Lismore's Cooper Williams will captain the NSW PSSA Boys Cricket team at the School Sports Australia 12 Years and Under Cricket Championships in Ballarat this week.Williams has been in great form in both junior and senior cricket locally, including an interdistrict century against Ballina recently.Cooper impressed in local, regional and state school trials which resulted in his selection in the NSW PSSA team adding the captaincy to his growing resume.The Championships commence on Saturday with the Opening Ceremony before the first ball being bowled on Sunday.The NSW side opens the tournament with T/20 matches against Victoria Blue and Victoria White.The competition then moves into 40 over a side games, with NSW taking on South Australia on Monday, Queensland on Tuesday, ACT on Wednesday and concluding the round matches on Thursday against Western Australia.Friday will see the final day playoffs, with Williams hoping that he will be leading NSW into the final.Cooper scored 81 in a huge partnership with father Troy who plundered 166 for Marist Brothers Third Grade in the 222 run win over Evans Head last Saturday.Photos by @dcsportsphotography

There were a number of interesting milestones in local and district cricket across the weekend.The LJ Hooker match between the Casino Cavaliers and Murwillumbah featured a father and daughter combination when Kyogle residents Derryn Nix and his daughter Ruby took the field for Murwillumbah as they tried to chase the Cavaliers total of 247.The generational milestones did not stop their with Goonellabah Workers Sports fielding three generations in Third Grade with Harry Brown taking to the field with his grandfather Warren and mum Mandy.Marist Brothers Troy Williams had the achievement of the weekend, amassing a phenomenal 166 in the Third Grade total of 6/332.Young Brothers bowler Zac Conte took an astonishing 7/21 in their win over Goonellabah Workers Sports in 4th Grade.Following the young bowler theme, Blake Collings took 5/23 in his 8 overs at Pottsville to help Northern Rivers overcome a talented Tweed District Sixers in the U14 InterDistrict competition.Lismore Workers (Maroon) Second Grade batsman Luke Davis smashed 94, with Justin Pearson hitting 87 off just 56 balls in their total of 7/275 on Saturday.

Football Far North Coast have their first Level 4 referee course (introductory course) locked in as plans are well advanced for season 2023.Date: Sunday 27th November 2022Time: 9am – 3:30pmVenue: Crawford Park Clubhouse (Alstonville FC) – Freeborn Place, AlstonvilleRegister here: https://education-ffa.sportingpulse.com/event.asp?ID=25836 There will be NO COST to participants (normally would be $120), (with inclusions being to receive a set of referee clothes, all course materials and registration as a match official for 2023). FFNC is meeting this cost that is paid to the State Federation and Football Australia. Remember also, that match officials get a modest payment for officiating, so there are plenty of incentives to get involved. General Manager Steve Mackney says that that TEN (10) people have registered thus far, which is encouraging, but many more match officials will be required for next season. A ‘Call to Arms’ has been put to clubs to encourage your members to register. It is about being part of collectively trying to find a solution to the perennial shortage of match officials. MORE representation is required from female candidates and people aged over 18 to become an active match official, but anyone who is aged at least 13 can become a referee. Mackney also says, ‘There are also too many locations within the zone that do not have a single match official, despite the player participation exceeding 7000 per season. The declining number of referees puts more demand on club volunteers and in a role that requires knowledge and support in how to officiate. There is much to be done!! We ask clubs to promote the 27th November course through socials, website, email, word-of-mouth and any other suitable platform and I appeal to the broader football community to recognise that referees typically come from existing players, coaches, parents and supporters." Full information about our next course can be found on the FFNC website here: https://footballfarnorthcoast.com.au/l4-referee-course-alstonville-271122/ Further courses have been confirmed for 2023, being January (school holidays) at Ballina, two courses in February (Goonellabah and Ewingsdale) and another course at Alstonville in March. The full details for these courses in 2023 will be provided in due course by FFNC. Email [email protected] if you have any questions or have contact details for anyone that is interested in attending the course on the 27th November 2022 or one of the courses in 2023.Football Far North Coast also extends an invitation for club delegates (or anyone really, even if you are not registered for this course) to also come along on the morning of Sunday 27th November and chat about ideas to evolve better outcomes for issues relevant to officiating. This will be a separate matter from the formal Level 4 course. Managing behaviour is also an ongoing conversation. Mackney says "people often make comment that ‘something has to be done’ to curb inappropriate behaviour and the abuse towards referees, or believe that they have the answers to resolving the shortage of match officials." An invitation exists to pick up the themes on Sunday 27th November, with more opportunities planned leading into 2023 to progress better outcomes for the game and to enhance the participation experience and for the game locally. The soccer chief concludes by saying, ‘We can no longer sit back and believe that this crisis (that is the dire exodus of match officials every year), will simply correct itself without intervention. As always, I invite feedback and input’.

