30 August 2020, 7:52 AM
Lismore Rugby Club's First Grade side lost its final match of the shortened Coopers Far North Coast Rugby Union competition as it had lost the other six matches.
As in most of the match's Lismore were competitive against Grafton Redmen for almost the entire first 40 minutes but then lapses in concentration saw a 7-0 deficit four minutes before half-time became a 29-0 deficit at half-time. The Redman Number Eight Ed McGrath running the entire length of the field straight from a kick off Grafton won 47-7 with Lismore's solitary try and conversation to centre Adam Rodd, who has continued to improve as the season progressed.
Tellingly three players who started the First Grade match still play for Lismore Rugby Club Colts - full back Brayden Nelson, who made his senior debut; flanker Ryan Wilton and prop Nick Forzan.
"Ryan Wilton was outstanding once again," said coach Ray Taylor. "He has a big future."
Another colt Isaac McLean, who played First Grade last year, is another Taylor is predicting a big future for.
Lismore Rugby Union Colts (Under 18s) have reached the semi-finals and that is the case for every side from Under 12 upwards.
"It is a matter of keeping these kids as they are the club's future," said Taylor, who also coaches the Under 16s.
Club President Pete Everingham said the Colts are coming through and the depth of the club is strong if the kids can be retained.
"Every team from Under 12 up is in the semis and the Under 12s, Under 13s, Under 14s and Under 15s are top of the table. The Under 16s are second.
Lismore Rugby Club's Under 12s after beating Casino 85-0 on Friday night. Photo: Leanne Hepburn
"We had a women's team for the first time and some of the women had never even played sport before. They did not win but they got close and in their first season that was a fantastic achievement," he said.
"They have all committed to next season and they want boot camps and will play Oz Tag in the summer together."
Coopers Far North Coast Rugby Union Results from Saturday:
First Grade
Ballina 46 (24) Samisoni Yamai 4, Sam Giltrap, Joel Noble, Anthony Lolohea tries, Sam Giltrap 4 conversions, penalty goal
Wollongbar Alstonville 45 (24) Steven Mison 2, Sam Kerry 2, Bill Johnston, James Vidler tries, Sam Kerry 6 conversions, penalty goal
Lennox Head 35 (14) Callum S Jones 3, Zak Condon, Dylan McKissock tries, Kel Sheather 5 conversions)
Bangalow 18 (11) Penalty try, Will Latham try, Blake Neilsen 2 penalty goals
Casuarina 66 (45) Casey Calder 5, Trent Ryan, Tom Tanner, Mikaere Penetito, Sam Harrison, Graham Dodge tries, Jay Younger 5, David Van den Boom 2, Sam Harrison conversions
Casino 26 (7) Josef Lalabalavu 2, Stephen Murchie, Ben Collison tries, Jayden Torrens 2, Stephen Murchie conversions
Grafton 47 (29) Jake Martin 2, Jack Anderson, James Hughes, Ed McGrath, Kyle Hancock, Ethan Meyer-Creighton tries, Kyle Hancock 6 conversions
Lismore 7 Adam Rodd try & conversion
Final Point Score: Ballina 31, Lennox 31, Wollongbar 28, Casuarina 22, Bangalow 15, Grafton 12, Casino 7, Lismore 1
Reserve Grade
Casino 19 Casuarina 12
Ballina 14 Wollongbar 5
Lennox Head 52 Mullumbimby 0
Grafton 57 Lismore 26
Under 18s
Kyogle 31 Ballina 26
Casino 27 Casuarina 22
Womens
Evans River 22 Lismore 12
Ballina 29 Wollongbar 0
Casino 5 Lennox Head 5
Presidents Cup
Evans River 15 SCU 12
Iluka 17 Richmond Range 14
Byron Bay 45 Kyogle 17
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