As the cricket season wraps up for most of the Home Hill Cricket Association juniors, two talented players, Marshall Parker and Thomas Cardillo, are set to continue their cricketing journeys on the representative stage this December.

Marshall Parker has been selected for the North Queensland Under-12B team and will head to Townsville from 16 to 20 December for a week-long Northern Hub Championship. His team will compete in 40-over matches against squads from Central Queensland, Mackay, and Far North Queensland. Adding to the achievement, Marshall has earned the honour of being named Vice-Captain of his team - a testament to his leadership and skill.

Meanwhile, Thomas Cardillo will travel to Cairns to take part in the prestigious "Bulls Masters" championship during the same week. This statewide competition features the best Under-16 players from across Queensland, including regions such as Far North Queensland, North Queensland, Mackay, and the Sunshine Coast. Representing the "NQ Monsoons," Thomas will compete in 50-over games, with the ultimate goal of securing the championship title.

The Home Hill Cricket Association wishes both boys the best of luck in their respective tournaments. Their selection is a remarkable opportunity to showcase their talent and represents a proud moment for the local cricketing community.

Contributed with thanks to Scott Heidke.

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Marshall Parker will soon travel to Townsville to play in NQ’s Under-12B team.
Thomas Cardillo has been selected to play in Cairns’ Bulls Maters championship!

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The Lower Burdekin Ski Club was buzzing with talented athletes on the weekend, with families travelling from across the northern end of the state to participate in the Club’s annual Christmas Classic Competition!

33 competitors showcased their skills on the water across three events, trick, jump and slalom with Lower Burdekin Ski Club President, Jay Wiseman thankful the sunshine pulled through for the competition.

“We’ve really turned the weather on today,” said Jay.

The Lower Burdekin Ski Club stands as the only three event side Club in North Queensland, with many talented athletes travelling to enjoy the Club’s facilities located at Hutchings Lagoon. 2024 has seen the Club hold both regular come and try sessions as well as a ladies’ and girls’ day to welcome newcomers to the sport, with both Kristy and Jay noticing more beginners on the water.

“We’ve got the largest Division 6 we’ve seen which means there’s more newcomers than experienced skiers competing this year - we’re the only club in North Queensland who offers this type of competition,” added Jay.

At just six years old, Addison Hurley was the weekend’s youngest competitor, with the oldest skier on the water aged over 70, proving water skiing stands as a sport accessible for all ages to enjoy. Kristy and Jay invite those interested in the sport to reach out to the Club via their website www.lowerburdekinski.com.au.

Maddie Knox, and Addison and Claire Hurley
Reese Fusco, Kristy Wiseman, Emma and Hannah Pollick, Julie Neilberding, and Karly Chaillon
Garry Pollock (Townsville Water Ski Club President), Craig Rankin (Barron River President), Jay Wiseman (Lower Burdekin Ski Club President), Ryan Alloway (Lower Burdekin Ski Club Treasurer, and BBQ Grill King), and Brett Barsby (Townsville Water Ski Club Committee Member)
Division 1 water skier, Sam Neilberding

Photo Credit: Chelsea Ravizza

The Delta Cleaners Night Soccer Grand Finals lit up International Park last Friday, drawing a large crowd to witness the thrilling conclusion of the 46th season of this iconic competition. With 13 games on the schedule, the event showcased the region's top teams battling it out for glory, with UDS and UDS Ladies emerging as the Men’s and Women’s A Grade champions.

In the Men’s A Grade Final, UDS claimed the title after a nail-biting 2-1 victory over Show Me Da Mane. The match was deadlocked at 1-1 at full time, with Elliott Dal Santo scoring for UDS and Brendan Mio equalising for the Mane. The game went into Drop Offs and then Shoot Outs, where Jay Leckenby secured the winning goal, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The Ladies A Grade Final saw UDS Ladies dominate Smiling Assassins 6-0 to claim their first-ever championship title, redeeming their loss in the 2023 final. Sian Reardon delivered a stunning performance with a hat trick, supported by goals from Sally Friend, Ciara McDonnell, and Charley Ruskin.

A fan-favourite event of the evening was the Ferg Holden Drinkers Trophy, which Fair Call won decisively, defeating Free Ballers 4-0. The finals night featured plenty of tight contests, with four games requiring extra time and Drop Offs, and two culminating in Shoot Outs.

Other Finals Results:
Ladies Social B: Short Staffed 1 def. Havn’t a Kahlua 0
Ladies Social A Plate: The Hangovers 4 def. Blue Goal Diggers 0
Ladies Social A: Shin Kickers 1 def. Let’s Get Messi 0
Ladies A Plate: Rocky Pond Wonders 3 def. Kicken Goals 2
Men A Plate: Nutrien Ag Solutions 3 def. Plumb Dingers 2
Men A Bowl: Rapos Utd 3 def. FJV 0
Men B Grade: Oary’s Levellers 2 def. 7 Stooges 1
Men B Plate: Karl’s Mowing Service 3 def. iComply Utd 0
Men Social A Grade: BA 2 def. Old Grumpies 0
Men Social A Plate: DL Lager 4 def. Delta Physio 1
Men Social A Bowl: Borin n Scorin 2 def. Hardly Athletic 1

Night Soccer began in 1979 to stay fit during the off-season, starting with just eight teams in Home Hill. Over the years, the competition moved to Ayr, with floodlit games at International Park beginning in 1981. At its peak, the league hosted 86 teams. Delta Cleaners, the inaugural sponsors, have proudly supported the competition since its inception, marking a remarkable partnership of 46 years.

Congratulations to all teams, and a special mention to the winner of the SLoBs Christmas Raffle: Yellow ticket Z 22. See you all next season!

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Edith, Addison, Eva, Asha and Audrey 
Riley Christensen, Jack Gimson, Mason Matthews, Sebastian Mio, Matthew Kolb and Matthew Walker 
Megan Durrant, Laylah and Zane 
Dan and Tiffany Olditch 
Shane Pensini, Jamie Levitt, Flynn and Lucas 
Sophie, Olivia, Jayden, Claire, Mitchell and Emily 
Rhia Nielsen, Cassie Towlen, Logan Guglielmana, and Jett Jones
David, Corryn, Angus and Lincoln Inness 
Scott and Adele Andreatta 
Caleb Totorica, Riley Catanzaro, Ryan Totorica and Adam Patane 
Father and son duo, Rick and Max Kelly 
Riley Christensen and Taylah Koutsonis 
Goal Diggers’ Kellie Rains, Rhianna White, Shay Kratzmann and Brytni Pearson 
Kicking Goals’ Lauren Raitelli and Eliza Worlein 
 
Photo Credit: Chelsea Ravizza. 

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Over the weekend, 42 competitors from the Ayr Surf Club travelled to Sarina to battle the best of the North Barrier in the annual Branch Championships. It was lovely to see the nippers being joined by a strong cohort of masters to give it their all over 2 very big days of strong competition.

The club had some brilliant individual results, incredible team efforts and genuinely showed some amazing never give up attitude in all events giving them one of their highest overall points scores at a carnival in years. 

The carnival concluded with the announcement of the 2024-25 North Barrier Branch Youth State Team who will travel to the Queensland State Titles at Tugun in March next year.

A massive congratulations to 13 Ayr Nippers who made the team - Charlotte Dale, Taylor Chapman, Luca Lawry, Mia Wicks, Milla Chapman, Emma Jones, Emilee Wassmuth, Charlotte Lawry, Cole Pontifex, Briella Wassmuth, Zachary Dale, Isla Chapman and Bella Lawry. 

Just a reminder that volunteer patrols will continue over weekends and public holidays during the Christmas school holidays. So please if visiting the beach, see the lifesavers if you have any questions and always stay safe by following displayed safety warning signs. 

In other lifesaving news, on Saturday 30th November, Milla and Isla Chapman also represented the Queensland Country Team on the Sunshine Coast at the Interbranch Championships. Both girls performed exceptionally well in individual and team events with Milla coming home with a Gold medal in U13 female flags, a Bronze medal in U13 Female beach sprint & a Silver medal in U13 Beach relay.

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All Age Relay Team - Audrey Rickards, Ryley Sartori, Toby Hatherell, Isla Chapman, Mackenzie Sartori, Milla Chapman, Taylor Chapman, Ross Rickards, Mia Wicks, Chris Wicks and Zachary Dale. Photo supplied
Milla Chapman in U13 Board Race. Photo supplied.
U14 Surf Team - Parker Bonato, Zachary Dale, Briella Wassmuth and Jake Sartori - 2nd. Photo supplied
Isla Chapman celebrating her 2km beach run win. Photo supplied
Ryan Irvine in U10 Wade Relay. Photo supplied
U13 Board Relay Champions - Milla Chapman, Emma Jones and Cole Pontifex. Photo supplied
U14/15 2 Person R&R Champions - Bella Lawry and Briella Wassmuth. Photo supplied
U9 Cameron Relay - 3rd - Quinn Pontifex, Jude Lawry, Toby Hatherell and Mackenzie Sartori - presented by Chief Judge, Mark Rossato. Photo supplied
Angus Wicks wading in the U10 Cameron Relay. Photo supplied
U11 Boys - Lachlan Jones, Harrison Sartori, Luca Lawry and Lewis Bonato with Age Manager Ned Bonato. Photo supplied
Audrey Rickards (2nd) and Lola Gibson (3rd) in U10 Female Flags. Photo supplied
Milla and Isla Chapman representing Qld Country Team. Photo supplied

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The Ayr Pony & Hack Club brought their year to a thrilling close with an unforgettable ride and camp at Virginia Park Station in November. Members and their families immersed themselves in the beauty and adventure of the great outdoors, making lasting memories in a picturesque setting.

The weekend was filled with excitement as riders explored bush trails, galloped across river sands, splashed through refreshing waters, and tackled every jumpable log in sight. The scenic station provided a perfect backdrop for riders of all ages to showcase their skills and enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow club members.

After a day of riding, participants returned to the welcoming homestead for more fun and relaxation. Activities included swimming in the pool, playing tennis, and gathering around the campfire for storytelling and laughter, all while enjoying delicious food.

The Virginia Park Station camp marked a fantastic conclusion to a year of shared passion for horses and the outdoors, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the adventures ahead in the new year.

Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Pony & Hack Club.

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It has been a bustling week at the Ayr Bowling Club, with social bowls, awards presentations, and the Annual General Meeting bringing members together to celebrate a successful year of bowling.

On Wednesday 4 December, the club hosted three games of triples with Ron Smythe, Joe Papale, and Anthony Bull emerging victorious over Cisco, Col Essex, and Ron Soper in a close match. The club's covered greens provided respite from the summer heat, ensuring an enjoyable afternoon for all participants.

Saturday’s social bowls saw a fantastic turnout of 29 players before the annual awards presentation. Four games of triples and one game of pairs were played, with Val Edwards, Thelma Klopper, Joe Papale, and Anthony Bull taking home gift vouchers donated by the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club for their win. Runners-up Lorraine Wolffe, Col Essex, and Lew Stidston earned Christmas hams, while Dot Cotting won the major raffle prize, which included a bag and prawns from Home Hill Prawn Shop.

The annual awards presentation on Saturday evening recognised the club’s top performers. Vice Men’s President Maurie Power and Vice Ladies’ President Sandra Stidston officiated the ceremony, expressing gratitude to players, committee members, and volunteers. Special thanks were extended to Honeycombes for sponsoring the Mixed Singles award, which was won by Michael Parravicini.

The prestigious Bowler of the Year titles went to Joe Grabbi for the men and Pam Power for the women, acknowledging their dedication and exceptional performances both at the club and in inter-district competitions.

Sunday’s Annual General Meeting marked the end of an era as Anthony Bull stepped into the role of Club President, succeeding Ron Soper.

The incoming committee includes:
   • Secretary: Pam Power
   • Treasurer: Maurice Power
   • Men’s Senior Vice President: Maurice Power
   • Ladies’ Vice President: Beryl Cornford
   • Greens Director: Ron Soper
   • Provedore: Sam Caltibiano
   • Men’s Games Director: Anthony Bull
   • Ladies’ Games Director: Irene Wilson
   • Ladies’ Committee Member: Joy Comollatti
   • Men’s Committee Members: Chris Berkery and John Perone
   • Grants Coordinator: Lorraine Wolffe

Ray Wall will continue in his role as Patron of the club.

Social bowls will continue over the Christmas break, with games scheduled for 11, 14, 18 and 21 December. There will be no bowls on 25 or 28 December. Instead, mixed social bowls will take place on Tuesday, 31 December.

Members and newcomers alike are encouraged to join the club's social bowls events, which continue on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, with evening games on Wednesdays during summer. Names are to be submitted by 6:30pm, with games starting at 7pm.

The Ayr Bowling Club looks forward to an exciting year ahead, with activities resuming in January 2025, weather permitting, and social bowls likely to begin on 14 January.

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.

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Saturday Winners received RSL Vouchers for their stellar performances.
Bowlers of the Year were Pam Power and Joe Grabbi.
Michael Parravicini was the Mixed Singles campion as sponsored by Honeycombes.

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The final junior cricket games for 2024 before the Christmas break were played last Friday evening at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex, bringing together players, families, and the wider community for a fantastic celebration of the season.

The Tuesday Rookies joined forces with the Challengers for the occasion, creating an exciting atmosphere where all players showcased their skills before enjoying a well-earned sausage sizzle, generously sponsored by Woolworths.

In the Challengers' match, Henry Cohen and Cooper Gardner impressed with a strong partnership of 16 runs, both remaining not out. Corey Pensini and Doug Cohen followed suit with their 11-run partnership, also unbeaten. Among the bowlers, Amaya Goggi and Royce Cohen each claimed two wickets, while Hunter O'Shea, Mica Kemp, and Henry Cohen picked up one each.

The "McDonald’s Sports Awards" were presented to Mica Kemp, Nicholas Marrinan, and Doug and Royce Cohen for their outstanding performances.

Kaisen Petersen returned to the "Blue Group" after several weeks in the "Gold Group," showcasing his refined skills by top-scoring with 12 not out and taking a wicket. He also earned a "McDonald’s Sports Award" for his all-round effort.

Tait Parker and Kye Quinlan shone with the bat, scoring 11 and 10 runs respectively, with Kye hitting two boundaries. Tait delivered with the ball as well, taking three wickets for just four runs, while Kip Nicholas narrowly missed a hat-trick, claiming three wickets in four balls to earn another "McDonald’s Sports Award."

Other wicket-takers included Jacob Adcock, Jude Shannon, Kye Quinlan, and Mitchell Patti, with Mitchell also contributing two runouts.

The "Gold Group" played a shortened game to join in the festivities. Marshall Parker dazzled with 19 runs off 15 balls, including a six and a four, while Xavier Cross added an unbeaten 12 runs with two boundaries.

The standout bowler of the game, Mark Wilkie, took two wickets for just eight runs off three overs, earning him a "McDonald’s Sports Award." Tyler Schultz, Ben Watkins, and Logan Pickup each claimed a wicket, while Alex Cullen added a sharp catch to his name.

The evening wrapped up with a lively sausage sizzle, bringing families and players together to celebrate the season’s efforts and achievements. The Home Hill Cricket Association extends its gratitude to Woolworths for donating sausages, onions, and bread, making the half-season break-up a resounding success.

The association wishes all its players and supporters a safe and happy festive season and looks forward to seeing everyone back on the field in 2024!

Contributed with thanks to Scott Heidke.

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Mark Wilkie was celebrated as the game’s standout bowler!
Kaisen Petersen and Kip Nicholas both received McDonalds Sports Awards on Friday.
The Rookies and Challengers joined forces last week.
The Rookies and Challengers game created an awesome atmosphere.
The Blue Group putting on a lively show.
The Gold Group performed exceptionally well.

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The rain stayed away long enough last Friday for the penultimate week of Junior Cricket before the Christmas break, giving the young cricketers a chance to showcase their skills. Thanks to Dan and the grounds team, the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex fields were in top condition, despite the recent wet weather.

In the Challengers group, Noah Tanner and Corey Pensini stood out with a superb partnership of 19 runs, with Corey remaining not out. Batting wasn’t easy, but the bowlers made their mark, with Hadley, Anna, Royce, Lincoln, Noah, and Corey all taking wickets. For their excellent performances with both bat and ball, Corey and Noah received the "McDonald's Sports Awards" for the week.

Over on field 4, the "Blue Group" delivered an exciting match. Tait Parker and Kip Nicholas were impressive with the bat, scoring 16 and 15 runs respectively, both remaining unbeaten. Tait smashed three boundaries during his innings and also shone with the ball, taking 2 wickets for just 6 runs. Mazlyn Smith matched his bowling prowess, claiming two wickets herself, while Kyle Wilkie and Kayleah McCarthy took one wicket each. Kip Nicholas and Jake Cullen added to the action with a runout each. Tait’s all-round brilliance earned him a "McDonald's Sports Award," while Mazlyn’s spirited bowling and encouragement in the field saw her claim the other award.

In the "Gold Group," Marshall Parker delivered a standout performance, smashing five boundaries and one six in a blistering 24-ball innings of 35 runs, retiring not out. He also impressed with the ball, taking 2/9, earning him the "McDonald's Sports Award" for his efforts. Other noteworthy contributions came from Oscar Mahoney, who remained unbeaten with 16 runs, while Xavier Cross, Tyler Schultz, and Ben Watkins all took wickets. Ben also added a runout to his tally, and Oliver Calligaro made a great catch.

As the Christmas break approaches, the juniors continue to deliver fantastic performances each week, showcasing the depth of talent and enthusiasm within the Home Hill Cricket Association.

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

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Tait Parker and Mazlyn Smith were Blue Group standouts!
Marshall Parker shone in the Gold Group.
Challenger’s Noah Tanner and Corey Pensini made a perfect pair.

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Saturday 14 December, 1pm to 5pm: Patrol Group A - Chris Wicks, Damien Rickets, Emma Rickets, and Jane Wicks.

Sunday 15 December, 9am to 5pm: All Day Patrol Group D - Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Zac Dale, Parker Bonato, Richard Dale, Bella Lawry, William Holt, Sharli Archibald, Danica Archibald, Lisa Vivian, Kristy Wassmuth, and Briella Wassmuth.

Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.

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Burdekin Christian College’s open boys’ basketball team made history by winning the inaugural Calvary Cup, held at Townsville Basketball Stadium on November 28. Competing against schools like Annandale, Whitsunday, and hosts Calvary Christian College, BCC’s boys remained undefeated, securing the boys' basketball title.
Coach Rachel Cornelius praised the team’s effort, while BCC also celebrated standout performances from Peter Heron, Linked Darr, and Lataiah Trindle, who were awarded Best & Fairest honors. Despite limited facilities, BCC’s success reflects determination and teamwork, with the school eager to defend its title in next year’s event.

