Sports News
 Bowled Over
with Lois Mawler
The Northern Rivers District Women's Bowling Association is gearing up for its 45th Annual Carnival being held from Tuesday - Thursday, October 1-3.
This is the Women's District's longest running major tournament and attracts teams from Brisbane and the Gold Coast in the north, west to Armidale and south to the Central Coast. This year, 102 teams of fours have entered and will be spread over the greens of three Lismore clubs for the three days.
Each game is keenly contested, because the major prize winners will be determined from the results of three games each day over three days. As well as skill and luck, players will need fitness and endurance to be in the race for these prizes. Daily prizes are also awarded to the three best performed teams at each of the three clubs each day, so many teams are assured of sharing in some of the generous sponsorship.
The manager of Ireland Honda, Neil Ireland, is once again the major sponsor of the event. He has been a loyal and valued supporter of the Carnival over the past years and his generosity has ensured that the Carnival maintains its high standard. Other sponsors, whose support is most appreciated, are the Lismore and District Workers Club and Ron Hill from Parkview Funeral Home.
Bev Latimer, of Summerland Sports, has kindly donated the major prize for the raffle and Ballina RSL Club Ltd, the supply and printing of raffle tickets.
Tournaments like this cannot be run without corporate sponsorship and the NRDWBA is most grateful for the help they receive.
Carnivals such as these are very healthy for the local economy, too, as over half of the teams are visitors from afar requiring accommodation and transport.
There were some moments of doubt earlier in the year that the Carnival would proceed. It looked as if NSW was going to be left out in the cold when the unification process hit a snag, but thankfully, that issue was resolved and all bowlers are now unified under Bowls Australia, able to play at all clubs throughout the nation without prejudice.
The Carnival culminates in a Presentation Dinner at the Workers Club on Thursday evening where the women let their hair down and relax while being entertained by their peers with concert items, some of which are worthy of their own rewards.
An amended, updated version of the Laws of the Game of Bowls in Australia will be available later this month and I understand there are quite a few changes. As it does not come into effect until 2003, we will all have time to study and absorb the changes before they become law. As players of the game, both at a social and competitive level, we owe it to ourselves and the game of bowls to become knowledgeable and proficient in their application.
Until next week,
good bowling.
 Hooks and Slices
with Stan Bendall
Ballina
This Saturday, is a men's backmarker stableford with the ladies playing a single stableford.
This Sunday, Brownie's boys will contest the foursomes champos. Next Monday the men and ladies vets play a 4BBB stableford in conjunction with a men's single.
Last Friday's single stableford was won by Jim (pull up your socks) Muir.
At last Saturday's September medal Luke Watling took out the overall trophy, Rod Barnett A Grade, James Green B Grade and Grant Astley C Grade.
The 4BBB finals were won by Tony Long and David May, with Ken Leggo winning the single section. At last Sunday's mixed American Naggers Cup, Julie and John Casey took the honours.
Byron Bay
This Saturday a single stroke event will be played with a single mixed event this Sunday.
The club champos will commence on Saturday, September 28.
Casino
This Saturday is Thommo's Day - a single stroke, and the second round of the Mulherin and Schier Spring Cup - Claude Viel Vardon.
At last Saturday's September medal, Brian Fletcher had his first in and B Grade, and leading with 64, by 1 from young Brendan Butcher. The A Grade winner was Harry Mackney on a countback from Dave Beaumont, both in the picture for the final round.
Members should have received their ballot papers by now, so return them ASAP so as to ensure the right people are returned to ensure the club keeps running as a success, together with their popular secretary-manager Graeme Martin!
Coraki
This Saturday a is 4BBB stableford and the fourth round of the Blanches Knockout. The medley stableford is Saturday week.
Last Saturday, the September Mug saw Curtis Gray take out A Grade, Gary Rowsell B Grade, and Kevin Wilson C Grade. Chris Gray won the putting comp.