The Lismore Storm Men's team have played out a nail biting elimination semi final against Coffs Harbour Suns in the Sunshine Conference on Saturday night.The teams came into the match with one win apiece in the regular season and it was always going to be a close encounter.The Suns got off to a flyer, leading 11-1 early before the Storm rallied to lead 24-20 at quarter time.A strong second quarter allowed the home side to stretch the margin out to nine at the main break, leading 43-34.Coffs Harbour came out strong in the third quarter, with both teams showing plenty of emotion with their season on the line.The Suns managed to narrow the margin by the end of the third quarter, with the Storm leading 58-56.Lismore held the advantage until the 6:30min mark in the final quarter, with the Suns hitting consecutive baskets to take a 71-67 lead.Both teams traded blows until Sam Mitchell added two points to see the Storm down 79-75 with 20 seconds to play.With Lismore in foul trouble the Suns added a free throw before Jacob Richardson sunk both his free throws to take it to 80-77.Kaleb Jeffery then had a last grasp chance to snatch a draw with 3.6 seconds left on the clock, but the shot rimmed out and the Storm's season was over.Discipline proved to be an issue for the Storm with a 26-13 foul count against them.Elwood Bird starred for the Storm and was the best player on court, finishing with 28 points, and Kaleb Jeffery added 12.The Suns finished with four players in double figures in a strong all around performance.In the earlier women's match Kiara Richardson top scored for the Storm with 18 points in the 78-57 loss to the strong Coffs Harbour side.Emily Simpson and Mikayla Greensill added 10 points each.A strong first quarter by the Storm had the Suns worried, but the depth of the Coffs side eventually prevailed across the four quarters.Ex University of Hawaii player Jessi Reeves top scored for the Suns with 22 points.The loss is not the end of the season for the Storm Women.In the other semi finals the Byron Bay Beez women defeated the Valley Braves 61-49 and will play the Lismore Storm next week in the Preliminary Final.In the men's competition, Byron Bay were too strong for the Valley Braves 89-67, with Byron moving through to the Grand Final and the Braves taking on the Coffs Harbour Suns in the Preliminary Final.

Goonellabah Workers Sports have taken the points against Alstonville in their LJ Hooker League clash at Hill Park Oval.Resuming at 2/61, chasing 141, Goonellabah lost early wickets, with Tom Standish (35) and Mark Denmeade (22) falling early after strong knocks last week.Nathan Bezrouchko (1), Kale Hare (4) and Kaleb Armstrong (9) all fell quickly to have GWS in trouble seven wickets down.But it was Brady Toniello's brilliant knock of 72 that allowed the visitors to pass the total, eventually reaching 171.Toniello was supported in the run chase by Damien Santin, who added 21 not out.The match continued with Alstonville reaching 1/93 before the match was concluded with no second innings result in sight.Josh Healy took the lone wicket, finishing with figures of 1/18 off six overs.Goonellabah Workers Sports will host Cudgen next week at Oakes Oval in what will be a tough match for both sides.

It is opposite ends of the spectrum for the two Lismore Hooker League teams on Saturday.Marist Brothers will be hoping for quick wickets against Tintenbar East Ballina at Oakes Oval and Goonellabah Workers Sports will not want any wickets to fall in their match against Alstonville.Marist Brothers resume their match defending a meagre total of 139 and have Tintenbar 3/97 and will be looking to opener Brendan Mitchell to add to his three wicket haul. With very little moisture in the pitch during the week, the home side will be looking to strike early before the batsman get set.Brothers bowlers Sam Gillett, Jordan Salkeld and Hamish Weekes will all need to be on the spot from their first spell.Goonellabah Workers Sports on the other hand will not want early wickets as they chase 141, set by Alstonville last Saturday at Hill Park Oval.GWS are currently 2/61 and will look to consolidate early, before chasing down the 80 runs required.The McLean brothers, Sam and Rory opened last week for GWS and unfortunately fell cheaply but the side is in a strong position.Both matches will start at 1:00pm.

