Sport Byron Bay basketballers dominate conference after winning streak The Byron Bay Beez senior men’s team has stamped its authority on the local Sunshine Conference by winning six of its last seven games, including a 91–64 win over the Lismore Storm last Saturday at the Cavanbah Centre. The weekend before the Beez men had two home games that included their only loss for the season. First up the Beez defeated Grafton Vikings 93–62. The Vikings stayed within reach for three quarters but the Beez ran away with the game in the last quarter. But the following day the Valley Braves (White) got the better of the Beez, but only just. In an exciting score-byscore game the Valley Braves got the win 76–75. Last Sunday also saw the Beez women hit the court for the second time this season, also up against the Lismore Storm. Despite a good allround performance from the women they went down to the visitors 79–61.
The Beez swarm in defence to contain the Grafton Vikings in their game at the Cavanbah Centre. Photo supplied The women have one win from two games. The Beez travel to Ballina Indoor Sports Centre for their
next encounters on October 28. The women get things started at 5pm before the men hit the courts at 7pm.
Lennox Head cricketers go to the top early The Lennox Head Pirates cricketers have had the early form, playing their way to the top of second and third grade in the opening weeks of the new 2023/24 season. In last Saturday’s home second grade game against Terranora Lakes, Lennox were 4/36, but recovered to be all out for 190, after the tail wagged through Blake Kernaghan’s top score of 33 runs and Harrison Perkins 31no off 34 balls. The visitors started their chase solidly getting to 2/56 before the middle order wilted away with six wickets falling for just 43 runs, and none reaching double figures. Opener, Mitchell Sales, top-scored with 49 and watched from the nonstriker’s end as the wickets tumbled. Terranora were all out for 134. It was Lennox Head’s second win for the season after they beat Pottsville in the first round, the week before. They sit on top with 14 points, ahead of Bangalow (11) and Byron Bay (10).
Owen (112no) and Brett (110) scored centuries when Bangalow beat Byron Bay in third grade last weekend. Photo Ross Kendall In other games Byron Bay beat Tintenbar East Ballina last Saturday, when they chased down 170 inside 26 overs. Bangalow shone playing away against Murwillumbah when they amassed 356 runs from their 40 overs, with five players making 50s. Top scorer was Reid Campbell with 63. In reply Murwillumbah were rolled for 170. Best of the Bangalow bowlers was Dan Bensley with 3/20.
Thirds In third grade Lennox Head (Green) are also on top of the table with back to back wins. Last Saturday they set the Ballina Bears a target of 247 at Fripp Oval, off the back of Scott Coster’s 74no and Robert Dorey’s 63. In reply the Bears were bowled out for 143. Best of the Lennox bowlers was Levi Shouldice who returned 4/44 from eight overs.
Shand cricket returns to Mullumbimby with a post-Covid reboot Last Sunday’s sun lit Lomath Oval, Mullumbimby, like a beacon and social cricket’s stalwarts came out of their collective closets to give their languid legs a lope across the green grass on the way to keeping alive the sputtering spark that was once a thriving sporting subculture. Covid killed the Shand cricket series like many other cultural pursuits but now that citizens of a like mind can gather without fear of persecution or indeed prosecution, it was decided by the invisible committee that a game should be played. Adeha (the world’s oldest
teenager) was the first to rip his shirt off in the gathering heat and impressed with his wobbly outswingers and wicketkeeping. Phil got a couple of boundaries away, much to his own delight, and Drew showed that a couple of off seasons has done nothing to diminish his skills. Peter Wynn-Moylan, a friend of Nick Shand and holder of the cachet of most senior player in the series, cracked a couple of nice ones behind square. He was also celebrating 70 years of playing cricket. Rossco swung so hard at
Trent swung willow and cranked the leather, as Shand cricket returned to Lomath Oval. Photo Jane Morgan a short ball that he popped a rib cartilage and thus became the only retired hurt player in the game
(self-inflicted). Anthony showed his obvious class and Saffron Shand bowled an over from
the southern end that left nobody doubting who the most inspirational player was. Sean showed he has lost maybe a braincell or two but not much of his sporting prowess, and gained a son who gamely fielded at backward square for the game’s duration. Mick and Brian apparently won the game on the day despite both going out in their respective first overs with a score of 57 from their eight overs. Cricket is a strange game. The invisible committee (currently Trent and Brian)
is seeking expressions of interest from all and sundry (c’mon Byron you can do it) to hold a proper Shand Memorial game later this season. The challenge, as it were, has been laid out.
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