Seahorses start the rugby season in style

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.

They scored 27 points in a first half blitz, with winger Emori Rairailevu bagging two tries.

The Ballina women’s team also started the season in dominant fashion.

Five-eighth Emma Stockham scored a hat-trick in a 41-20 win.

Far North Coast Rugby Union administration officer Wayne Millane said most of the round was washed out after heavy rain during the week.

He expects all games to go ahead as scheduled this weekend.

“A couple of the games are going to have to be rescheduled when both clubs agree on a new date,” he said.

“Ballina played well, though, they look like they’re in for a good year.

“Sam Giltrap was back for them, it will be interesting to see how the other teams go this weekend.

“It’s a seven tram competition this year, so it’s important that each team starts well.”

Ballina will be at home this weekend and host Casino in what should be an entertaining game at Quays Reserve.

In other games, the Byron Shire Rebels will host defending premiers the Wollongbar-Alstonville Pioneers at Schultz Oval, Bangalow.

The Pioneers will be the team to beat with the bulk of its grand final team back for another season.

The Rebels are also fielding a women’s team this season with its first game against Kyogle in the curtain-raiser.

Lismore will kick off its campaign with a home game against Casuarina.

There will be four grades at Lismore Rugby Park with first grade games across the region to kick off at 3.15pm.