Lukashenko: Belarus wants close ties with Europe

The Belarusian president accused Russia on Thursday of trying to subdue his nation through trade sanctions and said Belarus will seek closer economic ties with Europe.

Alexander Lukashenko said in televised comments that a recent Russian ban on the import of dairy products from Belarus had hurt ties between the two ex-Soviet neighbors. The move dealt a heavy blow to Belarus' agricultural sector, which employs one out of ten Belarusians.

"They wanted to inflict the maximum pain," Lukashenko said of the Russian move, which he cast as part of Moscow's efforts to win control over Belarusian milk factories.

Russia and Belarus have an accord envisaging close political, economic and military ties, and they declared a joint goal of building a single state. But Lukashenko has resisted Russian attempts to take control of key Belarusian industrial assets, and he has criticized Russia for trying to strong-arm his nation.

The Russian ban on Belarusian dairy products was lifted last week, but a potentially more troubling energy conflict looms.

Lukashenko said Thursday that Russian oil companies were pushing to control Belarusian oil refineries. He said his government is ready to discuss offers if they are fair.

Belarus is desperate for cash, as the global financial crisis has drained its hard-currency reserves. Russia agreed to lend Belarus $2 billion, but the transfer of the final $500 installment has been held up indefinitely.

Lukashenko said his nation needs to build up ties with the European Union because of Russian attempts to control Belarus.

"They are putting pressure on us at the Russian market, forcing us to search for other markets," he said.

Earlier this week, Lukashenko hosted EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, who said the European Union stands ready to expand cooperation with Belarus.

The EU this year formed a so-called "Eastern Partnership" with Belarus and five other former Soviet republics, offering closer economic and political ties in exchange for a commitment to democracy.

Belarus was invited to join after it freed all political prisoners, allowed the opposition to participate in elections and allowed two independent newspapers to operate.

Despite the goodwill, Ferrero-Waldner said Monday that Belarus still had some way to go to meet Western democratic standards.

Ex-Iraq Commander Says Bring Troops Home

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, the top commander in Iraq shortly after the fall of Baghdad, said this week he supports Democratic legislation that calls for most troops to come home within a year.

His comments come as welcomed ammunition for the Democratic-controlled Congress in its standoff with the White House on war spending. This month, the House passed a $50 billion bill that would pay for combat operations but sets the goal that combat end by Dec. 15, 2008. The White House threatened to veto the measure, and Senate Republicans blocked it from passing.

The Pentagon on Tuesday said that as many as 200,000 civilian employees and contractors will begin receiving layoff warnings by Christmas unless Congress approves a war spending bill that President Bush will sign.

"The improvements in security produced by the courage and blood of our troops have not been matched by a willingness on the part of Iraqi leaders to make the hard choices necessary to bring peace to their country," Sanchez said in remarks to be aired Saturday for the weekly Democratic radio address.

"There is no evidence that the Iraqis will choose to do so in the near future or that we have an ability to force that result," he said.

Sanchez added that the House bill "makes the proper preparation of our deploying troops a priority and requires the type of shift in their mission that will allow their numbers to be reduced substantially."

Critical assessments on the war from former Pentagon brass are nothing new. But Sanchez's newfound alliance with Democrats is particularly noteworthy because he was directly in charge of combat operations in Iraq, from 2003 to 2004.

He also is somewhat controversial. The Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal happened under his watch, and some have pointed to leadership failures as a contributing factor. While he was not charged with any misconduct, Sanchez said upon retiring from the military in November 2006 that his career was a casualty of Abu Ghraib.

In October, the three-star general told a group of reporters that the U.S. mission in Iraq was a "nightmare with no end in sight." He also called Bush's decision to deploy 30,000 extra forces to Iraq earlier this year a "desperate attempt" to make up for years of misguided policies in Iraq.

Americans Horton, Wieber win American Cup

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jonathan Horton was more nervous before the American Cup on Saturday than he was leading into the world championships in October.

He worried about rusty routines, sloppy skill sets and fault-inducing fatigue.

"I kept thinking, 'Please don't have a meltdown,'" Horton said.

Not even close.

Horton finished in the top three in five of six events, good enough to win his third American Cup. Horton and Jordyn Wieber gave the United States a sweep of the international invitational.

"Major confidence boost," said Horton, who also won the event in 2006 and 2007.

The silver medalist at the Beijing Olympics moved from second to first place with a solid performance on the parallel bars, then held on with an error-free routine on the high bar.

Wieber topped the women's field in three of four events — she fell on uneven bars — and claimed her second American Cup. Not bad considering she got in the field as an alternate when Britain's Nicole Hibbert withdrew because of an injury.

Wieber overcame a small deficit in the final women's event, the floor exercise, despite stepping out of bounds on her opening pass.

"I was really just trying to do the best routine I could," said Wieber, the 2009 champion. "Even though I went out of bounds once, I still feel like I gave it my all. I just wanted to get every tenth out of that routine."

She did. The 2008 U.S. junior champion was flawless the rest of the way, allowing her to make up ground on world champion Aliya Mustafina of Russia.

Mustafina touched the floor at the end of a tumbling pass and finished second. Alexandra Raisman of the United States was third.

Ukraine's Mykola Kuksenkov was second on the men's side, followed by American Jake Dalton.

Philipp Boy of Germany and Daniel Purvis of Britain had disappointing meets.

Boy dropped off the pommel horse early in the competition and later fell twice on the high bar — two of his best events. The world silver medalist finished sixth, but still has time to get things worked out before the European championships next month.

Purvis, who finished fifth in all-around at worlds last year and won the bronze medal on floor, dropped off the pommel horse and fell while landing on vault. Purvis was the only man to not score at least a 14.8 and finished last in the field of eight.

Horton fared considerably better.

Maybe even better than he anticipated. He broke his left thumb in January while training on parallel bars and was limited to conditioning work for almost two months. He initially feared he might have to drop out of Saturday's meet, but recovered faster than expected.

"He's still not 100 percent right now," Dalton said. "He's about 80 percent, which is right where he should be right now. He's only going to get better."

