The Lismore Rugby Club's Colts and Women's teams have progressed through to Preliminary Finals after victories on Saturday.Both sides contested Minor Semi Finals in Ballina, with the Women taking on Byron Shire and the Colts tackling Yamba.The Colts match started out a very even contest, with both sides working hard to find an advantage.Lismore held a slight 14-10 advantage at the halftime break, but fitness and experience allowed Lismore to score 3 second half tries to run away 31-17 victors.The Women had a similar story, leading by just 3 points at halftime, 10-7, but a strong second half, which resulted in 2 converted tries allowed the Green's to run away with the match 24-14.Both sides will travel to Ballina in two weeks time to contest the Preliminary Finals.FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNION MINOR SEMI FINAL RESULTS 7th SEPTEMBER 2024First GradeCasuarina Beach 31(Lachlan Stacey 2, Levi Dangerfield tries, Kai George 2 conversions, Kai Gerorge 3, Webb Lillis penalty goals) d Byron Shire 27(Angus Wilbourn, Olivers Shakeshaft, Ben Mitchell, Angus Wilbourn tries, Will Hawkins 2 conversions, penalty goal)Half Time: Casuarina 25 – Byron Shire 202nd GradeCasuarina Beach 17(Ben Kahika, Mariusz Werstak tries, Jacob Beck 2 conversions, penalty goal) d Byron Shire 15(Scott Gamble, Robin Trappe tries, Dave Eastwell conversion, Archie Snedden penalty goal)Half Time: Casuarina 10 – Byron Shire 5Women’sLismore 24(Laura Parsons, Kiara Jeffery, Lara De Jong, Jamie-Lee Farnham-Fry tries, Madison Coppola 2 conversions) d Byron Shire 14(Kari Massey, Sophie Massey tries, Kari Massey 2 conversions)Half Time: Lismore 10 – Byron Shire 7Under 18’sLismore 31(Hayden Sivewright 2, Harry Gillett, Jett Elmore, Lachlan Conlan tries, Flynn Lawrence-Daly 2, Eli McKie conversions) d Yamba 17(Zephyr Trotman, Beau Edwards tries, Maison Simmons 2 conversions, penalty goal)Half Time: Lismore 14 – Yamba 10MINOR SEMI FINALS Sunday 8th September 2024Albert Park, Casino1st GradeBallina: 1. Brett Johnston, 2. Nathan Groves, 3. Sam Pearce, 4. Gerald McLarnon, 5. Harry Bungate, 6. Reece Noble, 7. Andrew Burke, 8. Stan Lolohea, 9. Stephen Paskins, 10. Elliott Bryers, 11. Emori Rairailevu, 18. Anthony Lolohea, 13. Reuben Saric, 14. Tupou Lolohea, 15. Jack KindredCoach: Michial GreenhalghManager: Josh MagnusVCasino: 1. Angus Langfield, 2. Anthony Butta, 3. Nathan Davy, 4. Cory Townesend, 5. Cameron Davis (c), 6. Connor Frame, 7. Joseph Brooks, 8. Justin Zaiko, 9. Ben Collison, 10. Stephen Murchie, 11. Hakeem Torrens, 12. Bryce Spencer, 13. Sililo Stavenow, 14. Gaunavou Drugatanalevu, 15. Jayden TorrensCoach: Doug MurrayManager: Andrew GulliverReferee: Graham Cook Assistant Referees: Rob Walker & Matthew Clayton2nd GradeBallina: 1. Jai Harris, 2. Rory Bowen, 3. Jacob Carr, 4. Charlie Paskins, 5. Ihaka Savage, 6. Luke Kliese, 7. Bronson Purcell, 8. Jack Reynolds, 9. Andy Grono, 10. Nick Brydon, 11. Nathaniel Hooper, 12. Joel Staude, 13. Lachlan Johnson, 14. Cody Campbell, 15. Ben Robinson, 16. Paul Lynch, 17. Adam Thomas, 18. Lachlan Webb, 19. Kieran Patch, 20. Brad Grono, 21. Jai Armstrong, 22. Jacob BuckleyCoach: Ben MacDougall  Manager: Josh MagnusVKyogle: 1. Chris Doolan, 2. James Wilson, 3. Dylan Hill, 4. Ethan Skinner, 5. Corey Pearce, 24. Travis Hoffman, 7. Trent McNamara, 8. Lance McQueen (c), 9. Thomas Serone, 10. Blake Skinner, 11. James Smith, 12. Shaun Hoffman, 13. William Hannant, 25. Lacchlan Keyte, 15. Sam Nicholson, 16. Clayton Williams, 18. Jack Nicholson, 19. David Stephenson (vc), 20. TBA, 21. Billy Bugden, 22. Kale Nicholson, 23. Lachlan CrawterCoach: Mathew DuleyManager: Joe AllenReferee: Peter CampbellAssistant Referees: Rod McPhillips & Will Barnes

