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Byron Shire
June 7, 2026

Byron Beez win basketball final in thriller

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Cartoon of the week – 3 June, 2026

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Beez forward Michael Rossignuolo goes for the hoop in his side’s grand final win. Photo Jenny Ogle
Beez forward Michael Rossignuolo goes for the hoop in his side’s grand final win. Photo Jenny Ogle

The Byron Beez basketballers won a close-fought grand final against the Grafton Vikings 70–68 to claim the Sunshine Conference last weekend.

The game was close all the way through with plenty of lead changes, according to Beez player Bret Madden.

The Beez were ahead going into the last quarter but not for long as the Vikings were able to get seven points ahead through a couple of three-pointers.

But the Beez were able to fight back through some great ‘clutch shooting’ from Ryan Holmes and Michael Rossignuolo.

Going into the final stretch the Beez gained a two-point lead, but were forced to keep defending.

The Vikings had a chance to snag a three-pointer and the game in the final play, but a mighty defence effort saw the shot blocked in the air.

‘Viking veteran Dan Boorman made the shot and it looked to be going in,’ Bret said.

‘It was a great game, easily the best tof the season that I saw. A fitting grand final and a very exciting game.

‘Grafton were very good and played their best game of the season,’ he said.

The Beez probably let them stay in the game early by missing plenty of shoots that normally would have hit the mark, he said.

The game was played at Grafton in front of a crowd of roughly 150.

Up to 15 Beez supporters made it down to the game and gave great vocal support.

 



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Marooned yacht on rocks near Ballina

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Echo celebrates 40 with awards night tomorrow

Tickets are selling fast! Come join a fun-filled night of community celebration – This Saturday (tomorrow) The Echo is set to mark its 40th year in style with a ’30s swing-era style party and community awards night featuring the dynamic sounds of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra.

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