The Bangalow Chamber of Commerce website lists Bangalow as being 15 mins from Byron Bay. In tourist terms it has always been described as a “quaint village inland from Byron Bay, worthy of a day trip”. To be honest I’ve always been happy to play “second fiddle” to our eastern cousins. But enough is enough, Byron Bay is now 15 mins from Bangalow, and well worth a trip if you could be bothered driving the distance. Why? Well

the pride of the Byron Bay Soccer Club came to town on Saturday and departed driving the long fifteen minute drive back home with their tails in-between their legs. Twelve players came, wearing black and white strips and sporting names like wildcats and cougars, but left with nothing but a whimper. What stopped them were six blue and black brave Beagles (note to Byron; Snoopy was a Beagle). The first player to hunt out the scent of weaker prey was Callum, who had an outstanding day, establishing dominance after only 30 seconds with a brilliant goal from kick off. Callum finished the day with a handful more and was easily the standout player of the morning. Callum’s ball control is improving with every game and on Saturday executed training techniques perfectly and should be very proud of his efforts. Billy continued his outstanding form from last week, and again played a magnificent faultless game. In possibly the play of the year, Billy ran the length of the field to divert a certain Byron scoring opportunity centimetres from the goal mouth, and carried the ball back to our forward zone for a stunning Bangalow goal. Gabe was another player who impressed with his execution of training drills during game time. With his head over the ball and playing tight between his legs, Gabe swerved through a succession of defenders along the boundary line and slotted the ball into the back of the net on a several occasions. Milo again played with all of the vigour and passion that we have come to expect. After collecting his bagful of goals, and wary of the game directive issued prior to play, Milo turned his attention to the midfield, and assisted his team-mates with numerous scoring opportunities. A player who did not benefit from these opportunities on the scoresheet, not through lack of trying was Lola. Like a foxhound at customs, she worked hard all day, never giving up, and sniffed out every opportunity she could for ultimate glory. Lola is another player who can hold her head (and tail) high in the air after her 40 minutes of football. Proving that training exercises work in the real game, Keelin crossed the ball for not one but three philanthropic goals. Another player who scored an A for effort, Keelin ran and chased the ball all day, and presented lollipop opportunities that were savoured by his appreciative teammates. In a bizarre yet amusing incident, the team were all scratching their heads after the ball passed the back of the net for a solitary Byron goal. Never needing to restart play before, as they have never conceded a goal all year, the team all stood clueless in the centre of the field, before coming to their senses and returning the ledger back in their favour after only a few second.

Another outstanding team performance sending two more opposition teams into the doghouse for another week.