The Evans Head fishing Comp well and truly over the town is back to normal size. With over 600 entrants next years event has a lot to live up to.
Plenty of fish with some beauties were weighed in over the week. The live tank was a success again as the fish were released back into their environment without harm.
Unfortunately the dry weather has slowed the action that we have been experiencing over the last three or so weeks. Hopefully the heavens will open up for us and give us some well-deserved rainfall. As they say "dry on land, dry in the ocean."
Most of the dams around northern NSW and South East Queensland have fallen below or are near their 50 percent volume mark.
The NSW Fisheries are showing they mean business again as they confiscated a boat and equipment from two blokes and handed them a $2600 fine for illegally fishing in closed waters.
In another incident a bloke has been summonsed to appear in court after he has been caught on surveillance tape loading nearly 400 bream into a vehicle. His boat, equipment and fish were also seized.
You do the right thing, abide by the laws and yet there are still idiots out there that flaunt with the rules and make money on the black market.
No matter what industry you are in, there is always some low life that is out to cheat the system. All you can do is ask why?
This weekend there is not much to look forward to. If up early you can pick up the odd tailor or bream off the beaches or headlands.
Bream are still in the Richmond River. The town reach has been the popular spot or up around Pimlico for those who do not like the crowds.
The Porpoise Wall is holding a few flathead and if you hit the gap you might pick up a couple of luderick.
Around Munsies Bridge is another good spot for luderick on either one of the approaches.
On the offshore scene it has been patchy but the close reefs are producing some nice snapper and mixed reef fish of varying sizes.
That's about all for this week. The South Ballina beaches are still looking good as well as Seven Mile Beach at Lennox. The rivers and offshore are pretty much head to your favourite spot.
Until next week fun fishing.
Breakaways Maintain a Perfect Score - LDNA Netball
The unbeaten Breakaways 1 maintained their dominance at the top of the ladder with a 58-11 walloping of winless wooden spooners Woodlawn Golden Eagles.
In a similarly high scoring game, Rous 1 put the SCU Lab Rats to the sword with a 50-12 win. Rous 1 also became the first team in the Lismore premiership division to notch up 400 goals for the season, taking their tally to 409, while maintaining the second best defence record in the competition, conceding just 182 goals.
Daleys Tribes had a much tighter tussle with Daleys White, before triumphing 33-27, while the Woodlawn Falcons proved too strong for Daleys Maroon, winning 36-25.
Despite being equally ranked on the points table, Workers Gold proved far too strong for their colleagues Purple, driving home their advantage with a big lead to win 45-20.
Second-placed Daleys scored easy points when SCU Yellow forfeited.
This weekend SCU Yellow will try to stay a step ahead of the Woodlawn Golden Eagles and avoid the wooden spoon when their game kicks off at the Lismore Courts at 1pm. At the same time, Daleys will be keen to maintain their standing when they face Woodlawn Falcons.
Competition leaders Breakaways 1 will be hoping to rack up another cricket score result when they meet Workers Purple at 2.05pm, while Rous 1 will be keen to maintain their defensive record against Daley White.
In the final series of Saturday games at 3.10pm Daleys Maroon face an uphill battle against Daleys Tribes, and the SCU Lab rats shouldn't have too much trouble experimenting on Workers Gold.
Brothers Ready for Finals - Group One Rugby League
 The Kyogle Turkeys were well and truly plucked bare by a relentless Marist Brothers on the weekend, with the competition leaders improving on the previous 80-6 drubbing, this time racking up 15 tries for a 86-0 win.
With three tries and 13 goals, centre Paul Latta went home with a 38 point haul. Winger Nigel Marhall also helped himself to three tries, while Nika Vakarawawa and Paul Robinson bagged two tries each. Brothers led 34-0 at half-time, then really put their foot to the floor as the hapless Turkeys watched them cross the line again and again. Secondrower Damien Bryant was a workhorse through the middle, although little defence stood in the way as the Brethren spun the ball across the paddock.
Brothers should have no trouble disposing of the fumbling Lismore Workers at Crozier Oval this Sunday, as Group One Rugby League moves into the third last round before the finals.
The Warriors had their chances against an erratic South Grafton, but once again poor handling saw the game slip from their grip, losing 44-40.
Brilliant winger Chris King single-handedly kept Workers in the hunt for their fourth win of the season with some brilliant chip and chase kicks and lighting speed through the rucks. King's performance was all the more astonishing for the fact that fitness doubts saw him start the day in the Under 18s. The Richmond River High School student scored tries in all three grades - six for the day, including three in first grade. They were all crowd-pleasers - the first a length-of-the-field dash, the second from a long run that finished with a long kick he regathered in goal, and the third splitting the defence from the quarter line.
