FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNIONMinor Semi Final Results 28th August 2022  First GradeLennox Head 23(Callum S Jones, Tom McEvoy tries, Jared Lofts 2 conversions, 3 penalty goals) d Ballina 20(Syd Malietoa, Sam Giltrap, Reuben Saric tries, Sam Giltrap conversion, penalty goal)Half Time: Ballina 10 - Lennox 9Women's 10'sBallina 29(Jadha King 3, Illarrah Roberts 2 tries, Jadha King 2 conversions) d Richmond Range 7(Samantha Codrington try, Japirra Torrens conversion)Half Time: Ballina 19 - Richmond Range 7 2nd GradeRichmond Range 41(Penalty try, Matthew Sorrenti, James Pankhurst, Glen Pollard, Nic Crompton, Nicholas Fuhrmann tries, James Pankhurst 3 conversions, penalty goal) d Evans River 12(Zane Gaiter, tries, Michael Miskle conversion)Half Time: Richmond Range 17 - Evans River 5Colts Under 18'sCasuarina Beach 14(Mason Duke try, Jacob Beck 3 penalty goals) d Wollongbar 0Half Time: Casuarina 3 - Wollongbar 0 Presidents CupYamba 34(James Hawley, Christian Whittaker, Jorden Elabbasi, Chris Williams, Brian Anderson tries, Nathan Hollis 3 conversions, penalty goal) d Casino 20(Jack Campbell 2, Jermane Collins, Korey Bennett tries)Half Time: Yamba 12 - Casino 5 Next Week's Matches 3rd SeptemberPreliminary Finals, Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina10:30am Presidents Cup - Mullumbimby v Yamba12:00pm Colts Under 18's - Lismore v Casuarina Beach1:15pm 2nd Grade - Casuarina Beach v Richmond Range2:30pm Women's 10's - Lismore v Ballina3:15pm 1st Grade - Wollongbar Alstonville v Lennox Head

The Marist Brothers Rams have defeated Northern United 36-24 to take the NRRRL Trophy Series First Grade Grand Final at Oakes Oval.The match between the two Lismore teams was held exactly six months to the day since the devastating floods hit the town, affecting both clubs, their volunteers and families.Former Dirawong, Fred Pitt opened the scoring for the Rams, crossing beside the uprights after just eight minutes. winger Harry Cusack converted for a 6-0 lead.Fred Pitt has eyes for the try line. Photo: Matthew BarlowThrough a weight of possession and territory, Brothers crossed again five minutes later when prop Aiden Kennedy barged over. The conversion hit the post and was waved away. Midway through the half, Rams halfback Jacob Follent was escorted from the field after a head knock and did not return to the field, but this did not effect the Marist Brothers attack.Moments later Pitt scored his second try after a flick infield from replacement Nathan Stewart after a kick chase. Cusack converted the try to see the score move to 16-0.Cusack then added his own four pointer in the corner just five minutes later.With ten minutes remaining in the half, United finally had repeat sets before centre Tim Torrens scored. Fullback Eddie Walker Williams converted to take the score to 20-6.Rams fullback Hezekiah McKenzie was on the end of a Mitchell Krause line break to score under the posts, which Cusack converted and Brothers looked comfortable at 26-6.Rams Fullback Hezekiah McKenzie shows a clean pair of heals. Photo: Matthew BarlowAs the siren sounded for halftime, the Dirawongs put in a cross field kick, which resulted in Torrens crossing for his second try of the afternoon (26-10).The Rams came out firing after the break, with Cusack diving on a Krause grubber kick in the corner to see the margin move out to 30-10 after just two minutes.It was then United's turn with the football with lock Allan McKenzie and hooker Brett Kelly scoring within five minutes and the Dirawongs were back in it at 30-18.In possibly the turning point of the match, Krause pounced on a controversial charge down to score under the posts, which Cusack again converted to stretch the score out to 36-18.Mitchell Krause enjoys scoring a try in the Trophy Series Grand Final. Photo: Matthew BarlowAllan McKenzie score again for United late in the match to see the final score 36-24.Marist Brothers fullback Hezekiah McKenzie was named Player of the Grand Final.Lower Clarence and Casino celebrate the end of the NRRRL season. Photo: Matthew BarlowLower Clarence took out the Reserve Grade Grand Final 30-22 over Casino.The Ladies League Tag went to the Evans Head Bombers, defeating Kyogle 10-0.U/18's went to Byron Bay after they defeated the Kyogle Turkeys 28-18.

The Darrel Chapman Fun Run has returned to the CBD and the Lismore community have shown their support.The Lismore CBD was a hive of activity on Sunday morning with strong numbers turning out across a number of events. The event was established over 25 years ago in memory of Darrel Chapman, an integral part of the Southern Cross University Sports Management and Exercise Science Department, and now raises money for local charity Our Kids.The winner of the 10km race Reece Connor was happy with his time of 35min 40s, "It was quicker than I expected, there were a few undulations, but overall it was a great course and fairly flat.""The potholes weren't too bad either."10km race winner Reece Connor crosses the line ahead of the chasing pack. Photo: Matthew BarlowSecond placed Jacob Dwane (38.42) had a similar feeling "The course was great, it was nice and flat after they took the hill out this year. It is great to see an event back in the CBD after everything that the town has gone through."There was plenty of support for Lismore on show during the Darrel Chapman Fun Run on Sunday. Photo: Matthew BarlowAnd it wasn't just the locals that supported the event, with 21km race winner Tom Anderson travelling down from Ipswich just for the event.The recovery tent was popular for many. Photo: Matthew Barlow"I ran 1:16:35 which I am pleased with and the conditions were great. It was cool, just a little humidity and the course was really nice. This is my first time to Lismore but I really wanted to support the town and event."The final event was the 4km run/walk, with the youngsters of Lismore bursting through a shower of confetti to start the event at 9am.Event organiser Rebekka Battista was pleased with the event "Before we started today we had already raised over $20,000 which is amazing during such a tough time for Lismore."

