Grafton Redmen to take on Ballina

THE Grafton Redmen travel to Ballina in four grades tomorrow with honour at stake, their first grade semi-final aspirations having all but evaporated.

Nevertheless, the opportunity to take competition points off Ballina at Ballina, always a tough task, should be sufficient motivation to ensure a good showing from the men in red and white.

Some of Grafton’s form last week was just about as good as any it has shown in the past couple of seasons and showed perseverance with this young, developing side is starting to show signs of reaping long-term rewards.

At times it had the strong Lismore outfit at sixes and sevens through a combination of direct running and having the confidence to attack out wide in a positive manner.

Unfortunately, as so often is the way with an inexperienced side, a couple of mistakes cost dearly, and Lismore, with the benefit of composure and vision from a couple of key payers, took full advantage.

For Grafton, it needs to take the positives out of that game and keep going on the same tack, and the result take care of itself.

Ballina sits in fourth position and while its form has been solid all year, it isno way unbeatable and Grafton, while underdog, must warrant some money as each-way value.

Grafton’s under-19s will need to have their mind on the job as they will face a younger but developing Ballina side that showed plenty of promise in their clash earlier in the season.

The Redmen Colts sit in second spot but will need to guard against complacency as this is a tight competition and Ballina at home will present a stronger challenge than their fourth placing on the competition table suggests.