But each time King scored, South Grafton counter-punched - thanks primarily to sloppy handling by Workers. Time and again, the ball would be lost early in the tackle count in front of the Workers line. South Grafton were quick to capitalise, and the score kept climbing higher as the game moved quickly from one end of the field to the other.
The win puts South Grafton in striking distance of Lower Clarence in the battle for a finals spot. The two sides will meet in the second last round, but this Sunday, South Grafton travel north for a tough ask against Ballina on home turf.
Ballina need to prove they're grand final material and serious challengers to Brothers.
The Seagulls were capable, if not impressive, in difficult conditions to put Casino to the sword 26-14 on Sunday. Stalwart Keith Beauchamp was instrumental in sealing the win with a couple of good tries and some try-saving defence. Fullback Shaun Laurie also played his part with three tries, including an intercept from the Seagull's defensive half. The Cougars were unlucky with the bounce of the ball in the early stages, and forward Gary Green played his heart out.
Lower Clarence take on Mullumbimby this weekend at Mullum. The Grafton Ghosts used their defence to graft out a solid 20-8 win over the Giants on Sunday. Mullum can expect a similarly torrid time from the Magpies, despite the home ground advantage, and while they have a comfortable buffer to make the top five, the loss has seen them slip out of the top three.
In other games this Sunday, the cellar dwelling Turkeys face a torrid time hosting Casino, after they lost to Ballina. The loss leaves the Cougars with little hope of making the finals, but with their other two matches against Workers and Byron, the fat lady, or second rower, has yet to sing.
Byron Bay head south on Sunday to face the Grafton Ghosts. The winner shouldn't be in doubt after Byron's agony continued against Lower Clarence on the weekend, when the Magpies walloped the Red Devils 46-12.
In a tough stance against offensive language, the Group One judiciary suspended Lismore Workers reserve-grader Leeton Smith until the end of the 2003 season after he pleaded guilty to the offence. Smith was sin-binned, then sent off for swearing, which led to a heated confrontation between the player and match officials. Referee Heath Benn faced a furious Smith who confronted the ref head-to-head while unleashing a stream of invective. Benn told the judiciary Smith threatened a carpark altercation after the game, also singling out a touch judge for abuse.
The 17 month suspension follows repeated warnings for verbal abuse of match officials.
Great Sports get the Hammer
 St Carthage's Primary School Trivia Night and Sports Memorabilia Auction organiser Tanya Jones, with her nephew David (left) and children William, Hugo and Oscar. They are pictured with the autographed Wallabies jersey.
To raise money to upgrade the school's playground, St Carthage's Primary School is hosting a Trivia Night and Sports Memorabilia Auction on Saturday, August 3, at the Lismore Workers Club.
The night will feature a huge trivia contest with heaps of prizes up for grabs, including a weekend for two in Coffs Harbour, a weekend for two at the Angourie Rainforest Resort, tickets to Norpa productions and gift vouchers from various local businesses.
The memorabilia auction features some very special items, like an autographed and framed Wallabies jersey signed by 20 members of the team, a cricket ball signed by the world's fastest cricket bowler, Shoaib Aktar, and John Eales' gate pass in the Wallabies v Lions match in July 2001.
Other memorabilia includes a autographed Brisbane Strikers soccer ball, autographed photos of Anna Kournacova, Steve Waugh, West Indian cricketer Curtley Ambrose, Shane Warne, Pat Rafter, John Newcombe and Mick Doohan photo and to cap it off, a Marjorie Jackson 'Lithgow Flash' piece.
Tickets for the Trivia Night and Sports Memorabilia Auction are $7.50 per person, and tables can have 10-12 people. The night kicks off at 7pm.
To book phone the School on 6621 5529 or the Club on 6621 7401.
Pioneers Prepare to Take Top Spot - FNC Rugby Union
Southern Cross University has maintained its lead in FNC rugby with a strong win 53-15 over a valiant Mullumbimby on the weekend.
The win was all the more impressive as the Gold Rats missing a number of key players, and helps them keep a slender lead over Wollongbar at the top of the table with five rounds to go.
After leading 20-8 at half-time, SCU crossed the line for five more tries, thanks to inspirational prop Stuey Moore, who scored a try and helped the Rats take the attack up to Mullum until it wilted under the pressure.
Winger Johnson Porykali bagged a hat-trick of tries, and in some ways, the big score didn't do Mullum's effort justice.
The Uni boys get a week's rest now, while Mullum face up to Lismore at Riverview park from 3pm.
