The Byron Shire Rebels have extended their lead at the top of the Far North Coast first-grade rugby ladder after beating Casuarina 24–12, playing at home last Saturday afternoon.
Both teams were undefeated going into the game after the first two rounds of the competition.
Playing their first game at home on Shultz Oval the Rebels scored four tries to two and were ahead at half time. Byron Shire Rebel Benji Clarke scored three while Joel Little also crossed the line. Dominic Tydeman kicked two conversions.
For Casuarina, Webb Lillis was the hero; scoring two and converting one.
Dan Cupitt Shield
Meanwhile the Ballina Seahorses have jumped in front of Wollongbar-Alstonville Rugby (WAR) on the ladder after beating them at home 24–22.
It was a big fight-back from the Seahorses after being 17–0 down at the halfway mark.
The win was especially sweet for Ballina as the game was also being played to determine which club would hold the Dan Cupitt Shield for 2023.
Dan’s parents were at the game and mother Marg said: ‘The spirit in which the game was played was fabulous’.
The bottom of the table clash between Casino and Lismore was also an arm-wrestle of a game that ended in a 34-all draw.
The tie gave both teams their first competition points.
Byron Shire Rebels now sit on top of the table with 15 points, a win clear of Casuarina (9), Ballina (9) and WAR (8). Lismore and Casino are on three.
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