135 days ago, the FNC Baseball Season was to start. But well… we are all aware of what happened in February this year. The only activity at Albert Park Baseball Complex, these past months has been heavy machinery removing debris, such as shipping containers and large gas cylinders, that were caught like mullet in the baseball nets.Much of the baseball infrastructure was decimated by the flood – stands are still upside down, the canteen, that serves the best hot chips at any sporting field, is an empty shell, the foul nets are ripped and blow free in the breeze. The batting cages are no more, instead the materials are stacked in piles where once players were able to practice hitting.The clay has been displaced and the sand has washed away, many sports with less infrastructure have managed a season by playing games away and slowly the teams have made their way back to their home fields. Baseball unfortunately has not been so lucky, we have not been able to play at our ‘away’ venues, Ballina and Casino experienced excess water also.So it is with great excitement that FNC Baseball Association is able to welcome back its members this Saturday 13th August, to ground 4. At this stage we can only offer social baseball which is better than no baseball. The other three remaining fields are not yet playable.This invitation is open to all members past and present, young and old, male or female, to those that have never played and to those that have never stopped. The FNC Board plans to continue to support the growth and development of this game and the only way that we can do that is with you.We ask that our members register their interest on the jot form prior to this Saturday that can be found at fncbaseball.com.au or our Facebook page. We have allocated time slots 10:00am for 14 and under. 12:30pm and 2:45pm for Seniors 15 and over. If you can’t make it this week, register and come next week.

The Marist Brothers Rams have put on a show for the large crowd of "Old Boys" against the Tweed Coast Raiders at Oakes Oval on Sunday.The Rams hosted an Old Boys Reunion at the Lismore Turf Club on Saturday night and most were on hand to witness strong victories by all three grades.The day started with a big win by the Ladies League Tag side, running out 52-0 winners, which pleased coach Al Petty. "It was a good hit out leading into the Semi Finals next weekend. I was pleased with the girls effort and we look forward to next weeks finals."The Marist Brothers Rams "Old Boys" filled the hill to cheer on the teams at Oakes Oval. Photo: Matthew BarlowThe Ladies League Tag side finished in second spot and will play fifth placed Ballina in the first round of Finals.The Reserve Grade side secured fifth spot and a finals berth with a 26-12 win over the Raiders. The side will play second placed Cudgen next week.And then it came down to the First Grade side, who needed a win over the Raiders and Cudgen to defeat Byron Bay to make the six teams finals.The Rams got off to a quick start with winger Harry Cusack scoring after just three minutes and then converted his own try.Left edge back rower Isaac Lee was the next to dive over, which Cusack converted for the Rams to race out to a 12-0 lead.The visitors hit back with a converted try to fullback Hezakiah McKenzie, scored off the back of a strong Aiden Kennedy run, for the Rams to lead 18-4.Hezakiah McKenzie streaks away to score in the second half. Photo: Matthew BarlowThe Raiders managed to cross again on the left side before another try to both Cusack and Lee took the halftime score to 30-8 to Brothers.Just one minute after the break, Tweed edged closer with a converted try, before Isaac Lee completed his hat trick on the left hand side to push the lead out to 34-14.The Raiders answered again with a four pointer before the Rams were able to put the game to bed with converted tries to Henry Lee and another to Hezakiah McKenzie off a Fred Pitt offload to lead 46-18.Tweed scored a consolation try on the full time siren to see the final score 46-24.The Rams then waited for scores to come in from the Cudgen and Byron Bay match, which was delayed by 20 minutes.Unfortunately for the Rams, the result was out of their control and news filtered through that the Red Devils had defeated Cudgen 38-24, pushing Marist Brothers out of the top six.

Lismore Thistles have returned to John Ryan Field for the first time since the floods devastated parts of East Lismore in February and March.And the return to their home pitch was just what was needed to get the Men's Premier League sides season back on track.Thistles secured a 2-0 victory over the Goonellabah Hornets with goals to Isaac Essery and Dean Marshall.Thistles Oscar Stahl is covered by the Hornets defence. Photo: Steve MackneyThe victories continued with the Women's Premier League team defeating South Lismore 7-1 on Sunday.In other Men's Premier League matches, South Lismore and Byron Bay played out a 1-1 draw, with Ezra Frost scoring the lone goal for Souths who were boosted by good numbers back for the Premier League side.South Lismore's Ezra Frost scored again for the Celtics against Byron bay. Photo: Steve MackneyRichmond Rovers had a convincing 4-1 win over Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley FC, with goals to Caleb Wilmoth, Joel Hardwick and two to Joel Wilson.Alstonville and Maclean fought out a 2-2 all draw, with goals for Villa scored by Joel Perkins and James Titcume.Tuesday night sees Richmond Rovers host Goonellabah to complete Round 14.