The Lismore lads are timing their run to the finals well, with a decent 36-20 win over Byron Bay last Thursday, taking them to fifth on the ladder, a point behind Ballina. City will need to tighten up against Mullum after letting some of their lead slip during a try-swapping second half against Byron.
Wollongbar went out to prove they have every intention of taking this year's crown with a 15-5 over premiers Ballina, reversing the result from a fortnight ago. The Bar side was down a six-pack of regulars due to injury, but tries within the first minute of each half set up the win.
Scott Lewis booted a 50m field goal late in the first half, but a short time later, he found himself cooling off in the sin bin, along with prop Justin Whicker, who had just notched up his 100th first grade game.
Ballina scored a consolation try, but along the way made too many mistakes to get on top in the game, despite controlling the scrums. Coach Tony Bundock deserved a better farewell as he departs for a new job in the Northern Territory. He leaves a legacy of two premierships, and Ballina will need to work harder if they hope to honour his memory by retaining the crown this year.
Meanwhile, the Casino Bulls have moved into third spot on the ladder after downing Grafton 16-3. The Bulls kept the Redmen tryless, while crossing the line twice, in a dour struggle that was much closer than the scoreline suggested, with both forward packs straining to grab control to no avail.
This Saturday, the Bulls face a much tougher test when they host the Pioneers at Albert Park from 3pm. It promises to be a titanic struggle, with Wollongbar keen to grab the minor premiership, and the Bulls eager to stay ahead on Ballina who are a win behind.
In the remaining first grade game this Saturday, wooden spooners Grafton are at home to second-last Byron. While the Bay lads are two games ahead on the points, Grafton has a chance to restore some pride and if they can maintain the effort from last weekend, they're in with a good chance.
Brothers Shut Out Redbirds - Baseball
Matt Gahan announced his return to Marist Brothers Baseball shutting down Redbirds to win 7-0, striking out 15 batters along the way.
Redbirds' pitcher, Andrew Ferris gave his second top performance in as many weeks, but ended up with the loss. Ferris spread out 6 hits and only allowed one run, but errors hurt his cause. Brothers scored in the first on a walk , sacrifice and an error. Then both sides exchanged outs until the 4th when Steve Egan and Dave Youngberry singled followed by an error and a sacrifice to score 2 runs.
Ferris then controlled Brothers until the 8th inning when Craig Bateman, Matt Buckley and Dave Youngberry hit safely and with another sacrifice and an error, four more runs were scored for Brothers taking their final total to 7 runs. The only hits from Redbirds were from Luke Davis, Jason Rose and Garn Buckingham collected two.
Gahan was never in any trouble never allowing more than one runner on base and none past 2nd base.
Meanwhile, it was a tight battle between Workers and Norths, with the former prevailing 9-4 in a slugfest.
Workers scored first with one run. Troy Pruess singled, moved to 2nd base on a passed ball and scored on Matt Gooding's single.
Norths got on the scoreboard in the 3rd inning following an error, 2 walks and singles to Lee Robb and Paul Simes to pick up 3 runs. Workers came right back in their half behind hits to Dallas Knapp, Troy Pruess and Brett McClelland assisted by 2 North's errors to pick up 5 runs and lead 6-3.
Workers added two more runs in the 6th inning from Aaron Olley's double, Wayne Devlin's triple and Scott McClelland's single to lead 8-3.
In the 9th inning, Mick and Scott McClelland hit back to back doubles to finish Workers scoring with one more run. Norths threatened in the 9th inning loading the bases with Brad Daly's lead off single, a walk and a hit batter. Worker's pitcher, Troy Pruess then struck out the next batter. A sacrifice fly scored one run and a fielder's choice finished the game.
Pruess consistently got the outs when he needed them, spreading out 5 hits and only allowing one earned run for the 9-4 victory. North's pitcher, Brad Daly collected 9 strikeouts, but couldn't control the heavy end of Workers batting order.
Don't Miss the Motocross
 And one of the biggest names in Australian drag racing, Brett 'The Burnout' Stevens and his Jack Daniel's Racing Team are ready to hit the Lismore Speedway on July 27 to show just what a 2000 horsepower Studebaker can do.
This Saturday at Lismore Showground it's Lismore Big Time.
For the first time ever in Lismore, a Freestyle Moto-X Competition. Over $5,000 on the line in a competition that sees motorcycle riders jumping an 80 ft gap whilst performing tricks in the air.
"These guys are absolutely crazy", said promoter Greg Coombes.
"It's the latest attraction with the young people right now. Watching these guys sail through the air, sometimes actually leaving their bikes, is something you can never get used to."
Freestyle organisers were ecstatic this week with the news that some of the top riders currently in Australia would be competing for the big money on offer at Lismore Big Time.