Viva Racing’s talented galloper Tribeca Star is in great order as he presses for a spot in this year’s Kosciuszko, the world’s richest race for country trained horses with $2 million in prizemoney.Tribeca Star won comprehensively first up at the Sunshine Coast last week with 60kgs on his back and ran home in 33.22, quickest last 600 meters of the day off a slow tempo. He also had plenty of fitness improvement to come and will peak for the Kosciusko at Randwick on Saturday 19 October. Tribeca Star has a terrific record of 4 wins from only 14 starts with 11 top 3 finishes. He was a strong winner of the Northern Rivers Country Championship heat earlier this year and is a horse on the up.The Matthew Dunn team have Tribeca Star in the best shape of his career and he looks really well placed in a Kosciusko. He will only carry 56kgs, excels in the 1200 -1300 meter distance range and handles rain affected tracks. Leading riders Nash Rawiller and Blake Shinn are candidates for the ride on Tribeca Star in the Kosciuszko. Horses for the race are decided by a Kosciuszko sweepstake with 14 ticket holders drawn on 11 September. Each winner then selects a NSW country horse to race in their ‘slot’ with prizemoney split between slot holder and owners. Tickets close on 9 September at a cost of $5 per ticket. Open for NSW residents only www.thekosciuszko.com.auThe Northern Rivers has it's largest contingent of key chances in this years race than ever before.In addition to Tribeca Star (Viva Racing -Matt Dunn, Murwillumbah), the region also had leading contenders Boom Torque (Matt Dunn, Murwillumbah), Tectonic Plate (Dan Bowen, Lismore), At Witz End (Dan Bowen, Lismore) and Far Too Easy (D McColm, Murwillumbah).Locally, Lismore Turf Club will host the Lismore Cup Prelude on Thursday 12 September before the biggest day on the local racing calendar, The Lismore Cup, which will be run on Friday 27 September, the first Friday Cup in history.

The Marist Brothers Rams and Northern United Dirawongs will both contest women's NRRRL Grand Finals on Sunday.The Marist Brothers Rams Ladies League Tag side will take on the Tweed Heads Seagulls at Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina at 9:00am on Sunday.The Ramettes defeated the Seagulls in the Major Semi Final two weeks ago 10-4 and will look to repeat the result and lift the Premiership Trophy again.The two sides were the two best sides all year, with Tweed taking the Minor Premiership by just two points over the Ramettes.The teams played each other once in the regular season, with a comprehensive 26-4 win to the Seagulls.The match promises to be an epic clash and well worth the price of admission!Northern United will contest the Women's Tackle Grand Final immediately after the Ladies League Tag match, when they clash with Bilambil in the decider.The Dirawongs defeated Bilambil in the Major Semi Final two weeks ago 28-20 and will look the repeat the effort.Northern United hold a 2-1 advantage over the Jets in their regular season clashes and will hope to make it a double for the Lismore Women and bring home the Premiership Trophy.The Women's Tackle Grand Final will kick off at 10:20am.

The Lismore Storm Men's and Women's team have notched a trifecta of wins in the Sunshine Conference in Round 2.The Storm Women took to the court for the first time against the Ballina Breakers and it was a tight contest for the entire match.The Ballina side were short on personnel, but it didn't stop them putting it to the experienced Storm side.The Storm led 18-10 at quarter time and extended the lead to 25-18 at the main break, before eventually running away with the match after Breakers foul trouble, 68-50.Emily Simpson top scored for the home side with 16, Makayla Greensill had 11 points and Eloise Bashforth finished with 10.The Men then took to the court, and again, the Breakers took it to the athletic Storm side, but the Homeside led 27-13 at quarter time.An ankle injury to Centre Zak Knight did not deter the Storm who continued to pile on the points, dominating the second quarter to lead 54-19 at the halftime break.A Breakers revival and experimentation with various combinations in the third quarter allowed the margin to narrow to 73-50 at the third quarter break before the Storm ran out winners 99-63.Jye Barlow lead the scoring with 25, Toby Barlow added 19 and Jordon Pethers and Kaleb Jeffery both scored 13.The Men then backed up on Sunday morning in Yamba to take on the young Trawlers.In a scrappy opening half, the Storm led narrowly 17-13 at quarter time and then 45-17 at the break.Too many scoring options for the Storm pushed the final score out to a 99-44 victory.Jye Barlow again top scored with 22, Kaleb Jeffery and Toby Barlow added 16 and Jordon Pethers (13pts) and Elwood Bird (12pts) also reached double figures in the big win.The Storm will host the Byron Bay Beez this Saturday afternoon, with the Women starting at 3:00pm and the Men at 5:00pm.Both sides will be looking for another win, with the Men being with a number of key players for the clash with 2023 Grand Finalists.

The Lismore Colts and Women's Rugby teams will contest Semi Finals this weekend on the quest for a major premiership.The Colts finished third on the FNC Rugby Union ladder and will take on Yamba in the Minor Semi Final at Quays Reserve on Saturday.Win and they move through to the Preliminary Final next weekend, lose and their season is over.The side has had plenty of experience this year, playing not only their Colts matches, but backing up most weekends to help the senior grades.The match will kick off at 11:30am.The Women's side also finished third, just one point out of second place and a second chance.They will clash with the Byron Shire Rebels, also in a sudden death Minor Semi Final.The winner will play the loser of the Major Semi Final between Casino and Casuarina next Saturday.The Women's match will also be played in Ballina and will kick off at 2:20pm.

