There will be plenty of thrilling encounters in Round 3 of the Football Far North Coast Premier League competitions.In the Men's competition, South Lismore will travel to Alstonville to take on Villa at Crawford Park at 3pm on Saturday.Both teams will be fresh after the Celtics had the bye in Round 1 and Villa the Bye in Round 2. The competition did not play over the Easter weekend.The Celtics are coming off a 4-0 victory over Lennox Head in their last match, two weeks ago and Villa went down to Bangalow in Round 1 6-1.In Saturday's other match, the Goonellabah will host Maclean in a winnable match for the Hornets. Goonellabah have a victory over Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley and a 0-0 draw with Richmond Rovers in their first two matches of the season and have shown the new coaching staff that they have what it takes to match it with anyone this season.In a preview of next weeks Anzac Day Cup Final, Richmond Rovers and Bangalow meet on Sunday in Bangalow in what should be a thrilling encounter.Both sides are stacked with talent and will be looking to get the upper hand leading into next weeks decider.In Women's Premier League/League 2 on Sunday, Villa host Maclean at Crawford Park and Bangalow and Shores United will clash in Bangalow.Villa are coming off a 1-1 draw with rivals Lennox Head prior to Easter and will be looking to add to their 5-1 victory over Bangalow in Round 1.The other clash on Sunday is between Richmond Rovers and Goonellabah which kicks off at 12:30pm at Weston Park.The teams have contrasting starts to the season, with Rovers scoring victories over Alstonville 2 and Dunoon United in the first two rounds.The Hornets have had a tough start to the season going down to Dunoon United and Ballina. The Goonellabah side will look for a spirited effort against their cross town rivals in what should be a free flowing contest.

The Far North Coast Rugby Union Competition kicks off on Saturday, with the Lismore Rugby Club heading east to take on the Wollongbar Alstonville Pioneers.With a new look team, the Lismore side will be looking to get their season off to a strong start after a lean couple of years.The club has grown significantly in numbers and has had success in Colts and Women's Competitions, but First and Second Grade have struggled in recent seasons.They will take on a Pioneers side with plenty of familiar faces and plenty of success of late.Lismore have named a young side, with Kane Lawson at prop who comes across from Casino, Tate Bailey returns to the club and Tyler Coveney will captain the side.Club juniors, Charlie Clarke has been named at 10 with Gus Leju named on the wing.Former backrower Angus McDougall has been named at halfback for the clash.The First Grade competition has a different look in 2023, with Bangalow and Byron Bay amalgamating to form the Byron Shire Rebels, who will start their new chapter with an away game against Ballina.The Casino Bulls return to the First Grade competition and former powerhouse Lennox Head have dropped out of the top grade after struggling for numbers at the start of the season.FIRST GRADE TEAM LISTSROUND ONE 15th APRIL 2023FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNIONBallina: 1. Stan Lolohea, 2. Jack Reynolds, 3. Brett Johnston, 4. Steven Paskins, 5. Kye Cribb, 6. Harry Bungate (c), 7. Wilson Lovokuro, 8. Emosi Tabusili, 9. Mark Pitt, 10. Nick Watson, 11. Lachlan Johnson, 12. Anthony Lolohea (c), 13. Tupou Lolohea,14. Reuben Saric, 15. Cory SargentCoach: Karl Lupton Manager: Brad HilyardVByron Shire Rebels: 1. Jordan Elliott, 2. Gavin McGonagle (c), 3. Robert Taylor, 4. Will Aisake, 5. Robert Wightman, 6. Angus Wilbourne, 7. Darcy Woods, 8. Benji Clarke, 9. Otis Floyd, 10. Joseph Carey, 11. Sam Reid, 12. Sol Hyde, 13. Dominic Tydeman, 14. Ben Mitchell, 15. Will Latham (c)Coach: Troy Doughty, James BoysonsManager: Eddy BrownReferee: Louis TrisleyWollongbar Alstonville: 1. Cory Townsend, 2. Austin Markwort, 3. Benji Tiatia, 4. Matt Scott, 5. Ewen McQueen, 6. Tarj Bennett, 7. Brendan Williams, 8. Hamish Mould, 9. Louis Hollman, 10. Ben Damen (c), 11. Sam Kerry, 12. Dan Damen, 13. Rory Collings, 14. James Vidler, 15. Bodi SmithCoach: Bill JohnstonManager: Anthony DrewVLismore: 1. Kane Lawson, 2. Tate Bailey, 3. Jathan Von Bratt, 4. Mitchell Cox, 5. Mitchell Aquilina-Brown, 6. Calijah Craig, 7. Tyler Coveney (c), 8. Xavier Tiseni, 9. Angus McDougall, 10. Charlie Clarke, 11. Atticus Hanney, 12. Adam Rodd, 13. Mathew Buinisaqa, 14. Augustine Leju, 15. TBACoach: John JenkinsManager: Lewis IrelandReferee: Matt ClaytonCasuarina Beach: 1. Daniel Chugg, 2. Jem MacDonald, 3. Daniel Tilton, 4. Tom Tanner, 5. Mitch Planten, 6. Liam Marcus, 7. Zac Hanna, 8. Oliver Miller, 9. Oscar Sims, 10. Sam Harrison, 11. Lachlan Stacey, 12 Jarred Broadhurst, 13. Jesse Kemp, 14. Webb Lillis, 15. Jesse GreyCoach: Graham DodgeManager: Stephen LowndesVCasino: 1. Anthony Butta, 2. Ben Collison (c), 3. Nathan Davy, 4. Ethan Synott, 5. Cameron Davis, 6. Jack Campbell, 7. Joseph Brooks, 8. Lachlan Newman, 9. Zach Norris, 10. Bradon Gumbleton, 11. Kalen Olive, 12. Bryce Spencer, 13. Osea Baleiyasavu, 14. Jerome Sparke, 15. Jayden TorrensCoach: Doug MurrayManager: Andrew GulliverReferee: Richard Goswell

