The women and girls have taken centre stage at Albert Park for the Australian Women's Showcase and Little League Championships.A regional flavour was a highlight of Friday's play.Claire O’Sullivan, born and raised in Kempsey, delivered a clutch moment for the Brisbane Bandits at the 2024 Australian Women’s Showcase in their 4-3 dramatic win over the Adelaide Giants.With the Bandits down 3-1 in the bottom of the final inning, and with two outs on the board, O’Sullivan laced a two-run double to tie the game and force extra innings. Her sister Elodie drew a walk the batter before to extend the game.It helped complete a 3-0 comeback. The Bandits won it 4-3 in the tiebreaker inning to advance to Sunday’s Gold Medal Game.“It’s a pretty cool feeling,” says Claire O’Sullivan. “I think I’m grateful to have had the opportunities I’ve had. Sometimes it just all comes together and tonight it came through. I’ve played in Lismore a few times. It’s great to be back here. It’s great to be back in a country environment. I love being around these areas. I love feeling the country vibes, seeing people who love the game and seeing old friends.”The O’Sullivan sisters grew up representing Country NSW and going to academies at the Lismore facility.“It’s cool playing with my sister again,” Claire adds. “It’s not something I take for granted and I love every second.”In the first game of the day, every player on the Victoria Aces scored a run in an 11-7 victory over the Bandits. The Aces raced to an 11-0 advantage before the Bandits made it close late.Emerald stars Abbey McClellan and Morgan Doty hit home runs for Victoria.Lili Cavanagh and Doty both made crazy diving plays.Results from the games on Friday.AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S SHOWCASE – FRIDAY 10 MAY Victoria Aces 11 def Brisbane Bandits 7 Brisbane Bandits 4 def Adelaide Giants 3 (extra innings)STANDINGS1. Victoria Aces 2-02. Brisbane Bandits 2-13. Adelaide Giants 0-3Remaining schedule:Saturday 11 May 3:30PM - Victoria Aces vs Adelaide GiantsSaturday 11 May 6:00PM – Victoria Aces vs Brisbane BanditsSunday 12 May 5:00PM – GOLD MEDAL GAME – Victoria Aces vs Brisbane BanditsLITTLE LEAGUE GIRLS UPDATEAn exciting day of girls baseball where we saw two teams advance to Sunday’s Gold Medal game, a no hitter and excellent pitching all around.NSW Blue continued their strong form, winning their fourth game to improve to 4-0. The Victoria Belles won a nailbiter over West Coast Rays. They will play NSW Blue on Sunday’s Gold Medal Final

The Marist Brothers Rams will host the Casino Cougars on Saturday at Oakes Oval.The day had originally been planned as a massive club day, with matches being played across Heaps, Crozier and Oakes Oval between the two clubs.The day was to start with U/6's and include both male and female matches throughout the day, culminating in the senior sides clashing later in the day, but unfortunately the weather has intervened and the junior matches have been postponed.The senior match times have been altered and will now be played at the regular times.U/18's will clash at 12pm, Reserve Grade at 1:15pm and First Grade at 2:45pm.Both sides have had a slow start to the season, with the Cougars playing just 2 matches in the first 5 rounds and the Rams just 3, due to the continuing wet weather and ground closures.In the heavy conditions it will be a test for both forward packs to gain advantage early.The Rams props Lochlen Perrin and Temesia Nemani, and backrowers Lennon Bartlett, Jack Elmore and Nathan Stewart will do the hard yards before the inform Shallin Fuller, Jye Davis and Paul O'Neill utilise the slick backline when the opportunities arise.Brothers defence will need to be tight, with the unpredictable Cougars side ready to throw everything at the Brethren.

