Seniors

The 2026 season wound up last week when the Burdekin Colts travelled to Cairns to contest the Crad Evans Trophy against Edge Hill Utd. The Colts, already minor premiers and Grand Final winners, won 2-1, a fitting way to wind up a very goodseason.  

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The Burdekin Panthers Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 24^th October.

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Colts – Astute Finance

The Burdekin Colts capped off an extraordinary season in style, defeating Edge Hill United 2-1 in the Crad Evans Trophy Final on Sunday 27 September. The victory completed a remarkable treble for the Colts, who finished the year as Minor Premiers, Grand Final Champions, and Crad Evans Champions, while also earning the title of Invincibles after going undefeated throughout the entire season. The final was a dominant display from the Colts. Edge Hill started brightly, pressing hard and fast, but Burdekin maintained their composure and controlled much of the possession throughout the match. Midway through the first half, a long throw from Caleb Formalin found Jhett Jones, who quickly slipped a pass through to Cooper Kross. Kross made no mistake, forcing the ball home to give Burdekin a deserved 1-0 lead. The Colts carried that advantage into the halftime break.  

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The second half began much the same way, with Burdekin continuing to dominate proceedings. The midfield controlled the game and consistently created opportunities. Following some strong defensive work, the ball fell to Charlie Predabon, who delivered a superb pass through to Ryley Siandri. The league's Golden Boot winner remained calm under pressure and slotted home his 16th goal of the season to extend the lead to 2-0. Edge Hill managed a late consolation goal, but the result was never seriously in doubt as the Colts saw out the match to secure the championship. This triumph crowns Burdekin as the undisputed Under 18 Champions of North Queensland and is a testament to the hard work, commitment, and team spirit shown by the players and coaching staff throughout an unforgettable season.

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Night Soccer – Delta Cleaners

Night Soccer’s 2nd week of competition saw the sixteen games produce sixty-three goals. There were four forfeits, probably mostly due to school holidays. Top scorers were Willy Wackers with eleven goals and ladies’ team Rocky Pond Wonderswith eight goals. There were three draws, and just three games were won by one goal. This year there are twenty-four Man’s teams initially split up into three group of eight teams. The Ladies have sixteen teams in two groups of eight.

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National and International

The Socceroos did rather well in their two-match series against Brazil. After drawing 1-1 in Townsville, they then lost 2-4 in Brisbane, after leading 2-1. The Socceroos next fixtures are in the AFC Asian Cup in January next year. They play Singapore, Iraq and Tajikistan in their group games.

The Matildas have three “friendly” games coming up. They are away to Germany on 9^th October and then on 13^th October meet Haiti in France. On 28^th November they are at home to Colombia in Canberra.

Meanwhile in the rest of the world, it is an international couple of weeks. In Europe fifty-four teams are competing in the Nations League! Groups A, B and C each have four groups of four teams and group D has two lots of three teams. After three, or four games, depending on the Draw, in League A only Spain and Portugal have maximum points. In League B only Switzerland has maximum points and in League C, Montenegro has three wins.

Notable results this week include England winning 7-0 away to Croatia, Iceland beating Bulgaria 3-0, Portugal, without Ronaldo, winning 4-2 away to Denmark and Poland thumping Romania 6-0.

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Quote the of the Week is from Brian Clough “There are more hooligans in the House of Commons than at a football match”.

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The winning rink on the day was Rink 5: Gary, Judy and Steve Muto Photos supplied

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Contributed by Stephen Doig

26 participants were here on another breezy spring afternoon.

Three games of triples and two games of pairs were contested over 18 ends.

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Rink 3. Triples. Margaret Chapman, Bruce McCallum and Trevor Elton defeated Chris Holden, Ron Smith and Jeff Taylor.

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Rink 4. Triples. Paul Vass, Robb Darr and Wayne Newton were on song and outclassed Marlene Marsden, Dino Poli and Glen ‘Bones’ Berryman.

Rink 5. Triples. Judy Elton, Steve Muto and Gary Nosworthy won on countback by ends from Des Chapman, Katarina Stuckler and Richie Mou.

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Rink 6. Pairs. Stephen Doig and Mick McClosky accounted for Nev Webb and Hugh Montgomery.

Rink 7. Pairs. Betty Webb and Phil Marsden triumphed over Janet Arthur and Steve Fuller, a visitor from Mossman FNQ.

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The winning rink on the day was Rink 5: Gary, Judy and Steve Muto.

Winning the Seafood Tray raffle was Steve Doig. Paul Vass won the second prize, some nice barra fillets.