The Lismore Rugby Union Club's Colts and Women's 10's sides have a second chance at a Grand Final spot next week after narrow losses on Saturday.The Colts Major Semi Final was a tight contest from the outset, with Lismore winger Loui Rubbo scoring after just four minutes.Lennox Head hit back with two tries to lead 12-5 midway through the first half.Lismore were unable to capitalise on a weight of possession and territory late in the first half to trail at the break.Just three minutes into the second half, a break by Jack Taylor resulted in a second try to Rubbo and Lismore had tied it up at 12-12.Unfortunately with just minutes left in the match, Lennox Head scored close to the posts, which was converted for a 19-12 scoreline, which takes Lennox through to the Grand Final and Lismore will play again next Saturday in the Preliminary Final for a chance to reverse the result.In the Women's 10's match between Lismore and Casuarina, the northerners got off to a strong start, scoring off a 70m break to lead 5-0 at halftime.Three minutes into the second half, Lismore were dealt a blow, when strong running Adriana Lisetto was forced off the field with injury.Casuarina then scored twice in four minutes to blow the scoreline out to 17-0.Like the Colts, the Women will get a second chance next Saturday for a Grand Final spot.FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNION                        Major Semi Final Results 27th August 2022  First GradeBangalow 30(Jesse Bowring, Ed McGrath, Darcy Whitfield tries, Troy Doughty 3 conversions, 3 penalty goals) d Wollongbar Alstonville 29(James Vidler 2, Daniel Damen, Josh Damen, Lloyd Morgan tries, Ben Damen 2 conversions)Half Time: Wollongbar 24 - Bangalow 3Women's 10'sCasuarina 17(Paris Smallwood, Brodie Williams, Katie Grimmett tries, Georgia Elliston conversion) d Lismore 0Half Time: Casuarina 5 - Lismore 0 2nd GradeBallina 31(Lachlan Anderson 2, Kye Cribb, Zane Barrett, Patu Wainiqolo tries, Nick Brydon 3 conversions) d Casuarina Beach 27(Will Patterson, Jared de Thierry, Oscar Sims, Jesse Grey tries, Harrison Hall 2 conversions Jared de Thierry penalty goal)Half Time: Ballina 24 - Casuarina 3 Colts Under 18'sLennox Head 19(Milos Safranek, Sam Hanna, Cory McInnes tries, Sam Hanna 2 conversions) d Lismore 12(Loui Rubbo 2 tries, Braeden Williams conversions)Half Time: Lennox 12 - Lismore 5 Presidents CupWollongbar Alstonville 22(Ryley Conlan 2, Nathan Mackney, Thomas Parker tries, Jarrod Wyllie conversion) d Mullumbimby 5(Corey Jolly try)Half Time: Wollongbar 12 - Mullumbimby 0

Northern United and the Marist Brothers Rams will clash in the NRRRL Trophy Grand Final at Oakes Oval on Sunday.In an all Lismore Final, both teams will be looking to reward their players and supporters after a tough six months after the February and March floods.The Rams have made the Grand Final after a come from behind victory over Tweed Coast Raiders and United defeated Mullumbimby 44-34 in last weeks Preliminary Final.Both teams will be at full strength for the big clash, with the Dirawongs naming an extended squad prior to final preparations.Dirawongs Team Manager Djaan Jarrett was happy with the week, "We will be at full strength, preparations have been good and we have had an enjoyable week with the club."The Rams will look to their strong forward pack to lay a foundation, with Lochie Perren, Aidan Kennedy and Darryl Butcher providing the go forward. Backs Hezekiah McKenzie, Mitchell Krause and Fred Pitt, up against his old team mates, will look to capitalise on the work through the middle.Northern United have talent across the park and will look to backs Eddie Walker Williams and the experience of Clarence Kelly to add some spark.The Dirawongs backrow of Raymond Buchanan, Theo Hippi and Allan McKenzie will look to exploit the edges of the Rams defence.The match will kick off at 2:50pm.Trophy Grand Final ScheduleLadies League Tag - Kyogle v Evans Head (9:45am)U/18's - Byron Bay v Kyogle (11:15am)Reserve Grade - Casino v Lower Clarence (1:00pm)First Grade - Marist Brothers v Northern United (2:50pm)Northern United 1. Eddie Walker Williams2. Malaki Ferguson3. Tim Torrens4. Clarence Kelly5. Nick Benn6. Djerome Green7. Evan Hickling (c)8. James Smith9. Brett Kelly10. Christopher Cubby11. Raymond Buchanan12. Theo Hippi13. Allan McKenzie14. Godfrey Swan15. Alwyn Roberts16. Jerrod See17. Jirra Breckenridge18. Braeden Williams19. Stuart CohenCoach: Chris Binge Marist Brothers Rams1. Hezekiah McKenzie2. Oshae Hannaway3. Mitchell Krause4. Fred Pitt5. Harry Cusack6. Paul O'Neill7. Jacob Follent8. Lachlan Perren9. Jamahl Roberts10. Darryl Butcher11. Nick Morrissey12. Kyle Kennedy13. Henry Lee14. Nathan Stewart15. Aaron Ashley16. Isaac Lee17. Aidan KennedyCoach: Will Bugden

