Friday Junior Touch for boys and girls aged four to 12 will commence next week, with sign-on taking place on 9th October at the Touch fields from 5.30pm.

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Players will take part in skills, drills and games throughout the six-week season.

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The season will conclude with a Fast Four carnival on 14th November, featuring boys’ and girls’ U10, U12, U14 and U16 divisions.

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Junior co-ordinators are seeking assistance from senior Touch players to help conduct the sessions from 5.30pm to 6pm each Friday.

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Anyone who can help is asked to contact Rebecca on 0400 705 205 or Peter on 0437 710 500.

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Event 3- 20 Target Pointscore Club Trophy Sponsored by Suds Automotive: Sponsor Klyde Turner, Tony Caruso, David Stitt, Toni Scott, Blake Heffernan, Sponsor Ashton Turner & there 3 beautiful children.

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Burdekin Clay Target Club held a monthly shoot on Sunday 13^th September, with 39 shooters attending. The day was beautiful; the sun was shining with a slight breeze in the air, which made conditions perfect. Thank you to our sponsors for the day Suds Automotive & Home Hill Engineering. Thank you to Lui Populin for the donating the meat trays for the raffle. Our next shoot will be on Sunday 11^th October. 

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Event 1-20 Target Double Barrel Continental 15m

AA Grade 1^st Aaron Lemphers & Michael Zabala 20/20, 3^rd Lindsay Groat 19/20

A Grade 1^st Joe (Jnr) Sebastiani & David Stitt 19/20

B Grade 1^st Glenn Clarke 19/20, 2^nd Alexnader Parker, John Kinnomonth & Giovanni Celona 18/20

C Grade 1^st Murray Gavan & Brett Paton 18/20, 3^rd Blake Heffernan 17/20

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Event 2- 20 Target Single Barrel Club Trophy

AA Grade 1^st Marius Venter 23/24

A Grade 1^st Glen Rea 23/23

B Grade 1^st Giovanni Cerlona 16/20

C Grade 1^st Allan Parker 17/24

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Event 3- 20 Target Pointscore Club Trophy Sponsored by Suds Automotive

AA Grade 1^st Tony Caruso 87/93

A Grade 1^st Davis Stitt 60/60

B Grade 1^st Toni Scott 57/60

C Grade 1^st Blake Heffernan 52/60

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Event 4- 25 Target Double Barrel Handicap

Open 1^st Wayne Cislowski 36/39

2^nd Aaron Lemphers 35/39

3^rd Michael Zabala 38/41

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Event 5- 25 Target Mixed Target Championship 15m Sponsored by Home Hill Engineering

Open 1^st Aaron Lemphers 34/35

AA Grade 1^st Aaron Lemphers 34/35

A Grade 1^st Wayne Cislowski 31/35

B Grade 1^st Alexander Parker 32/35

C Grade 1^st Blake Heffernan 32/35

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Contributed by the Burdekin Clay Target Club

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Rink 4 was drawn as the lucky rink, with Katerina, Robb Darr and Joe Linton taking home the prize money. Photo supplied

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Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Home Hill Bowls Club welcomed visitors from across North Queensland and the Burdekin for Thursday afternoon’s social bowls.

Among the visitors were Steve and Menna Fuller from Mossman Bowls Club in Far North Queensland, along with Janette and John McDonald from Ayr and Rino Lazzarini from Brandon.

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A total of 23 players took to the greens on a breezy but beautiful spring afternoon, with three games of triples and one game of pairs played.

On Rink 4, Katerina, Robb Darr and Joe Linton defeated Bob Young, Mick Olsen, Ron Smith and Steve Fuller.

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Rink 5 saw Rino Lazzarini, Les Hoey and Mick McClosky claim a narrow win over Jeanette McDonald, Gary Nosworthy and Bones Berryman.

On Rink 6, Steve Doig, Bruce McCallum and Alex Bojack recorded a convincing win over Janet Arthur, Dino Poli and Hugh Montgomery.

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Terry Feakes and John McDonald defeated Paul Vass and Trevor Elton on Rink 7.

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Rink 4 was drawn as the lucky rink, with Katerina, Robb Darr and Joe Linton taking home the prize money.

The meat tray raffle was won by Ron Smith, while Robb Darr claimed the second prize of a bottle of wine.