Current V8 Dirt Modified National Champion Mark Robinson capped off a very successful return to racing at the Castrol EDGE Lismore Speedway on Saturday November 5th 2022, after the devastating floods earlier this year basically destroyed his home town of Lismore.The last time Robinson drove the Castrol EDGE, backed Troyer chassis was at the Australian Title in Brisbane at the Archerfield Speedway where on that occasion Mark picked up his fourth national title and in doing so he equaled his father Steve Robinson who also won 4 national championships himself before retiring from racing and handing over the ride to son Mark.The weekend wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Robinson racing team because at the practice night on the Friday they had a tail shaft failure in the car.But there was no way they were going to miss the Lord Mayors Cup as the call was made to Mark’s sister Fiona who lives in Brisbane to pick up some parts before coming down to Lismore on Saturday.As fate would have it Robbinson would start off pole in Heat 1 and he made the most of it by running away with the win.The second heat would see Mark starting from P4 and he wasted no time at all in getting past Brayd Stephenson on the outside and then Taylah Firth and setting his sights on Andrew Firth out in front.This was a great spectacle for the huge crowd in the stands as both Andrew and Mark raced side by side at times, but in the end Firth picked up the win with Robinson coming home in a very strong second place.With all the heats now complete it was time for the running of the 2022 Lord Mayors Cup over 30 laps.Due to his strong performances in the heats, Robinson would gain the upper hand by starting from the all important pole position and he made the most of it getting away to an early lead as the 21 car field raced hard behind him.With the race around mid distance a stoppage gave the field a chance to catch back up to Robinson again.The lights went green and off they went again and it was at this point in the race the second place driver at the time Seiton Young made his move getting pass Robinson down the back straight, but it did not take long for Ribinson to have the A1 back under Young coming out of turn four and setting his sights on the chequered flag.With only five laps remaining the yellow lights came on again as Grafton’s Josh Rose got caught up in an accident coming out of turn two.Back to the race and at the restart, it was Newcastle’s Scott Cannon hot on the rear bumper of the Robinson machine.Robinson, Cannon and Young all gave it their all to race to the top step of the podium.But in the end it was a fairy tale finish as Robinson crossed the finish line ahead of Cannon and Young.Sportsman driver Darryl Armfield drove a great race himself to finish in 12th place respectably and in doing so he picked up the win for the Sporty’s.The top ten result's in the A main event were rounded out by Josh Rose, Mitch Randall, Brent Hall, Brayd Stephenson, Blake Everleigh, Scott Quirk and Luke Dunn.Robinson was over come with emotion after the win saying this one is for “LISMORE, FOR EVERYONE WHO WENT THROUGH THE TERRIBLE FLOODS”.Mark then went on the thank the team and everyone that has helped them out over the last few months.This was a great home coming for Mark and the team and a huge lift of spirits for everyone who gave up there time to help get not only the Robinson’s back up and running but for Lismore in general.Heat Race Results:Heat 1. 1st Mark Robinson. 2nd Brent Hall. 3rd Riley Smith.Heat 2. 1st Seiton Young. 2nd Brayd Stephenson. 3rd Q51 Andrew Firth.Heat 3. 1st Shane Laurie. 2nd Scott Cannon. 3rd Blake Eveleigh.Heat 4. 1st Andrew Firth. 2nd Mark Robinson. 3rd Taylah Firth.Heat 5. 1st Joshua Rose. 2nd Seiton Young. 3rd Brendan Cherrie.Heat 6. 1st Mitch Randall. 2nd Blake Eveleigh. 3rd Luke Dunn.No B Main needed.A Main results.1st A1 Mark Robinson. 2nd N79 Scott Cannon. 3rd N42 Seiton Young. 4th N52 Joshua Rose. 5th Q91 Mitch Randall. 6th N8 Brent Hall. 7th N45 Brayd Stephenson. 8th N91 Blake Eveleigh. 9th N73 Scott Quirk. 10th N83 Luke Dunn. 11th Q15 Taylah Firth. 12th Darryl Armfield. 13th N88 Brock Armstrong. 14th N17 Riley Smith.DNF N39 Phil McNamara. N53 David McGregor. Q51 Andrew Firth. Q19 Brendan Cherrie. Q47 Hayden Crossley. Q69 Shane Laurie.Story: Shaq's Speedway Pics

