Pioneers kick off the rugby season in style

POTENT attacking threats and experience in key areas has seen defending premiers the Wollongbar-Alstonville Pioneers kick off the Far North Coast rugby union season in style.

The Pioneers were two players down in the second half before sealing a 31-12 win over the new-look Byron Shire Rebels in the second round of the competition.

Most teams have played at least one game now after a rain-affected start to the season.

Second-rower Matt Scott, flanker Hamish Mould and winger James Vidler scored first half tries on a heavy track at the Byron Recreation ground.

After halftime it became a fierce battle with Scott and five-eighth Jarrod Wylie yellow carded for separate infringements within a minute of each other.

It meant the Pioneers had to dig deep and defend with 13 men for almost 10 minutes.

“We really had to lift in the second half and our experience probably showed in the end,” Pioneers captain Ben Damen said.

“We felt in control for most of the game and we had to fall back in our old patterns and simplify our style of play.”

The Rebels also played one down before the halftime break and with five minutes to go.

“They had some new blokes, and we had a few out, too. Hamish Mould was probably the difference in the forwards, he played well,” Damen said.

In other second round games, ladder leaders Ballina ran away with a 29-12 win over Casino at Quays Reserve Ballina.

Five-eighth Elliot Bryers, front-rower Brett Johnston, fullback Jack Kindred and winger Emori Rairailevu scored second half tries for the Seahorses.

Ballina looks like it will be the main threat for Wollongbar-Alstonville this season with the teams to meet in the fifth round on Saturday, May 10.

The Seahorses will host rivals Lennox Head when the competition resumes on April 26.

Casuarina takes on Casino that weekend in what shapes as an important early season game for both teams.

The Rebels will be at home again at Schultz Oval, Bangalow when it plays Lismore before another big game against Ballina the following weekend.