Lismore will host the Wollongbar Alstonville Pioneers in the wet in Round 3 of Far North Coast Rugby Union on Saturday.The Greens will take on the reigning Premiers in a litmus test of where their 2024 season is currently sitting, after a victory over the SCU Gold Rats and a loss to Casuarina in the first two rounds.Several positional changes have again been made to the Lismore side, with Cameron Bryant coming into the side at inside centre and other players shifting positions from Round 2.Wet weather football will be the theme of the day, with muddy conditions expected at Lismore Rugby Park.The Pioneers will be led by Ben Damen at Number 10, with a very experienced side again taking the field in 2024.A talented Pioneers backline will be a handful for Lismore.First Grade will kick off at 3:15pm, Second Grade will take the field at 1:50pm and Colts will play Yamba at 12:30pm.In other matches, the SCU Gold Rats will head west to Mallanganee to take on Richmond Range in what should be a close encounter.Both sides come out of last years Presidents Cup and will be looking for points to stay in touch with the stronger sides in the competition.In what will be the match of the round, Casuarina Beach host Ballina and Evans River will head up the coastline to play Byron Shire.The Casino and Lennox Head match has been postponed.FIRST GRADE TEAM LISTS - ROUND Three 11th May 2024FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNIONByron Shire Rebels: 1. Jordan Elliott, 2. Angus Wilbourn, 3. Oisin Canney, 4. Will Aisake, 5. Lucas Franceschini, 6. Darcy Woods, 7.  Manu Ojeda, 8. Benji Clarke, 9. Jye Connochie, 10. Joel Little (c), 11. Ben Mitchell, 12. Oli Shakeshaft, 13 Trevior Owens, 14. Reuben Shepherd, 15. Will LathamCoach: Ben MacDougall Manager: Eddy BrownVEvans River: 1. Matt Francis, 2. Connor Thornley, 3. Will Ainsworth, 4. Harry Alexson, 5. Max Pye, 6. Tama Williamson, 7. JF Beytell, 8. Augustin Aversa, 9. Ben Morris, 10. Michael Miskle, 11. James Fairweather, 12. Adam Armistead (c), 13. Jonothan Robinson, 14. Brodie Trustum, 15. Zane GaiterCoach: Darren Winkler Manager: Luke CleaverReferee: Mark WhittenCasuarina Beach: 1. Dan Raye (c), 2. Jem MacDonald, 3. Chris Guest, 4. Mason Duke, 5. James Munroe, 6. Will Harris, 7. Callum O’Shea, 8. Pat Williams, 9. Jacob Hall, 10. Harry Hall, 11. Tewhiti Treanor, 12. Webb Lillis, 13. Levi Dangerfield, 14. Graham Dodge, 15. Jesse FrierCoach: Geoff Townsend Manager: Stephen LowndesVBallina: 1. Stan Lolohea, 2. Nathan Groves, 3. Brett Johnston, 4. Esikia Macu, 5. Harry Bungate, 6. Gerald McLarnon, 7. Wilson Lovokuro, 8. Pierce Bryers, 9. Stephen Paskins, 10. Elliott Bryers (c), 11. Tupou Lolohea, 12. Anthony Lolohea, 13. Carl Lolohea, 14. Reuben Saric, 15. Jack KindredCoach: Michael Greenhalgh Manager: Josh MagnusReferee: Matt ClaytonRichmond Range: 1. Blake Birmigham (c), 2. Michael MacRae, 3. Duncan Ryan, 4. Dave Lane, 5. Jacob Lane, 6. Luke Benn, 7. Lachlan Thomas, 8. Hayden Pratt, 9. Bradon Gumbleton, 10. Matthew Sorrenti, 11. Cody Amos, 12. Alex Gibbon, 13. Nicholas Furhmann, 14. Brock King, 15. James PankhurstCoach: Alex GibbonManager: Shawn ButlerVSCU Gold Rats: 1. Mitch Bird, 2. Kirk Taylor-Brown, 3. Jake Tindale, 4. Jay Presland, 5. Zach Bryne, 6. Lachlan Wallace, 7. Harrison Kennedy-Beaumont, 8. Xavier Tiseni 9. Tyronne Collison, 10. Matt Anderson, 11. Jake Henry, 12. Josh Wilson (c), 13. Colin Sack, 14. Lachlan Rodger, 15. Darnell McLeodCoach: Beth WhaangaManager: Tim BreenReferee: Graham CookLismore: 1. Aggrey Leju, 2. Tate Bailey, 3. Mitchell Fawcett, 4. Ben Briggs, 5. Andrew Jordan, 6. Mitchell Cox, 7. Max Smith, 8. Angus MacDougall (c), 9. Kyle Maluta, 10. Cody Johnston, 11. Loui Rubbo, 12. Cameron Bryant, 13. Braeden Williams, 14. Gus Leju, 15. Fraser RuaneCoach: Angus MacDougallManager: Stephen ClarkVWollongbar Alstonville: 1. Ewen McQueen, 2. Daniel May 3. Benji Tiatia, 4. Tom Parker, 5. Lloyd Morgan, 6. Blake Henderson, 7. Joe Blyth, 8. Brenden Williams, 9. Louis Hollman, 10. Ben Damen (c), 11. James Vidler, 12. Dan Damen, 13. Rory Collings, 14. Matt Nean, 15. Bodi SmithCoach: Bill Johnston Manager: Chris DuleyReferee: Lachlan DuleyCasino v Lennox Head – POSTPONED

LISMORE MP Janelle Saffin has helped secure a one-off grant towards Lismore Thistles Soccer Club Incorporated’s project to construct and install six lockable shower cubicles at its East Lismore clubhouse. Ms Saffin, who championed the club’s priority project, thanked NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper MP for approving the $15,710 (ex GST) grant under the NSW Government’s 2023-24 Project Support Program recently. Ms Saffin said Thistles would engage a local contractor to build the six cubicles – three for home teams and three for away or visiting teams – promoting safe and diverse participation for girls and women. “The fact that the club owns this site rather than leases it from Lismore City Council has meant they do not qualify for infrastructure repairs or rebuilds under normal disaster funding arrangements,” Ms Saffin said. “Thistles is a very proactive club but having its clubhouse and fields located in a low-lying area, has meant that it has had to wear the costs of fixing damage caused by the devastating floods of February and March 2022. “This is one of those small sporting infrastructure projects which will make a big difference to players. “I thank club officials for their innovative and inclusive approach, particularly Grants Officer Dr Pascal Scherrer.” Lismore Thistles Soccer Club President Tina Cotroneo said: “This grant is going to make such a difference for players having their own space to shower and relax after a game in a more private environment! “Our goal at Thistles is to provide a fun, safe and enjoyable sporting environment that encourages all members to reach their full potential. “This grant supports our efforts to encourage inclusion, provide a safe sporting environment and foster the growing participation of women and girls in football. “Thank you again to all involved in the process.”

