Round “Long Weekend” 2012
The long weekend holiday was planned to allow players to have a break ... however the intervention of wet weather during the start of the season means some catch up games will be played between tonight, Thursday June 7 and next Tuesday evening.
Byron Bay host Lennox Head tonight after the match was postponed from Tuesday night due to ground closure. Byron is licking its wounds, with several injuries testing the Rams' depth. Supporters are hoping that there are no long-term issues.
Coach Peter Ware will know that Lennox Head has a spring in its step at present after a solid start to 2012. He will expect game faces on for this clash. An unexpected loss last week against Alstonville may have given the Rams a timely opportunity to re-focus on just how hard it is to win this competition.
The Sharks team is a mix of age, experience and talent but clearly something is working under the coaching of Matt Kelso. Players like Paul Kirkland and goalie Paul Hickey are veterans by any standard at this level but their efforts have proved inspirational. The game kicks off at 8pm and with predicted cold, blustery conditions, tactics will prove vital to the outcome.
Lennox then backs up on Monday at Skennars Head against powerhouse side Lismore Richmond Rovers with kick-off at 2.30pm. The Lismore side is firing ominously for coach Brian Bugden, sitting close to the top of the table. With a solid defensive unit, Rovers have already shown that they are a tough team to penetrate and also boast a great attack. Jono See and Jacob Heffernan have been in good form and they should be too strong for Lennox.
The second Monday game also starts at 2.30pm when the Casino RSM Cobras host Italo Stars. Casino has been unlucky with its results not reflecting the performances and as shown last Sunday against Goonellabah, five goals scored in quick succession hurt them badly. Coach Matt Kenny appears to have the patience to instill confidence into a team that has potential.
Fellow cellar dwellers Stars are equally desperate for points and the winner of this game will breath better, with the loser almost certain to face relegation for next season.
Lismore Workers and Ballina meet next Tuesday night at Richards Oval at 8pm and unless there is huge upset, Workers will coast to victory and remain undefeated.