The Lismore Storm Men's and Women's teams will contest the Sunshine Conference Semi Finals on Saturday.The Storm will host the Coffs Harbour Suns in both divisions in a big afternoon of basketball at the Keen Street stadium.The mens clash will be a close encounter with both teams finishing on 5 wins and 5 losses in the competition and they split their matches with a win each in the regular season. Interestingly, the teams both won their home matches and with the Storm hosting the knockout semi final, it may favour the team in blue and yellow.The Storm will look to the reliable Elwood Bird, Jordon Pethers and Kaleb Jeffery for the bulk of their scoring.In the Women's competition, the Suns finished the season undefeated and will clash with the Storm who finished second with a 4-4 record.In finishing second, the women will get a second chance if the result does not go their way on Saturday afternoon.Mikayla Greensill, Taya Cottee and Kiara Richardson have been the main scorers for the women's side who will need to be at the top of their game against the Suns.The women tip off at 4:00pm with the men taking the court at 6:00pm.In the other Sunshine Conference semi finals the Byron Bay Beez take on the (Bellinger) Valley Braves in Ballina.The men's match will start at 3:00pm with the top two sides in the competition clashing for a place in the Grand Final.The women will take to the court at 5:00pm in an elimination semi final.

Marist Brothers will need to fight hard next Saturday to secure first innings points against Tintenbar East Ballina at Oakes Oval.Brothers won the toss and elected to bat, with Cleaver brothers Brad and Matt opening the innings.Brad went early on 7, with Kevin Warid coming in at number three and adding 26. Pat Martin added a solid 36 before both he and Matt Cleaver (33) were dismissed.The Marist Brothers lower order failed to fire, bowled out for a total 139.Marist Brothers opener Matt Cleaver was solid at the top of the order against Tintenber East Ballina. Photo: Matt BarlowIn reply Tintenbar are 3/97 off 26 overs with Brendan Mitchell taking all 3 wickets for the hosts.Brothers will need quick wickets next Saturday to put pressure on their opposition early in the day.

Goonellabah Workers Sports allrounder Kale Hare has put his side in a commanding position after day one of their match against Alstonville.Goonellabah won the toss and sent Alstonville in to bat at Hill Park Oval, eventually bowling the home side out for 141 in 52 overs.GWS used a total of eight bowlers but it was Hare who proved difficult to get away for Alstonville taking 5/17 off 10 overs. Opener Damien Santin was the best of the other bowlers with 2/19 off 13 overs.In reply, Goonellabah are 2/61 from 28 overs after losing opening brothers Sam (7) and Rory (0) McLean early in the run chase.The match will conclude next Saturday, with GWS requiring 80 runs for first innings points.