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Monday morning fitness and Tuesday Trimmers and Tuesday Funday, Wednesday morning Kraft group, with Wednesday night barefoot bowls and Darts night. Thursday morning BINGO and social bowls, names in by 1pm and start time is 1.30pm. Friday night is Pool Competition at 6pm. Saturday afternoon social bowls, 1 for 1.30pm start.

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Until next week, good bowling.

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Sibson, currently playing off scratch, said he heads into the events without any major expectations but with plenty of national pride. Photos supplied

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Burdekin golfer Scott Sibson has been selected to represent both Queensland and Australia at a series of tournaments across October and November this year.

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Sibson, 56, will pull on Queensland’s maroon at the Australian Senior Amateur at Bribie Island Golf Club from 14th-16th October.

He will then represent Australia in a biennial Senior Trans-Tasman Match against New Zealand in Brisbane on 19th-20th October, before travelling to Macau for the Asia Pacific Golf Championship from 25th-27th November.

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One of the Asia’s premier team and individual events for senior male golfers, the Asia Pacific Golf Championship will pit Sibson against some of the best senior golfers in the region, with the winner earning an exemption into The R&A Senior Amateur Championship.

He admitted the achievement came quicker than expected.

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“It has been a goal of mine to play for Australia since last year when I started playing the state events. I never realised it would happen so quickly though,” he said.

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“I have had a few mates who have been involved in these tournaments, and I thought if I played well then I would be a chance to maybe make the Australia v New Zealand team—but to be able to play in the Asia Pacific Championship is a real highlight.”

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Sibson’s selection follows a stellar two years on the links, winning domestic tournaments in Townsville and on the Gold Coast in 2025 before making his Australian debut at the BMW Golf Cup World Final in South Africa earlier this year.

Further success in senior amateur events across the country has culminated in a second-place Golf Australia senior amateur ranking for the full-time accountant, ultimately earning him state and national team selection.

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Sibson, currently playing off scratch, said he heads into the events with no expectations but plenty of national pride.

“I really have no idea how we will go in any of these team events as it is the first time,” he said.

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“I just hope I can perform well as I am very proud to be able to say that I have represented Australia. I feel I am a very patriotic Aussie.”

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With the achievement comes gratitude for those who have supported Sibson along the way.

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“I would like to thank my wife Donna because without her support, none of this would ever have happened. She has given me the confidence to have a go,” he said.

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“I also must thank my staff for their support, as I do tend to spend a considerable amount of time away from the office.”

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Happy youngster with a nice Spanish Mackerel

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Due to take place 22-25th October from the Whitsunday Marine Club, the Tackle World Airlie Beach Light Tackle Game Fish Tournament has evolved to be one of the biggest events of its kind on the Queensland Coast.

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Hosted by the Whitsunday Game Fish Club, it’s shaping up to be another fantastic event.

The lively competition is fished to GFAA (Game Fishing Association of Australia) rules and regulations using 10kg monofilament line only. The contest covers two divisions; boats over seven meters and boats under seven meters, with teams consisting of a minimum of two and a maximum of five anglers who are financial members of a Club affiliated with GFAA.

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The Tournament point scoring is based mainly around tag & release.

Billfish (Sailfish and Marlin) are awarded 1000 points, and competitors receive 100 points each for all other Gamefish including Mackerel, Tuna, Cobia, Mahi-Mahi, GT's, Wahoo, Queenfish and more.

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Gamefish to be weighed for extra points must exceed a weight of 10kg.

The formula is, Fish Weight × 100 ÷ 10 = points, fish less than 10kg may be tagged for points. GT's, Queenfish and Barracuda must exceed 60 centimetres in length to be eligible for tag & Release.

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On Friday 16th October from 6pm, the Club will host an informative workshop night conducted by Committee member Gareth Trevz.

He will outline all the skills needed to be a serious contender in Tournaments, demonstrate bait and lure rigging techniques and offer tips for presentation to tempt any Gamefish.

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Everybody's welcome to come along to this event and it is free of charge. New memberships and Tournament nominations will be gladly received on the night.

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The Airlie Beach Light Tackle Game Fish Tournament kicks off on Thursday October 22nd at 6pm with a meet and greet, some tasty food followed a compulsory briefing for competitors where all information will be explained in full.

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After this, it's time for a fun Calcutta auction of all competing Teams, mixed in with a little bit of friendly banter, which always generates a few laughs.

