It has been a busy couple of weeks for Home Hill Junior Cricket. At the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex on the weekend of October 4 and 5 juniors from Bowen, Charters Towers, Herbert River and Proserpine travelled to Home Hill to play in the 2025 Queensland Country Bank NQ Country Cup. It was a great success with cricket being played on four fields all weekend. The ages of the players ranged from 8-18 years old. Special guest, Ex Australia, Queensland and Brisbane Heat player Nathan Hauritz ran clinics for each age group throughout the carnival when they weren't playing games.

Last Friday saw the start of our local 25/26 Junior season at the club. In the "Gold Group" Marshall Parker scored an unbeaten 28 runs including 4 fours, the next highest was Alex Cullen on 19 also not out. Marshall Parker, Kaisen Petersen and Xavier Cross all took a wicket each when bowling. Billy Muilwyk in his first game in "Gold" got the "McDonalds Sports Award" and Alex Cullen was awarded the other for his great batting and fielding.

Kye Quinlan and Corbett Cross took home the "McDonalds Sports Awards" in the "Blue Group". Kye for scoring 14 runs not out and bowling a wicket maiden and Corbett for taking 2 wickets for only 4 runs. Other notable mentions go to Kip Nicholas, 17 runs and Jake Cullen 12 runs. Both Kip and Jake also took a wicket each.

The Rookie Blasters start on Thursday October 16 at East Ayr State School and Challengers start on October 17 at the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex.

Contributed with thanks to Scott Heidke

1. Billy & Alex
2. Kye & Corbett
3. Scott Heidke, Nathan Hauritz & Ross Parker

Photos supplied

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The Burdekin FC Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 25 October at Populin’s Hall. Get your tickets on-line now, or at the Mad House on Tuesday night.

Congratulations to Alan Chatfield, a Burdekin FC Life Member, on being recognised with the Service to Football – Platinum Award for his outstanding contribution to the game.

Night Soccer

The third week of competition with just one forfeit. The nineteen games produced seventy goals, and there were three Sin Bins! Top scorers were RG Customs with seven goals and Clare Cutters, Always Fits, Let’s get Messi and Young Guns all with four. Top individual scorer was Dom Arrate with four goals for Clare Cutters, Perry Horan scored a hat trick for Oary’s Levellers, and quite a lot of players scored twice. The clash between Mottin Earthmoving and UDS saw Sin bins for Andrew Washbourne for Mottins and Luke Torkington for UDS and Harry Haynes was binned for Wires Down.

After three weeks, Nutrien Ag and Clare Cutters lead in Mens A Grade and DL Lager top the table in B1. Bennetts Old Grumpies and Jaime’s Boys lead in B2.

In the Ladies competition, Scoregasms leads from Red Carded, Young Guns and Chicks and Chooks in AI, and 6 TO UR 7 leads in A2 from Rocky Pond Wonders.

Juniors

The Junior Social Soccer season kicked off on Tuesday with over forty teams in four grades. The Under 7s kick off at 4.00pm, the Under 8/9s play at 4.30, the Under 10/12s at 5.30 and the Under 13/16s at 5.30.

Please check the Burdekin FC Facebook page and emails from the club for the draw each week and any information and updates on the season.

National and International

The 2025-6 A League season kicks off this Friday 17 October. It is a twelve team competition and Brisbane Roar’s first match is at home to Macarthur on that date. The Women’s A league starts on Friday 31st October with eleven clubs.

The Australian Championship started last weekend. Effectively a national second division competition, it has sixteen teams, mostly from the metropolitan areas but including South Hobart from Tasmania.

The Matildas next match is a friendly against Wales, in Cardiff on 25 October, followed by another friendly against England on 29 October. They then have a rest before the AFC Women’s Asia Cup. Their first match is against the Philippines on 1 March, they then play Iran on 5 March, and their final group match is against South Korea on 8 March. In the FIFA World Rankings, Australia is ranked at 15.

The Socceroos first friendly was against Canada in Montreal last Saturday resulted and in a 1-0 victory with a goal from Nestory Irankunda. They next play the USA in Denver, Colorado on Wednesday. In the FIFA World Rankings, the Socceroos are currently ranked 25th, and the US 16th.

The Young Socceroos defeated Cuba 3-1 in their final group game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 in Chile. However, results in other groups went against them and they failed to qualify for the Round of 16.