Marist Brothers Junior Rugby League Club will host a huge day of Junior Grand Finals on Saturday.The big day will be held at Crozier Field from 9am and the host club will play a large part in four of the matches.The Rams will kick start the day in the U/15 Girls Tackle Grand Final at 9:00am when they play the Casino RSM Cougars.This will be followed by the U/12's playing the Clarence Coast Magpies in their decider at 11:00am. The 12's are looking to go back to back premiers after taking the title last year.The U/13's will play the South Grafton Rebels straight after at 12:00pm and the U/15's will round out the Rams playing commitments at 2:00pm when they look to finish the day on a positive for the Rams when they clash with the Ballina Seagulls.Other Grand Finals to be played on the day include the U/17 Girls at 10am between the Casino RSM Cougars and South Grafton, the U/14 at 1:00pm will see Casino RSM Cougars take on the Grafton Ghosts and the U/16 will finish off the day at 3pm between the Kyogle Turkeys and Casino RSM Cougars.It is also a massive day for the club's volunteers and committee, hosting over 300 players, coaches and officials over 7 hours of competition time.The club would love plenty of supporters to make their way to Crozier Field and cheer on the local hopes.

UPDATEThe Lismore Thistles u13 Girls are Premiers for 2024 after a 4-0 win over Bangalow.The Lismore Thistles u13 Girls team have come back stronger in the 2024 season.Lismore App sports readers, may remember a feel-good story in August last year, when Lismore's only girls football team was motivated by the Matilda's achievements at the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Australia.After making the Grand Final, they missed out on the title in a close game, losing 1:0 against Byron (Matildas inspire Lismore Thistles Grade 12 Girls to reach Grand Final (lismoreapp.com.au)). Last year the Lismore Thistles u12's was the only competitive girls' soccer team in Lismore. This year, they are just 1 of 2 competitive girls soccer teams in Lismore. (In action this year. Photo: supplied)The Lismore Thistles Girls came back for the 2024 season determined to go one better, and have not lost a game, with 11 wins and 3 draws.Throughout the regular season, they scored 62 goals and have only had 3 goals scored against them.On Sunday, in unseasonably warm weather, the girls played Byron in the semi-final and had something to prove after last year's grand final loss.To get through to the grand final, the girls needed a draw or win.Byron took an early opportunity and scored in the first half. The girls played hard, fought back, and equalised before full-time.Needing a result and with a 1 all-draw score, the game went to extra time, 2 x 10-minute halves.In extra time, Lismore Thistles u13s scored 2 more goals! The final score was 3:1, a convincing win.(Lismore Thistles u13 Girl's celebrating a goal. Photo: supplied)The Thistles Girls u13s will play Bangalow in the 2024 Grand Final tonight (Friday, 6th Sept) at 6:30pm at Thistles home ground at 191 Military Road, East Lismore.Go down and support the girls and the Lismore Thistles!

The SCU Gold Rats have finished the season in the heat, going down to Lennox Head at Maurie Ryan Oval on Saturday.The Gold Rats were playing their third match in seven days and they came out firing, running hard, dominating early possession and breaking the line at will.The home sides attack was on song, but it was the defence that, at times, let the them down.Lennox crossed twice after weathering the storm of SCU attack to lead 12-0, before club stalwart Matt Anderson barged over beside the posts, which was converted for a 12-5 scoreline.The Rats continued to dominate possession, but 3 tries prior to halftime after defensive misses, saw Lennox Head go the the break up 31-7.Another Lennox Head converted try 5 minutes after halftime put the result out of the Gold Rats reach, but they never shirked the task.A late try to Hezekiah Wayne saw the final score 48-14 to round out the home sides season.The Gold Rats will be very happy with the positive end to the season, with consistent player numbers and committed efforts across the field.Defensive work in the preseason will see a more competitive SCU side run out in 2025.In other final round matches, the Casino Bulls dominated Lismore 60-7 and Casuarina did the same against Evans River 80-22.Richmond Range forfeited to Byron Shire and Wollongbar Alstonville celebrated playing at their new home ground and their Minor Premiership with a come from behind victory over Ballina 35-24.The Final Series is now set, with Byron Shire and Casuarina meeting in the Minor Semi Final next Saturday in Ballina and Ballina and Casino clashing on Sunday in the Elimination Final in Casino.The Lismore Women's side will play Byron on Saturday in the Minor Semi Final and the Lismore Colts will clash with Yamba, also on Saturday in the Minor Semi Final.

Far North Coast Rugby Union referee Graeme Cook has reached 1000 games as a match official this week.Cook has been a stalwart in FNC Rugby Union for many many years and notches the milestone across a number of divisions in the sport.The refereeing legend's career has spanned five decades, officiating his first match in 1989, a trial match between the SCU Gold Rats and Ballina.His career has included over 400 FNC First Grade matches and he will bring up his 1000 match at Bangalow when the Byron Shire Rebels host Richmond Range.In other matches, Lismore will travel to Casino to play the Bulls in their final match of the season.The Greens will look to put together back to back wins after narrowly defeating the SCU Gold Rats last weekend.The SCU Gold Rats will play their third match in 7 days after a mid week catch up match with Richmond Range.The match went down to the wire, with the Rats gaining their second competition point in a week, with a narrow 38-36 loss.The clubs leading try scorer Xavier Salapo crossed for a double in the six try loss.The Rats will host Lennox Head in both teams last match of the year at Maurie Ryan Oval East Lismore, with First Grade kicking off at 3:15pm.Wollongbar Alstonville will host Ballina and Evans River will head north to take on Casuarina to round out the regular season on Saturday.