Goonellabah Hornets have announced their Senior Men’s Premier Division coaching staff for the 2023 season.Head coach Paul Foster returns to the nest for the upcoming season with his coaching staff Matt Weir, the Championship squad head Coach, Clint Willoughby as Assistant Coach and Paul Hampson, Squad Manager.Local Legend Paul Foster returns to the local football scene following a successful professional career which includes coaching roles with the Australian Institute of Sport, the Young Socceroos and Joeys, as well as overseas roles as Head Coach of the Hong Kong Football Club and Hong Kong Football Association U23 Development Squad.Many of the players involved in the above squads have gone on to become both senior Socceroos, as well as Hong Kong international representatives.Foster stated "I have spent a large part of my professional coaching career teaching players how to both survive and thrive at the professional and international levels of the game. It is my overall intention to try to pass on the knowledge I have accumulated over the past 30+ years within the professional game to players and coaches in the local area. I have benefitted greatly from my involvement within the game, so if I can assist young local players with ambitions to play at a higher level I would like to do so.""I’m very happy to have settled my family back in the area permanently, and am looking forward to the challenge of leading the Hornets next season, and to be frank, I am curious to see how a full time professional training program might be adapted to the part-time amateur environment. I’m confident that with the coaching team the club have put in in place we have all the elements we need to get the team playing an exciting brand of football, and to begin the process of returning the Hornets to regular finals football.'Foster plays a face paced attacking style of football which is fluid in transition. This style of football is not only attractive to watch, its modern and aligns with the philosophy of today’s footballing heritage.Foster and his team are motivated to improve the standard of football in the local league both on and off the field. He wants to empower the squad to become the best they can be, reconnecting them with the values of the community and a strong work ethic towards training and team progression. With Paul’s appointment also comes the acquisition of a very experienced playing staff.Matt Weir has been with Goonellabah Soccer Club for many seasons in multiple roles both as a player and committee member and now takes the role as head coach of the Championship side. He aims to increase his own experience under the guidance of Paul and aide in the development of a unified senior squad. Clint Willoughby is taking the opportunity to once again work with Paul Foster, both who had success with the FFNC Suns U21 Team. Paul as head coach and Clint as an U21 player which lead him to a semi-professional contract in the QLD State League. Clint is looking forward to assisting Paul as head coach and learning the trade from a true professional with the possibility of leading to future coaching qualifications. Paul Hampson comes in as Squad Manager to share the wealth of knowledge made available in the coaching team. Hampson has been a local Premier Division player during the early stages of his career and most recently has been head coach of his son’s team, coaching an undefeated season. Hampson is kickstarting his career as a coach by learning from the best.New Club President Jarryd Wilson stated “The committee for the Goonellabah Hornets identified Foster as their no.1 signing for the year. The wealth of knowledge, drive and local history Foster has to offer aligns with the clubs vision with the goal of returning the club to top honours in the league. Everyone involved firmly believes there is no one better for the role for both the club and community”.Pre-season starts on the 10th of January, The Goonellabah Hornets encourages all players interested in learning, growing and succeeding under the tutelage of Foster to come including junior players.  

Marist Brothers and Goonellabah Workers Sports will both welcome back crucial players for their Round 2 matches this weekend.Marist Brothers will host Tintenbar East Ballina at Oakes Oval in a two day match.Brothers will welcome back veterans Brad Cleaver, Pat Martin and Ashley Simes to the squad after struggling through the T/20 series of matches and going down last week to Murwillumbah.All three inclusions will bolster the batting lineup for the Brethren who will be looking to post a win to kick start their season.Goonellabah Workers Sports will travel up to the plateau to take on Alstonville at Hill Park Oval. Alstonville defeated Pottsville last weekend in a tight match, with both sides coming off wins.Goonellabah will welcome back Tom Standish into the side which defeated Lennox Head last week by 93 runs.Both matches will start at 1:00pm and will conclude next Saturday.

The Italo Stars Football Club need your help.The club is in a dire situation and without much needed help, the club may fold.Stars recently held their Annual General Meeting and failed to fill the committee positions for the 2023 season.The clubhouse and facilities were completely destroyed in the February/March floods and the owners, the Marconi Club, from Sydney have so far left the venue abandoned.The facilities had only been reopened for three weeks prior to the flood after the Marconi Club reopened the venue.This leaves the club in limbo and is a major contributor to the lack of interest in filling board and volunteer positions.Stars Life Member and current Vice President Ben Perry said "The club is in discussions with another venue to host Italo Stars for the 2023 season and we hope to hear something positive in the near future.""It has been disappointing, as we have not received a lot of support from local authorities and organisations. The club is in its 56th year and things were looking really positive prior to the flood."Ben has been involved with the club for over 30 years and is passionate about its survival.The club fielded teams in both junior and senior competitions in 2022 and is looking to build on this moving forward.The club's Grade 14 team were Grand Finalists this year, going down narrowly to Goonellabah 1-0.A final attempt at an AGM will take place in November and the club is looking for committee members and volunteers as well as other support to assist the club return to its former glory.The club can be contacted via their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ItaloStarsFCLismore and more details regarding the AGM will be posted in coming days.Whether you can support the club as a volunteer, board member, coach, player or sponsor, Italo Stars would love to hear from you ASAP!

