Last C.ex Group Cross Conference Round

The Senior competition resumes this weekend after the break for the representative fixture and it’s the last round of the C.ex Group Cross Conference Competition.

The clash at Richardson Park will be between the ladder leaders of the respective competitions, Sawtell Toormina Saints and Byron Magpies. Sawtell were beaten in their last start by Coffs Breakers but are ready to welcome back several players from the injury list which will provide them with a big boost. They face the toughest test in the competition with the Byron Magpies yet to lose a match in the seven previous Cross Conference outings, and being undefeated since the 2015 Northern Rivers Grand Final. Being at home normally provides a strong advantage in these fixtures but Byron travel well and Sawtell will definitely have their work cut out in this clash.

Coffs Breakers are the other North Coast team to play at home this week as they host the Lismore Swans. Breakers were buoyant after the last start win in the local derby and will be looking to continue that excellent form as we close in on the Finals Series. Lismore are enduring a lean season with only one win to show and are expected to find the going tough against the Breakers.

Also at Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park is the next instalment in the rapid growth of Women’s AFL with the North Coast Women taking on the Lismore Swans from 12:30pm. The North Coast team were superb last week, going down to the North West representative team by just one point. Lismore are a quality, battle hardened team and are likely to pose the strongest challenge yet for the fledgling North Coast Women who have covered themselves in glory in each of their previous two outings.

Grafton head to Pottsville to take on Tweed Coast in the battle of the Tigers. Grafton had a great chance to claim their second win of the season in the last round but narrowly missed out and it only gets harder on the road to Tweed. The northern version of the Tigers will be celebrating moving into a new ground at Pottsville and will be keen to ensure they mark the day in style with a big win.

Port Macquarie Magpies received a huge confidence boost in the last round when they beat Grafton on the road missing several key figures and will be looking to take this confidence into the match against Ballina Bombers. This is another tough road trip for the Magpies as Ballina are extremely strong on their home turf. The small confines of Fripp Oval really suit the Bombers’ big bodies and the magpies will have to ensure they don’t get drawn into a physical contest if they want to emerge with the win.

Round 13 fixtures:

Sawtell Toormina Saints v Byron Magpies, Richardson Park, Sawtell at 2:20pm

Coffs Breakers v Lismore Swans, Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park, Coffs Harbour at 2:20pm

Tweed Coast Tigers v Grafton Tigers, Seebreeze Oval, Pottsville at 2:00pm

Ballina Bombers v Port Macquarie Magpies, Fripp Oval, Ballina at 4:00pm

Women’s match

North Coast v Lismore Swans, Coffs Coast Sport and Leisure Park, Coffs Harbour at 12:30pm