Sports News
 Bowled Over
with Lois Mawler
Third Time Lucky
We have looked at the desired attributes of a lead, second and skip in recent weeks, so now it is the turn of the third (or second, in triples) to come under the microscope.
A good third is an all-weather, all-shots, all-eventualities player.
He/she is the anchor and steadying influence of the team and must be a master of all shots, able to drive with one bowl and dead draw with the next. He/she must be able to play every shot in the book and should be particularly adept at drawing to positions away from the centre line.
His/her task is to back up the skip by being knowledgeable in all areas of the game and is often called on to rectify unfavourable positions which develop during a game.
As well as being skilled in all shots, a third needs to have a thorough understanding of building a head and be able to read it with accuracy and speed.
An essential attribute is being able to give clear concise, information to the skip, but only when requested. If asked who owns a particular bowl in the head, answer either them or us. Don't waste time by pointing out other bowls in the head.
Suffering from paralysis by analysis can be a problem associated with being a third.
'Silence is golden' should be the third's motto - on cross-over, only speak to the skip if he/she initiates it and maintain silence at the head.
Having a thorough understanding and knowledge of the Laws of the Game is a must and the third has to be a competent measurer.
Umpires can be of great assistance in this area and part of preparation for the role of third would be to spend time with an umpire being instructed in the correct way to measure. Carrying appropriate tapes, chocks and a marker with you can save a lot of time in a game - essential when it is a timed round.
Having determined the result of a head, the third must indicate it clearly and quickly to the skip and second. When signalling shots for or against, always make sure that the back of the hand is facing the skip and not the side of the body.
Practice routine for the third includes the drive, the trail, yard-on shot, wresting shot and conversion.
Practise the dead draw shot and drawing around or under a bowl. The third needs to be able to do the full range of draw shots - short, long, to the ditch, the boundary and everywhere in between.
Above all, the third needs to be a good communicator, relating positively and enthusiastically to all members of the team. There are occasions when diplomacy is needed - if the team is unhappy with an aspect of the game such as length of jack or tactics, he/she has to be able to discuss this with the skip without disturbing team harmony.
In summary, the good third needs skill, astuteness, loyalty, patience and a degree in psychology would not go astray. Is there anyone out there?
Until next week,
good bowling.
 Hooks and Slices
with Stan Bendall
Classic Dampened not Lost
 Winners of the Holden Scramble in Lismore last Saturday were (l-r) Serge Zanuso, John Chant (Sponsor) and Chris Slade. Absent was Scott MacNamara.
NRDGA
The 32nd Northern Rivers Classic got away to a damp start at Ballina last Sunday. Played over 13 days on the top 13 golf courses, it concludes on Friday, September 6, at Yamba Golf Club. The 36-hole Classic Cup and Shield will be hosted by Ballina Golf Club this Saturday and Sunday and is the highlight of the tournament. The weather is usually kind to the visitors, but this year the rain, while badly needed, dampened spirits a little. The Kooralbyn golf resort has again donated a "Lucky Package" to a golfer out of a draw - but remember you must be at the club to win.
This weekend Coolangatta/Tweed Heads hosts the annual Regional champos with a handicap limit of 16.
Ballina
This weekend Ballina hosts the Cup and Shield, while the members visit Casino for the Bardwell-Ellis trophy. The RSL boys visit Yamba tomorrow.
Last Wednesday, members played a 4BBB stableford. John Beaumont and Ken McIntyre took the honours from David Finn and Jim Wilson on a countback.
Last Friday's single stableford saw Tony Hughes take the trophy from Mal Hamilton and evergreen Tom Dawn.
At last Saturday's single stableford, life member and club stalwart Ron Drew win the overall trophy. The A Grade winner was Greg Fenton, with James Green winning B Grade.
Last Monday, 59 vets teed off in a single stableford. David McPhie won by 2 from Jim Wilson, John Beaumont, Ian Beattie and Kevin Davey.
Byron Bay
This Saturday is a four person ambrose, and a mixed American foursomes next Sunday.
Casino
Casino hosts Ballina for the first round of the Bardwell-Ellis trophy this Saturday.