The Lismore Rugby Club will be out in force on Saturday to support their Colts and Women's 10's teams that will contest the FNC Rugby Union Major Semi Finals at Wollongbar.Both sides finished second on their respective ladders and will look for wins to progress straight to the Grand Final in two weeks.The Colts will take on the strong Lennox Head side at 12:00pm and will look for the forwards to set a strong platform for the talented backline including Jack Taylor, Braeden Williams and Joey Davis.The Women's 10's side will take the field at Lyle Park at 2:30pm and will look to "veterans" Sabrina Lisetto, Jada Williams and Adriana Lisetto to steer the side to victory.FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNIONMajor Semi Final Team Lists27th August 2022Lyle Park, Wollongbar First Grade 3.15pmWollongbar Alstonville: 1Benji Tiatia, 2 Bill Johnston, 3 Ewen McQueen, 4 Matt Scott, 5 Lloyd Morgan, 6 Austin Markwort, 7 Brenden Williams, 8 Hamish Mould, 9 Louis Hollman, 10 Ben Damen (c), 11 Josh Damen, 12 Daniel Damen, 13 Matt Nean, 14 James Vidler, 15 Bodi Smith  Coach: Bill Johnston / Andrew RossManager: Ian JohnsonTrainer: Aaron ZimmermanVBangalow: 1 Dan Hill, 2 Omar Sella, 3 Matt Quilty, 4 Darcy Hilton, 5 Ed McGrath, 6 Darcy Whitfield, 7 Matt Drew, 8 Teale Pyne, 9 Vinnie Quigley, 10 Troy Doughty(c), 11 Jed Erickson, 12 Joel Little, 13 Jesse Bowring, 14 Michael Thomas, 15 Sebastian RoodtCoach: Ross Larsson/Jonathan WalshManager: Dave PhillipsReferee: Matthew ClaytonAssistant Referees: Louis Trisley, Richard Goswell  Women's 10's 2.30pmCasuarina Beach: 1 Katie Grimmett, 14 Brodie Williams, 3 Tori O'Rourke, 8 Ruby Hildreth, 5 Bonnie Robinson, 19 Paris Smallwood, 9 Stefanie Thomas, 2 Indiana Grey, 13 Brodie Harrison, 7 Georgia EllistonCoach: Mike EllistonManager: Shane HildrethVLismore: 1 Emily Cox, 2 Jamie Lee Farnham-Fry, 3 Daisy Smith, 4 Tauwehe Herewini, 6 Clare Newby, 7 Tahlya Jeffery, 8 Kiara Jeffery, 9 Sabrina Lisetto(c), 10 Jada Williams, 12 Adriana Lisetto, 14 Kaila Neilson, 15 Lara De Jong, 17 Elijha Fortescue, 21 Casey King, 23 Samantha WrightCoach John LisettoManager: Sam NolanTrainer: Craig WhitbyRunner: Carly TaylorReferee: Mark WhittenAssistant Referees: Bruce Ward, Gloria Vann 2nd Grade 1.15pmCasuarina Beach: 1 Daniel Tilton, 2 Mick Hall, 3 Bruce Summerville, 4 Ben Kahika, 5 Dan Abbey, 6 Will Patterson, 7 Bill McDonald, 8 Michael Bodnar, 9 Oscar Sims, 10 Harrison Hall, 11 Cody Ross, 12 Jesse Grey, 13 Jack Steel, 14 Nathan Turpin, 15 Jared de Thierry, 16 TBA, 17 Dave Van Den Boom, 18 Adam Parlby, 19 Kayne Blenkinsop, 20 TBA, 21 Darcy McGregor, 22 Mikaere Penetito, 23 Matt BurgessCoach: Graham DodgeManager: Steven HarrisVBallina: 1 Jope Nalewa, 2. Nathan Groves(c), 3 Zane Barrett, 4 Keanu Francis, 5 Kye Cribb, 6 Corey Threlfall, 7 Jeremy Tozer, 8 Ratu Peni Wainiqolo, 9 Andrew Grono, 10 Nick Brydon, 11 Nathaniel Hooper, 12 Tusi Amituanai, 13 Carl Lolohea, 14 Lachlan Anderson, 15 Lachlan Johnson 16 Ryan Hamilton, 17 Tom McCall, 18 Inasa Naulvou, 19 TBA, 20 Stephen Paskins, 21 Braith Keirle, 22 Joel Noble, 23 Jack ReynoldsCoach: Al BarrettManager: Al NobleReferee: Graham CookAssistant Referees: Joe Lee, Darrin Faulkner Under 18's 12.00pmLennox Head: 1 Ryan Nielsen, 2 Ethan Jenkins, 3 Luke Smith, 4 Darby Coles, 5 Sam Hanna(c), 6 Alex Anderson, 7 Jacob Kennedy, 8 Milos Safranek, 9 Tom Simpson, 10 Lachlan Miller, 11 Atzin Jacobsen, 12 Sean Parry, 13 Jordan Barrett, 14 Kobi McCombie, 15 Cory McInnes, 16 Joshua Thick, 17 Max Callaghan, 18 Luca Beasley-Kenk, 19 Zachary Murphy, 21 Saxon McKey, 22 Lachlan Mahon, 23 Liam JuppCoach: Scott Jenkins/Daniel WattManager: Bradley CreightonVLismore: 1 Zac Gillett, 2 Max Smith, 3 Connor McDougall, 4 Atticus Hanney, 5 Augustine Leju, 6 Quinn McDougall, 7 Ryley Smith, 8 Noah Allen, 9 Austin Ruane, 10 Charlie Clarke, 11 Jakob Lane, 12 Braeden Williams, 13 Jack Taylor, 14 Loui Rubbo, 15 Joey Davis, 16 Gabe Forzan, 17 TBA 18 Alistair Moloney, 19 Andrew ClarkCoach: Chris Millane/Nick ForzanManager: Chris RuaneReferee: Will BarnesAssistant Referees: Mark Whitten, Presidents Cup 10.30amMullumbimby: 1 Jack Bensley, 2 Corey Jolly, 3 Justin Zaiko, 4 Adam Watson, 5 Charlie Clapp, 6 , 7 Duncan Kendall (c), 8 Wally Andrews, 9 Ben Kelso, 10 Mitch Lambert, 11 Finn Heazlett, 12 Dwayne Mosley, 13 Dan Proudman, 14 Martino Vareibuli, 15 Dylan Estreich, 16 Stuart Reece, 17 Neil Moran, 18 Satuala Siamoa, 19 Brian Davis, 20 Tommas GibsonCoach: Anthony PentecostManager: Satuala SiamoaVWollongbar: 1 Brandon Whitney, 2 Bailey Pike, 3 Daniel Wright, 4 Jed Doolan, 5. Cory Townsend, 6 Riley Hughes, 7 Blake Henderson, 8 Matthew Wright, 9 Ben Shelley, 10 Hudson Love (c), 11Ryley Conlan, 12 Matthew Buster, 13 Thomas Parker, 14 Niko Emoni, 15 Sam Kerry, 16 Nathan Mackney, 17 