WEEK 1:

MEN
Coraki 2 drew Burleigh 2
East Lismore 4 def Alstonville 1
Ballina 5 def United 2
Northern Star 3 def Labrador 1
Mullumbimby 4 def Kingscliff 1
Casuarina 5 def Mudgeeraba 2
Waratahs Capri Abandoned
Redbacks Bye

Coraki Pushed to Maintain Unbeaten Run

The opening round of the J. H. Williams premier hockey league produced a number of decisive results. The game that had everyone's interest between Waratah's and Capri at Murwillumbah was abandoned due to the severe stormy weather. When the match was abandoned in Waratah's were leading 1-0 with Mick Newell having scored the goal.

No information was available at the time of going to print on the possible outcome of a game.

At Hepburn Park Jamie Beddoes (25 min FG) highlighted his versatility with the splendid opening strike to give Coraki the lead. And Ben Moss (57 min FG) cut a swathe through the effective and defiant Burleigh defence to retake the lead towards the end of the second half.

And while Coraki looked well in control in the first half, the new look Burleigh side stepped up in the second to rattle Coraki's position. And only quality defensive work by Coraki keeper Peter Ryan, Cory Thomas and Chris "Chad" Morgan saved their bacon.

Burleigh 'keeper Clint Colefax was simply outstanding and his heroics on the day ultimately proved the difference between the teams.

While it took Burleigh a while to get going Harry Bisley, Ben Chiu and Travis Coats did some productive work to overcome Coraki's stranglehold. Ross Farwell (45 min FG) and Tony Mahoney (63 min FG) scored Burleigh's goals.

Even a serious head wound failed to slow Raymond Rodda as he put his body on the line leading his team to an emphatic 4-1 victory over Alstonville. Missing several key team members East's were forced to work hard in defence with Rodda, Boyd Hughes and Matt Currie in scintillating form.

East's have experienced some tough times converting goals recently. However this week Chris Clark (19 min FG), Steve De Boer (26 min PC), Currie (40 min FG) and Daniel Hughes (69 min PC) all scored this week for East's.

Chris Woolner (68 min PC) capped off a fine game for Alstonville with their loan goal. And Jade Taylor, Lachlan McKendrick and Troy Cooper consistently applied the pressure in search of scoring opportunities. But the Redsoilers failed to produce their spectacular recent form.

Brad Hassett and Chris McGuinness were the standouts for Northern Star in an exhilarating first half performance against Labrador. And goals to James Harmon (18 min FG), Ashley Waring (20 min FG) and Chris McGuinness (27 min FG), Star looked likely to run away with the match.

But in the second half Star dropped their intensity allowing a 10 man Labrador team back into the match. And for Labrador Chris Gilmour, Chris Littlejohn and Craig Moore led the defiant rearguard action. But playing short without reserves Labrador's only return was a goal to Moore (40 min PC).

Ballina enjoyed their first road trip securing a decisive 5-2 victory over United Vipers in Murwillumbah. Mitchel Harley and Michael Broadbent each secured two goals with veteran defender Tony Porter converting the other. Harley, Tony Meldrum and Brett Crawford stood out for the seasiders. While for United Michael Hull and Jason Mortimer scored the goals with captain Chris Stuart their standout player.

On the whole match was a very even game with counter-attack playing a prominent part of both teams approach. However a lack of discipline later in the match left United one player hitting the showers early and with players from both sides cooling their heels on the side.

Mullumbimby maintained their positive approach with a comfortable 4-1 win over Kingscliff. Brendan Iwanuscha (2), Adam Gadowski and Luke Iwanuscha scored from Mullum. While for Kingscliff Kim Slockee scored their loan goal.

Casuarina have overcome a slow start to the season to surprise Mudgeeraba 5-2 in a comprehensive win. Scott Fitzpatrick and Ian Lomas made a big difference for Casuarina side that has lacked consistency recently. And Cameron Spargo, Nigel Chapman and Ben Whitely made most of their opportunities with good service out of the midfield.

Murray Fitzpatrick (2), Nigel Chapman (2) and Ben Whiteley scored Casuarina's goals. While for Mudgee Jason DeLacy and Steve Hammond scored their goals.

Mudgeeraba coach Paul Gasmire made no excuses for the loss noting that Casuarina was "much stronger on the ball and more committed to the play". While Mudgee were with out regular keeper Peter Keeble, Gasmire noted his team has plenty of talent. However Gasmire pulled no punches when he described his team as a "bunch of slow learners" when it comes to doing the basics.

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WOMEN - WEEK 1

Alstonville 0 drew United 0
Glee 2 drew Mullumbimby 2
Labrador 0 drew Northern Star 0
Griffith 2 def Ballina 1
Kingscliff 4 def Mudgeeraba 3
East Lismore Bye
Casuarina Bye
Waratah's Bye

Star Defiantly Draw with Favourites

Under pressure from the competition favourites Labrador, Northern Star showed why their defence is rated one of the best in the competition. Goalkeeper Erin McKenzie,
Leanne Albertini and Danielle Seiffert were again the standouts as Star held Labrador to a nil-all draw.

Showing plenty of heart and a willingness to work Tracy Makings and Rechelle Power gave Star some drive in the midfield but too few opportunities in attack allowed Labrador to dictate for much of the match.

Laura Shillito proved to be the heart and soul of Labrador's organisation giving excellent service to her forwards with Jenna and Jaclyn Wilson their best. And when Star were able to pressure Labrador Vikki Mokomoko and Carina Curtis stood tall.

Sam Wyborn (18 min PC) and Kelly Roatz (40 min FG) were the stars for United in the four nil win over Alstonville. Carliha Brown (35 min PC) and Sarah Brisby (66 min FG) scored the other two goals in the one-sided match.

Alstonville goalkeeper Tamara Leonard limited the damage was some outstanding work. While Nicki Woolner, Kristy Hanley and youngster Marli Hope made the most of limited opportunities. However Alstonville lacked enough firepower and midfield control to overcome the visitors.

With Nicole Danvers and Kim Chappell back in the myrtle green colours Glee was able to overcome a slow start to secure a defiant two all draw with Mullumbimby.

With the storm playing havoc with all games in Murwillumbah, Sam Iwanuscha and Romany East both scored goals in the first half to give Mullum a commanding lead. However second-half goals to Cassie Douglas and Chappell equalised the ledger securing the draw.

Mullum's Jo Tunstall dominated the game in both attack and defence. While for Glee Douglas, Danvers, Emily Savins and Sharna Mathers were their best.

Griffith finally ended Ballina's dream run to the season with a 2-1 win in today's action. Sarah Payne and Steph Hagan scored a Griffith. While for Ballina Emily Hunter was successful.

Kingscliff pulled off a stunning 4-3 victory over Mudgeeraba. After a very slow start to the season Kingy have highlighted the need to take every game seriously or face the consequences.

Annabel Nance, Jenna Wicks, Lorrelle Morrisey and Nicky Harrison scored Kingy's goals. While Sharna Mathers (2) and Sam Morris scored for Mudgee.

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Jim Challenor - BHMS (Ex Sci)
"Never Give In,
Never Give Up,
In The End You Will Win"
"Unknown"

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