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The club's weekly activities include the fitness group on Monday morning, Trimmers on Tuesday, the Kraft group and barefoot bowls at 6pm on Wednesday, and bingo and social bowls on Thursday.

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Social bowls are also held on Saturday.

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Bella Lawry, Briella Wassmuth & Ryley Sartori at YEP Photos supplied

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Contributed by Ayr SLSC

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Ayr lifesavers have hit the ground running, with the official patrolling season kicking off across Queensland on Saturday and 30 club competitors heading to Magnetic Island for a weekend carnival.

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The raising of the iconic red and yellow flags marked the start of the season, with Ayr SLSC’s patrolling members returning to Alva Beach to protect the community through to May.

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The club also had three youth members—Ryley Sartori, Bella Lawry and Briella Wassmuth—travel to Brisbane to attend the SLSQ Youth Excellence Program (YEP).

YEP provides an opportunity for youth members to experience the many different elements of lifesaving and is designed to build confidence and leadership skills in an enjoyable and stimulating environment.

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It also aims to introduce participants to the more formal and responsible roles within Surf Life Saving, including patrol captaincy, the responsibilities of various positions and future pathways.

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The three young women had an amazing weekend interacting with their peers from across Queensland and are looking forward to bringing their new knowledge back to the club and community.

The weekend also saw 30 competitors head to Magnetic Island to attend the Arcadian SLSC carnival at Alma Bay.

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Ayr members tackled the surf and sand over two days, competing in individual and team events against more than 200 competitors from across the Branch.

Competitors, both young and experienced, demonstrated determination and skill across all events, bringing home excellent results and numerous podium finishes.

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The team camaraderie was heartwarming, with senior members cheering on the juniors and fostering enthusiasm and encouragement. The younger members also enjoyed seeing experienced competitors continuing to be part of the close-knit team.

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The carnival culminates in a Branch-run camp for youth members to gain their Surf Rescue Certificates and Bronze Medallions, with Ayr SLSC looking forward to boosting its patrolling ranks with seven members attending over the next week.

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Not a good final weekend of the season for the Panthers. The Premier and Reserves both played Brothers in Grand Finals and unfortunately lost both of them. In the afternoon match the Reserves lost 0-2 and in the evening the Premiers lost 1-3. And that is effectively the end of the season, except for the Colts who play Edge Hill Utd in the Crad Evans Trophy in Cairns on Sunday.  

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Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club

After an incredible finals run, the Panthers headed into the Grand Final against a Brothers side we had been unable to beat throughout the season. The opening half was an even affair, with both sides battling for control in what was always going to be a physical contest. Neither team was able to find the breakthrough, sending the game into half time locked at 0–0.

Brothers struck early in the second half to take a 1–0 lead and leave Burdekin chasing the game. The Panthers continued to fight and were eventually rewarded when, with ten minutes remaining, Antoine scored an equaliser to set up a huge finish.

With the game looking destined for extra time, Brothers found a decisive goal with just two minutes remaining to regain the lead and then quickly added a third goal.

Despite pushing until the final whistle, there was no way back, with Brothers claiming the Grand Final 3–1. A heartbreaking way to finish the season, but a huge effort from the group to fight their way through the finals and come within minutes of taking the Grand Final to extra time.

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Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service

A special day for the Burdekin with both Reserves and Premiers contesting Grand Finals. The Reserve game was always going to be a good contest as previous encounters this year with Brothers had shown that the Panthers could match them.

It was quite a windy start slightly favouring Brothers. A large portion of the first half was spent defensively but despite that there were several good chances created that didn’t result in goals. Both teams had opportunities, but it remained nil all at half time.

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Despite the even score the Panthers were confident of victory and resumed the second half with renewed effort. Burdekin went through a good patch of dominance and had more chances to score and really should have had a lead by halfway through the second half, but the first goal could just not be found.

The pace and energy of the game was taking its toll on both sides, and the contest was destined to go to extra time. As an additional challenge the Panthers were reduced to ten men with a Red After an incredible finals run, the Panthers headed into the Grand Final against a Brothers side we had been unable to beat throughout the season.

The opening half was an even affair, with both sides battling for control in what was always going to be a physical contest. Neither team was able to find the breakthrough, sending the game into half time locked at 0–0.

