Pioneers pile on the points as top teams clash in Far North Coast rugby

Winger Bodi Smith scored three tries while halfback Louis Hollman finished with a double at Quays Reserve, Ballina on June 23.

The Pioneers fitness reigned supreme, scoring 22 unanswered points after leading 29-26 at halftime.

The big games continue for Wollongbar-Alstonville when it hosts the Byron Shire Rebels at Lyle Park on June 29.

The Rebels are on top of the ladder after thumping Richmond Range 52-12 on the weekend.

It will double as the 10-year reunion of the Pioneers team who won the club's second premiership in the top grade in 2014.

With the season now well underway we run our eye over the Far North Coast rugby union competition.

There is a new format this season with 10 teams playing after the third tier Presidents Cup was dissolved into first grade.

It is looking like a three horse race between Ballina, Byron Bay and Wollongbar-Alstonville.

There is a noticeable dip in the bottom half of the ladder as teams battle for consistency.

Ballina is on top of the ladder and last tasted premiership success in 2007.

The Seahorses have had enough fire power to reach semi-finals most years, but have not converted it into grand final success.

New recruits Elliott and Pierce Bryers have been welcome additions along with coach Michial Greenhalgh who was a premiership-winning five-eighth in 2005.

Early form suggests defending premiers Wollongbar-Alstonville will be there at the business end of the season.

The grand final-winning team from the previous two seasons is largely intact while players like winger Bodi Smith are only getting better.

Five-eighth Ben Damen still has enough class to guide the team around the park while lock Hamish Mould and second-rower Lloyd Morgan lead the way in the forwards.

Played in a grand final last year and still have a core group of players together from that team.

They have the most depth of any team in the competition with a strong second grade.

The Rebels are a joint venture between Bangalow and Byron Bay rugby clubs and is in its second year.

Casino won three straight games before a 62-12 loss against Casuarina.

The Bulls have speed to burn out wide with wingers Hakeem and Harold Torrens scoring plenty of tries.

Casuarina have bounced back in recent weeks and should lock up third or fourth spot at the end of the season.

Elsewhere, Lennox Head and Lismore have show some promise, despite being near the bottom of the ladder.

Front-rower Joe Daley, lock Hayden Blair and fullback Marty McNamara are helping rebuild a young Lennox Head team.

The Trojans lost a ton of experience after the 2022 preliminary final and only fielded one side in President's Cup last year.

Lismore have had mixed fortunes this season and need more time on the park.

City has struggled to get on the field due to wet weather, but has won two of its games before a thumping against Byron Bay.

Lismore had a determined 27-24 win over Casino on June 23.

Southern Cross University is completely rebuilding its rugby program from the ground up and will need time to improve over the next 18 months.

Despite some lop-sided scorelines across the board, the teams from President's Cup are showing positive signs.

Richmond Range have been competitive, but did struggle against Byron and Wollongbar-Alstonville.

Meanwhile, Evans Head defeated Lismore 24-19 with a 33-32 loss against Casino during Beef Week.

Kyogle, Mullumbimby and Yamba play second grade.

Richmond Range v Lismore at Mallanganee

Wollongbar Alstonville v Byron Shire Rebels at Lyle Park, Wollongbar

Casuarina Beach v Lennox Head at Casuarina

Ballina v Evans River at Quays Reserve, Ballina

Casino v SCU Gold Rats at Albert Park, Casino.

Byron Shire 31, Ballina 31, Wollongbar 30, Casuarina 23, Richmond Range, 17, Casino 16, Evans 15, Lennox 11, Lismore 10, SCU 0