The Lismore Storm will be at home in Round 2 of the 2024 Sunshine Conference on Saturday.The Storm Women will open their season against the Ballina Breakers at 3pm and the Men will follow at 5pm when they play their second match of the year against the Breakers at the Lismore Basketball Stadium.The Men won their opening match against the Casino Kings 137-31 last weekend and will look to add a second win against Ballina, who also defeated Casino last weekend 101-45.Both Storm teams will need to dig deep on Saturday afternoon as the Breakers will provide plenty of opposition in both divisions.A number of players from both women's sides combined earlier in the season to play in the NSW Waratah League in a combined "Far North Coast" team, with players and coaches being familiar with each other.The Men will then back up on Sunday, when they travel to Yamba to play the Trawlers at the Raymond Laurie Sports Centre at 11am.Coach Jacob Richardson has plenty of firepower in his lineup for the double header, with 6 players last week in double figures in scoring.One interesting battle to watch out for is in the paint, where returning big man Zac Knight will be up against Ballina's Riley Gollan, who has moved across from Byron Bay in the offseason.Ballina Guard Steven Cray will also clash with ex-Beez teammates Toby and Jye Barlow.A big crowd is expected on Saturday from 3pm.

The Lismore Storm have opened the 2024 Sunshine Conference season with a massive win over the Casino Kings on Saturday night.The Storm had been training well in the pre-season and it showed in the opening match of the season against the newcomers from Casino.Casino and Yamba have been added to the Sunshine Conference Men's competition which is a great sign for the sport in the area.The Storm Men's side came away with a 137-31 win, with plenty of strong contributions in the 106 point win.Toby Barlow top scored with 34 points, Jordon Pethers added 25 and Kaleb Jeffery hit four 3 pointers in his tally of 21 points.Zac Knight (19), Jye Barlow (16) and Maison Scheibel (14) all scored in double figures in the win.The Storm side will be boosted in coming matches with the return of Hezekiah McKenzie and Cooper McDonald, who were unavailable for the season opener.The Men will next weekend host the Ballina Breakers on Saturday evening at 5:00pm, before travelling to Yamba on Sunday to play the Trawlers at 11am.In other matches across the opening weekend, Valley Braves took down the Byron Bay Beez in a replay of last years Grand Final 65-42, Coffs Harbour defeated Yamba 99-46, Ballina took down Casino 101-45 and Grafton went down to Coffs Harbour 90-77.The Lismore Storm Women open their season on Saturday afternoon against the Ballina Breakers at 3:00pm at the Albert Park Stadium.

Winners were grinners at the 2024 Darrel Chapman Fun Run on Sunday in the streets of Lismore.Over 1000 participants ran, jogged and walked their way over courses from 4kms to the 21km Half Marathon distance.The 10km event saw nearly 200 people entered, with the Tony Johnstone taking out the event in a time of 36.50mins.Garth Rafferty finished in second place, less than a minute behind, with Joel Organ just 12 seconds behind Rafferty.Thomas Menger finished in fifth place to take out the Teen Male category.Sienna Rooney finished eighth overall and first in the Female category in a time of 41.57mins.Serina Smith finished second and Rue Heffernan finished as the third female, also taking the win in the Teen Female category.The 21km event saw over 100 people take on the Half Marathon distance and it was Joshua Gillett take out the overall title in a quick time of 1:13.50mins.Finn Crethar finished in second place and Andy Beswick was third.In the Female Division, Chloe Russell took the win in a time of 1:42.18, from Claire Pople and Madeleine McDonall in third.The event raise money for Our Kids and saw a record number of participants enjoy the event this year.

Lismore women’s golf will be heralding the arrival of spring by hosting their annual 2-day Spring Tournament tomorrow and Tuesday (26th and 27th August) at the Lismore Golf Club.This event is very proudly sponsored by the Lismore Workers Club, which is on schedule to re-open its doors post the 2022 floods, on September 23.The Spring Tournament has attracted more than 160 local and visiting players, with players travelling from Wynnum to the north, Glen Innes and Tenterfield to the west and Sawtell and South West Rocks to the south.Dianne Cahill, Captain of Lismore Women's Golf said, "Our course is in wonderful condition. The greens are slick thanks to the efforts of Course Manager Sam Stefanaras and his hardworking staff. "Players will be competing for a generous prize rundown on both days, but it will not all be about the golf! Our local players will be wining and dining our visitors in the local restaurants at night, making this event as much about fun, friendship and hospitality as it is about playing and enjoying good golf!"

