The Ayr Bowling Club is preparing for its final Fun Friday Night Bowls event of the year, inviting community members to join in an enjoyable evening on 22 November, starting at 6pm. This inclusive event is perfect for all skill levels, whether participants are experienced bowlers or trying the sport for the first time - it’s a great opportunity to gather friends or come solo and meet new people while giving bowls a try.

The evening will begin with a sausage sizzle at 6pm, followed by the start of bowling at 7pm and concluding with a light supper. The entry fee is $10 per game, which includes the meal and a fun night of bowling.

For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Maurie Power at 0412 551 816 or Pam Power at 0458 330 019. The Ayr Bowling Club looks forward to welcoming familiar faces and new participants for an evening filled with enjoyment and community spirit.

The Ayr Bowling Club recently hosted a vibrant Social Tuesday on Melbourne Cup Day, 5 November, attracting a strong turnout and enthusiastic competition. Both men and women bowlers participated in the day’s games and Melbourne Cup sweeps. In the matches, Donna Soper, Col Essex, and Irene Wilson secured victory over Isabel Cislowski, J. Grabbi, and Beryl Cornford. Meanwhile, Merle Nixon, W. Coonan, and Dot Cutting triumphed over J. Cesconetto, Maurice Power, and Heather Jorgensen. J. Pirrone, Anthony Bull, and Pam Power won against Karen Shepherd, Karen Page, and Chris Olditch. Deslie Olsen, Barry Shepherd, Arthur Gauvin, and Ron Soper defeated Ron Smythe, Raylene Hervey, Chris Berkery, and Sandra Stidston.

The club’s Wednesday night games on 6 November featured lively competition in both triples and pairs matches. The team of Margaret McLaughlin, David Burt, and Joe Grabbi claimed first place in the triples match, while John Cesconetto and Gary Pearce took the win in the pairs match. Wednesday nights continue to be a great time to bowl, especially with warmer weather.

On Thursday, 7 November, the final match of the Handicap Pairs took place, where Deslie Olsen and Irene Wilson captured the title with a victory over Tricia Achille and Pam Power.

Saturday featured two competitive triples games and a fours match, with strong play across the board. The winning team consisted of Richard, Merle Nixon, and Joe Grabbi, while the runners-up were Donna Soper, Ron Smyth, and Chris Olditch.

The club’s championships continued on Sunday with the Mixed Pairs event, where Lorraine Wolffe and Chris Olditch won against Henry Hazle and Margaret Chapman. The afternoon’s highlight was the Mixed Singles final, which drew an attentive crowd. Michael Parravinci and Pam Power engaged in a closely fought match, with Parravinci edging out Power 25–21 after a thrilling contest that showcased the skill of both players.

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.

‍

Saturday 16 November, 1pm to 5pm (Patrol Group A) Chris Wicks, Damien Rickets, Emma Rickets, and Jane Wicks.

Sunday 17 November 9am to 1pm (Patrol Group F ) Lisa Furnell, Jen Morgan, John Furnell, Jo Morgan, Lauren Chapman, Isla Chapman, Ryley Satori, Jake Satori, Kat Satori, and Dave Satori.

Sunday 17 November 1pm to 5pm (Patrol Group G) Carl List, Jimmy Hayllor, James Kennedy, Shane Morgan, Ross Blakey, Ross Rickards, and Jed Giddy.

Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.

‍

The Brandon Bowls Club had another fantastic week of bowls, with great turnouts and competitive matches across Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

On Wednesday afternoon, the triples match saw Henry Hazel, Vanda Ballao, and Margaret Chapman come out on top, defeating Ann Newton, Bev Garioch, and Helen Collins. In the pairs game, Joy Woods and Darelle Pearce teamed up with Lyn Storrie to beat Sandra Darwen and Lyn Farr.

Friday night’s bowls were full of fun and camaraderie with nine bowlers taking part. The triples game saw a victory for Ben Mills, Rob Jorgensen, and Lyn Storrie, who triumphed over Ben Mills, David Bycroft, and Joe Ypinazar. In the doubles, Margaret and Ross McLaughlan outplayed Norm Storrie and Bruce McCallum for the win.