Brothers struck early in the second half to take a 1–0 lead and leave Burdekin chasing the game. A heartbreaking way to finish the season, but a huge effort from the group to fight their way through to the finals and come within minutes of taking the Grand Final to extra time. Despite this the team kept fighting and making chances.

Extra time had about five minutes left before Brothers with a quick counter that created a one-on-one with the keeper and scored. This didn’t stop the effort and determination of Burdekin and they pushed harder.

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An altercation resulted in another Red Card, and the Panthers were playing the last few minutes with nine men. Even with this, the team pushed and in the last minute of extra time Oscar Licciardello scored with a header in a goal mouth scramble.

The Burdekin supporters went into a frenzy, but it was ended with the linesman raising the flag for a dubious offside call. Ecstasy was replaced with despair and the game was lost.

Then with the game going into injury time Brothers broke away and scored a second goal. The Reserves team gave their all and should be rightly proud of their performance and their season. It was a mighty effort without the final reward.

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Colts – Astute Finance

The Burdekin Colts, as Minor Premiers now travel to Cairns on Sunday to play Edge Hill Utd  in the Crad Evans Trophy.

Quote the of the Week is from Dutch Star Yohan Cruyff on signing for Barcelona “For the next three years I am not a man, I am not a footballer, I am an Industry”.

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Saturday 26/9 - 1pm-5pm - Group E - John Moloney PC, Anne Moloney PC, Sophia Moloney, Tony Felisina, Jimmy Hayllor and Carl List

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Sunday AM 27/9 - 9am-1pm - Group A - Tramayne Horan PC,  Jarrod Rossato PC, Zachary Dale, Stephanie Dale and Warne McShane 

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Sunday PM 27/9 1-5pm - Group G - Kristy Wassmuth PC, Briella Wassmuth, Emilee Wassmuth, Chris Wicks PC, Jane Olsen and Mia Wicks

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Local supporters also had plenty to cheer about in the ATV Open, with Burdekin rider Len Quagliata (pictured) claiming the Australian championship Photo credit: Peter Campbell and Epic Pics

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Contributed with thanks by Ayr Motorcycle Club

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Ayr Motorcycle Club has celebrated a hugely successful weekend after thousands of spectators flocked to Brandon Sports Reserve for the 2026 JR’s Motorcycle & Suspension Specialists Australian Track Championships.

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Held over Saturday and Sunday, the championships attracted riders and supporters from across Australia, with competitors travelling from as far away as Victoria to battle for national honours.

The two-day event delivered plenty of high-speed racing and close competition, while the large crowds created an electric atmosphere around the track.

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One of the standout performances of the weekend came from Neiko Donovan (#177), who took an impressive three Australian championship titles.

Donovan dominated the Pro 250, MX Open and Pro 450 classes, establishing himself as one of the stars of the championships.

In Pro 250, Donovan finished ahead of Paolo-D’Amato Barbaro (#728) and Dan Garard (#964).

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He then claimed the MX Open title ahead of Brayden Bradford and Cooper Andersen (#61).

Donovan completed his championship treble in Pro 450, with Lucas Quinn (#144) taking second and Damien Koppe (#560) third.

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The Pro Open Women championship was won by Latiya Hyde (#207), with Mia Blackford (#309) second and Burdekin local Claire Day (#48) taking an impressive third place.

Local supporters also had plenty to cheer about in the ATV Open, with Burdekin rider Len Quagliata (#25) claiming the Australian championship.

Quagliata finished ahead of Peter Ready (#88) and Gerard Land (#68) to take the national title on home soil.

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The Sidecar championship was won by Matthew Davies and Wayne O’Meley (#414), followed by Cameron O’Meley and Seth Horrocks (#341) in second and Darren Fien and Shaun Fien (#49) in third.

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The action wasn't limited to the championship classes, with the support classes also producing some impressive racing and plenty of local success.

A number of Burdekin riders took to the podium across the support categories, giving the home crowd plenty more to cheer about throughout the weekend.

Away from the racing, the Ayr Motorcycle Club created a full weekend of entertainment for competitors, families and spectators.

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The club canteen opened early, serving breakfast and food throughout the weekend, while JR’s Bar and live music on Saturday afternoon added to the atmosphere.

The event also provided a significant boost to the wider Burdekin, with visitors travelling into the region for the championships and local businesses and organisations getting behind the major sporting event.