Lismore will play host this week to the 2024 Australian Women's Baseball Showcase and the 2024 Australian Little League Girls Division Championships at Albert Park.The event, which runs from May 8-12 in Lismore, is the first of its kind. No other baseball country has hosted a national championships for a girls only division of the Little League Championships.Little League is one of the most famous participation platforms in international baseball. Little League is for U/12 players.The Adelaide Seahorses, West Coast Rays, Victoria Belles, New South Wales Blue, New South Wales White and Brisbane Rebels will each compete for the title of Little League Girl National Champion.Each team will play each other once over the first four days of the tournament – a total of five group stage games each. The top two teams will advance straight to the Gold Medal Game on Sunday 12 May at noon.The event will run alongside the 2024 Australia Women’s Showcase, an event that brings the best female baseball players in the country together, along with a mix of international talent.The Showcase will feature Australia’s best players competing on the Brisbane Bandits, Adelaide Giants and Victoria Aces.Australian Emeralds player Claire O’Sullivan says she hopes an event like this can further launch girls baseball in Australia. She says there’s a lot to love about this event.“I love that Lismore gets to host the first Little League Girls Nationals. I love that everyone gets to see that there’s a baseball world outside of main cities and everyone gets to experience a great community and world class facility in the country.”“I hope it also helps people living in the country towns realise that there are pathways available to enable them to play the highest level of baseball they can. I’d love to see the numbers continue to grow in and around the areas because of this tournament, if it helps just one girl say to their parents “I’d like to try baseball” then that would be a pretty cool thing. I was built from the NSW Country baseball system, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the NSW country pathways and training program that previous coaches have put so much time into developing.”“I hope this is the start of women’s baseball in Australia building from the ground up and creating even more opportunities for girls and women in this country to play the sport they love,” she adds.The Albert Park Baseball Complex is one of the best facilities in the country, and has returned after being devastated in the 2022 floods.FNCBA Commissioner Craig Schiebel is very excited to be hosting such an important event.“We are very happy to once again be having baseball events in Lismore. We are very excited to be hosting the Womens showcase and extremely proud to be the first hosts of the Little League Girls. This could not have happened without the support of our volunteers, council, governments, and the contractors/subcontractors who all have worked tirelessly to bring Albert Park back to life after the floods. These events are important not just for baseball but for the town and surrounds with each one bringing spectators, coaches, players, and support staff to the region. These events are free to attend so we would love people to come on out and see tournament baseball being played.”

Only two matches were played in Far North Coast First Grade Rugby Union on Saturday, and both results went the way of tipsters.Lismore travelled north in all 4 grades to take on the Casuarina Beach Barbarians, and it was just the Women who came away with the victory.The Women's 10's side played an excellent match in their first for the year, narrowly nudging out Casuarina 20-17 in a rematch of the 2023 Grand Final.The home side started well, getting out to a quick 17-0 lead in just 12 minutes before Lismore were able to settle and get a double to go to the break down 17-10.The youngsters stepped up in the second half, crossing for another two unanswered tries to take the match 20-17.Tries went to new players to the senior side, Lotti Coppola, Maddi Coppola, Shontali Williams and Georgia Rhodes.The First Grade side went down 41-7 after trailing 22-0 at halftime.Second half try to Gavin Tulk and conversion to fullback Kyle Maluta helped the scoreline.It doesn't get any easier next week when Lismore play host to Wollongbar Alstonville, in what should bring a big crowd to Lismore Rugby Park, with all four grades playing on Saturday, the Women playing in Casino.The SCU Gold Rats will host Richmond Range at Maurie Ryan Oval in the other local First Grade match next week.FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNION                                            Round 2 Results 4th May 2024First GradeByron Shire Rebels 16(Will Aisake Try, Joel Little Conversion, 3 Penalty Goals) d Ballina 8(Stan Lolohea Try, Pierce Bryers Penalty Goal)Half Time: Byron Shire 7 – Ballina 3Casuarina Beach 41(Levi Dangerfield 2, Graham Dodge, Jesse Frier, Daniel Raye, Webb Lillis, Patrick Williams Tries, Harrison Hall 3 Conversions) d Lismore 7(Gavin Tulk Try, Kyle Maluta Conversion)Half Time: Casuarina 22 - Lismore 0 Point Score – Byron 9, Casuarina 6, Wollongbar 5, Lismore 5, Ballina 5, Lennox 4, Richmond Range 1, Evans 0, SCU 0, Casino 02nd GradeByron Shire Rebels 29 d Ballina 0Casuarina Beach 38 d Lismore 12Point Score – Byron 5, Ballina 5, Wollongbar 5, Mullumbimby 5, Casuarina 5, Lismore 5, Lennox 4, Evans River 4, Yamba 1, Casuarina 0, Casino 0, Kyogle 0Women’sLismore 20 d Casuarina Beach 17Point Score – Lismore 5, Byron 4, Casuarina 1, Casino 1, Evans/SCU 0Under 18’sCasuarina Beach 8 d Lismore 7Point Score – Casuarina 4, Lismore 1, Lennox 0, Ballina/WAR 0, Yamba 0Next Week’s Matches 11 May1st GradeByron Shire Rebels v Evans River at BangalowCasuarina Beach v BallinaCasino v Lennox HeadSCU v Richmond RangeLismore v Wollongbar Alstonville 2nd GradeByron Shire Rebels v Evans RiverCasuarina Beach v BallinaKyogle v YambaCasino v Lennox HeadLismore v Wollongbar AlstonvilleMullumbimby – ByeWomen’s 10’sByron Shire Rebels v Evans/SCUCasino v LismoreCasuarina Beach - ByeUnder 18’sCasuarina Beach v Ballina/WARLismore v YambaLennox Head - Bye