The 2026 World Cup starts on 11 June with the Final on 19 July. Forty eight teams will compete in twelve groups of four team in the US, Canada and Mexico. The top two teams from the groups plus the best eight third placed teams qualifying for the Round of 32. The Group Draw will be made in Washington DC on 5th December. So far seventeen countries, including Australia, have qualified plus the three host countries.

Because of the 2026 World Cup Qualifying games last week, there were no games in the major European leagues. They will resume this weekend. In the Group games there were no real surprises although Austria thumped San Marino 10-0 and Turley won 6-1 away to Bulgaria. Ukraine did very well to win 5-3 in Iceland, Norway thumped Israel 5-0 and Faroe Islands defeated Montenegro 4-0.

Quote of the Week is from Trevor Brooking former West Ham and England Star, on playing Sunday morning football for Havering NALGO. “You drop your shoulder and move round a defender only to discover he didn’t read your first dummy. So you crash straight into him, and he comes away with the ball”

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Ayr Surf Club Takes On Forrest Beach Carnival

30 members from the Ayr Surf Club headed north over the weekend to compete at the Forrest Beach Carnival. The team along with their families, volunteer officials, water safety and age managers attended the two day event with other clubs from across the North Barrier Branch. The competitors some phenomenal individual and team results helping Ayr to take out second place overall, only behind a significantly larger cohort of competitors from Arcadian club.

The Forrest Beach carnival is always a fantastic family friendly weekend full of surf sports, good food, club camping and making friends and this year did not disappoint. The club is continuing to train leading up to North Australian Championships in a few weeks time in Mackay, as well as conducting voluntary patrols each weekend to provide a valuable community service to the Burdekin region.

Weekend Roster

Saturday 18/10 1-5pm - Group A - Richard Dale PC, Chris Wicks PC, Jane Olsen, William Holt, Stephanie Dale, Zacary Dale, Warne McShane, Nico Ortner

Sunday AM 19/10 9am -1pm - Group C - Jane Jones PC, Lauren Champman PC, Gavin Jones, Emma Jones, Isla Chapman, Milla Chapman and Shaize Christie

Sunday PM 1/10 1-5pm Group B - Terry Lund PC, Kristy Wassmuth PC, Anita Giddy, Heather Scott, Briella Wassmuth, Emilee Wassmuth

Contributed with thanks to Kellie Lawry and Kristy Wassmuth

Photos:
1. Ayr Team Colour Party
2. Under 13 Wade Relay - Alyssa Irvine, Eva Rickards, Isabella Flower & Harrison Sartori
3. Emilee Wassmuth diving in Under 14 flags
4. Bella Lawry in Under 17 ski race
5. Warne McShane & Zachary Dale winning Under 15 Board Rescue
6. 2 Person R&R - Charlotte Lawry & Emilee Wassmuth
7. Cole Pontifex in Under 14 Board Race
8. Ryan Irvine in Under 11 Board Race

It all began with a spark of community spirit. In May 1954, locals gathered at the Renown Movie Theatre in Brandon to discuss the possibility of forming a bowls club. From that meeting, the Brandon Bowls Club was born, with Mr. Vic Green elected as the inaugural president. Three blocks of land were purchased from G. Venables, H. Brickhill, and S. Brickhill at £50 each, and on 23 January 1955, the first blades of grass were planted, marking the start of a sporting legacy.

Through The Years At Brandon Bowls Club

Continued from cover

On 30 May 1955, a special meeting decided the position, size, and construction of the club house. The ladies formed an associate club in August, with Mrs. Toll as inaugural president. The first games were played on 24 and 25 September, leading up to the official opening on 5 and 6 November 1955, conducted by President Vic Green and NQMBA President Mr. Charlie Thomas. Tragically, one of the club’s hardest workers, Mr. Gordon Toll, passed away the day before the opening, never seeing the club he had helped bring to life. Mrs. Toll stepped down briefly but later resumed her position, continuing her dedication to the club.

A kitchen was added in 1963, with many further improvements over the years. In 1992–1993, the grass green was replaced with a synthetic green, though it proved less successful. Since then, three additional synthetic greens have been installed, each an improvement on the last, thanks to the dedication of Green Director Mr. Richie Mau.