Basketball Team Wins Calvary Cup

Burdekin Christian College’s open boys’ basketball team has won the inaugural ‘Calvary Cup’, a new inter-school sporting competition. The highly anticipated new event took place on Thursday, 28th November, and was held at the Townsville basketball stadium.

The competitive and tight competition included other Christian schools within the Far North Queensland region, such as Annandale Christian College, Whitsunday Christian College, and Calvary Christian College, who hosted the event.

“Burdekin Christian College (BCC) was invited to compete in the very first Calvary Cup by Calvary Christian College in Townsville, which we were very excited by” says Rachel Cornelius, who coached the boys’ team to victory.

BCC had several teams represented, which included grade 7-9 students in both the boys’ and girls’ basketball and netball.

The open boys’ team won the boys' basketball Calvary Cup, with David Nourdine coaching the girls’ basketball team, who fought well despite not being the most experienced team and facing a few injuries.

“The girls fought really well. They had a very strong game. Although they were not the most experienced team out there, they had a good fight. They played really well as a team, and even though there were a few injuries, they just persevered through the competition. I’m really proud of them,” David, BCC girls’ basketball coach says.

The boys’ second team, coached by Jerri Cakau, though less experienced, demonstrated good sportsmanship throughout despite not winning any games.

“They weren't an overly experienced team, but they played really hard. Unfortunately, they didn't win any games but showed good sportsmanship and really enjoyed being part of the competition,” Jerri says.

However, it was the open boy’s team, coached by Rachel Cornelius, which was undefeated and won the Calvary Cup for the boys’ basketball division, in what was an exciting and well organised event.

“We made history in the fact that, it's the first time that we have been invited, first time they’ve run the competition, and then to win one of the cups, was beyond our wildest expectations,” says Rachel.

There were three Calvary cups: one for netball, one for girls' basketball, and one for boys' basketball. The netball team, coached by a year 12 student, did not qualify for the finals, while the boys' netball competition was canceled due to lack of participation.

Other notable achievements on the day for BCC, included three of their students, Peter Heron (Open Boys Basketball); Linked Darr (Boys Basketball); and Lataiah Trindle (Girls Basketball), who were all awarded the Best & Fairest players for their respective divisions, in the cross-Christian school rivalry.

Despite being small and having limited facilities, the school is extremely proud of its achievements. While the event was praised for fostering inter-school Christian competition and good camaraderie.

“The competition was a really good initiative for bringing Christian schools together and we look forward to it becoming an annual event. Overall, we had a very successful competition and we can’t wait to defend the boy’s title,” says David with a smile.

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Burdekin Christian College’s open boy’s basketball team hoisting their winning Calvary Cup aloft. Photo: Supplied by BCC
BCC’s open boy’s basketball and their coach, Rachel Cornelius. Photo: Supplied by BCC
The BCC girl’s basketball team and their coach, David Nourdine. Photo: Supplied by BCC
Lataiah Trindle, who won the Best & Fairest players for the best girls' basketball player. Photo: Supplied by BCC

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Plantation Parkrun #307 saw local runners and walkers gather for a morning of fitness and fun on Saturday 7 December. The weekly event showcased the talents of participants across various age groups, with Skye Claussen taking the top spot overall. Claussen crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 24:26.

Hot on her heels was Drew Bursey, who secured second place in 26:22, followed closely by Robert Tama at 26:25. The fourth and fifth positions were claimed by Karin Thorburn in 26:31 and Chris Cohen in 26:33, respectively.

The Plantation Parkrun continues to provide a fantastic opportunity for community members of all ages to stay active and achieve personal bests. New participants are always welcome to join in the fun and register for free at www.parkrun.com.au/plantation.

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The Burdekin Clay Target Club wrapped up its year in style with a highly successful Christmas shoot on Sunday, December 8. With 58 competitors braving the steamy heat, the event showcased impressive scores across the board.

The day featured six exciting events, and participants from various grades delivered outstanding performances.

Event 1 – 15 Target Medley (15m)
   • AA Grade: 1st Aaron Lemphers (50/50), 2nd Wayne Cislowski (49/50), 3rd Jarrod Coleman (48/50)
   • A Grade: 1st Tony Robinson (49/50), 2nd Col Edgerton (47/50), 3rd Gian Vassalini (46/50)
   • B Grade: 1st John Kinnimonth (25/25), 2nd Daniel Scott (47/50), 3rd Andrew Bergin (46/50)
   • C Grade: 1st Brian Bonanno (47/50), 2nd Michelle Russell (43/50), 3rd Pedro Le Blowitz (24/25)

Event 2 – 10 Target Pointscore Handicap
Top performers included Gian Vassalini, Glenn McHenry, Phil Russell, and Wayne Cislowski, each scoring a perfect 30/30.

Event 3 – 10 Target Single Barrel Handicap
Jy Yarrow, Chantal Morelli, and Tony Caruso excelled with 10/10 scores, while Daniel Scott achieved 14/16.

The day also included the Double Barrel Handicap, Consolation Rounds, and the 5 Pair Double Rise, where Lindsay Groat, Joe Caruso, and Joe Scalia led in their respective grades.

A big thank you goes to sponsors including Peto Marine, Burdekin Tyres, and Hall's Firearms, whose support ensured the day’s success.

The club looks forward to its next event on Sunday, 12 January, 2025. Stay safe, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Contributed with thanks to Sylvia Rossato.

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Local

Pre-season training has begun. and a mixture of seasoned senior players and Under16 and Under14 players have turned up. Training will continue up until 19 December then start again on 2 January. Thursday nights at International Park from 6pm. All new and returning players are welcome. 

Only Night Soccer is left on the local Calendar.  Next Tuesday, 10 December is Semi-finals night, and the Grand Finals are on Friday 13 December.

Night Soccer

Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 13 and only one more round before the semi-finals. Top scorers on the night were  UDS Ladies who defeated a depleted Kicken Goals 9-0 and DL Lager who somehow marmelised Coral Coast Electrical 8-0.

Mottin Earthmoving is back on top of Group A1 after defeating Rocky Pond Warriors 3-2 and UDS still lead in Group A2 after defeating Plumb Dingers 2-1 in a very close match. In Men’s B Grade, 7 Stooges are top on goals from Oary’s Levellers after beating Karls Mowing Service 3-0 the Levellers beat Mountain View Fresh 1-0.

In Men’s Social, Wires Down still lead the Group after a 1-0 win against Boarin n Scorin followed by Old Grumpies who defeated Jaime’s Boys 3-1.

In the Women’s competition UDS Ladies still top the A Grade table Sanco produce is in second place, but the team has now gone home! In Social A Grade, Shin Kickers beat Let’s Get Messi and Havn’t a Kahlua thumped Orange Goal Diggers 4-1.

Week 14’s games on Tuesday were called off because of the wet weather but will, hopefully, be played tonight Thursday 5 December.

Juniors

Junior Social Soccer wound up for the season last Tuesday.

National and International

The Socceroos are now ‘resting’ after their match against Bahrain. Their next match, another “Must Win”, is at home against Indonesia  on 20 March. The Socceroos are in second place on the table one point ahead of the next four teams. Japan seems to have already qualified with five wins and a draw from their six games. Each team plays ten games. The top two teams in the Group qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup. Third placed teams have to go to Play offs!

The Matildas have played two friendlies against Brazil and lost both of them. Last Thursday in Melbourne they lost 1-3  and then on Sunday, on the Gold Coast they lost 1-2. The Matildas then play Chinese Taipei on 4 and 7 December, also in Australia.

In the A League, Auckland continue their outstanding run and is the only club with a one hundred per cent record. They beat Newcastle jets 2-1to stay at the top of the table two points clear of Melbourne Victory who beat Western Utd 3-1. Adelaide is in third place after a 2-2 draw with Perth and at the foot of the table Brisbane gained their first point in 4-4 draw away to Macarthur.

The A League Women only had two matches because of the Matildas games. Melbourne City beat Western Sydney 2-1 to go top of the league and Central Coast won 2-1 against Canberra. The Roar stay in second place level on points with the Mainers but having played a game less.

In England and the EPL, Manchester City lost their fourth match in a row, 2-0 away to Liverpool who have now opened a nine point lead over second placed Arsenal who won 5-2 at West Ham. Chelsea moves up to equal second with a 3-0 home win against Aston Villa and ManU with their new manager move up to ninth spot with a 4-0 home win against Everton.

In Germany, only three of the top six teams won. Bayern still tops the Bundesliga four points clear of Frankfurt despite only drawing away to fifth placed Dortmund. Leverkusen moves up to third place with a 2-1 away win at Union Berlin and is a further three points off the pace. Leipzig lost and drops to fourth spot. At the foot of the table Bochum and Holstein Kiel both lost again and look doomed.

In Italy’s Serie A, the top four teams all won again and so Napoli, who won 1-0  at Torino still top the table three points clear of Inter and Fiorentina. Atalanta is in fourth spot a further point behind but has a game in hand. Juventus could only manage a draw away and drops to sixth place. At the foot of the table none of the bottom six teams won and Venezia continues to hold up the league.

In Spain, Barcelona was the only one of the top nine teams to lose. Somehow, they managed to lose at home to eighteenth placed Las Palmas. Oh Dear! Real Madrid in second place is just one point behind Barca and Atletico in third place is another point adrift. Atletico Bilbao won 2-1 away to Rayo Vallecano and moves up to fourth place.
At the foot of the table Espanyol were the only one of the bottom six teams to win. with just six points separating the bottom six clubs.

Finally in France, Marseille and Lyon were the only teams out of the top six to win. PSG could only draw 1-1 at home to seventeenth placed Nantes but is still seven points ahead of Marseille and Monaco. Lille is in fourth place another three points away. Montpellier managed a draw but continues to hold up the league and looks to be in danger of the drop.

The Quote of the Week is from new Coventry City Coach Frank Lampard “When you take a lot of stick you want to ram it down people's throats.”

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The End of Harvest Golf Classic is shaping up to be a spectacular event, with plenty of activities and excitement planned for next Friday, 13 December. Organisers are urging teams to finalise their registrations quickly, as only three spots remain. Due to the popularity of the event, nominations cannot be accepted on the day. The finalised draw will be released next week and shared via the End of Harvest Golf Classic’s Facebook page.

Bray Slushy Bar
Platinum sponsor Bray will feature a Slushy Bar, opening at 11am, serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, with all proceeds donated to CORES, supporting a great cause.

Longest Drive Competition
This year’s Longest Drive Competition kicks off at 1:30pm near the Slushy Bar. For $5, participants get three balls to try their luck. Entries are unlimited, and the competition includes men’s and women’s categories. Proceeds from this contest will also go to CORES.

Drinks and Raffle Tickets
Drink tickets will be available for purchase from the Ayr Golf Club and can be used on the course or at the main bar. Raffle tickets are also on sale, and attendees can buy them on the day or pre-order via email. EFTPOS facilities will be available at the main bar, kitchen, slushy bar, and registration table.

With an action-packed schedule and plenty of prizes, this year’s End of Harvest Golf Classic promises to be a fantastic celebration. Mark your calendars for 13 December and get ready for a day of fun on the greens!

What: End of Harvest Golf Classic.
When: Friday 13 December.
Where: Ayr Golf Club.
More Information: End of Harvest Golf Classic’s Facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Kelsey and Ben.

Another fantastic End of Harvest Golf Classic is on the horizon with organisers gearing up for one of their biggest events yet!

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Saturday 7 December 1pm to 5pm (Super Sub Patrol) Joshua Furnell, Barry Cross, and Brooke Cross.

Sunday 8 December 9am to 1pm (Patrol Group B) Terry Lund, Tramayne Horan, Dylan Carew, Heather Scott, Anita Giddy, Jan Hatherell, Gabriel Hatherell, Toby Wilson, and Danny Wilson.

Sunday 8 December 1pm to 5pm (Patrol Group G) Carl List, Jimmy Hayllor, James Kennedy, Shane Morgan, Ross Blakey, Ross Richards, and Jedd Giddy.

Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.

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A morning of fitness and fun unfolded at Plantation parkrun on Saturday for event #306.

Leading the pack was Terry Brennan, crossing the finish line in a time of 26:25. Close behind was Precious Rush, completing the course in 27:11 with an impressive performance.

John Byers secured the third spot, finishing his run in 30:28. Further down the field, Keith Crichton completed the course in 48:39, demonstrating great determination. Finally, Travis Crichton wrapped up the event with a time of 59:54, rounding out another successful parkrun morning.

Plantation parkrun continues to provide a welcoming space for participants of all abilities to stay active and enjoy the community spirit. Congratulations to all finishers!

If you're interested in joining, Plantation parkrun takes place every Saturday morning at 7am, with all abilities welcome. Whether you're chasing a personal best or just looking to enjoy a morning walk or jog, parkrun has something for everyone.

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The Burdekin Canetoads are celebrating another remarkable achievement, with Caitlin Holmes earning a well-deserved spot in the TRDU Women’s Team of the Year.

Caitlin's exceptional talent and dedication has shone throughout the season, from competing in July’s Queensland Country Rugby Union Championships to being selected for the Women’s Brolgas Team in April. Congratulations, Caitlin!

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On Friday 29 November, the Burdekin Touch Football Association celebrated the conclusion of the 2024 U14 Mixed Competition! The competition hosted plenty of action, with Baywatch teams showcasing their skills in both A and B grade clashes.

In the A grade match, Baywatch dominated with an impressive 8-2 victory over the Gold Diggers. Vern Pope and Gordon Malayta led the charge, each scoring two tries, while Harvey Sgroi secured both tries for the Gold Diggers.

The B grade game was a closer contest, with Baywatch Babes edging out Mustangs/Red Robins in a thrilling 6-5 win. Jerry dazzled with three tries, supported by Webber’s two, while Brianna’s hat-trick for the Mustangs/Red Robins kept the game competitive.

Contributed with thanks to Amity Cornford.

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The Ayr Bowling Club celebrated its final Fun Friday Night for 2024 with a lively evening of camaraderie and competition. The weather cooperated, allowing a full green of bowlers to enjoy the last event of the year. The club extends its gratitude to the evening’s sponsors, Chiropractic Care (Northwood’s) and Sparkle Town Carwash (Strano’s), for their generous support.

The event was a resounding success, filled with laughter and spirited play. Winners on the night were Jared Poletti, Ella Northwood, Mika Strano, and Noah Arboit, while RM Care staff - Sophie, Karen, and Di - secured second place. The Sportsman’s Prize was awarded to Fraser, Holly, Rebekah, and Johnny.

A special thanks goes out to all the volunteers who made the Fun Friday Nights possible throughout the year. Their dedication has been vital to the event's success, and the club eagerly anticipates welcoming everyone back in 2025. Those interested in sponsoring a Friday Fun Night are encouraged to contact Pam Power (0458 330 019) or Maurie Power (0412 551 816).

The midweek social bowls saw some fantastic competition. Winners for Wednesday’s triples were Ron Smythe, Joe Papale, and Anthony Bull, who defeated Cisco, Col Essex, and Ron Soper.
Although the ladies’ bowling season has concluded, the men’s and social bowls continue every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. With excellent overhead cover, the club ensures a cooler and more enjoyable environment for afternoon games.

On Wednesday night, two thrilling triples games took place: Tricia Achille, Tegan Cesconetto, and Sam Caltabiano claimed victory in one, while Katharina Stuckler, John Cesconetto, and Heather Jorgensen triumphed in the other. This weekly event is an excellent opportunity for both seasoned players and newcomers to enjoy summer bowling. Names should be in by 6:30pm, with games starting at 7pm.

The club looks forward to its Presentation Day on Saturday, 7 December, a chance to celebrate the year’s bowling achievements and award winners. The festivities will follow the afternoon social bowls, with a BBQ planned to cap off the day.

Additionally, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Sunday, 8 December. All members are encouraged to attend this crucial event to help shape the club’s future.

Despite the rain cutting short the Saturday competition last weekend, the Ayr Bowling Club concludes the season on a high note. The club is excited to carry this momentum into the new year, with Fun Friday Nights set to return in 2025.

Whether you’re a bowler or a supporter, the club welcomes you to join the fun and be part of its thriving community spirit.

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.

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Friday Fun Night Winners.
Friday Fun Night Runners Up.
Friday Fun Night Sportspersons' Prize.

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The Brandon Bowls Club hosted a fantastic President, Secretary, and Treasurer Ham Day on Sunday, 1 December, with 44 bowlers competing in triples and pairs. Players from Giru, Ayr, Home Hill, South Townsville, and even Holbrook, NSW, came together to support the event, making it a memorable occasion despite a brief delay due to storms.

The winners of the day were Meryl Smith (Home Hill Bowls Club) and Anthony Bull (Ayr Bowls Club), joined by President Jamie Woods for a celebratory photo. Second place went to Lloyd Shepherd, Judy Elton, and Joe Yipnazar, while third place was secured by Kevin Collins, Vince Beitia, and Mick McCloskey.

A big thank you goes to all who contributed, from the bar staff to the kitchen team, who prepared a delicious smoko. The camaraderie and sportsmanship on display ensured everyone had an enjoyable afternoon on the green.

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

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The Brandon Bowls Club hosted a wonderful Ham Day on the weekend.
President, Jamie Woods presented the winners of the day - Meryl Smith (HHBC) and Anthony Bull (Ayr BC).
Second place getters were Lloyd Shepherd, Judy Elton, and Joe Yipnazar pictured with President Jamie Woods
Third place getters were Kevin Collins, Vince Beitia and Mick McCloskey, pictured with President Jamie Woods.

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It was a lively week at the Home Hill Bowls Club, with members braving warm spring days to enjoy friendly competition on the greens.

On Thursday, 28 November, eighteen players gathered for three closely contested games of triples, played over 18 ends. The warm conditions were eased by a welcome breeze later in the day, creating a pleasant atmosphere for play. On Rink 4, Bob Young, Mick Olsen, and Mick McClosky delivered a dominant performance, defeating Alex Bojack, Joclyn DeFranciscus, and Bruce. Over on Rink 5, Margaret Linton, Dino Poli, and Trevor Elton secured a narrow victory over Judy Elton, Stephen Doig, and Joe Linton in a nail-biting match that was only decided on the final end. Meanwhile, Rink 6 saw Paul Vass, Gary Nosworthy, and Bones Berryman claim a convincing win against Bob Pickard, Terry Freakes, and Henry Hazel.