Last Sunday, at the annual Mid-Richmond mixed foursomes, Northern Rivers club preso Earl Scurr partnered his talented daughter, Donna, to win, while Graham Truscott and Dianne King took out the net, from husband and wife combo of Chris and Dot Rose. The 18 hole gross was taken out by Ken Mount and his wife Judy, with club v/preso Neil Clarke partnering his wife Sue to win the 18 hole net. Earl also scored an ace on the par 3 12th hole.
Kyogle
This Saturday is a 4BBB stableford and is the John Gibson Memorial Day.
The first round of the foursomes champos are on Saturday week.
At last Saturday's September Medal, John McNaughton took out A Grade and Ray Lyons B Grade.
Last Sunday, the mixed club foursomes were played over 27 holes with new men's president Paul Hurley partnering the ladies president Shirley Murray, to take the coveted title from Shane Olive and Roma Perkins. The net winners were Roy and Narelle Crotty.
Lismore
The Pro-Am is on Sunday - the biggest one day event in the area with a pro purse in excess of $15,000. Amateurs play for $2,500 worth of trophies. A Canadian trick shot show will be held about 4.30pm on Saturday near the clubhouse and if you have a spare hour come out and have a drink and watch this great show for no fee! This will be followed by a big dinner Saturday night - bookings essential. Should be a top weekend with about 64 professional golfers taking part.
The club champos start Saturday, September 21.
Last Thursday a single stableford was won by Graeme Nixon by 3 from club champ Steve Fredericks. Anthony Lewis was the first nine victor, with Joe Mielcarek taking out the second nine. Bill O'Sullivan won the gross.
At last Saturday's single stroke, Chris Quinn won A Grade from Rick Savins and Wayne McInnes. The B Grade victor was Scott Amor by from Phil Luckie and Athol Rogers. Mark Sharpe won C Grade from Luke McDonald and Arthur McDonald. The Bradman's trophy went to Dick Ryan.
Last Sunday's Children's Appeal Charity Day was a great day. The winners were Chris Forrester, his son Brett, me and gun golfer Steve Morrisey playing off a 3 hcp. I have never seen a putting effort like Steves, as he knocked in 20 footers from everywhere, and played very well.
Next Charity Golf Day is on Sunday, October 13. It's for Camp Quality and will be a four person ambrose at $25 per head with a noon tee-off and barbie at 11am.
The ladies played a legacy day single stroke last Wednesday with Nita Copeland taking the overall honours from Irene Parry and Nicole Jenkins. Division 2 winner was Sue Sheaffe who is enjoying a purple patch, with Cassie Hart winning Div 3 and Lola Riordan Div 4 and the monthly medal.
Woodburn-Evans Head
This Saturday is a four person ambrose, while Saturday week is a single stableford.
Last Wednesday the club hosted the NRDGA Classic Foursomes, with Lola Crook and Tania Styles taking out the overall trophy. The gross winners were club champ Irene Crampton and Joyce Mulcahey.
Last Thursday the vets played an 18 hole stroke with Ron Fullers winning the day from Bob Eagles.
Last Saturday the men played the September Medal with Andy Brown winning the day and B Grade. The A Grade winner was Bryan Sackley, with Ian Forrester (how many are there?) winning C Grade. The ladies winner was that popular secretary Karen Allen.
Last Sunday the club mixed foursomes were played and I predicted last week whoever partnered ladies champ Irene Crampton would win the title. Irene partnered Col Peake to win the title again.
Top stuff Irene, now with three titles again this year! The net winners were Paul and Lyn Jeffery.
Gold Rats into Grand Final - FNC Rugby Union
 Wollongbar were forced to their knees in their major semi final loss to SCU Gold Rats last Saturday at Yamba. Uni won 36-8 putting them straight into the grand final.
The Southern Cross University Gold Rats have earned themselves another weekend off after demolishing Wollongbar 36-8 in the major semi final of the Rugby Far North Coast first grade competition.
The Ratties basically dominated the game from start to finish, beating the Pioneers for the second time this season.
Dave Graham made the field for half a game, returning from injury and immediately made a difference to the Wollongbar pack.