Lismore have edged out the SCU Gold Rats in a tight contest at Maurie Ryan Oval on Saturday.It was the first time to two local sides had clashed since Round 1 and it was always going to be a tight contest.Both teams started well with just one try separating the two sides at the break, with Lismore leading 17-12.In the second half, it was Lismore that eventually got the upper hand and ran in two more tries to take the win 29-12.Damon Caldwell and James Olivieri crossed for the Gold Rats, with Gus Leju staring for the Greens, with 3 tries.Centre Braeden Williams and backrower Max Smith also scored for the Lismore side.The Lismore Women's side had a convincing 40-12 win over Casuarina.Next week the SCU Gold Rats will take on Lennox Head at SCU and Lismore will travel to Casino to play the Bulls in the last round of the regular season.FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNION Round 17 Results 24th August 2024First GradeBallina 45(Tupou Lolohea 2, Elliott Bryers, Jack Kindred, Reece Noble, Jacob Buckley, Emori Rairailevu tries, Elliott Bryers 5 conversions) d Richmond Range 7(Alex Gibbon try, Bradon Gumbleton conversion)Half Time: Ballina 31 – Range 0Wollongbar Alstonville 52(Hamish Mould 2, Sam Kerry, Rory Collings, Jaidyn Larrescy, Ben Shelley, Louis Hollman, Hudson Love tries, Sam Kerry 6 conversions) d Casuarina Beach 19(Dan Raye 2, Jem MacDonald tries, Kai George 2 conversions)Half Time: Wollongbar 33 – Casuarina 5Lennox Head 51(Hayden Blair 3, Atzin Jacobson 2, Ron Streater-Mason 2, Rory Kershaw, Jack Moyle, tries, Martin McNamara 3 conversions) d Evans River 28(Tama Williamson, Matt Cleaver, Agustin Aversa, Ryan Duncan tries, Michael Miskle 3, Adam Armistead conversions)Half Time: Lennox 24 – Evans 14Byron Shire Rebels 34(Ben Mitchell, Jordan Elliott, Valentin Tachaout, Benji Clarke, Angus Wilbourn tries, Will Hawkins 2, Will Latham conversions, Will Hawkins penalty goal) d Casino 31(Guanavou Drugutanalevu 2, Cameron Davis, Pochon Agovaua tries, Jayden Torrens 4 conversions, penalty goal)Half Time: Casino 24 – Byron Shire 12Lismore 29(Gus Leju 3, Braeden Williams, Max Smith tries, Braeden Williams 2 conversions) d SCU Gold Rats 12(Damon Caldwell, James Olivieri tries, Iona Ale-Afamasaga conversion)Half Time: Lismore 17 – SCU 12Point Score – Wollongbar 81, Byron Shire 68, Ballina 66, Casuarina 62, Casino 37, Richmond Range 34, Lennox 27, Evans 27, Lismore 11, SCU 02nd GradeMullumbimby 36 d Lismore 12Lennox Head 31 d Evans River 27Yamba 24 d Casuarina Beach 14Casino 33 d Byron Shire 27Kyogle 35 d Ballina 19Point Score – Wollongbar 74, Byron Shire 54, Ballina 48, Casuarina 47, Lennox 32, Kyogle 32, Casino 29, Lismore 28, Mullumbimby 27, Yamba 26, Evans River 22Women’sLismore 40 d Casuarina Beach 12Casino 19 d Byron Shire 5Point Score – Casino 50, Casuarina 24, Lismore 23, Byron 15Under 18’sCasuarina Beach 12 drew Yamba 12Point Score – Lennox 31, Casuarina 20, Lismore 16, Yamba 13Next Week’s Round 18 Matches, Saturday 24th August1st GradeByron Shire Rebels v Richmond Range at Byron BayCasino v LismoreWollongbar Alstonville v BallinaSCU Gold Rats v Lennox HeadCasuarina Beach v Evans River2nd GradeByron Shire Rebels v KyogleCasino v Lismore Wollongbar Alstonville v Ballina Casuarina Beach v Evans RiverMullumbimby v YambaLennox Head - ByeWomen’s 10’sCasino v LismoreUnder 18’sLennox Head v Yamba at SCU

The 2024 Sunshine Conference Basketball competition tips off this weekend.The new season will be the biggest yet, with 8 men's teams and 4 women's teams competing in the home and away competition, with Finals scheduled in December.New men's teams from Casino and Yamba have entered the competition that stretches from Coffs Harbour and Bellingen in the south to Byron Bay in the north.The Lismore Storm will field a Men's and Women's team, with both teams looking to raise the premiership banner in the newly renovated Albert Park stadium.The Men's team will open their season on Saturday night when they travel Casino to take on the Kings at 5:00pm.The team is coached this season by Jacob Richardson and has recruited well, with former Byron Bay players Toby and Jye Barlow being added to the talented roster.The brothers will look to spark a Storm side that have also added returning "veteran" Zac Knight.The talented Jordan Pethers, Elwood Bird and Kaleb Jeffery will continue to be solid contributors for the Storm.In other opening round matches, the Bellingen Valley Braves host Byron Bay in a replay of the 2023 Grand Final and Coffs Harbour will travel to Yamba for their match on Saturday night.On Sunday, Coffs will play Grafton and Ballina will host Casino.The Women's competition will play their first round next weekend.

