Sports News
 Bowled
Over
with Lois Mawler
How to Keep Calm Before a Game
There are some bowlers who become nervous before big games and indeed others who become nervous before any game.
With the Pennant competition starting early next year, it may be timely to look at how we can overcome nerves and get our minds around the perceived obstacles to calmness.
In an article, written for Bowls Alive in December, 2000, by Mike Everett, come the following pointers…
Stay fit – if you’re in top shape, your nerves will be too. Besides exercising, you should watch your diet. However, becoming obsessive about diet and exercise can be an added source of pressure.
Keep it predictable – do everything exactly the same as you normally do. Follow a set routine, both mental and physical. Don’t try shots you’ve never tried before or don’t normally use. Improve your draw shot ability to fall back on in times of stress.
Keep it simple – don’t overload yourself with complicated strategy. The less you have to deal with, the better.
Slow down – the more you hurry a shot, the worse you will play leading to more tension and pressure. Conversely, being really slow when under pressure can be just as stressful.
Don’t think about the consequences – fear is the single largest element of nerves: fear of embarrassment, failure etc.
Think happy thoughts – be positive! Visualise the perfect shot before you commence delivery. Avoiding negative thoughts will decrease the amount of pressure you place upon yourself.
When things go bad, blame it on bad luck – in bowls, there is always an element of luck beyond your control. Accept it without recrimination.
Train your stress response – learn to switch off and distract yourself during moments of stress.
Be yourself – try to be true to your personality. If you are an aggressive player, don’t become defensive and if conservative, don’t suddenly become aggressive.
Keep it all in perspective – after all, it is only a game of bowls.
Trick your body – pretend to be relaxed and your body will become relaxed. Practise the skill of slow deep breathing.
Don’t get too relaxed – if you do, your focus will start to wander to a state of almost virtual indifference. Remain totally aware of what is happening.
Practise – one final point on which all champions agree. Improve your delivery technique and your nervousness will decrease as your confidence improves.
The East Lismore Spring Carnival Men’s Triples, postponed from last Saturday because of rain, will be held this Saturday 23 November. If you had not entered before, you are warmly invited to register a team. Format is two rounds of 15 after a 12.30pm start. Cost per player is $7 which includes afternoon tea and after game nibbles.
Bowlers and non-bowlers alike are invited to attend East Lismore Christmas Party being held on Sunday, December 1. Mixed triples is the format with 1.00pm starting time. A scrumptious baked dinner with plum pudding for dessert will be served after the game. Cost for bowlers is $11.30/head and non-bowlers $8 each. Names need to be in by Wednesday 27 November. Phone the Club on 6621 5098 to be included in either of the above events.
Until next week,
good bowling.
 Hooks
and Slices
with Stan Bendall
NRDGA
This Sunday is the final event for Seniors, Colts and Juniors, who play each other for the coveted Alec Armstrong Memorial trophy. It’s at Ocean Shores with tee off at 8am, & a barbie to follow. The N/Rivers AGM is on Sunday, December 1, hosted by Ballina Golf Club. The executive meeting is at 8.30am and delegates 9am.
Ballina
This Saturday is the mens 4BBB stableford and Captains v Presidents day, followed by presentation to club champs. The Ladies play a 4BBB stab with Brownie’s RSL golfers playing a 2 person ambrose for Xmas hams.
Last Wednesday, Leslie Stuart won overall honours, on a c/b Graham Ellis and Richard Rutledge. Kevin Bullock partnered Laurie Johnstone to win the 2BBB Agg from Ramon Morris & Keith Johnson.
Last Friday’s single was won by the big smiley barman Brett Fraser.
Ken Bracegirdle won last Saturday, with Phillip Gordon winning A Grade, Cliff James, B Grade, and Nigel Wong, C grade.
In the Ballina Veterans last Monday, 109 veterans teed off in a 9-hole comp. Alex Hull won. The 18 hole winner was Kevin Manion from Paul Selman and Eddy Linder.
Casino
With only 5 Saturdays to go before Chrissy, the first of the popular Xmas hampers is up for grabs in the 2 person ambrose.
Last Saturday’s single stab had golfers searching for their umbrellas. The A Grade trophy was taken out in fine style by Andrew Fullwood from Les Isaac. Shane Battistuzzi turned in the best score of the day, winning B Grade with 45 pts. Ian Spencer won C Grade.