"Rhyse Delieu is one of the top riders in New Zealand and is perhaps the highest rated rider we have but we have 2 legends of the sport to put him up against, Noel "shagga" Cotter, and the bad boy himself Leigh Harriman." said Coombes." It can be a bit risky booking these guys. As you can imagine, serious injuries are common. Rhyse just two weeks ago punctured a lung but is well and truly back in the saddle".
Ten riders will take part.
Also in the program are the ever popular Burnouts, which is actually serving as a trial in some new procedures employed by organisers in making the popular pastime have less impact on the community.
"We have run two Burnout events so far. Both very popular with the youth in the area, but unfortunately, on the second occasion there was an "inversion" occurring in the air.
"Basically that's when fog or anything else in the area stays low. We now have a wind machine and the Burnouts will be monitored in six different locations around Lismore.
"Council have been very co-operative with us. They understand how popular the Burnouts are in the area, but they insist, and we agree, that they do need to be regulated," Coombes said.
Organisers of Lismore Big Time have gone straight to the top, securing one of the top Drag cars in the country with the Jack Daniels Supercharged, Injected 53 Studebaker.
"This car is awesome, actually quicker than the legendary Victor Bray. It has over 2000 hp and is awesome for the eyes and the ears," Coombs said.
The day will also feature a 48sqm bigscreen which is the biggest that has been to Lismore Showground. A 10,000 watt sound system has also been employed for the day.
BMX Dirt Jumping, The DC pro Skate team, Trial Bike Displays and free rides will make an awesome day of action.
Entry is $25 with under 15 $15 and under 5 free. Gates open at 10am this Saturday, July 28.
Swans Fly over Byron - Aussie Rules
Rumours that the Lismore Swans were struggling for numbers were quashed on the weekend when they crushed second-running Byron by 96 points in the biggest upset turnaround so far this year. On their home turf at Clifford Park Goonellabah, they blasted the Magpies 17.20.122 to 4.2.26.
Greg Westbrook was in amazing form as racked up 42 possessions and dominated the centre of the ground to steer the Swans efforts.
Byron led after the first quarter by a point but Lismore turned on the gas in the second term blasting seven goals to nil to take control of the game, driving home a solid performance with 5 goals in the last quarter to Byron's lonely point.
With Umpires cracking down on undisciplined play as the finals approach, Byron was left three men short in the second term as the game started to heat up. Matty Moore and Scott Shelley led in goals.
Nimbin was at home to the Ballina RSL Bombers in the other game played on the weekend and they played their hearts out in front of a vocal home crowd. Ballina won 17.11.113 to 3.8.26, but Nimbin gave a very respectable performance and were only beaten by a goal in the third term, when they rose a level to really pressure the Bombers midfield.
Kane Haley stood out for Ballina, but it was Kenny Roberts who flew high on many occasions to take tome strong grabs for Nimbin, showing he has plenty to offer.
This weekend was held for the last general bye, in case of wet weather washouts. But thanks to a dry season. all Clubs now have the chance to consolidate their lineups before the final two games before the finals series.
The games in the following week will see the Nimbin Demons at home to the Lismore Swans at the Nimbin Showground, and Byron hosting the Ballina RSL Bombers at Schultz Oval Bangalow.
2002 SAFL Ladder: Ballina RSL Bombers 52, Byron 28, Lismore Swans 20, Nimbin 4.
Roly Barrett
Tennis Officials Visit
Tennis NSW visits Lismore next Thursday, August 1, as part of a travelling tour that includes multimedia presentations and on-court tennis activities.
Next Thursday at Lismore Tennis Club, the Tennis NSW team will participate in a "Myths and Legends" event, where local tennis players and administrators will challenge the staff in a friendly game of tennis.
On Friday, August 2, the team will visit local schools to encourage primary school children to try the game.
That afternoon, Tennis New South Wales coaching staff along with local coaches, will run a squad activity for 8-14 year olds at Lismore Tennis Club. That evening there's a Club Development workshop at the Lismore Workers Club at 6.30pm. It covers all aspects of tennis club and facility management, including programs and advice Tennis New South Wales has to offer. The workshop is aimed at tennis administrators and club members who wish to have an active role in developing their club.
Little Athletics
Following a two-month investigation, a group of local parents are planning to establish a Little Athletics Centre in Lismore.
So far more than 60 families and 100 children have expressed interest in taking part. A planning and information session on the centre will be held this Sunday, July 28, from 1.30pm and the Lismore Workers Club.
It will be followed by the Centre's formation meeting to elect a steering committee to help run the centre in its first year.
