WEATHER

Warnings See www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings

Northern Rivers District:

Partly cloudy. Light winds.

Thursday. Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming north to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.

Northern Tablelands District:

Mostly sunny. Areas of morning frost in the south. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the day. Thursday. Sunny. Patches of morning frost on and west of the ranges. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the afternoon.

New South Wales:

Dry and sunny. Patchy morning frost across the southern and central inland and adjacent ranges and western slopes. Daytime temperatures below average in the northeast, tending above average in the far west and southeast. Moderate north to northwesterly winds through the inland and southeast, tending E/NE about the northern ranges and coast. Thursday. Dry and mostly sunny. Patches of morning frost in the north. Daytime temperatures above average, most notably in the southwest. Moderate to fresh west to northwesterly winds, tending NE along the north coast during the afternoon.

Byron Coast:

Winds: S/SE 15 to 20 knots turning E/NE below 10 knots during the afternoon. Seas: 1 to 1.5 metres, decreasing below 1 metre during the afternoon. Swell: Southerly 2.5 to 3 metres, decreasing to 2 metres during the evening. Weather: Cloudy.

Coffs Coast:

Winds: Southerly 15 to 20 knots becoming variable about 10 knots during the morning then becoming north to northeasterly 15 to 20 knots during the afternoon. Seas: Around 1 metre. Swell: Southerly 2.5 to 3 metres, decreasing to 2 metres during the evening. Weather: Partly cloudy.

Gold Coast Waters: Winds: Southeasterly 20 to 30 knots decreasing to 15 to 20 knots during the morning then turning easterly 10 to 15 knots during the afternoon. Seas: 1 to 2 metres, decreasing to 1 metre during the afternoon. 1st Swell: Southerly 1 to 1.5 metres inshore, increasing to 2 to 3 metres offshore. 2nd Swell: Northeast to southeasterly below 1 metre inshore, increasing to 1 to 1.5 metres offshore during the evening. Weather: Partly cloudy.

IAN ROGERS

In a remarkable display of determination and skill, both the women’s and men’s teams of Woolgoolga FC have secured their spots in the Premier League Grand Final, scheduled for Saturday, 7 September, at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

The Woolgoolga Wildcats, despite fnishing 15 points behind the Coffs City

United Lionesses in the regular season, delivered an unforgettable performance to clinch a 4-3 victory in extra time.

The Wildcats’ resilience was on full display as they overcame a 3-1 defcit, with standout moments from Tash Mackie and goalkeeper Abby Nudd turning the tide in their favour.

Mackie’s 77th-minute

Murwillumbah

trainer Matt Dunn’s top seed for The Kosciuszko - Boom Torque - will make his NSW debut in the $300,000 Theo Marks Stakes over 1300 metres at Rosehill on September 14.

And Dunn expects the fve-year-old gelding, which has done all of its racing so far in Queensland, to be very competitive in the Group 2 event.

“Absolutely I think he’ll be competitive in a race like that,” Dunn said.

“It’s obviously going to be the toughest assignment he’s had and probably a stronger race than what the Kosciuszko is, so it’ll give him a good opportunity to prove himself.

“We’ve won good races like that in Sydney before with other horses and I’ll be optimistic about Boom Torque’s chances this time.”

The $2 million The Kosciuszko will be run over 1200 metres at Randwick on October 19.

Punters can go in the draw to have a horse run for them in The Kosciuszko by purchasing sweepstakes tickets at $5 each via

TAB through agencies, the TAB app, pubs and clubs and at race meetings until September 9.

The 14 slot-holders will be drawn on September 11 and they will then be able to do a deal on a prizemoney split with the connections of eligible runners trained in the NSW country or ACT.

Boom Torque, currently the sixth favourite for The Kosciuszko at $13 with TAB, has won seven of his 14 career starts, with all of those wins coming in his 11 starts since joining the Dunn stable. He looks perfect for free kick and her equalizing header late in the match set the stage for Chloe Webb’s dramatic extra-time winner, sending the Wildcats into the the tough 1200 metres at Randwick, for which experts believe you need a horse capable of running out a good 1400 metres to be able to fnish off the shorter distance strongly.

