Stephen Hughes was carving up defences for Lismore Rugby Club in the early part of the 21st century. He was known for his defence but his incisive attacking was a sight to see.

"It is Hughes' finest season in first grade and he must now be the zone's best inside centre," Steve Spinks wrote in the Star in June 2006. His coach Nigel Marshall added: "He's playing a step above what he has been in the past. He's always wanted to be in the centres, but he's never really got the chance. For a guy his size he takes the hits well."

Hughes returned to Lismore Rugby Club this season and asked if he could play Reserve Grade as the love of the game had never died.

However injuries meant First Grade coach Ray Taylor had to ask if he would play in First Grade and Taylor cannot be more delighted. He was named players' player in the 85-0 defeat to Lennox Head yesterday afternoon.

"Stephen Hughes talks to the younger players and he has plenty of ticker which is an example to them," said Taylor.

"It is great that he is out there when we have so many out in the backline."

Taylor said it was a masterclass from Lennox Head's No. 10 Berrick Barnes, the former Wallaby and former Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs player.

"We were shown how to play by Berrick Barnes. It was pretty amazing to see," said Taylor.

"The amount of work that he must be put in to be able to play like that should be an example to everyone."

Lismore Rugby Club lost Jake Lennon from the First Grade side on the morning of the match and Reserve Grade, who also lost players on the morning of the match, finished with only 13 players on the field.

"Lennox Head had fresh reserves on the bench and they were from the Ballina Rugby League Club (2019 Premiers). You can't compete with that," said Taylor.

Lismore's Willie Fairweather answered the call for troops but again hurt his ankle, which has kept him out recently.

Lismore Rugby Club travel to Casino, next Saturday and welcome back flanker Tyler Coveney and captain Brendan Williams has to decide whether to play after suffering concession two weeks ago.

"We are both in the same boat. Everyone needs to turn up for training and work hard this week," said Taylor.

In a major result, Casuarina Beach Rugby Club defeated Wollongbar Alstonville 24-17 in the Grand Final rematch thriller. Wollongbar Alstonville led 17-0 at half-time. Three clubs are tied in first place on the ladder - Ballina, Wollongbar Alstonville and Lennox Head

Coopers Far North Coast Rugby Union Competition Round 5

First Grade

Lennox Head 85 (40) Tasman De Groot 3, Zac Beecher 2, Zak Condon 2, Berrick Barnes, John Young, Kurt Orlanno, Martin McNamara, Kel Sheather, Matt Liddle tries, Berrick Barnes 8, Kel Sheather, Brad Lees conversions) d Lismore 0

Lismore 0

Ballina 41 (14) Nick Watson 2, Samisoni Yamai 2, Brad Brown, Ant Lolohea tries, Sam Giltrap 4 conversions, penalty goal

Bangalow 13 (13) Daniel Proudman try, Blake Neilsen conversion, 2 penalty goals

Casuarina 24 (0) Penalty Try, Vitori Buatava, Trent Ryan tries, Vitori Buatava 2 conversions, penalty goal

Wollongbar 17 (17) Bill Johnston, Sam Kerry, Louis Hollman tries, Sam Kerry Conversion

Grafton 38 (14) Jack Anderson, James Hughes, Rob Hill, Kyle Hancock, Adam Smidt, Timothy Rigg tries, Kyle Hancock 4 conversions

Casino 19 (7) Corey Townsend, Josefa Lalabalavu, Bryce Spencer tries, Stephen Murchie 2 conversions

Points Score – Ballina 21, Wollongbar Alstonville 21, Lennox 21, Casuarina 17, Bangalow 15, Grafton 7, Casino 1, Lismore 0

Reserve Grade

Lennox Head 100 Lismore 0

Casuarina 24 Wollongbar Alstonville 19

Ballina 30 Mullumbimby 0

Grafton 26 Casino 24

Under 18's

Mullumbimby 17 Ballina 7

Casino 46 Kyogle 19

Women's

Ballina 29 Wollongbar 7

Lennox Head 27 Lismore 5

Casino 10 Evans River 5

Presidents Cup

Byron Bay 41 Southern Cross University 14

Iluka 27 Kyogle 12

Evans River 48 Tenterfield 5