Sunday’s turnout was smaller, as some members were away attending out-of-town events, but the competition was still fierce. Mick McCloskey, Helen Collins, and Kev Collins defeated Kenny Ferguson, Joe Ypinazar, and Alan Garioch. Meanwhile, Gary Nosworthy, Glenn Woodford, and Doug Robins secured a win over Ben Mills, Vince Beitia, and Richard Mau. The highlight of the day was the Jackpot being claimed by Kenny Ferguson, Joe Ypinazar, and Alan Garioch.

A reminder to all members that the highly anticipated Trophy Bowls Night, sponsored by Bennett Exhaust, is coming up on 15 November. As the final event of the year, it promises to be a popular evening, so make sure to get your names in soon!

Contributed with thanks to Lyn Storrie.

‍

Home Hill Junior Cricket saw an impressive turnout last Friday, with dozens of eager young players showcasing their skills at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex. The Challengers continue to make strides in their game, highlighted by standout performances from Henry Cohan, who remained unbeaten on 15, and Corey Pensini, who delivered an exceptional bowling spell, taking 2 wickets for no runs. Levi Trail and Harvey Shannon were recognised for their outstanding contributions and received the prestigious "McDonald’s Sports Awards."

In the "Blue Group" match, Kip Nicholas and Kye Quinlan led the scoring, both finishing their innings unbeaten. Chaz Moschella recorded the best bowling figures with 3 wickets for 11 runs, followed by Billy Muilwyk, who impressed with 2 wickets for just 4 runs, including a wicket maiden. Tyler Smith also delivered a solid performance, taking 2 wickets for 9 runs. Kip Nicholas and Chaz Moschella were named the weekly award winners for the Blue Group, while Kye Quinlan was honoured with a special "McDonald’s Sports Award" for his remarkable hat-trick and figures of 3 for 2 runs from the previous week, which had been missed in the original scoresheet.

Monday training sessions are starting to pay dividends, especially for the hardball cricketers in the "Gold Group," who are showing significant improvement in their batting, bowling, and fielding. Marshall Parker and Xavier Cross demonstrated excellent technique, each scoring 17 runs before being dismissed. Alex Cullen remained unbeaten, retiring with 12 runs after reaching his allocated balls. Kyle Wilkie stood out as the leading bowler with figures of 2/7, closely followed by Marshall Parker with 2/8 and Kaisen Petersen with 2/14. Other wicket-takers included Nathaniel Backo, Xavier Cross, and Jacques Gardner, each claiming a wicket. Alex Cullen and Marshall Parker were named this week’s "McDonald’s Sports Award" recipients for their impressive performances.

Contributed with thanks to HHCA Junior Co-Ordinator Scott Heidke.

Stand outs Kaisen Petersen and Alex Cullen were celebrated for their skills!
Challengers players Levi Trail and Harvey Shannon were awarded a McDonald’s Sports Award!
Kip Nicholas and Kye Quinlan were awarded a McDonald’s Sports Award for their impressive scores on Friday!
Marshall Parker was awarded for his excellent technical skills.
Weekly Award recipient Chaz Moschella was commended for his bowling skills.
The Gold Group impressed coaches on Monday.
The Blue Group continues to improve each week, with many players soaring!
The Challengers were celebrated for their improvements last Friday!

The Home Hill Golf Club is celebrating a successful year, with standout achievements in the Whitsunday Vets competition. A special congratulations goes to Gary Pappalardo, who earned the title of Golfer of the Year, showcasing skill and consistency throughout the season.

Home Hill’s efforts were further highlighted by securing second place in the Club of the Year standings, a testament to the dedication and performance of all players representing the club. Additionally, Home Hill tied for having the most players participating over the two-game-per-club format, emphasizing the strong community spirit and enthusiasm among its members.

Looking forward, the club is eager to continue its participation in the Whitsunday Vets competition next year. Club representatives encourage those interested in joining to reach out. Players must be 55 years or older to compete for prizes in the Whitsunday Vets comps. For updates, members will receive information via text, so if you know someone keen to join, be sure to spread the word.