Vilimone Vosalotaki, 18 Paul Turcato, 19 Oliver Rupnik, 20 Semi Lutua, 21Jye Davis, 22 Jarrod Wyllie, 25 David LawrenceCoach: Adam Law/John LoveManager: Jany WrightReferee: Peter CampbellAssistant Referees: Will Palmer, Lachlan DuleyMinor Semi Final Team Lists28th August 2022Lyle Park, Wollongbar First Grade 3.15pm Lennox Head: 1Brad McGoulrick, 2 Hayden Blair, 3 Matt Liddle, 4 Harry Bungate, 5 Sam Croke, 6 Lachie Jones, 7 Sam Roberson, 8 Callum Jones(c), 9 Mitch Evers, 10 Jared Lofts, 11 Lachie Creagh, 12 Brad Lees, 13 Marty McNamara, 14 Tom McEvoy, 15 Zak Condon, 16 Callum S Jones, 17 Harry Sivewright, 18 Billy Dwane, 19 Curtis Miles, 20 Tom Wauch, 21 Jedd Windle, 22 Rowan Morgan, 23 Jake Carter Coach: Steve CondonCoach: Mick SheatherManager: Mitchell CraigVBallina: 1 Sam Pearce, 2 Brett Johnston, 3 Syd Malietoa, 4 Tomasi Senacakau, 5 Sylvester Fahamokioa, 6 Brad Brown (c), 7 Ryan Biscoe, 8 Emosi Tabusili, 9 Ryan Hickey, 10 Sam Giltrap, 11 Semeli Salabogi, 12 Ant Lolohea, 13 Wilson Lovokuro, 14 Reuben Saric, 15 Letty Drugutanalevu, 16 Stan Lolohea, 17 Ryan Hamilton, 18 Nathan Groves, 19 Ratu Peni Wainiqolo, 20 Kye Cribb, 21 Mark Pitt, 22 Nick Brydon, 23 Lachlan JohnsonCoach: Chris HickeyCoach: Paul MorganManager: Brad HilyardReferee: Richard GoswellAssistant Referees: Matthew Clayton, Graham Cook  Women's 10's 2.30pmRichmond Range: 1 Melanie Laurie, 2 Mia Saul, 3 Renee Bain, 4 Zali Wheeler, 5 Tallulah Mohammed, 6 Jappirra Torrens, 7 Samantha Codrington (c), 8 Felicity Peters, 9 Annika Gray, 10 Teal McAlpine, 11Shantelle Johnston-Virtue, 12 Brittany Mengel, 13 Destinee Walker, 14 Lucy Earle, 15 Shannon SmithCoach: Hamish RamsayCoach: Dave WheelerManager: Rhonda AmosVBallina: 1 Katrina Anderson, 2 Letia Paton, 3 Alexa Busteed, 4 Skye Johnston, 5 Tina Welch, 6 Illarah Roberts, 7 Lily Davies(c), 8 TBA, 9 Jadha King, 10 Kylie Paskins, 11 Keeleigh Walo, 12 Anna Shelford, 13 Kiala MalietoaCoach Paul DaviesManager: Al NobleReferee: Joe LeeAssistant Referees: Bruce Ward, Gloria Vann 2nd Grade 1.15pmRichmond Range: 1 Blake Birmingham, 2 Michael MacRae, 3 Reece Manning, 4 Jacob Lane, 5 David Lane, 6 Dan Fuhrmann, 7 Lachie Thomas, 8 Nic Crompton, 9 Alex Gibbon, 10 Matthew Sorrenti, 11 Nick Benn, 12 Paul Hewetson, 13 Glen Pollard, 14 Nick Fuhrmann, 15 James Pankhurst, 16 TBA, 17 Jordan Walker, 18 Duncan Ryan, 19 James Hewetson, 20 Andrew Robertson, 21 Ben Wheeler, 22 Andrew Northfield, 23 Brock KingCoach: Alex GibbonManager: Shawn ButlerVEvans River: 1 Jacob George, 2 Oliver Mason, 3 Oscar Brown, 4 Fletcher Rayner, 5. Max Pye(c), 6 Cody Reti, 7 Max Pye (c), 9 Luke Cleaver, 10 Michael Miskle, 11Jaidyn Larrescy, 12 Adam Armistead, 13 Jonathon Robinson 14 Zane Gaiter, 15 Jayden Torrens, 16 Chris Ward, 17 Jyeden Grainger, 18 Andrew Jordan, 19 Andy Levett, 20 Matt McCullough, 21 Jacob Yourell, 22 Ryan Allan, 23 Martin BelislepaquetteCoach: Darren WinklerManager: David MasonReferee: Louis TrisleyAssistant Referees: Darrin Faulkner, Peter Campbell Under 18's 12.00pmCasuarina Beach: 1 Aidan Hamilton, 2 Tewhiti Treanor, 3 Oscar Bailey, 4 Mason Duke, 5 Amos Blacklock, 6 Aidan Laybutt(c), 7 Kaleb Boddie, 8 Kynan Jones, 9 Zane Hanna, 10 Jacob Beck, 11 Will Harris, 12 Archie Dixon, 13 Ethan Dixon, 14 Faafounia Blessing, 15 Jesse Frier, 16 James Cattanach, 17 Kye Doevendans, 18 Jake Leach, 19 Jackson Gunn, 20 Aidan BrownCoach: Col SimsManager: Danielle HeversVWollongbar Alstonville: 1 Liam Braz, 2 Thomas Drew, 3 Zac Lippett, 4 Ji Hart, 5 Jayden Payne, 6 Alex Ccharnock-Pearse, 7 Lewis Parker, 8 Oscar Galloway, 9 Connor McKnight, 10 Connor Everson, 11 Bailey Stiles, 12 Daniel Witt, 13 Joe Smith, 14 Cooper McDonald, 15 Kane Milton, 16 Harvey Standen, 17 Murray Fivaz, 18 Tarj BennettCoach: Ern SandralManager: Anthony DrewReferee: Rob WalkerAssistant Referees: Will Barnes, Gloria Vann Presidents Cup 10.30amYamba: 1 Thomas Mather, 2 Beau Birch, 3 Jack Horne, 4 Kyah Hurrell, 5 Joe Walker 6 Jordan Croft, 7 Keeley Pritchett, 8 Adrian Miller(c), 9 Josh Morris, 10 Chris Miller, 11 James Hawley, 12 Nathan Hollis, 13 Christian Whittaker, 14 Rowan Fahey, 15 Joel Imeson, 16 Carlos Gonzalez, 17 Christian Medcraft, 18 Sam Berry, 19 Bede Hunt, 20 Callan Obst, 21 Brian Anderson, 22 Jorden ElabbasiCoach: Adrian MillerManager: Adrian MillerVCasino: 1 Cameron Davis, 2 Anthony Butta, 3 Nathan Davy, 4 Brad Wilson, 5 Joshua Nelson, 6 Jack Campbell, 7 Joseph Brooks, 8 Marc Clark, 9 Hemirua Korewha, 10 Ben Collison, 11 Siosifa Netane, 12 Jacob Dunn, 13 Korey Bennett, 14 William Sanft, 15 Kalen Olive, 16 Tim Miller, 17 Justin Patch, 18 Paul Johnston, 19 Jermane Collins, 20 Muaki Tuione, 21 Bradon Gumbleton, 22 John BurstonCoach: Mark CollisonCoach: Mick RussellManager: Shane DavyReferee: Will PalmerAssistant Referees: Will Campbell, Joe Lee