Women’s HIT 105.5 North Coast Premier League Grand Final against the Urunga Raiders.

The men’s team added to the celebration with a gritty 2-0 victory over the Urunga Raiders.

Five of his wins have been over 1200 metres - three at Doomben and the others at Ipswich and Sunshine Coast – and he has also won over 1300 at Gold Coast and 1350 at Doomben.

His win over 1300 metres came in the $1 million Magic Millions Open on January 13.

“He’s a genuine 1200-metre horse with that stamina to go beyond that and we all know the 1200 at Randwick is a testing run,” Dunn said.

“He’s got great race manners and his best way to race is from about midfeld in a genuinely-run race. He’s raced handy a few times in races that had a lack of tempo, but when he won at Magic Millions he came from three-quarters of the way back.

“He’s pretty casual around the stable. He’s plain to look at and he just does his thing pretty much. He’s a really quiet little horse that just goes about his business. When he walks around the enclosure on race-days he looks like a stayer.

Jimmy Palmer’s 14thminute goal and James Gorrie’s decisive strike in the 72nd minute secured Woolgoolga’s place in the Men’s Grand Final, where they will face Northern Storm.

The stage is set for an exciting day of football at C.ex Coffs International Stadium, with Woolgoolga FC aiming to complete a historic double triumph.

“He’s excellent to train, very straight-forward. He was probably just struggling for maturity a bit before he joined us. I came across him at the right time and he worked like a nice horse from the day I got him.

“I’ve got a couple of others including Tribeca Star that I’m hoping will push for a run in The Kosciuszko, but Boom Torque’s my top one at the moment for sure.

“I’m sure he’d be very attractive to slot-holders with what he’s already done, but it’s going to be perfect timing if he runs well in the Theo Marks.”

CASINO SOCIAL

GOLF RESULTS - 01

SEPTEMBER 2024

Bruce Yates emerged as the winner of the monthly medal on Sunday with an impressive net score of 27, fnishing ahead of Gary Skennar, who scored 32. The putting trophy was claimed by W. Jackson with 15 putts, while P. Day won the players’ draw.

Nearest to Pins:

• 8th: G. Randall

• 9th & 17th: D. Slade

• 10th: P. Piccoli

• 11th & 13th: W. Jackson

• 12th: T. Hook

• 14th: G. Shephard

• 15th & 16th: T. Jenkins

• 18th: B. Yates

Next Sunday’s event, sponsored by Gumbo Pies Casino, is yet to be decided. Visitors are welcome to join, with tee-off times between 6:30 am and 7:30 am.

CASINO WOMEN’S BOWLS RESULTS

2024 Minor Pairs Club

Champions: Julie Creighton & Ivy Watson

Results from Wednesday, 28 August: The day’s winners were determined based on the lowest margin:

• Judy Carthew & Denise Skinner defeated Raelene Skirrey & Mary Mead. Other rink winners included:

• Marlene Jordan, Julie Creighton & Helen Lavelle defeated Marlene Jordan, Jan Dwyer & Ivy Watson. Looking ahead, the Women’s Bowls will be holding Legacy Day next Wednesday.

CHERRY STREET

CROQUET CLUB

SPORTS RESULTS

Association Croquet:

• P. Waters 12 def. S. Hume 10

• G. Porter 21 def. T.

Hume & P. Hume 19

Ricochet Croquet:

• A. Mangan 16 def. H. Young 14

• P. Scott & B. Wellings

12 def. G. Drew & M. Russell 12

• C. Edlund & N.

Poynting 14 def. W.

Gilmore & N. Watts 10

• R. Chapman & J. Bate

14 def. R. Allen & G. Kerr

13

• N. Barnes & G. Porter

18 def. R. Poynting & B.

Waters 13

• W. Gilmore & P. Scott

15 def. M. Russell 10

• P. Waters & R. Allen 17 def. J. Doust & G. Kerr 16

• B. Bill & N. Poynting

14 def. P. Bolte & H.