Lismore have left the best till last, with a win over Casuarina in their final match of the 2022 season.Having pushed Wollongbar and Bangalow in recent matches, everything fell into place in the final game of the season.After trailing 26-16 at halftime, the Greens clicked into gear in the second half, scoring 21 points to nil to take a 37-26 victory.Barnstorming Number 8 Xavier Sapolo crossed twice and Man of the Match Jack Taylor compiled a personal tally of 17 points in the win.In other matches, the Women's 10's side took a 24-5 victory over Casuarina to move into second spot with just a catch up game remaining until Finals. This also moves Lismore (39pt) within one point of Richmond Range (40pt) on the ladder.Colts player Riley Smith takes the lineout win against Casuarina. Photo: Matthew BarlowReserve Grade went down 36-12 and the Colts lead Casuarina 14-12 at halftime before being rundown 24-14 by the visitors.The results leave the Women's 10's and Colts in Semi Finals, with final positions up for grabs next Saturday in the final round of catch up matches.FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNION                                           Round 14 Results 6th August 2022 First GradeLismore 37(Xavier Sapolo 2, Gavin Tulk, Maciu Buinisaqa tries, Jack Taylor 4 conversions, 3 penalty goals) d Casuarina Beach 26(Kai George 2, Graham Dodge 2 tries, Kai George 3 conversions)Half Time: Casuarina 26 - Lismore 16Man of the Match - Jack Taylor - LismoreBallina 48(Emori Rairailevu 2, Wilson Lovokuro 2, Gaunavou Drugutanalevu, Simeli Salabogi, Sam Giltrap, Ryan Hickey tries, Sam Giltrap 4 conversions) d Byron Bay 13(James Boozer try, Gavin McGonagle conversion, Joel Stocks 2 penalty goals)Half Time: Ballina 31 - Byron Bay 6Man of the Match - Wilson Lovokuro - Ballina Lennox Head 32(Tom McEvoy, Zak Condon, Callum Jones tries, Jared Lofts conversion, 5 penalty goals) d Bangalow 19(Hamish Guest, Otty Fifita, Will Latham tries, Joel Little 2 conversions)Half Time: Lennox 17 - Bangalow 7Man of the Match - Jared Lofts - Lennox Head Point Score – Wollongbar 39, Bangalow 39, Lennox Head 31, Ballina 29, Casuarina 27, Byron Bay 19, Lismore 9 2nd DivisionRichmond Range 69 d Kyogle 5Casino 27 d Yamba 24Casuarina Beach 36 d Lismore 12Evans River 30 d Wollongbar 19Mullumbimby 26 d Lennox Head 12 Point Score – Casuarina 59, Richmond Range 50, Evans River 47, Ballina 45, Mullumbimby 44, Lennox Head 41, Yamba 36, Wollongbar 34, Casino 26, Kyogle 8, Lismore 1 Women's 10'sLismore 24 d Casuarina Beach 5Richmond Range 30 d Evans River 0 Under 18'sWollongbar 24 d Casino/Evans 5Casuarina Beach 24 d Lismore 14Next Week's Catch up Matches - 13th August1st 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 Lismore

The Lismore Storm Women's Team have won an overtime thriller against the Byron Beez in the Sunshine Conference on Saturday.The Storm got out to a strong start leading 19-10 at the first break, with Kiara Richardson contributing 8 points in the first quarter.The scoring did not stop for either team in the the second quarter, with the Storm increasing their lead to 12 (42-30) by halftime.In a very stop/start third quarter, the Byron side managed to pile on 28 points in the quarter to reduce the margin to just 3 points at three quarter time with the Storm leading 61-58.The final quarter was a real tussle, with neither side gaining the ascendency and the lead for either team being less than 5 throughout the quarter.Byron Bay's Isis Crawford managed to hit a three point shot with just two seconds to go on the clock in regulation time to send the game into overtime with scores locked at 76-76.The five minute period of extra time saw Lismore push out to a 7 point lead at the midway point, but the Beez did not let up, reducing the margin to just 1 point with 45 seconds to go.Taya Cottee was able to sink two crucial free throws to take the lead out to three before Byron scored with just seconds left on the clock to reduce the lead to just one, with the Storm Women holding on to take the match 85-84.Richardson top scored with 28 for the Storm, Cottee had 22 and Mikayla Greensill added 10.For the Beez, Crawford had 25, Courtney Peate 22 and Steffani Cooper 20.In the Sunshine Conference Men's match, the Byron Beez were too strong for the Storm, running out 97-46 winners.It was a tight first quarter, with both teams working hard defensively and Byron taking a narrow 19-17 lead to the first quarter break.The Beez were able to tighten the defensive screws in the second quarter, holding the Storm to just six points and taking a strong 40-23 lead into halftime.Byron were able to extend their lead into the third quarter and led 61-36, before eventually taking the match 97-46.Elwood Bird top scored for the Storm with 15 and Cameron Bosel had 10, with Riley Gollan adding 22, Harley Kent 16 and Harry Blair 14 for the Beez.The Storm will welcome Jordon Pethers back for their next match against the Ballina Breakers in Round 3.