There will be a considerable amount of local interest in the inaugural "The Big Dance" which will be run at Randwick on Tuesday.The Big Dance is a concept developed by Racing NSW to be run on the first Tuesday of November each year.The race is a 1600m event for country cup grade horses that aims to give those in country and regional areas a local interest in a big race.It was decided that the winners and second placegetters of 25 designated country cups races would qualify and the final field has been assembled.The qualifying process started on October 31 last year and culminates at 2:20pm on Tuesday, 40 minutes prior to the Melbourne Cup.The Lismore Cup was included in the qualification process, but was washed out, so was moved to Grafton a week later, with Spanish Point taking the honours.Spanish Point, trained by Kris Lees, has made the final field and will jump from barrier 8 and is currently a 150/1 chance. Spanish Point will be ridden by Port Macquarie jockey Andrew Adkins.The horse drops 6kg from its Lismore Cup win and will carry 52kg.Other local cup winners in the field include the Murwillumbah Cup winner Impasse, trained by the popular Matt Dunn, Ballina Cup winner Kedah and South Grafton Cup winner Surf Dancer.The favourite for the race is Coffs Harbour Cup winner Hosier, trained by Kris Lees and will be ridden by international superstar Frankie Dettori.

The Marist Brothers Rams have announced their First Grade coaching group for the 2023 NRRRL season.First Grade will be coached by Matt Barber who returns to the club and will be assisted by Mark Bellman, Joel Jensen and Mick Davis.Barber returns to the club with a mindset of unfinished business. Being involved in many premiership winning teams, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about rugby league and what it takes to be at the top of the game.Matt is looking forward to coaching the club to bring success both on and off the field, not just in player skill but instilling good work ethics and morale back into the club and each individual player. He looks also to ensuring each player has purpose and encourages speaking out and working on players mental health as well as being connected members of the Lismore community, helping the club community where possible.Mark brings a professional approach to the club along with a strong work ethic. He was involved with the club through a strong reserve grade and had great success along with great respect from the playing group. Mark has been around the footy scene since he was a child, either as a player or coaching/management position. As a local business owner, Mark understands what it takes to be successful and how to get the best out of people around him.Joel Jensen is well known in the community. Joel is the guy who is always there and willing to help others in the community and asks of nothing in return. When you talk of work ethic Joel Jensen is the first person that comes to mind. Jensen has been a lifelong player at Marist Brothers and would always lead by example. Joel will bring his morale and leadership for the younger players, a sound ear for the senior players and social side that everyone will enjoy.Mick Davis is one the biggest signings this club could target. His knowledge for the game is second to none. Having played at the highest level for the former Gold Coast Seagulls and having been coached by Wally Lewis, he knows what it takes to be successful. Davis’ eye for detail is uncanny and he takes the time to work with players one on one to get the best out them. He can read an oppositions attack and is always talking to coach’s and players about little things he sees in games.The club and it's supporters are looking forward to seeing what this amazing team can do with the senior players in the 2023 season.The Rams Reserve Grade, U/18 and Ramettes Ladies League Tag coaches will be announced in coming weeks.

Goonellabah Workers Sports have dominated their match against Lennox Head in the LJ Hooker League on Saturday.Goonellabah won the toss and elected to bat, posting 7/216 off their 40 overs.Opener Sam McLean fell agonisingly close to a milestone, falling for 49. Alec Watson top scored with 67 coming in at number six and Brady Toniello added 21 in the closing overs.GWS then put the pressure on Lennox Head with the ball, taking consistent wickets, eventually bowling them out for 123 in the final over of the match.Josh Healy claimed 2/18 off five overs, Kale Hare 2/14 off six overs and Sam McLean completed a strong match, taking 3/26 off eight overs to complete the 93 run victory.Goonellabah will travel to Alstonville next week in Round 2.