Members will receive ballot forms next week to vote for directors for the ensuing year. Don't forget to have a say in a very successful club.
Last Saturday's teams stableford was won by a team of young guns, Josh Cook, Wade Sweeney, Scott Clapham and Bob Betts. Brett Dean survived a three way countback to win last Thursday's single stroke from Trevor Everest and Greg Cowan.
Kyogle
This Saturday Kyogle Golf Club will host a visit from Lismore golfers in a one off match for the Johnson and Johnson Suzuki trophy, currently held by the Lismore boys.
Next Saturday the members will play the September Medal.
Lismore
For the Lismorians visiting Kyogle, the bus leaves Lismore Golf Club at 10.15am sharp.
Next Saturday, the Lismore boys travel to Mullum to contest the first round of the Star Cup.
Last Thursday saw Laurie Armitage return to the winning circle.
Last Saturday, a 4BBB stableford saw two golfers who have never played as a team, Gary Coughlin and Phil Luckie, take the honours with 49 points.
Last Saturday's Holden Scramble saw numbers down a little. The winners were Chris Slade, Serge Zanuso and Scott McNamara, from Steve Hanlon, Craig Hocking and Anthony Magarry. The two teams will now progress to the regional finals in November and team up with a pro golfer to play ambrose fours.
Back to bucket carrying on the course - people are still not obeying a rule which applies to golfers carrying their golf bags. Juniors, Cadets and social players must do same. And the committee is still watching for slow play.
Spare a thought for veteran golfer Don McDonald who is in St Vinnies. And happy birthday to Charlie Pickford and Eric Dargie.
Don't forget the Children's Charity Golf Day on Sunday, September 8. The nomination fee is $25, which includes a barbie, plus heaps of prizes to be won.
Woodburn-Evans Head
This Saturday is an aggregate stableford event, plus a single stroke for the September Mug in three grades, and qualifying round for single Knock Out.
Last Wednesday, the ladies played the club foursome champos over 27 holes. Club champ Irene Crampton teamed up with Joyce Mulcahy to win back to back titles. The runners up were Dot Cox and Debbie McPhie only 1 behind, with Bernadette Cornelius and Jean Pike winning the net section.
Last Thursday, the vets played a 12 hole 4BBB stableford. Ken Brackin and Geoff Heathcote taking the honours.
At last Saturday's single stableford, Alan Irvine won A grade, Michael Rasmstadius B grade and Lismore's Gildo Pagotto C Grade. The ladies played a single stableford with Betty O'Grady taking the honours from Club Sec Karen Allen.
Carol Youngberry won last Sunday's RSL social game.
 What's My Line
with Ian Clark
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, has rung true this week.
After a lot of thought I have finally decided to hang up the pen so to speak.
Yes this is my final article. Joyous to some readers no doubt. But it is sad to say goodbye to a great crew that put together one of the best papers read on the North Coast.
Why you ask?
Although born and bred in Lismore, over the last two years the article has been done from our new hometown, Brisbane.
The article was done on the side for fun, but, a new career challenge has eaten up a fair bit of spare time. Unfortunately this was the sacrifice.
Also giving up their positions are eight commercial fisherman on the Clarence River who sold their licences back to the NSW Government.
This has created the 30th recreational fishing haven in NSW and will also reduce the commercial fishing pressure on the Clarence that we have seen over the years.
NSW Fisheries is also calling on the community to report any fish kills to their local office as soon as possible.
Frosts, low water flow and low levels of oxygen are believed to be the main reasons behind minor fish kills across the state.
To the fishing, and the rain has been excellent.
It made a difference last weekend. Maybe it's coincidental but this weekend should be a goody.
The walls in the Richmond River are good for bream and school jew. The best bait has been squid or fish fillets. The tailor are still about and can also be targeted here or off the headlands.
The beaches, if you can get a window to fish them, are good for bream, dart and whiting.
Pimilico, Wardell and Broadwater have schoolies poking around taking worms and the odd flathead is being picked up in these areas as well.
The luderick are still in the local haunts and the outside lads have not much to gloat about at all.