The Lismore Storm Men's and Women's Sunshine Conference Basketball teams will travel to Byron Bay on Saturday to take on the Beez in two important clashes.The Lismore men's side defeated the Grafton Vikings in Round 1 94-60 and the women had a bye, with Grafton not fielding a team in 2022.The Byron sides both had victories with the women returning to the competition this year after several seasons without a team. They defeated Ballina 71-38 last Saturday.Byron defeated the Ballina Breakers 129-55 for a strong victory in the men's competition.Lismore may be without the athletic Jordan Pethers for the clash, which will be a loss for the Storm after he top scored last week with 28 points.The side will rely on Elwood Bird, Kaleb Jeffery and veteran Scott Amor for the bulk of their points.Byron will welcome the return of a number of players including Harley Kent and Marley Grace who were unavailable last weekend.The women's match will tip off at 1:00pm and the men's at 3:00pm at the Cavanbah Centre in Ewingsdale.

Lismore will have all teams playing at home for the final round of Far North Coast Rugby Union on Saturday against Casuarina.The high flying Colts will start the day at 12:00pm and a win will secure second place and a spot in the Major Semi Final next week.Reserve Grade will follow at 1:15pm and the Women at 2:30pm.With just two points separating Casuarina and Lismore on the Women's 10's ladder, a win will secure second spot and like the Colts, a place in the Major Semi Final.First Grade will look to end the season on a high after a tough season with setbacks, interruptions and injuries. Coaches Ron Cox and Cody Johnston have been forced to make a number of changes for the last match of the year with changes in the front row, Connor Clarke comes into the backrow and Ryan Wolton slots into inside centre.FIRST GRADE TEAM LISTSROUND FOURTEEN 6th AUGUST 2022FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNION Byron Bay: 1. Brad Hill, 2. Gavin McGonagle, 3. Oisin Canney, 4. Phil Hall, 5. Will Aisake (c),, 6. Craig Wallace, 7. James Boozer, 8. Harry Simmonds, 9. Dylan Rees-Davies, 10. Joel Stocks, 11. Jye Connochie, 12. Manu Ojeda, 13. Bill Vary, 14. Zac Allen, 15. Joel FaulknerCoach: Jeff WattManager: Connor McGowanVBallina: 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 HickeyManager: Brad HilyardReferee: Richard Goswell Bangalow: 1. Dan Pym (c), 2. Tate Bailey, 3. Ivan Merli, 4. Angus Dickson, 5. John Turagabeci, 6. Omar Sella, 7. Teale Pyne, 8. Matt Drew, 9. Joel Little, 10. Will Hawkins, 11. Hamish Guest, 12. Jed Erickson, 13. Jesse Bowring, 14. Dan Proudman, 15. Judd BatsonCoach: Ross LarssonManager: Dave PhillipsVLennox Head: 1. Brad McGoulrick, 2. Jedd Windle, 3. Curtis Miles, 4. Callum Jones, 5. Lachie Jones,, 6. Rowan Morgan, 7. Sam Robertson, 8. Hayden Blair, 9. Mitch Evers, 10. Jared Lofts, 11. Lochie Creagh, 12. Brad Lees, 13. Marty McNamara, 14. Tom McEvoy, 15. Zak CondonCoach: Steve Condon/ Mick SheatherManager: Mitch CraigReferee: Louis Trisley Lismore: 1. Jathan Von Bratt, 2. Daniel Cheung, 3. Gavin Tulk, 4. Tyler Coveney, 5. Sam Cook, 6. Connor Clarke, 7. Cameron Bryant (c), 8. Xavier Sapolo, 9. Scott Lancaster, 10. Cody Johnston, 11. Mathew Buinsaqa, 12. Ryan Wolton, 13. Julian Thompson, 14. Jake Henry, 15. Adam RoddCoach: Ron Cox / Cody JohnstonManager: Lewis IrelandVCasuarina Beach: 1. Dan Chugg, 2. Jem McDonald, 3. Max Graham, 4. Chris Dowling, 5. Dan Raye, 6. Jock Capel, 7. Callum O'Shea, 8. Elisio Tagidrau, 9. Oscar Sims, 10. Sam Harrison, 11. Webb Lillis, 12. Vitori Buatava, 13. Kai George, 14. Josh Harman, 15. Graham DodgeCoach: Graham DodgeManager: Stephen LowndesReferee: Matthew Clayton Wollongbar Alstonville - Bye