Coraki
This Saturday is the annual presentation day, and a mixed 4BBB Stab in 2 grades. It’s also the final of the Jarrett K/O. Last Saturday’s single stab saw Brad Stewart win A Grade, Bill Loader B Grade, and Neil Streckfuss C Grade, plus the Streckfuss K/O.
Byron Bay
This Saturday is a sponsors thank you day and single stab, with a single mixed day on Sunday.
Kyogle
This Saturday is the medal of medals playoff and the first round of the Summer Cup. Last Saturday’s single stroke went to Damian Everingham by 2 from Matty Walters. Members, don’t forget the Lismore visit on Saturday November 30.
Lismore Workers
This Saturday is a single stroke, with the best nett score winning a 3 days at Noosa. You must be at the presentation to collect the trophy, worth $600, donated by Brian and Kim Jones (Lismore Poolscene).
Ballot papers are available at the club for 2002-03 committee. There are 15 people standing for 10 positions. Pick up papers at the bar and present your membership card.
Voting closes this Saturday at 6.30pm, with the AGM next Monday, Oct 25 at 6.30pm, followed by presentation of trophies.
The Barry Crimmins retirement dinner is Wednesday, November 27. Tickets are $20 per head for a 3 course meal and drinks. Barry has done so much for the club since the merger.
Last Thursday’s single stab was won by veteran golfer Harry Thornhill, from Noel Baggalley & Barry Pratt. Johnny Warren won the first nine from coach Tony Madden, with tree guru, Danny Morton winning the second nine from Earl Durheim. Tony Wilson took out the gross.
Last Saturday’s 4ball winners were Mark Stegeman & Arthur Renshaw, by 1 from Anthony Magarry & Serge Zanuso. Bill O’Sullivan won A Grade, Tobey Daley B Grade & Allan Britt C Grade. Last Wednesday’s ladies single stab, saw Tracey Makings taking out Div 1, Audrey Wilson Div 2, Betty Waddell Div 3, and Margaret Riley Div 4. Ladies club stroke champ Nicole Jenkins partnered Lyn Chant at the Grafton Jacaranda Classic and won the scratch with 35 pts. Nicole also won the Yamba Ladies Classic for the second consecutive year.
Woodburn/Evans Head
This Saturday’s Agg stab is for Xmas hams, plus a 4 person ambrose.
Last Wednesday’s ladies Canadian Foursome saw club champ Irene Crampton & Betty Doyle win from Bev Jones & Sue Jacobson.
Last Thursday, the veteran golfers played a 12 hole stroke with Tommy Durbidge taking the honours from Forbes Murdoch. The 4BBB stab last Saturday saw Frosty Day & Ron Follers win from Ray Rolfe, Bob Harris, & Bill (Pa) Flanagan.
 Hook,
Line and Sinker
with Lindsay Doust
Can’t Tell you Where to Look, but it’s Worth a Look
 Adrienne Doust with a 4.5kg yellow belly caught at Pindari Dam. Read next week’s column for places to fish out west.
While last week-end blew its head off – gusts at Ballina were reported up to 50 kpm – there was some good fishing inland. One Club had a bass outing at Clarrie Hall Dam. 52 fish were taken and released in nearly ideal conditions, the biggest 43cm taken by one of the Club’s leading junior anglers.
Mud crabs are showing up in some numbers, particularly getting upstream. Swan Bay has been producing quite well. Your local tackle shop could help you on what is the best way to trap a good feed of muddies. It is hard to get better tucker than a nice fat crab.
To illustrate how dry it is, and how salt the river has become, the occasional flathead has been reported as far upstream as Blakebrook.
The other species moving around the river near Lismore is garfish. These are one of the tastiest fish of all. They feed close to the surface and are best fished under a small float about 8-10 cm deep using live shrimps or a tiny piece of prawn for bait. A very small hook is needed. Find a patch of weed and give it a go.
Mangrove Jacks, not a common species in our area but at the very top of the “fighting fish table” have shown up in Ballina. If I told you where, I’d be on my way to Heaven (maybe Hell) as one angler said to me, “If I told you, I’d have to kill you.” However he did tell me, but I’d be under serious threat if I passed it on. Mixed with these have been a few nice estuary perch.