Plenty of spirit will be on show when the Anzac Day Cup and Callan McMillan Memorial Shield Finals are played across the weekend of 21-23 April.Football Far North Coast have released the Finals draw for all divisions of both competitions.The Finals will kick off on Friday 21 April with the Anzac Day Cup U/16's match between Alstonville FC and Bangalow SC at Crawford Park Alstonville at 6pm.The Open A's match between Ballina SC and Lismore Thistles SC will also be played on Friday, kicking off at 7pm in Ballina.Saturday will see the Men's Premier League Anzac Day Cup Final played in East Lismore, when Richmond Rovers host Bangalow for the first early season trophy. Sunday 23 April will be the culmination of the Callan McMillan Memorial Shield competition with Byron Bay FC hosting Alstonville FC in the Women's competition.Football Far North Coast General Manager, Steve Mackney is excited for the big weekend. "Congratulations to respective teams and clubs that will be represented in a Final and to each match official who will be appointed to a Final. Thanks to long term strategic partner Tursa Employment and Training for the continued support of community football. These Finals will be the culmination of the prestigious competitions, with the Anzac Day Cup (first contested in 1950 as the Anzac Cup) and the Callan McMillan Memorial Shield (first contested in 1978)." "Football Far North Coast makes it known that Far North Coast Legacy, has been invited to facilitate some fundraising, with Legacy wares and a ‘bucket collection’ at various Finals. Patrons will be invited to make a donation at the respective venues, to support Legacy." "Although circumstances prevent the scheduling of every final at a central location, we look forward to each of these competitions celebrating football across our community, after several challenging years. On behalf of the football community, we are proud to showcase football in a spirit of paying our respects to the women and men who gave selflessly of themselves through various wars, so that we may be able to now live in peace."Friday 21st April Anzac Day Cup 16’sAlstonville FC v Bangalow SCCrawford Park (CP1) Alstonville6pm Anzac Day Cup Open ABallina SC v Thistles SCSaunders Oval Ballina7pm Saturday 22nd April Anzac Day Cup Open BWoodburn Wolves FC v Kyogle FCWoodburn Oval 12.30pm Anzac Day Cup Open CLismore Richmond Rovers FC v Pottsville Beach FCBill Harris Field (E2) East Lismore12.30pm Anzac Day Cup Men’s Premier LeagueLismore Richmond Rovers FC v Bangalow SCBill Harris Field (E2) East Lismore2.30pm Sunday 23rd April Callan McMillan Memorial Shield“B” Division Byron Bay FC v Kyogle FCByron Bay Recreational Grounds (BB1)12.30pm Callan McMillan Memorial Shield“A” Division Byron Bay FC v Alstonville FCByron Bay Recreational Grounds (BB1)2.30pm 