Fathers Day is on this weekend. Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there and the Brisbane Boat Show starts this Wednesday if you are keen.
Well that's it.
Thanks for reading my column. I hope I have improved your fishing in some small way since doing these articles.
As Martin Luther King said "Your life begins to end the day that you become silent about the things that matter."
Fun fishing.
Kyogle is Hell - No Bull!
 Whoa there! Bullriding will be on in Kyogle on Saturday night.
This Saturday, August 31, Kyogle will be bucking and breaking like you've never seen it before.
The top 45 riders in Australia, including three times World Champion bull rider Troy Dunn will mosey into town to face some of the most fearsome bulls on the circuit in the appropriately named 'Hell on Hooves'.
The boys are vying for points in the Ford F Series Bull Riding Championships at the Kyogle Colosseum and a spectacular evening of entertainment is being presented by the Kyogle Fairymount Festival.
The collosseum gates open at 4pm with entertainment including dancers, a puppet show and boomerang painting.
The Championship action gets underway from 6pm. The events range from freestyle bull fighting to the woolly bully comedy act, an auction of stud services to Doc's Witness and a pony raffle.
The evening will be fully catered with food and bar facilities,
And after the bull riding, Kerry Kennedy and Double Barrel will play on from about 9pm until late.
If you'd like to meet Troy Dunn, he'll be in Casino around lunchtime tomorrow, including a visit to the Cecil Hotel 12.30-1.30pm, then in again 9-10pm.
You can also catch him at the Summerland Credit Union in Kyogle, 2.30-3pm, and on Saturday at Tom's Music, 9-11am.
Tickets for Hell on Hooves are $15/$8 kids/$40 family (two adults and two kids) from Badens Haberdashery. Tickets also available from the gate on the night. Info 6632 1120.
Premier Semi: Daleys Versus Breakaways - LDNA Netball
 Breakaways proved much too good for Daleys in the premier division netball last weekend. The two teams play a rematch this weekend as the major semi final.
In a pre-cursor to this Saturday's Lismore and District Netball Association premier division major semi final Breakaways smashed Daleys 46-29 last weekend.
Breakaways dominated the entire game and made life extremely difficult for Daleys, especially for their shooters. Daleys will have to hit the training court hard during the week in preparation for the rematch at 1pm this Saturday.
A win means a week off and an entry straight through to the grand final the following week and with Breakaways posting such a good win last weekend they go into the semi as unbackable favourites.
The minor semi will also be a rematch - between Daleys Tribes and Rous 1 at 3.10pm.
Rous won last weekend's match 43-33 and look set to end Daleys Tribes' season to set up a preliminary final encounter for the following weekend.
In a fairly high-scoring match Rous' defence proved to have the edge and forced enough turnovers to give them the game. Both first and second division have their final preliminary round games this weekend.
Woodlawn Falcons will have a tough one in first division at 1pm against Daleys White but should probably come through with the goods.
Southern Cross University Lab Rats should have a relatively easy victory over Daleys Maroon when they meet in the second first division game at 2.05pm.
The Lab Rats have been performing well lately and with the semis in a week should probably be at their best.
The other University team, SCU Yellow, should also have a victory in their game, in division 2 at 2.05pm.
Yellow will play Workers Purple and should take the game without too much difficulty.
In the final second division game of the day Woodlawn Golden Eagles meet Workers Gold at 3.10pm in what should be a very close game.
Stars Shine on in Time for Semis - Soccer FNC
 Soccer FNC's premier division pointscore championship reached a sensational climax on and off the paddock in last week's final round, culminating in Italo Stars edging out Byron Bay to win their second minor premiership trophy in three years.
On the eve of the final round Soccer FNC ended a lengthy appeal process by ruling in favour of Stars, in relation to being stripped of three points for a possible breech of the controversial rule 7b, in their clash with Goonellabah back on May 4.
Regaining the points elevated Stars to the top of the ladder, giving them a one point buffer over former leader Byron Bay going into the final round.
A well-crafted 3-1 win over Ballina at Oakes Oval triggered jubilation for Stars, while a frustrated Byron Bay took out their angst on former premiers Maclean, thrashing the Bobcats 7-2 on the Clarence.
