Futsal: The World Game (Indoors!)

Futsal, 5-a-side indoor soccer is expanding into the Byron Shire with
our local comp based in Mullumbimby beginning this week.
The competition runs through to April 2010 (in school terms) with at 
least 16 games scheduled for each team.
Futsal is the fast paced, exciting game played professionally 
throughout the world and enjoyed by over 25million people.
Brasilians grow up on it, Italians love it, and Futsal courts adorn 
office building rooftops in Japan.
  It is the fastest growing sport in Australia.
Nothing beats Futsal for the speed, agility and tight control required 
to play it well.
Futsal uses a unique low-bounce ball, and a 4 second rule when the 
ball goes out of play keeps the action fast and furious.
FutsalFarNorthCoast operates under the direction of Football 
Federation Australia and Northern NSW Football.
Matches are refereed under FIFA international rules. Games are 40 
minutes long. It is a safe non-contact sport.
Limited places are still available for new junior teams to join. U7-
U9's will play on Tuesday afternoons. U10-U12's and U13-U15's teams 
will compete on Thursday's.
FutsalFNC is now enrolling teams in an Open Age competion for senior 
players (U16+) set down for Tuesday nights in Mullumbimby and 
beginning  early November.
Sign On now as an individual or a team of at least 5 players.
For more information go to www.futsalfnc.com.au or call local co-
ordinator Clinton Hart on 0408 377 005

Byron Bay Soccer Club is seeking to fill the positions of Premier Mens’ Coach, Senior Womens’ Coach, Director of Coaching and Canteen Manager for 2010 season and beyond.  Please contact secretarty 0404087287 or julie.ray@tpg.com.au for job descriptions.  Applications close Nov 6.

Remember the AGM is on the 26 th October on the Monday night.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2009

 GENERAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON SUN 27 SEPT AT BOWLING CLUB

AIMS OF MEETING TO REVIEW SEASON

Rams reflect on a season of highlights.

2009 has been a roller coaster ride of huge highs mixed with a few lows for the Byron Bay Rams Premier League football squad. Arguably it has one of the most talented line-ups in the league. They have kept their fans happy by scoring a massive total of 51 goals through the rounds, unmatched by any other club. While other coastal clubs were fighting off relegation, the Rams spent all season either at the top of the table or in the top 3.

In July the hardworking Byron Bay club members showed everyone how to put on a fantastic spectacle when they hosted the superstars from the hottest Australian A-League team - Gold Coast United. They organised a full day of special coaching clinics and the exhibition game of the decade, in front of over 2000 appreciative football fans from all over the region. People will be talking about it for years to come.

There was a large crowd at the Bay this Saturday to watch the “do or die” semi final match between an in form Italo Stars and the Rams. Joint winners of this year’s golden boot award Max Latimer and Jordy Campbell would have a major influence on the outcome. Just as influential would be the formidable attacking formation of the Rams and the brilliant hard hitting backline of Italo Stars. Three of the Italo Stars, brothers Max and Bill Latimer and Clint Wiloughby had some inside knowledge having played as guest players in the special Byron Rams Select XI squad against Gold Coast United.

Both teams came out firing and traded shot for shot on goal. At the 15 minute mark a Rams build up on the left wing lead to a goal mouth scuffle and John Bradbury unleashed a controlled volley into the net. However it seemed unclear why controversial referee Rod Smith disallowed the goal. With just 2 minutes to go before half time a classy 1-2 manoeuvre from Stars Zac Inness allowed Clint Wiloughby to score.

Again both teams came out after the break full of fire and 8 minutes in, the Rams defence left Max Latimer unmarked and he powered a curving thunderbolt into the top right hand corner, doubling the Stars score. 12 minutes later Rams keeper Kai Connell was forced to use all of his 6 foot 3 body to flick a beautiful Stars free kick over the bar from close range.

The Rams dropped their heads a little in the second half until Campbell was able to score from right in front after a strong build up down the left flank. With 15 minutes to go the Rams could see a glimmer of hope and raised their game. However with just a few minutes remaining Max Latimer ruined the day for the Bay boys by scoring with a low controlled strike from a corner kick. It sent their fans into frenzy as they knew it meant they would be able to fight Goonellabah next week for a place in the Grand Final.