As the FIFA Women's World Cup draws near, interest in the Football Far North Coast All-Girls Miniroos continues to grow with a 44 teams nominated for the 2023 season. Football Far North Coast have a plan to introduce the opportunity for the youngest girls (teams) to play on a Sunday morning (where reasonable), to align with the competition age girls (12’s to 16’s), who mainly play on a Sunday. The further logic is to manage the logistical issues of field availability, as it is already very difficult to schedule fixtures for a Saturday morning in many cases. The reason that girls (and senior female) football has been scheduled for a Friday night or Sunday (over many decades), is (on part) linked to increased female participation and the evidence is strong that many girls feel more comfortable participating in a female environment.It is recognised that scheduling every all-girls miniroos fixture for a Sunday may not always be realistic, however FFNC will formulate a schedule in 2023, based around this model. There may also be an opportunity for clubs to engage in ‘mini’ Gala mornings in some instances, to further create a connection between the youngest females at respective clubs. Several initiatives exist to promote female participation and FFNC highlight that female participation (all ages) in FFNC is approximately 32% of total player numbers and in this, the year of the Women’s World Cup, there is much to celebrate.With our nearest capital city, Brisbane hosting a number of matches in the World Cup, it is a great opportunity to see the greatest female players in the world on our doorstep.Seven matches will be played in Brisbane, with the first match between England and Haiti scheduled for Saturday 22 July.The Matildas play Nigeria on Thursday 27 July, with Brisbane also hosting finals action from Monday 7 August with a Quarter Final.The 2023 senior season continues this weekend, with juniors returning on the weekend of the 28/29/30 April and the exciting Miniroos competition commences on the weekend of 29/30 April.

The Marist Brothers Rams season has been unveiled with the release of the 2023 NRRRL draw.Round 1 will kick off next weekend with the Rams hosting the Kyogle Turkeys at Oakes Oval on Sunday 16 April.The opening round clash will be the first time that the Lismore community and Rams fans can see ex-NRL star David Mead in action for Marist Brothers.Mead, who currently works for the Brisbane Broncos, has returned to the club he played his junior career with.The Rams will travel to Casino for their Round 2 clash with the Cougars a week later before a big clash with Ballina at Oakes Oval on Sunday 30 April.The clash will also double as the clubs Sponsors Day and always has plenty of feeling, with a rivalry that goes back several decades.On the line will be the Denis Meaney Trophy, named in honour of a clubman who made a significant contribution to both clubs.Meaney also played 41 games for Manly and 131 matches for Western Suburbs in the NRL competition in the 1950's and 60's.The Rams have also set aside a number of key dates on the calendar as they host several important days.Round 5, Sunday 14 May will be the clubs Ladies Day and Sunday 28 May is Juniors Day when the Rams host Tweed.Reggies Day will be held on the 18 June when Evans Head travel to Oakes Oval.A special day will be celebrated when Northern United and the Rams join together for NAIDOC Round on the 8 July.And to finish the "special" days on the calendar, the Rams Old Boys will be out in force on 6 August at Oakes Oval when the Rams host the Cougars.The Old Boys have a large membership base and the day brings a huge crowd to support the Rams.

