Tough defence underpinned a largely winning day for the Byron Shire Rebels last Saturday.
The Byron Shire Rebels produced a dynamic and fruitful second half of rugby in first grade to take their only win for the season against competition heavyweights Wollongbar Alstonville Rugby.
Byron struggled early in the first half as WAR scored two tries in five minutes, but a late try kept them in the contest as they went to the break 17–8.
From there it all went the way of the Shire Rebels, who were playing at home on the Byron Recreation Grounds, as they scored three unanswered tries, to run out winners 25–17.
WAR had plenty of ball and attacking chances but they lacked their normal finishing poise as they ran into the blue wall of defence from the Shire Rebels.
Despite the loss, WAR still sit on top of the competition ladder with 57 points, in front of the Shire Rebels (54), Casuarina (42) and Ballina (30).
In other first grade games Casino Bulls had a good 34-26 win over Ballina, while Casuarina dominated Lismore 36–13.
Saturday afternoon got off to a good start for the local fans as second grade maintained their impressive winning record for the season, all but one game, by beating WAR 20–14.
The Shire Rebels second graders sit on top of the table with 58 points, ahead of Casuarina (48), WAR (41) and Casino (31).
The only downside on the day was the Byron Shire women’s team going down by two points, 19–17, in a hard fought game against Evans River.
The Shire Rebels and Evans sit together on the table with 16 points, behind Casuarina (43) and Lismore (32).