Horton, a self-proclaimed perfectionist, found plenty to fault. He called his pommel routine "sloppy" and skipped a release on the high bar because he simply "ran out of gas." He made up for those weaknesses with new wrinkles on rings and parallel bars, and added a stellar vault.

"I was really happy with myself because I got through what I was doing," Horton said. "I never gave up and pushed through. I still have a lot of work to do."

The American Cup was the first of four all-around events in the World Cup series. Two-time world champion Kohei Uchimura had to withdraw because of a shoulder injury that bothered him at worlds, but the men's field was still considered the best since the world championships in October.

Horton came out on top, earning a silver trophy and more than $16,000 in winnings. He also picked up something maybe more valuable, especially with the London Games a little more than a year away.

"It's definitely a confidence boost," he said. "It wasn't great. At the end of it, I told my coach, 'You and I both know I can do better.' I can do a lot better."

PROPERTY FOR SALE

TIMSBURY Agents Davies & Way Contact 01225 400400 Price Pounds229,950 SALTFORD Agents Davies & Way Contact 01225 400400 PricePounds 575,000 This week Davies & Way is offering two lovelyproperties. The is Folly View, in Timsbury, which is a delightfulsemi-detached cottage that has been greatly improved and sensitivelymodernised.

It now provides appealing characterful accommodation arrangedover two floors, complemented by a pleasant enclosed rear garden. Italso has off-street parking. Internally the cottage has good-sizedaccommodation with two reception rooms and a large kitchen/breakfast room on the ground floor in addition to a downstairs WC.Upstairs there are two double bedrooms and a good-sized bathroom.

The location is very pleasant being on the edge of the popularvillage with rural views.

Approximately five miles south of Bath the village offers a widerange of local amenities including post office/general stores,chemist, primary school, church, doctors surgery, public houses andlocal shops.

There is a regular bus service through the village and for thosewishing to commute to Bristol and Bath access by road is good.

The second property, by award-winning developers Hills Homes, isone of four elegant detached properties in a quiet position offRodney Road in Saltford.

Each home features light and airy accommodation with fourbedrooms, two of which have en-suite facilities and a sociablekitchen/family/dining room for family and friends to meet, chat,cook, eat and entertain.

Each of the properties are set within good-sized garden plots andhave garage and parking.

Designed to embrace modern living, these properties combinetraditional building techniques with technological and ecologicaladvances to provide the perfect home.

Saltford is an excellent strategic location between the cities ofBristol and Bath offering a range of village amenities and excellentlocal schools both with the village primary school and Wellsway atKeynsham, which achieved an outstanding Ofsted report in 2011.

The cities of Bristol and Bath are within easy reach by road andpublic transport.

LANDLORDS `EVICTED' IN TENANT DEATHS APARTMENT OWNERS AGREE TO SELL ALL PROPERTIES AFTER CARBON MONOXIDE POISONS A FAMILY

The owners of a Back of the Yards three-flat where a single motherand her two daughters died of carbon monoxide poisoning have agreedto sell their seven properties, give the proceeds to the victims'family and never again own or manage rental property in Chicago,under an unprecedented settlement disclosed Friday.

"I'm overwhelmed. It's the first time in the city's history thatthey've done something like this," said Michael Robb, 28, whose twinsister, Anna, and her two daughters-Elizabeth, 9, and Erica, 8-diedof carbon monoxide poisoning Jan. 23 in a four-bedroom apartment at4542 S. Wood.

"I just hope there's a stand being made here against landlords whoare not following the city code. . . . There are other women who havekids like my sister who are a step away from tragedy because ofimproper living conditions. It's waiting to happen again."

Salomon and Marie Guzman agreed to the extraordinary terms aftercity inspectors uncovered 387 building code violations at thecouple's seven properties that would have cost $30,000 per buildingto fix.

They ranged from broken plaster, stairways and plumbing fixturesto shoddy porches, hanging electric wires and defective windows.Fifty-two of the violations were found at the Wood Street buildingwhere the Robb family died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a 1950sheater behind the bedroom wall.

"There were no other options for them. They have seven properties.They don't have the money to get them up to code, and they can't getthe financing because the city's case liened all the properties,"said Nishay Sanan, an attorney for the Guzmans.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported earlier this year that policebelieve there were no carbon monoxide detectors in the Robbs'apartment, and that the detectors were installed afterward by theGuzmans to cover their tracks.

Sanan disagreed with those findings, insisting there were "workingcarbon monoxide detectors" in the apartment before the deaths. Theissue of when detectors were installed is expected to be theprincipal focus of a pending civil lawsuit against the Guzmans.

The settlement marks the first time in Housing Court history thatthe city has required a landlord to sell all Chicago properites.

"I saw the picture of the mother and the two daughters after theydied. They didn't have a lot in the world," senior counsel JudyFrydland said. "They only had each other, and they were hit with thistragedy. Their lives are over.

"It just struck me that the best thing that could happen for thecitizens of Chicago is that (the Guzmans) get out of town and not dobusiness here. The city doesn't want landlords like this who putpeople's lives in jeopardy."

Six of the properties have already been sold and $200,000 placedinto an escrow account for the victims' family. Insurance proceedsfrom a fire at the seventh building are expected to add as much as$50,000 to the fund.

Asked why the Guzmans agreed never to be landlords in Chicago,Sanan said, "They'd be watched no matter what they did. The citywould be scrutinizing them so much, they realize that it's justbetter to never own property."

Landlords who allow their buildings to fall into dangerous statesof disrepair are routinely slapped with hefty fines and court ordersto correct the violations.

City Hall believes the Guzman case fell into a different category.For one thing, the Wood Street property was not insured, making itdifficult for Michael Robb to seek compensation for his sister'sdeath. And with 387 violations at seven properties, there was noguarantee the tragedy wouldn't be repeated at other buildings.

Michael Robb said he's not concerned about the $250,000 windfallhe stands to gain from the sale of Guzman properties. He's stillpushing for a stalled ordinance that would require the city tolicense absentee landlords and inspect their apartments.

"I'm not focused on being bitter and hating the landlord. I wantsomething done," Robb said.

"My sister and I were twins. We never knew our father. We wereseparated at 13 when our mother passed away. She was in Princeton,Ill. I was in Chicago. We came back together as adults. We started toreally get to know each other again in the past five or six years andthen, this happened. She was all the family I had."