Stars will now enjoy the luxury of a week off to admire the latest addition to their trophy cabinet, alongside the Anzac Cup they won in April, leaving just the major premiership remaining to complete the coveted treble, last achieved by Lismore Workers back in 1990.
Stars' next match will be the major semi in a fortnight's time for a place in the grand final, against the winner of Saturday's opening semi-final clash between Byron Bay and Richmond Rovers.
Byron has the home advantage for the 3pm kick off and will run on the same lineup that humbled Maclean last week, while Rovers will field a reshuffled lineup.
The Rams haven't lost to Rovers all year and with deadly finishers Bruce Morhaus, Jed Wright, Nathan Jones and Endre Kvia all in top form, will go in as firm favourites.
The foursome provide plenty of options in attack for the Rams and have amassed 41 goals between them this season, presenting Rovers defence with an enormous challenge
After narrowly missing out on securing their first minor premiership, Byron coach Graham Bird anticipates motivation will be running high in the Rams camp.
"We feel we should have done better in the minor premiership and not taking our opportunities cost us dearly, so now we're very focused on making the grand final again" he said.
Byron went all the way to last year's decider only to lose to Maclean, leaving the Rams doubly determined to brush aside Rovers challenge and get on with the job.
A depleted Rovers struggled to a 2-1 win over Southern Cross Uni in their last start, but will be boosted by the return from suspension of their best striking combination in Tim Sheridan and Troy Matthews.
Also coming back into the side will be experienced stopper Brendan Matthews, pacy midfielder Brett Lane and solid defender Andrew Witchard, leaving coach Al Duroux quietly confident..
"We realise what time of the year it is and we're used to being seen as underdogs, but we're happy with that," he said.
While the winner will earn the chance to move into the grand final in the major semi against Stars, the loser will have a second chance at semi-final survival, when they meet the winner of Saturday's elimination semi between Ballina and Lismore Workers.
Finishing ahead of Workers on the ladder has given Ballina the home advantage for the 3pm kick off at Saunders Oval and with a full strength side the Seahorses will be looking to break their drought against the Redmen.
Ballina are yet to crack Workers defence after 2-0 and 1-0 losses in their two premiership meetings, leaving coach John Percival to call on his side to "Be patient and hold our shape".
Ballina suffered a 3-1 loss at the hands of in-form premiers Stars last week, while Workers were less than convincing in scrambling to a 2-1 win over Goonellabah, condemning the Hornets to relegation, along with South Lismore.
Defender Zac Crowley was sent off in the second half of a tumultuous struggle, leaving him on the sideline on Saturday, but central defender Jason Toniello comes back into the side and with Anthony Alvos and Matthew Kelso also hoping to return, the Redmen will be looking to continue their dominance over the Seahorses.
Hot shots
Italo Stars striker Wayne Mortimer has won The Echo's Hot Shots award, after having the five goals he scored against Goonellabah on May 4, reinstated last week.
A successful appeal from Stars won back the points that had been deducted, and with them the five goal harvest Mortimer reaped from the 7-1 win in question.
Mortimer will be presented with a weekend for two at the luxury Kooralbyn Resort on the Gold Coast, courtesy of the Lifestyle Club and The Echo, at Soccer FNC's annual presentation night at Lismore Workers Club on Saturday night.
Final tally
21 - Wayne Mortimer (Stars).
17 - Troy Matthews (Rovers).
13 - Mitch Amidy (Uni).
12 - Steve Morrissey (Workers).
11 - Jed Wright (Byron Bay), Justin Stockham (Ballina), Dan Henderson (Workers).
Waterpolo Juniors 2nd in Pan Pacs
The Alstonville Junior Waterpolo team recently returned from New Zealand where the 16 Years team came second in the Pan Pacific Youth Tournament. They were unlucky to be beaten by the Kiwi national team by a goal in extra time.
The good news is that three members of the team - Clayton Fettell, Jake Napoli and Ryan Crowe - have been named in the Queensland Under 18s team to contest the National Titles in Hobart at the end of September. The three lads come from a 250-strong junior comp held at Alstonville on Friday nights.