Wet weather football will be the order of the day, when Lismore City travel to Casuarina for the FNC Rugby Union clash on Saturday.The Greens will travel north after a morale boosting victory in Round 1 and will look to challenge the Barbarians, who have been a strength in FNC Rugby in recent seasons.Lismore had a convincing 45-0 victory over the SCU Gold Rats and the Barbarians went down 40-22 in Round 1 to Wollongbar Alstonville, but took the second half 12-7.The Lismore side will field a similar looking forward back to last week, but several changes have been made to the backline.Loui Rubbo will make his First Grade debut at inside centre, with Fraser Ruane moving from fullback to number 10 and Julian Thompson and Kyle Maluta coming into the side for the clash with the Barbarians.The SCU Gold Rats were to travel to Evans Head to take on the Killer Whales, but due to the wet weather, this match has been postponed.FIRST GRADE TEAM LISTS - ROUND TWO 4th May 2024 FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNION   Ballina: 1. Stan Lolohea, 2. Nathan Groves, 3. Brett Johnston, 4. Esikia Macu, 5. Harry Bungate, 6. Gerald McLarnon, 7. Wilson Lovokuro, 8. Pierce Bryers, 9. Stephen Paskins, 10. Elliott Bryers (c), 11. Tupou Lolohea, 12. Anthony Lolohea, 13. Reuben Saric, 14. Nathaniel Hooper, 15. Jack KindredCoach: Michael Greenhalgh Manager: Josh MagnusVByron Shire Rebels: 1. Jordan Elliott, 2. Ashton Sione, 3. Oisin Canney, 4. John Turagabeci, 5. Will Aisake, 6. Manu Ojeda, 7. Angus Wilbourn, 8. Benji Clarke, 9. Jye Connochie, 10. Joel Little (c), 11. Aaron Borland, 12. Oli Shakeshaft, 13 Joel Faulkner, 14. Will Latham, 15. Trevior OwensCoach: Ben MacDougall Manager: Eddy BrownReferee: Matt ClaytonCasuarina Beach: 1. Daniel Tilton, 2. Jem MacDonald, 3. Chris Guest, 4. Dan Raye (c), 5. James Munroe, 6. Mason Duke, 7. Kellan Murphy, 8. Pat Williams, 9. Jacob Hall, 10. Harry Hall, 11. Tewhiti Treanor, 12. Webb Lillis, 13. Levi Dangerfield, 14. Graham Dodge, 15. Jesse FrierCoach: Geoff Townsend Manager: Stephen LowndesVLismore: 1. Aggrey Leju, 2. Cameron Bryant, 3. Tate Bailey, 4. Ben Briggs, 5. Andrew Jordan, 6. Mitchell Cox, 7. Max Smith, 8. Angus MacDougall (c), 9. Cooper Cox, 10. Fraser Ruane, 11. Brandan Hannigan, 12. Loui Rubbo, 13. Julian Thompson, 14. Gus Leju, 15. Kyle MalutaCoach: Angus MacDougallManager: Stephen ClarkReferee: Mark WhittenLennox Head: 1. Brad McGoulrick, 2. Ethan Jenkins, 3. Connor Blair, 4. Jorelle Yock, 5. Sam Hanna, 6. Scott Quinn, 7. Harry Cunynghame, 8. Jacob Creagh, 9. Drew Laundes, 10. Marty McNamara, 11. Aidan Butler, 12. Oscar Godwin, 13. Thomas Monteith, 14. Sean Parry, 15. Rory KershawCoach: Scott JenkinsManager: Tony FisherVRichmond Range: 1. Blake Birmingham (c), 2. Michael Macrae, 3. Duncan Ryan, 4. David Lane, 5. Jacob Lane, 6. Ben Wheeler, 7. Lachlan Thomas, 8. Hayden Pratt, 9. Alex Gibbon, 10. Matthew Sorrenti, 11. Brock King, 12. Bradon Gumbleton, 13. Paul Hewetson, 14. Nicholas Furhmann, 15. James PankhurstCoach: Alex GibbonManager: Shawn ButlerReferee: Lachlan DuleyWollongbar Alstonville v Casino – POSTPONED Evans River v Southern Cross Uni - POSTPONED

Another weekend of sport and another weekend with a list of postponements and cancellations due to wet weather.A wet week and the forecast of more rain across Saturday and Sunday has led to a long list of sports and events that have been effected.The Lismore Turf Club was to host a 6 race TAB meeting on Saturday, highlighted by the running of the Trinity Catholic College Cup over 1526m.It has been a disappointing few months for the Turf Club, with several meetings either being transferred or cancelled due to the heavy tracks.Far North Coast Baseball has cancelled all games scheduled for Saturday but will still hold a working bee at the Albert Park complex on Sunday.The NRRRL match between Northern United and Evans Head has been postponed on Sunday, after Lismore City Council deemed Crozier Oval too wet.Matches scheduled for Ballina and Yamba have also been postponed.As of Saturday morning, the Marist Brothers Rams will still head north on Sunday to take on the Tweed Seagulls at Ned Byrne Field in Kingscliff.In FNC Rugby Union, the Wollongbar v Casino and Evans River v SCU Gold Rats matches have been postponed, with all other matches to go ahead.Football Far North Coast have advised that the majority of grounds set down for matches across the weekend are now closed, but check with your clubs for final confirmation.Lismore Netball and FNC Hockey will still go ahead on Saturday.A wet week ahead will also put next weekend schedules into turmoil, with up to 10-15mm expected on Monday and Tuesday.

