FORECAST

Northern Rivers District: Sunny. Light winds becoming northwesterly 25 to 35 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Thursday. Sunny. Light winds becoming east to southeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.

Northern Tablelands District: Sunny. Winds northwesterly 25 to 35 km/h increasing to 35 to 50 km/h during the morning then turning westerly during the afternoon. Thursday. Sunny. Winds westerly 20 to 30 km/h.

New South Wales:

Windy. Scattered showers developing on the far southern ranges and adjacent western slopes, falling as snow on the Alpine peaks above 1300 metres by the evening. Isolated showers possible on the northern slopes. Remaining dry and partly cloudy elsewhere. Daytime and nighttime temperatures well above average across the north and east, and slightly above average in the southwest. Fresh to strong and gusty west to northwesterly winds, tending southwesterly in the west in the afternoon and easing in the evening.

Thursday. Dry and mostly sunny apart from isolated showers on the far southern ranges and adjacent western slopes. Snow possible on the Alpine peaks above 1400 metres. Daytime temperatures above average in the north and west, and near or slightly below average in the southeast. West to northwesterly winds, fresh to strong at times on the ranges.

20 increasing to 1.5 to 2.5

30 the below 1 metre. Weather: Sunny. Coffs Coast: Winds: Northerly 15 to 25 knots increasing to 30 knots before turning northwesterly 15 to 20 knots during the afternoon. Seas: 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Swell: Southerly around 1 metre. Weather: Sunny.

Gold Coast Waters: Winds: North to northwesterly 20 to 30 knots. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, increasing to 1.5 to 2.5 metres during the morning. Swell: Easterly below 1 metre. Weather: Sunny.

Launched by NDIS partner, Social Futures, a new initiative called ‘Pathways to Play’ is helping people with disability to unlock their potential and have some fun with sports.

Being rolled out across Northern NSW, The Central Coast and Far West and Central Western NSW regions, Pathways to Play aims to provide connections for people with disability aged 9 years and over to participate in a variety of sports, which could be a frst step to the Paralympics, according to Program Coordinator and Sydney 2000 Paralympian, David Johnson.

“Pathways to Play is a gateway to something that could be a love for life. Every Paralympian dream started from just

David, known as DJ, says people with disability face multiple obstacles when it comes to accessing local sporting opportunities in their community.

“Some people might need more support than others to access sports and often, parents and teachers of people with disability are focussed on other areas of their life.”

“For most kids the access is there, the pathway is there, and it’s the norm. But people with disability are still being told what they can and can’t do.”

“We’re coming to show people with disability there is a pathway and there is access to sport. There might be three or four sports that you might try before you opportunity to make that choice.”

Through Pathways to Play, Social Futures’ local area coordinators collaborate with various disability sport organisations, clubs, and community groups to organise and promote ‘come and try’ sports days.

These events are designed to showcase different types of sports and physical activities in a fun and welcoming environment and offer a space for people with disability to explore their interests in different sports.

Social Futures’ local area coordinators then provide information and support to people with disability to connect in with local disability sporting opportunities.

“One of the biggest can feel overwhelming.”

DJ was a keen athlete who dreamt of representing his country before a car accident took his dream along with his leg when he was 19 years old.

“After my accident I felt lost in society, I had no purpose. Yes, I was alive, that was good. But I yearned for sport.”

“Disability sports gave me a dream again, and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s not just about exercise; it’s about building a life flled with passion and dreaming big,” DJ shares.

Now DJ wants to give that gift to others.

“Most kids love sport because it’s fun right? This is not any different for people with disability, we want to have fun as well, and playing sport is one

Sports have a powerful impact that goes beyond physical health; they also enhance mental and social well-being.

“We want participants to leave our events excited about their potential in sports, whether it leads to new hobbies, friendships, or dreams of competing in the Paralympics.”

The not-for-proft organisation Social Futures is an NDIS partner delivering local area coordination services to people with disability aged between 9 and 64.