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Behind the scenes, the weekend was the result of months of preparation and a huge effort from Ayr Motorcycle Club members and volunteers, who worked to prepare the track, facilities and event operations.

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The support of local sponsors, businesses and the wider community was also an important part of bringing a national championship to Ayr.

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Ayr Motorcycle Club President Karl Vass said the success of the championships was a credit to everyone involved.

“We couldn’t have put on an event of this size without the incredible support we received," he said.

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“A huge thank you to all of our sponsors, particularly our major sponsor, JR’s Motorcycles, for their incredible support of the championships. We also want to acknowledge our committee for the countless hours they put in behind the scenes, and every club member and volunteer who gave up their time to help make the weekend such a success.

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“There is a massive amount of work that goes into hosting an Australian Championship, and it really is a team effort. To see thousands of people through the gates, riders travelling from all over Australia and so many people enjoying the weekend made all the hard work worthwhile.”

With thousands of spectators attending across the two days, riders travelling from interstate, national titles going to local competitors and numerous Burdekin riders reaching the podium in the support classes, the weekend proved a significant success for Ayr Motorcycle Club.

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For the Burdekin, it was a chance to showcase the region on a national stage—and for the Ayr Motorcycle Club, a weekend that demonstrated what can be achieved when a club and its community come together.

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Dan Olditch produced a match-winning 60 off 49*, striking six fours and a six Photos supplied

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Contributed by Home Hill Cricket Association

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Home Hill’s senior sides enjoyed a strong weekend, with Second and Fourth Grade recording convincing wins while Third Grade fell just short against Suburban Parks.

Home Hill Pengelly Cabinets cruised to a dominant Second Grade win at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex, rolling Wests for 48 before calmly chasing the target for a 2/49 victory.

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Relentless bowling set the tone from ball one. Aaron Mckeown removed both openers to have Wests 2/1, and the pressure never let up. Wickets were shared around—Lachlan Altmann, Mark Nosworthy and Alex Stillhard all struck—before Al Wilkins finished the innings with three late scalps. Tight lines, steady maidens and sharp catching made it a complete team effort.

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The chase was straightforward. Brad Parravicini anchored with 24*, Nosworthy added 11*, and Home Hill wrapped it up clinically with only two wickets down to reach the total.

Home Hill ML Partners chased down Northern Beaches’ Fourth Grade total of 6/188 with six wickets in hand—and the story of the day was composure, depth and a captain’s spell that ripped the heart out of Northern Beaches’ innings.

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Northern Beaches got off to a flyer thanks to a brutal top-order stand of 123 runs before the first wicket fell. Home Hill needed a breakthrough—and they got it. Travis Butler delivered a captain’s spell for the ages: six overs, one maiden, 34 runs and four wickets, triggering a collapse from 1/181 to 6/187.

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Home Hill approached the chase with patience, building partnerships and refusing to panic. Alexander Romeo started with a brisk 38 before Andrew Wallwork smashed 57 off 60, and Dan Olditch produced a match-winning 60 off 49*, striking six fours and a six. The chase was sealed with overs to spare, with Home Hill winning the match 4/197.

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Home Hill Evergreen Sheds fought hard in Third Grade but couldn’t quite defend their total, with Suburban Parks finishing strongly to claim the points.

Home Hill posted 111 from 29.5 overs, built around a sharp, positive start from Simon Vickers, who cracked 31 from 19 balls. Contributions from Laurence Zappa (23) and Bharath Velpula (14) helped steady things, but regular wickets kept Home Hill from pushing the total higher.

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Suburban Parks began their chase confidently, reaching 75 before the first breakthrough. Home Hill’s bowlers worked hard, with Rohit Kondeti, Simon Vickers, Roopesh Krishnan and Darren O’Keeffe all taking wickets as the innings progressed. Fielders backed them up with some sharp catching.

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Despite the pressure, Suburban Parks kept the scoreboard moving and passed the target with wickets in hand, then continued batting on to finish at 7/161, securing a three-wicket win.