There will be plenty of local spice when the SCU Gold Rats host Lismore City in the penultimate round of Far North Coast Rugby Union on Saturday.The two sides clashed in Round 1 of the season, with a comprehensive 45-0 victory to Lismore, a reality check for the Gold Rats after returning to the top grade after several seasons out due to COVID and playing in President's Cup.After a heavy loss to Wollongbar recently, the Gold Rats fought back against Casino two weeks ago, only going down narrowly and will go into the match with plenty of passion against their cross town arch rivals.Lismore have been battling away in recent weeks without a win, with injuries and unavailability seeing players back up from Colts and Reserve Grade to assist with First Grade.They will look to young backrower Max Smith to continue his recent good form and inside centre Braeden Williams also continue his stellar season. The SCU side have several important inclusions who will play in front of a strong crowd, with the club hosting their "Old Boys" Day and will look for their first win of the season.The Gold Rats will host three matches on Saturday with the Lismore Women's side taking on Casuarina at 1:00pm, followed by Reserve Grade at 1:50pm between Lismore and the Mullumbimby Moonshiners before the First Grade clash at 3:15pm.FIRST GRADE TEAM LISTSROUND SEVENTEEN 24th August 2024Coopers FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNIONCasino: 1. George Wai, 2. Ben Collison, 3. Tony Joe 4. Cory Townesend, 5. Cameron Davis (c), 6. Connor Frame, 7. Emil Latumahina, 8. Justin Zaiko, 9. Kalen Olive, 10. Pochon Agovaua, 11. Tim McGrady, 12. Bryce Spencer, 13. Thomas Walker, 14. Joseph Brooks, 15. Jayden TorrensCoach: Doug MurrayManager: Andrew GulliverVByron Shire Rebels: 1. Jordan Elliott, 2. Angus Wilbourn (c), 3. Oisin Canney, 4. Will Aisake, 5. Sean Hartigan, 6. Darcy Woods, 7. Amaury Festor, 8. Benji Clarke, 9. Will Hawkins, 10. Ben Mitchell 11. Valentin Tachaout, 12. Will Cane, 13. Oli Shakeshaft, 14. Archie Snedden, 15. Will LathamCoach: Michael Greenhalgh Manager: Josh MagnusReferee: Will BarnesWollongbar Alstonville: 1. Ewen McQueen, 2. Bill Johnston, 3. Matthew Wright, 4. Matt Scott, 5. Lloyd Morgan, 6. Josh Galbraith, 7. Brenden Williams, 8. Hamish Mould, 9. Louis Hollman, 10. Jarrod Wyllie 11. Ben Shelley, 12. Cooper Love, 13. Rory Collings, 14. Jaidyn Larrescy, 15. Sam KerryCoach: William JohnstonManager: Chris DuleyVCasuarina Beach: 1. Daniel Tilton, 2. Jem MacDonald, 3. Daniel Chugg, 4. Dan Raye (c), 5. James Munroe, 6. Mason Duke, 7. Pat Williams, 8. Mitch Planten, 9. Will Stacey, 10. Harry Hall, 11. Jessy Kemp, 12. Webb Lillis, 13. Levi Dangerfield, 14. Darragh Murphy, 15. Kai GeorgeCoach: Geoff Townsend Manager: Stephen LowndesReferee: Graham Cook Evans River: 1. Matt Francis, 2. Oliver Mason, 3. Oliver Clarke, 4. Harry Aleckson, 5. Ryan Duncan, 6. Sam Carey, 7. J F Beytell, 8. Max Pye, 9. Ben Morris, 10. Adam Armistead (c), 11. Michael Miskle, 12. Tama Williamson, 13. Jonathon Robinson, 14. Jack Semple, 15. Zane GaiterCoach: Luke CleaverManager: Adam GaiterVLennox Head: 1. Joe Daley, 2. Ethan Jenkins, 3. Connor Blair, 4. Zayden Allen, 5. Luca Beasley-Kenk, 6. Brad McGoulrick, 7. Jacob Kennedy, 8. Hayden Blair, 9. Atzin Jacobson, 10. Martin McNamara, 11. Rory Kershaw, 12. Kane Creighton, 13. Oscar Linton-France,14. Jack Moyle, 15. Ron Streater-MasonCoach: Scott JenkinsManager: Tony FisherReferee: Matt Clayton Richmond Range: 1. Blake Birmingham (c), 2. Michael MacRae, 3. Duncan Ryan, 4. Jacob Lane, 5. David Lane, 6. Ben Wheeler, 7. Luke Benn, 8. Hayden Pratt, 9. Vincent Quigley, 10. Matthew Sorrenti, 11. Alex Gibbon, 12. Daine Petty, 13. Paul Hewetson, 14. Hunter McMurtrie, 15. Bradon Gumbleton Coach: Alex GibbonManager: Shawn ButlerVBallina: 1. Brett Johnston, 2. Nathan Groves, 3. Stan Lolohea, 4. Gerald McLarnon, 5. Harry Bungate, 6. Reece Noble, 7. Andrew Burke, 8. Pierce Bryers, 9. Stephen Paskins, 10. Elliott Bryers (c), 11. Emori Rairailevu, 12. Anthony Lolohea, 13. Tupou Lolohea, 14. Jacob Buckley, 15. Jack KindredCoach: Michael Greenhalgh Manager: Josh MagnusReferee: Peter CampbellSCU Gold Rats: 1. Mitch Bird, 2. Kirk Taylor-Brown, 3. Tala Agafili, 4. Jay Presland, 5. James Olivieri, 6. Harrison Beaumont-Kennedy, 7. Lachlan Wallace, 8. Xavier Salapo, 9. Nathan Stewart, 10. Latrell Hampton, 11. Jsh Wilson (c), 12. Aaron Ashley, 13. Reshawn Brown, 14. Cooper McDonald, 15. Perry DalyCoach: Beth FuggleManager: Tim BreenVLismore: 1. Tate Bailey, 2. Cameron Bryant, 3. Aggrey Leju, 4. Mitchell Cox, 5. Ben Briggs, 6. Max Smith, 7. William Sivewright, 8. Andrew Clark, 9. Kyle Maluta, 10. Cody Johnston, 11. Gus Leju, 12. Braeden Williams, 13. Adam Rodd, 14. Loui Rubbo, 15. Fraser RuaneCoach: Angus MacDougallManager: Stephen ClarkReferee: Lachlan Duley

