From The Sideline.

Ballina Rugby Club stalwart, Dave Shaw has committed to a match summary whenever he attends a Seahorse Game. Dave has strong roots in the club from the early days especially with the growth of our Junior teams. We welcome Dave’s views and I am sure you will see him at more of our games. Thanks Dave.

The recent matches were a good tussle against a Lismore City team that has been ravaged by floods and damage. It was a great day where we were able to showcase our facilities. Here’s the scores from the game and Dave’s post is below.

Fortunately the doom and gloom shrouding the FNCRU competition in early April appears to have lifted, and the 2022 season has had a positive start at Quays Reserve.

After two seasons of uncertainty due to Covid lockdowns, and followed by the devastation  caused by the March floods throughout the region, rugby appears to be back with a bang.

 Changes to the Senior Men’s competition were necessary, and a draw catering for all the zone clubs requirements appeared in mid April. First division has a seven team format, whilst the combination of Reserve grade and President’s Cup (Village comp) into a twelve team Division 2 competition has occurred. Unfortunately, this has lead to byes and split rounds affecting all the larger clubs in the zone. It’s a viable comp which we’ll grab by the horns and give it a red hot tilt. Enough waffle.                      

 A promising start to the season has both Division I and II men’s teams are undefeated after two rounds, and the women’s 10’s going down to a spirited Lismore team in their first hit out of the season. Both home rounds have been well attended and played under near perfect conditions. Club supporters are happy with events and are looking forward to the season as it unfolds. The firsts have played some fast, physical and exciting rugby and scored some great tries to send supporters home with a smile on their faces.

The next fortnight will paint a clearer picture as to where the teams stand. We’re at home on Saturday against a strong Casuarina outfit, then up the hill on the 14th May against WAR.

On Saturday (our last home game for 4 weeks), tog up in blue, get down to Quays, energise with a pie or hotdog, and lubricate with a coldie, and send the lads up to Wollongbar in a winning frame of mind.