“Rugby was the winner today”
With the heavy rain received last week in the Shire, it was a wonder if there was to be any Rugby played on the weekend.
With games postponed due to flooding in Lismore and other areas around the Far North Coast Zone, Mullumbimby Rugby managed to host a trial of preseason games at Mullumbimby Giants on Saturday.
Gold Coast Eagles & Sunshine Coast Uni Rugby clubs made the journey down through the rain to play Byron Bay Rugby & Mullumbimby Moonshiners RFC,
with each team playing against each other in 4 shortened games.
Due to other games being cancelled, the local teams made a “Byron Shire” squad with players from Byron Bay Rugby, Mullumbimby and Bangalow Rugby during the last game against Sunshine Coast.
“With the combined team from 3 clubs in the Shire, it really showed the standard of the Rugby spirit.” said Byron Bay Club Captain Eddy Brown.
“We would normally battle it out amongst our clubs as there is a bitter rivalry between Byron Bay, Bangalow and Mullumbimby, but on this occasion, it was special to have players from all 3 clubs playing together, for the final game”
“Rugby was the winner today” said Byron Bay Rugby President Tim Ahern. “Both teams came up against Premiers from Queensland zones and still managed to come up on top!”
This Saturday 25th March, Byron Bay Rugby host Ballina Seahorses at the Recreation Ground, Marvell St.
“We love our home crowd.” said Brown. “It’s a chance for everyone to come together as a community and watch some fantastic local sport. All home games are free to watch this season, with the canteen putting food on and family-friendly atmosphere with a play area for the kids too”
Ballina will be ready to put Byron to the test in the first game of the season and launching their own campaign. After losing twice to Byron Bay in 2016. Both teams have looked good in preseason so this should be an epic encounter for the first round of the 2017 season
This game is particularly special for the Blue and White as the club includes another team, Byron Bay – Suffolk Sand Crabs who will be playing in the Reserve Grade for the first time. Lead by Captain Matt Larsson, the Sand Crabs will be looking to get a win on the board in their first ever encounter.
Byron Bay Rugby vs Ballina – Recreation Grounds, Marvell St, 15:15 KO
Free Entry, Canteen open from 13:00. Reserve Grade 13:30 KO