Lismore's Grace Parsons has won the inaugural Queensland Cricket Pike-Maher Medal. The medal was awarded to Parsons for her efforts to assist the Lismore Community during last year's flooding events in northern NSW, especially in her home town.Parsons received the award at the annual Queensland Cricket Awards held on Saturday 1 April.Grace also took out the Queensland Fire Player of the Year Award in a huge night for the young cricketer.Parsons has had a strong season for the Queensland Fire and also plays with the Gold Coast Dolphins in the Queensland Premier League, playing her junior cricket with Marist Brothers.The success at the Queensland Fire comes off the back of a very successful Australian U/19 Crickets Championships for Parsons in 2022.Queensland Cricket recognised "The significant contribution of former Queensland and Australian players Kirsten Pike and Jimmy Maher to charities and community cricket has been recognised with the establishment of the Pike – Maher Community Medal." "The award recognises the Queensland male or female cricketer who played a major role in creating a positive difference in Queensland’s communities through charitable and community contributions."Queensland Cricket Chief Executive Officer Terry Svenson paid tribute to Maher and Pike for their contribution to cricket. “The Pike – Maher Community Medal is one we hope all of our players will aspire to win.  "Anyone who is privileged enough to don a Queensland or Brisbane Heat cap has a duty to leave the game in a better place than when they came into it, and this award recognises those players who go above and beyond to make a significant impact in the community.  "Kirsten and Jimmy are deserving to have this award named after them. “Kirsten Pike raises money each year for charities through her cycling trips across Australia and is a great example to our current players of utilising their platform to make a difference in the community.  “As a former Queensland captain, then Founder and Managing Director of the Bulls Masters, Jimmy Maher has dedicated much of his life to cricket.  "The Bulls Masters use their status as past legends of the game to grow cricket with a focus on regional Queensland, while raising money for local cricket associations.  “Both Kirsten and Jimmy have made outstanding contributions to cricket and our communities and are role models for anyone coming into our Queensland squads to look up to. “We’re looking to celebrating the achievements of our players, staff, volunteers, and clubs at our upcoming awards dinner.” And in an interesting addition to the new awards, local Jodie Purves was also recognised on the night with her own award.The Jodie Purves Trophy is a new award that has been created to recognise the best Queensland female performer across all formats to run alongside the Ian Healy Trophy as the best male player for the Queensland Bulls.The first ever recipient of the Jodie Purves Trophy was Laura Harris.  "The Jodie Purves Trophy sees player-voted points gained across Queensland Fire and Brisbane Heat performances in the WNCL and WBBL cumulated for an overall Player of the Year to complement the Queensland Fire Player of the Year and Player’s Player Awards."  "The award is named in recognition of former Queensland and Australian wicket-keeper Jodie Purves who captained Australia to two World Cup victories along with playing four Tests, 67 One Day Internationals and 37 T20 Internationals for her country. She was inducted into the Queensland Cricket Women’s Hall of Fame in 2020."

Local rugby union clubs had mixed results across the weekend in their last hit out before the 2023 Far North Coast Rugby Union Competition kicks off.On Friday night, the SCU Gold Rats took on Lennox Head at Maurie Ryan Oval in their second preseason match.The club has reformed and rejoined the FNC Rugby Union competition this season, entering the Presidents Cup grade and hoping to also register junior teams this year. In a tight battle, the Gold Rats managed to wrestle a close 21-15 victory over the Trojans who surprisingly have dropped out of the First Grade competition, after being a powerhouse club across many years.The Lismore Rugby Club headed south for a preseason hit out against the Grafton Redmen before starting the season in a fortnight.In a good hit out for the Greens, they eventually went down 36-5 in a physical clash. Joey Davis was the only Lismore player to cross the line but the coaching staff saw plenty of positive things to come out of the match and look forward to working towards the first competition match on Saturday 15 April.Lismore will travel to Wollongbar to take on the Pioneers which will be a good test of where the side, and club is going into the season, with the Pioneers being a force in recent years.

Round 2 of the Football Far North Coast Competition is underway this weekend and there are several interesting clashes.In Men's Premier League on Saturday, Byron Bay host Maclean and Bangalow will travel to Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley for their clash.South Lismore will play their first match of the 2023 season after receiving a bye in Round 1. The Celtics will travel to Lennox Head on Sunday for their clash at 2:30pm and will be looking for a win to start the year. The team will have a different look with previous coach Rick Austen stepping down and Mick Elliott taking the reins. Club veteran Murray Towner will not take the field for Souths this season after he made the move to Alstonville after the 2022 finals.In Women's Premier League matches on Sunday, Lennox Head play Alstonville in Lennox, which should be a spirited encounter, and Bangalow play host to Byron Bay in a local clash.In Men's Championship matches, Lismore Thistles travel to Mullumbimby to take on MBVFC looking for their second win of the season, after a 1-0 victory over Alstonville last weekend. Byron Bay will play Maclean also on Saturday.On Sunday, Nimbin Headers will play the Goonellabah Hornets at home and Casino will travel to Ballina for their clash.

