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Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Depleted Red Devils staved off by Papists

Latest News

Man charged over domestic violence and pursuit offences – Tweed Heads

A man has been charged following a pursuit near Tweed Heads on Monday.

Other News

Carrying and passing the torch

If I say the words ‘US Forces give the nod’, I can pretty much guarantee that you will hear the unmistakable voice of Peter Garrett ringing in your ears. Your head may even start to bob up and down a bit. 

Mullum pods

They look so uninviting and dismal. It would not cost a lot to change the name to ‘tiny homes’...

‘Smooth stroking’ Rainbow Dragons earn trophies

Rainbow Dragons (Lennox Head Ballina) won three trophies and had a fantastic weekend of fun, fitness and friendship at Grafton Dragon Boat Club’s regatta earlier in March.

Breakfeast, Bluesfest weekend

Victoria Cosford Oh to be a cow with a four-chambered stomach system! Farmers’ market, Bluesfest long weekend, a spot of...

Records galore!

Byron Bay Easter Record Fair returns again to Ewingsdale Hall. Now in its 15th year, the Byron Bay Easter Record Fair is one of the biggest and best in this country. Matt the Vinyl Junkie has spent years on buying trips to the US and Japan scouring dusty warehouses, shops, flea markets and private collections. He can offer an astounding 30,000 records in one place covering most genres.

Dynamic, rustic yet polished

Animal Ventura is the brainchild of Byron Bay-based singer-songwriter Fernando Aragones. Growing up playing punk and reggae in noisy garage bands in Southern Brazil, Aragones ventured to Australia where the eclectic sounds of the Sydney music scene beckoned.

Sunday’s 16–14 loss to Marist Brothers in round eight of the NRRRL might ironically have provided Byron Bay with more positives than you’d normally expect from a defeat.

It was a tough encounter that saw the lead change hands a few times before the home side was able to snatch the victory with a try in the corner as full time loomed. For Byron, who had battled so hard, it was a bitter pill, but given that at least seven regular first-graders were missing from the side, the effort was more than commendable.

With the battle-hardened old-heads missing, the club’s young Turks were given their opportunity and, to a man – Lachlan ‘Corporal’ Jones, Sam ‘Dolly’ Dwyer, Fraser ‘Fletcher’ Jones and William ‘Peppi’ Goldsmith – they didn’t take a backward step in the physical and psychological turmoil of playing with the big boys. Even the likes of Wally ‘Prince’ Andrews, who had already made his usual hard yards with the reggies, put his hand up to be counted. (Wally is the Bay’s resident Nathan Hindmarsh clone, not because he makes 250 tackles in forty minutes, but because he never fails to give the mob a look at his bumcrack as his strides make their inevitable slide towards his ankles. We love him.)

The Bay always looked to have the skill factor working for them, and it was exemplified when centre Chris ‘BB’ King chipped inside his own half and, defying all the laws of physics and gravity, collected the ball at his toes while flying at full tilt and went steaming for the line. Lanky James ‘Mook’ Harrington got it across the chalk in the next set to put the Devils ahead 6–0.

It was a classic war of attrition as the rumble continued for the next hour. When Hemi ‘Sphere’ Mullen, backing up from rep duty the day before, bulldozed over in the second half to put Byron ahead 14–12 it appeared that an unlikely two points would be snatched by the Devils… but fate, and the ref’s whistle, is a cruel mistress.

No footy next weekend, as we celebrate [sic] our foreign head of state’s birthday (which is not even her birthday anyway), but on Sunday, June 15, the Devils are at home to the high-flying Casino Cougars. It should be an absolute ball-tearer – one not to be missed.


Recent stories tagged NRRRL:

Bombers knock Red Devils out of league finals

Byron Bay have been bundled out of the 2022 NRRRL by a tenacious Evans Head who won last Sunday’s match 22–21 at Red Devil Park.

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Red Devils closing in on the top five

The Byron Bay Red Devils kept their chances of a final’s berth alive last Sunday when they beat the Tweed Coast Raiders 35–26 in round 10 of the NRRRL, playing at home.

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No splendour in the farce for NRRRL

Story and photo John Campbell Every year, the Byron Bay Red Devils ask that their bye be allocated to the weekend of Splendour in the Grass, as they are most drastically affected by absenteeism it causes. And every year, presumably...

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Red Devil women undefeated in new tag-league competition

Shannon Hulbert  A tag rugby league competition started a month ago in the region and the Red Devils have had three wins from three so far. The women follow the Red Devils men’s team around and play the opposition clubs that...

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Byron Devils score big win over Mullumbimby in league derby

John Campbell The Byron Bay Red Devils enjoyed their first win of the 2017 season when they romped home against a lacklustre Mullumbimby side 36–4. As local derbies go, there was a curious lack of intensity when the Red Devils hosted...

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Mustangs prepare for grand final after death of teammate

The Murwillumbah Mustangs are preparing themselves for a grand final match against Cudgen despite the death of their teammate Grant Cook during the semi-final against the Casino Cougars on Sunday afternoon.

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Man dies during rugby league match at Murwillumbah

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner after the death of a man during a rugby league match at Murwillumbah yesterday (Sunday September 11).

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So near and yet so far for Devils against comp frontrunners

Winning becomes a habit. The Evans Head Bombers, an honest but not outstanding team, have acquired it. Byron Bay’s Red Devils have gone cold turkey on it.

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Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

The Lismore Showground isn’t just a critical local community asset that plays host to a number of major events each year, but has also been used as an evacuation centre during past natural disasters in the region. 

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

Lennox Park and the shelter shed has now been upgraded and reopened.

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.