If you or someone you know is interested in the Pathways to Play Program, please phone 1800 522 679 or email socialfutures@ndis. gov.au

To talk to a local area coordinator email socialfutures@ndis.gov. au or call our local area coordination hotline on 1800 522 679 (Mon-Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm).

CASINO SOCIAL

GOLF RESULTS - 25TH

AUGUST 2024

David Slade emerged as the winner of the Casino Social Golf competition held on Sunday, fnishing with an impressive net score of 13. He was followed by Stephen Shephard, who secured second place with a net score of 16. The putting trophy was claimed by W. Jackson with 12 putts, while G. Randall took home the players’ draw.

The nearest to the pin winners were as follows:

• 1st: G. Randall

• 2nd: P. Piccoli

• 3rd: D. Green

• 4th: D. Hampson

• 5th & 17th: W. Jackson

• 6th & 8th: T. Jenkins

• 7th: S. Shephard

• 18th: G. Shephard

Next Sunday’s event, sponsored by Madsen Meats Casino, will feature a single stroke competition on the top 11 holes for the monthly medal. This will be followed by the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and a BBQ. Visitors are welcome to join, with tee-off times from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM.

CASINO WOMEN’S BOWLS RESULTS

2024 Major Pairs Club Champions: Denise Skinner & Helen Lavelle

On Wednesday, 21st August, the fnal match for the Major Pairs was held, resulting in a victory for Denise Skinner and Helen Lavelle, who defeated Marlene Jordan and Raelene Skirrey.

Congratulations to the champions!

The winners for the day were determined based on the highest aggregate score. The top team of the day was:

• Tanya Maxwell, Judy Carthew & Ivy Watson, who defeated Tanya Maxwell, Julie Creighton & Mary Mead. Additionally, the other rink winners were:

• Jan Cooke & Jan Dwyer, who defeated Lynette Evans & Annette James. Congratulations to all the players for their efforts and sportsmanship!

CHERRY STREET

CROQUET CLUB

SPORTS RESULTS

Association Croquet:

• S. Hume & P. Hume defeated T. Hume, 16-6

• G. Drew & G. Porter defeated P. Waters & R.

Chapman, 15-10

Ricochet Croquet:

• P. Waters defeated R. Chapman, 20-11

• P. Bolte & J. Hannigan defeated B. Bill & M. Russell, 15-8

• R. Poynting & N. Poynting defeated G. Kerr & P. Scott, 12-10

• B. Barrett & D. Cummings defeated W. Gilmore & J. Doust, 16-11

• N. Watts & L. Hudson defeated C. Edlund & H. Young, 11-10

• B. Wellings & N.

Barnes defeated G. Drew & B. Waters, 12-11

NRCA Ricochet

Handicap Doubles

Championships:

1. D. Matten & P. Waters

2. N. Poynting & R. Poynting

3. D. Cummings & B. Barrett

4. C. Edlund & H. Young

5. P. Bolte & J. Hannigan

6. R. Allen & N. Barnes

7. H. McKay & J. Perry

Tournaments:

NSW Division 1 Open

Golf Doubles:

• 1st: R. Fletcher & G. Carnegie

• 2nd: A. Sharp & C. Williamson

• 7th: P. Markwell & D.

Scott

NSW Division 1 Golf

Croquet Singles:

• 1st: A. Sharp

• 2nd: D. Bull

• 5th: D. Scott

Plate Division:

• 1st: C. Williamson

• 2nd: S. Burns

Congratulations to all the participants and winners!