The daily winners were the Rink 4 team of Bob Young, Mick Olsen, and Mick McClosky, while the raffle prizes went to Gary Nosworthy and Trevor Elton.

On Saturday, 30 November, twelve players turned out for more action on the greens, marking the final day of spring with enthusiasm. On Rink 5, Phoebe (junior), Bruce, and Joe triumphed over Margaret (Nana), Stephen, and Henry. The day’s standout performance came on Rink 6, where Judy, Alex, and Mick McClosky defeated Paul, Ron, and Trevor to be crowned the day's winners.

There were also some exciting milestones and upcoming events announced. Club patron Karl Rummeny will celebrate an extraordinary achievement, turning 101 years old on Monday, 2 December. The club extended its congratulations to Karl on this remarkable milestone.

Regular club activities are ongoing, with Tuesday Trimmers, Wednesday morning Kraft Group, Thursday morning Bingo, and Thursday afternoon bowls continuing to attract participants. Players are reminded to have their names in by 1pm on Thursdays to join the action. The club is also preparing to host the Home Hill Golf Club for an evening game of bowls on 11 December, and members are encouraged to come along and enjoy the camaraderie.

Despite the heat, Saturday afternoon bowls was well attended, demonstrating the enduring enthusiasm and spirit of the Home Hill Bowls Club. Until next week, good bowling to all!

Contributed with thanks to Stephen Doig.

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With 2024 coming to a close and the new year on the horizon, the Burdekin Roosters have proudly announced the 2025 club committee!

Mick Brombal has been announced as the 2025 Burdekin Roosters President, with Paul Horan joining him as Vice President, Zac Trace-Campbell as Secretary and Courtney Weaver as Treasurer.

“Thank you to those who have stepped up and filled positions, we’re definitely in safe hands,” shared the Burdekin Roosters.

Contributed with thanks to the Burdekin Roosters.

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On Wednesday 27 November, Burdekin Catholic High School proudly announced the school has been accepted into the Blackhawk Schoolboy Trophy Competition which will be held in Term 2, 2025. The announcement comes after BCHS was accepted into the QISSRL “Confro” in July, furthermore, strengthening the school's Rugby League program, offering students exceptional opportunities to develop their skills and compete at a high level.

BCHS students Jett Castello, Leylan Lampton, and Harrison Lammon competed in July’s Confraternity Rugby League Carnival.

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The 2024 Primary School Webber Shield Swimming Carnival, held on 19 November, brought together talented swimmers from across the Burdekin district. With fierce competition from schools like East Ayr State School, St Colman’s, and Home Hill State School, the event was a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship.

East Ayr State School claimed the coveted Webber Shield, while St Colman’s won the Max Tavasci Trophy for the highest average points. Several new records were set, including in the 50m Breaststroke and Butterfly events. The carnival’s success was thanks to the hard work of volunteers, the Burdekin Swimming Club, and local supporters.

On Tuesday, 19 November, primary school swimmers from across the Burdekin district gathered for the highly anticipated Webber Shield Swimming Carnival. The event saw strong competition from students representing schools such as St Francis, East Ayr State School, Home Hill State School, Giru, Brandon, St Colman’s, Maidavale, Osborne, Kalamia, and Burdekin Christian College.

The overall winner of the Webber Shield was East Ayr State School, who proudly took home the coveted shield, presented by Alyson Robinson.

The Max Tavasci Trophy for the highest average points was awarded to St Colman’s, presented by Mayor Perina Della Court. This award recognises the school's impressive consistent performances across all age groups.

The following students were crowned Age Champions for their outstanding individual performances:
   • 9yrs Boys: Oliver Cavanagh (6pts), East Ayr State School
   • 10yrs Boys: Lewis Bonato (12pts), East Ayr State School
   • 11yrs Boys: Lincoln Bonanno (6pts), St Colman’s
   • 12yrs Boys: Reeve Scuderi (12pts), St Francis
   • 9yrs Girls: Ellanah Searle (10pts), East Ayr SS
   • 10yrs Girls: Taylor Chapman (10pts), East Ayr SS / Maddison Searle (10pts), St Colman’s
   • 11yrs Girls: Darci Colls (9pts), East Ayr SS / Mia Wicks (9pts), East Ayr SS
   • 12yrs Girls: Arabella Sangiuliano (12pts), Home Hill State School

This year’s carnival saw several impressive records being broken:
   • Girls 10yrs 50m Breaststroke: Taylor Chapman (St Colman’s) set a new record of 46.90, surpassing the previous time of 47.52 set by Makayla Pirrone (St Francis).
   • Boys 10yrs 50m Breaststroke: Lewis Bonato (East Ayr State School) broke the record with a time of 47.36, replacing the previous record of 48.31 set by his brother, Parker Bonato (EASS).
   • Girls 10yrs 50m Butterfly: Taylor Chapman (St Colman’s) also set a new 22-year-old record of 40.20, breaking Ellie List’s (St Francis) previous time of 42.46 from 2002.

A big thank you was expressed towards the Burdekin Swimming Club for their invaluable assistance in the running and setup of the carnival, as well as to Sage and Vicki from the Ayr Swimming Pool for their support throughout the event.

The success of the carnival would not have been possible without the teamwork of everyone involved, from the volunteers to the parents and teachers who supported the swimmers throughout the day.

With another successful year in the books, the Webber Shield has once again showcased the incredible talent and sportsmanship of our local primary school students. Congratulations to all the competitors, record breakers, and especially the winners!

Contributed with thanks to Lisa Bello.

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East Ayr State School were proudly awarded the Webber Shield!
Mayor Perina Della Court presented St Coleman’s Catholic School with the Max Tavasci Trophy. – BACK PAGE

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Continuing on with this month’s focus on emergency education and training, members of the Lower Burdekin Scout Group were treated to the amazing opportunity of visiting the Ayr Ambulance Complex on Thursday 14 November.

The Scouts were guided through the role of first responders, with Victor of the Queensland Ambulance Service, sharing a few stories to provide the Scouts with a further insight into what its like to be an ambulance officer. Victor then guided the Scouts through lifesaving First Aid training including how to treat snake bites, the use of defibrillators, CPR, DRSABCD, the application of pads and bandages, as well as 000 first response skills. Along with each of these highly valuable practical demonstrations and activities, many Scouts found practicing CPR on the dummies themselves as well as looking inside of an ambulance the most rewarding and exciting components of the afternoon.

The Lower Burdekin Scout Group greatly thanks Victor for hosting the extraordinary interesting and educational afternoon, and thanks all officers for the amazing job they do in and around the Burdekin community each day.

Contributed with thanks to Chris Berkery.

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The Scouts were treated to a tour inside an ambulance last week.
Victor guiding the Scouts through how to treat snake bites, treating Corey as a demonstration.

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On Tuesday, 19 November, the Ayr Golf Club came together to celebrate the life and legacy of one of its most cherished members, Rusty Reguson, at the annual Honour Board event. As the year draws to a close, the golfing community took a moment to remember Rusty, a man whose contributions and presence left an indelible mark on the club.

Rusty's Day was not just about golf; it was about honouring a life well-lived. The day featured three exciting competitions: a male winner, a female winner, and a group winner, each bringing their own unique energy to the course. The event blended competitive spirit with camaraderie, creating a memorable atmosphere where old friends and new gathered in tribute to a man who was deeply loved by all.

The female competition saw Loretta Mauro take home the top honours, with Janet Trezise claiming the runner-up spot. Their strong performances added to the excitement of the day.

In the male competition, the race for first place was close, with Darrell Shlieff emerging as the winner, followed by Johnno Lewis as the runner-up. The contest was a thrilling display of skill, with both golfers pushing each other to perform at their best.

The group competition was another highlight of the day, with a remarkable team of Cecily and John, Lena, Janet Trezise, and Loretta Mauro claiming the victory. Their coordinated teamwork outshone their competitors and earned them the top prize. The runners-up, Karen and Kelvin McIntosh, Robert Pitt, and Robert Potter, also displayed impressive teamwork and sportsmanship, making for a well-fought contest.

One of the most special moments of the day came when Rusty’s children - Liam, David, Adam, and Kerry - took to the stage to present the winners’ trophies. Their presence added a deeply personal and emotional touch to the event, reminding everyone of the lasting impact Rusty had on the lives of his family, friends, and fellow golfers.

the event concluded, all those in attendance were filled with gratitude for the time they had shared with Rusty and for the memories that would continue to inspire and unite the golfing community. The success of the day serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Rusty Reguson, whose contributions to the Ayr Golf Club will not be forgotten. His memory will continue to live on through the people he touched and the countless lives he made better through his presence.

The Ayr Golf Club extends its heartfelt thanks to all who participated, donated, and helped make Rusty’s Day a true success.

Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Golf Club.

Many came together at the Ayr Golf Club for the Rusty Reguson's Honour Board Event last Tuesday 19 November.

The Burdekin Wildcats U12 Boys Representative basketball campaign kicked off in June, with the team travelling to Cairns, Mackay, and Townsville to compete in the North Queensland Junior Basketball Carnival (NQJBC). The boys played 12 games across three carnivals, securing an impressive 10 wins out of 12. Their only losses were narrowly by just 2 and 4 points, earning them the gold medal and setting the stage for an exciting journey ahead.

Next, the team travelled to Toowoomba for the State Basketball Championships, where they competed in Division 2 over four days and seven games. In their pool, they won 3 out of 5 games, which led to a crossover match against the Southern Districts Spartans - a powerhouse team with over 150 boys at their representative trials. Despite putting up a strong fight and leaving everything on the court, the Wildcats were narrowly defeated by just 2 points in the final moments of the game.

This loss sent the Wildcats into the final game of the tournament, where they competed for 7th or 8th place. The team, consisting of just eight players, proudly finished in 8th place in Division 2, placing 20th overall out of 76 teams from across the state. Head coach Amy Chandler and assistant coach Lauren Roncato expressed immense pride in the boys’ performance, highlighting their dedication, hard work, and the true Burdekin spirit they displayed on the court. Both Amy and Lauren noted achieving 8th place in Division 2 at State Championships level is a remarkable accomplishment that the boys should all be incredibly proud of. 

The Wildcats were fortunate to receive unwavering support from their families and generous sponsors, including D&C Pennisi, Industry Fire Services, DG & M O'Shea Painting Contractors, ROSHEA Industrial, and Sgroi Farming. Additionally, the team received overwhelming support from local Burdekin businesses during their fundraising efforts to help get the team to the State Championships.

This season’s campaign was a testament to the talent, perseverance, and community spirit of the Burdekin Wildcats U12 Boys, who have certainly made their mark on the state basketball scene.

Contributed with thanks to Danny & Marisa O'Shea.

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Coach Amy Chandler and assistant coach Lauren Roncato with the U12 Burdekin Wildcats team!

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The 2024 Laser Electrical Golf Classic saw an outstanding turnout of 82 players, all of whom gathered at the Ayr Golf Club for an exciting Greensomes paired event. This year, the event was proudly sponsored by Bonato Laser Electrical, marking a significant partnership for the tournament.

Laser Electrical Golf Classic 2024 a Resounding Success

The success of the Laser Electrical Golf Classic 2024 was largely due to the efforts of Janet, whose meticulous planning ensured everything ran smoothly. Janet selflessly gave up her place in the field to manage the logistics, making sure the burgers were ready when players finished their rounds and that the results were quickly collated. Special thanks were also extended to John Nash and Garry Spelta, who took on the responsibility of organising the competition.

The event was further elevated by the attendance of Richie, who was on hand to present the prizes to the winners. His involvement helped add to the excitement of the day, and his presence is something the organisers hope to see again in the future as the event continues to grow.

In terms of prizes, a number of standout performances were rewarded. On Hole 3, the NTP (nearest to pin) winners were Amaya Mahoney and Nat Smith in the Ladies' category, Rob Pitt and Rob Potter in Division 1, and Liam Reguson and Ken O’Shea in Division 2. On Hole 5, Michelle Stockdale and Pat Lawson took the prize for the Ladies, while Adam Eathorne and Craig O’Keefe triumphed in Division 1, and Len Phillips and Raul Guglielmana claimed Division 2. Hole 9 saw Sandra Wight and Vicki Adcock take the Ladies' prize, while Mike Casey and Robert Webb won Division 2.

The NTP on Hole 17 was claimed by Nat Smith and Amaya Mahoney in the Ladies' category, Dennis Lawson and Stew Christie in Division 1, and Gerald Henaway and Aicey Zaro in Division 2.

The Straightest Drive prizes were awarded to Bev Power and Kim Manty in the Ladies' category, Dave Harding and Dennis Mondin in Division 1, and Raul Guglielmana and Len Phillips in Division 2.

When it came to the division winners, Division 1 was taken by Peter Heron and Denzel Heron, who triumphed in a playoff. Division 2 saw Liam Reguson and Ken O’Shea win after a thrilling playoff. In the Ladies’ category, Ann Phelan and Evelyn Webb emerged victorious, while Dennis Lawson and Stew Christie, Matt and Chris Trenow, and Robert Pitt and Robert Potter rounded out the top finishers. The last-place prize went to Vicki Adcock and Sandra Wight.

The overall winners of the 2024 Laser Electrical Golf Classic were Raul Guglielmana and Lenny Phillips, who claimed the top spot, cementing their place as the stars of the day.

Looking ahead to 2025, the organisers are already excited about making the event bigger and better, promising even more thrilling moments and opportunities for local golf enthusiasts.
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Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Golf Club.

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The Plantation parkrun #305 took place on Saturday, 23 November 2024, with a fantastic turnout of participants. The top finishers were Robert Tama, who crossed the line first in a time of 21:40, followed by Viven Govender with a time of 26:08. Drew Bursey secured third place in 27:26, just ahead of Kimberly Backman, who finished in 27:29. John Byers rounded out the top five with a time of 30:43.

Plantation parkrun is a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5km community event that takes place every Saturday at 7am at Plantation Park. It’s a great opportunity for participants to walk, jog, run, volunteer, or simply spectate.

To join in the fun, register online at parkrun Australia and be part of the action next Saturday!

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The Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads shared a huge congratulations to their very own Nathan Steel, Andrew Symth, Leonard Heron, Joshua Davies, and Robert Cantarella for their well-deserved selection in the TRDU Men’s Team of the Year! The outstanding achievement reflects their hard work, skill, and dedication to the sport, and the Burdekin Canetoads are proud to see these players recognised at this prestigious level.

Contributed with thanks to the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads.

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The recent rainfall may have dampened plans for Fun Friday Night, but the Ayr Bowling Club are pleased to announce that the event has been postponed to this Friday, 29 November, starting at 6pm. The club invites community members to come out and enjoy a fun evening of bowling - whether you're an experienced bowler or trying it for the first time, this event is perfect for players of all levels. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring friends or join in solo and meet new people.

The evening kicks off with a sausage sizzle at 6pm, followed by bowling starting at 7pm and a light supper afterward. The entry fee is just $10 per game, which includes both the meal and the bowling. For more information or to reserve your spot, please contact Maurie Power at 0412 551 816 or Pam Power at 0458 330 019. The Ayr Bowling Club looks forward to welcoming both new faces and regular members for a night of community and fun.

On Monday, 18 Novebmer, the semi-final of the 3 Bowl Pairs was played, with Beryl Cornford and Pam Power defeating Tricia Achille and Irene Wilson. Thursday saw the final match of the 3 Bowl Pairs, with Beryl Cornford and Pam Power coming out on top, beating Deslie Olsen and Mary Poli to claim the title of 3 Bowl Pairs champions.

Tuesday’s Social Bowls was a lively affair, with Merle Nixon, Dot Cutting, and Mary Poli defeating Karen Shepherd, Ron Smythe, and Heather Jorgensen. In another game, Isabel Cislowski, Katharina Stuckler, Karen Page, and Sandra Stidston won against Meryl Smith, Raylene Hervey, Beryl Cornford, and Pam Power.

Wednesday's social bowls featured a series of exciting triples matches. In the day's first match, Happy Horan, Chris Berkery, Dino Poli, and Anthony Bull triumphed over Ron Smythe, John Pirrone, and Lew Stidson. Wednesday night also featured some spirited competition in both triples and pairs. In the triples match, Katharina Stuckler, John Cesconetto, and Heather Jorgensen emerged victorious, while in the pairs, Bertilla Piazetta and Joe Grabbi claimed the win.

In the weekend's championship matches, Lyn Storrie and Gary Pearce defeated Lorraine Wolffe and Anthony Bull in the mixed pairs event on Saturday morning. It was a great game of bowls, showcasing top-level play.

On Sunday, in the Mixed Fours Championship, Margaret Chapman, Henry Hazle, Lyn Storrie, and Gary Pearce triumphed over Lorraine Wolffe, John Perrone, Sandra Stidson, and Anthony Bull.

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.

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The community is invited to attend the Ayr Bowling Club’s Fun Friday Event this Friday 29 November.

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Local

Pre-season training has begun. We have had twenty-four players the last two weeks, a mixture of seasoned senior players and Under16 and Under14 players. Training will continue up until 19 December then start again on 2 January. Thursday nights at International Park from 6pm. All new and returning players are welcome. 

Only Night Soccer left on the local Calendar. The Group rounds continue until the 3rd December followed by the Semi-finals on 10 December and Grand Finals on Friday 13 December.

Night Soccer

Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 12 and getting very close to the semi-finals. Top scorers on the night were short Staffed who defeated a depleted Orange Goal Diggers 8-1 with Jo Butler scoring seven times.

Nutrien Ag Solutions are back on top of Group A1 after defeating FJV 2-0 and UDS still lead in Group A2 after drawing  with Show Me Da Mane. In Men’s B Grade, Oary’s Levellers beat Pacific Thunder 2-1 to take over the lead and 7 Stooges drop to second place after forfeiting  to Mountain View Fresh.

In Men’s Social, all five of the top teams were involved in 0-0 draws. Wires Down lead the Group followed by Old Grumpies and Jamie’s Boys.

In the Women’s competition UDS Ladies still top the A Grade table after a 3-0 forfeit win  and Smiling Assassins beat Rocky Pond Wonders. In Social A Grade, Shin Kickers lost to DILLIGAF and Young Guns beat Blue Goal Diggers.

Juniors

Week 6 of Junior Social Soccer had some great team and individual performances.
There is now just two weeks to go, the season will end on Tuesday 3 December.