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CAPTIONS:

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2—Travis Butler delivered a captain’s spell for the ages: six overs, one maiden, 34 runs and four wickets, triggering a collapse from 1/181 to 6/187. Photos supplied

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Home Hill junior cricketer Mazlyn Smith has capped off a busy off-season, earning selection in the North Queensland Schoolgirls Under‑12 team Photos: Kristy Smith

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Contributed by Home Hill Cricket Association

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Home Hill junior cricketer Mazlyn Smith has capped off a busy off-season, earning selection in the North Queensland Schoolgirls Under‑12 team after impressing at regional trials to make the squad of 12 players. The team was selected from around 30 girls from across North Queensland, from Cairns and Atherton down to Proserpine.

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Mazlyn travelled to the 10–12 Years Schoolgirls Cricket State Championships on the Sunshine Coast last week, where she took part in a demanding schedule of seven T20 matches. Despite the tough competition, NQ secured two wins, and Mazlyn made her mark with a standout bowling performance.

She claimed six wickets across the carnival—four bowled, one lbw, and one caught—finishing as the third‑best bowler in her NQ side and 33rd overall out of 119 players. Her personal highlight came against the team that ultimately won the championship, when she snared two wickets in two balls, a moment she’ll remember for a long time.

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Mazlyn’s impact wasn’t limited to the ball. Her energy, athleticism and commitment in the field earned her special recognition from the NQ coaching staff, who presented her with the Best Fielder Award. Coaches praised her ability to cut off boundaries, her safe hands, strong throwing arm, and her constant positive talk that lifted teammates throughout the tournament.

Off the field, Mazlyn made new friends from across Queensland, adding to the experience of her first ever cricket carnival—a milestone she embraced with enthusiasm and maturity.

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With a successful debut at state level now behind her, Mazlyn is already eager for the next opportunity. Her selection and performances signal a bright future for one of Home Hill’s rising cricket talents.

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Burdekin local Jorja Ahern was one of 33 young motorsport enthusiasts chosen to partake in Motorsport Australia’s ‘Girls on Track Pathways Program’ in Melbourne earlier this month. Photos supplied: Tracey Ahern

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Burdekin local Jorja Ahern was one of 33 young motorsport enthusiasts chosen to partake in Motorsport Australia’s ‘Girls on Track Pathways Program’ in Melbourne earlier this month.

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The single-day event on 3rd September gave participants—aged between 15 and 22—an inside look at Walkinshaw TWG Racing’s headquarters, lifting the roller door on the career opportunities available within the motorsport industry.

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With limited spots in the program and an explicit preference for Victorian-based applicants, Jorja said she was “surprised” yet “excited” when her acceptance email came through during class.

“I was so excited and I was emailing my mum to tell her that I got in. She was as surprised as I was,” she said.

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“But overall I was very excited and grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program.”

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Jorja travelled with family down to the Victorian capital, where she and her program peers took part in interactive workshops led by Walkinshaw TWG Racing staff across departments including Corporate Hospitality and Events, Commercial (Partnerships and Media), Engineering, Driving, and Mechanics and Preparation.

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Jorja took particular interest in the engineering department, where she said she learnt about elements of the role that she “didn't know about before.”

“It opened my eyes to the different opportunities and possibilities that are available in the industry and really helped me to nail down the type of engineering that I dream of doing when I am older,” she said.

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“I also got some insight into what each of the different engineers in the team do, so that also helped me to see where my interests lie and what career path would be best suited to me.”

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Jorja said meeting the women who had done it before her was perhaps the most meaningful aspect of the experience.

She pointed to a particular Walkinshaw fabricator hailing from rural Queensland as the most inspiring.

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“She just proves that girls in small towns can chase their dreams and achieve them too,” Jorja said, also relishing the opportunity to interact with her program peers.

“Being around likeminded girls who have the same dream of working in the industry was so cool and I made a lot of new friends from the program,” she said.

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“It was so good to talk to them as well because they have the same interests in Supercars and F1 so we all really connected and got on well.”

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Jorja’s Melbourne visit comes months after a once-in-a-lifetime Supercars paddock experience, serving as a scrutineer at the Townsville 500 in July.

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The long-time motorsport enthusiast hopes to eventually study mechanical engineering at university before pursuing an engineering role at “any motorsport team—whether Supercars or F1.”

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After three decades trying, Tramayne has earned her first Australian Emus Touch Football call-up. Photo supplied

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“When I saw that my coach was calling, I knew I had to sit down for either the good news or the bad news,” recalls touch football stalwart Tramayne Horan.