A big weekend of football awaits across the Far North Coast region.Lismore Thistles return to their East Lismore home ground for matches this weekend, the first since February. Thistles will host junior matches from 9am on Saturday before Senior games return on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.The club's volunteers have worked tirelessly over the past 5 months to reestablish the grounds and clubhouse to a useable state.In Men's Premier League action, Thistles will host Goonellabah FC at 3:00pm on Saturday, the Men's Championship match between the two sides will be played prior at 1:00pm and on Sunday, the Women's Premier League side will return to John Ryan Field to play South Lismore FC at 2:30pm.In other matches across the Men's Premier League, the top two sides will clash, with South Lismore FC taking on Byron Bay FC at Nielsen Park, East Lismore at 1:00pm on Saturday and fourth placed Richmond Rovers host Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley FC at Bill Harris Field at 3:00pm.Maclean and Alstonville round out the Premier League matches on Saturday.In Women's Premier League action on Sunday, the Goonellabah Hornets will host second placed Lennox Head at Weston Park.Alstonville Grade 9 Snappers were the FFNC Team of the Month for July. Photo: Steve MackneyOn Sunday, Alstonville host their annual Junior Gala Day with over 110 teams registered for the huge day of action. Teams from across the region will compete in grades 6-11 from 9am.

The Marist Brothers Rams and the Ballina Seagulls played out a nail biter in a seesawing match in Ballina on Sunday.The Seagulls got off to a strong start with a try to prop Cam Copeland after just five minutes, but Rams halfback Jacob Follent was able to level up the scores just minutes later.The Follent try was converted by winger Harry Cusack to give the visitors a narrow 6-4 lead.Ballina hooker Mick Dwayne then strolled over beside the posts to give Ballina back the lead and Reece Riches slotted the conversion for a 10-6 scoreline.Just minutes later, Isaac Lee scored down the left edge, which was converted by Cusack to see the lead change again 12-10 to Brothers.Six minutes later, the Seagulls were then the first team to score back to back tries, with five-eighth Jordan Lee diving over, which was converted by Riches and then young centre Damon Coldwell barged over to see Ballina lead 20-12 at the main break.The Seagulls came out firing early in the second half, running hard and straight, bending the Rams defensive line.Man of the Match, Mick Dwayne scored his second try just four minutes after the resumption of play, with a strong run close to the line. Lock Caleb Kinna converted to give the home side their biggest lead of the match 26-12.The Rams backline then clicked into action with two tries in three minutes. Fullback Hezakiah McKenzie was on the end of a good pass from Fred Pitt and this was followed up with a try to Cusack in the right hand corner. The Rams had reduced the score to 26-20 with 20 minutes left on the clock.The match then turned into an arm wrestle, with plenty of feeling and passion shown between the two sides.With just five minutes left in the match McKenzie scored his second try from a 20m scrum and the match was in the balance, with Cusack's conversion being waved away.Fatigue began to play a part for the Rams, with just two interchanges used throughout the match and most forwards playing the full 80 minutes.Unfortunately for the Rams, time was not on their side and the Seagulls eventually took the match 26-24, retaining the Dennis Meaney Shield for 2022.

There was not a lot that separated the Men's Premier League matches across the weekend.On Friday night, Alstonville FC and Richmond Rovers played out a 0-0 draw on the plateau, and Maclean defeated South Lismore 2-1 with Souths lone goal scorer being Ezra Frost. Souths struggled for numbers, only able to name the bare 11 for the match.Lismore Thistles Oscar Stahl holds off the Byron Bay defender in Saturday's clash. Photo: Steve MackneyOn Saturday Lismore Thistles travelled to Byron Bay to take on the Rams but came away without the points after going down 2-1. Kaleb Gooley scored for Thistles in the narrow loss.There was a very famous spectator at Bangalow, when the Bluedogs took on the Goonellabah Hornets on Saturday with Australian football royalty in Tim Cahill watching on from the sidelines.Unfortunately for the home side, Cahill presence was not enough, with the Hornets winning another tight contest 1-0.One match remains in Round 13, with South Lismore travelling to Lennox Head on Tuesday night (7:00pm) looking to take the points on the coast.