Wollongbar got their rolling maul working properly and while the Rats refused to commit the necessary number of players to break the Pioneers' momentum the Pioneers took the advantage and moved the ball up the field, and eventually scored their only try of the match.
Damien Thom created good space for the Rats in the backs while Stewie Moore had another superb game in the forwards, often being first to the ruck and breaking the advantage line whenever he had the ball.
Adam and Josh Condon linked up well in the backline to make good yards, and took advantage of any lapses in defence.
Wollongbar now face a rematch with Casino at 3.30pm Lyle Park Wollongbar this Saturday.
Casino drew 19 all with Lismore in the minor semi final last Sunday but after 10 minutes of extra time there was no further score so Casino advance, as they finished the preliminary rounds ahead of Lismore on the table.
Casino will need to improve on their ball handling if they want to tackle the Rats in the grand final.
When the Bulls and the Pioneers met two weeks ago the Bulls butchered several tries by knocking the ball on in open space.
Wollongbar won't let Casino get away with those sorts of basic errors, and although the Bulls' scrum is very good, if any opposition let the Pioneers play the game in the forwards Wollongbar make them pay.
The Wollongbar home crowd would be enough to intimidate any team with a weaker hide than Tony Abbot and after beating the Bulls two weeks ago the Pioneers will be going in pretty confidently.
Wollongbar should almost certainly win the preliminary final to set up a rematch with SCU in the grand final - expect them to unleash last week's frustration against Casino and take the game by a lot more than the 10-0 they won the last match up by.
In other grades:
Grafton just defeated Yamba 7-3 in the major semi final and Casino beat Lismore 20-7 in the minor semi final. Casino will now take on Yamba in the preliminary final at 2pm at Wollongbar on Saturday.
In under 19s Lismore continued their recent domination by winning the major semi over Wollongbar 23-15. Southern Cross University ended Ballina's season in the minor semi final, taking the game 14-10. SCU will try their luck against the Pioneers at 12.30pm at Wollongbar on Saturday.
In third grade Iluka defeated Lismore in the major semi by 13-3 and Ballina beat Lennox Head 16-13. Lismore meet Ballina at 11am for the elimination preliminary final.
Daryl Chapman Fun Run
In a coup for organisers three time Olympian and five time Commonwealth games participant, Damien Brown, will attend this year's Darrel Chapman Fun Run to be held at Southern Cross University on Sunday the 22 of September.
Brown shot to the spotlight recently when he was chosen above all other Australian athletes to carry the Aussie flag into the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony at Manchester in August.
He ended up winning a Gold medal at the Manchester games to go with his other collection of three gold medals, one silver medal, and three bronze medals at other Commonwealth games.
Fun Run committee member, Steve Spinks, says the DCFR committee is absolutely thrilled with Brown's support.
'We were so happy when he agreed to come," Spinks said.
'Damien will participate in the run and then MC the presentation ceremony, and who knows, he might lift a few kids above his head for fun!"
The Darrel Chapman Fun Run is currently in its 10th year and is run in memory of Darrel Chapman who was a great contributor to sport in the area in administration and also as a football player with the South Sydney Rugby League Club and Australia.
All proceeds from the Fun Run go to the NSW Cancer Council, as Darrel lost his own personal battle with cancer 11 years ago.
The DCFR is run by students from the Southern Cross University School of Exercise Science and Sports Management, in which Darrel Chapman was the original head of school.
Entry forms are available at the SCU Union reception, with the cost $5 for an early registration or $10 on the day.
For more information contact the Darrel Chapman Fun Run Office on 6620 3658, fax 6620 3880, email dcfr@scu.edu.au or visit http://sessm.scu.edu.au/funrun/
Ghosts take Group One Grand Final - Group One Rugby League
The Grafton Ghosts denied Marist Brothers the honour of winning six Group One first grade premierships in a row, after beating the Rams 22-20 in the grand final last Sunday.
Brothers unluckily had four tries disallowed but were still in the running in the last minute when they scored a try to take them to 2 points behind and the hopeful salve of extra time.