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The mother of two had been lacing up the boots for 33 years before that phone call in July—yet a national call-up had always eluded her.

By the time she hung up the phone, she had broken the duck.

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Tramayne will don green and gold for the first time at next month’s Asia Pacific Seniors Touch Cup (APSTC) in Japan, where she’ll represent the Australian Emus Touch Football Women’s 40s squad.

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The Ayr State High School teacher was named in a squad of 16—selected from a broader pool of 30—that will take on teams from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Tramayne, one of 63 debutants across Australian teams, said it was “pure elation and gratitude” upon learning of her selection to the squad.

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“I felt fit and I felt fast but I didn’t have the game knowledge and the experience that some of the other women had, so it was 50-50,” she said.

“I just never really thought [my call-up] would happen this late in life.”

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Tramayne was just 13 when she first took up the sport. Two years later, she was already a shadow member of the Queensland state team.

She went on to represent the Wide Bay district, Central Queensland Bulls and North Queensland Cyclones before playing for clubs in Brisbane and the Gold Coast while studying.

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The experienced utility has since landed at Brothers A Grade Women’s in Townsville, earning selection in the Queensland Women’s 40s State of Origin team last year.

Now set to go one better, Tramayne said she heads to Japan with a “clear mind,” eager to showcase her trademark agility, acceleration and communication skills.

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She said "playing brave” will give her and her team the best chance of success.

“I know it might seem cliché—saying to be brave,” she said.

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“But it’s for tactical reason that if our players make brave decisions and commit to them in both attack and defence, it allows the rest of the team time to make early decisions or moves off the back of that.”

With the women’s regular season done and dusted, Tramayne plans to work out at home and play in local competitions in preparation for the tournament.

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She admitted that finding the motivation to train individually was challenging, with two active sons another element to juggle.

While she said it was “tricky” playing football away from them multiple times a year—often interstate—her supportive family and partner Jarrod help to “balance out” her commitments.

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Tramayne hopes her athletic achievements can help inspire her boys and other young aspirants.

“No matter your geographical location, anyone with enough determination can make it,” she said.

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U15 Roosters, sponsored by Laser Electrical Ayr. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by BJRL

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The Burdekin Roosters Under 15s have finished their 2026 season as Tier 2 Premiers after defeating the Herbert River Crushers 22-16 in Saturday’s Grand Final.

Coached by Mark Watson, the Under 15s have had a monumental season, with Saturday’s Grand Final win “the perfect reward for the hard work the team has put in throughout the year,” according to a club spokesperson.

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The Grand Final was a tight contest from start to finish, with both sides crossing for four tries each. In the end, it was the Roosters’ conversions that proved the difference, with Perry Munro slotting three from four to help Burdekin secure the victory.

Colten Lyne, Mason Pavone, Riley Piva and Kashdyn Nash all crossed the line for the Roosters.

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Mason Pavone capped off a big performance by being named Player of the Grand Final.

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The spokesperson called the 22-16 victory a “great reward for a team that has shown plenty throughout the season.”

“The Burdekin Roosters are incredibly proud of this playing group and everything they have achieved throughout the 2026 season,” a club spokesperson said.

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“To finish the year as Tier 2 Premiers is a fantastic achievement and a credit to the players, Coach Mark Watson and everyone who has supported the team along the way. What a way to finish the season!”

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Contributed with thanks by Brian Carnes

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The Burdekin Roosters had a mixed weekend in Grand Finals, with the Under 15s winning their Grand Final on Saturday over Herbert River by 22 to 16.

Coached by Mark Watson, the team scored four tries through Colten Lynne, Mason Pavone, Riley Piva and Kashydn Nash, with Perry Munro kicking three from four.

The River actually score four tries, but their kicker was off-line, missing all four conversions.

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For the River, Johmanly Bann scored three tries.

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The Little Roosters finished fourth on the ladder behind Herbert River, Charters Towers and Brothers Blue.

The Roosters Under 19 team on Sunday gave their supporters plenty of hope when they went out to score two early tries and lead 12-nil.

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Before the break, though, Brothers started to use their much bigger pack to advantage, scoring three tries to have the scores level at half-time, 14-all.

The second half was level pegging, with Brothers using their giant forwards to advantage.

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The young Burdekin boys tried to match the Brethren up the middle.