With the Alstonville pool re-opening on Sunday, the Swimming Club returns to the water for summer training from Monday, September 2.
Among the swimmers training well under new head coach, John Marley, and assistant coach Beth Reynolds, is Pip Taylor who just returned from a great showing in Japan where she placed 3rd in a strong international field last weekend. Another rising star is youngster Gemma Johnson from St Joseph's Alstonville.
ýurrently the Alstonville Swimming Club is gearing up for the National Swim Titles in Darwin. And if you're a triathlete, don't forget that triathlon coach Justin Drew is offering programs designed for everyone, from novice to professional, at the Alstonville pool.
For details, phone 6628 0826.
Brothers Slip Past Norths - Baseball
The Redbirds played spoilers on the weekend as they split a doubleheader with Norths, and Brothers downed Workers. The results mean Norths can only work for a tie in second place.
In the Friday night game, Redbirds backed up their pitcher Andrew Ferris as he controlled Norths lineup, allowing only 4 hits and striking out 12 batters. The only runs scored were unearned.
Redbirds scored first in the 4th inning. Norths got on the board in the 6th. It was tied 3-3 in the 7th. Norths took the lead in the 8th, before the Redbirds scored two runs in the 9th to lead 5-4. That's how it stayed as Ferris quickly dispatched Norths' final three batters. Paul Simes pitched solidly for Norths, but errors hurt his cause.
The second game was reversed with Norths' pitcher, Mark Robb, controlling Redbirds totally for 5 innings allowing only 3 hits, no runs and 7 strikeouts. Brad Daly finished the job with only 2 runs in the ninth. Meanwhile, Norths scored 2 runs in the 2nd and again in the 4th, then 3 more in the 5th thanks to doubles from Lee Robb and Brad Daly for a 7-0 lead, before winning 8-2. Norths were helped by Redbirds pitchers unable to find the plate, with 15 free passes from walks and hit batters.
In a game that for 6 innings was a pitching and defensive duel, Brothers took advantage of some missed opportunities and took out Workers 10-6. Matt Gahan went the distance for Brothers and held Workers lineup until the final 2 innings. Workers pitcher, Matt Gooding, held Brother's hard hitting lineup for 6 innings giving up a run in the 6th on Matt Gahan's double. Steve Egan hit a home run for Brothers to take a 10-1 lead. Workers didn't quit in the ninth, when a fielders choice loaded the bases. Scott McClelland's double cleared them.
Next Friday night is the final game of the regular Major League season as Norths meets Brothers and Workers play Redbirds at 6:30pm at Albert Park. Semifinals continue for the other divisions and junior baseball on Saturday.
Swimsafe More Affordable
The NSW Department of Sport and Recreation has increased the discount available for families who enrol their children in Swimsafe learn-to-swim classes.
The second and subsequent children will be charged 25 per cent less.
The new prices are $3.85 per lesson for pre-schoolers, $5.10 per lesson for 12 years and under and $7 for 13 years and over.
Bookings for Swimsafe open in September. Call 13 13 02 for information.
Grafton Claim Finals Edge - Group One Rugby League
 Close but not close enough... Casino's season ended last Saturday when they lost to the Ballina Seagulls 34-14 in the minor semi-final.After another shock win last Sunday, the Grafton Ghosts have booked themselves a place in the Group One Rugby League grand final in a fortnight's time.
The Ghosts smashed Marist Brothers 28-4 in the major semi final at Oakes Oval on a rainy Sunday afternoon, and now have a week off. The victory also means that the Group One grand finals will be held in Grafton. It will be Grafton's first grand final in 11 years.
Brothers now need to beat Ballina in the preliminary final this Sunday at Oakes Oval at 2.45pm if they are to earn a chance to defend their premiership.
Ballina took care of Casino on Saturday, ending the Cougars' season with a 34-14 victory in the minor semi-final.
The erratic weather conditions on Sunday made things difficult, but it was Grafton's watertight defence that earned them victory. Brothers' only points game from a Paul Latta try in the 70th minute.
