
Swans dive while their local rivals kick on strongly
LISMORE Swans have dropped to fourth on the ladder after they were beaten by Coffs Harbour 13.11 (89) to 9.8 (62) in local Aussie Rules at Oakes Oval, Lismore, on Saturday.
The Swans were the only local team not to get a win against opposition from outside the region at the weekend.
Local teams played Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Port Macquarie and Sawtell in the 15th round of the competition.
Ryan Coughlan kicked the most goals for Lismore with three but the Swans were unable to score any in the final quarter.
Coffs Harbour started the fourth quarter with an eight-point lead and kicked ahead with three more goals.
In other games, Ballina had a hard-fought 10.8 (68) to 9.6 (60) win over Sawtell-Toormina at Richardson Park, Sawtell.
The Bombers led by only one point at the end of the third quarter with Gerard Piper kicking five goals.
Byron had another big win when they beat Port Macquarie 18.14 (122) to 4-3 (27) at the same venue.
Prolific goal-socrer Kieran Atkin kicked another five goals while Sam Lucas and Ryan McMillan finished with four each.
And the Tweed Tigers belted Grafton 27-24 (186) to 4.2 (26) in the other game at Oakes Oval.
It sets up a big clash for the Tigers at home against Byron this weekend while Ballina will host the Lismore Swans at Fripp Oval.
POINTS LADDER
Byron Magpies 58
Ballina Bombers 34
Tweed Tigers 14
Lismore Swans 14