The Lismore Colts side have added another victory to their season after a narrow 12-5 win over Wollongbar/Alstonville on Saturday.Having to travel to Byron Bay for the match due to the nature of the FNC Rugby Union draw, the side started well before heavy rain struck and made the match a tight encounter.Lismore crossed the try line after 15 minutes to take an early 7-0 lead after Braeden Williams converted and it was winger Loui Rubbo who put the game beyond doubt sealing the win for the Greens.The 7 point win puts Lismore in second place on the Colts ladder with 7 wins and 1 loss for the season with just one round remaining when they host third placed Casuarina at the Lismore Rugby Park next Saturday.In First Grade Ballina were dominant in the first half setting the platform for a comfortable 32-5 lead at the break before running out 44-15 victors. Fullback Perry Daly, winger Jake Henry and half Scott Lancaster crossed for the home team.FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNION                                           Round 13 Results 30th July 2022 First GradeWollongbar Alstonville 41(Ryley Conlan 2, James Vidler 2, Ben Damen, Bodi Smith, tries, Ben Damen 4 conversions, penalty goal) d Byron Bay 39(Edward O'Hare 2, Joe Grindle, Brad Hill, Joel Faulkner, William Aisake, Harry Simmonds tries, Dylan Rees-Davies 2 conversions)Half Time: Wollongbar 19 - Byron 15Man of the Match - Harry Simmonds - Byron Bay Ballina 44(Gaunavou Drugutanalevu 3, Ant Lolohea, Ryan Biscoe, Emosi Tabusili, Simeli Salabogi, Emori Rairailevu tries, Sam Giltrap 2 conversions) d Lismore 15(Perry Daly, Jake Henry, Scott Lancaster tries)Half Time: Ballina 32 - Lismore 5Man of the Match - Gaunavou Drugutanalevu - Ballina Bangalow 38(Sebastian Roodt 2, Jed Erickson, Omar Sella, Jesse Bowring, Michael Thomas tries, Troy Doughty 4 conversions) d Casuarina Beach 5(Webb Lillis try)Half Time: Bangalow 26 - Casuarina 0Man of the Match - Sebastian Roodt - Bangalow Point Score – Wollongbar 39, Bangalow 39, Lennox Head 27, Casuarina 26, Ballina 24, Byron Bay 19, Lismore 4 2nd DivisionRichmond Range 36 d Wollongbar 7Casino 55 d Kyogle 0Casuarina Beach 29 d Mullumbimby 14Evans River 43 d Lismore 0Yamba 26 d Lennox Head 24 Point Score – Casuarina 49, Evans River 42, Richmond Range 40, Ballina 40, Lennox Head 36, Mullumbimby 34, Wollongbar 34, Yamba 29, Casino 16, Kyogle 8, Lismore 1 Women's 10'sLismore 30 d Evans River 0Richmond Range 19 d Ballina17 Under 18'sLismore 12 d Wollongbar 5Lennox Head 33 d Casuarina 7Next Week's Matches - 6th August1st GradeBangalow v Lennox HeadByron Bay v BallinaLismore v CasuarinaWollongbar - Bye2nd DivisionLismore v CasuarinaEvans River v WollongbarYamba v CasinoRichmond Range v KyogleMullumbimby v Lennox HeadBallina - Bye Women's 10'sLismore v CasuarinaRichmond Range - ByeBallina - Bye Under 18's ColtsCasino/Evans v Wollongbar@ Evans HeadLismore v CasuarinaLennox Head - Bye

After the February and March floods devastated their training facility in South Lismore, the Adrenaline Cheer Elite team have returned to competition in a big way.The team travelled to the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre across the weekend to compete at the groups first competition since rebuilding the facility and returning to training and preparation.Day Two of the Battles got underway on Saturday. Photo: Natasha HerneProprietor Natasha Herne and her team of coaches assembled six teams to contest the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation Cheer and Dance Battles at Carrara on Friday night and across both Saturday and Sunday.It has been a huge undertaking getting the gym back to a usable facility and returning to training at the Foleys Road site after losing everything in the floods in February and March.The floodwaters reached the roof of the facility but with the help of staff, family, clients and the generosity of the cheerleading community, Herne was able to reopen on 27 April, less than two months after the devastation."The teams have done so well and I am so proud of all of the teams this weekend.""We missed two months of preparation time but all of our teams have performed so well and we look forward to continue our journey."The teams that contested the Battles included the Pink Thunder, Purple Rain, Tsunami, Black Lightning, Heatwave and Mini Tornadoes.