Moore leads No. 3 Boise State past Wyoming, 51-6

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — The Boise State Broncos showing off their talent against Wyoming sat just fine with coach Chris Petersen.

Showing up the Cowboys, though, simply wasn't acceptable.

Petersen sat standout receiver Austin Pettis for much of the game after he somersaulted into the end zone during the third-ranked Broncos' 51-6 rout of Wyoming on Saturday night.

Respectfulness is just as important to Petersen as rankings.

"There's a right way to do it and a wrong way," Petersen said. "We'll live and learn. Message sent."

That was about the only blemish on the Broncos' performance. They were efficient and effective all night.

Kellen Moore threw for 370 yards and two touchdowns and Boise State's defense forced three turnovers as the Broncos extended their winning streak to 16.

The Broncos (2-0) showed no signs of rust after a 12-day rest, piling up 648 total yards. They scored 37 straight points to begin the game, allowing Moore & Co. to watch the final quarter from the sideline.

This time, their fast start held up. That's contrary to the season-opening game against Virginia Tech when the Hokies came back from a 17-point deficit and the Broncos needed a late drive to pull out a 33-30 win.

"We didn't want to go out and not do anything in the second half," Petersen said. "That's so typical of teams sometimes — if you get a big lead to kind of trip all over yourself. We really didn't want to do that."

Moore, a Heisman hopeful, led the Broncos offense, spreading around the wealth as he threw long TD passes to both Pettis and Titus Young.

Young had 94 yards on four catches, hauling in a 49-yard pass as he simply flew past Wyoming (1-2).

Pettis finished with three catches for 88 yards, including a 58-yard TD reception on a flea-flicker in which he punctuated the score by somersaulting into the end zone, drawing a penalty.

He only played basically on special teams after his first-quarter flip.

Doug Martin finished with 105 yards and a touchdown and defensive lineman Shea McClellin added another score by pouncing on the football in the end zone.

The Boise State defense came up big all night, holding the Cowboys to minus-21 yards rushing and 135 total yards. The team put constant pressure on quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels, picking off two of his passes.

Carta-Samuels got the Cowboys on the board in the third quarter when he connected with fullback Greg Saydjari on a 35-yard TD, the result of a breakdown in the Broncos' secondary.

While the Broncos were idle, they dropped seven of their eight first-place votes. Virginia Tech's loss to lower-tier James Madison didn't help, tainting the Broncos' big win.

Boise State has been waiting all week for another chance to show the team is worthy of the national title talk.

The Broncos know to get back into the conversation they can't just win, they have to win convincingly.

And they can't just look good — they have to look spectacular.

This helped their cause.

"The style points aren't for the country, they're for us," Moore said. "We're able to execute the way we wanted to. You still have to come out in the second half and get that momentum going."

Boise State could've scored more, but had a long punt return called back and three drives stall out inside Wyoming's territory, leading to three field goals from Kyle Brotzman.

"Boise State looked the part of a top-ranked team," Wyoming coach Dave Christensen said. "They were everything they were built up to be."

The danger heading into this game for the Broncos was glancing ahead. But Boise State's concentration was squarely on Wyoming, even with a matchup against No. 25 Oregon State looming next week. The Beavers held off Louisville, 35-28, earlier in the day.

That game will have a national audience, with ESPN's GameDay hosting from Boise, Idaho.

"About time," Petersen said.

As for all those questions about Boise State's validity as a national contender resurfacing again, Petersen said his team can handle it.

"We don't listen," Petersen said, grinning. "We're used to it."

The Broncos resorted to gadgetry to score their first offensive touchdown as Moore handed the ball off to D.J. Harper, who then flipped it back to Moore.

With the Wyoming defense taking the bait, Moore hit Pettis in stride.

Moore watched the play from his back after taking a hit, throwing his hands up in the air as Pettis somersaulted into the end zone.

Before the game, Wyoming held a moment of silence to honor freshman linebacker Ruben Narcisse, who was killed in a car accident in Colorado on Sept. 6.

The team handed out 5,000 T-shirts with "Ruben Narcisse, Always a Cowboy" printed on it and wore decals with his initials on their helmets.

CYCLING Grafton Cycle Club Jye Reardon is back in the... [Derived headline]

CYCLING

Grafton Cycle Club

Jye Reardon is back in the winner's list.

Despite the Saturday morning handicap course at Trenayr beingaffected by the recent heavy rain and river flooding, The club heldits usual race over a modified course.

Jye Reardon rode a tactical race to take a fine win from a fast-finishing Shaun Baxter, with last week's winner, Matt White a handythird. Shaun also won the "fastest time" prize, having started withother back markers Dion Wilkes and Matt White.

Jye had started with Anthony Wall, who still leads the SummerComp Yellow Jersey competition, three minutes ahead of the scratchbunch. Jye and Anthony worked well, picking up Kelsey Wilkes andAndrew Weatherstone just after the final turn at the end of TrenayrRd.

This group headed for home, which was to be back up the shortsharp hill and around the corner, with hardly a look behind to seewhat was happening.

They would have seen Garry Reardon and Tony Brindle, comparingtheir riding diaries, but working intelligently to hold off thescratch bunch.

However, Matt White, in a truly purple patch, led out the chaseback up the hill where Garry and Tony were irreverently passed andleft, before swinging for the short run home.

Jye had, however, sensed that his little group was not doingenough to hold off the backmarkers and he attacked alone to make hissuccessful bid for victory.

Anthony Wall held on for fourth. He also held onto the yellowjersey and seems quite comfortable with it. Kelsey Wilkes, also acontender for the yellow jersey, finished in fifth.

FOOTBALL

Northern NSW referee Tanya de Boer recently received a FIFA badgeas an Assistant Referee which will allow her to run lines oninternational games.

News of the accomplishment came just days before Christmas and at28 years of age de Boer is one of just three Australian women toreceive the accolade.

"It was a great Christmas present and also a nice acknowledgmentfor the years of hard work and dedication," said de Boer.