Through decades of hard work, dedication, and volunteerism, Brandon Bowls Club has nurtured outstanding bowlers and claimed many district titles. On 5 October, the club proudly celebrated its 70th anniversary, welcoming visitors from NQDMBA and NQDLBA, council representatives, and fellow bowlers from across the region, all joining in the festivities.

Seventy years on, Brandon Bowls Club is still going strong, thanks to its members, volunteers, and love of the game.

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15 excited gymnasts from The Burdekin Academy made the journey to Ingham to participate in the 2025 Ingham Flames Gymnastics Competition last September.

Attracting over 100 competitors from communities across the state, gymnastics from The Burdekin Academy put on a showstopping performance, displaying exceptional levels of technique and expertise, executing each routine excellently.

Gymnasts from levels one through to four entered in the competition and The Burdekin Academy’s Club Manager and Head Coach, Amy Cranitch, was beyond proud of the work of her students.

“They all did an amazing job of showcasing their routines to the judges on floor, bars, bean and vault,” said Amy.

“Our Level 1 and 2 gymnasts were awarded ribbons on each apparatus of good, very good or excellent, and our Level 3 gymnasts who just recently moved up from Level Pre 3 did an excellent job!”

Level 3 gymnast, Ella, placed 2nd on both beam and floor, and 3rd on vault, receiving 3rd place overall. Level 3 gymnast, Adelyn, placed 3rd on vault and bars, and received 4th place overall. Level 4 gymnast, Amity, placed 1st on vault, bars and floor, and 3rd on beam, earning 1st place overall.

“For some of our gymnasts, it was their first ever competition and we are super proud of all of them for getting out in front of the judges and showing us their amazing skills,” added Amy.

In the lead up to the annual competition, the academy’s gymnasts were perfecting their routines across both Term 1 and Term 2, with Level 1 and 2 gymnasts training two hours each week, and Level 3 and 4 gymnasts training up to 8.5 hours weekly, concentrating on skill development and routines.

“Our club has had a rough start with the heavy rain fall in February causing significant damage to a lot of our hall and equipment - despite this our gymnast’s determination and attitude towards training has shone through and showed us strength when we needed it!”

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Ella Croatto Level 3, Amity Baxter Level 4, and Adelyn Goggi Level 3 with Coach Amy Cranitch (Photo Supplied)
Ella Croatto 3rd Overall Level 3 Champion, Amity Baxter 1st Overall Level 4 Champion, and Adelyn Goggi 4th Overall Level 3 Champion (Photo Supplied)
Coach Maggie with Level 1 & 2 Gymnasts (Back Row) Ariella Lewis, Kyrah Bereicua, Amaya Goggi, Willow Melville, Lucy Gorey, (Front Row) Lis Kelly, Lauretta Wegert, Everly Nichols, and Laine Malone (Photo Supplied)
All of the Burdekin Academy's Level 1, 2, 3, and 4 competitors eagerly waiting for awards presentations (Photo Supplied)

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The Clash of Clubs at the weekend was a huge success with old Burdekin players travelling from all over the state to take part. The Masters Final was won by Easts who beat Home Hill Rangers and the Seniors Final was decided on penalties, Saints winning after tying 1-1 with Rangers at full time.

The next big occasion will be the Escriva Cup which will be played early in November.

The Burdekin FC Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 25 October. Get your tickets now.

Night Soccer

The second week of competition and with three forfeits (School holidays?) The seventeen games produced sixty three goals, and the three scratch games produced a few more! Top scorers were DL Lager with five goals and Plumb Dingers, Nutrien Ag, 6 TO UR 7 and Willy Wackers all with four. Top individual scorer was Oscar Licciardello with a hat trick for BA and quite a lot of players scored twice.

After two weeks, Nutrien Ag, UDS and Clare Cutters lead in Mens A Grade and Wires Down and DL Lager top the table in B1. Bennetts Old Grumpies are the only team with maximum points in B2. In the Women’s Groups, Red Carded and Scoregasms lead in AI, and 6 TO UR 7 leads in A2.

Juniors

Preparations are well underway for the start of the Junior Social Soccer season on Tuesday 14th October. Teams are in, players looking for teams sorted. Due to the huge numbers of teams, we have to mark out Field 2 at International Park. If you can lend a hand marking the fields on Saturday morning that would be much appreciated. The time will be confirmed.