CORAKI VETERANS

GOLF RESULTSTHURSDAY, 22ND AUGUST 2024

A large feld of 45 players competed, with the following results:

• Winner: T. Doyle

• 2nd Place: K. Lloyd

• 3rd Place: M. Fairfull

Other

Chicken/Ball

Foster, P. Brophy, S. MacDonald, D. Knox, S. McDonough, G. Flaherty, D. Vagne, S. Ormond, G. Tait, N. Blake, E. Reddell

Nearest to the Pins:

• 3rd/12th Hole: B. Kerrison

• 6th/15th Hole: J. Weaver

This Thursday, the 3rd round of the Veterans Club Championships will take place with a shotgun start at 8:30 AM, followed by the monthly BBQ. Arrive early for a cuppa and a chat.

As always, happy golfng until then!

The Northern Rivers Times August 29, 2024

Story and photos by Deborah Matten, Lismore Croquet Club.

The NRCA Ricochet Handicap Doubles

Championships, known as the “Battle of the Mallets,” took place at the Lismore Croquet Club on Friday, 23rd and Saturday, 24th August. The event saw participation from seven teams representing clubs from Lismore, Ballina Cherry Street, and Byron Bay. Despite the long and hot days, the competition was ferce, with scores remaining tight until the fnal bell.

Champions:

• Phyllis Waters and Deborah Matten (Lismore) emerged as the undefeated winners of the tournament. Their impressive performance led to six victories with a net hoop difference of +46, scoring 90 hoops while conceding just 44.

Runners-Up:

• Neville and Robyn Poynting (Ballina Cherry Street) secured second place, narrowly missing the top spot by only dropping one game throughout the tournament. They achieved fve wins, scoring 58 hoops and conceding 43, with a net hoop difference of +15.

Final Standings:

• 3rd Place: Denis

Cummings and Barbara Barrett (Byron Bay) - 3 wins

• 4th Place: Christine Edlund and Helen Young (Ballina Cherry Street) - 3 wins

• 5th Place: Jim Hannigan and Pauline Bolte (Ballina Cherry Street) - 2 wins

• 6th Place: Noelene Barnes and Robbie Allen (Ballina Cherry Street) - 2 wins

• 7th Place: Joyce Perry and Helen McKay (Lismore) - 0 wins

The tournament was a resounding success, with congratulations extended to all participants for their excellent play. Special thanks go to Fay Ross (Lismore), who served as both referee and tournament manager, and Richard Hughes (Ballina Inc), who offciated as referee. The event also benefted greatly from the hard work of the scorers, timekeepers, kitchen staff, and supporters. A particular note of gratitude goes to Bruce Ross for meticulously preparing the courts each morning. Congratulations again to Phyllis Waters and Deborah Matten for their outstanding performance and to all involved in making this tournament a memorable one.

By Gary Nichols

THERE was a huge outpouring of emotion from Coffs Snappers’ players when the fnal whistle blew in the Women’s 10s grand fnal against the Grafton Redmen on Saturday. Players ran from everywhere after realising they had just pulled off a tension-packed 17-12 victory over Grafton. In a high-quality game, punctuated by bruising defence, Snappers survived a pulsating fnal fve-minutes with both sides showing signs of fatigue and desperation. Grafton got off to a dream start when speedster Carla Dougherty found space to outsprint the opposition to give her side an early fve-nil lead.

However, Snappers were quick to respond scoring a converted try under the uprights. Grafton looked like heading to the sheds with a 12-5 lead after the referee awarded a penalty try, however, the home side took advantage of a Grafton error right on the stroke of half-time to level up proceedings at 12-all.

Defence continued to dominate after the break until Snappers broke the deadlock to take a matchwinning 17-12 lead. With fve-minutes left on the clock, both sides appeared to hit the panic button with unforced errors creeping in at critical moments. to the positive impact this collaboration will have on the future of Australian surfng.”

In the fnal wash-up, the two best teams in the competition produced a game worthy of a grand fnal.

Surfng Australia is proud to announce a new partnership with Kennards Hire, which will serve as the Offcial Major Equipment Hire Partner for the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) under a two-year agreement. This collaboration is set to bolster grassroots boardrider clubs across the country.