Originally from Lismore, de Boer currently lives in Newcastlerefereeing NBN State League and Westfield W-League fixtures, and in2008 became the first female to receive the Football Far North CoastReferee of the Year Award.

Northern NSW Football Female Participation officer Nyssa Suchanowsaid the recognition of de Boer's talent and commitment wastestament to the quality of Northern NSW female referees and some-thing for upcoming referees to aspire to.

"If you're thinking about becoming a referee, or motivated tomove up the ranks, Tanya is a prime example of why you should getout there and go for it," said Suchanow.

"Opportunities are out there and with the support of Northern NSWFootball and your local Zone the possibilities are endless," shesaid.

De Boer encourages other women to become involved in refereeingas it is a rewarding experience.

She also acknowledges the support of Football Far North Coast andNorthern NSW Football.

"It goes to show that there are opportunities for females at thehighest level in a typically male-dominated area."

De Boer is looking forward to officiating overseas and runninglines on bigger games with a different atmosphere and experience.

She now has her sights set on the challenge of making it to thenext level and is working towards a place on the Asian FootballConfederation (AFC) Elite Panel.

HOCKEY

MEN'S VETS

Grafton men's Veterans Hockey switch into training mode thisSunday with the Over-55s commencing training for the NSW StateChampionships to be held at the Sydney Olympic Hockey Centrecommencing March 30.

Training is at the Grafton Hockey Centre commencing at 5.30pm.The following players have been selected to represent Grafton atthese championships and attendance at training this Sunday iscompulsory.

Please contact Alf Groves or Ken Davison if you are unavailable -Allan Crouch, Bill Johnston, Ken Davison, Wayne Conyard, DavidMunns, Alf Groves, Gary Marshall, Stuart Hancock, Terry Fischer,Owen Hindmarsh, Frank Petty, Dennis Greensill, Paul Schofield, TerryDavis, Vic Wunderlich, Greg Brotherson and Barry Livermore. Coach isKerry Wilsmore and manager Terry Daly.

Training for the over-50s commences Sunday, February 19. Over-50s State Championships will be held at Goulburn commencing April27.

The over-45s championships are at Illawarra on May 25, the over-40s at Newcastle on June 29 and the over-35s at Shoalhaven on July27.

For further information on training times etc please contactPeter Gibbons or Alf Groves.

SHOOTING

Grafton Rifle Club

A field of 10 shooters lined up from the 60m mark on January 28.

The conditions were wet and rainy.

Top off rifle was Liza Georgelin 95 (with 6), second was RobDurrington 84 (with 1), third was Justin Georgelin with 82(with 4).

Handicap scores as follows:

B Grade:

Liza Georgelin 100, Lindsay Cole 99.8, Justin Georgelin 98.4,Robert Durrington 96.8.

C Grade:

Matt Bloomer 92.4, Craig Nott 89.6, Dean Georgelin 88.2, LukeBloomer 87, John Bloomer 67.8, Glen McPhillips 61.2.

Next week is 300 yards Field Class followed by Service Rifle.

The range is located on Trenayr Rd opposite Koppers Logs. Turnoff at the Blue Goose and turn right just past the Red Lane turn-off. New shooters of all ages are welcome.

The range is open from 8.15am on Saturdays for set-up withshooting commencing at 9am.

Sign-on times are from 8.30 to 9am. If you arrive late, you maynot get a spot.

SURF LIFE SAVING

YAMBA

Yamba SLSC members Hugh Dougherty was 4th and Alyce Bennett 20thin the fourth round of the Kellogs Nutri-Grain ironman series inhot, choppy and windy conditions in Perth on Sunday.

The event was held between Scarborough and Cottlesloe beacheswith the men racing over 22.8kms with out-and-back double board,ski, swim and run legs and the women over 11.2km with single board,ski, swim and run legs.

Hugh, who is now 11th overall, was up with the leaders throughoutthe race and finished strongly, while Alyce, now 14th overall,started well but suffered badly from cramps.

Both will be aiming to improving their standings in the comingrounds at Coolum on February 12 and Noosa on February 19.

There were no nipper activities at Turners Beach on Sunday due tothe weather and sea conditions.

At this stage the Far North Coast branch titles at Turners thisSaturday and Sunday February 4 and 5 are still on with a finaldecision later this week.

Plenty of helpers for the BBQ, work party to set up and pack upthe beach and many other jobs are needed. Contact Kerri Wunderlichon 0400 271 168 to volunteer.

There will be no nipper activities when the Far North Coastsenior titles are held at Main Beach on February 19, but normalSunday nipper activities will be at Main Beach on February 12 andMarch 4.

The nippers club championship day with flag, sprint, swim andboard events is on Sunday, February 26.

Sunday, March 11 will be the last nippers day and thepresentations for the 2011/12 season with fun activities from 9am-10.3am, presentation from 10.45 and a free sausage sizzle and drinksfor the nippers.

The weather and sea conditions dampened the Australia Daycelebrations on Main Beach with only a few hardy patrol members andassociates enjoying a BBQ sausage and a stubby.

The 200 club main prize went to Ray O'Brien and Geoff Graysonwith minor draws to Peter James, Grant Bennett, Scott Morschel,Nigel Scott, Peter Fahey, Sarah Scott, Mick Smith, Ron Bell, CliffLowien, Geoff Schaeffer, Steve Casson, Denise Gillies, Evan Lewis,Chris Dougherty and Trevor Gorman.

The inclement weather also deferred the sale of raffle ticketsfor the Havaiana king-size inflatable thongs which have been donatedby the Yamba Chamber of Commerce and the Aston Motel with allproceeds going to the Yamba SLSC

nippers.

Tickets will now be sold during the Far North Coast branch nippertitles at Turners Beach this Saturday and Sunday.

Training co-ordinator Kim Morgans (6646-2823 -kmorgans5@bigpond.com) is taking names for surf rescue certificatecandidates (13-14-year-olds) and for bronze medallion candidates tocommence training in February

There is also board training with club captain Joe Dougherty atMain Beach on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5.30pm and Saturdays at 8amand nipper board training with Andrew Morris and Tony McFarlane onSunday 8am-9am.