The Sheahan Shootout added to the club’s highlights, with Carol Betteridge claiming victory and Beth Prescott finishing as runner-up. Ross Wilkie achieved the highest stableford score of the day with 41 points, winning in a countback against James Johnson.

Looking ahead, the Home Hill Golf Club looks forward to another year of camaraderie and competition, building on this year’s successes.

Contributed with thanks to Carol Betteridge and Judi Sheahan.

‍

The Home Hill Golf Club enjoyed wonderful weather for the Sheahan Shootout on Sunday.

‍

The Burdekin Netball Association is calling for expressions of interest for coaches, managers, and umpires for the upcoming 2025 Senior State Age Championships. The event will be held from 12 to 15 April at the Ipswich Netball Association and will cover teams for the 15, 16, and 17/18-year-old age groups.

This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals passionate about netball and looking to contribute their skills and leadership to support the development of young athletes. Interested candidates are encouraged to complete the nomination form available on the Burdekin Netball Association Facebook page and return it to burdekinnetball@gmail.com.

Get involved and help shape the future of netball in the Burdekin region!

‍

The Burdekin Roosters, a proud rugby league club in Queensland, are on the lookout for new talent as they prepare for the 2025 season. The club, known for its strong community focus and competitive spirit, invites players of all skill levels who share a passion for rugby league to join their ranks.

Committed to nurturing talent and fostering a supportive environment, the Roosters offer an excellent platform for players to develop their skills and enjoy the camaraderie of a dedicated team. Beyond the field, the club is also highlighting local work opportunities in the Burdekin region to help new players integrate smoothly into the community and build a life that balances work and sport.

For those eager to be part of a team that values both competition and community, now is the time to get involved. Prospective players are encouraged to reach out to the Burdekin Roosters to learn more and take the first step toward joining their promising 2025 lineup.

For further information, contact Steve Lansley at slansley2@sctvs.catholic.edu.au or call 0400 744 153.

‍

The Burdekin Swimming Club has enjoyed an action-packed few weeks, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of its swimmers. Recently, a team of 11 swimmers represented the club at the Charters Towers Swimming Meet, delivering exceptional performances over the two-day event. The meet saw many of the swimmers achieving personal bests, with standout efforts from Aiden Butler, who recorded personal bests in 8 out of 9 races, including an impressive 11.53-second improvement in his 100m Breaststroke. Brax Wight also stunned with a massive 31.13-second reduction in his 200m Breaststroke.

Despite being a smaller club, the Burdekin team proved formidable, as seen in the following results: Lewis Bonato (10yo Boys): 2nd in 50m Freestyle, 1st in 100m Backstroke, 2nd in 50m Breaststroke, 1st in 100m Freestyle, 2nd in 50m Backstroke, 1st in 100m Breaststroke. Parker Bonato (13yo Boys): 1st in 100m Freestyle, 3rd in 50m Backstroke, 3rd in 100m Breaststroke. Millie Lyne (14yo Girls): 3rd in 50m Freestyle, 3rd in 200m IM, 1st in 50m Breaststroke. Gabriella Mottin (13yo Girls): 1st in 100m Backstroke, 3rd in 50m Breaststroke, 3rd in 100m Freestyle, 3rd in 50m Backstroke. Makayla Pirrone (15yo Girls): 2nd in 50m Breaststroke. Maddison Searle (10yo Girls): 1st in 50m Freestyle, 1st in 100m Backstroke, 2nd in 50m Breaststroke, 2nd in 100m Freestyle, 1st in 50m Backstroke, 1st in 50m Butterfly.