The normally spot on accurate Paul Latta had a hard shot in front of him, with the crowd making sure he knew which side of the posts they wanted the ball to travel.
The penalty missed and Grafton hung on to take the prize.
Brothers began the game strongly, scoring first thanks to a try to Luke Campbell which was converted by Latta.
Latta was at his brilliant best to break the Ghosts' line and cross for the Rams' second try, only minutes later, which he again converted.
It then looked like Brothers had the game sewn up when they apparently crossed again but the try was ruled as a knock on over the line.
The Ghosts seemed to take heart from then on and scored two tries, one of which they converted to take the half time score to 12-10 to Brothers.
Grafton scored early in the second half to take the lead but Latta again unleashed his brilliant balance to spot a tiny gap and put Brothers ahead 16-14.
Grafton scored two more unanswered tries and converted both before Brothers fullback Paul Bermingham scored the final points to give Grafton the game 22-20.
In other grades:
Grafton Ghosts defeated the minor premiers Ballina Seagulls to take the Under 18 grand final 12-10.
Ballina definitively won the reserve grade grand final, beating the South Grafton Rebels 38-24.
Gahan Too Strong for Norths - Baseball
Brothers pitcher Matt Gahan threw 236 pitches in three games to take Norths out of the Final Series.
The Friday night game saw Gahan dominate Norths' batters as he struck out the lineup twice. Gahan struck out all three batters in three innings and two in three others for a total of 16 strikeouts, giving his fielders little to do.
Brothers scored one run in the first on a hit batter and Steve Egan's single. Three more runs scored in the third inning from Terry Youngberry and Jeff Mackney's singles and doubles from Steve Egan and Matt Gahan. Shane Milgate and Mick Youngberry's singles led to another run in the fourth inning for a 5-0 lead. Norths came back with 2 runs in the sixth from a lead off single to Clint McCarthy, a walk and a wild throw. The sixth inning added 5 more runs with singles from Craig Bateman, Terry Youngberry, Matt Gahan and Shane Milgate. Brothers closed the game out in the seventh inning scoring 2 runs on Steve Egan's double and an error.
BROTHERS: 103 105 2; 15H, 12R, 3E. NORTHS: 000 002 0;
The second game was much more even with the pitchers duelling and well supported by good defensive work.
The first four innings were scoreless as Norths' pitcher Brad Daly and Brothers' pitcher, Craig Bateman held both lineups.
In the fifth inning Joel McCarthy led off with a triple and scored on Mark Robb's single. Paul Simes and Andrew Hunter then singled to load the bases and Brad Daly sacrificed Robb home for a 2-0 lead.
With one out in the top of the eighth, Terry Youngberry singled, Matt Buckley walked and Steve Egan singled to load the bases. The next batter was out followed by Jeff Mackney's single to drive in 2 runs for Brothers for a 2-2 tie.
Scenting a quick finish in two games, Matt Gahan came in to pitch in the eighth inning after the first batter was hit by a pitch. Clint McCarthy bunted only to see the runner thrown out at second. McCarthy stole second and scored on a wild throw to first base to regain the lead 3-2.
Shane Milgate singled to lead off Brothers' ninth inning but was erased in a double play and the last batter was retired on a fly ball to centre field.
NORTHS: 000 020 01; 8H, 3R, 3E. BROTHERS: 000 000 020; 7H, 2R, 3E.
The third game saw Gahan take control again as his strikeouts continued.
Joel McCarthy led off the first with a single and stole second but was left standing as the next three batters went down swinging.
For Brothers, Mick Youngberry led off with a walk and scored on Matt Buckley's double. Brothers picked up 4 more runs in the third inning with two out on consecutive singles to Terry Youngberry, Matt Buckley, Steve Egan and Matt Gahan to lead 5-0.
That's where it finished as Gahan continued to hold Norths' batters for the shutout.
Paul Simes pitched the last four innings for Norths allowing only 2 hits and no runs behind some solid fielding. There were some exceptional fielding plays on both sides in this game.