Other coming events are Allphones NSW nipper titles are on March3 and 4 and the Allphones NSW open titles on March 10 and 11, bothat Kingscliff, the Queensland titles at Kurrawa on March 17 and 18and the Australian titles at Kurrawa March 26 to April 1.

The 2011/12 patrol season ends on Anzac Day April 25.

The Yamba SLSC main club 2011-12 sponsors are Clarence ValleyCouncil, Elders Real Estate Yamba, Yamba Golf & Country Club, YambaBowling Club, Grafton District Services Club, Yamba Shores Tavern,Westlawn Finance, Nortec, Coastal Views, Daily Examiner, ClarenceValley Review, Radio 2GF, Yellowtail Wines and Coopers Brewery.

The Yamba SLSC 2011-12 nipper sponsors are All Terrain AccessScaffold & Edge Protection, Jim's Mowing, LJ Hooker Yamba, LowerClarence Funerals, Maclean Motors, Tony McFarlane Builder, YambaFlorist, Yamba Physiotherapy, Maclean Variety Meats, MelayIndependent Floors, Fairways Restaurant Yamba Golf & Country Cluband Signcraft Design.

Registration for all membership categories, including nippers,can be made online via the web site www.lifesavingonline.com.au, atElders Real Estate, Coldstream St during office hours or at theclubhouse during January on Tuesday and Thursday 9am-1.30pm.

The office number is 6646-2463, email: office@yambaslsc.com.auand the website - www.yambaslsc.com.au - has all the current clubinformation.

The weekly golf club raffles with 33 terrific meat trays fromYamba Fair Butchery are on this Saturday, February 4 with Greg andNicole Don, Kerry and Trish Pidcock selling tickets from 5.30pm withthe draw from 6.30pm.

Patrols this weekend are:

Saturday February 4 9am-1pm - Patrol 10: Andrew Morris (c), JoeFahey, Darby Fahey, Harry Fahey, Jake Pitkin, Barney Howard, KiahBennett, Kelsey Wilkes, Sashelle Aitken.

Saturday February 4 1pm-5pm - Patrol 11: Patrol 11: James Ryan(c), Harrison Spicer (vc), James Butcher, Sam McLennan, CodyCameron, Noah Hodgson, Thomas Smith, Tom Woods, Ethan Durrington.

Sunday February 5 9am-1pm - Patrol 1: James Ryan (c), Ed McGrath(vc), Josh Ryan, Nick Agostino, Matteo Cervella, Reilly Pickering,Sean Leonard, Nick Plummer.

Sunday February 5 1pm-5pm - Patrol 2: Mitch Imeson (c), AbrienDougherty (vc), Daniel Lollback, Mitch Lollback, Josh Lollback,Katie Becker, Jacqui Wright, Cathy Felmingham, Deborah Morfett.

TAB DIVS

GOULBURN GALLOP

Race 1: 1 6 12. Win $3.90 place $1.60 $1.30 $2.60. Q: $4.70. E:$16.10. Duets: 1-6: $3.10, 1-12: $6.30, 6-12: $4.50. T: $79.80.First 4: 1-6-12-8: $574.90. Sub: 6. Scr: 2,9.

Race 2: 2 4 5. Win $3.40 place $1.20 $1.70 $1.70. Q: $6.50. E:$12.20. Duets: 2-4: $3.00, 2-5: $1.90, 4-5: $6.50. T: $41.00. D:$9.50. First 4: 2-4-5-3: $126.80. Sub: NSR. All Started.

Race 3: 4 9 5. Win $1.80 place $1.04 $6.70 $1.70. Q: $30.30. E:$61.10. Duets: 4-9: $13.40, 4-5: $2.70, 9-5: $31.90. T: $261.10. D:$6.20. First 4: 4-9-5-13: $2,601.80. Sub: 4. Scr: 10,12.

Race 4: 6 13 4. Win $7.80 place $2.40 $2.60 $3.90. Q: $24.90. E:$51.20. Duets: 6-13: $11.00, 6-4: $6.70, 13-4: $23.10. T: $347.90.D: $15.60. First 4: 6-13-4-12: $1,492.70. Sub: 12. Scr: 7.

Race 5: 6 1 3. Win $4.60 place $2.10 $2.60 $1.80. Q: $15.10. E:$25.10. Duets: 6-1: $7.00, 6-3: $4.00, 1-3: $5.00. T: $87.00. D:$46.90. First 4: 6-1-3-2: $380.50. Sub: 3. Scr: 9.

Race 6: 3 7 5. Win $11.50 place $2.80 $1.50 $7.10. Q: $12.70. E:$51.40. Duets: 3-7: $7.40, 3-5: $28.20, 7-5: $15.20. T: $498.50. D:$62.80. First 4: 3-7-5-10: $3,520.80. Sub: 7. Scr: 2,8,9.

Race 7: 16 8 1. Win $9.80 place $3.40 $2.90 $3.90. Q: $45.60. E:$120.80. Duets: 16-8: $13.50, 16-1: $19.00, 8-1: $17.90. T: $946.80.D: $236.00. First 4: 16-8-1-14: $6,605.80. Sub: 14. Scr:5,9,11,15(L).

Race 8: 1 3 2. Win $4.70 place $2.00 $1.70 $6.10. Q: $8.90. E:$18.00. Duets: 1-3: $4.20, 1-2: $26.80, 3-2: $31.40. T: $407.50. D:$79.30. First 4: 1-3-2-13: $3,911.10. Sub: 3. Scr: 15.

NSW TAB DAILY DOUBLE on races 6 and 8: Laughing Out Loud (3)--Another Legend (1) $44.60. Subs: 7,3.

NSW TAB QUADDIE on races 5,6,7,8: (6)(3)(16)(1): $11,788.20.Subs: 3,7,14,3.

SCONE GALLOPS

Scone Gallop NSW TAB Divs 1-7 Monday Scone Gallop NSW TAB DIVS 1-7 SCONE GALLOP

NSW TAB DIVS FOR $1.00

Race 1: 1 6 5. Win $2.30 place $1.40 $1.20 NTD. Q: $2.10. E:$3.80. T: $10.10. First 4: 1-6-5-2: $25.80. Sub: 6. Scr: 8.

