After a week off resting sore bodies from a tough road trip to Bond University, the Lismore Swans take on their coastal arch rivals in Byron Bay Magpies this week in a classic traditional Northern Rivers contest. For more than 30 years these two sides have locked horns and clashed shins, with many a memorable grand final being played.
So far in 2014, the Swannies and the Magpies have played twice, with a win to Lismore in Round 5 and a win to Byron in round 10. Crucially for Lismore, the solid win in Round 5 was performed at Mortimer Oval in the heart of Lismore in front of a vocal crowd and Mortimer Oval will host the game once again this Saturday. According to club legend and occasional half-forward-flanker Roly Barratt, the home advantage is significant.
'We always get a good crowd turning up to support the boys at Mortimer and I reckon the boys just lift to defend their home patch of turf. We've only been beaten a couple of times this year at home, once by 3 points and the other time by about 8 goals to Bond uni, but there was only a goal in it at half time and I hurt my hamstring in the first quarter which really hurt our chances'.
With Lismore currently 6 points in front of Byron on the ladder holding down fourth place, a win would see the Swans have an unassailable lead over the Magpies heading into the last two rounds of the season.
The Lismore Swans would love to have you come along and cheer on the guys this Saturday afternoon. The game kicks off at 2pm at Mortimer Oval and families are more than welcome to come along and make use of the canteen and sausage sizzle and enjoy some good community football.
Last Modified on 31/07/2014 15:16