Young 7

NRCA Ricochet Handicap Singles

Championships:

• 1st: J. Hannigan

• 2nd: D. Cummings

• 3rd: B. Barrett

• 4th: J. Pearce

• 5th: C. Edlund

Westport Cup Golf

Croquet Pennants:

• 1st: Cherry Street

• 2nd: Byron Bay

• 3rd: Ballina

• 4th: Alstonville

• 5th: Lismore

• 6th: Casino

Upcoming Club

Meeting: Thursday, 5th September at 12:00 PM.

CORAKI VETERANS GOLF RESULTSTHURSDAY, 29/8/24

A total of 52 golfers participated in the 3rd round of the club championships at Coraki. The day’s winner was P. Brophy, with P. Muldoopa taking second place. The free game was awarded to

D. Knox.

Chicken/Ball Winners:

4th J. Kelly, T. Foster, S. Toms, L. Bonner, T. Doyle, R. Earnshaw, M. Fairfull, T. Newton, J. Sauer, R. Mackay, B. McDonald, B. Kerrison, J. Savins.

Nearest Pins:

• 3rd/12th: B. McDonald

• 6th/15th: S. McDonough

The fnal round of the championships will be held this Thursday, followed by a barbecue. Tee-off is at 8:30 AM.

As usual, till then, good golfng!

BALLINA MAHJONG RESULTS - 30TH AUGUST 2024

1. Vanessa Reynolds 2. Margaret Bryant 3. Shirley Atkinson

Sally Lowry 5. Pauline Bolte

Pauline Kearney

Ann Hewett

Lynda Scott

Gail McDonagh

23. Jenny Lang

Mahjong is held every Friday at 12:30 PM at the Ballina Bridge Club, North Creek Road. New players are welcome! For enquiries, please contact Shirley at 0423

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown this Saturday, 31 August, as the Woolgoolga Wolves and Urunga Raiders face off in a must-win clash, with a coveted spot in the Men’s Premier League grand fnal at stake. The winner of this high-stakes match will go on to challenge the Northern Storm, who have already secured their place in the season’s ultimate showdown, set for Saturday, 7 September, at C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

The Northern Storm clinched their grand fnal berth in dramatic fashion, narrowly defeating league leaders Woolgoolga 1-0 in extra time last weekend. This result underscores the unpredictable nature of the fercely competitive

Premier League, where no team can take victory for granted.

In the Women’s Premier League, the excitement is equally intense. The Coffs City United Lionesses, who fnished the regular season in second place, are set to battle the third-placed Woolgoolga Wildcats for a spot in the grand fnal. The victors will face the formidable Urunga Raiders, a team that has remained undefeated throughout the season. The women’s grand fnal is scheduled for a 5 pm kickoff on Saturday, 7 September, at C.ex Coffs International Stadium, followed by the men’s grand fnal at 7 pm.

As the region’s top teams gear up for these decisive encounters, the anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of football.

JEFF GIBBS

As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games come to a close, the spotlight now turns to the Paralympic Games, where Australia’s athletes are ready to showcase their extraordinary talent and determination. The same arenas that resonated with Olympic triumphs will soon witness the inspiring performances of an estimated 4,400 Paralympians from over 150 nations, including a remarkable contingent from Australia.

Among the Australian athletes, 43 are Commonwealth Games alumni, with 32 having previously claimed medals at the Commonwealth Games. These athletes are poised to represent their nation with pride, embodying the resilience and spirit that defne the Paralympic movement.

Spotlight on Australian Paralympians

For many athletes, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games represent a pinnacle in their careers. Birmingham 2022 gold medallist Tim Hodge is one such athlete who views this as more than just another competition—it’s an opportunity to redefne the limits of what’s possible in the pool.

“It’s an incredible honour to compete at my third Paralympic Games,” said Hodge.

“My coach and I have left nothing to chance, and we’ll be drawing from all my previous experience and hard training over the last three years to put together my best possible performance.”

Similarly, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Hani Watson will make her mark in powerlifting—a sport that has not seen Australian representation in 12 years. Watson approaches this moment with a deep sense of purpose and pride.

“I’m excited, honoured, and humbled to wear the green and gold again,” Watson shared. “I know my late mother is going to be there with me on the platform ready to lift some heavy weight. I can already hear her saying, ‘you’ve got this, darling – let’s go.’”