Please check the Burdekin FC Facebook page and emails from the club for the draw each week and any information and updates on the season. Each week, the ages groups play at the following times: U5-7 - 4pm, U8-9 - 4.30pm, U10-12 - 5pm, U13-16 - 5.30pm.

The name of the game is the kids to have fun playing with their friends and also forming new friendships.

National and International

The 2025-6 A League season kicks off on Friday 17 October. It is a twelve team competition and Brisbane Roar’s first match is at home to Macarthur on that date. The Women’s A league starts on Friday 31st October with eleven clubs.

The Matildas next match is a friendly against Wales, in Cardiff on 25 October, followed by another friendly against England on 29 October. They then have a rest before the AFC Women’s Asia Cup. Their first match is against the Philippines on 1 March, they then play Iran on 5 March, and their final group match is against South Korea on 8 March. In the FIFA World Rankings, Australia is ranked at 15.

The Socceroos have two friendlies coming up. They are away to Canada on Saturday and then play USA next Wednesday. In the FIFA World Rankings, the Socceroos are currently ranked 25th, the US 16th and Canada 26th.

The Young Socceroos have defeated Cuba 3-1 in their final group stage game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025.The result means that the Young Socceroos finished third in Group D. The team will await results in Group E and F tomorrow to determine if they will advance to the Round of 16 as one of four best third-placed teams.

The 2026 World Cup starts on 11 June with the Final on 19 July. Forty eight teams will compete in twelve groups of four teams, with the top two teams from the groups plus the best eight third placed teams qualifying for the Round of 32. The Group Draw will be made in Washington DC on 5th December. And yes, Australia has qualified!

In the EPL, Liverpool lost again and has now dropped to second place one point behind Arsenal. Spurs and Bournemouth are a further point behind, and Manchester City has moved up to fifth place. Oh, and Ange’s Notts Forest lost again, and it is not looking good. And at the foot of the table, none of the bottom seven teams won. Wolverhampton managed another draw and now has two points from seven games.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, after six games, Bayern is the only club with maximum points. They lead Dortmund by four points with Leipzig a point behind in third place. At the foot of the table two of the bottom seven teams won but Heidenheim was not one of them. Monchengladbach managed a draw but with Mainz still look to be in trouble

In Italy only three of the top six teams won and Napoli and Roma stay at the top of Serie A with fifteen points. AC Milan stays in third place two points behind and Juventus, still unbeaten stay in fifth place. At the bottom of the league all four teams lost. Pisa and Genoa are now equal on two points from six games.

In Spain, only three of the top six teams won and Barcelona got thumped 4-1 by Seville. Real Madrid won and now top the table two points ahead of Barca with third placed Villarreal three points further adrift. Real Betis are fourth and Atletico fifth. Of the bottom six clubs only Girona won and are now a point clear of Mallorca and Real Sociedad.

Meanwhile in France, PSG were held to a draw by Lille and are now only one point clear of Marsellie, Strasbourg and Lyon. Monaco and Lens are a further two points away. None of the bottom nine teams managed a win and Metz with just two points from seven games are in trouble.

Quote of the Week is from Frank Lampard former Chelsea and England star and now Coventry City manager - "Goals never come easy. No one gives you goals."

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The Seniors Final was decided on penalties, Saints winning after tying 1-1 with Rangers at full time.
The Masters Final was won by Easts who beat Home Hill Rangers.
Ladies Teams

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The Junior Touch Football season is set to kick off tomorrow night, Friday 10th October, welcoming boys and girls aged four to thirteen. Sign-on will take place at the Touch clubhouse on Wickham Street from 5:30 pm, with a season fee of $20 per child.

Teams will be organized from the nominations, and each week participants will enjoy a mix of skills, drills, and games. Sessions will run from 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm every Friday night throughout the season.

For further information, contact Michael Littlefield on 0408 000 497, Bec Watson on 0400 705 205, or Peter Knapton on 0437 710 500.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Knapton

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Twenty-two players turned out on a very warm spring afternoon, with temperatures peaking at 36°C around 2:30 pm. Fortunately, a welcome breeze arrived just in time. We were pleased to welcome Vicki and Ian Connell, as well as Steve Motu and Jeff Taylor, all visiting from Giru.