Marist Brothers batsman Kevin Warid has scored his maiden LJ Hooker century against Murwillumbah on Saturday.In a match reduced from a two day to a one day, 40 over s side match, Warid was the shining light for Brothers.Murwillumbah won the toss and elected to bat, posting a handy total of 4/247 off their allotted 40 overs.The wickets were shared between Hamish Weekes, Sam Gillett, Tom Parsons and Israr Mabood all taking one wicket each.Mabood and Waris opened the Brothers innings, with Mabood being dismissed early for 10.It was from here Warid took hold, finishing the innings at 108 not out, with three 6's and nine 4's off just 106 balls.Joe Allan provided strong support with 34, but it was not enough for Brothers who could post 220, falling 27 runs shy of Murwillumbah's total.Marist Brothers will host Tintenbar East Ballina next Saturday at Oakes Oval in Round 2.

A big weekend of basketball awaits the Lismore Basketball Association representative teams.The association will host the final round of the U/14 North Coast Shield on Saturday with games starting at 8:30am.Teams from Lismore, Byron Bay, Ballina, Yamba, Murwillumbah and Grafton will clash for finals spots at the Keen Street Stadium.This will be followed on Sunday with the U/18 Boys teams travelling to Byron Bay for their last round of NCS. The Lismore sides currently sit in second and fourth position in a tightly contested ladder. Both the Gold and Blue teams will need to win to ensure they play finals in 2022.On Sunday the Lismore stadium will host the final round of the Men's and Women's Sunshine Conference matches with the Lismore Storm taking on Byron Bay.The women will tip off at 11:00am and the men will take the court at 1:00pm in two crucial clashes.Lismore are currently in second position in the women's competition and will need to win to ensure they stay in second spot behind the strong Coffs Harbour outfit. The side will be led by Kiara Richardson who has had another strong season for the Storm.The men sit in third place and will need to win to put pressure on the second placed Bellinger Valley Braves, however the clash will be a close encounter with Byron bay currently on top of the ladder with two matches remaining.The Storm will look to Jordon Pethers, Elwood Bird and Kaleb Jeffrey to stretch the strong Beez outfit.

Eight months on from the most devastating floods in the regions history and our sport and recreation environment has changed dramatically.Whether it is venues under repair, closures or major adjustments to what was "normal", our local sporting landscape has changed.Recreational pursuits such as Lismore Tenpin Bowling has shut down and Rollerworld Lismore is still undergoing repairs and will hope to open in the near future.The Lismore PCYC is currently under heavy construction and will open bigger and better than ever, with tradesman working around the clock to bring back the gym, boxing area, gymnastics and other spaces for the various user groups.The Lismore Greyhound track has closed and the Cinema's will return, but an opening date is still to be confirmed.Baseball and Softball is slowly returning, with both associations and the Lismore City Council working to bring the international standard facility back to its former glory.The FNC Softball summer competition is currently underway.Across the road, the Lismore Basketball Stadium has had struggles with their wooden flooring after the excessive moisture under the building. The hard working committee and volunteers have been able to keep on top of the issues and continue to offer plenty of competitions.The Lismore Netball Association is functioning, but has endured long delays to electricity supplies, toilet facilities and clubhouse repairs.The Lismore Memorial Baths are under repair, which has forced the Lismore Workers Swim Club to relocate to the SCU Pool until later in 2023 and the Trinity Swimming Club was forced to close after floodwaters ruined the facility.Local soccer clubs have also been impacted, with the clubhouses of Italo Stars, South Lismore, Workers Club, Thistles and Rovers all being impacted to some degree.Richmond Rovers were able to return relatively quickly and Lismore Thistles rallied as a club to finish off the season back at their East Lismore base.South Lismore rallied to win the Men's Premier League Competition, but clubs such as Italo Stars and Workers Club continue to look for further support and assistance as they struggle to resurrect clubs and clubhouses. Plenty of support is needed across the football community.The Northern Rivers Football Academy was forced to relocate to Lennox Head from East Lismore after the facility was used as a defence force base and then more recently as a home to housing pods.Add to this list, the delays in repairs and construction at Oakes and Crozier Oval, club cricket nets and the loss of equipment and training facilities for Marist Brothers Rugby League and the Lismore Rugby Club.These organisations and businesses are just a few of the many impacted by the devastation eight months ago, but there is plenty of positivity and resilience amongst the sporting community of Lismore and surrounds. We will return!