The Grand Finals of the Lismore Touch Association were held this week, and what a great end to the season it was.In what seemed like a record, the Association only had one washout, a rare feat in recent years.The Grand Final night consisted of five matches to complete the season.The Open Mixed A Division was fought out between two old rivals, Rat Pack and C A Autos, with Rat Pack running out winners 5-3. The referees chose Ellie Stewart and Steve Brown as the Players of the Final. In the other mixed games, Catch Ball Not Feelings were on their game defeating the young Lanky Lads from Trinity 12-5, Untouched won over The Try Babies and NMNL were winners of Division 1B after A Touch of the Runs had to forfeit due to lack of available players.The Men’s Open game between The Young and Old and Design Spec went down to the wire in an amazing game, the scores were tied at 5-all at full time and the game went to a drop off. The game was played at a fast pace, was well refereed and eventually went down to three on three, before Design Spec scored to win the game. Many people on the sidelines it was one of the best games at the Lismore Touch Association in recent history. Referees chose Lachlan Brown as player of the match. The Association presented Club Award to John Love and Pauline Wagner for senior referees af the season. Gifts were also presented to non playing referees, Peter Wooldridge, Tony Cicchinelli, John Foster, Germaine Bradshaw, John Heaton, Jordan Weeks and Chris Bailey.John Heaton was recognised for his efforts refereeing with LTA over the past years as he retires.The Clae Webb Memorial Trophy for Representative Player of the Year was awarded to Natalia Hickling who played with South Queensland Sharks Mixed Open team that won at the NTL, and the Association is proud to call her a Lismore home grown player.Clae was a successful young representative player who sadly died whilst playing Rugby League. The Association also made special mention of Jan and Ken Jones for their continued sponsorship of this trophy and to Pam and Winston Taylor for their help in the canteen during the season, and to the small, but hard working committee for the successful year.

The Goonellabah Hornets have started their 2023 Football Far North Coast Men's Premier League season with a win.The Hornets hosted Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley at Weston Park on Saturday and came away with a convincing win.Harry Hampson scored three goals in an impressive display for the home side in the 4-2 victory.Oliver Ison was the other goal scorer, with Ziggy Whetstone scoring a double for MBVFC.The win impressed new coach group of Paul Foster, Clint Willoughby and Paul Hampson.In other Men's Premier League matches, Bangalow had a big win over Alstonville 6-1 and Lennox Head overcame Maclean 3-1.Richmond Rovers defeated Byron Bay in a strong showing to open the season.In Women's Premier League, Alstonville continued their strong form from the 2022 season with a 5-1 win over Bangalow and Lennox Head dominated Maclean 9-0.

The Goonellabah Workers Sports LJ Hooker League side are the 2022/23 champions after coming from behind to defeat Cudgen at Oakes Oval.Resuming on Sunday, 34 runs behind the Cudgen first innings total, the Goonellabah batting order worked hard to establish a solid and defendable total to give the bowling attack something to work with.It was the top order that managed to put together partnerships and establish what proved to be a winning total.Sam McLean (17) and Kaleb Armstrong (11) resumed on 0/4 and managed to put together solid start before Rory McLean came to the crease and added 36.Kale Hare was the hero with the bat in the second innings with 60 off just 65 balls including a well struck six.Alec Watson was able to add 16 at the tail to compile a total of 168, a lead of 140 off 45.3 overs.Josh Healy and Reece Gregor opened the bowling and struck early, taking regular wickets in the Cudgen top order.Gregor eventually finishing with 5/33 off 11.2 overs and Healy with 2/18 off 8 tight overs.Sam McLean took 2/39 and Damien Santin took the other wicket with 1/3 off 4 overs.Goonellabah bowled Cudgen out for 97 in the 37th over, completing a 43 run win and exacting revenge on last years result, when the team when down in the 2021/22 decider to Cudgen.The team has been a picture of consistency throughout the season and deserve the victory and the celebrations that lay ahead after only moving to the top league last season.Coach Graeme Armstrong has put together a strong side and worked hard for the success all season.

The Casino Cougars have taken out the Far North Coast Softball Association Grand Final at Albert Park.The Cougars took on the Rous Warriors in the Division 1 decider and both sides put on a great display of softball.The Casino side eventually ran out 13-5 winners.The team has been together for a number of years and their experience and representative talent showed in their 8 run victory.There was only one point separating the two sides at the end of the regular season, with the Rous Warriors taking out the Minor Premiership.The Division 2 Grand Final saw the Dodger Demons defeat the Workers Dales Turkeys 9-3.The Turkeys were the Minor Premiers in Division 2, with Dodgers Demons coming from 3rd place to take the title.It was a great day of softball to conclude the 2022/23 season which commenced in October as repairs to the Albert Park complex continued throughout the season.