BROTHERS: 104 000 00; 7H, 5R, 0E. NORTHS: 000 000 000; 4H, 0R, 2E.
Next weekend is the grand final with Brothers taking on Minor Premiers Workers for the best of three games commencing at Albert Park on Friday, September 13 at 6.30pm.
Finals in Other Divisions
Division 1: Norths Legends d Norths Brewers 12-10 to face Workers Cubs in the grand final.
Division 2: Norths Cubs d Norths Bears 22-7 to face Casino in the grand final.
Division 3: Brothers d Kyogle 15-13 to face Ballina Hammerheads.
Division 4: Norths d Ballina Bluefins 22-15 to face Uni Stars.
Under 18: Alleygators d Norths 5-3 to face Redbirds.
Under 16: Redbirds d Workers 8-6 to face Alleygators.
Under 14: Redbirds Giants d Redbirds Stars 12-10 to face Norths.
All Grand Finals to be played this Saturday, September 14.
Sign on for Little Athletics
The newly formed Lismore Little Athletics Centre will be conducting three sign on sessions during September.
The sign ons will be at Riverview Park, South Lismore, on Saturday, September 14, 21 and 28 from 8.30-11am.
All parents who wish to register their children in the 3-5 year age group should attend one of the sessions. During the 2002-03 season Centre activities will be conducted on Saturday mornings for children aged 3-15.
Parents wishing to register their children will need to provide proof of age.
Swimsafe is Open for Business
With the weather hotting up the kids are looking to dive into the water as often as possible.
Summer is on its way and Swimsafe is open for business.
The NSW Department of Sport and Recreation will conduct its annual learn to swim program from December through to January at pools throughout the North Coast region.
Bookings for the program are now being taken.
To enrol your child, contact the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation on 13 13 02.
Aboriginal Netballers Wanted
NSW Netball are running two junior development clinics in the school holidays which are open to young players from 11-13 years.
Players will develop defending skills in the clinic on October 9 and attacking skills on October 10 under the guidance of North Coast Academy of Sport netball coach Maureen Clarke and four members of the NSW Under 17 team who have also been regional academy players.
The clinics are to be held at the Lismore netball courts and there are still a few vacancies left. Enquiries to Christine Sironen on 6687 7350.
Ballina on the Brink of the Big Time - Premier Division
 Rous narrowly escaped this goal-mouth scramble, but couldn't stop Stars from scoring twice in their 2-1 win in the major semi.
History beckons for Ballina in Sunday's preliminary final against Richmond Rovers, with the Seahorses having the opportunity to claim a grand final berth for the first time since the club entered the premier ranks in the 80s.
Rovers have the home advantage for the 3pm kick off at Nielson Park, with the winner destined to meet minor premiers Italo Stars in the decider at Oakes Oval on September 21.
Stars earned direct entry to their second grand final in three years with a 2-1 win over Rovers in last week's major semi, while Ballina stayed in contention by upsetting the fancied Byron Bay outfit 1-0, in the sudden death minor semi.
At the start of the season few neutral observers would have picked Ballina to go this far but few would now argue against their ability to go all the way.
Since taking over this year, experienced coach John Percival has instilled a stubborn self-belief in the whole squad, illustrated by the fact the reserves are already through to their grand final, setting up the possibility of a premiership in both divisions.
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Stars flanker Craig Wiblen suffered some unwanted attention from Rovers defence in Sunday's major semi, but finished the game with a smile rather than a grimace after scoring the winning goal, putting Stars into the grand final.
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'We're happy to go in as underdogs again," Percival said, 'and with a full strength side coming off two semi-final wins, I'm sure the boys' confidence will be up.
'But it'll be no great achievement just getting this far, making the grand final is the real objective so we need to focus on winning this game," he said.
Key playmaker Troy Percival made a surprise return from injury in last week's stunning win over Byron, with the midfield general gaining some much-needed match fitness.