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Despite a rainy start to the weekend, the Home Hill Cricket Association juniors made their way to Bowen on Sunday for two intertown matches in the Blue and Gold Groups. While the weather initially put a halt to Friday’s play at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex, Sunday saw the teams giving it their all on the field.

In the Blue Group, Jude Shannon led the way with an impressive 17 not out, hitting some clean boundaries along the way. Kip Nicholas also showcased his batting skills, remaining unbeaten on 12 runs. The bowlers delivered a solid performance, with Mazlyn Smith, Billy Muilwyk, and Kyle Wilkie each claiming a wicket and bowling a maiden over. Several players, including Jude Shannon, Chaz Moschella, Kip Nicholas, Tyler Smith, Mitchell Patti, Tait Parker, and Kye Quinlan, added to the team’s disciplined bowling by delivering maiden overs. Tyler Smith was named “Player of the Match” for his all-around effort and awarded the game ball.

The McDonald’s Sports Awards went to Kyle Wilkie for his enthusiasm and to Billy Muilwyk for his outstanding batting technique. Despite the team’s strong efforts, Bowen managed to secure the win by capitalizing on Home Hill’s lost wickets.

In the Gold Group, Bowen elected to bat first after winning the toss. With Bowen short on players, Home Hill’s Marshall Parker and Xavier Cross showed great sportsmanship by stepping in to play for the opposition. The Home Hill bowlers toiled for 30 overs, restricting Bowen to 161 runs, with a run-out by Oliver Calligaro in the 17th over being the sole wicket. Kaisen Petersen stood out as the most economical bowler, conceding just nine runs. Interestingly, Marshall Parker, batting for Bowen, top-scored with 25 runs, while Xavier Cross contributed 14.

Home Hill’s chase began on a positive note, with their top three batters retiring not out. By the midway point, the team was in a strong position with nearly 80 runs and only three wickets down. Tyler Schultz anchored the innings with a composed 29 not out, including four boundaries, and Ben Watkins supported with an unbeaten 18. Despite their determined partnership, Home Hill fell short by just eight runs.

Marshall Parker also shone with the ball for Bowen, claiming 2 for 18. Tyler Schultz and Ben Watkins were awarded the McDonald’s Sports Awards for their composed batting displays.

The Home Hill juniors are already looking forward to hosting Bowen early next year, aiming to reverse the results and continue their spirited rivalry.

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

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Tyler Smith received the Player of the Match award on the weekend.
Kyle and Billy Muilwyk were celebrated for claiming a wicket each.
Tyler Schultz and Ben Watkins were commended for their standout performances.
The Gold Group put on a great show for spectators on Bowen fields.
Taking to the field, the Gold Group were commended for their sportsmanship.
Gold Group played for 30 overs on the weekend against Bowen.

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The Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads came together on Sunday 24 November in support of an incredible fundraiser aimed at supporting men’s mental health, reflecting their strong commitment to both community and well-being.

The event saw fantastic participation, filled with laughter and meaningful conversations. While the day was all about raising awareness, some of the players may have ended up feeling more "mentally tough" than physically tough, with sore muscles reminding them it might be time to start training for next season. A huge congratulations Austin, Brayden, Campbell and all involved for organising such a successful and impactful event!

Donations to Austin, Brayden and Campbell’s Three Blokes Running fundraising page can be made online at https://movember.com/t/three-blokes-running?mc=1.

Contributed with thanks to the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads.

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The Burdekin Canetoads rallied together on Sunday for a fantastic Men's Mental Health Fundraiser.

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On Sunday, 24 November, the senior representative team from the Home Hill Cricket Association travelled to Bowen for an exciting 40-over inter-town match. Bowen won the toss and chose to bat first, setting the stage for an engaging contest.

Bowen’s opening batsman, Jamarley Daley, provided a strong start, making the highest score of the innings with 61 runs before being dismissed by Alex Stillhard. Lee Watts (51 runs) and Ricky Parslow (26 runs) contributed valuable runs, helping Bowen reach a total of 8/213. Home Hill's bowling attack was led by Salavatore Cardillo, who claimed 3 wickets for 29 runs off 4 overs, and Joel Hansen, who took 2 wickets for 28 runs in 7 overs.

In response, Home Hill's run chase was anchored by Brad Parravicini and Alexander Romeo. Parravicini played a crucial role, scoring 54 runs off 64 balls before being caught and bowled. Hugh Smith stepped in next and remained unbeaten, contributing a solid 64 runs to the total. Other key contributions came from Ayden Marano (34 runs) and Alex Stillhard (26 runs), with Home Hill reaching 3/215 to claim victory with 7 overs to spare.

The Home Hill Cricket Association would like to extend its thanks to Bowen Cricket Inc. for hosting this thrilling match. Looking ahead, both teams are already gearing up for the second match in the inter-town series, which will be held at Home Hill’s cricket fields in the New Year.

Contributed with thanks to HHCA Secretary, Tiffany Olditch.

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(Back L-R) Hugh Smith, Brad Parravicini, Joe Marano, Leon Franklin, Alexander Romeo, Alex Stillhard, Salvatore Cardillo, (Front L-R) Ayden Marano, Joel Hansen, Leo Olditch, and Thomas Cardillo.

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Saturday 23 November 
1.00pm to 5.00pm Patrol Group D: Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Zac dale, Parker Bonato, Richard Dale, Bella Lawry, William Holt, Sharli Archibald, Danica Archibald, Lisa Vivian, Kristy Wassmuth, and Briella Wassmuth.

Sunday 24 November
9.00am to 1.00pm Patrol Group B: Terry Lund, Tramayne Horan, Dylan Carew, Heather Scott, Anita Giddy, Jan Hatherell, Gabriel Hatherell, Toby Wilson, and Danny Wilson.

Sunday 24 November
1.00pm to 5.00pm Patrol Group E: John Moloney, Anne Moloney, Tony Felesina, Isa Bella Moloney, Jane Jones, Gavin Jones, Sophia Moloney, Alissia Gibson, Billy Gibson, and Danni Coughlin.

Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.

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On Saturday 16 November, lifesavers from across the North Barrier Branch attended the Annual Surf Rescue Championships at the Ayr Surf Club.  Surf Rescue Champs is a specialised carnival that focuses on events that test your 'life saving' skills. Competitors in the Champion Lifesaver event will compete in a Rescue Tube race, board, surf swim and beach sprint, as well as completing a theory test paper, a live patient assessment and a Resuscitation component. The day also hosts a First Aid competition where teams of two assist in the management and treatment of simulated first aid scenarios. For most of the competitors this is an introduction to a different aspect of lifesaving competition and allows them to broaden their knowledge and experience.

The Ayr Team brought home some fantastic results to win the carnival overall. Some individual results include: 
   • U12 Female Champion Lifesaver: 1st - Alyssa Irvine, 2nd - Eva Rickards
   • U13 Male Champion Lifesaver: 1st - Cole Pontifex
   • U13 Female Champion Lifesaver: 1st - Milla Chapman, 2nd - Emma Jones, 3rd - Charlotte Lawry
   • U14 Male Champion Lifesaver: 1st - Zachary Dale
   • U15 Female Champion Lifesaver: 1st - Bella Lawry, 2nd - Isla Chapman
   • U17 Female Champion Lifesaver: 3rd - Ryley Sartori
   • Masters Male Champion Lifesaver: 1st - Ben Lawry
   • Masters Female Champion Lifesaver: 1st - Kristy Wassmuth
   • U15 First Aid Competition: 1st - Bella Lawry & Briella Wassmuth

Contributed with thanks to Kellie Lawry.

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Zachary Dale completing his CPR component in Under 14 Champion Lifesaver
Bella Lawry & Briella Wassmuth competing in U15 First Aid Competition
Start of U17 Rescue Tube Race - Ryley Sartori (far left)
Isla Chapman in the Under 15 Female Board Race
Charlotte Lawry performing Live Patient Assessment in Under 13 Champion Lifesaver

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The Ayr Bowling Club kept the competition lively throughout the week despite the warmer weather. On Tuesday, the ladies’ social games enjoyed a refreshing breeze. Ruth Moore, Sandra Stidston, and Pam Power triumphed over Karen Shepherd, Karen Page, and Mary Poli, while Ron Soper and Heather Jorgensen secured a win against Donna Soper and Irene Wilson.

Thursday, 14 November, saw no competition games for the ladies, but only three more games remain in their season, which wraps up at the end of the month.

Wednesday night brought cooler conditions, perfect for two games of triples. The first match saw Tricia Achille, John Cesconetto, and Heather Jorgensen claim victory. The second game ended with a win for Tegan Cesconetto, Rob Jorgensen, and Sam Caltabiano. With warmer days ahead, Wednesday evenings offer an excellent chance to enjoy a friendly game of bowls.

Saturday featured three fiercely contested triples games. The standout team of Katrianne Stuckler, George Nixon, and Pam Power came out on top, defeating Cisco, Merle Nixon, and Rob Garner.

On Sunday, the club’s championships continued with a Mixed Pairs match. Gary Pearce and Lyn Storie overcame Sandra Darwen and Michael Parravinci to claim the win. The board is up with this week’s scheduled championship games.

The Ayr Bowling Club is excited to host its final Fun Friday Night Bowls event of the year on 22 November. Sponsored by Chiropractic Care and Sparkle Carwash, this event invites the community to join in for an enjoyable evening of bowls, whether as seasoned players or first-timers. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring friends or come solo and meet new people.

Festivities kick off with a sausage sizzle at 6pm, followed by bowling at 7pm and a light supper. Entry is just $10 per person, covering both the meal and game.

For more details or to reserve your spot, contact Maurie Power at 0412 551 816 or Pam Power at 0458 330 019. The Ayr Bowling Club looks forward to welcoming everyone for an evening full of fun, camaraderie, and community spirit.

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.

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The Brandon Bowls Club had an eventful week filled with excitement and community spirit. The festivities began on Friday, 15 November, with the club’s final Trophy Bowls evening for 2025, sponsored by Bennett Mechanical Exhaust & 4x4. A special thanks goes out to Josh Samuel for his generous support.

The event saw an impressive turnout of 62 bowlers who enjoyed a warm evening of competitive play. The standout winners of the night were Sandra Darwin, Henry Hazel, Margaret Chapman, and Gary Pearce with the Mio Farming team taking out second place. The Bradman Trophy for the evening went to Damien Morello, Raymond Tortorica, Lloyd Shepherd and Jayson Farry. The club extends its gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed, including the ladies in the kitchen, Len Feeney for expertly handling the BBQ, and Leo Kenny for his work behind the bar. Special recognition also goes to Gary Pearce and Rob Jorgensen for their dedication in organising sponsors and coordinating teams throughout the year.

Trophy Bowls will return in February 2025, and more details will be shared as the date approaches.

Sunday, 17 November, was a more relaxed affair with Social Bowls, featuring 14 bowlers who enjoyed mixed games of triples and pairs after the previous day’s celebrations. In the pairs matches, Rob Jorgensen and Richi Mau claimed victory over Mick McCloskey and Kev Collins, while Gary Nosworthy and Jamie Woods defeated Peter Lejarraga and Allan Gairoch. The triples game saw Henry Hazel, Joe Yipnazar, and Jeff Taylor triumph over Ben Mills, Leo Kenny, and Doug Robins with an impressive count.

Saturday, 16 November, was another highlight as Brandon Bowls Club welcomed the Gold City Bowls Club from Charters Towers for their return visit to compete for the Dalgety Shield - a tradition dating back to 1996. This time, Brandon emerged victorious, reclaiming the coveted trophy in a memorable win. The day was marked by camaraderie, with two matches played and breaks for a delicious lunch and afternoon tea, culminating in celebrations that lasted well into the evening.

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

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Sponsor, Josh Samuel with Friday Trophy Bowls winners Gary “Mr Bowls” Pearce, Margaret Chapman, Henry Hazel and Sandra Darwen.
Sponsor, Josh Samuel with Runners Up Joe, Glen, Peter, and Anthony.
Sponsor, Josh Samuel with Bradman Trophy winners Lloyd Shepherd Raymond Tortorica and Jayson Farry (absent Damion Morrello).
Brandon Bowls Club VS Gold City Bowls Club competing for the Dalgety Shield.

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Local

Pre-season training for the 2025 season has started for Burdekin Panthers. Thursday evenings at International Park 6pm to 7pm for Men and Youths. Only Night Soccer left on the local Calendar. The Group rounds continue until 3 December followed by the Semi-finals on 10 December and Grand Finals on Friday 13 December.

Night Soccer

Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 11 for some reason had six forfeits but made up for it with three Sin Bins. The sixteen games produced 50 goals. Top scorers for the Men were Wires Down with six goals and  for the Women, no team scored more than three goals.

Mottin Earthmoving are back on top of Group A1 after defeating Nutrien Ag Solutions and UDS still lead in Group A2 after beating JB Automotive. In Men’s B Grade, 7 Stooges remain on top of the Group after beating  Oary’s Levellers and Pacific Thunder is now in second place with a 3-0 win against Karls Mowing Service. In Men’s Social Wires Don lead the Group followed by Old Grumpies and Jamie’s Boys.

In the Women’s competition UDS Ladies still top the A Grade table followed by Sanco Produce and in the Social A Grade, Shin Kickers stay at the top followed by DILLIGAF and The Hangovers.

Juniors

Week 5 of Junior Social Soccer had some great team and individual performances.
Team performance of the week went to Pink Panthers, the girls playing so well as a team! Goal of the week went to Jensen Power for Young Panthers for a long run from inside his own half with defenders in pursuit concluding with a precision finish in the far bottom corner of goal. Keeper performance of the week went to Delphaine Savage for Mini Fillies for her first stint in goal ever and she did an amazing job against the boys.

The kids have three weeks to go, the season will end on Tuesday, 3 December. A huge shoutout to Travis Butler for the marking of the fields each week!

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Twenty players braved the warm afternoon to enjoy a great day of bowls at Home Hill Bowls Club. Fortunately, a refreshing breeze kept conditions pleasant for all.

The winners of the day were Phil, Dino, and Hugh (pictured), who claimed victory on Rink 2 over Mick Murison, Alex, and Jeff.

Rink 3 featured a nail-biting match that came down to the end, with Margaret, Stephen D, and Terry edging out Bob, Joe, and Henry by just one point.

On Rink 4, Yogi and Glen proved too strong for Paul and Trevor, while on Rink 5, Judy and Gary secured a convincing win against Steve Muti and Mick McClosky.

In the raffle, Steve Muti took home first prize, with Karen McClosky claiming second place.

The recent “Come and Try” Bowls Day was a resounding success, potentially bringing as many as four new members to the club. A big thank you goes to Michael Paravacini for his coaching expertise on the day.

Other weekly activities at the club are thriving, including the Monday morning fitness group, Tuesday Trimmers, Wednesday morning craft group, Thursday morning bingo, and bowls on Thursday and Saturday afternoons.

Contributed with thanks to Stephen Doig.

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The Ayr Golf Club celebrated its Junior Golf break-up on Sunday with an impressive turnout. Each junior brought along a parent or friend to join in a fun, two-person ambrose competition over 6 holes. The morning was filled with laughter and friendly competition, followed by a well-deserved lunch back at the clubhouse, where participants also enjoyed a lively 'wobbly' putter contest.

The day concluded with the end-of-year presentations, acknowledging the juniors' hard work and achievements throughout 2024.

Heath Smart was recognised as the Most Improved Golfer for 2024, showcasing significant progress over the season. The Nett Junior Golfer for 2024 title was awarded to newcomer Riley Dobe, while Oscar Mahoney took home the prestigious Gross Junior Golfer of the Year award.

Monthly medal winners were celebrated with Drummond gift cards, and special recognition was given for the least putts in the 3, 6, and 9-hole categories.

With the summer break now underway, junior activities will pause and resume at the end of February. The new season will kick off with come-and-try days and coaching sessions, leading into the regular Saturday morning competitions. The club looks forward to welcoming back all juniors for another great year of golf.

Contributed with thanks to Laura Mahoney.

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Father and son duo, Tyler and Ben Smith.
Melanie and Rhianna Bain, and Hudson and John Suficiencia enjoying a putt.
Micah and Matt Kemp had a swing in the ambrose.
Mark and Angus Watson and Parker Lawson enjoyed a great day on the green.
Dynamic duo Peter and Sam Heatley made the perfect pair.
Parker and Kristy Oar were full of smiles on Sunday!
Ben Watkins and Kyle Wilkie had a ball on Sunday.
All smiles! Julie and Riley Dobe - 2024 Nett Junior Golfer.
Annalise Calligaro and Amaya Mahoney had plenty of fun at Sunday’s break-up.
Putting Champions, Oscar, Lyla and Hudson.
Major Winners for the year, Heath Smart, Oscar Mahoney and Riley Dobe.

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Round 5 of the Home Hill Senior Cricket competition featured an impressive display by Alliance Pharmacy as they secured a strong victory over the Rookies.

Winning the toss, Alliance Pharmacy elected to bat first and laid a formidable foundation with openers Lee Watts and Mark Coventry leading the charge. Coventry showcased his batting prowess, retiring not out with a quick 51 runs from 41 balls, while Watts followed closely behind, retiring on an equally commendable 50 runs from 52 balls. The pair set the stage for a high total, supported by a sharp caught and bowled from Adam Jarvis that dismissed Hugh Smith for 26 runs. Glen Stockdale added to the Rookies' efforts by claiming JD Wilkins for 37, but Alliance Pharmacy’s innings concluded with an imposing 2/194 at the end of their 25 overs.

The Rookies began their chase with the father-son duo of Dan and Leo Olditch opening the innings. Dan anchored their effort with a solid run-a-ball 47, while contributions from brothers Thomas and Salvatore Cardillo added 27 and 16 runs respectively. Despite their commendable attempts, the Alliance bowling lineup proved too economical and effective, with JD Wilkins and Lee Watts each claiming two wickets. The Rookies ultimately fell short, posting a final total of 7/124.

In the other scheduled match, Peto’s Marine was awarded the points after the Crowned Mongrels forfeited.

The competition continues to heat up as teams vie for dominance in the Home Hill Senior Cricket season.

Contributed with thanks to HHCA Secretary, Tiffany Olditch.

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Mark Coventry - 51 runs off 41 balls retired not out.
Lee Watts - 50 runs off 52 balls retired not out.

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The cricket match continued with an impressive display of orangeflames as their backdrop. Photo supplied

Young Cricketers Shine at Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex

Last Friday, the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex was alive with energy as junior Home Hill Cricket Association players took to the fields for their weekly matches. It was a day filled with impressive performances and fierce competition, showcasing the budding talent of our young cricketers.

