Sports News

Hooks and Slices

with Stan Bendall

NRDGA

On Sunday, October 6, there will be an inter district match between the Northern Rivers and New England hosted by Mullumbimby Golf Club.

Ballina

This Saturday will be a 4BBB stableford event for the Bardwell-Ellis trophy, with Casino to visit Ballina

Brownie's RSL boys will host a visit from Miami this Sunday morning, with the House With No Steps Charity Golf Day at lunchtime.

Last Wednesday a single stableford event was played with young club talent Nathan Purdy taking the overall honours, winning on a countback from Jack Trevan. The 2 ball aggregate winners were, Stephen Shelton and Warwick Strong from Ian Byrne and Jack again.

Another stableford was played last Friday with Gus Cuskelly winning the day from David Middleton and Ben Bullock.

Last weekend it was Ballina's turn to host a pro-am. The overall pro-am winner was Adam LeVesconte, by 1 from Stuart Bouvier. The amateur winner was Ray Keenan, from Chris Atkinson. Karen Wilson won the ladies. Adam Shields won the Sunday event from John Green, with Sue Johnston winning the Ladies.

Byron Bay

Next Saturday and Sunday the first and second round of the club championships will be played.

Casino

This Saturday the inlanders will travel to the seaside to play Ballina in the second and final round of the Bardwell-Ellis trophy, with a single stableford at home.

Last Saturday the Social Golf Club sponsored the 4BBB aggregate with some new names taking home trophies. A fairly new member Grant Corrigan teamed up with Rob Cuskelly taking the honours with 80, winning the day from two Bills, Snow and Stanford, who finished 1 behind, after having an aggregate wiped on the first hole. It was apparently a form reversal by both runners up after recording recent bad rounds. It seems if they were horses they would be outed for life.

Coraki

Last Saturday a 2 person aggregate event was played. The winners were Dallas Ryan and Bob Julian with 85, by 2 from Peter Devlin and Jim Perkins, with the highlight of the day, being an ace recorded by Brian Davis on the third hole.

Kyogle

This Saturday the second and final round of the club Foursomes will be played, with the first round being played last Saturday. The winners were Bob and Stan Wilson with 70 and a 1/2, by 1/2 from past Club Captain Vic Worth and John McNaughton.

The vets AGM will be held on October 3.

Lismore

This Saturday will be the second round of the club champos. The match committee decided last Monday night to complete the champos over three Saturdays including the final round. The reason for this is the proposed final round on Sunday, October 6, clashed with a Northern Rivers inter district encounter against New England at Mullum.

Last Thursday a single stableford event was played with Bill Oogie Wotherspoon returning to the winners circle and winning by 1 from consistent Fred McDonald and Nathan Hughes. Steve Pinchin took out the first nine from Colin McKenkie, with Les Amor enjoying a purple patch and winning the second nine from Warren Selway, with Trent Webber recording a 4 over par 74 to win the gross.

Last Saturday the first round of the club champos were played, with Lloyd Kelly winning A Grade by one from Trent Savelle, with Steve Fredericks winning the gross with 1 over 71. The B Grade winner was Mark Fraser, by 2 from David Knight, with Justin Lane winning the gross with 79. Barry Crimmins was the C Grade victor, on a countback from Ricky Forest, with Darren Cormick winning the gross with 82. Paul Powell was the D Grade victor by 2 from Anthony Lewis with writer winning the gross with 87 and two nearest the pins.

Poor old Terry McDermott had a bad day, with Tobie laughing all day causing Terry to win the Bradmans with 85 net!

Lismore ladies played a single stroke last Wednesday with Rhoda Way winning Div 1 by one from Lesley Smith, with Margaret Harrison winning Div 2 from Thea Warren. The Div 4 winner was Robin Oaten by 2 from Robin Gough, with Pat Jackson-Hope winning Div 4 from Margaret Gardner.

Woodburn-Evans Head

This Saturday an aggregate stableford event will be played.

There will be a single stroke event on Saturday week for the October Mug in three grades.

Last Wednesday the ladies played a 27 hole stroke with Helen Savins winning the net, while Dot Cox took out the 18 hole net and Lyn Jeffery B Grade.