Matt Hardy, General Manager QLD at Kennards Hire, also shared his excitement: “Kennards Hire and Surfng Australia are two iconic Australian brands that resonate with both surfers and tradies. Many of our tradie customers are passionate surfers, so supporting Surfng Australia and providing essential equipment for their events aligns perfectly with our values. We’re thrilled to contribute to creating exceptional experiences for all participants.”

Luke Madden, Surfng Australia’s Chief of Sport - Events, Participation & Community, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We’re delighted to join forces with Kennards Hire, a respected Australian brand with deep community roots. Both Kennards Hire and Surfng Australia share a commitment to family and community, and this partnership is poised to enhance the experience for grassroots boardrider clubs at the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle, from regional qualifers to the Grand Final. We look forward

Mr. Hardy added, “At Kennards Hire, we’re driven by community, innovation, and excellence—principles that Surfng Australia embodies. Through this partnership, we’re dedicated to fostering a spirit of adventure and helping Australians reach their full potential.”

The twelfth season of the Hyundai Australian

Boardriders Battle Series will commence on September 14 at Trigg Beach in Western Australia. The series, which spans the nation, will include stops at Coffs Harbour (NSW), Phillip Island (VIC), the Sunshine Coast (QLD), Fleurieu Peninsula (SA), Clifton Beach (TAS), Wollongong (NSW), North Narrabeen (NSW), and culminate in the Grand Final at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast (QLD)—the largest surfng event in Australia.

Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Overview

The Hyundai ABB is the world’s largest club surfng series, bringing together the top boardrider clubs from each state in a thrilling nine-leg competition that culminates in a prestigious Grand Final. The event has been a launching pad for many of Australia’s elite surfers, including Olympians and Championship Tour stars such as Joel Parkinson, Stephanie Gilmore, Tyler and Owen Wright, among others.

2024/25 Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Series 12 Schedule:

• Event 1 - ABB WA14th Sept - Trigg Beach, WA

• Event 2 - ABB NSW North - 28th Sept - Coffs Harbour, NSW

• Event 3 - ABB VIC6th Oct - Phillip Island, VIC

• Event 4 - ABB QLD

- 12th Oct - Sunshine Coast, QLD

• Event 5 - ABB South Australia - 19th OctFleurieu Peninsula, SA

• Event 6 - ABB

Tasmania - 26th OctClifton Beach, TAS

• Event 7 - ABB NSW South - 2nd NovWollongong, NSW

• Event 8 - ABB NSW Central - 9th Nov - North Narrabeen, NSW

• Grand Final - 8th

- 9th Mar - Burleigh Heads, QLD (entry by qualifcation)

By Tim Howard

Defending Group 2

Rugby League premiers Woolgoolga are on track to defend their title after mauling the Sawtell Panthers 44-12 in the preliminary fnal at Rex Hardaker Oval, Sawtell on Sunday.

The Seas Horses dominated the game from the kick off, scoring 16 unanswered points in the frst 15 minutes of the game as they dominated from the outset.

Sawtell did nothing to help themselves, setting a pattern of poor discipline and ball control from the opening minutes when they lost a player to the sin bin for a high tackle on Woolgoolga fve-eighth Jason McGrady, which left him stretched out on the ground for several minutes.

Woolgoolga made the Panthers pay almost immediately when they set up camp near their line.

A cross kick from prop Jake Elphick found winger Coen van Dugteren out on the left.

He had to turn to catch the ball, but was able to spin through a tackle and dash 10m to score in the corner.

Kicker Emanuel Sutton nailed the sideline conversion to give the Sea Horses a dream start to the game. It improved just minutes later when a penalty for another high tackle put them on attack again.

This time the ball went through the hands after several lunges at the line.

It was Elphick again who set up the try, this time with a dummy to hold up the defence and a perfectly waited pass to rampaging centre Shayde Perham, who sprinted into the left corner to score.