In the Challengers group, Corey Pensini delivered a standout performance, topping the score chart with the bat and demonstrating exceptional bowling with figures of 1 wicket for 0 runs. Henry Cohen and Harvey Shannon also made their mark, taking 2 for 2 and 3 for 2, respectively. For their fantastic efforts, Lincoln McDowell and Henry Cohen were awarded the coveted McDonald’s Sports Awards.

Over in the Blue Group, the bowlers ruled the game, with Chaz Moschella being the only batter to reach double digits, scoring 10 runs. Kye Quinlan dazzled with his exceptional bowling, claiming 4 wickets for just 4 runs. Jude Shannon and Steve Wallwork each took 2 wickets, while Jacob, Tyler, Mazlyn, Tate, and Mitchell chipped in with one each. The McDonald’s Sports Awards in this group went to Jude Shannon and Mitchell Patti for their standout contributions.

The Gold Group saw a more balanced contest between bat and ball. Marshall Parker emerged as a dual threat, scoring an unbeaten 16 runs and taking 2 for 5, making him the standout player of the match. Oscar Mahoney added a solid 11 runs to the scoreboard, and Mark Wilkie batted confidently with 10 runs. Marshall Parker, Ben Watkins, and Nathaniel Backo achieved wicket maidens, while Tyler Schultz and Oscar Mahoney also picked up wickets. Ben Watkins’ all-round performance earned him the McDonald’s Sports Award.

Congratulations to all the young cricketers for their incredible performances and a special thank you to the Home Hill Cricket Association for fostering such a vibrant cricket community. Here’s to more thrilling matches ahead!

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

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A talented allrounder, Ben Watkins was awarded a McDonald’s Sports Award.
Challengers Players, Henry Cohan and Lincoln McDowell received McDonald’s Sports Awards last week.
Blue Group standouts, Jude Shannon and Mitchell Patti were celebrated with a McDonald’s Sports Award each.
Gold Group experienced a well-balanced contest between bat and ball on Friday!
With a classic Burdekin cane fire ablaze in the background, the Gold Group put on an impressive show!
The Gold Group hosted many standout players on Friday.

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The Burdekin Clay Targets Club hosted a successful competition on Sunday, 10 November, drawing 47 competitors to the event. Despite the hot sun, a refreshing breeze kept conditions manageable, leading to outstanding performances across all grades. Congratulations go out to all the winners for their remarkable achievements.

The club extends heartfelt thanks to sponsors Peter and Juantia DelleBaite, Mick Parison from the Giru Shop, and Lui Populin for generously donating meat trays for the raffle. The event featured a range of exciting categories and showcased the talent and dedication of all participants.

Event 1-25 Target Double Barrel Novelty Event-Sponsored by Peter & Juantia DelleBaite
AA Grade 1st Tony Caruso, 2nd Bill Gall
A Grade 1st Bruce McBow, 2nd Greg Maltby
B Grade 1st Jeff Dunstone, 2nd Chantal Morelli
C Grade 1st Toni Scott, 2nd Pedro Le Blowitz

Event 2-25 Target Double Barrel Handicap
OPEN 1st Greg Maltby 35/36
2nd Wayne Cislowski 34/36
3rd Michael Zabala 32/34

Event 3-20 Target Double Barrel Sweeps
AA Grade 1st Andrew Bowater, Wayne Cislowski & Aaron Lemphers 20/20
A Grade 1st Colin Ferguson, Jay Murray, Bruce McBow & Alan Lord 20/20
B Grade 1st Mick Populin, John Kinnimonth, Daniel Scott, Richard Stanhope & Ross Pryde 19/20
C Grade 1st Lynda Potter & Alf Gangemi 19/20, 3rd Pedro Le Blowitz & Samuel Gibson 18/20

Event 4-30 Target Burdekin Pointscore Championship 15m-Sponsored by Giru Shop
OPEN 1st Aaron Lemphers 90/90
AA Grade 1st Aaron Lemphers 90/90
A Grade 1st Davis Stitt 88/90
B Grade 1st Ross Pryde 87/90
C Grade 1st Alf Gangemi 89/96

Event 5-20 Target Single Barrel Continental 
AA Grade 1st Bill Gall 35/35
A Grade 1st Sylvia Rossato 20/20
B Grade 1st Mick Populin 18/21
C Grade 1st Peter Scott 20/20

The club’s next event will be their annual Christmas shoot, marking the final competition of the year. Stay tuned for more updates and congratulations once again to all participants!

Contributed with thanks to Sylvia Rossato.

Event 1- 25 Target Double Barrel Novelty Event as Sponsored by Peter & Juantia DelleBaite - (back row) Peter DelleBaite, Bill Gall, Greg Maltby and Pedro Le Blowitz, (front row) Tony Caruso, Jack McBow, Jeff Dunstone and Toni Scott.
Event 2- 25 Target Handicap - Wayne Cislowski, Greg Maltby and Michael Zabala.
Event 4-30 Target Burdekin Pointscore Championship 15m-Sponsored by Giru Shop - Aaron Lemphers, David Stitt, Ross Pryde and Tony Caruso.
Event 5-20 Target Single Barrel Continental - Bill Gall, Sylvia Rossato, Mick Populin and Peter Scott.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.
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Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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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.
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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!

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Wednesday afternoon saw another excellent turnout for bowls. Bev Garioch, Lyn Farr, and Lyn Storrie triumphed over Ann Newton, Vanda Ballao, and Joy Woods. Members are encouraged to join the fun each Wednesday - please have your names in by 1pm for a 1:30pm start.

Friday night’s social bowls drew a fantastic crowd. In the pairs match, Bruce McCallum and Ray Panecassio claimed victory over Margaret McLaughlin and Joe Ypinazar. The triples game went to Ben Mills, Ross McLaughlin, and Jamie Woods, who defeated David Bycroft, Joy Woods, and Gary Pearce.

With some members competing in out-of-town events, numbers were slightly down on Sunday. Nonetheless, Ben Mills, Doug Kiehne, and Joe Ypinazar secured a win against Norm Storrie, Neville Dickenson, and Leo Kenny. In the pairs, Kenny Ferguson and Richard Mau defeated Rob Jorgensen and Alan Garioch, while Lyn Storrie and Peter Jorgensen bested Henry Hazel and Kevin Collins.

A reminder that Trophy Bowls Night, sponsored by Bennett Exhaust, is coming up on Friday, 15 November. As this will be our last event of the year, it promises to be a popular evening - get your names in as soon as possible!

On Saturday, 16 November, Charters Towers will be visiting for a return match. Please check the notice board for additional information.

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

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The Brandon Bowls Club hosted another awesome week of action

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Home Hill Bowls Club invites the Burdekin to their Come and Try Day, particularly children and teenagers to find out about a new sport to play injury free. It’s a 9am start and will run until lunchtime. Drinks will be available, bring your hat and flat soled shoes. If not, you can go barefoot. For enquiries, please phone 0428183054.

What’s On At The Club
Mondays: 10am Coffee Chats. Come along and join.

Wednesdays: 10am Trimmers
             5:30pm Barefoot Bowls and a sausage sizzle

Thursdays: 9am Bingo
         1pm Social Bowls

Saturdays: 1pm Saturday Bowls Open Mixed

Completion of Competition Bowls to be advised.
Contributed with thanks to Stormin’ Norman.

WHAT: Come & Try Day
WHEN: This Sunday from 9am
WHERE: Home Hill Bowls Club

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You too can play like this!

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The Home Hill Golf Course came alive with friendly competition and laughter during the Golf Ambrose event, a key highlight of the Home Hill Harvest Festival. Participants gathered for a day of teamwork, skill, and light-hearted fun, embracing the event’s spirit by dressing up and celebrating together.
One team added extra flair to the day by dressing up as XXXX beer, sporting simple but creative outfits that paid homage to the iconic Queensland brand, drawing laughs and adding a festive vibe to the course.
The Ambrose format made the event accessible for all skill levels, with teams working together to achieve the best overall score, creating a strong sense of camaraderie among players. After the final holes, participants enjoyed refreshments and a presentation of prizes, recognising standout performances and memorable moments. The Golf Ambrose was a fantastic way to celebrate community spirit, friendship, and the Home Hill Harvest Festival’s longstanding traditions.

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Jacob Hook, Corey Catanzaro, Luke Blackburn and Steve Delle Baite

Rob, Kieren, Gordon and Jason

Shane Hartwell, Jason Forno, Tim Branch, Peter Mackaway

Clark Grogan

Erin Brennan’s Tyrepower Team

Photo credit: Miah Lampard

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The Ayr Golf Club hosted the final monthly medal event of the year for their junior players over the weekend, with plenty of commendable results scored across the board.

The official November 3-hole competition winners were River Vass for Monthly Medal and with Grey Perry celebrated as the Gross Winner. Grey also took out Least putts and Andi Perry took home Longest Putt. 

The 6-hole competition saw the return of some old players with the Club welcoming back and congratulating Parker Lawson who took Monthly Medal, Angus Watson for Gross winner and Parker Lawson and Heath Smart for Least Putts. 

In 9-hole competition Riley Dobe was the Monthly medal winner with an impressive PB. Lyla Land took out Gross winner and Parker Oar won Least putts. 

Congratulations to Jett James for making the move to 9 holes and Hudson Suffeciencia for making his move to 6 holes. Well done! 

Ayr Junior Golf have a come and try with no membership fee for the remainder of the year held Saturday mornings at the Ayr Golf Club. 9 holes 8am, 6 holes 8:30am, 3 holes 9am. The clubhouse have plenty of clubs to lend so why not pop out for a hit. 

Contributed with thanks to Kristina Patane Land.

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November Monthly Medal Winners with presenters, Jett James and Lyla Land.

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The Home Hill Harvest Festival’s annual King and Queen of the Hill event returned on Saturday, October 26, drawing determined participants for a thrilling early morning climb up Inkerman Hill.
Starting at 6.30am, runners raced up to the summit lookout, then descended the steep goat track, where the 2024 Harvest Festival Queens were on hand to record finish times.
This year’s event featured four age categories, each with impressive performances. In the Under 12s, Quinn Jones led the girls at 28:01, while Connor claimed victory for the boys with 25:50. In the 13-17 bracket, Grace Ogemeni finished first for the girls at 27:33, and Luke Blacklock clocked a fast 17:42 for the boys.
The 18-35 category saw Jennifer Fotimos lead with 22:15, while Brendan Maltby set a new record with a blazing 16 minutes. For the 35+ group, Naomi Jones took the crown at 23:17, and Robert A. Rama led the men with 17:35.
The King and Queen of the Hill remains a festival highlight, showcasing the community’s athletic spirit and resilience.

Photo credit: Marni Hine

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A small but thriving fishing club in the Burdekin is celebrating its 50th year in 2024. The Burdekin District Sportfishing club owes its longevity to a very strong family and social thread which runs alongside the competitive fishing aspect.  
Monthly competitions culminate in a weigh-in and BBQ at a member’s residence which brings the whole group together in an informal and personal setting.
The competitive element is always present but members do share “secret” spots and are keen to encourage new and younger members. These days, club members often weigh in fish alongside their nurturing grandparents!
The club is marking its remarkable 50 years with a celebration at the Annual Presentation Night in mid-December. Any prospective or past members or anyone associated with the club through interclub competitions etc. who wish to take part in the celebrations can make contact through the club’s Facebook page and advise of their intention by the end of November.  
Happy 50th Anniversary to the Burdekin District Sportfishing Club.

Burdekin District Sportfishing Club trophy winners at their last Presentation Night. Photo supplied

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Local

The Escriva Cup is due to be played this Friday evening, 1st November and is a fundraiser held by The SLoBs (Soccer Legends of the Burdekin) to help out ex-players with health problems. Last year fourteen Men’s teams and two Ladies teams took part. Hopefully, we will have more teams involved this year.

Night Soccer

Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 8 was played in good conditions and with only one forfeit. The 21games produced 65 goals and just the one Sin Bin. Congratulations to DL Lager’s Glen Stockdale! Top scorers for the Men were 7 Stooges with five goals and for the Women, UDS Ladies who scored six goals.

FJV beat Mottin Earthmoving to go top of Group A1 with Mottos dropping to second place. UDS still lead in Group A2 from FUFC and Wires Down are still at the top of Group B with Jaime’s Boys and Old Grumpies in hot pursuit.

In the Women’s competition UDS Ladies still top the A Grade table with a perfect record and Sanco Produce has moved up to second place. Shin Kickers are the leaders in B Grade but only on goal difference from Blue Goal Diggers

Juniors

Junior social soccer re-kickstarted after the rain cancelled last Tuesday.  The kids had a great afternoon playing with their friends both current and new.

Managers, please ensure you get your team on the field no matter how many kids there are, to get the game started on time, as the half an hour goes quickly. Also, Managers and parents who have been involved in soccer before, please do not be afraid to help out the kids who haven’t played before.

Just a couple of things also you can help the youth referees out this week. Please ensure your team is at least five metres back from kick-ins and goal kicks, and even the younger grades ask your team to come back to halfway if you are defending from a goal kick.

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The Ayr Golf Club was the place to be over the weekend with the Karrie Webb Junior Masters hosting the talents plenty of young golfers across the green. The weather was exceptional and enjoyed by all 79 players over the two-day event as generously sponsored by Raine and Horne and Mizuno Golf.

The Club saw young golfers from the Burdekin, Cairns, Townsville, Charters Towers, Bowen, Proserpine, Yeppoon, Gladstone, Harvey Bay, Bribie Island and Mt Warren showcase their skills on the Ayr Golf Club’s green.

3-, 6- and 9-hole competition was sponsored and presented by Carla from Raine and Horne.

3-hole winners 
Ezra Ward - Nett Winner
Lincoln Lacey - Nett R/Up
Tyler Smith - Gross Winner
Rylan Craig - Gross R/Up

6-hole winners
Girls
Hunter Oar - Nett Winner
Imogen Ward - Gross Winner
Ella Church - Gross R/Up

Boys
Colten Ward - Nett Winner
Heath Smart - Nett R/Up
Curtis Borellini - Gross Winner
Leo Godfrey - Gross R/Up
 
9-hole winners
Girls
Lyla Land - Nett Winner
Emma Fixter - Nett R/Up
Renee Ward - Gross Winner
Kylie Fixter - Gross R/Up

Boys
Flynn Godfrey - Nett Winner
Jasper Godfrey - Nett R/Up
Hudson Calvert Gross Winner
Kale Malone - Gross R/Up

18-hole competition prizes were sponsored and presented by Steve from Mizuno Golf 

18-hole winners
Girls
Gabby Cahill - Nett Winner
Phoebe Moffat - Nett R/Up
Lilly McGuiness - Gross Winner
Amara Aston - Gross R/Up

Boys
Rico Avolio - Nett Winner
Jacob Painter - Nett R/Up
Nicholas Stedman - Gross Winner
Dallas Douglas - Gross R/Up

The Club shared that the event would not have been a success without event organiser Evelyn Webb and her commitment to making this Masters bigger and better every year. A warm thanks was also extended to the Ayr Golf Club and all the volunteers that helped over the weekend. 

Contributed with thanks to Kristina Land.

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18 Hole Male Winner Nicholas Stedman, with Steve from Mizuno Golf.
18 Hole Female Winner Lilly McGuiness with Steve from Mizuno Golf. 

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Saturday 2nd Of September 1.00pm to 5.00pm ( Patrol Group A) Chris Wicks, Damien Rickets, Emma Rickets, Jane Rickets.
Sunday 3rd Of September 9.00am to 5.00pm ( All day Patrol Group F) Lisa Furnell, Jen Morgan, John Furnell, Jo Morgan, Lauren Chapman, Isla Chapman, Ryley Satori, Jake Satori, Kat Satori, Dave Satori.
Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.

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The Ayr Surf Club travelled to Mackay over the weekend for the 2024 North Australian Championships. North Aussies is a 3-day carnival with clubs from as north as Port Douglas to as far south as Mooloolaba uniting for one of Queensland's most iconic volunteer movements, Surf Life Saving.  The Friday consisted of the Pool Rescue competition, where 12 Ayr competitors battled it out in the pool at the Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex, demonstrating rescue techniques and skills against some very stiff competition. The first event in the pool saw 2 of the Ayr nippers, Charlotte Dale and Taylor Chapman, take silver in the Under 11 Female 100m Patient Tow. In the Under 13 Female 100m Patient Tow, Emma Jones & Milla Chapman took out the bronze medal. Taylor Chapman had a fantastic meet, also grabbing a gold in the U11 Female 50m Brick Carry and a silver in the U11 Female 100m Obstacle Race. Kristy Wassmuth continued from her World Championships Pool Rescue success winning the 40-49 years Female 100m Obstacle Race and getting silver in the 100m Manikin Tow. All competitors did incredibly well undertaking events that they don't normally have the opportunity to compete in.

The action then headed to Mackay Harbour Beach for the weekend, where 20 competitors took to the surf and the sand to tackle the usual Surf Sports Program.  There were some incredible individual and team performances over the carnival with some special mentions to the U11 nippers at their first North Aussies experiencing competing against different clubs for the first time. Charlotte Dale in U11s took out both the board and iron person event gaining gold, with a bronze in her surf race. Taylor Chapman in U11s gained a bronze in her iron person, a silver in the 1km beach run. Charlotte & Taylor also took home a silver in their Board Rescue and combined with Alexandra Moloney in the board relay to grab the Bronze medal. Milla Chapman took gold in both the U13 Female beach sprint and beach flags and gained selection in the Queensland Country Team which heads to the Interbranch Championships later on in the year. Isla Chapman took out the gold for the U15 Female 2km beach run and the bronze in the beach sprint and was named as a reserve for the Queensland Country Team. Ryley Sartori took out Bronze in the U17 Female 2km beach run and Kristy Wassmuth took out bronze in both her Masters surf race and tube race. 

For the first time in decades, Ayr sported 2 R&R (Rescue and Resuscitation) Teams to compete at the Championships. R&R is a more traditional event focusing on simulating rescue and resuscitation skills with precision and finesse. The teams had a great first carnival, after only taking up the event at the beginning of the month, and the U14/15 Team of Briella Wassmuth and Bella Lawry, managed to gain a Bronze medal, and the U13/14 Team of Charlotte Lawry and Emilee Wassmuth took out fourth. The next test of our lifesaving skills will take place in Ayr at the North Barrier Branch Surf Rescue Championships in November.

Contributed with thanks to Kellie Lawry.

