The Ballina Under 8s team played Lismore. With Lismore having more players they loaned Ballina players on a rotation system. The game showcased the true spirit of rugby with great improvement shown on passing and positional play. An Excellent game to be involved with and Tom Hart from Ballina did a great job as referee. The wonderful attitude demonstrated from both Ballina and Lismore’s coach and players was a definite highlight.

 The Under 10s played competition leaders Lismore Green. While the score was similar to the last time we played Lismore Green, the actual game was a huge improvement with Ballina getting back to good defence that really worried the Lismore side. Haydon and Zach led the way with great games. Haydon’s running and Zach’s all-round game continually caused problems for the Lismore side. Ballina showed that next year with some more experience they will be a force in the competition. The coaches are very proud of all the players. Referee Emily Hart, allowed the game to flow with the emphasis being on kids playing rugby as per the ARU guidelines for Mini Rugby. Emily is developing into a fine referee.

 The Under 12s played Lismore in the third game of the night and although behind on the scoreboard at the final whistle, this is an impressive team. The ability to put multiple phases off attacking rugby together and their backline ball movement are two major strengths of this Under 12s squad. They have undoubtedly provided some of the most exciting junior rugby played at home this season.

 The 13s came up against a Wollongbar team that put more than 60 points on them last time they met. The boys managed to halve that score line this time around and this was definitely an impressive performance by the Ballina lads. They tackled their hearts out and committed themselves to the breakdown throughout the entire match. It was a full 50 minute team performance and all of the players deserve a pat on the back for what could be a defining game in their development as rugby players. A great effort boys which was reflected in coach Craig Dangar’s satisfied smile at both half and full time.

The club has been planning this event for quite some time and apart from being something a little different, Ballina Rugby club will also be the host sponsor for the night. We have been given the naming rights for each race. 

The cost for the night is $20 per person which includes bus and entry. The night doubles as a fundraiser for the club with all the proceeds raised through ticket sales and race sponsorship going back to the club.

 So come along on TUESDAY, 27^th JULY and get involved – BALE up your friends, the more the merrier! Buses will be leaving the club at 5.30pm (First race 6.30pm) and departing Lismore at approximately 10pm (Last race 9.40pm).

 We need to confirm numbers in the next week or two so please RSVP at your earliest opportunity and no later that Thursday 22^nd July.

 We hope you can make it!

On a very cold and damp night Ballina took on Lennox at Lennox. Under trying conditions better suited to penguins, the Ballina side showed a great deal of courage narrowly losing to the Lennox side. All players showed grit and never gave up with Ryley leading the way.   The coaches continue to be impressed and are very proud of all the players.

Report by Brett McClintock

This week, Round 8 for Friday 11th June, there are two changes. The under 12s now play at 6:15 at Lennox Head and the Under 13s play at 6:30 at Casino. The Under 13s are all to meet at the Ballina club house at 4:45pm to organise transport so that no player is left behind.

The Bangalow side arrived at Ballina to take on a very buoyant Ballina U10’s still full of excitement from their first win the previous week. Bangalow started off very well and were 2 tries ahead before the Ballina boys could get into the contest. Not one of the Ballina side panicked and as a result the game started to turn as Ballina were turning defence into attack and showing a real hunger for the ball. Dre, Malik, Heath and Ryley again took on the Bangalows bigger boys and with their improved technique and their desperation, they continually got possession for the Ballina side. Hamish and Jarrod ran with purpose and scored tries that brought Ballina back into the contest and with Hamish converting both, Ballina were in front at half time. Ballina continued in the same vein in the second half and with Aleki scoring his first try as well as making a fine dash down the sidelines Ballina came out on top. Hayden and Kyuss maintained their fine form to trouble the Bangalow defence with some fine running. A tough, close game of football where the boys really showed how much they have improved both individually but more importantly as a team. The coaches and I am sure all the families and spectators were very proud of their efforts.

-          Brett McClintock

All players from the 8s, 10s & 16s were given a copy on Friday night, so if any parents haven’t seen a copy, go digging in your son’s or daughter’s footy bag. The newsletter will be scrunched up between the dirty socks and stinky chest & shoulder protectors. The 13s and 12s will receive a copy at training on Wednesday. The next four rounds of games are printed at the end of the newsletter, so make sure it makes it onto the fridge door for quick reference.

A big thank you must go to the Senior Club for accommodating a Juniors Day and also many thanks to Ray, Adam and Tony for getting the kids organised for their game during the 1st Grade half time break, Lyster, Jackie and the canteen helpers for getting the free food organised for the boys and girls and of course the parents for bringing the kids along to support the Seniors. The Juniors looked great in their club polo shirts. Well done to everyone involved.

10s                                                                                                                                                                     On a chilly night Ballina took on Casino who seemed to be a little bigger across the park than our guys. Although well behind on the scoreboard, Ballina never gave up and their 2nd half effort was sensational considering we had no reserves and had done a ton of tackling in the first half. The game highlighted some areas we need to work on at training but the important thing is that the lads are having fun and are improving each game. Player of the game was Kyuss who tackled very well against much bigger opposition. Zach, Ryley, Dre and Malik kept taking it up all game in the forwards while Alicki,Hamish, Haydon and Jarrod made many spirited runs into the teeth of the physically bigger Casino defense. Again the players made the coaches really proud with their efforts.

13s                                                                                                                                                                   The under 13s were playing against the competition leaders Wollongbar who, with 13 representative players in their squad, were always going to be tough to match. 
From the opening whistle the boys played with vigor and skill, and whilst they were up against the larger and more experienced team, they tackled their hearts out and held Wollongbar for several periods.
The half time score was 45 to nil, a good result considering the difference between the two sides but after a rousing halftime talk, our boys came out determined to take it to the opposition in the second half. For most of the second period the teams were evenly matched with Ballina crossing for the first try to be scored against Wollongbar this year. This half was a better reflection of the improving skill of the Ballina boys (a team boasting 60% of first time rugby players this year), with the second half score a respectable 19 – 5.

Under 12s & 16s (report to follow)