An astonishing 20 wickets have fallen on Day 1 of the LJ Hooker League Grand Final between Goonellabah Workers Sports and Cudgen at Oakes Oval.The home side won the toss and elected to bat in humid conditions on Saturday.Cudgen opening bowler James Julius struck early, taking the three top order wickets of Rory McLean (0), Kaleb Armstrong (2) and Sam McLean (14), with Mark Denmeade (1) also falling in the opening overs.Captain Andrew Kemmis (18) and Kale Hare (38) managed to steady the flow of wickets, before Julius again struck with several wickets, finishing with 7/32 off 17 overs.Goonellabah were eventually all out for 95 in the 42nd over.Cudgen then started confidently, scoring quickly and pushing for hard to reach the small total, but Josh Healy had other ideas.Healy took the opening partnership with wickets in his third and fourth overs of the day.With storm clouds building and the humidity increasing, conditions began to fall into Goonellabah's hands, with wickets falling at a regular rate.Reece Gregor reaches his delivery stride in his opening over. Photo: Matt BarlowGoonellabah eventually claiming all of Cudgen's ten wickets in the 30th over, all out for 129, a lead to Cudgen of 34.Healy claimed the solid figures of 6/42 off 12.5 overs, Alec Watson took 3/25 off 6 overs and Reece Gregor 1/26 off 7 overs.Sam McLean and Kaleb Armstrong then strode to the crease for the second innings, with just 1.2 overs being bowled before rain stopped play with Goonellabah 0/4.Goonellabah will push hard to firstly reduce the deficit, and then look to post a competitive total to take their first title in the competition.Play resumes on Sunday morning at Oakes Oval in the LJ Hooker League Grand Final.

Albert Park will be the centre of plenty of action this weekend and throughout the winter.Far North Coast Softball will host their Grand Final Day on Saturday will several great clashes in store.The Division 2 decider will see Dodgers Demons play Lismore Workers Dales' Turkeys at 1:30pm.The Division 1 Grand Final will start at 3:30pm between the Rous Warriors and the Casino Cougars, with presentations to follow the match.In the last clash between the two rivals, the Warriors ran out 11-4 winners.In further action for Albert Park, Far North Coast Baseball have set a date for their competitions to resume in more than a year. The opening day for the 2023 season has been set for Saturday 29 April at Albert Park.This will be the first time the Association has been able to run competitions since the devastating floods in February and March 2022.The Albert Park complex was smashed during the freak weather event, with repairs and the replacement of equipment taking months.

Football returns this weekend as the Football Far North Coast competitions kick off across the region.Senior and Junior competitive competitions are all set to commence this weekend, with junior non-competitive matches to start after the school holidays.Men's Premier League take to the field on Saturday when Bangalow FC host Alstonville FC, in what will be an exciting encounter, with both sides also moving through to Round 6 of the Australia Cup.Both teams will be a force in this year's Men's Premier League after strong off season recruitment and good pre season form.The match will kick off at 3:00pm at Jeff Schneider Field in Bangalow.The Goonellabah Hornets will play host to Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley FC at Weston Park on Saturday at 3:00pm. The Hornets have been working hard in the off season and with a new coaching team, will look to strike early.Sunday will see Richmond Rovers travel to Byron Bay in what should be a close encounter starting at 2:30pm and Maclean will play host to Lennox Head. South Lismore have the Round 1 bye.In Men's Championship matches, Bangalow play MBVFC and Goonellabah host Richmond Rovers at 1:00pm on Saturday.On Sunday Byron Bay host Nimbin (12:30pm), Maclean take on Ballina (12:30pm) and Lismore Thistles play Alstonville at 2:30pm.Women's Premier League Football also commences this weekend with Sunday matches for Lennox Head who play Maclean, and Bangalow host Alstonville at 2:30pm.