The Ghosts grafted out a solid game as Brothers repeatedly attacked, turning back a trio of four pointers just inches from the line, keeping the score to 16-0 at half-time.
As the rain came down, conditions turned slippery during the second half and passes went astray on both sides. Centre Paul Laurie did most of the damage for Grafton, scoring three tries, including a brilliant chip and chase midway through the second half.
In Saturday's minor semi, conditions were again tough, with Ballina doing most of the work in the first half to put an end to Casino's season. The Seagulls built up a strong lead by half time, but with a cold, strong southerly behind them for the back end of the game, were unable to control the ball. Casino were no better in a half dominated by scrums. Centre Keith Beachamp and winger Ashley Moran did the damage for Ballina, both bagging two tries. Shaun Laurie was inspirational as captain, booting five goals and playing a hand in a couple of tries. Cougars centre Rod Graham scored late in the second half, as well as booting three goals, but it was too little too late.
While the Seagulls were also stung by Grafton the previous week, they bounced back well to defeat Casino, and can pose a serious threat to Brothers in the final.
In Reserve grade this Sunday, Brothers will meet South Grafton at 12.50pm after the Marist lads also went down to the Seagulls 14-6. While Ballina waits to see who they'll meet in the grand final, South Grafton ended Mullumbimby's season 18-14.
In Under-18s, Grafton faces Lismore Workers at 11.30am.
The finals are at Oakes Oval on Sunday.
Rats Take Gold in Minor Premiership - FNC Rugby Union
 Uni fullback josh Condon on the burst against the Greens.
Southern Cross University have given themselves a week off after defeating Lismore City 27-10 in the last round of the Far North Coast Rugby Union competition last Saturday.
The win gives the Gold Rats the minor premiership and means Lismore will have to play Ballina at home in the preliminary elimination quarter final this Saturday.
Lismore were missing key backs Tony Durheim and Mark Sivewright but still performed well in the second half.
The Rats crossed four times in the first half, including two tries to lock Rob Sheekey and a good forwards try to hooker Stewie Moore from a close lineout.
The second half definitely belonged to Lismore City though - as City scored one unanswered try and were unlucky not to cross for more, as the slippery ball stubbornly refused to stay in the hands.
Steve Spinks again had a fantastic game in defence, as he and fellow forwards, Sioni Lafoou and Sandy Maxwell defended strongly from the line. Spinks and Moore also played very well in the loose, their speed to the ruck causing Lismore lots of grief.
Byron Bay ended their season with a forfeit to Casino, a disappointing but perhaps apt, season finish for a team with some very talented players.
The forfeit ensured Casino finished third and means the Bulls will play Wollongbar at Lismore this Saturday in the major quarter final at 3pm.
In further bad news for the Pioneers they will be without John Love, who has broken his arm.
Wollongbar just defeated Mullumbimby 23-22 last weekend thanks to a last minute penalty goal to scrum half Scott Lewis in the dying minutes.
In a surprisingly even match Lewis again came to the rescue, scoring the Pioneers' first try and being as accurate as ever with the boot.
If any of the finalists are thinking after losing to Uni and then just defeating the Moonshiners, Wollongbar peaked to early then they are making a mistake - the Pioneers will be back with a vengeance.
The Bar have lost a couple of key players to injury in recent weeks but they'll regroup stronger than ever and come out ready to win.
The Pioneers are the hardest team to score against in the comp, the most professional and probably the toughest.
If Casino let Wollongbar define where the game is played instead of sticking to their own style (which, this season has been pretty flexible and shown a good aptitude for chucking the ball around) then they'll have to play the elimination semi final the following week instead of going into the major semi against Uni.
It will be a tough game but Wollongbar have to go in favourites, as they've only lost two games all season and they know how to win games.
Ballina easily accounted for Grafton 24-5 last weekend and will play Lismore in the elimination quarter final this Sunday at Casino at 3pm.
This game will be one of the most spirited of the season with neither team wanting to bow out at this stage.
Ballina began the season without much of a cohesive flow but have certainly developed a good game plan at the right time, and with the chance of winning their sixth premiership on the line they'll be bringing out the big guns from now on.