Cyclist Jessica Gallagher, a four-time Commonwealth Games medallist, sees the Paralympic Games as a chance to refect on her journey and fuel her drive for excellence.

“It’s been a big few years coming off the back of the Commonwealth Games and world championships, and we are ready for this next chapter to begin,” Gallagher said. “We’re so thankful to know everyone back home in Australia will be watching and cheering for us. Bring it on!”

Last weekend, the Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Club’s annual regatta at Shaw’s Bay, East Ballina, enjoyed perfect weather and exhilarating races.

The event kicked off Saturday with a vibrant boat blessing and eye dotting ceremony led by Tsunma Gosha, marking the debut of the “Mary D” dragon boat. Named in honour of Rainbow Mary Davis’s tireless efforts, the “Mary D” raced in two new categories: the competitive 70+ years Category D, and the thrilling Flag Race, which tested speed and precision. The classic State of Origin match between NSW, QLD, and the Rest of the World wrapped up Saturday’s events.

Sunday featured intense

200m sprints with twelve teams in the DBNSW accredited competition and six teams in the Community Teams Challenge.

Rainbow Dragons President, Lu Cooney said “Congratulations to all our Community Teams! Their enthusiasm, sportsmanship, colourful costumes & sense of fun really made our day! We also wish to thank Ballina

A Nation’s Support Petria Thomas OAM, Chef de Mission of the Australian Commonwealth Games Team, expressed her support and well wishes for the Australian Paralympic Team as they embark on their journey in Paris.

“On behalf of the Australian Commonwealth Games Team, I want to wish our incredible Paralympic athletes all the very best at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games,” said Thomas. “Your resilience, dedication, and passion are inspiring. Now is your time to shine—go out there, embrace the moment, and show the world what Australia is made of. We’re all behind you!” Follow the Journey Australians are encouraged to follow the journey of the Paralympic Team as they compete in Paris. Stay tuned to all the action on paralympics.com.au and their social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X. Let’s rally behind our athletes as they reach for glory on the world stage!

Shire Council for its Event Sponsorship.”

Results:

Cat. D- The Elites; Flag Race- Typhoons: State of Origin- The Rest of the World

Community: The Healthy Minds Club

Sports: Mixed 20Typhoons; Womens 20- Tweed; Opens 10s- Typhoons; Mens 10s- Typhoons; Womens 10s- Rainbows.

TIM HOWARD

The Nambucca Roosters will be crowing for a week after they comprehensively outplayed defending premiers Woolgoolga to secure a long-awaited Group 2 rugby league premiership.

Nambucca set up the win with a try-scoring blitz between the 15 minute mark and 28th minute of the opening half as the Coffs Harbour International Stadium on Sunday.

It was Nambucca’s frst premiership since the 1996 win over Orara.

Until then it looked an even game as both teams tried to assert dominance in the opening stanza.

High kicks proved a problem for both defences and it was only scrambling defence on the line that stopped tries as kicks bounced or were dropped close to the line.

Nambucca began to slip into the ad-lib style of play around the 10 minute mark and came close to scoring when centre Willy Baker ficked a pass out that just slipped from the grasp of winger Beau Langford.

It was a sign of things to come.

At the 15th minute mark hard working lock Jay Melrose put a dent in the Woolgoolga defensive line about 20 metres out and fveeighth Tyreece Sines saw his chance.

He jumped into dummy half and fred a pass to Baker who stepped off his right foot, accelerated and with tacklers clinging to him, stretched out across the line to score the opening try.

Fullback Tyrone Roberts-Davis nailed the conversion to put his team 6-0 up.

But he almost blew the kick off when Woolgoolga smashed the ball long and hard at the posts.

As the ball sailed over the cross bar, he reached up to catch it over his head only to have the ball brush his fngertips and roll over the dead ball line.

The Roosters regained their composure and the ball from a short drop out.

With a series of quick play the balls they marched the ball upfeld and Sines launched a towering bomb into midfeld, which the Woolgoolga defenders let bounce.

The ball bounded towards the sideline and in a scramble for the ball, the winger was bundled over the sideline.