The veterans 9 hole stroke last Thursday was won by Jim Bogie from Jim Clarke.

Last Saturday the men played a single stableford with Graham Ireland winning the day and C Grade, with Keith Marquet winning A Grade and Kel Walker B Grade, with Jean Pike again winning the ladies.

Lab Rats Pass the Test - LDNA Netball

The Southern Cross University Lab Rats won the first division grand final 46-29 against Daleys White last Saturday.

Southern Cross University Lab Rats finished off the netball season with a dream win over Daleys White in the first division of the Lismore and District Netball Association.

Daleys White started the game on the offensive and were up 9-4 at the end of the first quarter.

Lab Rats hit back in the second though and went into the half time break with a one goal advantage, up 22-21.

Uni came out firing after half time and restricted White to only 4 goals in the third quarter while posting 9 of their own, thanks to spirited defence in the circle and accurate shooting at the other end.

The trend continued in the final quarter with Lab Rats punching their dominance onto the game and finishing with the grand final victory 46-29.

SCU Yellow weren't so lucky in second division though, going down 33-29 to Workers Gold in their grand final.

Gold managed to inch ahead, each quarter scoring just one or two goals more than Uni. SCU had a highly successful weekend on the netball courts, with seven teams competing in grand finals and six finishing victorious.

Workers Aubergine also finished off a highly successful season, winning their grand final by bucket loads, thanks mainly to attitude, commitment and nominal determinism (well probably talent played a large part too).

Up the Creek with a Paddle

Dianne Roberts, Glen Curtis and Marion Brownlie will all be competing in the Lismore Canoe and Kayak Marathon this Sunday, September 29.

The Lismore Canoe and Kayak Marathon is on this Sunday, September 29, beginning at 10am in the Rowing Club car park (underneath the SES building).

The course offers a fantastic vantage for spectators. There are 20km races for opens and under 18s (please note no veterans);15km for under 16 all classes and all veteran classes and 7.5km for under 14 and short course all classes.

Prizes are being offered by Sunspirit Oils, Byron Bay; Lismore Motorcycles, Aussie Digger Camping World, Munro and Wicks Pharmacy, P&D Crash Supplies, Hurford Building Supplies and Horseland Lismore.

Entries will be accepted from 8-9.30am on the day followed by a briefing at 9.30am.

For more information contact Glen Curtis on 6622 5114 or 0416 258 147 or email gcurtis@iprimus.com.au or Tony Curtis 6622 2313 or 0427 224 313 or email kruyte@scu.edu.au.

Insurance Training

Sport and recreation groups will be trained in risk management and coached in how to deal with their legal and financial responsibilities through regional workshops in 24 locations around NSW.

The training workshop for the North Coast will be held at Lismore Workers Club, October 2-3 from 6-9.45pm.

The workshop is based on the successful It's Your Business guide launched by the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation in March this year.

Regional Director of the Department of Sport and Recreation's North Coast region, Paul Hernage said insurance is an important topic for local sports administrators.

In today's litigious times, these roles have more responsibilities than ever and directors don't always have the time to read through reams of documents to get up to speed."

The workshop trainers are lawyers and accountants who specialise in sport and recreation issues.

The cost of the six hour workshop is $50 per participant. The workshop covers risk management, corporate governance, financial management and legal issues.

Bookings are required. Call 13 13 02 or download an enrolment form from the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation's website on www.dsr.nsw.gov.au.

Tabletennis Tips

Table tennis is now played at the Goonellabah RSL on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights.

Currently leading the teams competition are:

1st Division: Rainbow Warriors,

2nd Division: JJs.

The Table Tennis Centre has also started holding Euchre nights every Tuesday night from 7.30pm.

The next meeting of the War Gaming and Miniature Modelling group will be on Saturday, October 5. For more info, phone Jim Armstrong on 6629 1206.

Rovers Do It Again - Soccer Premier Division

When Richmond Rovers make a premier division grand final, history says they usually win, and last Saturday night was no exception, with Rovers storming to a 3-1 win over minor premiers Italo Stars in front of a large crowd at Oakes Oval.