The Lismore Storm Men's team have opened their 2022 Sunshine Conference season in style, with a victory over the Grafton Vikings.A big crowd was on hand on Saturday night at the Keen Street venue to watch the opening match of the season for the young Storm side.The Storm led at every break, but it wasn't until the second half that the home side were able to break away and secure a strong 94-60 win.Jordon Pethers topped scored for the Storm with 28 points, assisted by Elwood Bird with 24 and Kaleb Jeffery with 11.The Vikings were led by Dylan Benke with 20 points.In other matches across the competition, the Byron Bay Beez were able to secure a comfortable victory over the Ballina Breakers 129-55, with Riley Gollan top scoring with 34, backed up by Damian Gray with 21 and Toby Barlow with 20 points.In the only Women's match played in Round 1, the Beez defeated the Breakers 71-38.Round 2 will see the Storm travel to Byron Bay to take on the Beez in what should be two exciting matches. The Women tip off at 1:00pm followed by the Men at 3:00pm.The Grafton Vikings will play host to the Valley Braves in the other match in Round 2.

Lismore Rugby Union Club will be a hive of activity on Saturday as the club celebrates Ladies Day and welcomes back the Old Boys of the club.It all kicks off from 1pm and rolls on into the evening with the Billy Gudgeon Band taking the stage at 6pm after First Grade.Reserve Grade will take on Evans Head before the club's U/11 teams will take to the field to entertain the large crowds expected.First Grade will take on Ballina at 3:15pm with the home side looking too upset the Seahorses.Ballina's last competitive match was back in Round 9 and Lismore will look to exploit the lack of match play in the Ballina side that sit just two spots above on the competition ladder.Coach Ron Cox has been forced to name Scott Lancaster at half, moving fellow coach Cody Johnston to 10 to cover for Jack Taylor, who is on NSW Country Representative duties this weekend in Bathurst.The Greens will look to set the platform early through a strong forward performance to allow the backline space and time in a match that could go down to the wire.FIRST GRADE TEAM LISTSROUND THIRTEEN 30th JULY 2022FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNION Byron Bay: 1. Brad Hill, 2. Gavin McGonagle, 3. Duane Pakai, 4. Will Aisake (c), 5. Phil Hall, 6. Craig Wallace, 7. James Boozer, 8. Harry Simmonds, 9. Dylan Rees-Davies, 10. Joe Grindle, 11. Jye Connochie, 12. Manu Ojeda, 13. Bill Vary, 14. Charlie Gentlemen, 15. Joel FaulknerCoach: Jeff WattManager: Connor McGowanVWollongbar Alstonville: 1. Benji 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, 11. Josh Damen, 12. Dan Damen, 13. Matt Nean, 14. James Vidler, 15. Bodi SmithCoach: Bill JohnstonManager: Ian JohnsonReferee: Louis Trisley Bangalow: 1. Dan Hill, 2. Omar Sella, 3. Ivan Merli, 4. Jock Craigie, 5. Darcy Hilton, 6. Jed Erickson, 7. Matt Drew, 8. Ed McGrath, 9. Vinnie Quigley, 10. Troy Doughty (c), 11. Hamish Guest, 12. Joel Little, 13. Jesse Bowring, 14. Will Latham, 15. Sebastian RoodtCoach: Ross LarssonManager: Dave PhillipsVCasuarina Beach: 1. Dan Chugg, 2. Jem McDonald, 3. Max Graham, 4. Dan Raye, 5. Elisio Tagidrau, 6. Jock Capel, 7. Callum O'Shea, 8. Mitch Planten, 9. Jacob Hall, 10. Sam Harrison, 11. Charlie Hoggard, 12. Webb Lillis, 13. Vitori Buatave, 14. Kai George, 15. Sam GrayCoach: Graham DodgeManager: Stephen LowndesReferee: Richard Goswell Lismore: 1. Mitchell Bird, 2. Daniel Cheung, 3. Gavin Tulk, 4. Tyler Coveney, 5. Sam Cook, 6. Ryan Wolton, 7. Cameron Bryant (c), 8. Xavier Sapolo, 9. Scott Lancaster, 10. Cody Johnston, 11. Mathew Buinsaqa, 12. Adam Rodd, 13. Julian Thompson, 14. Jake Henry, 15. Perry DalyCoach: Ron Cox / Cody JohnstonManager: Lewis IrelandVBallina: 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. Mark Pitt, 10. Sam Giltrap, 11. Reuben Saric, 12. Ant Lolohea, 13. Semeli Salabogi, 14. Emori Rairailevu, 15. Letty DrugutanalevuCoach: Chris HickeyManager: Brad HilyardReferee: Graham Cook Lennox Head - Bye 

