The Football Far North Coast season came to an exciting finale on Saturday evening in front of more than 2000 spectators at Oakes Oval in Lismore.

The showcase event for local football, the men’s premier division grand final, was contested between Lismore Richmond Rovers and Goonellabah and the big crowd was entertained for the full 90 minutes.

Pointscore champions Goonellabah scored first and looked to have several chances but only led one nil at the half-time break. Rovers regrouped and started to gain the ascendancy with their physical superiority, causing the Hornets some concern. Goals to captain Aaron Heffernan and player/ coach Tim Sheridan sealed the win and secured a fourth consecutive major title for Rovers.

Goonellabah’s Karl Hopper was judged Player of the Match for his performance in midfield and their keeper Brad Robertson made some spectacular saves, however their efforts were not enough to secure a win for the Hornets.

Rovers proved once again that they know how to win the big matches and there was no prouder person on the ground than club founder Bill Harris, who assisted in presenting the Cyril Mayo trophy to the champions. This is the fourth consecutive year that Rovers have won the title and in the club’s 50th year, will go down as one of their sweetest victories.

The women’s premier division title went to Alstonville, who defeated Rovers 3-1 with Northern Rivers Echo Golden Boot winner Chelsea Coleman scoring twice from the penalty spot.

Hannah Sheehan was named Player of the Match in a team that performed brilliantly in 2010 by winning the Callan McMillan Shield, pointscore title and also scored 98 goals for the season. The team, which comprises a young talented group, looks to provide a strong future for Villa.

Other titles determined on the weekend were Casino winning women’s second division 3-1 over Byron Bay, Rovers defeating Goonellabah in men’s premier reserve 1-0 and Lennox being successful in both first division and first reserve with a 5-2 win over South Lismore and 2-0 victory over Casino respectively. Byron Bay defeated Rovers 3-1 in men’s second division, Stars 3-1 over Rovers in men’s third division, and Goonellabah won men’s fourth division 3-1 over Mullum-Brunswick, who had a 3-1 win in men’s fifth division over Ballina. The “developing” division, men’s sixth division, went to Rovers, who defeated Lennox Head in a sometimes heated clash that saw three players to the showers early.

Overall, the weather was fantastic, the football was exciting and another long, passionate season has been successfully completed.

I hope that your experience in 2010 was positive and brings you back next year.