In action! Charlotte Dale was awarded gold in U11 Board & Iron Person.
Taylor Chapman, Charlotte Dale & Alexandra Moloney were awarded the bronze title in the U11 Mixed Board Relay.
U14/15 R&R bronze winners Bella Lawry & Briella Wassmuth.
Cole Pontifex in the U13 Male Board Final catching a wave!
Ready set go! U13 nippers at the start of the Female Board Race Semi-Final.
Action shot! Taylor Chapman diving in U11 Female Flags.
Taylor Chapman & Charlotte Dale took out silver in the U11 Female 100m Patient Tow.
Zachary Dale diving into the U14 Male Manikin Tow event.
Emma Jones & Milla Chapman were awarded bronze in the U13 Female 100m Patient Tow.

A lot of visitors have popped in for a game of bowls, discovering the force that is Home Hill Bowls Club. Bowlers from other regions have stopped by, like Rod Haderfield and his dog Blackjack.
Steve and Annie from Giru have enjoyed playing bowls at Home Hill along with Phil Marsden who has now become a regular. People like Mick Olsen, our fellow adjudicator is the backbone of any club for all they do asking for nothing in return.
The pairs competition had another great turnout on Saturday, attracting competitors from all over, Bowen, Brandon, Ayr and Giru. This has proved a great success, a big thank you to all our players and sponsors, particularly the Home Hill Prawn Stop and Walkers Oil.
As the bowling year has unfolded, the strength of the members of the club who have come together to help and promote the Home Hill Sports and Bowls Club has been a privilege to watch as each and every one has grown, and the leadership of the club has shown to be exceptional.
With this strength, the club will grow and grow only for the better. The atmosphere, as soon as you walk in, is a happy place to spend time, compete and have fun in a social atmosphere.
What’s On at The Club:
Mondays: 10am Coffee Chats. Come along and join.
Wednesdays: 10am Trimmers and  5:30pm Barefoot Bowls and a sausage sizzle
Thursdays: 10am Bingo and 1pm Social Bowls
Saturdays: 1pm Saturday Bowls Open Mixed
Completion of Competition Bowls to be advised.
Come and Try Days: 3rd and 10th November. Please phone 0428 183 054 for details.
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Contributed with thanks to Stormin’ Norman.

Rod Haderfield and his dog Blackjack. Photo Supplied
Steve and Annie
Mick Olsen
Winners are grinners for week 3
Winners are grinners for week 1
Winners are grinners for week 4 are happy.

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The week at Ayr Bowling Club began with Ladies’ Social bowls on Monday 21 October, where Pam Power faced Irene Wilson in the consistency singles. It was a competitive game, with Power emerging victorious in a closely contested match.

Tuesday’s Ladies’ Social bowls drew a good turnout of 16 players, forming three games of triples and one game of pairs. The winners included Merle Nixon, Katharina Stuckler, and Deslie Olsen, who defeated Rayleen Harvey, Ron Soper, and Linda Guimelli. Ruth Moore, Sandra Stidston, and Mary Poli triumphed over Karen Sheperd, Donna Soper, and Dot Cutting, while Karen Page and Heather Jorgensen defeated Beryl Cornford and Irene Wilson in the pairs match.

On Wednesday 23 October, Mixed Social bowls saw three games of triples, with impressive performances across the board. The day’s winners were Graham Warrfit, Margret Chapman, and W. Coonan. Wednesday night also hosted three games of triples, with Evelyn Wiltshere, John Cesconetto, and David Burt winning the first game, and Gary Anderson, Tricia Achille, and Sam Caltabiano winning the second. Luke Anderson, Katharina Stuckler, and Heather Jorgensen claimed victory in the third game.

The Ladies’ Competition on Thursday continued with the three Bowl Pairs. Advancing to the next round, Deslie Olsen and Mary Poli defeated Ruth Moore and Dot Cutting, while Tricia Achille and Pam Power won against Beryl Cornford and Heather Jorgensen in the handicap pairs.

Saturday Social bowls featured two games of triples and one game of fours. The fours winners were G. Wakefield, Ray Wall, Joe Papale, and W. Coonan, who defeated Linda Guimelli, S. Darwen, J. Grabbi, and B. Shepherd. In the triples matches, R. Smythe, M. Chapman, and C. Olditch defeated J. Cisco, H. Hazel, and R. Garner, while J. Pirrone, G. Nixon, and D. Cutting defeated V. Edwards, T. Klopper, M. Nixon, and R. Soper.

Club championships continued on Sunday with Mixed Triples, where J. Hall, Sandra Darwen, and Michael Parravacini defeated D. Soper, B. Shepherd, and R. Soper. In the Mixed Pairs, Lyn Storrie and Gary Pearce claimed victory over Margret Chapman and Henry Hazel. The club board lists upcoming championship games scheduled for November 3.

Ayr Bowling Club invites the community to Fun Friday Night Bowls on Friday, 1 November, starting at 6pm. This social event welcomes all levels of bowlers, whether attending solo or with friends. Entry is $10 per game, which includes a sausage sizzle and a light supper. The sausage sizzle starts at 6pm, and bowling begins at 7pm. For more information or to register, contact Maurie Power at 0412 551 816 or Pam Power at 0458 330 019.

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.

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Fourteen bowlers gathered for an enjoyable Friday evening of social bowls and friendly banter at the Brandon Bowls Club. The evening featured one game of triples, where Joy Woods, Lyn Storrie, and "Rampaging" Ray Paneccasio triumphed over Margaret McLaughlan, Lyn Storrie, and Joe Yipnazar. Storrie humorously struggled to remember who her skip was, as the team was short one player.

Two pairs matches followed. In the first, Norm Storrie teamed up with "Mr. Bowls" Gary Pearce to defeat David Bycroft and Jamie Woods in a dominant performance. The final pairs game saw new member Bruce McCallum and Ross McLaughlin claim a decisive victory over Jayson Farry and Lloyd Shepherd.

The evening’s jackpot didn’t go off, but overall winners of the night were Norm Storrie and Gary Pearce.

Sunday saw two Championship events unfold at the club. The early triples game featured Vince Beitia, Ray Paneccasio, and Leo Kenny, who played a strong game to defeat Mick McCloskey, Alan Gairoch, and Peter Jorgensen.

In the A Grade Pairs final, Peter Henderson and Jamie Woods took on the family duo Chris and Gary Pearce. Henderson and Woods initially led, but Chris and Gary rallied, ultimately securing the title with a powerful comeback, maintaining their reign for another year.

Alongside the A Grade final, two social rinks games took place for Sunday social bowls. In the first game, Neville Dickinson, Mick McCloskey, Joe Yipnazar, and Doug Robins defeated Norm Storrie, "Birthday Boy" Glenn Woodford, Alan Gairoch, and Leo Kenny. In the final rink, Ken Ferguson, Rob Jorgensen, Doug Kiehne, and "Welcome Back" Danny O’Shea bested Ben Mills, Henry Hazel, Ray Paneccasio, and Len Feeney.

With the jackpot once again unclaimed, the club looks forward to next week’s events.

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

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Peter Henderson, Jamie Woods, and Gary and Chris Pearce went head to head in Sunday’s Championship matches.

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The past week has been a busy one for the Home Hill Cricket Association. On Tuesday afternoon, the Rookies program took place at East Ayr State School, where coaches Guy and Thomas led children in a fun-filled session focused on the fundamental skills of cricket. During Friday afternoon’s Challengers games, Corey Pensini and Nicholas Marrinan stood out as top scorers, followed closely by strong performances from Noah Tanner and Henry Cohen. Levi Trail earned the "McDonald's Sports Award" this week, recognised for his impressive bowling and fielding efforts.

In the "Blue" group, Kip Nicholas claimed the award for his well-rounded performance with both bat and ball, remaining unbeaten with 12 runs and delivering an economical bowling spell, including a maiden over. Tait Parker also ended his innings not out, scoring 11 runs with a boundary. Jude Shannon and Tyler Smith each took a wicket, while Kye Quinlan achieved two runouts, showcasing the team’s strength in the field.

The "Gold" group saw some players missing due to the North Queensland Cricket Association (NQCA) Trials over the weekend, with several "Blue" players stepping up to fill in. Among them, Alex Cullen and Kaisen Petersen batted well, both retiring not out. Kaisen also bowled two economical overs, earning him the "McDonald's Sports Award" for his performance. Logan Pickup claimed two wickets, while Nate Quagliata and Nathaniel Backo took one each.

The weekend also brought NQCA trials for the Under 12s to Under 16s, with five Home Hill Cricket Association players participating. Oliver Calligaro, Xavier Cross, Marshall Parker, and Mark Wilkie travelled to Ingham for the Under 12 trials, while Thomas Cardillo headed to Townsville for the Under 16s. Meanwhile, the Home Hill club hosted the Under 13s for their two-day trial at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Heidke.

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Commended for his exceptional performance, Kip Nicholas was presented with a Sports Award!
Levi Trail was celebrated for his bowling and fielding efforts with a Sports Award.
Praised for his batting, Kaisen Petersen scored a Sports Award for his performance.
Mark Wilkie, Oliver Calligaro, Marshall Parker, and Xavier Cross performed amazingly at the U12 NQCA Trials in Ingham.
Thomas Cardillo impressed onlookers at the U16 NQCA Trials in Townsville.
Top scorers Corey Pensini and Nicholas Marrinan in action!
Alex Cullen’s batting skills impressed spectators!
Tait Parker scored 11 runs!
Friday afternoon saw plenty of action in the Challenger Games.

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The Ayr and Home Hill Rugby teams. Photo credit: Marni Hine

Friendly Rivalry and Community Spirit
At Town Of Origin Event

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The Town of Origin event on Sunday delivered an action-packed day of sports, with Home Hill securing the overall victory in thrilling fashion. The competition between the two towns featured cricket, netball, and rugby, each fiercely contested and filled with moments of excitement.
The day kicked off with cricket, where Ayr claimed a narrow victory in a match that went down to the wire. Ayr posted a solid score of 3/136, but Home Hill came close, finishing with 5/135. Despite strong batting from Home Hill’s top order, they fell just short of victory, handing Ayr the lead.
Next came the netball match, where Home Hill dominated from the start, bouncing back from the cricket loss. Their superior teamwork and precision shooting saw them pull away, finishing with a commanding 27-16 win over Ayr. This result brought the two towns level in the overall standings, setting the stage for a dramatic rugby decider.
The rugby match was a highlight of the day, providing a nail-biting finish that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. The match was closely fought, with both teams exchanging points throughout. However, it was in the final six minutes that the drama truly unfolded. Ayr and Home Hill each scored a try in quick succession, but Home Hill held on to clinch a thrilling 24-22 victory. Their try sealed the win and secured the overall Town of Origin title for Home Hill.
Beyond the sports, the day featured plenty of fun for families and spectators. The tug-of-war during the rugby half time between the local children and the Harvest Festival Queens was a crowd favorite, with the kids coming out on top. Attendees were treated to delicious food from the Lions Club, while the Home Hill Community Kindergarten kept everyone refreshed with drinks and snacks. Kids enjoyed the jumping castle, and the Burdekin Cruisers Club displayed a selection of classic cars, adding to the community atmosphere.
It was a fantastic day of sport and entertainment, with Home Hill emerging as the Town of Origin champions for this year.
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Photo credit: Marni Hine

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The Burdekin Bocce Club warmly welcomed plenty of visitors and experienced players to enjoy a wonderful afternoon tea and a bowl on Sunday 20 October to celebrate Senior’s Month.

Many attendees picked up a bocce for the first time on the weekend, embracing the relaxed nature of the beloved sport, as well as playing a round of a classic Italian card game.

Mother and daughter duo, Dianne and Merle Glover took to the sport for the first time, and to the Club’s delight, the pair very much enjoyed the game, and played surprisingly well for first timers!

Burdekin Bocce Club President, Lino Fabbro, Secretary and Treasure, Regina Lequerica, and members Anselmo Felesina, Ugo Vener, and Robert Lazzarin would like to thank everybody to attended on Sunday and cannot wait to continue sharing the sport with more members of the community.

Contributed with thanks to Regina Lequerica.

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Dianne and Merle Glover, with Anselmo Felesina, Ugo Vener, Robert Lazzarin, and president, Lino Fabbro.

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On Wednesday, 16 October, the A Grade Women’s Singles final was played between Darell Pearce and Lyn Storrie. In a gripping contest, with President Joy Woods marking the match, the game remained close until Lyn Storrie powered through to secure the win. This marks back-to-back titles for Lyn - congratulations! Both ladies put on a fantastic performance, and thanks once again to Joy Woods for officiating the final.
In the social game played at the same time, Kay Garner, Bev Gairoch, and Helen Collins triumphed over Kay Garner, Ann Norton, and Vanda B.

Friday night saw 56 bowlers take to the green in perfect conditions for Nutrien AG Trophy Bowls, sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions. It was an enjoyable night, and thanks go to Len Feeney for running the BBQ, the kitchen team (Sharon Kenny, Joy Wood, and Lyn Storrie), and Leo Kenny behind the bar. With one more evening left in 2024, the Brandon Bowls Club looks forward to Bennetts Mechanical x 4X4 on Friday, 15 November - stay tuned for more details!

In Sunday’s Championship match, Chris Pearce, Joe Yipnazar, and Len Feeney faced off against Mick McCloskey, Allan Gairoch, and Peter Jorgensen in warm, windy conditions. Peter Jorgensen’s team dominated, securing their place in the next round - Peter might want to buy a lottery ticket after that performance!

The highly anticipated A & B Pairs match saw Jayson Farry and Jamie Woods take on Trevor Elton and Hugh Montgomery. A close contest for the first 10 ends, the Farry-Woods combination eventually proved too strong. In the next round, odds-on favourites Jayson Farry and Jamie Woods will face last year’s champions, Lloyd Shepherd and Gary Pearce.

Three games of triples were played on Sunday for social bowls with the results as follows:
   • Norm Storrie, Vince Beitia, and "Rampaging" Ray Paneccasio defeated Dave Sheehan, Doug Kiehne, and Doug Robins.
   • Ben Mills, Glenn Woodford, and Kev Collins drew against Gary Nosworthy, Jeff Taylor, and Leo Kenny.
   • Ken Ferguson, Lyn Storrie, and Peter Henderson triumphed over Henry Hazel, Rob Jorgensen, and Richi Mau.
Congratulations to all the participants, and we look forward to the upcoming games!

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

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Brandon Bowls Club President, Joy Woods with Lyn Storrie and Darell Pearce.
Friday’s victors Phil Carrillo, Glen Pirone, Peter Matthews, and Alf Gangemi.
John Pirone, Joe Grabbi, Nutrients Sponsor John Grabbi, and Norm Storrie.
Peter Jorgensen, Nutrients sponsor Heather Jorgensen, and David Bycroft.

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Local

The Escriva Cup is due to be played on Friday evening, 1st November and is a fundraiser held by The SLoBs (Soccer Legends of the Burdekin) to help out ex-players with health problems. Last year fourteen Men’s teams and two Ladies teams took part. Hopefully, we will have more teams involved this year.

Night Soccer

Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 7 had to be postponed until Thursday because of the rain. The 21games produced 67 goals and surprisingly there were only three forfeits and even more surprisingly, no Sin Bins! Top scorers for the Men were Plumb Dingers who thumped Karls Mowing Service 11-1 and UDS who defeated iComply 7-0.

Mottin Earthmoving are still top of Group AI, UDS still lead in Group A2 and Wires Down head Group B.

In the Women’s competition DILLIGAF and Let’s Get Messi both scored three goals and UDS Ladies still top the A Grade table and Shin Kickers are the leaders in B Grade.

Juniors

Junior Social Soccer was called off on Tuesday afternoon but will, hopefully recommence next week. With 40 teams taking part this year, it is a very big afternoon.

National and International

The Socceroos managed a 1-1 draw away to Japan. In the context this was a good performance as Japan, the group leaders had previously won all three of their games, scoring fourteen goals and not conceding any. This result moves Australia up to second place in their Group and they need to finish in the top two.

The Socceroos next match is against Saudi Arabia on 14 November in Melbourne. Five days later the reverse fixtures start, and the Socceroos are away to Bahrain.

The Matildas will soon be in action again as they have two friendly matches in October. The first is away to Switzerland on 25 October and they then play Germany on Monday 28th October in Duisburg. Their next games are not until late November - December when they play Brazil, home and away.

The A League kicked off its 2024-25 season last weekend. Surprisingly, Macarthur head the League after marmelising Perth Glory 6-1. Sydney FC beat Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1, Melbourne City won away at Newcastle and newcomers Auckland beat Brisbane Roar 2-0. Next week Macarthur is away to Newcastle and Brisbane has the bye.

The A League Women will kick off on 1st November with Western Utd at home to Wellington and on the Saturday Brisbane Roar is away to Canberra. There are twelve clubs in the competition this season.

In the EPL, Liverpool and Manchester City both won and with Arsenal losing, Liverpool is top of the table a point clear of City with Arsenal and Aston Villa a further three points behind. Brighton has moved up to fifth place! Wolves and Southampton continue to hold up the League with one point each from eight games.

In the Bundesliga, the top five teams all won and after seven rounds Bayern and Leipzig are level on seventeen points. Freiburg stays in third place two points behind and Leverkusen, last year’s champions, are another point adrift. At the foot of the table Holstein and Bochum are yet to win a game.

In Italy, the top six teams all won so there is no change at the top of Serie A. Napoli still lead Inter by two points with Juventus a further point away and AC Milan fourth. At the bottom of the league Venezia, Monza and Lecce are in deep trouble.

In Spain’s La Liga, Villareal who drew, were the only team out of the top seven who didn’t win. Barca still leads Real Madrid by three points with Atletico a further four points adrift as Villareal drop to fourth place. Las Palmas and Valencia are having problems at the foot of the table, but Valladolid managed a win.

In France, only three of the top six teams won. With Monaco only managing a draw PSG is back on top of the table with twenty points and a superior goal difference to Monaco. Marseille is third and Lille a distant fourth. Angers and Montpelier are in trouble after eight rounds.

Finally, In the Albanian Super League, Partizani Tirana leads Egnatia and KS Dinamo Tirana by one point after nine rounds. I thought you should know.

In Europe, next week the Champions League resumes. Arsenal is at home to Shaktar. Juventus plays Stuttgart, Barcelona is at home to Bayern and Liverpool travels to Leipzig.

The Quote of the Week is from new England Manager Thomas Tuchel, “Sometimes, it is good to lose - you learn.”

