Sport makes a return to local fields right around the Shire this weekend, and includes top-level match ups with plenty to offer fans.
In local rugby league it can’t get much better than the local derby between the Byron Bay Red Devils and the Mullumbimby Giants at Mullumbimby this weekend.
Mullumbimby are coming off the back of a good win against Murwillumbah and are fifth on the ladder, just one competition point behind Tweed Coast.
A win for the home team could see them firmly wedged into the top five.
Byron Bay have one less win for the season than Mullumbimby but find themselves in ninth spot, on a very congested ladder.
A win for Byron Bay could see them leap-frog up the ladder and rejuvenate their season.
The visitors will be hoping for a good contingent of supporters making the trip to Les Donnelly Field at the Mullumbimby Leagues Club to cheer them on.
Seniors kick-off at 2.45pm Sunday June 18.
The women’s touch fixture starts the day at 10.50am, and Mullumbimby will be playing for the first back-to back wins.
The U/18s and Reserves are in between, making for a full day of rugby league action.
Rugby Union
In the Far North Coast senior rugby competition local fans will be treated to a top-of-the-table clash between the Byron Shire Rebels and Wollongbar-Alstonville Rugby.
It will also be the first time the newly formed franchise has a run at the Byron Bay Recreation grounds for the year.
The clubs are almost inseparable at the top of the table. WAR is just out in front but have played an extra game. After a slow start to the season, they have regianed their winning mojo.
They are the only side that has really troubled the Shire Rebels, handing them their only loss of the season in early May, in a game at Alstonville.
After the break both sides will be rested and the Shire Rebels will be relying on a vocal home crowd to get them over the line.
Reserve Grade is also a top-of-the-table clash, so again the teams will be leaving nothing on the field.
Reserves get underway at 1pm Saturday June 17, followed by first-grade at 3pm at the Byron Bay Recreation Grounds.
Football
The Byron Bay Recreation Grounds hosts another local derby when Byron Bay take on Mullumbimby Brunswick Valley FC in the men’s champion league from 6pm on Friday night, June 16.
Byron Bay are fifth on the ladder and looking to break into the top four, while MBVFC are hoping to claim their first win of the season.
To top off the night Byron Bay’s top two women’s teams will be going head-to-head at 8pm.
Byron Bay ones only have one extra win for the season, so the twos will be doing their best to match them, and claim some kudos.