This did not work, with the home team scoring a converted try to lead 20-14.

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The Roosters went close to scoring on a couple of occasions, but last-minute panic passing let them down.

Brothers added another try in the last minute to win by 24-14.

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Jacob Drain, the captain and fullback, was safe in defence and brought the ball back well, while centre Kobe Geia was one of the better players on the ground.

Halfback Chad Fraser had a good one and showed why he was voted RLT D Under 19 Player of the Year.

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In the forwards, Laylan Lampton was well rewarded with a try for his efforts, with hooker Jack Power trying his heart out.

Tyce Cursio was another who gave his all, as did Mason Kiehne.

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For the Roosters, Leylan Lampton and Kobe Geia scored tries, with Kobe kicking three goals.

Coach Alf Cantarella said it was a tough game.

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“Even though the whole team gave it their all and did the Burdekin Roosters proud, the two players who stood out for me were Tyce Cursio and Kobe Geia.”

Souths scored their third A Grade Grand Final win in a row when they fought back from 16-nil down to beat Centrals 23 to 16.

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Centrals were first into the Grand Final, beating Souths in the major semi, with the Redmen having to beat Western Lions last week to be at the big dance.

The match was tough from the outset, with one from each team binned after 24 minutes of the second session.

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Souths scored four tries to three, with half Kyle Laybutt kicking three from four plus a field goal.

Isreal Osae, Jordan Remfrey, Bruce Baudu and Patrick Gallon scored tries for Souths, with Centrals’ tries coming from Brodie Pritchard (2) and Joseph Currie.

Riley Carbone kicked two from four for the Tigers, who are coached by former Burdekin boy Matt Bonanno.

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When Burdekin could not field a ladies team, several players went to other clubs this season.

That paid off for the Monday twins, Stephanie and Martina, who went to Western Lions.

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The Lions beat Centrals in the Final by 26 to 12, with Martina and Stephanie both scoring tries.

Charnelle Aokupu, Kaionto Ross and Theofilia Mosby also scored tries, with Angela Solomon kicking 3/5.

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For Centrals, tries came from Rasharne Prior, Jordi Mahandarah and Mia Pashley, with no goals kicked.

It was a big week for Martina Monday, winning her second Grand Final in seven days, previously taking on the Premier League title in Townsville as a member of the Neptunes netball team.

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Western Lions scored seven tries to four to win by 38 to 20.

Jack Nosworthy scored a try and kicked five from seven for the Lions, helped by Aaron Obrien, Daniel Downer, Silas Bourke and Dylan Newton with tries.

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Jason Mosby had a big one for Souths, scoring three tries and kicking 2 from 4.

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Joel Tiaaga also scored.

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Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club volunteers will return to the beach this weekend. Photo supplied.

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Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club volunteers will return to the beach this weekend, with the official patrolling season beginning on Saturday 19th of September.

With a long, hot summer predicted, lifesavers across Queensland are preparing for another busy season.

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The club is reminding swimmers to use patrolled beaches, swim between the flags and speak to a surf lifesaver if they are uncertain about conditions.

Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club has also partnered with First in Physio to recognise the efforts of its patrolling members, with the new ‘First in Physio Patrol Member of the Month’ award to recognise one hard-working member each month.

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The club thanked Pat and the First in Physio team for their generous sponsorship of the award.

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This weekend’s patrol roster:

Saturday 19/9 1pm-5pm - Group B - Terry Lund PC, Heather Scott PC, Anita Giddy, James Kennedy, Shane Morgan and Ross Blakey

Sunday 20-9 9am-5pm - Group F - Lisa Furnell PC, Jen Morgan PC, John Furnell, Josh Furnell, Jo Morgan, Jan Hatherell and Gabriel Hatherell

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The Burdekin Colts Under 18s capped off an extraordinary season in dramatic fashion, overcoming the Warriors in a thrilling Grand Final to claim the premiership and complete an undefeated campaign. Photo supplied

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The Panthers had three matches over the weekend as part of the Finals series. The Premiers and Reserves both played in Preliminary Finals, and the Colts played in their Grand Final. In a very good weekend, all three teams won. On Friday night, the Colts beat Warriors on penalties after a 1-1 draw to add the Grand Final to their Minor Premiership. On Saturday, the Reserves beat Saints Eagles Souths 3-2 to advance to the Grand Final, and the Premiers beat MA Olympic 5-1 to also advance to their Grand Final.