The Rams have been unlucky with injuries and seemed to have peaked a little early this year and are quite disappointed at not getting a crack at the Grand Final. However all would agree they can hold their heads up high as great ambassadors of the game on the North Coast as the leading coastal team with a spirited season of inspired and entertaining Football.

Byron Rams ’ David and Goliath struggle.  

It was another David and Goliath battle at Ballina Saunders Oval on Saturday with Byron Bay Rams secure in 3 rd position on the Premier League Football table and Ballina desperate for their last chance to make the semi final cut. With a 2 all draw in their first round encounter the Rams were pumped for a form reversal after 2 poor performances in the last 3 weeks. They trained very well during the week and it seemed they were back on track. However speedy flankers John Bradbury and Tim Knight were sidelined along with playmaker Jed Wright, Todd Knaus and Aaron Richter-Steers. So on paper they were hardly at full strength. However they just were not prepared for the onslaught that was to follow.

The Ballina Seahorses were fired up to reverse an amazing 8 game run of frustrating draws at their home ground. So was a do or die last chance and it showed. The Ballina boys came out firing with both guns and blasted 3 shots on the Byron Rams goal in the first 8 minutes. However it took 20 minutes before they scored the first of 6 goals in a total white wash. It resulted from a poor pass in the backline picked up by a Ballina striker. He slammed it into the steelwork and his unmarked team mate slotted it away into the net. Their next goal came just 1 minute later when 2 shots missed target and bounced back for waiting Ballina Strikers and the 3 rd shot snuck past keeper Kai Connell.

It was like a shark feeding frenzy with the Ballina players attacking all over the pitch. The demoralised Rams were unable to get through the Ballina defence no matter how hard the tried despite some classy passing and several shots on goal. The Rams were a little unlucky with having a goal disallowed and a dubious goal awarded to Ballina. However it is arguable that neither decision would have changed the outcome of another shock loss for the Rams. 5 minutes into the second half Rams defender Ian Lennie was controversially sent off for a heavy tackle. However the retaliatory kick to Lennie ’ s mid section by Troy Percival shocked the crowd and he was also sent off.

The Rams can take some comfort from the fact the loss didn ’ t change their 3 rd position on the competition table and they will still be in the semi finals looking for a grand final berth. But the players will need some shock treatment and moral boosting of their own during the week if they are to have any chance at the Grand Final.

In an ironic twist to Ballina ’ s incredible fight to make the final series, a controversial technical forfeit by Lennox Head in another final round match against Lismore Workers Club meant that Ballina missed out anyway. However either way the Ballina fans will remember Saturday as the day the Seahorses dramatically broke their incredible run of home ground draws.

The Rams Premiers will now take on Goonellabah in their first round semi final. Some good news for Byron Bay came in the form of a Premier Reserves win over Ballina also keeping them 3 rd on the competition ladder. They will play Richmond Rovers in their first semi final.

The struggling Bangalow Blue dogs Premier League squad earned a lifeline on Saturday with a 2-1 do or die win over Lismore Thistles. The Blue dogs have had been facing an uncertain future over the past few weeks, fighting off relegation to 1 st division. However the win and Lennox Head ’ s technical forfeit on Saturday will keep them in the top grade for 2010.

Byron Rams Bundy off against Workers  

Oh dear, the wheels seem to have fallen off the Byron Bay Rams hopes of taking out the Football Far North Coast Minor Premiership. It was another case of what might have been with the second embarrassing loss in 3 weeks to a team they had beaten convincingly in the first round. After such a great game last week against reigning premiers Rovers, it seemed things were back on track for the Rams. However Lismore Workers hovering in 6 th place on the ladder had the Rams ’ measure from the get go at their dusty home ground. Conditions were not ideal in energy sapping 30° heat on a dry, bumpy oval. Workers dominated the first 20 minutes until we saw a spark of the Rams former competition winning style with a lovely set of passes through 5 forwards culminating in a goalmouth scramble and young 16 year old winger Nolan Pierce finally heading the ball into the net past Workers keeper Thomas Chen.

However Workers retaliated just 3 minutes later with a build up down the left flank and Rams keeper Kai Connell was ’ t able to collect a powerful shot by Corey Loft, which hit his chest and bounced off for unmarked Workers striker Kurt Brewer-Charles to easily tap it into the net and even the score.