The Sea Horses paid for their mistake as Melrose capitalised on a couple of quick play the balls when he received a pass from the dummy half, stepped off his right foot and shot between two back pedalling forwards, Jackson Gisinger and Ethan Duncombe, to score near the posts. Woolgoolga were unlucky at the restart when Roberts Davis dropped the ball, but referee Blake Smoothy ruled a knock back, much to the dismay of the Woolgoolga supporters.

The Sea Horses had a great chance to hit back a few minutes later and Duncombe claimed a try when he dived for the line from a couple of metres out only to be ruled to have fallen short.

The Nambucca defence was magnifcent and on the next play forced a knock on, to give themselves a rest from Woolgoolga’s relentless attack.

The Sea Horse were hurling themselves into tackles, but it backfred when the referee penalised them for a high tackle as they tried to pin the Roosters in their half.

Allowed out of their half, Nambucca turned on the razzle-dazzle for their next try.

Second rower Brody Simons set it up when he found centre Dane Saunders fying down the left edge.

Caught by the defence he ficked a pass infeld which bounced for Roberts-Davis to pick up and sprint 10 metres to score.

At 18-0 up Nambucca were on fre fve minutes later they put a hand on the premiership trophy with their fourth try of the half.

Again it was a spectacular affair as they pressured the Woolgoolga defence into error and pounced.

Fullback Dane O’Hehir tried to clean up a bouncing ball after a kick only to be sandwiched by two Roosters as he tried secure the ball.

It bounced free and was toed ahead before the ball bounced into the hands of halfback Logan Jones who was able to bat the ball back to Saunders, who sprinted over to score.

The conversion made the score 24-0 and effectively put the game out of Woolgoolga’s reach.

But they had a great chance to get on the board in the fnal minutes of the half when Woolgoolga had the Nambucca defence back pedalling.

They found their try-scoring centre Shayde Perham but he lost the ball over the line in a heavy tackle as defenders hit him from both sides.

The siren sounded soon after and at 24-0 up, Nambucca looked to have the game in their keeping.

Their defence was solid and when forced to scramble had proved up to the mark.

In attack they had converted most of the chances they created.

But in the opening minutes of the second half complacency had slipped into their game and suddenly the Roosters were fnding a few more easy metres up the middle.

Nambucca should have opened the second half with a try after Jones made a huge break up the middle only for Saunders to drop the ball with the line open.

Instead the Sea Horses got on the board when they forced the ball loose as Woolgoolga tried to run it off their line.

From the scrum they ran a set play with big second rower Jackson Gisinger the decoy. The ball hit O’Hehir on the chest and he straightened to fnd the Nambucca forwards slow breaking from the scrum and dashed through the gap to score.

Halfback Tyler Murden converted putting Woolgoolga on the board four minutes into the half.

Woolgoolga got their supporters hearts racing minutes later when they scored again.

This time it was ball playing prop Jake

Elphick who did most of the work.

He punched a little grubber through the line, which Roberts-Davis could only parry back into his arms and he was able to dive over just to the left of the posts.

The conversion made It 24-12 to the Rooster, but the momentum seem to be heading the Sea Horses.

The second try seemed to knock the complacency from the Roosters who began to fre up in defence again.

From the kick off they hammered the Woolgoolga ball runners and when they got their chance, the Sea Horses forwards repaid the favour with some big tackles.

Woolgoolga was fghting hard to get back into the game, but Nambucca were just as determined to hold them. With 10 minutes to go it was the Roosters half Jones, who put the game beyond dispute with a sensational solo try. He received the ball near half way, dummied and broke free of the defence. He bounced to his feet and sprinted straight up the middle, stepped off his left foot to carry him around O’Hehir at the back, and dived over as covering defenders hit him from all sides.

It was the clincher and a feld goal from Sines with a few minutes to go was the icing on the cake for Nambucca’s 31-12 win.

After the game prop Khan Jarrett was awarded the player of the match, a stand out in a hard working pack.

The Roosters also cleaned up post match with Logan Jones the competition’s leading try scorer and Roberts-Davis the leading points scorer and Best and Fairest for the season.