There was no luck for the Marist Brothers Rams and the Northern United Dirawongs in the NRRRL Elimination Finals across the weekend.On Saturday, Marist Brothers (5th) took on the Bilambil Jets (4th) at Bilambil East Sports Field, with both sides seasons on the line.The match preview was an interesting read, with the sides splitting their two regular season games by big margins.Unfortunately for the Rams, the Jets had the upper hand on Saturday, taking the match 26-10.Star halfback Shallin Fuller scored for the Rams, as did winger Hezron Moses, who also converted the Fuller try.The Dirawongs (6th) travelled to Evans Head (3rd) to clash with the Bombers for the second week in a row, looking to reverse last weeks 38-12 loss.United scored first before the Bombers went on a point scoring run to lead by 12 at halftime.It was a closely fought second half with both sides exchanging tries before Evans Head, in front of a vocal home crowd took the win 36-22.James Roberts, Tayden Hickling, Tyrone Roberts and Djaan Jarrett scored for Northern United.The losses end both teams 2024 seasons.In other grades, Marist Brothers were eliminated in Reserve Grade after going down 42-18 to Murwillumbah and the Northern United Women's Tackle side defeated Casino 38-10 to continue their season.Next weekend, the Marist Brothers Ramettes will look to continue their successful season, when they take on the Tweed Heads Seagulls for a spot in the Grand Final of the Ladies League Tag competition.

It was a tough day out for Lismore's Rugby Union teams on Saturday, with injuries and unavailability hitting hard.Lismore's First Grade and Reserve Grade sides travelled to Lennox Head to take on the Trojans in their last home game of the season.It was a competitive start from the team in dark green jerseys, however the lime green Trojans ran away with the match 66-7. Max Smith, Andrew Clarke and Adam Road all played well for Lismore.Reserve Grade also struggled against the fresh Lennox side going down 40-7.Lennox completed the trifecta, taking out the Colts match 42-19.The Lismore Women's side travelled to Casuarina, and were short on numbers but were competitive in parts, finally succumbing 49-10.Both the Women's and Colts sides will play Semi Final football and will be prepare for the finals intensity over the last two rounds of the regular season.Next week will see the local showdown between the SCU Gold Rats and Lismore at Maurie Ryan Oval, which promises to bring a good crowd to the SCU venue.FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNION Round 16 Results 17th August 2024First GradeBallina 55(Brett Johnston 2, Tupou Lolohea 2, Pierce Bryers, Stan Lolohea, Reece Noble, Jacob Buckley, Name Withheld tries, Pierce Bryers 4, Reece Noble conversions) d Casino 5(Tim McGrady try)Half Time: Ballina 36 – Casino 5Wollongbar Alstonville 101(Bodi Smith 2, Jaidyn Larrescy 2, Wilson Lovokuro 2, Blake Henderson 2, Cooper Love, Brenden Williams, Ewen McQueen, Matt Scott, Rory Collings, Louis Hollman, Hudson Love, Ben Damen, Matt Wright, tries, Bodi Smith 8 conversions) d Evans River 7(Agustin Aversa try, Adam Armistead conversion)Half Time: Wollongbar 45 – Evans River 7Lennox Head 66(Hayden Blair 2, Ron Streater-Mason 2, Atzin Jacobson, Zac Alexander, Joe Daley, Lachlan Miller tries, Lachlan Miller 8 conversions) d Lismore 7(Adam Rodd try, Jack Everingham conversion)Half Time: Range 26 – Lismore 10Casuarina Beach 49(Levi Dangerfield 4, Webb Lillis 2, Samisoni Vereniki, Mason Duke tries, Kai George 2, Will Stacey conversions, Kai George penalty goal) d Richmond Range 5(Alex Gibbon try)Half Time: Casuarina 20 – Range 0Byron Shire Rebels 30 d SCU Gold Rats 0Point Score – Wollongbar 76, Casuarina 62, Ballina 61, Byron Shire 53, Casino 37, Richmond Range 34, Lennox 27, Evans 27, Lismore 11, SCU 02nd GradeCasuarina 39 d Mullumbimby 27Lennox Head 40 d Lismore 7Wollongbar 30 d Kyogle 0Casino 31 drew Ballina 31Byron Shire 53 d Yamba 0Point Score – Wollongbar 74, Ballina 48, Casuarina 47, Byron 44, Lismore 28, Lennox 27, Kyogle 27, Yamba 22, Mullumbimby 22, Evans River 20, Casino 19Women’sCasuarina Beach 49 d Lismore 10Point Score – Casino 46, Casuarina 24, Lismore 18, Byron 15Under 18’sLennox Head 42 d Lismore 19Casuarina Beach 24 d Yamba 12Point Score – Lennox 31, Casuarina 18, Lismore 16, Yamba 11Next Week’s Round 17 Matches, Saturday 24th August 1st GradeCasino v Byron Shire RebelsEvans River v Lennox Head v LismoreWollongbar Alstonville v Casuarina BeachSCU Gold Rats v LismoreRichmond Range v Ballina2nd GradeCasino v Byron Shire Rebels Evans River v Lennox Head Kyogle v Ballina at MallanganeeYamba v Casuarina Beach at WollongbarLismore v Mullumbimby at SCUWollongbar Alstonville - ByeWomen’s 10’sCasino v Byron Shire RebelsLismore v Casuarina Beach at SCUUnder 18’sCasuarina Beach v Yamba at Wollongbar