All interested parents are invited to attend. Just turn up for the meeting.
Premiership Race Hots Up - Soccer FNC
The dust is still settling after the explosive issue of rule 7b blew up in the face of Soccer FNC a fortnight ago, with three appeals still underway and a final resolution yet to be reached.
In the midst of uncertanity one thing is certain, the risk of yet another infringment of the controversial rule limiting clubs to four players participating in both reserves and premiers on the one day, is now extremely low.
The shadow of recent dramas will linger over Saturday's crucial round, when the three-way battle for the pointscore championship hots up with two crunch games on the coast.
Byron Bay regained the lead from premiership rivals Ballina and Richmond Rovers last week, but face an immediate threat to their position when they host Lismore Workers at 5pm, while Ballina and Rovers meet head to head at Ballina's Saunders Oval, also at 5pm.
The Bay's confortable 5-0 win over South Lismore last week allowed the Rams to skip clear of Ballina, who went down 1-0 to Workers after an embarrasing own goal, and Rovers, who were held to a 1-1 draw by a gritty Casino.
But maintaining their lead will require a disciplined performance from the Rams, against a Workers outfit fresh from a 1-0 win over Ballina and determined to consolidate their place in the top five.
While the Redmen have big names Anthony Alvos and Steve Morrissey missing, their younger players such as striker Dan Henderson and defender Zac Crowley are growing in confidence with every game, leaving no room for complacency from the Bay, who will be recovering from their Tursa Cup final against Ballina last night and could be forced into changes as a result.
Ballina will also be suffering a Cup final hangover when they host Rovers, in perhaps the most important game of the season so far for both sides.
With Rovers only a point behind leader Byron Bay, but also just a point ahead of Ballina, the result will have an enormous impact on the premiership race.
Ballina is under the greater pressure to win, with both Byron and Rovers holding a game in hand on the Seahorses, and with Rovers expected to bring a full strength squad to Saunders Oval, the possibly jaded seasiders face their biggest challenge of the season.
While the top three battle out the premiership race, fourth-placed Italo Stars will be hoping to keep the pressure on the front-runners by claiming three points from Casino on Saturday.
Stars 5-3 win over Alstonville last week featured four goals from scoring sensation Wayne Mortimer, who will relish the chance to enhance his rich vein of form against his former club.
While Stars will go in as firm favourites, Casino has the home advantage for the 3pm kick off and despite being out of the running for the semis, proved it will continue to have an infuence the final makeup of the top five, by holding premiership contenders Rovers to a 1-1 draw last week.
At the other end of the ladder, relegation candidates Goonellabah and Alstonville both face difficult assignments as they confront opponents looking to make a charge for the top five on Saturday.
While Goonellabah gained a valuable point from last week's 3-3 draw with Uni, the Hornets will find the going tough against a Thistles outfit bouyed by a 2-1 win over premiers Maclean in their last start.
Villa is also on home turf for their 3pm showdown with Uni, who will be determined not to again be deprived of points by a lower-ranked side.
Oakes Oval is the venue for the final match of Saturday's round, with premiers Maclean playing for little but pride against celler dwellers South Lismore at 3pm.
One re-scheduled match is set down for next week, with Uni hosting Italo Stars from 8pm on Monday night.
Rep Side Announced
Brisbane Strikers gave Soccer FNC's senior rep side a 5-0 lesson in last year's Southern Cross Credit Union Challenge, but can expect stiffer opposition when this year's annual fixture kicks off at Oakes Oval on August 14.
Soccer FNC Director of Coaching Tim Jerks learnt some tough lessons after naming a side dominated by youthful talent last year, selecting a more balanced lineup that includes the vast experience of quality strikers Wayne Mortimer and Bruce Morhaus, along with tried and proven midfielders such as Darren Beardow, Troy Percival and Anthony Alvos.
"The aim of recent team selections has been to promote and blood a selection of SFNC's younger brigade, with the likes of Jed Wright, Tim Casagrande and Adam Holmes all being considered" Jerks said.
"This time we are taking the best from that younger brigade and blending it with a strong contingent of our experienced players to provide a good balance between mobility and strength".
Hot Shots
The Hot Shots leader board has been hit by a dose of chaos theory due to the recent re-allocation of points and cancellation of goals from certain games, with the situation still in a state of flux as three appeals are heard.
In the meantime, here's the current state of affairs.
Progress Tally
12 - Mitch Amidy (Uni).
11 - Troy Matthews (Rovers), Jed Wright (Byron Bay).
10 - Troy Percival (Ballina), Justin Stockham (Ballina), Wayne Mortimer (Stars), Steve Morrissey (Workers).
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