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This Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves are both involved in Grand Finals, and both are against Minor Premiers Brothers. The Premiers kick off at 8.00 pm and the Reserves at 3.00 pm.

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Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club

Having not beaten MA Olympic all season, with each previous meeting decided by a single goal, the Panthers knew progressing to the Grand Final was going to require a big performance. Things couldn’t have started much worse, with Olympic finding the back of the net inside the opening minute. Burdekin slowly grew into the contest, beginning to create chances and causing problems with balls in behind the Olympic defence. Their persistence finally paid off just before half-time when Matthew Walker found the equaliser to send the teams into the break at 1–1.

The Panthers came out firing in the second half. Twenty minutes in, Jay Leckenby put the Burdekin ahead before Elliott Dal Santo doubled the advantage ten minutes later. From there, the floodgates opened. Just two minutes later, Sean Young made it 4–1 before Jeremy Dal Santo capped off an incredible second-half performance with a fifth goal. A 5–1 victory when it mattered most sends the Panthers into the Grand Final and sets up a huge clash against Brothers, a rematch of the 2024 Grand Final.

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Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service

A place in the Grand Final awaited the victor of the Reserves clash with Saints. Burdekin started well and had good possession, asserting their dominance after six minutes with a well-taken goal from Jonte Grazioli.

The game settled into a back-and-forth affair, and whilst the Panthers were playing well, the goals didn’t come. At the fortieth-minute mark, Saints made a successful raid and scored to even the game.

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Despite the even score, the Panthers were confident of victory and resumed in the second half with the same dominance. In the fifty-sixth minute, Jonte Grazioli scored again to restore the Burdekin’s lead. As had been the case in the first half, Burdekin again created chances without reward.

From there, it took the effort of all to keep Saints at bay, and confidence was high. By the eightieth minute, the Panthers should have had a comfortable lead, but Saints scored a good goal to bring the score back to 2-2.

For the last ten minutes, pressure was building on both sides, and the chance of extra time was looming large. It took until the second minute of injury time before Jonte Grazioli created a chance and crossed for Jack Gimson to steer in the winner from the back post at short range. A great result that now sees Burdekin Reserves into their first Grand Final for many years.

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Colts – Astute Finance

The Burdekin Colts Under 18s capped off an extraordinary season in dramatic fashion, overcoming the Warriors in a thrilling Grand Final to claim the premiership and complete an undefeated campaign.

The match got off to the worst possible start for the Colts, with the Warriors finding the net in just the fifth minute. Despite this setback, the Colts responded with determination, controlling large periods of the contest and creating multiple opportunities, but the Warriors' defence stood firm.

As the game wore on, the Colts continued to push for an equaliser, knowing their perfect season was hanging by a thread. The challenge became even greater in the 82nd minute when the Colts were reduced to 10 men following a sending-off, leaving the side facing an uphill battle with time running out.

Showing the resilience that had defined their season, the Colts refused to surrender and, deep into stoppage time, in the 93rd minute, their persistence was finally rewarded.

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Jhett Jones produced a moment of brilliance, getting on the end of a good pass from Dylan O’Shea and finishing superbly to fire home the equaliser and send the travelling Colts supporters into celebration.

With the scores locked at 1-1, the match headed into extra time. Despite being a man down, the Colts dug deep and displayed incredible character, organisation and defensive discipline to withstand thirty gruelling minutes against a full-strength Warriors side.

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Unable to be separated after extra time, the Grand Final would be decided by penalties. The Colts held their nerve from the spot, converting four penalties and limiting the Warriors to just two, securing a 4-2 shootout victory.

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Penalty scorers were Ryley Siandri, Jhett Jones, Brayden Card and Charlie Predabon. The result crowned the Burdekin Colts Under 18s as Grand Final champions and completed an unbeaten season, a remarkable achievement that reflects the hard work, commitment and spirit shown by the players and coaching staff throughout the year.

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From falling behind early, to playing with ten men, to finding a stoppage-time equaliser and prevailing in a penalty shootout, this Grand Final victory will be remembered as one of the most courageous performances of the season.

The last game this team will play together is on 27th September in Cairns for the Crad Evans Trophy against Edge Hill United.

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