There are plenty of changes for Lismore when they travel to Lennox Head to take on the Trojans on Saturday.Lismore have been struggling for numbers in recent weeks, with Colts and Reserve Grade players often backing up to play two matches on the weekend.The club has made several changes to key positions for their match against Lennox.Cohen Cartwright moves from the wing to the second row to partner veteran Gavin Tulk, who returns after an extended break from the top grade.William Sivewright comes into the team at No.7 and evergreen back William Fairweather moves to fullback.In other matches, Casino will host Ballina and Wollongbar Alstonville will play Evans River at Lyle Park, Wollongbar.In the final match, Richmond Range will head north to Casuarina to play the Barbarians.All First Grade matches will kick off at 3:15pm.For Lismore, The Women's side will travel to Casuarina for their match, with Colts, reserve Grade and First Grade at Lennox Head.FIRST GRADE TEAM LISTSROUND SIXTEEN 17th August 2024Coopers FAR NORTH COAST RUGBY UNIONCasino: 1. Angus Langfield, 2. Anthony Butta, 3. Cameron Davis (c), 4. Vetari Tau, 5. Cory Townesend, 6. Connor Frame, 7. Joseph Brooks, 8. Emosi Tabusili, 9. Ben Collison, 10. Jayden Torrens, 11. Harold Torrens, 12. Bryce Spencer, 13. Jonathan Close, 14. Te Piti Korewha, 15. Hakeem TorrensCoach: Doug MurrayManager: Andrew GulliverVBallina: 1. Stan Lolohea, 2. Nathan Groves, 3. Brett Johnston, 4. Gerald McLarnon, 5. Harry Bungate, 6. Reece Noble, 7. Andrew Burke, 8. Pierce Bryers, 9. Stephen Paskins, 10. Elliott Bryers (c), 11. Emori Rairailevu, 12. Anthony Lolohea, 13. Tupou Lolohea, 14. Jacob Buckley, 15. Jack KindredCoach: Michael Greenhalgh Manager: Josh MagnusReferee: Matt ClaytonWollongbar Alstonville: 1. Ewen McQueen, 2. Austin Markwort, 3. Benji Tiatia, 4. Matt Scott, 5. Josh Galbraith, 6. Brenden Williams, 7. Wilson Lovokuro, 8. Joe Blyth, 9. Louis Hollman, 10. Ben Damen (c), 11. Bodi Smith, 12. Cooper Love, 13. Rory Collings, 14. Jaidyn Larrescy, 15. Sam KerryCoach: William JohnstonManager: Chris DuleyVEvans River: 1. Matt Francis, 2. Oliver Mason, 3. Oliver Clarke, 4. Harry Aleckson, 5. Ryan Duncan, 6. Sam Carey, 7. J F Beytell, 8. Max Pye, 9. Ben Morris, 10. Adam Armistead (c), 11. Michael Miskle, 12. Tama Williamson, 13. Jonathon Robinson, 14. Jack Semple, 15. Zane GaiterCoach: Luke CleaverManager: Adam GaiterReferee: Will Barnes Casuarina Beach: 1. Daniel Tilton, 2. Jem MacDonald, 3. Daniel Chugg, 4. Dan Raye (c), 5. James Munroe, 6. Mason Duke, 7. Kellan Murphy, 8. Mitch Planten, 9. Will Stacey, 10. Kai George, 11. Jessy Kemp, 12. Webb Lillis, 13. Levi Dangerfield, 14. Graham Dodge, 15. Sam VerenikiCoach: Geoff Townsend Manager: Stephen LowndesVRichmond Range: 1. Blake Birmingham (c), 2. Michael MacRae, 3. Duncan Ryan, 4. David Lane, 5. Jacob Lane, 6. Lachlan Thomas, 7. Ben Wheeler, 8. Hayden Pratt, 9. Vincent Quigley, 10. Matthew Sorrenti, 11. Cody Amos, 12. Paul Hewetson, 13. Nicholas Fuhrmann, 14. Hunter McMurtrie, 15. Bradon Gumbleton Coach: Alex GibbonManager: Shawn ButlerReferee: Rob WalkerLennox Head: 1. Joe Daley, 2. Ethan Jenkins, 3. Connor Blair, 4. Zayden Allen, 5. Luca Beasley-Kenk, 6. Jacob Kennedy, 7. Rhys Stratton, 8. Hayden Blair, 9. Atzin Jacobson, 10. Lachlan Miller, 11. Rory Kershaw, 12. Kane Creighton, 13. Oscar Linton-France, 14. Zac Alexander, 15. Ron Streater-MasonCoach: Scott JenkinsManager: Tony FisherVLismore: 1. Tate Bailey, 2. Max Smith, 3. Aggrey Leju, 4. Cohen Cartwright, 5. Gavin Tulk, 6. Noah Allen, 7. William Sivewright, 8. Andrew Clark, 9. Kyle Maluta, 10. Fraser Ruane, 11. Gus Leju, 12. Cody Johnston, 13. Adam Rodd, 14. Loui Rubbo, 15. William FairweatherCoach: Angus MacDougallManager: Stephen ClarkReferee: Lachlan Duley