Race 2: 1 9 5. Win $2.00 place $1.30 $4.50 $1.30. Q: $28.60. E:$49.10. Duets: 1-9: $12.20, 1-5: $2.10, 9-5: $20.90. T: $164.20. D:$4.50. First 4: 1-9-5-4: $414.40. Sub: 1. Scr: 8.

Race 3: 5 4 3. Win $15.50 place $6.20 $1.20 NTD. Q: $14.00. E:$24.40. T: $67.00. D: $39.10. First 4: 5-4-3-6: $265.00. Sub: 4.Scr: 1,2.

Race 4: 6 2 10. Win $4.00 place $1.50 $9.10 $3.90. Q: $65.80. E:$141.60. Duets: 6-2: $31.30, 6-10: $6.60, 2-10: $78.30. T:$1,279.60. D: $45.70. First 4: 6-2-10-13: $8,126.60. Sub: 6. Scr:4,11,17,18.

Race 5: 1 8 5. Win $1.70 place $1.30 $2.60 NTD. Q: $5.20. E:$9.10. T: $21.30. D: $9.50. First 4: 1-8-5-2: $42.70. Sub: 1. Scr:3,4,6.

Race 6: 7 5 3. Win $6.30 place $2.00 $2.20 $1.40. Q: $22.50. E:$67.00. Duets: 7-5: $6.20, 7-3: $3.60, 5-3: $4.40. T: $105.60. D:$17.80. First 4: 7-5-3-10: $2,147.00. Sub: NSR. All Started.

Race 7: 9 3 8. Win $7.50 place $2.60 $8.20 $2.80. Q: $237.80. E:$582.30. Duets: 9-3: $20.80, 9-8: $11.60, 3-8: $101.50. T:$4,085.60. D: $88.80. First 4: 9-3-8-1: $17,071.70. Sub: 1. Scr: 11.

NSW TAB DAILY DOUBLE on races 5 and 7: Winning Review (1)--Ruling Class (9) $34.10. Subs: 1,1.

NSW TAB QUADDIE on races 4,5,6,7: (6)(1)(7)(9): $813.10. Subs:6,1,NSR,1.

CYCLING Grafton Cycle Club Jye Reardon is back in the... [Derived headline]

CYCLING

Grafton Cycle Club

Jye Reardon is back in the winner's list.

Despite the Saturday morning handicap course at Trenayr beingaffected by the recent heavy rain and river flooding, The club heldits usual race over a modified course.

Jye Reardon rode a tactical race to take a fine win from a fast-finishing Shaun Baxter, with last week's winner, Matt White a handythird. Shaun also won the "fastest time" prize, having started withother back markers Dion Wilkes and Matt White.

Jye had started with Anthony Wall, who still leads the SummerComp Yellow Jersey competition, three minutes ahead of the scratchbunch. Jye and Anthony worked well, picking up Kelsey Wilkes andAndrew Weatherstone just after the final turn at the end of TrenayrRd.

This group headed for home, which was to be back up the shortsharp hill and around the corner, with hardly a look behind to seewhat was happening.

They would have seen Garry Reardon and Tony Brindle, comparingtheir riding diaries, but working intelligently to hold off thescratch bunch.

However, Matt White, in a truly purple patch, led out the chaseback up the hill where Garry and Tony were irreverently passed andleft, before swinging for the short run home.

Jye had, however, sensed that his little group was not doingenough to hold off the backmarkers and he attacked alone to make hissuccessful bid for victory.

Anthony Wall held on for fourth. He also held onto the yellowjersey and seems quite comfortable with it. Kelsey Wilkes, also acontender for the yellow jersey, finished in fifth.

FOOTBALL

Northern NSW referee Tanya de Boer recently received a FIFA badgeas an Assistant Referee which will allow her to run lines oninternational games.

News of the accomplishment came just days before Christmas and at28 years of age de Boer is one of just three Australian women toreceive the accolade.

"It was a great Christmas present and also a nice acknowledgmentfor the years of hard work and dedication," said de Boer.

Originally from Lismore, de Boer currently lives in Newcastlerefereeing NBN State League and Westfield W-League fixtures, and in2008 became the first female to receive the Football Far North CoastReferee of the Year Award.

Northern NSW Football Female Participation officer Nyssa Suchanowsaid the recognition of de Boer's talent and commitment wastestament to the quality of Northern NSW female referees and some-thing for upcoming referees to aspire to.

"If you're thinking about becoming a referee, or motivated tomove up the ranks, Tanya is a prime example of why you should getout there and go for it," said Suchanow.

"Opportunities are out there and with the support of Northern NSWFootball and your local Zone the possibilities are endless," shesaid.

De Boer encourages other women to become involved in refereeingas it is a rewarding experience.

She also acknowledges the support of Football Far North Coast andNorthern NSW Football.

"It goes to show that there are opportunities for females at thehighest level in a typically male-dominated area."

De Boer is looking forward to officiating overseas and runninglines on bigger games with a different atmosphere and experience.

She now has her sights set on the challenge of making it to thenext level and is working towards a place on the Asian FootballConfederation (AFC) Elite Panel.

HOCKEY

MEN'S VETS

Grafton men's Veterans Hockey switch into training mode thisSunday with the Over-55s commencing training for the NSW StateChampionships to be held at the Sydney Olympic Hockey Centrecommencing March 30.

Training is at the Grafton Hockey Centre commencing at 5.30pm.The following players have been selected to represent Grafton atthese championships and attendance at training this Sunday iscompulsory.

Please contact Alf Groves or Ken Davison if you are unavailable -Allan Crouch, Bill Johnston, Ken Davison, Wayne Conyard, DavidMunns, Alf Groves, Gary Marshall, Stuart Hancock, Terry Fischer,Owen Hindmarsh, Frank Petty, Dennis Greensill, Paul Schofield, TerryDavis, Vic Wunderlich, Greg Brotherson and Barry Livermore. Coach isKerry Wilsmore and manager Terry Daly.

Training for the over-50s commences Sunday, February 19. Over-50s State Championships will be held at Goulburn commencing April27.

The over-45s championships are at Illawarra on May 25, the over-40s at Newcastle on June 29 and the over-35s at Shoalhaven on July27.