Richmond Rovers have stamped their authority on the FNC Men's Premier League with a 3-0 victory over Souths on Friday night.The match was a tight, hard fought game early in the first half, with both teams searching for an advantage.It wasn't until four minutes before halftime that the deadlock was broken, after Ethan Allen hit the back of the net from a Rovers corner.The second half started similar to the first with both teams playing with Finals intensity.There was hope for Souths early in the second half after Rovers keeper Chris Jones left the field with an injury but striker Jono See extended the Rovers lead minutes later after a cross to the top of the box which he slammed home.The home side then put the game beyond doubt with ten minutes left in the match when a deflection from a corner gave Rovers a 3-0 victory.The win takes Rovers four points clear at the top of the table with just one round remaining. The top four has now been locked in with Rovers, Souths, Alstonville and Byron Bay all confirmed as semifinalists in Men's Premier League.Souths and Rovers will clash again next Saturday in the final round of Far North Coast competition.

Richmond Rovers will host a top of the table clash in East Lismore on Friday night.The table topping Rovers will host second placed South Lismore in a preview of what finals football will bring in September.The Celtics struggled for numbers mid season, but have rallied to post three wins and two draws from their last five matches which has pleased coach Rick Austen.In similar circumstances, Rovers are also inform, with six wins and three draws from their last nine matches.The match kicks off at 8:00pm at Bill Harris Field in East Lismore.In other matches across the weekend, Byron Bay and Bangalow also face off on Friday night in Byron Bay and on Saturday, Alstonville travel to Mullumbimby, the Goonellabah Hornets head to Lennox Head and Lismore Thistles host Maclean.Men's Premier League Friday 26 AugustByron Bay FC v Bangalow SC at Byron Bay Recreation Ground (8:00pm)Richmond Rovers FC v South Lismore FC at Bill Harris Field (8:00pm)Saturday 27 August Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley FC v Alstonville FC at Pine Avenue Field (3:00pm)Lennox Head FC v Goonellabah FC at Skennars Head Field (3:00pm)Lismore Thistles SC v Maclean FC at John Ryan Field (3:00pm)LadderRichmond Rovers 31, South Lismore 30, Alstonville 29, Byron Bay 28, Goonellabah 21, Bangalow 19, Maclean 17, Lismore Thistles 14, MBVFC 10, Lennox Head 2.

The rounds are completed and the Far North Coast Rugby Union competition now moves into Finals mode.The Wollongbar/Alstonville Pioneers won the First Grade Minor Premiership on Saturday after a 44 point win over Casuarina and Ballina defeating their main rival Bangalow.The club will now host the Minor and Major Semi Finals this weekend at Lyle Park.Lismore will play a key role in the Women's 10's and Colts Major Semi Finals on Saturday with the Women taking on Casuarina and the Colts clashing with Lennox Head for places in the Grand Final.The Colts will kick off at 12:00pm and the Women at 2:30pm on Saturday.Major and Minor Semi Finals - Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th August - Lyle Park WollongbarSATURDAY 27th August1st GradeWollongbar Alstonville v Bangalow2nd DivisionCasuarina Beach v Ballina Women's 10'sCasuarina Beach v Lismore Under 18's ColtsLennox Head v LismorePresidents CupMullumbimby v Lennox Head SUNDAY 28th August1st GradeLennox Head v Ballina 2nd DivisionRichmond Range v Evans River Women's 10'sRichmond Range v Ballina Under 18'sCasuarina Beach v Wollongbar Alstonville Presidents CupWollongbar Alstonville v YambaFAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNION                                           Catch Up Round Results 13th August 2022 First GradeWollongbar Alstonville 68(Bill Johnston 3, James Vidler 2, Matt Nean 2, Hamish Mould, Louis Hollman, Josh Damen tries, Ben Damen 7, Sam Kerry, Bodi Smith conversions) d Casuarina Beach 24(Webb Lillis, Vitori Buatava, Max Graham, Sam Harrison tries, Kai George 2 conversions)Half Time: Wollongbar 40 - Casuarina 14Man of the Match - Hamish Mould - WollongbarBallina 43(Simeli Salabogi 3, Gaunavou Drugutanalevu 2, Sam Giltrap, Reuben Saric tries, Sam Giltrap 4 conversions) d Bangalow 26(Joel Little 2, Will Hawkins tries, Joel Little conversion, 3 penalty goals)Half Time: Ballina 33 - Bangalow 14Man of the Match - Gaunavou Drugutanalevu - BallinaPoint Score – Wollongbar 46, Bangalow 43, Lennox Head 39, Ballina 37, Casuarina 28, Byron Bay 19, Lismore 9 2nd DivisionWollongbar 30 d Yamba 0Lismore 36 d Kyogle 12Ballina 17 d Mullumbimby 6Evans River 33 d Lennox Head 19Point Score – Casuarina 56, Ballina 55, Richmond Range 52, Evans River 52, Mullumbimby 46, Lennox Head 42, Wollongbar 39, Yamba 33, Casino 28, Kyogle 8, Lismore 6 Women's 10'sCasuarina 15 d Ballina 10Point Score – Casuarina 44, Lismore 44, Richmond Range 41, Ballina 18, Evans River 2 Under 18'sLennox Head 58 d Wollongbar 5Point Score – Lennox Head 51, Lismore 37, Casuarina 35, Wollongbar 20, Casino/Evans 0

The Marist Brothers Rams and Northern United have won through to the NRRRL Trophy Series Grand Final.The Rams defeated the Tweed Coast Raiders 38-34 in a hard fought encounter at Oakes Oval. Try scoring doubles to fullback Hezekiah McKenzie, winger Oshae Hannaway and prop Aidan Kennedy helped Marist Brothers to the narrow win.Rams prop Aidan Kennedy barges over for a try against the Tweed Coast Raiders. Photo: Christine ButcherThe Rams defeated the Raiders fairly comfortably several weeks ago, but the Raiders came to play on Saturday and stretched the home side until the final siren.In the other Preliminary Final, Northern United edged out Mullumbimby 44-34 at Clifford Park.A double to lock Brett Kelly and a 16 point haul to fullback Eddie Walker-Williams were the highlights for the Dirawongs.The sides will now clash next weekend in the Grand Final to be held at Oakes Oval.In other matches, both clubs will contest Semi Finals in the Ladies League Tag competition on Sunday.The Ramettes will take on Cudgen at Murwillumbah in the Major Semi Final and Northern United will play the Bilambil Jets in a sudden death match in Byron Bay. Both matches starting at 10:45am today.