Rovers hadn't beaten Stars all season and after two defeats within the last month including the major semi, most observers were picking Stars' star-studded lineup to win the decider and collect a rare treble, after already clinching the Anzac Cup and pointscore championship.

But Rovers ability to lift for big games has allowed them to win all three of their grand final appearances over the last six years, and Saturday made it four from four.

But the win didn't come easily, with Rovers having to dig deep after a poor start.

Stars came out firing and after just two minutes scored the opening goal, Wayne Mortimer chesting down a cross for Craig Wiblen to drill an accurate shot past Rovers 'keeper Steve Hunt from the edge of the box.

Within minutes Stars had two more opportunities to extend their early lead with free kicks in and around the box, but their failure to capitalise came at an enormous cost, when Rovers counter-attacked for an equalising goal on the 10 minute mark.

Scott Coster's long throw ins have become an integral part of Rovers' arsenal and triggered the equaliser, allowing Steve Arnett to pounce on the loose ball after Stars failed to clear.

The goal immediately lifted Rovers and only a goal-line clearance from Stars defender Jamie Austen prevented them taking a 2-1 lead into the half time break, after Tim Sheridan pressured Stars 'keeper Dallas Guthrie into error.

Stars nearly re-took the lead with two chances early in the second half, Tim Casagrande breaking away from Rovers' defence to force a smothering save from Steve Hunt and then Max Latimer rattling the crossbar with a rasping shot from the corner of the box.

While luck was proving an elusive commodity for Stars, Rovers were busy creating their own by putting pressure on Stars' defence with set plays from throw ins, corners and free kicks.

One such free kick gave Scott Coster the chance to hit a curling shot off the outside of his boot that forced Guthrie to parry the ball around the post, but the ensuing corner proved costly.

Steve Arnett's weighted cross found an unmarked Brett Lane at the near post, whose deft side-foot finish gave Rovers a 2-1 lead.

Stars worked tirelessly to fight their way back into the game, coming close when Steve Hunt had to deny a free kick from Wayne Mortimer, but when Rovers were awarded a penalty and Chris Matthews converted from the spot with less than 10 minutes remaining Stars' dreams of the treble were left in tatters.

While Rovers sweeper Luke McAnelly capped a fine season by winning the man of the match award, coach Al Duroux refused to single out any star performers.

"Every player did his job and it was vital to hold them out in those early stages after we conceded the goal, but once Steve Arnett equalised the boys knew they could go on with it," Duroux said.

While Rovers haven't shown the consistency throughout an entire season to win a minor premiership since 1986, their undoubted ability to peak at the end of the season and lift for the big games in September has allowed them to add the 2002 major title to their wins in '96, '98, and '99.

Regional Clubs Dominate Lower Division Deciders

Byron Bay may have finished the season in disappointing fashion in the premier ranks but the Rams gained some consolation by winning the reserve division grand final, completing the premiership double with a 2-1 win over perennial bridesmaids Ballina.

The win created a slice of history for the Bay, delivering their first major premiership in any senior division, but also continued Ballina's luckless run, with the Seahorses incurring their fourth loss from as many appearances in reserves grand finals.

In the third division decider Casino's young squad completed the premiership double with a penalty shoot out win over Workers' experienced lineup many of which are former premier players.

Brunswick Valley ended a sensational season in style in the fourth division grand final defeating Bangalow 4-0 to end the year with 100 goals and remain the only undefeated side in any senior division.

All Time Major Premiership Wins

• 11 Lismore Thistles
• 9 Eastwood, Richmond Rovers, Italo Stars
• 7 Goonellabah Stars
• 2 Casino, Goonellabah, Lismore Workers
• 1 Maclean, South Lismore

Rugby Results

It was a good weekend for many Rugby FNC clubs, with the spoils being shared around.

Wollongbar-Alstonville unexpectedly smashed Lismore City in the under 19s beating the minor premiers 28-6.

Grafton took out the reserve grade prize by beating Iluka 28-10.

Ballina's third grade side had a huge 30-3 win over Iluka.

Lismore's all round efforts paid off and they took out the club championship.

Tony Brown from Grafton won the first grade player of the year award (although somehow he also managed to score a try for Grafton in the Reserve Grade grand final).

