C.ex Group Cross Conference Round 3

The question on everyone’s mind is “Will the grounds be dry enough for round three of the C.ex Group Cross Conference Competition to go ahead on Saturday?”.

At this stage, most grounds across the region have been closed by the local Council and will be assessed on Friday afternoon. Fingers are well and truly crossed that the all clear will be given as this weekend’s fixtures are full of intrigue.

Sawtell Toormina Saints head to the picturesque Pottsville Oval where they will face off against the Tweed Coast Tigers. The small confines at Pottsville suit the Tigers down to the ground and Sawtell will have to get creative to find ways to open up the space and let the footy do the work. Mind you, Sawtell enjoy an arm wrestle as much as the next team so will be up for the challenge if contested footy is the order of the day.

Competition heavyweights Byron Magpies are at home against the Coffs Breakers. The Breakers will get a clear idea of where they’re at from this match, with the Magpies yet to lose a Cross Conference fixture across two seasons. Last time the Breakers travelled to the Northern Rivers they were severely undermanned and paid the price so they will be looking to put a stronger outfit on the park. Not having played in three weeks will pose a real challenge for the Breakers who will need to ensure they start the match fast.

The township of Lismore has been flooded for the second time in as many months and the Swans will be keen to leave the city limits and head down the highway to Port Macquarie where they take on the Magpies. Both sides have endured challenging seasons and sit at one win apiece so this match represents a great chance to claim the second win and start moving up the ladder.

Grafton Tigers host the Ballina Bombers at Ellem Oval and need to build confidence by getting back to the basics that served them well in the early rounds. The break for the long weekend will have helped a number of their players get over injuries and should be able to put a strong team on the paddock. Ballina are used to playing at a smaller oval so there will be very little home ground advantage for the Tigers who will need to rely on effort and enthusiasm if they are to spring a surprise in this match.

This match will be preceded by the first ever Women’s AFL match to be staged in the region when a composite team representing AFL North Coast takes on the travelling Ballina Bombers. This is a hugely exciting development for AFL in the region and will be the precursor to further games within the region this season. For more information please call the AFL Northern NSW office on 6659 6000.

Fixtures:

Tweed Coast Tigers v Sawtell Toormina Saints, Pottsville Oval, Pottsville at 2:00pm

Byron Magpies v Coffs Breakers, Byron Bay Sports Complex, Byron Bay at 2:00pm

Port Macquarie Magpies v Lismore Swans, Wayne Richards Oval, Port Macquarie at 2:20pm

Grafton Tigers v Ballina Bombers, Ellem Oval, Grafton at 2:20pm