The final catch up round of Far North Coast Rugby Union will wrap up on Saturday.With the majority of teams finished the competition rounds, FNCRU allotted two weeks to catch up for games that were lost earlier in the season due to the wet weather and poor ground conditions.For the Lismore club, they have just one match left in the catch up round, a Reserve Grade encounter with Kyogle at the Lismore Rugby Park, kicking off at 2:30pm.The club will then have their Colts and Women's 10's sides contest Semi Finals next weekend.FNCRU have released the Finals schedule, with just one venue to be determined after Saturday's catch up matches in First Grade.The Finals Series venues and dates are:Saturday 27th August - Major Semi Finals - Venue TBA Sunday 28th August - Minor Semi Finals - Lyle Park, Wollongbar Saturday 3rd September - Preliminary Finals - Ballina Seagulls  Saturday 10th September - Grand Finals - Ballina SeagullsFIRST GRADE TEAM LISTSCATCH UP ROUND 20th AUGUST 2022 FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNION Ballina: 1. Syd Malietoa, 2. Brett Johnston, 3. Sam Pearce, 4. Tomasi Senacakau, 5. Sylvester Fahamokioa, 6. Brad Brown (c), 7. Kye Cribb, 8. Emosi Tabusili, 9. Ryan Hickey, 10. Sam Giltrap, 11. Semeli Salabogi, 12. Ant Lolohea, 13. Wilson Lovokuro, 14. Reuben Saric, 15. Letty DrugutanalevuCoach: Chris Hickey/Paul MorganManager: Brad HilyardReferee: Louis TrisleyVBangalow: 1. Dan Hill, 2. Tate Bailey, 3. Ivan Merli, 4. Darcy Hilton, 5. Jock Craigie, 6. John Turagabeci, 7. Teale Pyne, 8. Dan Rollinson, 9. Will Hawkins, 10. Joel Little (c), 11. Hamish Guest, 12. Jesse Bowring, 13. Jed Erickson, 14. Jona Waqa, 15. Will LathamCoach: Ross LarssonManager: Dave PhillipsReferee: Louis Trisley Wollongbar Alstonville: 1. Benji Tiatia, 2. Bill Johnston, 3. Ewen McQueen, 4. Lloyd Morgan, 5. Matt Scott, 6. Daniel Damen, 7. Brenden Williams, 8. Hamish Mould,  9. Louis Hollman, 10. Ben Damen, 11. Josh Damen, 12. Sam Kerry, 13. Matt Nean, 14. James Vidler, 15. Bodi SmithCoach: Bill JohnstonManager: Ian JohnsonVCasuarina Beach: 1. Dan Chugg, 2. Dave Van Den Boom, 3. Max Graham, 4. Izak Van Niekerk, 5. Dan Raye, 6. William Paterson, 7. Callum O'Shea, 8. Jock Capel, 9. Sam Harrison, 10. Vitori Buatava, 11. TBA, 12. Webb Lillis, 13. Kai George, 14. Jack Steel, 15. Graham DodgeCoach: Graham DodgeManager: Stephen LowndesReferee: Matthew Clayton

It is a huge weekend of basketball for the Lismore Basketball Association, with action cross the North Coast.The Men's and Women's Sunshine Conference teams will suit up for matches on Saturday evening against the Ballina Breakers in Ballina.The Women's team go into their second match of the season with an overtime win against the Byron Beez and will look to post a big score against the Breakers.The Men's team will look to return to the winners list after a big first round win over Grafton and a loss to Byron.The Men will welcome back the return of Jordon Pethers who will share the scoring workload with youngsters Elwood Bird and Kaleb Jeffery and the solid veteran Scott Amor.In other Sunshine Conference matches the Byron Beez Men will host the Grafton Vikings at the Cavanbah Centre at 2pm on Saturday.The action doesn't stop with the Sunshine Conference, with the Lismore Association hosting the North Coast Shield Junior Competition across the weekend.The U/12 Division for Boys and Girls will play on Saturday with the U/18 Boys taking the court on Sunday.The U/12's girls will travel from as far away as Murwillumbah and Coffs Harbour and the Boys competition will see six teams from Murwillumbah to Yamba contest Round 1. The U/18 Boys competition sees eight teams from Byron Bay to Bellingen Valley compete from 9:00am until 4:30pm on Sunday at the Keen Street Stadium.

As the Football FNC Men's Premier League Finals approach, teams are looking to gain an advantage over their rivals and cement their positions on the ladder.South Lismore are currently on top of the table, two points ahead of Richmond Rovers, who have a game in hand.Alstonville and Byron Bay are locked on 25 competition points in third and fourth spot, but Villa have two games in hand over Byron Bay.The clash this weekend between Villa and the Goonellabah Hornets will be the match of the round this weekend, with the Hornets (5th) looking to put pressure on the top four.In other weekend matches, South Lismore, Rovers and Lismore Thistles will all look to take maximum points from their respective matches.Richmond Rovers and Alstonville will clash in East Lismore on Tuesday night (8:00pm) in an important match for both sides.In Women's Premier League matches, the top four teams will all look for wins against teams lower on the table.Alstonville (33pts) , Lennox Head (31pts), Goonellabah (28pts) and Maclean (24pts) lead the way with just three rounds remaining. The Hornets are coming off two wins within the week after defeating Bangalow 3-0 and Maclean 6-1.Men's Premier LeagueFriday 19 AugustByron Bay FC v Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley FC at Byron Bay Recreation Ground (8:00pm)Saturday 20 AugustBangalow SC v South Lismore FC at Jeff Schneider Field (1:00pm)Maclean FC v Richmond Rovers FC at Wherret Park (3:00pm)Sunday 21 AugustLismore Thistles SC v Lennox Head FC at John Ryan Field (2:30pm)Goonellabah FC v Alstonville FC at Weston Park (2:30pm)Women's Premier LeagueFriday 19 AugustAlstonville FC v South Lismore FC at Crawford Park 2 (8:00pm)Sunday 21 August Byron Bay FC v Goonellabah FC at Byron Bay Recreation Ground (12:30pm)Lismore Thistles SC v Lennox Head FC at John Ryan Field (12:30pm)Maclean FC v Bangalow SC at Wherret Park (12:30pm)

