WAR too strong for Byron Shire Rebels

Wollongbar-Alstonville Rugby (WAR) have broken away at the top of the Far North Coast first-grade rugby ladder after defeating the Byron Shire Rebels 33–17 last Saturday at the Byron Recreation Grounds.

The home side posted the first points through a penalty, and then had a good run of possession from a strong showing at the scrums. Just before halftime they were awarded a penalty try that gave them a 10–5 lead at the break.

Rocks SRC 1 (12.17), LEBA Ladybirds (9.77), Kingscliff BRC 2 (8.07)and Kingscliff BRC 1 (6.60).

Open Women’s Longboard: Noosa Malibu Club (13.67), Salty Girls Surf (9.20), Girls Boardriders Fraternity (7.93) and Coastal Abode Lady Loggers (5.63).

U18 Women’s Shortboard: LEBA Ladybirds (13.40), Alley Kittens (13.07), Snapper Rocks SRC 2 (7.00) and. Snapper Rocks SRC 1 (6.06).

Salty Girls U12 Mini Shredders: Snapper Rocks SRC 1 (12.74), Coastal Abode Shredders (10.93), Salty Girls Mini Shredders (7.61) and. Byron Bay BRC – Coral Seas (7.60).

But as WAR got into their rhythm, augmented by a strong reserve bench, they were soon dominating set play and providing plenty of running opportunities to their backline, which was more than prepared to take everything on offer.

The sides traded tries early in the second half but as time went on, and the Rebels conceded more penalties, including a sinbinning, WAR achieved the ascendency. A dominant last 20 minutes and two unanswered tries sealed it for the visitors.

The results were better for the home side in the earlier games where the secondgrade Byron Shire side beat WAR 29–7.

The Byron Shire women’s 12 side also had their first win of the season beating Casuarina Beach 19–7.

WAR (37) leads the firstgrade table ahead of Byron Shire (30), Casuarina (25) and Ballina (24).

In second grade the Byron Shire are on top with 35 points, ahead of Casuarina (30), WAR (25) and Casino (24).

Next week the Byron Shire return to Shultz Oval in Bangalow to play Lismore.

Red Devils hang on for welldeserved rugby league victory

Marcia Crichton wears minor single’s crown

Marcia Crichton has claimed the open mInor singles championship for 2023 at the Brunswick Head’s Women’s Bowling Club.

In the final, played on Tuesday June 13, Marcia played a relatively new bowler, Pauline Foster.

Marcia is turning 87 in November and has experience on her side, considering she has been a member of the BHWBC for over 30 years.

She plays bowls at least twice a week, plus every mufti day (the last Sunday of each month) at the club.

‘Marcia has tried for many years to win the open minor singles, so was thrilled to do so this year,’ the club’s publicity officer Kerry Dexter said.

‘And Pauline did a great job to bowl her way into the final,’ she said.

The club’s minor pairs championship will take place this week.

NRRRL first-grade clash 24–22.

The visitors looked in control of the game deep into the second half but a fight back from the Giants saw them score two late tries, and put the home crowd on the edge of their seats. But gritty defence right into the 80th minute ensured the Red Devils took home the competition points. Byron Bay also collected the local derby honours in second grade, winning 40–4. The Giants got their own back in the U/18s, winning 44–12.

The Giants ladies touch side won 26–6, their second win on the trot.