The Byron Shire Rebels have started the 2023 season in good form, winning reserve and first-grade games playing away against Ballina on Saturday afternoon.
The outing was the first competitive game for the new rugby joint venture between Byron Bay and Bangalow rugby clubs.
First-grade made an emphatic start to their season winning 50–0.
Gavin McGonagle and Sam Reid scored two tries each for Byron Shire, while Robert Taylor, Dominic Tydeman, Darcy Woods and Jordan Elliott also scored. Dominic also kicked five conversions.
The Man of the Match award went to Otis Floyd.
Other games in the round where also one-sided as Wollongbar-Alstonville Rugby beat Lismore 66–0.
But they were all outdone by Casuarina who put on 88 unanswered points against Casino.
The winning clubs also took out their second grade fixtures with Casuarina beating Casino 29–7, WAR beating Lismore 73–19 and the Byron Shire Rebels got over Ballina 28–14.
President’s Cup
Playing at home the Mullumbimby Moonshiners lost their season opener against Evans River, 22–19, despite scoring the opening two tries.
The Moonshiners dominated the early exchanges but Evans Head scored a try before half-time, and went to the break losing 12–5.
The game turned when Evans Head maintained the momentum and scored the first three tries in the second half to put them on top 22–12.
The Moonshiners managed another converted try but ran out of time.
In other games from the round Yamba put one on Lennox Head, winning 52–12, while Richmond Range beat Kyogle 76–5.
Next week the local teams head west with the Byron Shire Rebels taking on Casino and the Moonshiners playing Richmond River.
