Ross Kendall
A big double-barrel effort has seen two Ballina teams win through in style to the grandfinals of the Far North Coast Rugby Union competition.
On Saturday afternoon Ballina first grade put an end to the dreams of the Byron Bay’s top side, beating them 44–24.
The game was a lot closer than the scoreline suggested and at half-time Byron trailed by 13–10, Ballina coach Andrew Fraser said.
‘The first 40 minutes was a dogged affair,’ he said.
‘Byron Bay played with great spirit and attitude, but in the second half we were a little more patient and were able to take advantage of the opportunities and score points. We were fortunate in that regard,’ Andrew said.
‘It was a great team effort for a group young in age and experience.
‘One of the best things about the win was that it wasn’t about any standout individual performance, but a big group effort.
‘It is really exciting to see a group of young players making the most of their opportunities,’ he said.
The Ballina reserves also had a good day beating local rivals Lennox Head 62–14.
Again it was a standout second-half performance where Ballina put on 43 unanswered points that separated the sides.
Title holders
Despite the big day for Ballina they have a lot to do this weekend in the finals where they take on the reigning premiers in both grades.
In the reserves, the Ballina versus Mullumbimby grandfinal is a rematch of last year, where the Mullum Moonshiners proved too strong.
In the firsts Ballina has even more to do to dislodge favourites Wollongbar-Alstonville, who have won the trophy for the last three years running.
‘It is all well and good to make the finals, but really it’s all about going on to win it,’ Andrew said.
It suited Ballina to go into the final as underdogs as the pressure would be on the experienced side to deliver another premiership, he said.
The Ballina team is bumped and bruised but injury free, and hoping to name a full squad for the final encounter.
All the action this Saturday is at Crozier Park in Lismore from 1.50pm.
Check Facebook for details about supporter buses.
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