After the half time break Lismore workers came out with renewed enthusiasm and could smell an upset victory. With just 5 minutes gone Workers made a blinding fast break through the Rams midfield and Zac Crowley powered a long range shot over Connell into the top corner of the net taking the lead to the loud cheers of the Lismore fans. Workers were fighting for semi final contention with determination and a fire in their collective bellies. Again the Rams seemed to be playing well below par and certainly missing their talented playmaking midfielders John Bradbury and Bruce Morhaus. As fatigue set in under the hot conditions the Rams found it ever more difficult to find their match winning form. They were making mistakes and passes were going astray. With just 15 minutes to go a desperate defensive tackle in the Rams penalty box lead to Crowley’s second goal from the resulting penalty.

With the score at 3-1 it seemed all was lost for the Rams. However they fought on, and Jed Wright controlled a long range throw in from Jonathan Pierce beautifully, and was able to bounce it over a Workers defender. He saw the keeper was off his line and then chipped the ball over Chen into the net. The goal renewed the Rams determination however it was all too late and at the full time whistle, Workers had won a well deserved and well celebrated victory over a shocked Byron Bay outfit. With only one more game against Ballina next weekend before the semis, The Rams will need to find a form reversal and show the competition why they have been the top goal scorers this season.

Giant Killers.

With a 7 – 2 win against Lismore Thistles in the first round of the Football Far North Coast Premier league, the top of the table Byron Bay Rams were odds on favourites to win on Saturday. Thistles coach Ken McPherson said in the press he was just hoping his boys could get through the game without injuries.

So the Blues couldn’t believe their luck with their first goal by teenager Brenton Parrish after only 12 minutes. It was clear the Rams were having trouble on the hard, uneven surface. The ball seemed to be filled with Helium as it bounced high in the air. Jed Wright made a welcome return from injury after what seemed a very long month, however the Rams were still really missing powerhouse midfielders Bruce Morhaus and John Bradbury.

Thistles were double marking the Rams attackers and making it difficult for them to create any space, however Tim Knight made a run down the right touchline and was able to speed past his markers and put a powerful cross into the Thistles goalmouth. The ball deflected off a defender and a little luck helped the Rams even the score.

The young Thistles midfielder Jonty Miller and his wingman Darren Beardow were able to control the midfield and a beautiful cross from the left wing to Parrish, lead to the Thistles second goal much to the delight of their home crowd. They went to the half time break in the lead and clearly the superior team. It had the Rams scratching their heads and looking for answers.

In the second half the Rams came out with a little more fire in their bellies. From a corner kick, Yantra Whitling was able to put a ball past the Blues keeper in a goalmouth scramble to again even the score.

The goal seemed to make the Thistles players even more determined. They could see the Rams were playing far below their best, and could get a whiff of an upset win. Their every pass was on target and they gave the Rams defence line a real headache. A beautiful build up through the Blues midfield with pinpoint passing allowed their strikers to overpower the Rams defence again. Adam Buckley was able to centre the ball for Jacob Arthur and slot it past the Rams keeper for their 3 rd goal. With time running out, it sent the Thistles players and fans into hysterics. Within a few minutes it was all over and Lismore Thistles celebrated with gusto as giant killers. It will no doubt help avoid any relegation worries they had. It also sent shock waves through the Rams camp and will severely hamper any thoughts of a minor premiership.

Coach Peter Ware will have some serious concerns with his team after such a lacklustre effort. Rams fans will be hoping they will be able to turn things around dramatically before their all important home clash with competition frontrunners Richmond Rovers this Saturday. It will be the last chance Rams fans will get to see the players at a home game before the semi finals and they will be looking for all the home town support they can get to topple the Rovers.

Byron Rams Refocus.

There was a lot to play for in Saturdays match at Crawford Park Alstonville between Villa and the Byron Bay Rams (read more)

John Bradbury against Gold Coast United. John had one super mission being marked by one of best defenders in the A-league ex Melbourne Victories Steve Pantilidis but looked dangerous throughout the game.