In a way Lismore can be thought of as the Waratahs of Far North Coast Rugby (although thankfully there's no Canterbury) - capable of beating anyone and with a little bit of luck going their way they will do so.
City have been pretty unlucky to lose in the last few weeks and are well overdue for a win - especially as, if they don't win this week, they won't have another chance for a year.
There's no love lost between the two sides either - long-time rivals, who both desperately want to win - should be an intense game with the winner as difficult to pick as a reason to vote Democrat.
Magpies Down Swans - Aussie Rules
 The Lismore Swans bowed out 4.2.26 to 15.8.98 in the preliminary final against Byron Bay.
The Byron Magpies secured a berth in the grand final this week, with Ballina RSL Bombers, after a tough win over the Lismore Swans in the preliminary final on Saturday at Fripp Oval, Ballina. Byron stormed home with a stiff breeze to win 15.8.98 over the Lismore Swans 4.2.26.
In one of their worst performances of the 2002 season, the Swans lost their cool under the pressure of vying for only their second Grand Final since becoming the inaugural Premiers in 1984.
Lismore's backchat to the Umpires cost them dearly in the first and second quarters, when they gave away several 50-metre penalties, resulting in goals to Byron. With three men in white controlling the game for the first time, the umpires were able to pick up infringements that would normally go unchecked.
But Byron was simply too good. Joe Davidson led them around the ground and Andy Robinson again marked strongly in front of goals, booting two goals. Dean Baulch kicked four goals, and Grant Batten two to give the Magpies their fourth consecutive attempt at the Premiership.
So this Saturday's grand final is a replay of last year, when Ballina RSL Bombers host the Byron Magpies at Fripp Oval Ballina from 2pm.
Ballina have won against Byron six times this year, most recently, a fortnight ago when the downed the Magpies by 51 points in the major semi final.
Sam Kennedy has been leading the Bombers from the center and his ability and commitment was rewarded when he came runner-up in the 2002 SAFL Best and Fairest vote count, and winner of the first 2LM Player of the Year Award.
Assistant coach and vice captain Damian Holland has had a solid year probing the forward line from the half-forward and leads the Bombers with 36 goals. He is backed up by Roly Barrett who has notched 33 from the forward pocket.
Roly Wintle should be returning to the defensive line after being sidelined through injury for the last two weeks.
Ballina have not won a flag since 1996 and after losing to Byron for the last two years, there is plenty of feeling and desire from the Bombers hanger to go on with the job and clinch the elusive premiership.
According to Byron club stalwart George Pike, "on paper the Byron Magpies are a better side than last years winning team", so if they play their best they could really rattle the Bombers who will be starting as favourites.
Byron looked strong in the preliminary final and if they continue the vein of form, the grand final is set to be a ripper of a battle. Gary Nash and Dave McLean have been the big men of the Byron defence this year and they try to dominate their opponents. Tim Donahoe and Tim Fisher have also been valuable assets in the center for Byron.
Ballina RSL Bombers grand final team: Peter Plummer (c), Damian Holland (vc), Tim Price, Craig Borley, Mark Stafford, Frank Miller, Jake Gardiner, Luke Crowe, Roly Wintle, Gerard Piper, Tony Archibald, Brad Scofield, Paul Hindson, Scott Hurley, Hayden Borley, Sam Kennedy, Richard Sigg, Rodney McMillan, Sam Cussons, Roly Barrett, Scott Grimster, Kane Haley, Danny Hutchins, Scott Carriage, Tony Singe, Daniel Storer, Shane Percy, Dave Launders.
Byron Magpies grand final team - Jason Rawnsley (c), John Porritt, Gary Nash, Josh Stephens, Phil Borrick, Tim Caldwell, Joe Davidson, Cade Davidson, Jarrah Davidson, Lachlan McKenzie, Dean Baulch, Arli Orford, Tim Fisher, Dave McLean, Darren Lunan, Andy Robinson, Shem Aitken, Sean Court, Levi Dunn, Michael Gabriel, Daryll Bennett, Seth Blood, Crispin Myres, Joel Peters, Tim Donahoe, Chester Dott.
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