Canefield Ashes Brings Burdekin To Life

The Burdekin’s flagship cricket tournament of the year returned over the weekend, with this year’s Canefield Ashes living up to its reputation as a high-scoring, big-hitting community affair. The tournament welcomed 40 teams from across north Queensland to the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March, with long-time participants Evolution ultimately claiming A Grade victory after three days of action. Held in honour of the late Eugene Pagotto, the carnival culminated in a ceremony where Ren’s Million Dollar Mission and the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation received donations of $1,000 and $2,000 respectively. More Than Just A Tournament A weekend of cricket with a strong community focus The Canefield Ashes returned to the Burdekin over the weekend, bringing together 40 teams for three days of community cricket at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex. As well as a competitive affair, Home Hill Cricket Association (HHCA) Secretary Tiffany Olditch said the tournament was a celebration of community. “There's always a good, competitive spirit here,” she said. “We have the most fantastic teams, everyone gets along really well, and every game is played with the best of intentions and spirit of cricket. “There’s a lot of crazy stuff going on in the world at the moment, so it’s great for people to have the opportunity to let their hair down, have fun and enjoy it for the weekend.” Off the ovals, the HHCA made hallmark pledges to two cancer-related charities—a $1,000 donation to Ren Pedersen’s Million Dollar Mission, and a $2,000 donation to the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, represented by Burdekin local Lawrence Polga. Olditch said supporting local charities was an important part of the event each year, with around $68,000 donated since the tournament's inception 22 years ago. “To be able to give something back to the cancer community and those cancer charities is something we really do enjoy,” she said. “There are a lot of people in all our lives that have been affected by cancer, so it’s great that we can give something back and help local families in this fight against the horrible scourge that is cancer.” The recipients were presented with cheques at the closing ceremony, which also recognised the weekend’s standout performers. In A Grade, Evolution were crowned champions, with Bumbos XI finishing as runners-up and Brendan Eaton (Evolution) named Player of the Carnival. B Grade honours went to Horny Bulls, who defeated Honeycombes JD in the decider, while Andrew Wallwork (Clout & Out) was named Player of the Carnival. C Grade was won by Moore’s Marauders, with Nomads finishing second and Zac Cannon (WWW) taking out Player of the Carnival. In the Social Grade, Zookickers lifted the title over Dirty Diggers, with Reece McCubben recognised as Player of the Carnival. Olditch called the tournament another success, grateful for the support from the local cricket community. “The carnival keeps our club afloat,” she said. “We’ve got some teams who’ve been competing for 20 years. It’s fantastic that we get that ongoing support from the cricket community.”