Photo Peter Moore.
The Engerneer
Byron Bay have capped off a great year in the Far North Coast Rugby Union First Grade Competition with a win over Southern Cross University securing them second place overall and a start in the major semifinal.
The Bay will take on the undefeated Wollongbar Alstonville on Saturday with a spot in the Grand Final up for grabs.
Byron finished the last game of the regular season in style, with a comprehensive 57–5 win over the Gold Rats at home.
The Bay looked to take control from the kick-off and some good early pressure from the home side had captain Harvey Bell scoring in the corner for the opening try of the game.
From the restart, strong running from the Bay’s forwards had the Gold Rats’ defence back-pedalling. This provided the platform for the backs to spread the ball wide and exhibit some pace.
The backs were led by the Bay’s flyhalf Brandon Lewsey, who was orchestrating the plays superbly. After more attacking pressure, Byron’s big Will Aisake rampaged over the line for the home side’s second try.
This sparked an attacking onslaught and it wasn’t long before Byron’s prop-turned-try-scoring-machine Jack Elborn crashed over under the posts for the Bay’s third try.
Not to be outdone by the forwards, Brandon Lewsey ran through a gap like a gazelle in flight and sent Jascha Saeck streaking away for his first try of the game.
Byron’s speedster James Oakley chipped in with a try of his own before the half-time whistle that saw the blue and white leading 33–0.
From the start of the second half Byron made their intentions clear as birthday boy Jascha Saeck ran away for his second try.
The dazzling inside centre finished with a hat-trick for the game. Another try each to James Oakley and Harvey Bell put the game well out of reach and capped off a successful 80 minutes for the Bay.
The team song was sung loud and proud as coach Paul Jeffery nominated Brandon Lewsey as best on field with mentions given to Jascha Saeck, Harvey Bell, Jesse Novley and Miles Wood.
The big test for the Bay is this coming Saturday, with the major semifinal being played at the Pioneers’ home ground in Wollongbar.
There is a supporters’ bus heading to the game with seats available – keep an eye on the website / Facebook throughout the week for more info.
Everyone is encouraged to head along and support our local boys are they vie for a guaranteed place in the Grand Final. Kick-off will be at 3.15pm at Lyle Park Rugby Ground, Wollongbar.
As always, Go The Bay!
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