Football Far North Coast General Manager Steve Mackney has released a statement thanking officials for their efforts and achievements throughout the 2022 season.The recruitment, retainment and rewarding of officials is a continuing issue for all sports across the region and football is no different.Mackney's statement reads:"The 2022 season is now in the final stages and after a tough year for everyone, I want to reach out to each person who has made a contribution as a match official this year. Firstly, I say THANK YOU, for your efforts in a role that is often difficult, always under scrutiny by the many ‘experts’ but which nonetheless puts you as part of a valued group of people within community football. Whether this is your first season as a match official (i.e. Green Shirt), or whether you have returned for many seasons, I applaud your commitment to the role of being a match official. Efforts to recruit and retain match officials is a perennial issue EVERYWHERE and as the local football administrator, I devote a lot of time trying to find more effective outcomes. You may recognise that expectations about officiating vary widely, generally based on the role that a person has? A player often sees things differently to a coach or a spectator or a parent and almost always differently to a match official (but of course your role is to officiate and not to see things according to what team, what score, or things that others generally concern themselves with as being the only priority?).YOUR role is however central to the game and your role comes with responsibilities (on several levels). I wish to highlight the following things that influence many things in community football and urge each of you to ‘set the standard’ and to be a leader and a role model. Behave in a professional manner (how you act, how you speak);Display a commitment by being diligent, punctual and reliable;Be supportive of your peers;Be respectful of others (even when this is hard to do because others are sometimes rude to you);Report concerns, incidents to FFNC;SPEAK UP if you need support!! I am not a match official, but I stand with each of you and ask that together, we can demonstrate that the match officials in this region are leaders, role models and who each inspire more people to get involved as a match official. This year has tested our resolve and I offer encouragement to each of you to ‘hang in there’ as the season is nearly done. Thanks to Luke, Anthony, John Hanley, various assessors, Riley, Brad (and others at Northern NSW Football) and to the collective group of about 100 local match officials. Well done, congratulations and all the best if you are appointed for a Finals Series fixture, but if you are not, your efforts this season are still acknowledged. Thanks again for being part of the effort to progress community football and for being part of a special group of people."

The Marist Brothers Rams came away with mixed results from the first weekend of the NRRRL Finals Series.First Grade had the weekend off by finishing at the top of the Trophy Series ladder but the Ladies League Tag and Reserve Grade both took to the field on Sunday.The Ramettes came out firing with a 32 points to 6 win over the Ballina Seagulls, with Alyssa Goode crossing for three tries, in the six tries to one win. Shataya King added to her personal tally of 8 points with four conversions.The Ladies will take on Cudgen in the Major Semi Final next Sunday in Murwillumbah for a place in the LLT Grand Final. The match kicks off at the earlier time of 10:45am.The Rams Reserve Grade team unfortunately went down to the Cudgen Hornets in a close encounter 25-22. Prop Aiden Kennedy led from the front with two tries, but the loss means it is the end of the season for the Rams.Being the highest placed team, the Rams will host the First Grade Preliminary Final at Oakes Oval next Saturday, with the main game kicking off at 1:50pm.

With one catch up round to go in Far North Coast Rugby Union, the First Grade Minor Premiership is still up for grabs.It comes down to two teams, Bangalow and Wollongbar/Alstonville after Bangalow scrapped home when they clashed on Saturday 30-27.Just two pints separate them on the ladder and both will play matches next weekend, when Bangalow travel to Ballina to take on the Seahorses and the WAR Pioneers host Casuarina.Ballina and Lennox Head played out a dramatic 35-35 all draw in their catch up match on Saturday.The Reserve grade and Colts Minor Premiers have been decided but with one match remaining in the Women's 10's Competition, Casuarina could snatch the title from Richmond Range with victory over Ballina in the final competition match of the season.FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNIONCatch Up Round Results 13th August 2022 First GradeBangalow 30(Teale Pyne, Otty Fifita, Vincent Quigley tries, Troy Doughty 3 conversions, 3 penalty goals) d Wollongbar Alstonville 27(Bodi Smith 2, Josh Damen, Bill Johnston tries, Ben Damen 2 conversions, penalty goal)Half Time: Wollongbar 15 - Bangalow 13Man of the Match - Ed McGrath - BangalowLennox Head 35(Zak Condon, Sam Croke, Mitch Evers, Tom McEvoy tries, Jared Lofts 3 conversions, 3 penalty goals) d Ballina 35(Syd Malietoa 2, Ratu Wainiqolo, Ant Lolohea, Wilson Lovokuro tries, Sam Giltrap 5 Conversions)Half Time: Lennox 17 - Ballina 7Man of the Match - Jared Lofts - Lennox Head Point Score – Bangalow 43, Wollongbar 41, Lennox Head 39, Ballina 32, Casuarina 27, Byron Bay 19, Lismore 9 2nd DivisionRichmond Range 43 d Yamba 20Casino 62 d Kyogle 0Mullumbimby 31 d Wollongbar 10Ballina 8 d Lennox Head 7 Point Score – Casuarina 56, Richmond Range 52, Evans River 47, Mullumbimby 46, Ballina 46, Lennox Head 42, Wollongbar 34, Yamba 33, Casino 28, Kyogle 8, Lismore 1 Women's 10'sCasuarina 12 d Richmond Range 5 Point Score –Richmond Range 41, Casuarina 40, Lismore 39, Ballina 17 Under 18'sCasuarina 15 d Wollongbar 14Lennox Head 19 d Lismore 7 Point Score – Lennox Head 44, Casuarina 35, Lismore 30, Wollongbar 20, Casino/Evans 0Next Week's Catch up Matches - 20th August1st GradeBallina v BangalowWollongbar v Casuarina2nd DivisionBallina v MullumbimbyWollongbar v YambaLismore v KyogleLennox Head v Evans River Women's 10'sBallina v Casuarina Under 18's ColtsLennox Head v Wollongbar

Northern United have progressed to week 2 of the NRRRL Trophy Series with a 22-14 win over the Tweed Coast Raiders in Goonellabah on Saturday.Dirawongs Centre Tim Torrens scored twice for the home side to help them to the narrow 8 point win.Fullback Eddie Walker-Williams scored a try and was able to convert just one of the tries in tough conditions.Northern United will now take on Marist Brothers in the Preliminary Final of the competition next weekend, with the Rams have the weekend off.In the other First Grade match in the Trophy series, Mullumbimby defeated Kyogle 21-20.In Ladies League Tag, both Northern United and Marist Brothers Ramettes will take to the field on Sunday in the first Round of the major competition.The Marist Brothers Reserve Grade side will also take to the field on Sunday, up against the Cudgen Hornets.

The Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) including the North Coast Academy of Sport (NCAS) have this week launched an online training program for coaches and support staff that promises to be yet another program of unmatched quality.Having recently hosted a highly successful Regional Academies of Sport Coaches Conference in May, the RAS network has undertaken significant steps to introduce an extension program for coaches. The extension program will host some of our very best coaches in monthly seminars designed to continue the essential professional development needed to upskill regional coaches as they continue to make important contributions to the athlete pathway.The program which commenced this week saw the highly regarded coach Rob Beveridge open the forum as he addressed the topic of ‘Developing Elite Athletes’. Rob is well known in Australian sport having 30+ years of professional basketball coaching behind his name, being inducted to the Basketball NSW Sporting Hall of Fame in 2019 and remains extremely active as the current interim head coach of the Australian Boomers. Following Beveridge will be Scott Wisemantel, another coach on the rise in Australia. Scott is the current Australian Wallabies attack coach, he has worked as a coaching consultant, is a former high-level player and has decades of coaching experience behind him. Wisemantel will cover the topic ‘Realities and Challenges of Coaching and Creating Identity Pieces’. Following Wisemantel the RAS network have secured the input of Scott Johnson, he too has worked many years on the international stage in Rugby Union, most recently Scott was the Director of Rugby for Rugby Australia working closely with the Wallabies during the Michael Cheika era and previously as the Director of Rugby for Scotland. Scott Johnson will address the often unspoken topic of ‘what I learned from my mistakes’. These upcoming sessions promise to provide another unique insight into the learnings from vocational coaches who have incredible history in their respective sports.D’Arcy Van den Bossche, NCAS Executive Director said of the program “The Regional Academies are always looking for opportunities to engage with relevant education that will add value to our volunteer coaches’ experiences. Connecting academy coaches to Australia’s most experienced coaches allows incredible knowledge to be shared through the pathway which serves all involved. Rob Beveridge was an outstanding way to kick the program off this week and as it continues to evolve the interaction with our coaches will be critical to building strong linkages.”“The lineup of speakers after Bevo, Scott and Scott continues it’s strength with speakers including para and womens coaches to be announced shortly. The Regional Academies are hugely grateful for the critical support of the Steadfast Group, the NSW Institute of Sport and the Office of Sport for making this program a reality.”

Far North Coast Rugby Union will commence Week 1 of catch up matches that were lost earlier in the season due to the wet weather.The majority of First Grade matches have been completed, with only a handful left to complete the competition prior to Semi Finals.Saturday will see Bangalow host the Wollongbar/Alstonville Pioneers, while the local derby will be played out in Lennox Head, when Ballina travel north.Lismore will have their Women's 10's and Colts sides in action, with the Women taking on Ballina and the Colts travelling to Lennox Head to play the ladder leading Trojans.A victory for the Women would put them in contention for the Minor Premiership.Catch Up Round Draw1st GradeBangalow v WollongbarLennox Head v Ballina2nd DivisionMullumbimby v WollongbarYamba v Richmond Range Kyogle v CasinoLennox Head v Ballina Women's 10'sLismore v BallinaRichmond Range v Casuarina @ Kyogle Under 18's ColtsCasuarina v WollongbarLennox Head v LismoreFIRST GRADE TEAM LISTSCATCH UP ROUND 13th AUGUST 2022 FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNION Lennox Head: 1. Brad McGoulrick, 2. Jedd Windle, 3. Curtis Miles, 4. Callum Jones, 5. Sam Croke, 6. Lachie Jones, 7. Sam Robertson, 8. Hayden Blair, 9. Mitch Evers, 10. Jared Lofts, 11. Lochie Creagh, 12. Harry Sivewright, 13. Marty McNamara, 14. Tom McEvoy, 15. Zak CondonCoach: Steve Condon/ Mick SheatherManager: Mitch CraigVBallina: 1. Syd Malietoa, 2. Brett Johnston, 3. Sam Pearce, 4. Tomasi Senacakau, 5. Sylvester Fahamokioa, 6. Brad Brown (c), 7. Ryan Biscoe, 8. Emosi Tabusili, 9. Ryan Hickey, 10. Sam Giltrap, 11. Semeli Salabogi, 12. Ant Lolohea, 13. Wilson Lovokuro, 14. Emori Rairailevu, 15. Letty DrugutanalevuCoach: Chris Hickey/Paul MorganManager: Brad HilyardReferee: Louis Trisley Bangalow: 1. Dan Hill, 2. Omar Sella, 3. Ivan Merli, 4. Darcy Hilton, 5. Matt Drew, 6. Jed Erickson, 7. Teale Pyne, 8. Ed McGrath, 9. Vinnie Quigley, 10. Troy Doughty (c), 11. Hamish Guest, 12. Joel Little, 13. Jesse Bowring, 14. Will Hawkins, 15. Will LathamCoach: Ross LarssonManager: Dave PhillipsVWollongbar Alstonville: 1. Benji Tiatia, 2. Bill Johnston, 3. Ewen McQueen, 4. Lloyd Morgan, 5. Steven Mison,, 6. Blake Henderson, 7. Brenden Williams, 8. Hamish Mould,  9. Louis Hollman, 10. Ben Damen, 11. Josh Damen, 12. Matthew Buster, 13. Matt Nean, 14. Niko Emoni, 15. Bodi SmithCoach: Bill JohnstonManager: Ian JohnsonReferee: Richard Goswell