The following week, six of the Club’s swimmers participated in the annual Gardens Long Course Preparation meet in Townsville, competing against over 350 swimmers from across the region, including teams as far as Cairns. The event recognised State and National-level competitors, with Burdekin represented by Gabriella Mottin and Nate Giddy (State) and Millie Lyne (National). The club’s swimmers delivered outstanding results: Lewis Bonato (10yo Boys): 3rd in 100m Backstroke, improving by 4.65 seconds. Millie Lyne (14yo Girls): 1st in 50m Breaststroke, 3rd in 100m Backstroke, 3rd in 50m Backstroke, 2nd in 50m Butterfly, 1st in 100m Breaststroke with a 2.56-second improvement, securing a national qualifying time for 2025. John McKaig (15 and over): 2nd in 50m Freestyle, 1st in 50m Butterfly with a 0.07-second improvement. Maddison Searle (10yo Girls): 3rd in 50m Freestyle.

The club extends a heartfelt thank you to coaches Kim and Mick McConnachie for their guidance and dedication in helping the team achieve these fantastic results.

The busy fortnight concluded with a successful "Come and Try" night at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre, where 62 participants aged between 5 and 80 years joined in the fun. The evening was filled with smiles and laughter, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and supportive families. The club looks forward to welcoming more new faces at its weekly club nights every Wednesday. Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and details.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Lyne.

‍

11 Burdekin Swimming Club swimmers attended the Charters Towers Swimming Meet recently.
6 Burdekin swimmers attended the annual Gardens Long Course Preparation Meet.
62 locals came along to the Burdekin Aquatic Centre for a fun come and try night!
Maddison Searle took third place in the 50m freestyle at the Gardens Long Course Preparation Meet.
Lewis Bonato took home three 1st place awards and three 2nd place awards from the Charters Towers Swimming Meet.

‍

The Ayr Golf Club’s annual Searle Family Day Golf event was met with resounding success this year, thanks to the generous sponsorship of club member Debbie Searle and her family. The event featured an exciting Stableford format, which saw participants competing in high spirits under perfect conditions.

Securing third place was Shannon Peckham, who achieved her personal best score to date with an impressive 36 points. Wendy Baker claimed second place with a solid 37 points, while Angie Baxter emerged victorious with a mammoth 38 points, taking home the top honours.

‍

Pretty in pink! Ayr Golf Club ladies celebrated a successful Searle Family Day Golf event!

Spirit Shines At Ayr Golf Club's Searle Family Day

Adding a unique twist to the Ayr Golf Club's Searle Family Day, Debbie Searle introduced an additional challenge involving three randomly selected holes, kept secret until after the round. The ladies with the highest scores on these hidden holes were also recognised and awarded prizes. Shannon Peckham added to her accolades by winning this special challenge, while Donna Boccolatte was named the runner-up.

The day was further enhanced by a show of solidarity for breast cancer awareness, with participants dressed in their best pink attire. This vibrant display added to the event’s uplifting atmosphere and emphasized the community’s support for an important cause. Donations were collected to contribute to breast cancer research, underscoring the club’s commitment to making a difference beyond the game.

The Ayr Golf Club extends its gratitude to Debbie Searle and her family for their generous sponsorship and creativity, which made the day a memorable one. Congratulations to all participants for their achievements and enthusiasm in supporting a wonderful event.

Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Golf Club.

‍

Debbie Searle, with placeholders Shannon Peckham, Wendy Baker, and Angie Baxter.

‍

Saturday 9 November 1.00pm to 5.00pm and Sunday 10 November 9.00am to 5.00pm (Full Weekend Patrol Group E) John Moloney, Anne Moloney, Tony Felesina, Isabella Moloney, Jane Jones, Gavin Jones, Sophia Moloney, Alissia Gibson, Billy Gibson, and Danni Coughlin.
‍

Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.

‍

Burdekin's own Jennifer Fotinos has earned a prestigious spot on Australia’s Youth Women’s Futsal Team, set to compete in the UK this November. Jennifer’s journey to the international stage began earlier this year at the 2024 National Futsal Championships in Sydney, where she represented North Queensland in the Open Women’s division and reached the quarterfinals with an impressive display of skill.

Jennifer Fotinos Selected
For Australian Futsal Team

Jennifer’s futsal achievements didn’t stop there - she also competed in Football Queensland’s National Futsal Championships on the Gold Coast, representing Queensland in her age group. With four years of futsal experience complemented by fourteen years in soccer, Jennifer has honed a versatile skill set that has paved the way for her success.