Goonellabah Workers Sports will be out to exact revenge on Cudgen in the LJ Hooker League Grand Final this weekend.The two teams met in the decider in 2022 and Cudgen came out on top, in what was the first year in LJ Hooker League for the Goonellabah side.The 2022/23 season has been different, with GWS only losing the one match all season and taking out the Minor Premiership and Cudgen finishing in second spot on the ladder.When the two teams clashed in Round 3 in November, it was Goonellabah who came out on top with a 53 run victory, after a half century from young opener Rory McLean and a 7 wicket haul from Reece Gregor.Goonellabah have named a strong side for the decider, which will be led by Captain Andrew Kemmis.The team to contest the Grand Final is Andrew Kemmis (C), Brady Toniello, Kale Hare, Kale Armstrong, Damien Santin, Sam McLean, Mark Denmeade, Tom Standish, Reece Gregor, Nathan Bezrouchko, Alec Watson, Rory McLean, Josh Healy.Coach Graeme Armstrong will be looking for the same standards that have been a success for the side over the past two years and that is that every executes their plans with both bat and ball.The strength of the team is there depth and consistency, with every player contributing throughout the season.In a sign of the depth of the club, the Goonellabah Workers Sports First Grade side will also contest the LDCA Grand Final, when they travel to Casino for the decoder on Saturday.The Grand Final will commence at 11am at Oakes Oval and will conclude on Sunday.

The Lismore Kart Club is thrilled to announce the upcoming second round of the Kart Club Championships, which will take place on Sunday, March 26th.Kart racing enthusiasts from all over the region are eagerly looking forward to this action-packed day of racing, which promises to showcase some of the most skilled drivers in the area.As always, the event is open to the public, and the Lismore Kart Club invites everyone to bring along their families and friends to experience the thrill of high-speed racing up close.Whether you're a seasoned motorsports fan or a newcomer to the world of kart racing, there's sure to be plenty of excitement to keep you entertained throughout the day. In addition to the Kart Club Championships, this year's event will feature the grand opening of the Lismore Kart Club's Top Gear Cafe. The new cafe boasts a fresh and modern look, with comfortable seating and an updated menu that offers more options than ever before.Jarrad Shailes, the President of the Lismore Kart Club, expressed his excitement about the upgraded facility, stating that "the Top Gear Cafe will be an excellent addition to the event, offering a unique dining experience for all." With its prime location overlooking the track, the Top Gear Cafe is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal while watching some close racing. Whether you're a racing fan, a foodie, or just looking for a fun day out with family and friends, the Lismore Kart Club Championships Round 2 and Grand Opening of Top Gear Cafe is an event not to be missed. The Lismore Kart Club look forward to seeing you there!

The Football Far North Coast Anzac Day Cup competition will resume midweek after a number of matches were moved due to Australia Cup commitments.Three matches will be played on Tuesday 21 March as catch up games after a number of FFNC teams entered the nationwide Australia Cup competition.Alstonville FC and Bangalow FC have progressed to Round 6 of the Australia Cup competition and await news on their opponents in the next round.Tuesday night will see Richmond Rovers FC host South Lismore FC in East Lismore, with kick off set for 6:30pm.The match will be a replay of last seasons Grand Final and will give both teams a strong indication of where they sit leading into the FFNC Men's Premier League competition.Byron Bay FC will host Alstonville at 7:00pm in what should be a close encounter and Bangalow FC will travel across to the coast to play Lennox Head FC in their encounter also at 7:00pm.In addition to the Anzac Day Cup matches, the first two rounds of the competition draw have been released with nine teams contesting the Premier League.Round 1 will kick off on Saturday March 25, with Bangalow playing Alstonville and Goonellabah hosting Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley. Sunday will see Byron Bay host Rovers and Maclean host Lennox Head with South Lismore having the bye.

The SCU Gold Rats have had the perfect start to their resurrection in FNC Rugby Union.The Gold Rats hosted the Kyogle Cockies at Maurie Ryan Oval (Southern Cross University) in the first match the club has played since 2020.The trial match between the two clubs has a long tradition in the preseason, with the match alternating venues between the clubs since the late 1990's.In encouraging signs for the Rats, a good crowd was on hand to see the home side run out 39-5 winners in humid conditions.The team ran in an impressive six tries to one in the victory, which saw a host of new players make their debuts for the club.They were joined by club stalwarts, veteran Peter Murphy, Kirk Taylor-Brown, Pat Kelly, Pat Wilton and Mitch Bird.The club will join the Far North Coast competition at the commencement of the 2023 season which has it's traditional start after the Easter break.