For further information on training times etc please contactPeter Gibbons or Alf Groves.

SHOOTING

Grafton Rifle Club

A field of 10 shooters lined up from the 60m mark on January 28.

The conditions were wet and rainy.

Top off rifle was Liza Georgelin 95 (with 6), second was RobDurrington 84 (with 1), third was Justin Georgelin with 82(with 4).

Handicap scores as follows:

B Grade:

Liza Georgelin 100, Lindsay Cole 99.8, Justin Georgelin 98.4,Robert Durrington 96.8.

C Grade:

Matt Bloomer 92.4, Craig Nott 89.6, Dean Georgelin 88.2, LukeBloomer 87, John Bloomer 67.8, Glen McPhillips 61.2.

Next week is 300 yards Field Class followed by Service Rifle.

The range is located on Trenayr Rd opposite Koppers Logs. Turnoff at the Blue Goose and turn right just past the Red Lane turn-off. New shooters of all ages are welcome.

The range is open from 8.15am on Saturdays for set-up withshooting commencing at 9am.

Sign-on times are from 8.30 to 9am. If you arrive late, you maynot get a spot.

SURF LIFE SAVING

YAMBA

Yamba SLSC members Hugh Dougherty was 4th and Alyce Bennett 20thin the fourth round of the Kellogs Nutri-Grain ironman series inhot, choppy and windy conditions in Perth on Sunday.

The event was held between Scarborough and Cottlesloe beacheswith the men racing over 22.8kms with out-and-back double board,ski, swim and run legs and the women over 11.2km with single board,ski, swim and run legs.

Hugh, who is now 11th overall, was up with the leaders throughoutthe race and finished strongly, while Alyce, now 14th overall,started well but suffered badly from cramps.

Both will be aiming to improving their standings in the comingrounds at Coolum on February 12 and Noosa on February 19.

There were no nipper activities at Turners Beach on Sunday due tothe weather and sea conditions.

At this stage the Far North Coast branch titles at Turners thisSaturday and Sunday February 4 and 5 are still on with a finaldecision later this week.

Plenty of helpers for the BBQ, work party to set up and pack upthe beach and many other jobs are needed. Contact Kerri Wunderlichon 0400 271 168 to volunteer.

There will be no nipper activities when the Far North Coastsenior titles are held at Main Beach on February 19, but normalSunday nipper activities will be at Main Beach on February 12 andMarch 4.

The nippers club championship day with flag, sprint, swim andboard events is on Sunday, February 26.

Sunday, March 11 will be the last nippers day and thepresentations for the 2011/12 season with fun activities from 9am-10.3am, presentation from 10.45 and a free sausage sizzle and drinksfor the nippers.

The weather and sea conditions dampened the Australia Daycelebrations on Main Beach with only a few hardy patrol members andassociates enjoying a BBQ sausage and a stubby.

The 200 club main prize went to Ray O'Brien and Geoff Graysonwith minor draws to Peter James, Grant Bennett, Scott Morschel,Nigel Scott, Peter Fahey, Sarah Scott, Mick Smith, Ron Bell, CliffLowien, Geoff Schaeffer, Steve Casson, Denise Gillies, Evan Lewis,Chris Dougherty and Trevor Gorman.

The inclement weather also deferred the sale of raffle ticketsfor the Havaiana king-size inflatable thongs which have been donatedby the Yamba Chamber of Commerce and the Aston Motel with allproceeds going to the Yamba SLSC

nippers.

Tickets will now be sold during the Far North Coast branch nippertitles at Turners Beach this Saturday and Sunday.

Training co-ordinator Kim Morgans (6646-2823 -kmorgans5@bigpond.com) is taking names for surf rescue certificatecandidates (13-14-year-olds) and for bronze medallion candidates tocommence training in February

There is also board training with club captain Joe Dougherty atMain Beach on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5.30pm and Saturdays at 8amand nipper board training with Andrew Morris and Tony McFarlane onSunday 8am-9am.

Other coming events are Allphones NSW nipper titles are on March3 and 4 and the Allphones NSW open titles on March 10 and 11, bothat Kingscliff, the Queensland titles at Kurrawa on March 17 and 18and the Australian titles at Kurrawa March 26 to April 1.

The 2011/12 patrol season ends on Anzac Day April 25.

The Yamba SLSC main club 2011-12 sponsors are Clarence ValleyCouncil, Elders Real Estate Yamba, Yamba Golf & Country Club, YambaBowling Club, Grafton District Services Club, Yamba Shores Tavern,Westlawn Finance, Nortec, Coastal Views, Daily Examiner, ClarenceValley Review, Radio 2GF, Yellowtail Wines and Coopers Brewery.

The Yamba SLSC 2011-12 nipper sponsors are All Terrain AccessScaffold & Edge Protection, Jim's Mowing, LJ Hooker Yamba, LowerClarence Funerals, Maclean Motors, Tony McFarlane Builder, YambaFlorist, Yamba Physiotherapy, Maclean Variety Meats, MelayIndependent Floors, Fairways Restaurant Yamba Golf & Country Cluband Signcraft Design.

Registration for all membership categories, including nippers,can be made online via the web site www.lifesavingonline.com.au, atElders Real Estate, Coldstream St during office hours or at theclubhouse during January on Tuesday and Thursday 9am-1.30pm.

The office number is 6646-2463, email: office@yambaslsc.com.auand the website - www.yambaslsc.com.au - has all the current clubinformation.

The weekly golf club raffles with 33 terrific meat trays fromYamba Fair Butchery are on this Saturday, February 4 with Greg andNicole Don, Kerry and Trish Pidcock selling tickets from 5.30pm withthe draw from 6.30pm.

Patrols this weekend are:

Saturday February 4 9am-1pm - Patrol 10: Andrew Morris (c), JoeFahey, Darby Fahey, Harry Fahey, Jake Pitkin, Barney Howard, KiahBennett, Kelsey Wilkes, Sashelle Aitken.

Saturday February 4 1pm-5pm - Patrol 11: Patrol 11: James Ryan(c), Harrison Spicer (vc), James Butcher, Sam McLennan, CodyCameron, Noah Hodgson, Thomas Smith, Tom Woods, Ethan Durrington.