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Saturday Pairs Bowls was sponsored by Home Hill Prawn Stop and was a successful event.
The pairs have attracted a mixture of male and female bowlers who all agree it is a fantastic and fun afternoon.
Come and enjoy 3 bowl pairs, fully sponsored with a 12pm start.
Burdekin Bowls club are great in supporting other clubs in the area in tournaments, congratulations to all these clubs.
Apologies for missing the last few weeks, but we are back to regular programming.
Contributed with thanks to Stormin’ Norman.

Winners are Grinners. Photo Supplied

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On Saturday 12 October, the 2024 Sip 'n Putt sessions at Home Hill Golf Club concluded with a fantastic finish! Fourteen ladies, including five newcomers, participated in the final session led by PGA coach Tara Jenkins where some of the ladies were introduced to golf for the first time, while others practiced skills from previous lessons.

Several participants felt confident enough to play a hole in an Ambrose format, discovering just how much technique is required to get that little white ball into the hole!

After the session, the ladies, along with several club members, enjoyed socialising over drinks and nibbles. During this time, there was discussion about ways to stay engaged with the game, and most ladies expressed interest in a 4-hole competition, to be held on either a Saturday or Sunday. The first competition is planned for later in November, with club members on hand to offer guidance and tips. Ladies who were unable to attend the Sip 'n Putt sessions are also welcome to join in. Keep an eye on the Home Hill Golf Club Facebook page for updates.

A special thank you goes to Tara Jenkins for traveling from Townsville to lead the sessions. The club also acknowledges the support from the State Government’s Active Women & Girls Program, which funded Tara’s professional coaching services.

Sip 'n Putt will return in 2025!

Contributed with thanks to Megan Barbagallo.

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Tara guiding the 14 ladies through the final Sip ‘n Putt session for the year!
After an awesome afternoon on the green, the attendees enjoyed some nibbles and drinks.

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The rainy weather early in the week that forced the cancellation of Monday's training thankfully cleared for the Home Hill Cricket Association’s junior cricket games on held on Friday, 18 October. 

Three groups of eager cricketers lined up for their games under sunny skies at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex in Home Hill.  The youngest of these, the Challengers, were playing in front of the clubhouse on the "Barry Richards Field".  The children put on a good show of skills for the adults who were watching with Nicholas Marrinan winning the "Player of the Match Award" for his efforts.

Over on the astro pitches the "Hardball" games were being played by the older children.  It was a one-sided affair in the "Blue" group as one team took all the wickets in the game to come away with the win.  Tait Parker, Kayleah McCarthy and Corey Pensini took 2 wickets each and Chaz Moschella bowled economically to help their team achieve this. The great batting from Alex Cullen, Billy Muilwyk and Mazlyn and Tyler Smith was the highlight of the game. 

The "Gold" group found scoring runs more difficult than last week as the bowling was tighter.  Marshall Parker was again the top scorer with 18 runs not out, just pipping Tyler Schultz on 17.  Three other batters retired, they were Ben Watkins, Jacques Gardner and Nathaniel Backo.  The best bowler and winner of this week's "Player of the Match Award" was Aanav Desai who's second over was a two-wicket maiden, he finished with three wickets for the game.  Mark Wilkie, Marshall Parker and Jacques Gardner all took one wicket each.

Contributed with thanks to Home Hill Cricket Association Secretary, Tiffany.

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Kaisen Petersen at the bat!
Batting for the win was Player of the Match, Aanav Desai.
Tait Parker took 2 wickets in Friday’s “Hardball” game!
Xavier Cross gave it his all on the pitch!
Tyler Schultz scored 17 runs in Friday’s game.
Alex Cullen, Billy Muilwyk and Mazlyn and Tyler Smith were commended for their batting.
The “Blue” group were Friday’s victors!
Working hard, the “Blue” group took all the wickets, scoring them the win!

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The big news for the Ayr Bowling Club this week is Irene Wilson being named North Queensland District Ladies Bowling Association’s Bowler of the Year! Irene has been a standout performer at the club and secured this prestigious title by winning the North Queensland singles. The club also sends best wishes to Pam Power, another exceptional female bowler, as she heads to Bargara Bowls Club to compete in the State Champion of Champions after claiming the North Queensland Champion of Champions title. The Ayr Bowling Club is immensely proud of these two women, who are leading the way in ladies’ bowls in North Queensland.

Ladies’ Social Bowls kicked off a busy week at the club, with 16 bowlers taking to the green as the weather warms up. Winners on the day were Linda Guimelli, Deslie Olsen, Heather Jorgensen, and Sandra Stidston, who defeated Karen Shepherd, Karen Page, Ron Soper, and Irene Wilson. In another match, Ruth Moore, Isabel Cislowski, Rayleen Harvey, and Pam Power triumphed over Katharina Stuckler, Donna Soper, Beryl Cornford, and Dot Cutting.

Wednesday Mixed Social Bowls saw three games of triples and one game of pairs, with some fantastic bowls played throughout. G Tiomo, Barry Hewson, and John MacDonald emerged as the day’s winners.

On Wednesday night, two games of triples were played in the social competition. Katharina Stuckler, Tegan Cesconetto, and Michael Parravacini claimed victory in the first game, while Tricia Achille, Rob Jorgensen, and Gary Pearce won the second.

In Thursday’s Three-Bowl Pairs competition, winners advanced to the next round. Beryl Cornford and Pam Power defeated Donna Soper and Joy Comollatti, while Deslie Olsen and Mary Poli overcame Katharina Stuckler and Heather Jorgensen.

Saturday Social Bowls featured four games of triples. Ray Wall, Joe Grabbi, and Chris Olditch secured a win over Linda Giumelli, Merle Nixon, and Anthony Bull.

Club championships continued on Sunday. In the Mixed Triples, Lorraine Wolffe, Sandra Stidston, and Anthony Bull defeated Sandra Darwen, Sam Caltabiano, and Michael Parravacini. In the Mixed Singles, Pam Power triumphed over Lew Stidson, and Gary Pearce defeated Barry Shepherd. For information on upcoming championship games scheduled for October 27th, please see the club board.

The Ayr Bowling Club invites everyone to Fun Friday Night Bowls on Friday, 1 November, starting at 6pm. This is a great night out for bowlers of all levels—bring friends or sign up solo and meet new people! The cost is $10 per game, which includes a sausage sizzle and a light supper. The sizzle begins at 6pm, and bowling starts at 7pm. To enter or for more information, contact Maurie Power at 0412 551 816 or Pam Power at 0458 330 019.

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.

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Irene Wilson, North Queensland District Ladies Bowler of the Year.

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The October Monthly Medal was the highly sought-after prize among the junior golfers at the Ayr Golf Club this weekend, with competitive scores across the 3, 6, and 9-hole competitions.

In the 3-hole competition, Opie McKeough once again claimed the Monthly Medal with a net score of 5, while Tyler Smith secured the Gross win with a score of 22. Opie dominated the event, also taking home the prizes for Longest Putt and Least Putts.

Heath Smart, playing his best round yet, won the Monthly Medal in the 6-hole competition, and Jett James was the Gross winner with a score of 43. Both Heath and Jett tied for the Least Putts award.

The 9-hole group saw some close competition, but Lyla Land emerged victorious with a net score of 25 to win the Monthly Medal, while Rheanna Bain claimed the Gross title with an impressive score of 60. Parker Oar was awarded Nearest to Pin, and Riley Dobe took home the prize for Least Putts.

Players are now looking forward to the Karrie Webb Championships next weekend.

Contributed with thanks to Kristina Patane Land.

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The weekend’s victors with presenters Kyle Wilkie and Riley Dobe. 

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The Burdekin Roosters have named three of their four coaches for the 2025 season in the RLTD.

The club will be fielding an under 20 team next year after not doing so in 2024, with Peter Horan set to coach. Peter took the under 18 to the grand final this season and although they were beaten by Brothers, Horan had them playing an attractive style of football. Peter said he expected to field a strong side with most of that team stepping up plus the addition of a few new players he has recruited.

Taking charge of the Hens next season will again be this year’s coach Anita Hagarty. Anita, despite a lot of personnel interruptions this season, took her team to the Preliminary Final only to be beaten by Western Lions. Anita said she expected to field practically the same squad next season plus the addition of a couple of new players.

2024 A grade coach Steve Lansley will again be in charge of the A grade team next season. This year Steve had a number of youngsters in his team and with a season in A grade under their belt, he expects to field a very competitive team next year. Plans are under way to have a couple of class Fijians join the squad while player recruiter Paul Horan is looking at a couple of experienced imported players. Steve said he would like to rely on his young local stars as he believes the talent in well and truly in the Burdekin.

The AGM of the club will be held at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club on Sunday 17 November at 10:30am with all positions on the executive committee declared vacant.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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A good crowd of Rugby League supporters last Sunday witnessed a good standard of Rugby League played at the annual Home Hill Harvest Festival Town of Origin!

The first Town of Origin in this format was played in 2013 and since then Ayr has won five times to Home Hills four with no games played in 2018 and 2020.

As is customary in these games the type of play was tough and hard with the town heritage at stake. Two former A grade coaches of the roosters, Chris Perry and Kieran Dawes took control of the two teams, and both had simple instructions - do your best and think of the town you are playing for.

Play seesawed for the entire match with one team scoring and then the other. In the end it came down to an attempted conversion from the sideline with the ball heading towards the uprights only to be blown away. That gave the win this year to Home Hill by 24 – 22 now levelling up the annual scoreline.

Coach Kieran Dawes said he thought Jayden Sgarbossa was his best player and judges agreed with Sgarbossa receiving the man of the match. Dawes did say he thought Liam Cannavan, Joel Pennisi and Robert Canteralla also had good games. Dawes said he thought all had a crack and they used a lot of effort and energy. He said he told them to make their tackles and mean it.

Ayr coach Chris Perry said he thought Lachlan Shepherd was his best player by a long shit although John Zaro and Llama Ghee never stopped especially Llama with his defence.

“It was not our best effort but regardless it was a good game and congratulations to Home Hill,” said Perry.

For Home Hill Dom Arrate, Lachlan Kerr, Jayden Sgarbossa and Liam Cannavan scored tries with Don Arrate kicking 4 from 4. For Ayr Jones Munro, Kane Batchelor, Luca Lago and Llama Ghee scored tries with Joel Mason kicking 3 goals.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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The only senior match of the round in Home Hill Cricket took place on Saturday afternoon, with Peto's Marine winning the toss and sending the Crowned Mongrels in to bat.

The Mongrels made the most of their time at the crease, with Andrew Wallwork top-scoring with 46 runs from 41 balls. Handy contributions from Luke Mottin (29 runs) and Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro (23 runs) helped set a competitive total of 6/153 from 25 overs.

In response, Peto's Marine started strong with quick runs from Cal Boland (34 runs) and Jack Gimson (25 runs). They needed just 11 runs from the last two overs, but strong bowling performances from Dan Olditch and Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro saw the Mongrels claim the last three wickets, leaving Peto's all out for 146, just short of the target.

In other news, Alliance Pharmacy forfeited their game against the Rookies.

Next weekend, Peto’s Marine will face off against the Rookies, while the Crowned Mongrels take on Alliance Pharmacy.

Contributed with thanks to Home Hill Cricket Association Secretary, Tiffany.

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Tuesday Ladies’ Social bowls kicked the week off and had 14 bowlers competing. Winners were Karen Shepherd, Isabel Cislowski, Merle Nixon and Dot Cutting def Donna Soper, Katharina Stuckler, Joy Comollatti and Sandra Stidston. Ruth Moore, Rayleen Harvey and Irene Wilson def Linda Guimelli, Karen Page and Mary Poli. 
Wednesday Mixed Social bowls there were 3 games of triples with lots of fantastic bowls played over the 3 games. Winners on the day were J Pirrone, Col Essex and Chris Berkery def Ray Wall, Dino Poli and M Power. 
On a windy Wednesday night, two pairs’ games were played.  The winners of the night were, Michael Parravacini and John Cesconetto in the first pairs game. Rob Jorgensen and Bertilla Piazetta won the second game.   
Competition Thursday morning the mixed singles were played and saw some very good bowling in a close fought game Irene Wilson def Anthony Bull. Thursday afternoon the Handicap Pairs were played. Deslie Olsen (sub) and Irene Wilson def Ruth Moore and Dot Cutting with great bowls being played all round. 
Saturday Social Bowls sponsored by the mahjong ladies saw three games of triples and one game of pairs.  Winners were Merle Nixon Joe Papale, and Ron Soper def Lorraine Wolffe, Barry Hewson and John MacDonald. Second place winners were Donna Soper and Joe Grabbi def Linda Guimelli and David Kroll. 
Club championships continued Sunday.  Mixed Triples saw Margaret Chapman, Henry Hazle and Gary Pearce def Lorraine Wolffe, Sandra Stidston and Anthony Bull. Mixed singles saw Michael Parravacini def Irene Wilson.  Please see the club board for further championship club games for the 13th of October.  
If you are interested in trying lawn bowls, Ayr Bowling club is a hub for lawn bowls enthusiasts, offering a friendly and social environment for players of all skill levels. Here are some details about the Ayr Bowling Club: 
   • Location: 101 Young Street, Ayr, Queensland 4807 
   • Phone Number: (07) 4783 1336 
   • Facebook Page:Ayr Bowling Club | Ayr QLD | Facebook  
Social bowls are played on Wednesday or Wednesday evening or Saturday afternoon – we would love to see you!  We have plenty of sets of bowls for you to try with.  Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or a beginner looking to try your hand at lawn bowls, the Ayr Bowling Club is a great place to connect with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy the sport.  
 

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This week our Home Hill junior cricketers, big and small, returned to the fields for the start of the 2024/25 cricket season.

Junior cricket sessions are available for children ages 5 and up.  The “Rookies” (5-7 yr olds) play Tuesday afternoons from 3:30pm at East Ayr State School.  Friday afternoons see the “Challengers” (8-10yr olds) and Juniors (U11’s +) play at the Home Hill Cricket fields from 4pm.  All boys and girls are welcome to join in the fun, even if you’re new to cricket.

Last week saw the start of the 24/25 Home Hill Cricket Association's Junior Cricket season.  Rookies were at East Ayr State School on Tuesday afternoon from 3.30pm. The sessions are for 5 to 7 year olds and aim to teach the children the basics of cricket in a fun way with soft balls.  Challengers are the next level up for 7 to 10 year olds and their sessions are at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex in Home Hill on Fridays at 5pm.  These are still played with soft balls but the activities are more game based.   
They have two groups of "hardball" cricket on Fridays at Home Hill as well, starting at 4pm.  In the "Blue Group" Alex Cullen and Kyle Wilkie scored some good runs and were both not out at the end of their batting.  Tait Parker took the best figures of 2/3, Kip Nicholas and Tyler Smith also bowled well with 1/1 and 1/2 respectively.  This group is for the players who have just moved up from Challengers and has modified rules to make it more enjoyable for them.
The "Gold Group" is the other game and this is played with essentially normal cricket rules as their skill levels are generally higher.  Marshall Parker starred with the bat this week with 46 not out off 30 balls which included 6 fours.  Ben Watkins had fun with the ball taking 3 wickets for 10 runs, Jacques Gardner took 2 and Aanav Desai and Oscar Mahoney 1 each.
It is not too late to register for the 24/25 Junior Cricket season, just go to www.playhq.com and search for Home Hill Cricket Association to join in the fun.
Senior Cricket
It was a family affair as 4 teams took the field for the start of the 2024/25 Senior cricket season at Home Hill Cricket on Saturday.  The Rookies, Alliance Pharmacy and Crowned Mongrels all had fathers and sons playing together.

A tight contest ensued on Barry Richards field as the Rookies took on Crowned Mongrels. The top score of the match by the Rookies Dan Olditch (45 runs from 48 balls) wasn’t enough to secure the win as the Mongrels took the glory in the final over. Crowned Mongrels finished the match 6/137 over the Rookies 6/131.

On field 2, Alliance Pharmacy made a competitive total of 5/130, anchored by opener Lee Watts who retired not out on 50 runs from 58 balls. Peto’s Marine worked hard in reply and helped by an unbeaten 50 not out off 36 balls by Andy Ballin, took the win with a total of 6/151.

Next Saturday will see the two Round 1 winners, Peto’s Marine and Crowned Mongrels, face off on  Barry Richards field from 1pm. Alliance Pharmacy will take on the Rookies on field 2.

To register and join a team, visit www.PlayHQ.com and search “Home Hill”.

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Crowned Mongrels father and son - Aiden and Joe Marano. Photo Supplied
Three generations playing for the Rookies - Leo, Chris and Dan Olditch. Photo Supplied
Alliance Pharmacy family - JD, Alf and Travis Wilkins. Photo supplied
A great day on the field. Photo supplied

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A monumental milestone occasion, this Saturday, 19 October, will see the 300th Plantation Parkrun event take place from 7am at Plantation Park.

A beloved Burdekin tradition, the very first Plantation Parkrun event made its debut on Friday 17 February 2018, which saw almost 100 local runners take to the 5k track. Making history, the first runner to cross the Plantation Parkrun finish line was Adrian Royce with a time of 18:45, who was soon followed by Justin Knight-Gray (20:22), and Josh Schultz (20:45).

Over the past 299 events, almost 6000 runners have crossed the Plantation Park finish line, with an average time of 39:35. A number to be celebrated, more than 900 personal bests have been achieved, and almost 200 volunteers are to be commended for their efforts in making the past 299 events possible.

To those with a competitive streak, these are the 5k times to beat to make it into the Plantation Parkrun history books! In the female division, the time to beat is 21:10 which was set by Shannen McDonald in the 27th Plantation Parkrun held on 1 September 2018. 16:05 stands as the time to beat in the male division; a record set by 116 time return Parkrun champion, Tony Gordon on 2 October 2021.

Plantation Parkrun operates as a free, fun and friendly weekly five-kilometer community event where locals are invited to come along for a walk, jog or run, with many also encouraged to volunteer, or spectate. Each Saturday at 7am, runners prepare to ready, set, go close to the Plantation Park Information Centre and complete two equal laps of the park, South into the Juru Walk.

Operated on a voluntary basis, there are plenty of opportunities for members of the community to try new roles and become part of the Parkrun event. If you would like to become a volunteer, please email plantation@parkrun.com or pop down to the park on a Saturday from 7am to speak with team.

The entire Burdekin community is invited to bring their pups, prams and running shoes to Plantation Park this Saturday to be part of this extraordinary 300th milestone event! Competitors interested in walking, running or jogging the trail along with members of the community wanting to cheer on their friends as they cross the finish line are invited to meet near the Plantation Park Information Centre before the 7am start.