On Rink 3, Paul Vass and Gary Nosworthy defeated Bruce McCallum and Glen Bones Berryman. Rink 4 saw Warren “Yogi” Bunn, Bob Darr, and Ian Connell account for Steve Motu, Ron Smith, and Terry Feakes. Meanwhile, Michael Young, Vicki Connell, and Joe Linton proved too strong for Bob Young, Elaine Young, and Steve Doig on Rink 5. On Rink 6, Margaret Linton, Joclyn DeFranciscus, and Jeff Taylor prevailed over Judy Elton, Trevor Elton, and Mick McClosky.

The prawn tray raffle was won by Jeff Taylor, with second place going to Steve Motu, reversing last week’s result. Giru must be a lucky place! Today’s winners were Paul Vass and Gary Nosworthy; unfortunately, Paul had another commitment and had to leave before the photo. The photo includes Vicki Connell, Steve Motu (slightly obscured), and Ian Connell, all from Giru, alongside Gary Nosworthy.

Club activities continue throughout the week with Monday morning fitness, Tuesday Trimmers and Funday sessions, Wednesday morning Kraft group, and Wednesday evening barefoot bowls and sausage sizzle, which is likely to grow in popularity as temperatures rise. Thursday brings morning BINGO and social bowls in the afternoon, and Saturday sees $5 social bowls continue as usual.

Till next week – good bowling.

Photo and report by Stephen Doig

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Vicki Connell, Steve Muto and Ian Connell with Gary Nosworthy. Photo supplied

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It’s been a fantastic week of fun and fierce competition at Ayr Bowling Club! The greens have been buzzing with energy as members threw themselves into both social games and championship matches. With the championship season coming to an end, the talent and sportsmanship on display have been nothing short of impressive.

On Wednesday, we saw a great afternoon’s social bowling competition. There were two games of Pairs and one game of triples. Winners were Cisco, Wayne and Dave.

Saturday Social Bowls saw 28 players on the green for a fantastic day of bowling. The day was sponsored by the Mahjong ladies with two prizes up for grabs. Winners were Karen Shepherd, Betty Schultz and Al Hardcastle. Second place went to Barry Hewson and Ron Soper. It was wonderful to have some visitors to the come on this day too.

In Championship games this week, the Mixed Singles saw a very tightly contested game, Beryl Cornford defeated Lorraine Wolffe 27 – 22. In the A & B pairs game, John McDonald and Col Essex defeated Al Hardcastle and Barry Shepherd 26 – 12. In the Men’s Triples Cisco, Sam Caltabiano and Lachlan Grantz defeated Ron Smythe, Joe Grabbi and Ron Soper 21 – 13. All winners now progress to the next round.

If you are interested in giving Bowls a try, Friday Roll Ups are a good place to start. They are held every Friday afternoon from 3:00 - 5:30pm. Whether you're looking to hone your skills, enjoy some friendly training tips, or simply unwind with a drink, these casual roll-ups are the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Come down for some training, enjoy a few drinks, and join in the fun with fellow club members.

Friday Fun Night will be on Friday 10th October, starting at 6 PM. This is sponsored by Ayr Medical Group. 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. Get some friends together and come and have an evening of fun and laughter.

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The Burdekin Rugby Union Club held its annual Presentation Night on Saturday, 27 September at the Queens Hotel, recognising the achievements of players, volunteers, and club representatives from the past season.

First and Second Grade awards highlighted standout performers. Player of the Year honours went to Kelsey Hesp (First Grade Women), Kasey Parison (First Grade Women), and Wainui Matainavora (Second Grade), while other awards recognised Most Improved, Most Consistent, Best Forward, Best Back, and Player’s Player across grades.

Representative honours were awarded to Dom Arrate, Amanda Brown, Julea Farry, Tubby Heron, Caitlin Holmes, Jack McIntosh, Nathan Steel, and Brooke Smith for their selection in Townsville and North Queensland teams across multiple grades.

Club awards celebrated contributions beyond the field, with Dedication to Players (Senior) awarded to Joe Paoletti, Volunteer Contributing the Most to Craig Steel (accepted by Nathan Steel), Player Contributing Most (Don Marshall Shield) to Caitlin Holmes, Spirit of Rugby (Gary Jensen Shield) to Jody Horan, and Clubman of the Year to Robbie Cantarella.

The night was a fitting celebration of the talent, dedication, and community spirit that define Burdekin Rugby Union Club.