Sunday February 5 9am-1pm - Patrol 1: James Ryan (c), Ed McGrath(vc), Josh Ryan, Nick Agostino, Matteo Cervella, Reilly Pickering,Sean Leonard, Nick Plummer.

Sunday February 5 1pm-5pm - Patrol 2: Mitch Imeson (c), AbrienDougherty (vc), Daniel Lollback, Mitch Lollback, Josh Lollback,Katie Becker, Jacqui Wright, Cathy Felmingham, Deborah Morfett.

TAB DIVS

GOULBURN GALLOP

Race 1: 1 6 12. Win $3.90 place $1.60 $1.30 $2.60. Q: $4.70. E:$16.10. Duets: 1-6: $3.10, 1-12: $6.30, 6-12: $4.50. T: $79.80.First 4: 1-6-12-8: $574.90. Sub: 6. Scr: 2,9.

Race 2: 2 4 5. Win $3.40 place $1.20 $1.70 $1.70. Q: $6.50. E:$12.20. Duets: 2-4: $3.00, 2-5: $1.90, 4-5: $6.50. T: $41.00. D:$9.50. First 4: 2-4-5-3: $126.80. Sub: NSR. All Started.

Race 3: 4 9 5. Win $1.80 place $1.04 $6.70 $1.70. Q: $30.30. E:$61.10. Duets: 4-9: $13.40, 4-5: $2.70, 9-5: $31.90. T: $261.10. D:$6.20. First 4: 4-9-5-13: $2,601.80. Sub: 4. Scr: 10,12.

Race 4: 6 13 4. Win $7.80 place $2.40 $2.60 $3.90. Q: $24.90. E:$51.20. Duets: 6-13: $11.00, 6-4: $6.70, 13-4: $23.10. T: $347.90.D: $15.60. First 4: 6-13-4-12: $1,492.70. Sub: 12. Scr: 7.

Race 5: 6 1 3. Win $4.60 place $2.10 $2.60 $1.80. Q: $15.10. E:$25.10. Duets: 6-1: $7.00, 6-3: $4.00, 1-3: $5.00. T: $87.00. D:$46.90. First 4: 6-1-3-2: $380.50. Sub: 3. Scr: 9.

Race 6: 3 7 5. Win $11.50 place $2.80 $1.50 $7.10. Q: $12.70. E:$51.40. Duets: 3-7: $7.40, 3-5: $28.20, 7-5: $15.20. T: $498.50. D:$62.80. First 4: 3-7-5-10: $3,520.80. Sub: 7. Scr: 2,8,9.

Race 7: 16 8 1. Win $9.80 place $3.40 $2.90 $3.90. Q: $45.60. E:$120.80. Duets: 16-8: $13.50, 16-1: $19.00, 8-1: $17.90. T: $946.80.D: $236.00. First 4: 16-8-1-14: $6,605.80. Sub: 14. Scr:5,9,11,15(L).

Race 8: 1 3 2. Win $4.70 place $2.00 $1.70 $6.10. Q: $8.90. E:$18.00. Duets: 1-3: $4.20, 1-2: $26.80, 3-2: $31.40. T: $407.50. D:$79.30. First 4: 1-3-2-13: $3,911.10. Sub: 3. Scr: 15.

NSW TAB DAILY DOUBLE on races 6 and 8: Laughing Out Loud (3)--Another Legend (1) $44.60. Subs: 7,3.

NSW TAB QUADDIE on races 5,6,7,8: (6)(3)(16)(1): $11,788.20.Subs: 3,7,14,3.

SCONE GALLOPS

Scone Gallop NSW TAB Divs 1-7 Monday Scone Gallop NSW TAB DIVS 1-7 SCONE GALLOP

NSW TAB DIVS FOR $1.00

Race 1: 1 6 5. Win $2.30 place $1.40 $1.20 NTD. Q: $2.10. E:$3.80. T: $10.10. First 4: 1-6-5-2: $25.80. Sub: 6. Scr: 8.

Race 2: 1 9 5. Win $2.00 place $1.30 $4.50 $1.30. Q: $28.60. E:$49.10. Duets: 1-9: $12.20, 1-5: $2.10, 9-5: $20.90. T: $164.20. D:$4.50. First 4: 1-9-5-4: $414.40. Sub: 1. Scr: 8.

Race 3: 5 4 3. Win $15.50 place $6.20 $1.20 NTD. Q: $14.00. E:$24.40. T: $67.00. D: $39.10. First 4: 5-4-3-6: $265.00. Sub: 4.Scr: 1,2.

Race 4: 6 2 10. Win $4.00 place $1.50 $9.10 $3.90. Q: $65.80. E:$141.60. Duets: 6-2: $31.30, 6-10: $6.60, 2-10: $78.30. T:$1,279.60. D: $45.70. First 4: 6-2-10-13: $8,126.60. Sub: 6. Scr:4,11,17,18.

Race 5: 1 8 5. Win $1.70 place $1.30 $2.60 NTD. Q: $5.20. E:$9.10. T: $21.30. D: $9.50. First 4: 1-8-5-2: $42.70. Sub: 1. Scr:3,4,6.

Race 6: 7 5 3. Win $6.30 place $2.00 $2.20 $1.40. Q: $22.50. E:$67.00. Duets: 7-5: $6.20, 7-3: $3.60, 5-3: $4.40. T: $105.60. D:$17.80. First 4: 7-5-3-10: $2,147.00. Sub: NSR. All Started.

Race 7: 9 3 8. Win $7.50 place $2.60 $8.20 $2.80. Q: $237.80. E:$582.30. Duets: 9-3: $20.80, 9-8: $11.60, 3-8: $101.50. T:$4,085.60. D: $88.80. First 4: 9-3-8-1: $17,071.70. Sub: 1. Scr: 11.

NSW TAB DAILY DOUBLE on races 5 and 7: Winning Review (1)--Ruling Class (9) $34.10. Subs: 1,1.

NSW TAB QUADDIE on races 4,5,6,7: (6)(1)(7)(9): $813.10. Subs:6,1,NSR,1.