Sutton missed the conversion, but Woolgoolga were able to keep up their point-aminute scoring rate when reserve Kyle Miller crashed through some fimsy defence to score his team’s third try.

Sutton converted to make the score 16-0 after 13 minutes.

The Panthers had to be the next to score if they had any chance to get back in the game and to their credit they put together some enterprising patches of play.

Centre Robert Brilley gave his team some hope with 10 minutes remaining in the half when second rower Todd Johnson contested a bomb on the Woolgoolga line and squeezed a pass away for Brilley to dash over.

Sawtell had chances to narrow the gap in the fnal minutes, but careless errors around the play the ball cost them dearly.

Instead Woolgoolga stormed upfeld and came close when McGrady kicked into the in goal forcing a line drop out with a minute to go.

It seemed almost inevitable as the Sea Horse drove the ball back into the red zone into a position where giant second rower Jackson Gisinger could crash over near the posts.

Sutton converted from close range after the siren to make the score 22-6.

Woolgoolga were unlucky not to start the second half the same way as the frst, as desperate Sawtell defence held them up over the line twice in the opening couple of minutes.

They were saved by a rare Woolgoolga mistake and were able to score themselves a few minutes later when halfback Corey Willis left the Sea Horses clutching at thin air with a brilliant dummy and dart from close to the line.

He converted his own try and for a few minutes the Panthers thought they might be on the comeback.

But it was a vain hope. Instead the same silly errors crept back into their game, with a knock on at dummy half and a loose carry costing them possession when they were in promising positions.

Even when a man down, when Perham was sent off for a late tackle, they failed to take advantage.

They were pressing the Woolgoolga line when replacement forward Jovan Robinson was penalised for a shepherd when he darted across the line from a few metres out.

Woolgoolga were not so generous and just a few minutes later punished a dreadful mistake from Panthers fullback Jake Thornton, who spilt a towering kick from Woolgoolga fullback and skipper Dane O’Hehir.

Gifted possession, the Sea Horses punched the ball into the left corner for two tackles then switched to go right.

Elphick popped a nice ball to O’Hehir chiming in from the back, who straightened off his right foot and scored under the sticks.

With Woolgoolga scoring a try while a man down and with a 16-point lead the game was over as a contest.

Potent in attack and relentless in defence, the Sea Horses set about exposing the Panthers’ frailty at the back with O’Hehir launching a bombing raid on his opposite number Thornton.

One towering kick so befuddled the Panthers No.1 he turned in a circle while the ball bounced fve metres behind him.

Only a frantic scramble from winger Tully O’Rourke saved a six pointer.

Instead the Panthers attempt at a short drop out failed to go the distance and Sutton snapped up the two points on offer from the penalty shot.

The Woolgoolga procession continued when O’Hehir snapped up his second try of the game, this time chasing and catching a high kick to score out wide.

The nightmare continued at the back for Thornton when he dropped another O’Hehir bomb and soon after this team conceded another penalty under the posts which Sutton converted into two points.

Up 36-12 Woolgoolga were in no mood to show mercy and hard working lock Michael Curnow was rewarded for a non-stop effort with a try in the dying minutes of the half.

Running wide he had too much toe for Panthers second rower Dean Waring and pulled through a feeble Willis tackle to cross to the right of the sticks.

Halfback Tyler Murden took over the kicking duties and kicked the conversion.

He was also able to slot a penalty after Thornton was sent to the sin bin for a late tackle on Perham in the fnal minute of the game.

Woolgoolga’s form in the fnals has been a revelation after a lack lustre for and against season.

Seemingly suffering from a grand fnal hangover after their 2023 triumph, they have roared into contention for a premiership double. Nambucca are the deserved minor premiers but began to show some frailty in the fnal games of the season.

In the end the 2024 grand fnal at the Coffs Harbour International Sports Centre looks to be ftting fnale for the season, with the defending premier up against the form team of the season.