Damien Thom from the Rats picked up the award for highest scorer in first grade.

Maurie Ryan presented the president's trophy for contribution to FNC rugby to Gary Hughes, who has been a tireless administrator, coach and volunteer for many years.

Lismore Polo

Lismore Workers water polo are keen for more players to join.

They are holding a sign-on day on Sunday, October 6, beginning at 5pm for a BBQ and friendly game.

The first training day is Wednesday, October 2, at 7.15pm at Lismore Memorial baths.

They are looking for men, women and juniors 15 and up.

People with no experience are welcome and training will be every Wednesday evening.

For more information contact Craig on 0411 212 618

Water Polo Starts

Water polo games are played by both male and female teams on the north coast on Monday nights throughout the summer.

Generally the games are played at Alstonville and Ballina pools, with the occasional game at Byron Bay and Mullumbimby.

There are clubs from Lismore, Alstonville, Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Mullumbimby and Shaws Bay.

Clubs are always looking for new recruits.

If you are a beginner or a lapsed player pre-season games are a good way to get yourself back in the swing of things. To jump in and have a go head to Alstonville pool (heated!) on Mondays at 6.30pm until October 14 (including during the school holidays).

The official season begins on October 21.

If you are interested in playing please contact the Far North Coast Water Polo secretary Katrina Luckie on 6682 5444 or email kluckie@nrg.com.au for details of the club in your area.

Tee Off to a Great School Holiday

The NSW Department of Sport and Recreation, in conjunction with various north coast golf clubs, will conduct junior golf clinics these school holidays.

Development Officer Liz Jordan said you'll need to get in quick.

"The clinics have been very popular with children in recent holiday programs and enrolments are expected to fill quickly," she said.

"The clinics are a unique opportunity for children aged 10 to 16 years to be taught correct techniques and be given skilled advice."

Participating golf clubs include Ballina (Oct 8-10), Grafton (Oct 8-10), and a two day clinic at Lismore (Oct 7-8).

The cost is $44 per participant, $33 at Lismore, and includes instruction, equipment hire and a certificate of attendance.

For more information or to enrol, contact the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation on 6687 7168.

Gold Gold Rats

The Southern Cross University Gold Rats gave themselves a hell of a reason to celebrate on the weekend after winning the Rugby Far North Coast first grade grand final.

In front of an enormous crowd the Rats beat Wollongbar 10-7.

SCU's lineouts were the most effective they've been all year, winning most of their own ball and spoiling much of Wollongbar's.

Wollongbar's scrum was effective, as ever, but it wasn't enough.

Wollongbar's play in the loose was much better than it has been but it was the Rats' defence that made the difference.

The Pioneers had more that their share of possession and looked like breaking through Uni's line on many occasions but the Rats held firm, except for one late try to scrum half Scott Lewis.

Uni scored first from a backline piece coming after a scrum about 20m out, with the ball spinning wide to winger Johnson Porykali.

The second try went to rugby's fastest lock, Rob Sheekey, who again had a good lineout game, spoiling much of the Pioneers' ball.

Uni fly half Mark Sherwood had a brilliant game, not only controlling the backline play masterfully but also getting to ruck after ruck after ruck.

Scrum half Nick Schroeder had another outstanding game.

Despite having an off day with the boot Damo Thom also played well - in fact the entire Uni backline had good games with the only low point being when Josh Condon injured himself and had to come off.

The forwards again also played well with all the usual suspects performing - Rob Sheekey, Steve Spinks, Stu Moore, Nick Carberry, Siono Lafoou, Sandy Maxwell, Jim Wilson and Dan Richards - the entire pack playing good, solid rugby and reaping the benefit from it.

The entire Rats side defended better than the Australian army on border patrol and it won them the game - coaches Luke Prowse and Matty Barlow should be prouder than Willie Mason's hairdresser of their standout efforts.

It's impossible to tell which was causing the bigger headaches for the Rats by Tuesday - injuries from the game or recovery from three days of celebration.

But to counteract the pain the Gold Rats received a treatment at a rugby dinner on Wednesday night - they were presented their jerseys by the Wallabies.

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

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