Her athletic talent stretches beyond futsal; Jennifer was also selected for the Queensland boxing team. However, due to scheduling conflicts with the futsal competition, she will miss the chance to compete at the Australian Titles.

In 2022, Jennifer was selected for AFA’s Australian U19 Women’s Futsal Team, though COVID restrictions prevented her from traveling for the competition. This year’s opportunity to compete internationally is especially meaningful, and Jennifer is thrilled to represent Australia in the UK.

Jennifer’s dedication and skill have earned her a place among Australia’s top youth athletes, and she is eager to make the most of this incredible opportunity.

Contributed with thanks to Marietta Fotinos.

‍

A highly skilled athlete, Jennifer has four years of futsal experience under her belt.
Jennifer will compete in the Australia’s Youth Women’s Futsal Team this November.

‍

Night Soccer

Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 9 was played in good conditions and with only one forfeit. The 21games produced 57 goals and, surprisingly, no Sin Bins. Top scorers for the Men were Rocky Pond Warriors with six goals and for the Women, DILLIGAF scored four goals.

FJV stay top of Group A1 despite only managing a 0-0 draw with lowly Karls Mowing Service and Mottin Earthmoving drop to third place after losing 0-1 to second place Plumb Dingers. UDS still lead in Group A2 after beating Show Me Da Mane 2-1. FUFC drop to third place. Wires Down are still at the top of Group B with Jaime’s Boys and Old Grumpies still in hot pursuit.

In the Women’s competition UDS Ladies still top the A Grade table despite losing 1-2 to Sanco Produce who  are now just four points behind in second place. Shin Kickers are the leaders in B Grade but only on goal difference from Blue Goal Diggers after they played out a 1-1 draw.

Juniors

Week 3 of Junior Social Soccer went well with great conditions and some good competitive games being played. All kids are having a ball. Boom boom…

‍

The Home Hill Cricket Association was fortunate to welcome Antony Stewart from QLD Cricket for two visits over the past week. Antony first joined Guy at East Ayr State School last Tuesday to assist with the Rookies, and then returned on Friday afternoon to work with the Challengers at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex. He was highly impressed with the players’ progress, particularly their skilful, straight-arm bowling. This week, Challengers Corey Pensini and Nicholas Marrinan top-scored with a strong 27-run partnership. All-round performances from Harvey Shannon and Corey earned them the MacDonald’s Sports Awards for the week.

The "Blue" game on the astro pitch saw a flurry of wickets, with a total of 19 falling throughout the match. Successful wicket-takers included Steve Wallwork, Kip Nicholas, Jude Shannon, Tyler Smith, Chaz Moschella, and Kye Quinlan, with Tait Parker achieving the best figures of the week with four wickets. However, the batting side struggled, with only two players reaching double figures. Unfortunately, no scores or photos were available from the "Gold" group at the time of this report.

‍

Contributed with thanks to HHCA Junior Co-Ordinator Scott Heidke.

‍

Many young cricketers enjoyed the company of Antony Stewart on Tuesday afternoon.
The Blue Group were celebrated for their performance last week.
Stave, Kip, Jude, Tyler, Chaz, Kye and Tait were commended for their contributions to the Blue Group’s success.
Mazlyn Smith received a Sports Award last week for her skilled performance.
Proud Sports Award recipients Harvey Shannon and Corey Pensini.

‍

The Escriva Cup was held on Friday 1 November at International Park. The Cup, played for annually, was won for the second time by Class of 13 who defeated FJV 2-1 in a very close game. The Men’s Cup attracted eighteen teams in six groups of three so that every team played at least two matches.

The competition was run on a Night Soccer basis and each match lasted thirty minutes. Winners of each Group and the two best runners up went into the quarter finals. This meant that the finalists played five games.

The six group winners were Wantocks, Mullumbimby Moonshooters, FJV, Class of 13, FDS and Young DD and they were joined by second placed Delta Physio and Locked In. After the Quarter finals had been played the semi-finalists had been decided with Class of 13 to meet  Mullumbimby Moonshooters and FJV to play FDS.