His presence always lifts the side and, with an uncanny ability to find space for strikers Clint Colless and Justin Stockham, his distribution will be pivotal to Ballina's hopes.
The combination of Stockham's talent for holding the ball up and Colless' non-stop running will present problems for Rovers' defence, but on past results the Lismore heavyweights will be hard to topple.
Rovers are big-match specialists, winning three of the last six grand finals and dominating their clashes with Ballina in recent years.
This season Rovers beat Ballina on their home turf 2-1, before a 1-1 draw in their second round encounter at Nielson Park.
Despite the 2-1 loss to Stars last week, Rovers coach Al Duroux is confident they can bounce back and force a re-match in the grand final.
'We were a little unlucky last week but we know what we have to do now and we'll make up for it against Ballina," he said.
With no changes to their lineup Rovers will go in as slight favourites, but cannot afford to underestimate Ballina, who have already eliminated both Workers and Byron Bay through sheer tenacity.
Senior Grand Finals Kick Off
Senior men's grand finals kick off at Oakes Oval on Saturday, highlighted by the first division decider between minor premiers Bangalow and defending major premiers Richmond Rovers at 7.15pm.
The arch rivals met in last year's grand final with Rovers emerging triumphant, leaving Bangalow determined to reverse the result and complete the premiership double this time round.
Bangalow also figures in the first reserve division grand final at 5pm and is expected to clinch the premiership double for the second year running, with a win over Brunswick Valley.
The second division grand final between Byron Bay and Woodburn kicks off at 2.45pm, following the Over 35's decider between defending major premiers Stars and minor premiers Thistles.
The senior matches will be preceded by the last three junior grand finals of the year from 9am.
On Sunday the women's grand finals will also be staged at Oakes Oval, starting with the third division decider between minor premiers Nimbin Headers and Alstonville from 1.20pm.
The second division grand final kicks off at 3.40pm when Lennox Head and Ballina lock horns, before the first division decider between Workers and Thistles at 6pm.
Breakaways Take on Daleys in Grand Final - LDNA Netball
 Breakaways defeated Rous 47-26 in the premier division Lismore and District Netball Association preliminary final last Saturday to set up a grand final clash against Daleys this Saturday at 6pm.
Breakaways smashed Rous 47-26 in the premier division of the Lismore and District Netball Association competition to set up a grand final match against Daleys. Breakaways dominated the match from the beginning, taking control early on and gaining further confidence as the match continued.
Breakaways will meet Daleys at 6pm this Saturday for the premier division grand final in the third game the two sides have played against each other in four weeks.
Daleys won the last match but that was Breakaways' first loss for the season.
The competition is always fierce between these two top teams and in the grand final it will be even more so. This should be one of the best quality netball games of the season with both teams putting in their all to try to take the final prize.
In the first division major semi final SCU Lab Rats defeated Daleys White 45-34, meaning the students have a week to rest before the grand final.
Woodlawn Falcons just hung on to beat Daleys Maroon 27-26 in the first division minor semi final.
After going goal for goal in the first quarter Maroon took the advantage in the second and went into half time up 14-12.
Falcons came out firing in the third quarter and forced enough turnovers just to give them the edge. Although Maroon came back in the final quarter Falcons just managed to hang on and take the game.
Falcons will now play White in the preliminary final this Saturday at 2.15pm. White probably go into the game favourites but Falcons will be fighting to have their chance at the grand final the following week.
In second division Workers Gold demolished SCU Yellow 47-28 in the major semi final. Gold were simply too strong for Yellow in all aspects of the game and dominated from start to finish.
Yellow will have a chance to make amends when they take on Workers Purple in the preliminary final at 3.30pm.
Purple started terribly in their minor semi final against Woodlawn Golden Eagles, scoring only 3 goals in the first quarter to Golden Eagles 10.
They made up for it in the second half though and came from behind to take the match 30-25, thanks to strong performances by their shooters in the final quarter, who landed a massive 17 goals.
SCU Yellow also often start poorly so both teams will be trying to remedy that aspect of their game to try to get the early advantage in the preliminary final.
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