Ballina take on Marist Brothers in season opener
Ballina Seagulls take on Marist Brothers tomorrow, April 15, in round one of the Retravision Northern League competition.
Ballina club treasurer Brian Rix says that over the past years Ballina-Brothers clashes have been closely contested and very competitive, seen to most as the local derby.
Ballina Seagulls are fielding a young side in first grade, with nine players under the age of 20 and another four players under 23. “All of these players are Ballina Juniors, so you can rest assured they will be playing with plenty of heart and passion,” Rix said.
“Along with these young guns will be a mixture of the more experienced players, who will hopefully be leading our young blokes around the park. Some of these players have been born and reared in the Ballina area and will be playing with a great deal of pride.
“Brian Battese, Seagulls coaching director and Chris Binge, first grade coach, are very excited about how this young team has been training and gelling and would love to see plenty of local supporters to cheer on these young local blokes.”
Ballina Junior Rugby League Under-7s will be playing at the half-time break in first grade to keep all the supporters entertained.
All Ballina and Marist Brothers Old Boys (ex players) have been invited along to the Ballina Seagulls Clubhouse to watch the games and will be looked after by Denis Meaney, ex Marist coach and CRL selector. The Ballina team is:
Fullback, Justin Carter; wingers, Stewart Cohen, Willo James; centres, Brenton Cochrane, Luke Bartlett, five-eighth, Willie Hammond; halfback, Ben Crawford; props, Chris Coleman, Dylan Montgomery; hooker, Andrew Battese; second-row, Eddie Killingbeck, Dan O’Connor; lock, Alwyn Roberts. Interchange: Jamie Quinn.