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After a long season Burdekin Panthers can look forward to a few months off, except for the Clash of Clubs and the Escriva Cup! The Clash of Clubs is on this weekend, and the Escriva Cup will be played early in November.

In the Good News Department, three Panthers Players have been picked in the Football North Queensland Team of the Year. Congratulations to Ryan Scodellaro, Matthew Kolb and Josh Valle, a great achievement.

The Burdekin FC Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 25 October. Get your tickets now.

Night Soccer

In the first week of the competition proper, the twenty games produced seventy-two goals with Ladies team Kicken’ Goals scoring seven of them. Goal Diggers, and 7 Stooges both scored six and Body Tune scored five. Top individual scorer was Charley Ruskin with a hat trick. This year the Men’s A Grade has twelve teams and B Grade is split up into two Groups. The Women are also divided into two groups.

Juniors

Preparations for Junior Social Soccer in Term 4 are in full swing! Get your teams in if you have not already done so. If your child is keen to play but does not have a team, email the club and we will find them a team.

National and International

The Matildas next match is a friendly against Wales, in Cardiff on 25 October, followed by another friendly against England on 29 October. They then have a rest before the AFC Women’s Asia Cup. Their first match is against the Philippines on 1 March, they then play Iran on 5 March, and their final group match is against South Korea on 8 March. In the FIFA World Rankings, Australia is ranked at 15.

The Socceroos have two friendlies coming up. They are away to Canada on 11 October and then play USA on 15 October. In the FIFA World Rankings, the Socceroos are currently ranked 25th,

The 2026 World Cup starts on 11 June with the Final on 19 July. Forty eight teams will compete in twelve groups of four teams, with the top two teams from the groups plus the best eight third placed teams qualifying for the Round of 32. The Group Draw will be made in Washington DC on 5th December. And yes, Australia has qualified!

In the EPL, Liverpool lost to Crystal Palace but still have two point lead over Arsenal with Palace in third place and Spurs, fourth. Nottingham Forest lost at home to Sunderland and Ange Postecoglou is still waiting for his first win. And at the foot of the table, Wolverhampton managed a draw and now has one point from six games.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, after five games, Bayern is the only club with maximum points. They lead Dortmund by two points with Leipzig a point behind in third place. At the foot of the table Heidenheim have won a game and moved off the bottom a point ahead of Monchengladbach.

In Italy’s Serie A, Napoli lost away to AC Milan and drops to second place, behind AC on goals. Roma in third place also has twelve points. Juventus drew again and is in fourth place. At the bottom of the league all three teams drew. Lecce, Pisa, Parma and Genoa are all now equal on two points from five games.

In Spain’s La Liga, Real Madrid was thumped 5-2 in the local derby against Atletico. Barcelona has taken over at the top of the League, one point ahead of Real with Villarreal third and Elche fourth. Girona and Oviedo are holding up the table with three points each.

Meanwhile in France, PSG and Lyon top the table with fifteen points and Monaco, Marseille and Strasbourg all have twelve points. This after Marseille had beaten PSG. Metz managed a draw but is still in trouble at the foot of the table.

Quote of the Week is from former Spurs manager - Ange Postecoglou “By keeping my distance from players and staff, it means my decisions are unemotional. It makes sure every decision I make is best for the team ...

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Ryan Scodellaro, Josh Valle, Matthew Kolb have been picked in the Football North Queensland Team of the Year. Photo supplied

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Last week the Ayr Surf Club had several members attend the North Barrier Branch Bronze Medallion and Surf Rescue Certificate awards camp on Magnetic Island. The week consisted of members from across the region working together whilst learning and training to gain their relevant awards to join the patrolling ranks of SLSQ.

The club had 7 Under 14s gain their Surf Rescue Certificate to join the red and yellow family for the first time, as well as a current member gaining her Bronze Medallion and ART and an Austrian exchange student who gained his Observers, First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation.

These members have significantly boosted patrol numbers at the local Ayr Surf Club with several of them already hitting the beach over the weekend for their first patrols.  The Ayr SLSC is always looking for new members and will be running further training courses in the near future, so please reach out if you are interested in Joining the Club - there's a role for everyone in lifesaving.

