Ross Kendall
The Ballina Sea Eagles have emerged from the COVID-ravaged 2020 Northern Rivers Rural Rugby League local competition as the team to beat, with the grandfinal looming on October 18.
The first-grade Ballina side is undefeated across the short season and sits on the top of the table with six wins from seven starts.
Last Sunday their winning run was brought to a halt by Marists brothers who keep them to a 10–10 draw, on a big day of rugby league at Ballina’s Kingsford Smith Oval.
The draw gave Marists Brothers one competition point and second place on the table, just one point higher than Northern United. The United side missed out on second place on the ladder when they were beaten by Casino 40–12
Mullumbimby Giants will miss out on finals footy after finishing in fifth spot on the local ladder without a win to their name for the season.
The Red Devils withdrew their side from the competition when the COVID bubble came into play. This scenario also forced the NRRRL to split the wider competition into two groups.
The local competition will likely see Ballina take on Casino, and Marist Brothers battle Northern United this weekend for places in the grandfinal, the week after.
In the northern half of the competition the Tweed Head Raiders take on Murwillumbah in the grandfinal this Sunday
Women’s touch
In the Ladies League Touch competition the Marist Brothers cemented their dominance over the competition with a strong 38–0 win over Ballina, playing away.
The win puts them on top of the competition, and leaves them undefeated through the regular season.
Ballina and Northern United are next on the table with a couple of wins apiece, while Mullumbimby is the last side in the competition.
All four teams will vie for a place in the grandfinal in next weekend’s semis.
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