To register to compete in this Saturday’s event, please visit www.parkrun.com.au/plantation.

What: The 300th Plantation Parkrun Event
When: Saturday 19 October at 7am
Where: Near the Plantation Park Information Centre
More Information: Visit www.parkrun.com.au/plantation

A wonderful milestone, the community is invited to come along to Plantation Parkrun’s 300th event this Saturday!

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The Ayr Bowling Club had a busy week of competitions, kicking off with Tuesday Ladies' Social Bowls, which saw 14 bowlers take to the green. The winners were Karen Shepherd, Isabel Cislowski, Merle Nixon, and Dot Cutting, who defeated Donna Soper, Katharina Stuckler, Joy Comollatti, and Sandra Stidston. In another match, Ruth Moore, Rayleen Harvey, and Irene Wilson triumphed over Linda Guimelli, Karen Page, and Mary Poli.

Wednesday’s Mixed Social Bowls featured three exciting games of triples, with plenty of top-notch bowls on display. The winning team of the day, J Pirrone, Col Essex, and Chris Berkery, overcame Ray Wall, Dino Poli, and M Power.

Later that night, despite windy conditions, two pairs’ games were held. Michael Parravacini and John Cesconetto secured victory in the first match, while Rob Jorgensen and Bertilla Piazetta took out the second game.

Thursday’s competition continued with the Mixed Singles in the morning, where Irene Wilson edged out Anthony Bull in a closely fought match. In the afternoon, the Handicap Pairs saw Deslie Olsen (subbing in) and Irene Wilson defeat Ruth Moore and Dot Cutting in a round of exceptional play.

Saturday’s Social Bowls, sponsored by the Mahjong ladies, included three games of triples and one pairs match. The winners were Merle Nixon, Joe Papale, and Ron Soper, who triumphed over Lorraine Wolffe, Barry Hewson, and John MacDonald. Second place went to Donna Soper and Joe Grabbi, who bested Linda Guimelli and David Kroll.

The weekend wrapped up with Sunday’s Club Championships. In the Mixed Triples, Margaret Chapman, Henry Hazle, and Gary Pearce secured victory over Lorraine Wolffe, Sandra Stidston, and Anthony Bull. Meanwhile, in the Mixed Singles, Michael Parravacini came out on top against Irene Wilson.

For upcoming club championship games on 20 October, be sure to check the club board.

The Ayr Bowling Club is always welcoming new players! Whether you’re an experienced bowler or looking to try lawn bowls for the first time, the club provides a friendly and social environment. Social bowls are held on Wednesday, Wednesday evening, and Saturday afternoons.

Come join in the fun - there’s plenty of bowls to go around!

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.

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Following their undefeated run at the North Queensland Junior Basketball Championships (NQJBC), the Burdekin Wildcats u12 Girls have now claimed the title of Division 2 State Champions, securing a Gold Medal at the Queensland State Championships. This remarkable achievement continues to showcase the talent and determination of these young athletes.

After dominating the NQJBC in August 2024 with 15 consecutive victories, the Wildcats traveled to Zillmere in September to compete in Basketball Queensland’s premier competition, which brought together athletes from across South, Central, and North Queensland. Held at the Northside Basketball Sports Centre from September 19 to 22, the tournament saw the Wildcats continue their undefeated streak.

The team, consisting of nine dedicated junior athletes, worked tirelessly to win all five of their pool games, earning them first place in their pool and a spot in the semi-finals. In a commanding semi-final performance, the Wildcats defeated Northside Wizards 1 with a score of 71-43, securing their place in the gold medal match.

On Sunday, 22 September, the Wildcats faced off against the North Gold Coast Seahawks 2 in the Championship game. In a hard-fought contest, the Wildcats emerged victorious, winning 54-42 to claim the Queensland State Champions title for Division 2.

Head Coach Larni Vasta expressed her joy at the team’s accomplishment, stating, "What an incredible season it has been for our team - winning 22 consecutive games, along with dominating three carnivals and becoming State Champions, is a remarkable achievement!

I am immensely proud of each and every one of them.

Their hard work, dedication, and teamwork have truly paid off.

This success reflects not just their skills on the court, but also the effort they put in during training and the support they give each other."

Coach Larni, in her first season at the helm, also acknowledged the support she received throughout the journey.

"As a first-time coach, this season has been an incredible journey - I’m grateful for the unwavering support I’ve received, which has been crucial to our success.

The girls’ hard work and determination made it a joy to lead this talented team.

I, personally, would like to extend a big thank you to our community for your generous support and donations that helped us reach state championships - this made a significant difference in our journey, providing the resources and encouragement that fuelled our success - we couldn’t have achieved this without you!"

The Wildcats would like to extend their gratitude to the Burdekin community and local businesses for their support throughout the season, as well as the family and friends who cheered them on from the sidelines and back home. Special thanks go to Assistant Coaches Kate Gaze and Jodie Miller, Manager Hayley Colls, and, of course, Head Coach Larni Vasta for their dedication and leadership throughout this unforgettable season.

GO WILDCATS!

Contributed with thanks to Hayley Colls.

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BACK ROW (L to R) Manager – Hayley Colls, Head Coach – Larni Vasta, Darci Colls, Allie Boland, Dakota Oliver, Bella Galbraith, Gracie Giardina, Assistant Coach – Jodie Miller.  FRONT ROW (L to R) Scarlett Sinclair, Radha Haller, Hallie Friend and Addison Reid.
BACK ROW (L to R) Gracie Giardina, Manager – Hayley Colls, Allie Boland, Head Coach – Larni Vasta, Scarlett Sinclair, Darci Colls, Bella Galbraith, Assistant Coach – Jodie Miller.  FRONT ROW (L to R) Addison Reid, Hallie Friend, Radha Haller and Dakota Oliver.
Allie sinking a free throw.
Coach Larni giving team instructions.
Time-out team huddle.
Scarlett getting the pass off.
Darci navigating the centre court.

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It was another competitive week at Brandon Bowls Club, starting on Wednesday, 9 October, with Darelle Pearce securing victory in an A-grade singles match against Margaret Chapman, furthering the Pearce family’s bowling legacy. In the social pairs, Ann Newton and Vanda Ballao triumphed over Bev Garioch and Lyn Farr.

Friday evening saw two competitive games played under the lights. In the pairs match, Lloyd Shepherd and the formidable Ray Paneccasio faced off against Peter Lejarraga and "Mr. Bowls" himself, Gary Pearce. Despite the high-quality bowlers on both sides, Shepherd and Paneccasio delivered a masterclass, securing a decisive win.

The triples game saw Joy Woods, Jayson Farry, and Jamie Woods take on Margaret McLaughlan, Bob Jorgensen, and Ross McLaughlin. The Woods team led throughout the night, but McLaughlin's team staged a dramatic comeback on the final end to snatch the victory.

Scratchy ticket winners for the week were Lloyd Shepherd and Ray Paneccasio, while the jackpot went to Joy Woods, Jayson Farry, and Jamie Woods.

Sunday featured an exciting A-grade pairs match where Leo Kenny and Richie Mau battled Chris and Gary Pearce in a 21-end thriller. It was a close contest, but Chris and Gary Pearce edged out their opponents to secure a place in the final, where they will face Peter Henderson and Jamie Woods.

In the social bowls, two triples games and one pairs game were played. In the pairs, Neville Dickinson and Kevin Collins narrowly lost to Peter Lejarraga and Vince Beitia. In the triples, Ross McLaughlin, Rob Jorgensen, and Peter Jorgensen took down Henry Hazel, Joe Yipnazar, and Ray Paneccasio, while in the final triples game, Kenny Ferguson, Doug Kiehne, and Doug Robins were bested by the in-form Jamie Woods, Glenn Woodford, and Ben Mills.

The Brandon Bowls Club invites the community to come along for Trophy Bowls on Friday, 18 October, at 6:30pm, sponsored by Nutrien AG. If you haven’t put your name down, please do so as soon as possible. The cost is $12 per player, which includes a sausage sizzle before the game and the best smoko in Brandon afterwards.

Be sure not to miss out on another fantastic night of bowls at Brandon!

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

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Jackpot Winners, Jamie Wood and Jayson Farry (Joy Woods absent).
Gary and Chris Pearce were victorious on Sunday, securing a place in the final!

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Local
The Burdekin Panthers Presentation Night was held last Saturday at Populin’s Hall, and a good crowd turned up to celebrate a good year for the Burdekin Football Club. Major Awards were Men’s Player of the Year – Ryan Scodellaro and the Women’s Player of the Year was Sian Reardon. The President’s Medal this year went to Wayne Kolb and Josh Valle and Maddison Taylor took out the Taylah Pearson Memorial Trophy.

The Senior Club Person of the ear went to Sian Reardon and Casey Calligaro and Oscar Licciardello were the Junior Club Persons of the Year.

Angelo Licciardello was made a Life Member, deservedly, after a good thirty plus years associated with the Club from playing as a fifteen-year-old to coaching and everything in between.

The Escriva Cup is due to be played on Friday evening, 1st November and is a fundraiser held by The SLoBs (Soccer Legends of the Burdekin) to help out ex-players with health problems. Last year fourteen Men’s teams and two Ladies teams took part. Hopefully, we will have more teams involved this year.

Night Soccer
Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 6 produced 67 goals from the twenty two games. Top scorers for the Men were UDS and Rapos Utd with five goals and in the Women’s competition DILLIGAF led the way with four goals. Sin Bins were earned by Gareth Ferguson from Plumb Dingers and Ryley Siandri from Jaime’s Boys.

Juniors
Junior Social Soccer kicked off Tuesday afternoon with 40 teams taking part this year!  It was a very successful afternoon, with a lot of returning players and teams from last year and also a lot of new kids and new teams formed.

It was good to see the kids having fun with their friends! Thank you to the managers of each team, and especially those who took on teams that were formed in just the few days. Also, a big thank you to the youths who have put their hands up to referee again. You make the afternoons run smoothly and it is hoped that you will gain further experience and confidence from this.

Sian Reardon was celebrated as the Club Person of the Year.
Casey Calligaro and Oscar Licciardello were congratulated as the Junior Club Persons of the Year.
Maddison Taylor was the recipient of the Taylah Pearson Memorial Trophy.
Celebrated as the Women’s Player of the Year was Sian Reardon.
The Men’s Player of the Year was Ryan Scodellaro.
Wayne Kolb and Joshua Valle were presented with the Presidents Medal.

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Saturday 19th of October 1.00pm to 5.00pm ( Patrol Group D ) Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Zac dale, Parker Bonato, Richard Dale, Bella Lawry, William Holt, Sharli Archibald, Danica Archibald, Lisa Vivian, Kristy Wasmuth, Briella Wassmuth.
Sunday 20th of October  9.00am to 5.00pm ( All Day Patrol Group E ) John Moloney, Anne Moloney, Tony Felesina, Bella Moloney, Jane Jones, Gavin Jones, Sophia Moloney, Alissia Gibson, Billy Gibson, Danni Coughlin.

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Over the weekend, the Ayr Surf Club headed north to Forrest Beach, near Ingham, to undertake the second carnival of the North Barrier Branch competition season.

Despite a smaller than usual cohort of competitors, there were some absolutely brilliant individual and team efforts throughout the two days of competition, and it was fantastic to see some of the club's newer members pushing themselves to take on the challenging Ironperson event. 

Club Junior Activities Co-ordinator Kellie Lawry reported that she was extremely proud of all members and enjoyed watching such good sportsmanship and comradery displayed by all competitors over the weekend.

Seeing the nippers forming friendships and engaging positively with members from the other clubs, is so great to see, and where members make friendships for life.

She reported that it was a big two days with some challenging conditions, and it was very rewarding to see members tackling the tricky conditions with skill and determination and never giving up.

Next up on the competition carnival is the North Australian Championships to be held in Mackay in a couple of weeks, which will see competitors converge from the majority of the northern half of the State and will be a real test for our local competitors.

Contributed with thanks to Kellie Lawry.

Quinn Pontifex in Under 8 Female wade race
Alyssa Irvine catching a wave in U12 Female Ironperson
Alexandra Moloney, Taylor Chapman & Charlotte Dale following U11 Female Board Race
Ross Rickards & Chris Wicks in Masters Male Flags
U13 Board Relay Team - Emilee Wassmuth, Cole Pontifex, Charlotte Lawry
Zachary Dale in All Age Relay
Photos supplied

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The 2024 Country Swimming Championships took place in Darwin from 27 to 30 September, with the Burdekin Swimming Club proudly represented by Millie Lyne, accompanied by her dedicated coaches, Kim and Mick McConnachie. The event brought together 51 clubs from across regional Australia, with 334 swimmers competing for medals and striving for personal bests.

Millie’s hard work over the winter months paid off, as she achieved three personal best times and earned a place on the podium in three events. She placed second in both the 100m Breaststroke and 50m Butterfly for 14-year-old girls. However, her standout moment was winning the 50m Breaststroke with a personal best time of 34.72 seconds, the fastest female time across all age groups at the event.

Millie expressed her gratitude to the Burdekin Swimming Club for their support and to her coaches for their commitment and effort, including traveling to Darwin for the competition.

The Burdekin Swimming Club is now back in action at the Ayr pool, with Club nights held every Wednesday. For more information, visit their Facebook page and enjoy a fun family night out.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Lyne.

Millie Lyne racing to the finish at the 2024 Country Swimming Championships.
Hard work pays off! Millie celebrating her well earned place on the podium.
Millie diving into one of her many races at last month's Championships.
Millie alongside her dedicated coaches, Kim and Mick McConnachie.

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The 2024/25 Senior Cricket season at Home Hill Cricket kicked off in style on Saturday 12 October with four teams taking the field. It was a family affair, with fathers and sons playing together for the Rookies, Alliance Pharmacy, and Crowned Mongrels.

On Barry Richards Field, the Rookies faced off against Crowned Mongrels in a tightly contested match. Despite a standout performance by Dan Olditch, who scored 45 runs from 48 balls, the Rookies fell just short as Crowned Mongrels clinched victory in the final over. The Mongrels finished 6/137, narrowly edging out the Rookies' 6/131.

Meanwhile, on Field 2, Alliance Pharmacy posted a competitive 5/130, thanks to opener Lee Watts, who retired not out after scoring 50 runs from 58 balls. Peto's Marine put up a strong reply, led by Andy Ballin’s unbeaten 50 from 36 balls, and secured the win with a total of 6/151.

Next Saturday, 19 October, the Round 1 winners, Peto's Marine and Crowned Mongrels, will battle it out on Barry Richards Field from 1p.m., while Alliance Pharmacy takes on the Rookies on Field 2.

To register and join a team, visit www.PlayHQ.com and search for "Home Hill."

Contributed with thanks to Home Hill Cricket Association Secretary, Tiffany.

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Crowned Mongrels were father and son duo Aiden and Joe Marano.
Three generations playing for the Rookies; Leo, Chris and Dan Olditch.
Alliance Pharmacy Family, JD, Alf and Travis Wilkins.
Father and son teams kicked off the Home Hill Cricket Association’s senior season last weekend.

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This week saw the return of junior cricketers to the fields as the Home Hill Cricket Association launched the 2024/25 season. Players of all ages took to the pitch, from the smallest rookies to the more experienced juniors.

Junior cricket sessions are open to children aged 5 and up. The "Rookies" (5-7-year-olds) meet on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30p.m. at East Ayr State School, while the "Challengers" (8-10-year-olds) and Juniors (Under 11s and older) play on Friday afternoons at the Home Hill Cricket fields from 4:00p.m. Boys and girls of all experience levels are welcome to join the fun, even if they are new to the sport.

To register and join a team, visit www.PlayHQ.com and search for "Home Hill."

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Contributed with thanks to Home Hill Cricket Association Secretary, Tiffany.

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An awesome turn out, plenty of junior cricketers took the field last week.
Juniors are invited to come along and join the cricketing fun by registering at www.PlayHQ.com.
The Home Hill Cricket Association hosted a week of action, cane fires, and talented young cricketers!

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Junior golf at the Ayr Golf Club made an exciting return this term, kicking off with the September Monthly Medal event. It was fantastic to see a great number of new kids take the course with the Club sharing a warm welcome to all their new members!

In the 3-hole competition, Opie McKeough claimed the Monthly Medal, while newcomer Tyler Smith had an outstanding performance, securing the Gross Winner title, Least Putts, and Longest Putt with a remarkable gross score of 18.

For the 6-hole event, Sam Heatly emerged as the Monthly Medal winner with a -1 Nett score and also took out Least Putts. Evelyn Mahoney was named Gross Winner, while Celine Bain earned Nearest to Pin honors. Congratulations to Celine for her impressive move up to 6 holes this week!

Kyle Wilkie claimed victory in the 9-hole Monthly Medal, while Amaya Mahoney won Gross. Amaya also took Nearest to Pin and tied with Gabby Cahill for Least Putts.

A reminder that the Karrie Webb Junior Championships are set for the 26 and 27 October. If you’d like to nominate your child, please email juniorcaptain@ayrgc.com.au before nominations close on the 21 October.

Contributed with thanks to Kristina Patane Land.

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The victorious winners of September Monthly Medal with presenters Rheanna Bain and Amaya Mahoney. 

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This Sunday, 20 October will host a showdown like never before with the Home Hill Harvest Festival’s Town of Origin event!

Compeitive and dedicated teams from Ayr and Home Hill have been busily gearing up for the much-loved event which will run from 1pm to 6pm at Home Hill High School.

An annual clash, the event celebrates the friendly rivalry between the two towns, with exciting matchups in cricket, netball, and rugby. But there’s more to this event than just the competition - it’s a true community celebration.

Alongside the action-packed sports, there’s a fantastic lineup of family-friendly activities to ensure everyone has a great afternoon, with the Home Hill Community Kindergarten set to run a tuckshop serving delicious food and refreshments throughout the day.

For the little ones, a petting zoo will be available, and there will be a special kids' event during the rugby half-time. Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Burdekin Cruisers Car Club, which will be showcasing a stunning array of vehicles.

Whether you’re cheering for your team or enjoying the many activities, the 2024 Town of Origin is set to be a memorable day of fun and local pride. Come along this Sunday for a fantastic celebration of sport, family, and community, proudly brought to you by the Home Hill Harvest Festival Committee!

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Never a dull moment, this Sunday will host an action packed Town of Origin event as part of the Home Hill Harvest Festival. Photo supplied

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