Peter Griffin
Byron Bay rugby has eased back into the top four after a nine-try 57–14 romp against Casino on Saturday.
The crowd was warmed by the sight of Mick ‘Wombat’ Leece reprising the No 7 shirt in his 24th consecutive year of Byron senior rugby. Leece was joined by last season’s captain Pete Shaw, who made a dash from the Rails kitchen to bolster the Bay’s depleted stocks. With so much rugby royalty on show Byron’s spirits were high and a brilliant early set piece had James Hawley racing 60 metres to score after centre partner Romey Vassell had drawn three defenders.
Hawley added another and Vassell recorded a hat-trick of tries, each a gem of speed and athleticism.
The hardworking visitors were simply outclassed in every department by the Byron back line, who played with such width, pace and precision that tries will surely come against any opposition.
Ben Orme had his best game for his new club while Nathan Nicholls came on late and produced, as always, with the boot. Not to be outdone, the usual suspects all scored. Aaron Shakeshaft scored a brace, Matt Larrson powered over for his weekly try and Craig Wallace managed to dash the length of the grandstand touch line, outpacing the Casino winger to score.
Byron’s thoughts were perhaps turning to next week as the hard-working visitors crossed twice in the dying minutes of the game.
Byron makes the trip to Wollongbar-Alstonville this Saturday to play the competition front runners, who are fresh from their demolition of champions Lismore on Saturday. Then it will be seven more sleeps before Byron host Bangalow, currently seventh and desperately needing to resurrect their season.
Go the Bay!
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