Football Far North Coast Premier League returns this weekend after a break for the Anzac Day Cup and Callan McMillan Shield Finals.In Men's Premier League action, Richmond Rovers travel to Maclean on Friday night to take on the Bobcats after tasting victory in the Anzac Day Cup over Bangalow.Rovers will look to consolidate a win over the Bobcats after Maclean have only been able to play one match in the first 3 rounds of the competition due to wet weather.The East Lismore side will be fit and ready to go after playing extra time and a victorious penalty shootout last week.The match will kick off at 7:30pm.On Saturday, the Bangalow Bluedogs will host Ballina SC and the Goonellabah Hornets will travel north to take on Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley in what should be a close encounter.In the only local Men's Premier League match this weekend, South Lismore will host Alstonville at the Caniaba Street Fields, with all Saturday fixtures starting at 3:00pm.In the final match of the round, the coastal clash between Byron Bay and Lennox Head will be played in Byron Bay on Sunday from 2:30pm.In Women's Premier League action, Sunday is the day, with all matches scheduled for a 2:30pm kick off.Richmond Rovers will host Byron Bay at Bill Harris Field, Bangalow and Ballina will face off in Bangalow and Alstonville will travel to Lennox Head for their clash.Wet weather again threatens the weekend, but early forecasts are for 0-10mm and hopefully all matches can be completed.

It was a tough Saturday afternoon for the new First Grade teams in the Far North Coast Rugby Union competition.The FNCRU Board made the decision in the off season to promote a number of clubs up to the First Grade competition to add numbers to a dwindling competition.It will take several weeks to see if the decision was the right move, but a number of matches across the weekend gave a hint to what may be ahead.Byron Shire defeated the Casino Bulls 62-0, with Casino struggling in the top grade in recent years.The SCU Gold Rats, previously in Presidents Cup, took on Lismore, who have also struggled against the top teams in First Grade for a number of years and Lismore took the win 45-0.The Gold Rats conceded two early tries but improved defensively to hold the Greens to 14-0 at halftime. A number of handling errors from both sides showed it was the first major hit out of the season.The second half saw Lismore take advantage of a lopsided penalty count to run in a further 5 tries to nil in the dominant win.There were plenty of positives for both sides, with Lismore fielding a young side, with a backline who can score points, and enjoyed a win in front of a home crowd and the Gold Rats returned to First Grade with solid defence through the middle and plenty to work on at training this week.Wollongbar defeated Casuarina Beach 40-22, Ballina took the win 22-17 over the promoted Richmond Range, and Lennox Head triumphed over Evans River, who played their first ever game in the top grade, 24-7.Next week will see a number of the promoted sides play each other, prior to taking on the stronger sides in the coming weeks.FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNION                                            Round 1 Results 27th April 2024First GradeByron Shire Rebels 62(John Turagabeci 2, Joel Little, Oliver Shakeshaft, Angus Wilbourn, Oisin Canney, Benji Clarke, Darcy Woods, Darius Towers, Ethan McDonald Tries, Joel Little 6 Conversions) d Casino 0Half Time: Byron Shire 28 – Casino 0 Wollongbar Alstonville 40(Bodi Smith, Ben Damen, Matt Nean, Matt Scott, Josh Galbraith, Connor Storck Tries, Bodi Smith 5 Conversions) d Casuarina Beach 22(Jem MacDonald, Mason Duke, Daniel Raye Levi Dangerfield Tries, Webb Lillis Conversion)Half Time: WAR 33 – Casuarina 10Ballina 22(Lachlan Johnson, Stephen Paskins, Harry Bungate, Wilson Lovokuro Tries, Pierce Bryers Conversion) d Richmond Range 17(James Pankhurst, Brock King Tries, James Pankhurst 2 Conversions, Penalty Goal)Half Time: Ballina 17 – Richmond Range 7Lennox Head 24(Atzin Jacobson, Jacob Creagh, Hayden Blair Tries, Martin McNamara 3 Conversions, Penalty Goal) d Evans River 7(Zane Gaiter Try, Michael Miskle Conversion)Half Time: Lennox Head 10 – Evans River 7 Lismore 45(Motuliki Tukuafu 2, Mitchell Fawcett, Gus Leju, Soren Webster, Andrew Jordan, Branden Harrington Tries, Braeden Williams 5 Conversions) d SCU Gold Rats 0Half Time: Lismore 14 – SCU 0 Point Score – Byron 5, Lismore 5, Wollongbar 5, Ballina 5, Lennox 4, Richmond Range 1, Casuarina 1, Evans 0, SCU 0, Casino 02nd GradeLennox Head 19 d Evans River 5Byron Shire Rebels 30 d Casino 0Wollongbar 29 d Casuarina 13Ballina 25 d Kyogle 0Lismore 27 d Mullumbimby 7Point Score – Byron 5, Ballina 5, Lismore 5, Wollongbar 5, Mullumbimby 5, Lennox 4, Evans River 4, Yamba 1, Casuarina 0, Casino 0, Kyogle 0Women’sByron Shire Rebels 15 d Casino 10Lismore v Evans/SCU – Match PostponedNext Week’s Matches Saturday 4 May1st GradeBallina v Byron Shire RebelsCasuarina Beach v LismoreEvans River v Southern Cross UniLennox Head v Richmond RangeWollongbar Alstonville v Casino2nd GradeBallina v Byron Shire RebelsCasuarina Beach v LismoreEvans River v YambaLennox Head v KyogleWollongbar Alstonville v CasinoMullumbimby – ByeWomen’s 10’sCasuarina v LismoreEvans/SCU v Byron Shire Rebels at BallinaUnder 18’sCasuarina Beach v Lismore

