BALLINA kicked off the Far North Coast Rugby Union season with an impressive 39-19 win over Casuarina in a rain-affected first round of the competition.<\/p>\n
It was the only first grade game played on the weekend with the Seahorses running in seven tries against a Casuarina side who played in the grand final last season.<\/p>\n
They scored 27 points in a first half blitz, with winger Emori Rairailevu bagging two tries.<\/p>\n
The Ballina women’s team also started the season in dominant fashion.<\/p>\n
Five-eighth Emma Stockham scored a hat-trick in a 41-20 win.<\/p>\n
Far North Coast Rugby Union administration officer Wayne Millane said most of the round was washed out after heavy rain during the week.<\/p>\n
He expects all games to go ahead as scheduled this weekend.<\/p>\n
“A couple of the games are going to have to be rescheduled when both clubs agree on a new date,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Ballina played well, though, they look like they’re in for a good year.<\/p>\n
“Sam Giltrap was back for them, it will be interesting to see how the other teams go this weekend.<\/p>\n
“It’s a seven tram competition this year, so it’s important that each team starts well.”<\/p>\n
Ballina will be at home this weekend and host Casino in what should be an entertaining game at Quays Reserve.<\/p>\n
In other games, the Byron Shire Rebels will host defending premiers the Wollongbar-Alstonville Pioneers at Schultz Oval, Bangalow.<\/p>\n
The Pioneers will be the team to beat with the bulk of its grand final team back for another season.<\/p>\n
The Rebels are also fielding a women’s team this season with its first game against Kyogle in the curtain-raiser.<\/p>\n
Lismore will kick off its campaign with a home game against Casuarina.<\/p>\n
There will be four grades at Lismore Rugby Park with first grade games across the region to kick off at 3.15pm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BALLINA kicked off the Far North Coast Rugby Union season with an impressive 39-19 win over Casuarina in a rain-affected first round of the competition. It was the only first grade game played on the weekend with the Seahorses running in seven tries against a Casuarina side who played in the grand final last season. […]<\/p>\n