Northern NSW Football signs MoU with Heartbeat of Football Northern NSW Football is delighted to announce it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Heartbeat of Football.Media personality and football enthusiast Andy Paschalidis established Heartbeat of Football in early 2016 as a direct result of cardiac arrest events on the football pitch.Heartbeat of Football, a not-for-profit organisation, promotes healthy hearts in sport via:- Awareness and education (player, participant and community programs)- Prevention (minimisation of health risks through simple screening checks)- Action (‘Rescue-ready’ defibrillators at all sporting fields around the country)The purpose of the partnership is to reduce the incidence of unnecessary deaths while playing football through raising heart health awareness across NNSWF communities and stakeholders to help ensure a safe environment for participants.NNSWF CEO David Eland said it was important to increase community education around CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators. “We look forward to working together with Heartbeat of Football on some exciting initiatives and campaigns,” Eland said.“We want to encourage adult community members to conduct heart health checks and encourage football clubs to have operational defibrillators available and accessible for use during football activities. We have tens of thousands of participants that take to the field every week. So it is essential that our football community understands the issue and can take preventative actions to protect themselves and their families. What Andy and Heartbeat of football have achieved has been fantastic. We are proud of this partnership and I look forward to seeing how it can help our football community over the next few years.”Paschalidis, Heartbeat of Football founder and CEO, said: “This partnership with NNSWF is important as it further supports our objective of reaching more people and establishing a national footprint. A big thanks to David and the NNSWF team for their commitment to HOF and to their whole football community – truly lifesaving!”“The impact of the floods on football and the wider community is devastating and our donation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to those clubs most affected by these, is our way of giving back to the football family.The AED donation was made possible by the generosity of Tim Cahill, HOF Global Ambassador, who wanted to do something to support football across the region – he said it was a “no-brainer” and hoped it made a difference to those clubs and communities impacted by the floods”Paschalidis was at Lismore on Friday, along with Chris Cahill (Tim’s brother), to present defibrillators to five clubs from the Football Far North Coast region to help launch the partnership.The clubs included Lismore Thistles SC, Lismore Workers FC, South Lismore FC, Uki Pythons and Woodburn Wolves FC.NNSWF also funded one of the defibrillators to help ensure all defibrillators lost during the devastating floods earlier this year were replaced as part of its Flood Recovery initiative.Socceroos legend Tim Cahill also sent a video message of support to the clubs.https://heartbeatoffootball.com.au/

Dry weather and cloudless skies are exactly what Football Far North Coast Club have been praying for leading into the weekend round of matches.The Men's Premier League Competition will see South Lismore FC travel to Wherrett Park in Maclean to take on the Bobcats at 7:30pm on Friday night.Alstonville FC will host Richmond Rovers FC at Crawford Park at 8:00pm also on Friday.Saturday afternoon has Lismore Thistles travelling to the Byron Bay recreation Fields to take on the home side at 3:00pm.The Goonellabah Hornets also head east to play Bangalow at Jeff Schneider Field and Lennox Head travel across to Pine Avenue Field to clash with Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley FC.With just two points separating to top four teams in the competition, points are at a premium with Byron Bay sitting on top with 21 points and having played 10 matches, closely followed by Alstonville on 20 points from 9 matches and Rovers and South Lismore both on 19 points from 8 competition matches.