Jordy Campbell celebrates scoring a goal agaisnt A-league newcomers Gold Coast United

Well what can be said about todays events at Byron Bay Rec grounds other than what a fabulous occassion it was for the approximately 2000 people that were fortunate enough to be there. Special thanks must go to Paul Okon and the rest of the Gold Coast United staff and the players for making such a day possible. Praise must go to the small crew of Byron people that organised the day on such short notice and worked tirelessly throughout the day and made it such a success. Ill leave the match report to others to write up other than the final score was 5-1 to the Gold Coast and the Byron boys and the few intelopers from other clubs on the coast did themselves very proud. From a personal view the involvement of all the Gold Coast players in the morning with the kids of Byron and surrounding clubs was nothing short of brilliant. Special mention to Jason Culina (current Socceroo) who made himself available to all the the kids along with Jess Vanstrattan (ex Juventus) who was absolutely fantastic with the kids, and Andrew Barisic (ex Melboune Knights) and all the other players that were openly available to all the juniors of the North Coast for what could only be described as a memorable day. Hopefully we can make this an annual event and continue the fine association with the Gold Coast United players and their partners and the staff of Gold Coast United and from Byron Bay FC we hope you all enjoyed yourselves. Northern star report Monday morning

GOLD COAST UNITED  V BYRON BAY RAMS

                            The Hyundai A-League Newcomers

                Coaching Clinic - Sign Autographs For Local Youngsters

                          Taking On a Team From The Local Area

                                       EXHIBITION MATCH
                                         SUN 12 JULY 2009

PROGRAM OF EVENTS

10     am        Arrival time for HBI coaching clinics with Gold Coast United.  10yrs to 16yrs players are eligible for this event but must    register through their clubs           

12     pm        End of clinics; eats & refreshments available around

                       grounds; sale of GCU merchandise; “Cross Bar Challenge”           

                       and “Penalty Shoot Out Challenge”

12-15pm      OFFICIAL LUNCHEON AND PRESS CONFERENCE

1        pm       Autograph/meet & greet session with Gold Coast United players.  

1-30  pm       Preliminary match Football Far North Coast 14yrs boys v Gold Coast

2-45  pm      Introduction to Gold Coast United on main field  

3        pm      Joint warm up Gold Coast United & Byron Bay Rams

3-30  pm     GOLD COAST UNITED  v   BYRON BAY RAMS

5-15  pm      Final whistle & media interviews

6        pm      All invited back to Hotel Great Northern back room for light

                      refreshments & courtesy first drinks; video of the game on

                      the big screen; meet the players; salads, pasta and pizza

                      available

INVITATION
SUNDAY 12 JULY

          GOLD COAST UNITED  V BYRON BAY RAMS

                                        EXHIBITION MATCH

Gold Coast United FC Pty Ltd Media Release

Gold Coast United confirm Byron Bay date

Friday 3 July 2009

GOLD Coast United have confirmed a training match against a Byron Bay Select XI on Sunday 12 July at Byron Recreation Grounds (Corner Cowper & Marvel Streets, Byron Bay), kick off will be at 3.30pm.

Gold Coast Head Coach, Miron Bleiberg, said the match was an opportunity for talented local players to display their skills in front of the watching United coaching staff.

“We will arrive in the morning and conduct a coaching clinic with some young players and basically spend the whole day there; we are really looking forward to it.

“It’s a great opportunity for people in the area to get close to the players, meet them all and watch them play in the afternoon,” Bleiberg said.

CEO of Gold Coast United, Mr Clive Mensink, said the club was pleased to have finally agreed on a date to visit the region.

“We’re delighted that the opportunity has finally arrived for us to visit Northern NSW,” Mr Mensink said.

Byron Bay Rams have great pleasure inviting you and any of your guests to the first game ever played in our region between your local team and The Australian Hyundai A-League Football Newcomers Gold Coast United. On the back is the full program  Please also join us in a celebation at the Great Northern Back Room at 6pm.

Come and celebrate football at this family friendly event

Byron Rams Get Stung

The high flying Byron Rams‘ 7 game unbeaten streak came to an end on Saturday with a 5-2 trouncing at the hands of a classy Goonellabah Hornets outfit (read more)

Italo See Stars in Rams Clash.

With the Byron Bay Rams sitting at equal top of the competition table and Italo Stars just 3 points behind, (read more)

Rams and Rovers lock horns

It was the top of the table Football Premier League “showdown” both teams had been waiting for all season (read more)