Next week-end the Predicta Fish says between 3pm and 6pm will be a good time to have a throw.
Low tide will be at 5:40pm on Saturday and 6:30pm on Sunday. Yes, top tides. Let’s hope for good weather.
Table Tennis Notes
Goonellabah RSL table tennis is played on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting at 6.45pm.
Goonellabah Public School students play on Friday afternoons, Kadina High School On Thursday afternoons, starting at 1.30pm.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are still available.
The Goonellabah RSL war gaming and miniature modelling group next meets on Sunday, December 1 at 11am at the centre.
A team of eight players (Hansen, Gradwell, Jenkins, Diggins, Hearne, Hudson, Simes and Jackson) lost to Coffs Harbour on the count back when Far North Coast took on Coffs and Armidale last weekend.
The first division summer teams grand final is to be played between Tim Day and Colin Gradwell (Undogs) and Henning Hansen and Graham Bultitude (hard to handle) on Thursday, November 22.
The centre will be available for use during the school holidays. Junior coaching will be available on Friday nights from Friday, December 6. For more information phone 6625 2880.
Suns Set to Shine this Weekend - Soccer
It might be almost summer but soccer fans can look forward to an out-of-season treat on Saturday night when a double-header at Weston Park brings together the best of the region’s players, plus young talent from north of the border and a host of local identities lacing up the boots for charity.
The under 21 North Coast Suns will provide the highlight of the night when they meet the Toowoomba Raiders in the third round of Soccer Queensland’s inaugural Super Summer League from 7pm, following the ZZZ Premier Team Charity Challenge against a President’s XI at 5pm.
The Suns suffered a 5-0 loss to competition favourites Queensland Lions last week, but the scoreline belies a match closer than it suggests, leaving the Suns hungry to bounce back and record their first win in front of what is expected to be a vocal home crowd on Saturday.
Opponents Toowoomba drew their first match with Gold Coast City 1-1 before suffering a 4-2 loss against Brisbane side Rochedale Rovers last week, leaving the visitors also looking for their first win.
The Suns are expected to be at full strength, with coach Mathew Kelso predicting a few changes to the lineup.
“We’re hoping striker Tim Casagrande will be back, but I also want to give a few guys who have spent time on the bench a start. Despite losing the first two games, there’s been plenty of positives to build on and the guys are training hard, so this is a winnable game for us,” Kelso said.
While plenty of attention will be focused on the outcome of the main game, the result of the curtain raiser is already assured, with the Children’s Christmas Appeal set to be the big winner when the Premier Team takes on a President’s XI.
Soccer FNC President Michael Gaertner has assembled a side blending up and coming talent with some of the most familiar names in the game to challenge the might of the Premier Team, as announced at the annual Presentation night.
The young talent includes under 15 Northern NSW reps Ryan Gray, Matthew Piga and Arron Noble, along with 16s rep Bill Latimer.
Heading up the more experienced players will be three times winner of the Player of the Year award Darren Beardow, Workers legend John Wraight and Sam Murdoch, back from a stint in Italy for a guest appearance.
Adam Sheridan, Paul Kirkland, Evan Cooper and Joe O’Rourke make up the rest of an interesting looking combination, that should give the ZZZ side a challenging run.
The appearance of local celebrity guest players will provide added amusement for the crowd, with those running on from the bench for both sides including president Gaertner himself, Soccer FNC GM Mathew Kelso, radio announcers Neil Marks and Ken Woodhams, newspaper columnists Dave Arthur and Ian Monoghan, NBN’s Katherine Kennedy, ref of the year Stuart Bradley and soccer scribe Mark Robinson.
Hats off to Murphy - Cricket
Alstonville’s Terry Murphy pulled off a Damien Fleming last weekend, taking a hat-trick in his first grade debut against Lennox Head in the LJ Hooker cricket league on Sunday.
Murphy’s hat-trick was the sting in the tail for Lennox, as he finished with 5-10 from five overs in the one day game.
Alstonville demolished Lennox, dismissing them for 54, a score only England would be proud of.
Alstonville openers Greg Boyd and Mark Newstead then easily passed the Lennox total to give them the victory. Their only disappointment was that the rain called off the previous day’s play so they couldn’t take an outright.
