Christian Layland
Byron Bay FC have completed the regular season with a strong win over rivals Richmond Rovers to finish in second places heading into the semi-finals.
The Rams were in the hunt for first place and a second-straight Pointscore Championship but needed South Lismore to drop points against Goonellabah for the trophy to be a possibility.
The match started with lots of promise for Byron with the Rams getting an early lead after a Diego Vazquez free kick beat the wall and swung into the top corner.
Once the goal was scored, Byron took their foot off the pedal, and the rest of the half turned into a cagey affair. The Rams continued to launch some promising attacks but were unable to find the net with Rovers competing well and creating some opportunities of their own.
After the half-time break, Byron stepped-up a gear to wrestle back full control of the match. This new dominance was rewarded when Vazquez scored his second: doubling the lead with a rocket from outside the box.
From that moment there was no doubt about the result, and Oli Stautner sealed the win. Working hard all game, the industrious midfielder created plenty of scoring chances during the match and converted one himself after combining with young Luca Twomey and Vazquez.
Heading to the sheds after the game, all attention turned to the South Lismore game to know if Byron would finish the regular season as Pointscore Champions. Unfortunately for the Rams, South Lismore defeated Goonellebah 2-0 to keep Byron in second position.
Semi-Finals start next week with Byron Bay taking on local rivals Bangalow. Match details will be published on byronbayfc.com.au when confirmed.
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