Patrol Roster--Saturday 4th October:
1-5pm - Group E - John Moloney, Anne Moloney, Tramayne Horan, Sophia Moloney & Tony Felesina
Sunday 5th October:
9am-1pm - Group H - Dave Sartori, Kathryn Sartori, Ryley Sartori, Jake Sartori, Cole Pontifex, Alissia Gibson & Billy Gibson
1-5pm - Group C - Jane Jones, Gavin Jones, Emma Jones, Lauren Chapman, Isla Chapman, Milla Chapman & Shaize Christie
Monday 6th October:
All Day (9am-5pm) - Group D - Kellie Lawry, Ben Lawry, Bella Lawry, Charlotte Lawry & Lisa Vivian.

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On Sunday, 21st September, the Home Hill Bowls Club hosted the inaugural Wilmar Cup, featuring teams from Ayr, Brandon, Home Hill, and Giru.

Three games were played with three teams from each club competing in very warm conditions on a green that proved challenging for some.

Home Hill Bowls Club provided a tremendous day, offering an abundance of food and refreshments for all.

Brandon Bowls Club emerged victorious with three wins and a +74 score, followed by Home Hill with two wins (+26), Ayr with one win (-10), and Giru finishing with three losses (-95). Standout performers included Gary Pearce and Chris Pearce, each with three wins, and Peter Jorgensen with one win. Brandon will host the next event in 2026.

In Wednesday afternoon mixed bowls Pairs finals, Sandra Darwen and Colleen Olsen had an exciting win over Lyn Storrie and Helen Collins. The match was tied at the 21st end, requiring an extra end to determine the victors.

Another pairs game saw Vanda Ballao and Margaret Chapman defeat Bev Garioch and Joy Woods.

Contributed with thanks to Lyn Storrie

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The first annual Wilmar Challenge Trophy was held on 21st September at the Rummeny Green Home Hill Bowls Club. Four Burdekin clubs entered three teams of four players each. The event was officially opened by Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort – thank you, Pierina.

After a full day’s play, Brandon came out on top with three wins and will host next year’s event. The hosts, Homehill, finished second with two wins, Ayr third with one win, followed by Giru. Thanks to Nathaniel from Wilmar Sugar for presenting the trophy. A huge thanks to the ladies in the kitchen for a sumptuous feast, and the bar staff for keeping everyone hydrated on a very warm spring day. Hopefully, the Wilmar Challenge will become a wonderful addition to the bowling calendar.

On another warm spring afternoon, a smaller field of 23 players competed. On Rink 3, Henry Hazel, Terry Feakes, Ron Smith, and Glen Bones Berryman (today’s winners pictured, minus Henry who left early) defeated Paul Vass, Elaine Young, and Jeff Taylor. On Rink 4, Des Chapman, visitor Wayne Coonan, and Steve Doig overcame Judy Elton, Sandra Darwin, and Bruce McCallum. Rink 5 saw Gary Nosworthy, Dino Poli, and Tony Eadie win over Michael Young, Steve Muto, and Joe Linton, while Rink 6 had Margaret Chapman and Mick McClosky outlast Meryl Smith and Trevor Elton.

Regular weekly activities continue with Monday morning fitness, Tuesday Trimmers and Funday, Wednesday morning Kraft group and Wednesday night barefoot bowls with sausage sizzle, Thursday morning BINGO and afternoon social bowls, and Saturday afternoon social bowls returning this weekend. Monday mornings at 10 am are also set aside for coffee and a chat for anyone interested.

Until next week – good bowling!

Photo and report by Stephen Doig

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It was all action at the dress up pickleball night that was run as a Harvest Festival Community event.

The Harvest Festival is all about community and Queen Entrant Amelia Pivotto is very supportive of this ideal. “Raising awareness of pickleball and getting people out of their comfort zone to try something new is always good,” said Amelia. “The fact that we raised a bit of money for Home Hill Tennis is great too as there are always things to improve and maintain in a club.”

Fun at Home Hill Pickleball

The whack of the ball and laughter from the participants was louder than the music that was played.

There were a few dinosaurs, Pat Cash, a couple from the Swiss Alps and there was even a doctor in the house. Luke Skywalker alias Daniel Walsh did a great job as Emcee and guest Judges Mitchell, Margaret, Penny and Sharon had a great night awarding the pickle prizes to best dressed, best couple, funniest costume etc.

The club is already looking forward to their next event, a trivia night on Friday 17th Oct.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Casswell

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