Huge numbers have registered for the Football Far North Coast Miniroos season.The MiniRoos season commences on Saturday 4 May, with several thousand girls and boys in the age group of 5 to 11, eagerly waiting to get onto the pitch. A total of 409 MiniRoos teams will participate in 2024 and this number is 59 teams more than the previous highest number of teams across the divisions.These numbers include an incredible 70 All Girls teams across the age groups.FFNC General Manager Steve Mackney believes this is "strong evidence of the positive influence that the Matildas have had on promoting female participation in football."FFNC has again ‘named’ the various Pools after current Matildas or Socceroos, as a gesture to acknowledge some of our national heroes.The Grade 6 competition has 103 teams, Grade 7 84 teams, Grade 8 57 teams, Grade 9 58 teams, Grade 10 60 teams and Grade 11 has 48 teams.A reasonable assessment has been made to consider geographical influences to choose club teams for respective pools. Mackney is looking ahead to a positive season, "The primary purpose of MiniRoos is participation and fun, so parents and coaches are urged to "let the kids play", without pressure to score goals, win games or to be superstar. The influence of adults upon children when talking about sport and the values that they demonstrate on match day (or at training) have an enormous impact on kids. Let’s make that influence a positive one!" Six Football far North Coast clubs will convene Gala Day's in 2024 and these days allow teams to play other teams that they may not encounter in their respective pools throughout the season.Mackney said "Let’s celebrate the watching our children and grandchildren kicking a ball and having fun with their friends. I wish everyone a terrific season being part of the Beautiful Game." 

The Marist Brothers Rams will host the Tweed Coast Raiders at Crozier Oval on Sunday.The Rams are coming off a tough 12-12 draw with Mullumbimby last weekend in wet and muddy conditions and will look to continue to improve against the Raiders outfit.The Tweed side went down 20-14 last weekend against the Casino Cougars, but coach Brent Kite will have them ready for a tight contest.It has been a disjointed start to the season with this weekend being Round 4, but Tweed having only played one match and the Rams just two, after matches have been postponed due to wet weather.The Rams will be looking for a win to push them up the NRRRL ladder early in the year.Marist Brothers players Shallin Fuller and Mitchell Krause have been in good form and will look to add to their try scoring tallies this weekend.The Ramettes have started the season with two strong wins and will look to continue their good form against Tweed, with both the U/18's and Reserve Grade teams splitting their two matches so far.The big day of rugby league starts with U/18's at 10:50am, Ladies League Tag at 12:10pm, Reserve Grade will kick off at 1:15pm and First Grade will start at 2:45pm.In other results for the Rams last weekend, the Ladies League Tag had an 18-0 victory, the U/18's went down 28-12 and Reserve Grade had a narrow 16-8 win over the Giants.

Albert Park has hosted the NSW Junior League State Championship this week, and the finals will be hotly contested.The State Championships is an annual representative event where the NSW Metropolitan and Country associations compete to secure the top two spots, paving their way to the National Championships and the illustrious Little League World Series.The State Championship Finals day will be played on Saturday at Albert Park, with the tournament finals beginning at 9 a.m.The Bronze Medal match will see Hills Red and Hills Blue playoff, Cronulla Blue will play the FNC side also at 11am in a Consolation Final.In the other consolation final, Hunter Coast will play Manly White at 11:30am.The Gold Medal match will be played between Sydney sides, Cronulla Black and Manly White.The National Championships will also be hosted at the Albert Park Baseball Complex, so mark your calendars next month for the Junior League (Under 15) and Intermediate League (Under 14) Nationals from May 27 to 31.The ability to host various championships are a great reward for an Association that has rebuilt significantly since the 2022 floods.

