Byron Bay rugby is raring to go for their charity day games this Saturday after first grade tightened its grip on the hotly contested fourth position on the Far North Coast Rugby Union table after a strong 53–4 win over Casino.
The win puts Byron Bay back on track for a finals berth with three rounds of the regular season to play.
Byron now has a game in hand and is five points clear of fifth place Bangalow who have only lost two games from their last nine.
Byron Bay take on third-placed Lennox Head at home as part of their ongoing and successful annual charity day.
‘Both Byron and Lennox are in semi-final contention so there will undoubtedly be some spectacular rugby action,’ Andrew Teuma from the Byron club said.
‘There will be fundraisers and an auction for special limited-edition jerseys, which fans can bid for.
‘There are also plenty of fantastic prizes to be won that have been generously donated by some legendary business in Byron Bay,’ he said.
The day is called ‘PM Day’ in honour of Paul Mitchell, who died on grandfinal day last year.
Paul played league for the Byron Red Devils, Mullum Giants and the Seagulls, rugby with Byron Bay and twilight cricket for the Byron Bay Rugby Cricket Club.
‘Everyone in these sporting circles knew him as a talented, tough, skilful player but more importantly for epitomising what it means to be a good bloke who always had time for his mates,’ Andrew said.
This year the Byron Bay Rugby club has reformed a second-grade team, the Sandcrabs, after 20 years.
‘The idea for the side was spawned in memory of Pauly. The team is star-studded, hard-hitting and is creating waves throughout the competition. But more importantly it’s a social outlet for 15–25 blokes who get together once or twice a week that probably wouldn’t be doing so otherwise,’ he said.
‘Perfect for both physical and mental health,’ he said.
The Sandcrabs are also in fourth position on their ladder and would love to take the points from third-place Lennox this weekend.
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