Five months ago, the ‘1 in 1000-year flood’ decimated Lismore followed four weeks later by a regular flood.Albert Park Baseball complex on the banks of the Wilson River experienced more damage than most sporting fields and facilities in Lismore. Not one game of baseball has been played there since the season finished early last year because of Covid restrictions. The association was optimistic that we would be able to put together a revised season, but the devastation to the infrastructure has been great.So, the fact that the FNC U/18 team were able to compete last weekend in the Country Baseball Championships in Tamworth shows you the commitment of the players and coaches. The preparation of this team has not been ‘normal’ but nothing is anymore, the whole town has learnt to adapt and be resourceful. These players trained at Hepburn Park in Goonellabah, threw balls in the car park at Albert Park, practiced hitting in the cricket nets.The FNC U/18 Baseball Team that contested the NSW Country Championships in Tamworth recently. Photo: Craig SchiebelIt was no wonder our first game against Tamworth was a blowout on the Saturday. 24-6 In that game it was tough going for the pitchers, 16 walks and 4 batters got on base hit by pitched ball. Tully Magnay hit a double to left field, the Lachlan’s – O’Sullivan and Coe both hit singles and Josie and Emily Warren from Coffs Harbour also had singles.A much better game against Newcastle. Riley Cooper hit a single at his first at bat, Sam Davis smacked the ball to centre for a double a ball never sounded so good off the bat. Emily Warren came onto pitch in the third and got the innings done with the support of her fielders in 4 pitches. She struck out the last 2 batters in the fourth. FNC went down 4-2.Sunday was another close game against Illawarra, who went onto win the Country Championships. We were down 1-8 in the bottom of the fourth, tight pitching from Jake Connelly no runs scored, kept us in the game. Illawarra walked 4 and 2 singles from Hamish Weekes and an RBI from Lachlan Coe nearly got us the win, we went down 8-6.Our fourth game, saw FNC with 9 hits, singles from Riley Cooper, Louis Sivewright, Tully Magnay, Jake Connolly, Alex Poole, and Hamish Weekes had two singles and a double. Solid pitching from Hamish and Tully and only 2 errors in the field FNC had their first win 12-8.Coaching staff Karina Connors, Jake Muscat and Jack Jefferies should be very happy with their team’s performance. Six of the players are still playing u/16s it is only Lachlan Coe that will be too old next year. Imagine what this team will be able to do after a regular season.

Wet weather and Splendour in the Grass saw very little action in Far North Coast Rugby Union across the weekend.Lismore First Grade enjoyed the full competition bye for Splendour in the Grass and the Reserve Grade and Colts sides had their matches postponed due to the ground conditions in Lennox Head.Next Saturday the club will have all four grades engaged, with First Grade taking on Ballina in a match that could easily see the home side take the points on current form.After pushing Bangalow and Wollongbar in previous matches, the Ron Cox coached side will be looking to convert their opportunities and take a win over the Seahorses.Reserve Grade and Women's 10's take on Evans River and the the Colts travel to Byron Bay to take on Wollongbar.FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNIONSplendour Round Results 23rd July 2022  First GradeGeneral ByePoint Score – Wollongbar 34, Bangalow 34, Lennox Head 27, Casuarina 26, Ballina 19, Byron Bay 17, Lismore 4 2nd DivisionRichmond Range 31 d Casino 14Ballina 26 d Evans River 12Casuarina 59 d Kyogle 0Wollongbar 31 d Yamba 29Lennox v Lismore - Match Postponed Point Score – Casuarina 44, Ballina 40, Evans River 37, Richmond Range 35, Mullumbimby 34, Lennox Head 34, Wollongbar 34, Yamba 24, Casino 11, Kyogle 8, Lismore 6 Women's 10'sBallina 37 d Evans River 7Richmond Range 30 d Casuarina 0 Point Score – Casuarina 36, Richmond Range 31, Lismore 24, Ballina 6, Evans River 2 Under 18'sCasuarina 17 d Casino/Evans 0Lennox Head v Lismore - Match Postponed Point Score – Lennox Head 35, Lismore 26, Casuarina 26, Wollongbar 13, Casino/Evans 0Next Week's Matches - 30th July1st GradeBangalow v CasuarinaByron Bay v WollongbarLismore v BallinaLennox Head - Bye2nd DivisionLismore v Evans RiverWollongbar v Richmond Range @ Byron BayYamba v Lennox HeadCasino v KyogleMullumbimby v CasuarinaBallina - Bye Women's 10'sLismore v Evans RiverBallina v Richmond RangeCasuarina - Bye Under 18's ColtsWollongbar v Lismore @ Byron BayCasuarina v Lennox HeadCasino/Evans - Bye

The Sunshine Basketball Conference is set to tip off on Saturday 30 July for the 2022 season.Like most sporting competitions, the Sunshine Conference has been cancelled during 2020 and 2021 at various times due to COVID.However the 2022 version is ready to hit the courts and it will be the biggest year in the competitions history.The Coffs Harbour Suns will enter the competition for the first time after Bellingen Valley Braves joined several years ago.The Women's Competition will tip off with Byron Bay hosting the Ballina Breakers at 11am next Saturday (30 July) at the Cavanbah Centre, Ewingsdale.The ladies will see teams from Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Bellingen and Coffs Harbour contest over 20 matches between July and the Final Series in November.The Men's Competition will commence with the Byron Bay Beez hosting Ballina at 2pm, before the Lismore Storm start their season with a home clash against the Grafton Vikings, tipping off at 6pm.The Men's Competition will see these four teams joined by Bellingen and Coffs Harbour to make a strong northern New South Wales competition for senior basketball.