Alstonville are at home at Hill Park Oval for the next two Saturdays for their match against Tintenbar-East Ballina.
Tintenbar suffered a first innings loss to the Casino Cavaliers last weekend.
Tintenbar restricted Casino to 140 runs, thanks to Brett Crawford taking 5-45 from 22 overs, but didn’t have enough in the batting to make the total.
Sam Irvine top scored for the Cavaliers with 56 while Mark Bratti was the best of their bowlers, finishing with 5-39 from 25 overs.
Casino should have a pretty good chance at taking another win this round when they take on Lennox at Saunders Oval, Ballina.
With both Lismore games rained out Marist Brothers and Goonellabah RSL finished on a draw and Easts with a first innings win over Souths.
Souths now take on Brunswick-Byron at Nesbitt Park, South Lismore.
Brunswick-Byron have about as much chance of beating Souths as the Poms do Australia in the second test, and even with the drought in full flight praying for rain is probably their best option.
With rain wiping out the first day’s play at Thompson Oval Brunswick-Byron played a one day match against the Ballina Bears on Sunday.
Brunswick-Byron were dismissed for the humiliating score of just 36 with Bears captain Shane Jacobs taking 7-14 from six overs.
Ballina wasted no time in finishing the job and reached the required target for the loss of just one wicket.
The Bears will be in Lismore for the next two Saturdays taking on Marist Brothers at Oakes Oval in what should be a fairly even match.
Easts will take on Norths-Goonellabah RSL this round at Neilson Park, East Lismore.
Norths have struggled with the bat a bit this season but been pretty effective in the field. They’ll need to perform everywhere to defeat Easts but could pull it off if a bit of luck goes their way.
Super Sedans in Lismore
 Gold Coast’s Jamie McHugh loves the Lismore track and would love to register another victory here on Saturday night.
This Saturday Night at Bartercard Lismore Speedway, the 650 hp Super Sedans make their first appearance of the season.
The quality field includes seven State or National Champions. The nominations are Bruce Marshall, Craig McGeorge, Tania Smith, Michael Gee, Darren Kane, Graeme Lehmann, Paul Geary, Greg Smith, Jamie McHugh, Wayne Randall Paul Carlish, Ian Brims, Wayne Brims, John Leslight, Gary Pagel, Mark O’Brienand Lance Batchelor.
Murwillumbah veteran John Leslight currently leads the championship chase, having won three of the four completed rounds thus far, to establish a sizeable lead in the early weeks of the competition. Leslight has an outstanding record of success on the Lismore circuit, including two victories in the prestigious East Coast Grand National and a plethora of feature race wins against the very best from across Australia and overseas. His current winning form, combined with his record at the venue, has ensured that he will enter this weekend’s event as the pre-race favourite.
Currently running second overall on the points table is former Casino resident Wayne Randall, a driver who launched his racing career on the Lismore track before being lured north of the border to drive for Ipswich-based team owner Ian Boettcher. Randall still rates the Lismore circuit as one of his favourites and drives the tight showground layout as good, if not better, than anybody else. In fact, Randall was victorious when the Super Sedan brigade last appeared in Lismore, taking out the East Coast Grand National in May to complete a stellar 2001-02 season of success.
Lismore’s own Tania Smith is currently enjoying one of her best seasons for quite a while, finishing inside the top 10 in each of the completed rounds, with 3rd-place finishes in the last two feature races propelling her into 3rd overall in the series points. With strong support expected on her home track, Smith will be looking for a continuation of her form as she seeks to become the first female to score a feature race victory in series history.
Popular Gold Coast charger Jamie McHugh, who won a New South Wales Championship at this circuit, will be looking to avenge his disappointment from the previous round in Brisbane when a blown engine forced him out of the feature race with just 5 laps remaining.
One driver definitely looking to improve on his last Lismore appearance is Brisbane’s Michael Gee. The former Litre Sprintcar pilot was involved in a spectacular crash last season when a broken wheel sent his Ford Taurus somersaulting through turn one and into the safety fence. In only his second outing for the season aboard a brand new Taurus, Gee will be determined to show the local fans what he is capable of when all four wheels remained planted on terra firma.
The gates open at 3.30pm with the action from 6.30pm this Saturday.
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