A local derby will highlight the opening round of Far North Coast Rugby Union on Saturday.Lismore will host the SCU Gold Rats at Lismore Rugby Park in what is a different look for the FNC First Grade Competition.A number of Presidents Cup clubs have returned to the top grade after a shakeup of the competition.The Gold Rats, Richmond Range, Lennox Head and Evans River have all stepped up to boost the local competition after a number of lean years for the division.SCU, Range and Lennox Head are all returning to the top grade after various lengths of time away.Lismore have named five debutants in their side to take on the Rats, with forwards Mitch Fawcett, Andrew Jordan and Max Smith, halfback Cooper Cox and winger Augustine Leju all starting in the top grade for the first time.The Greens will also have the experience of Tate Bailey, Ben Briggs and Angus MacDougall to lead the pack.The Gold Rats will field a new look side under new coach Beth Whaanga. There will be plenty of experience in the SCU side with Mitch Bird and Kirk Taylor-Brown up front, Matt Anderson at halfback and Josh Wilson captaining the side.Number 8 Xavier Teseni, and the centre pairing of Reshawn Brown and Murray Wade should provide plenty of entertainment.First Grade will kick off at 3:15pm with the Reserve Grade match between Lismore and Mullumbimby starting at 1:50pm.FIRST GRADE TEAM LISTSROUND ONE 27th APRIL 2024Coopers FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNIONBallina: 1. Stan Lolohea, 2. Nathan Groves, 3. Brett Johnston, 4. Esikia Macu, 5. Harry Bungate, 6. Gerald McLarnon, 7. Wilson Lovokuro, 8. Pierce Bryers, 9. Stephen Paskins, 10. Elliott Bryers (c), 11. Tupou Lolohea, 12. Anthony Lolohea, 13. Reuben Saric, 14. Nathaniel Hooper, 15. Jack KindredCoach: Michael Greenhalgh Manager: Josh MagnusVRichmond Range: 1. Reece Manning, 2. Blake Birmingham (c), 3. Duncan Ryan, 4. David Lane, 5. Jacob Lane, 6. Nicholas Furhmann, 7. Lachlan Thomas, 8. Hayden Pratt, 9. Alex Gibbon, 10. Matthew Sorrenti, 11. Brock King, 12. Bradon Gumbleton, 13. Paul Hewetson, 14. Joel Ryan, 15. James PankhurstCoach: Alex GibbonManager: Shawn ButlerReferee: Rob WalkerLismore: 1. Aggrey Leju, 2. Tate Bailey, 3. Mitchell Fawcett, 4. Ben Briggs, 5. Andrew Jordan, 6. Mitchell Cox, 7. Max Smith, 8. Angus MacDougall, 9. Cooper Cox, 10. Cody Johnston, 11. Brandan Hannigan, 12. Braeden Williams, 13. Adam Rodd, 14. Gus Leju, 15. Fraser RuaneCoach: Angus MacDougallManager: Stephen ClarkVSCU: 1. Mitch Bird, 2. Harry Rudder, 3. Kirk Taylor-Brown, 4. Josh Wilson (c), 5. Rogan Dickson, 6. Lachlan Wallace, 7. Lachlan Rogers, 8. Xavier Teseni, 9. Matt Anderson, 10. Tyrone Collison, 11. Jake Henry, 12. Reshawn Brown, 13. Murray Wade, 14. Cooper McDonald, 15. Darnell McLeodCoach: Beth WhaangaManager: Tim BreenReferee: Peter CampbellCasuarina Beach: 1. Daniel Tilton, 2. Jem MacDonald, 3. Daniel Chugg, 4. Dan Raye (c), 5. Mason Duke, 6. Michael Bodnar, 7. Zac Hanna, 8. Mitch Planten, 9. Webb Lillis, 10. Zane Hanna, 11. Jesse Frier, 12. Jesse Kemp, 13. Levi Dangerfield, 14. Tewhiti Treanor, 15. Sam VerenkiCoach: Geoff Townsend Manager: Stephen LowndesVWollongbar Alstonville: 1. Ewen McQueen, 2. Nick Pennisi, 3. Benji Tiatia, 4. Matt Scott, 5. Lloyd Morgan, 6. Josh Galbraith, 7. Joe Blyth, 8. Hamish Mould, 9. Louis Hollman, 10. Ben Damen (c), 11. Bodi Smith, 12. Daniel Damen, 13. Matt Nean, 14. Connor Storck, 15. Sam KerryCoach: William JohnstonManager: Chris DuleyReferee: Matt ClaytonLennox Head: 1. Joseph Daley, 2. Ethan Jenkins, 3. Connor Blair, 4. Zayden Allen, 5. Brandon Charlton, 6. Brad McGoulrick, 7. Harry Cunynghame, 8. Hayden Blair, 9. Atzin Jacobson, 10. Marty McNamara, 11. Zac Alexander, 12. Nick Wilson, 13. Aidan Butler, 14. Sean Parry, 15. Rory KershawCoach: Scott JenkinsManager: Tony FisherVEvans River: 1. Will Ainsworth, 2. Connor Thornley, 3. Matthew Francis, 4. Max Pye, 5. Tama Williamson, 6. Oliver Mason, 7. J F Beytell, 8. Agustin Aversa, 9. Ben Morris, 10. Sam Morley, 11. James Fairweather, 12. Adam Armistead (c), 13. Zane Gaiter, 14. Jonathon Robinson, 15. Michael MiskleCoach: Darren WinklerManager: Luke CleaverReferee: Will PalmerByron Shire Rebels: 1. Oisin Canney, 2. Ashton Sione, 3. Robert Taylor, 4. John Turagabeci, 5. Will Aisake, 6. Darcy Woods, 7. Angus Wilbourn, 8. Benji Clarke, 9. Jye Connochie, 10. Joel Little (c), 11. Darius Towers, 12. Oli Shakeshaft, 13 Joel Faulkner, 13. Aaron Borland, 15. Ben MitchellCoach: Ben MacDougall Manager: Eddy BrownVCasino: 1. Anthony Butta, 2. Robert MacKander, 3. Cameron Davis (c), 4. Cory Townesend, 5. Josh Fuller, 6. Connor Frame, 7. Hunter Ryan, 8. Harry Amey, 9. Ben Collison, 10. Jayden Torrens, 11. Jordan Robinson, 12. Bryce Spencer, 13. Joseph Brooks, 14. Harold Torrens, 15. Lenny DrugutanalevuCoach: Doug MurrayManager: Andrew GulliverReferee: Graham Cook  

Richmond Rovers goalkeeper, Daniel Hamshaw has starred in his sides Anzac Day Cup victory.The long limbs of Hamshaw were the difference between his side and Bangalow in the Tursa Employment & Training FFNC Men's Premier League Anzac Day Cup Final held in East Lismore on Thursday.The first half saw Bangalow have the better of territory, with several attacking opportunities shut down by a desperate and scrabbling Rovers defence and several good saves from Hamshaw.Rovers defender Shayne Smith scrambles in front of goal to deny Bangalow's attack. Photo: Matthew BarlowRovers best attacking chance in the first half came from a free kick that came within centimetres of sailing over the Bluedogs keeper.Bangalow striker Josh Cole hit the post with just 2 minutes left before the main break, to be denied possibly their best chance.Both sides went to the break scoreless.The second half was a similar story, with several attacking raids coming up short for both teams.The game was still tied at 0-0 at the end of normal time and the large crowd were set for an exciting finish.Richmond Rovers have won the Tursa Employment & Training FFNC Men's Premier League Anzac Day Cup. Phot: Steve MackneyExtra time could not separate the two sides and the match was to be decided by penalties.It was in the shootout that Hamshaw's reach and reaction proved to be the difference.The keeper, who has been a regular in the Championship Division in recent years, proved to be the difference, with several spectacular saves to give Rovers a 4-3 win.Fittingly, Hamshaw was presented with a deserved Player of the Final Award after the home sides warranted celebrations.Five more Finals will be played between Friday and Sunday to conclude the first set of 2024 trophies.