The semi-finals were both very close games with Class of 13 winning 1-0 and FJV winning 3-2. Scorer for Class of 13 was Jake perry and for FJV, Jack Moustoukas netted twice and Logan Guglielmana Once.

In the Grand Final Class of 13 beat FJV 2-1 to retain the trophy. Taryn Bradford  and Chris Achille scored the goals for Class of thirteen and Jhett Jones replied for FJV.

The Ladies competition only attracted two teams so Goalden Girls and Fat and Furious played off for the trophy with Fat and Furious winning 2-1. Goals for Fat and Furious were scored by Sienna Lago, Sian Reardon, and Kya Quagliata.

A big Thank You for all the teams who took part and helped to raise money for a very good cause.

Contributed with thanks to Cyclops.

‍

Escriva Cup Ladies Winners Fat and Furious
Escriva Cup Male Winners Class of 13

‍

The Ayr Bowling Club has enjoyed another week filled with competitive matches and social events, showcasing the talent and camaraderie of its members.
Tuesday Ladies’ Social Bowls kicked off the week with 14 players taking to the green. Notable matches included a win for the team of Karen Shepherd, Linda Guimelli, Beryl Cornford, and Mary Poli, who defeated Meryl Smith, Merle Nixon, Joy Comollatti, and Heather Jorgensen. In another match, Ruth Moore, Karen Page, and Irene Wilson triumphed over Isabel Cislowski, Sandra Stidston, and Dot Cutting.
On Wednesday 30 October, Pam Power represented the club in the Champions of Champions tournament at Bargara Bowls Club. Pam Power performed admirably against some of Queensland’s best bowlers, narrowly missing out on a spot in the Championship playoff. Her impressive showing capped off a fantastic year, earning her recognition and respect from her peers.
The Wednesday Mixed Social Bowls featured three exciting games of triples, bringing both competition and laughter. The winning team comprised Sandra Darwen, George Nixon, and Chris Olditch, who defeated Margret Chapman, Dino Poli, and Wayne Coonan. Later that evening, a single game of rinks saw Evelyn Wiltshere, Tricia Achille, Cisco, and Ross McLaughlin emerge victorious.
Fun Friday Night Bowls saw a turnout of 32 participants enjoying an evening of friendly competition. Spirits were high as four games of rinks were played. The winning team of Mika Strano, Melissa Northward, Matt Strano, and Michael Northward bested Lyn Copas, Toni Colburn, Deb Calligaro, and Tracey Redgwell. Second place went to Karen Shepherd, Ron Smythe, Deslie Olsen, and Barry Shepherd, while the Sportsman’s Prize was awarded to the team of Rebekah Oakes, Johnny Casella, Holly Giarusso, Ross Cambino, and Andrew Curro. The club extends its gratitude to all participants and looks forward to the final Fun Night of the year on 29 November.
On Saturday, the club hosted two games of triples and one game of fours, with intense competition evident throughout the matches. The winning team included John Pirrone, Rob Garner, and Anthony Bull, who defeated Cisco, Ron Smythe, and Barry Shepherd.
Sunday marked a continuation of the club championships, featuring Mixed Triples. Lorraine Wolffe, Sandra Stidston and Anthony Bull claimed victory against Donna Soper, Barry Shepherd, and Ron Soper, while earlier in the week the Mixed Singles was held with Michael Paravicini defeating Gary Pearce.
The Ayr Bowling Club invites everyone to its final Fun Friday Night Bowls event of the year on 29 November, starting at 6 PM. This evening promises fun for bowlers of all levels, encouraging participants to bring friends or join solo to meet new people. The entry fee is $10 per game, which includes a sausage sizzle at 6 PM and a light supper after bowling begins at 7 PM. For more information or to sign up, please contact Maurie Power at 0412 551 816 or Pam Power at 0458 330 019.
The club looks forward to seeing both new and returning faces for an enjoyable evening of bowling and community spirit.
‍

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.

Friday Fun Night 1st Place winners!
Friday Fun Night 2nd Place victors!
Friday Fun Night Sportsman's Prize winners!

‍