There has been recent success for several East Lismore bowlers.The 2023/24 Club Championship season has recently concluded at the East Lismore Bowling Club, with club legend Tony Cheli featuring as the big winner.Cheli played Brett Forrestor in the A Grade Singles Final. Both bowlers had been in fine form and their match up was eagerly anticipated by fellow club members. They certainly didn’t disappoint with Cheli securing a hard fought win 25 - 20. The lead seesawed throughout the encounter and Cheli’s experience shone through in the closing stages as he was able to keep Forrestor at arm's length to take out the final.Cheli also tasted success with Brian Lee in the A Grade Pairs Final, defeating Richard Nind and Greg Stewart 18 - 16. The match was played in tricky conditions and multiple scores were at a minimum throughout the 21 ends. Going down to the final ends it was still anyone's match to win and the crowd were engrossed in the tight tussle. Lee and Cheli remained composed and won an extraordinarily tight final end to triumph.Brett Forrestor appeared in three finals and after narrowly losing in the A Grade Singles went on to dominate the B Grade Singles Final defeating Andrew Maslen 25 - 8. Brett’s superior form certainly shone through as he controlled the match from beginning to end.Anne Kirk and Steve Clarke triumphed in the B Grade Pairs Final over Neville Clarke and Hugh Naisby 28 - 11. Kirk and Clarke were dominant in all of their preceding pairs match ups and were deserved winners in the final.Kirk and Clarke combined with Naisby to win the Club Triples Final 30 - 15 over Tiara McKenna, Brett Forrestor and Alex Baker.In the remaining championship final Rod Davison, Clint McKenna, Richard Nind and Nathan Scandrett defeated Andrew Carrall, Bob Adams, Anne Kirk and Steve Clarke in the Club Fours final.

The Football Far North Coast Anzac Day Cup and Callan McMillan Shield Finals matches will be fought out across the coming days.In Men's Premier League, Lismore's Richmond Rovers FC will host Bangalow FC at Bill Harris Field at 2:30pm on Thursday 25 April (Anzac Day).The two sides clashed on Saturday in Round 3 of the FFNC Men's Premier League, and in an entertaining encounter, Bangalow took the points 3-2.Rovers will be out for revenge and take the first major trophy of the 2024 season.A big Anzac Day crowd will be on hand after a morning of Two Up to cheer on the home side.The Women's Callan McMillan Shield Final will be played between Byron Bay FC and Lennox Head FC in Byron Bay on Sunday, also at 2:30pm.The Women's B Division Final will be hosted by Casino RSM Cobras FC, when they take on Thistles SC on Friday at 6:30pm.Thistles will be keen to add a trophy to their Military Road mantlepiece.In the Men's competition, the Open A Final will be a coastal affair between rivals Byron Bay FC and Suffolk Park FC at Byron Bay on Sunday at 12:30pm. The Men's B Final will be played between Tintenbar East Ballina FC and Dunoon United FC on Saturday at 2:30pm and the Men's Open C Division will see Pottsville FC host Richmond Rovers at 12:30pm on Saturday.The finals will be played with Extra time (being 20 minutes) if the score is level at the end of normal time and Penalty kicks will apply in Finals if the score is level at the end of extra-time.The winning squads will be presented with medals, a Player of the Final will be awarded in each match and each match official will also be presented for their efforts.

The wet weather has wreaked havoc with local sporting fixtures across the weekend.In the NRRRL, the Northern United and Cudgen Hornets matches were postponed, with Crozier Oval too wet to play.In the wet and muddy conditions, the Marist Brothers Rams were able to play the matches against Mullumbimby at Les Donnelly Field.The Ladies League Tag had an 18-0 victory, the U/18's went down 28-12 to a strong Giants outfit.The Reserve Grade had a narrow 16-8 win and in a dour struggle, nothing could separate the Giants and Rams in First Grade, resulting in a 12-12 draw.In Football Far North Coast matches, Sunday saw all grounds closed, however a number of matches did get played on Friday and Saturday.In Men's Premier League, Bangalow defeated Richmond Rovers 3-2 and Byron Bay hammered Ballina 10-0.South Lismore had a 2-1 win over Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley on Friday night.The Goonellabah Hornets and Maclean match started in terrible conditions at Weston Park and was abandoned at halftime after the Hornets led 1-0.The game will be rescheduled at a later date.In Women's Premier League, Byron defeated Ballina 5-1, with all other matches postponed.

Northern United will host the Cudgen Hornets at Crozier Oval on Sunday.Both sides went deep into the 2023 NRRRL Finals series and the clash will be a good gauge on how both teams sit early in the 2024 season.Northern United are coming off a solid 40-24 win over Kyogle in Round 2, with Round 1 washed out.The Hornets had a 38-12 win over the Lower Clarence Magpies.The Dirawongs solid forward pack, led by the try scoring machine Jirra Breckenridge, will look to pave the way for the slick backline, led by ex-NRL star Tyrone Roberts in the halves and fullback and 2023 NRRRL Player of the Year Hezekiah McKenzie.Roberts had an impressive debut for United and his leadership and experience will play an important part of the Dirawongs road to the finals.The U/18 will start the day at 12:00pm, Reserve Grade at 1:15pm and First Grade will kick off at 2:45pm.In other local matches, Marist Brothers will travel to Les Donnelly Field in Mullumbimby to take on the Giants in Round 3.