The following morning, the action begins in earnest with a compulsory Sail-past of all competing vessels at 7am, adjacent to the Club, which is a real spectacle.

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Fishing then commences at 8am, ceasing at 5pm.

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On Saturday the competition resumes at 7am and finishes at 5pm, while the Sunday contest starts at 7am, coming to a close at 2pm.

Boats have the option of staying at sea on Friday and Saturday night in a designated safe anchorage for a social get-together if they choose to do so.

The Presentation Dinner starts at 6pm on Sunday with delicious food and a fantastic array of prizes and cash to be given away in the Men’s, Ladies’, Junior (11-16yo) and Smallfry (under 11-year-old) sections. Plus lots more, thanks to the continuing support of generous sponsors.

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This Tournament is an opportunity for fishers of all ages to learn new angling skills and techniques, embrace the sport of Game Fishing while competing as a team against others for the loads of prizes on offer.

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The Tournament organisers would prefer to have all team nominations in by 4pm Monday the19th of October for catering purposes and to finalise Shirts etc.

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Organisers would like to thank their event sponsors and encourage all competitors to think of local small businesses first, supporting the sponsors that support them.

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For more information go to whitsundaygfc.com.au, or email tournament nominations or memberships to Club Secretary Steve at Whitsundaygamefishclub@gmail.com.

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Contributed by Ashley Moore.

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WHAT: Airlie Beach Light Tackle Game Fish Tournament

WHEN: 22-25 October

WHERE: Whitsunday Marine Club

Saturday 3/10 1-5pm - Group E - John Moloney PC, Anne Moloney PC, Sophia Moloney, Tony Felisina, Jimmy Hayllor, Carl List and Eva Rickards

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Sunday 4/10 9am-5pm - Group H - Dave Sartori PC, Kathryn Sartori PC, Ryley Sartori, Jake Sartori, Shaize Christie and Cole Pontifex 

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Monday 5/10 (King's Birthday) - 9am-5pm - Group D - Ben Lawry PC, Kellie Lawry PC, Bella Lawry, Charlotte Lawry, Lisa Vivian and Alyssa Irvine

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Alyssa Irvine, Eva Rickards & Mia Wicks - SRC. Photos supplied

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Ayr Surf Life Saving Club is celebrating a landmark double triumph, sweeping major honours at the Surf Life Saving Queensland Awards of Excellence while deploying a fresh wave of seven qualified youth lifesavers to protect local beaches.

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Charlotte Lawry led the club’s stellar weekend by taking out the prestigious Queensland U14 Junior Lifesaver of the Year award, while fellow member Bella Lawry earned a High Commendation for Young Volunteer of the Year. The statewide ceremony brought a fitting end to a successful 2025–26 season, recognising exceptional volunteer contributions, heroic efforts, and leadership.

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These high-profile honours capped off an intensive week of training at the North Barrier Branch Camp during the first week of the school holidays. Seven young Ayr members dedicated their break to bolstering the town's patrolling ranks, with Under-14 members Alyssa Irvine, Eva Rickards, and Mia Wicks earning their Surf Rescue Certificates to officially join the red-and-yellow patrol family.

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At the same time, existing patrolling members Briella Wassmuth, Jake Sartori, Gabriel Hatherell, and Zachary Dale upgraded their capabilities, qualifying for their Bronze Medallions, First Aid Certificates, and Advanced Resuscitation Techniques certifications to strengthen beach safety heading into the new season.

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The Colts travelled to Cairns on Sunday to play Edge Hill Utd in the Crad Evans Trophy, winning 2-1. Photo supplied

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A very good final weekend of the season for the Panthers. The Colts, already minor premiers and Grand Final winners, travelled to Cairns on Sunday to play Edge Hill Utd in the Crad Evans Trophy. The Colts won 2-1, a fitting way to wind up a very good season.

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Night Soccer – Delta Cleaners

Night Soccer’s first week of competition saw the eighteen games produce 64 goals. There were two forfeits, probably due to school holidays. Top scorers were Scoregasms with seven goals and Mt Alma Produce and DILLIGAF with six goals. There were just two draws, and six games were won by one goal. Top goalscorers were George Karagkiozis from RG Customs NQ and Hannah Bradley from DILLIGAF. A reminder, all players must be registered with Squadi.

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National and International

The Socceroos played Brazil in Townsville last Friday and a full house saw Australia put on a good performance and looked to have won 1-0 until Brazil scored in the last minute to equalise. A second match in the series was played in Brisbane on Tuesday. The Socceroos next fixtures are in the AFC Asian Cup in January next year.

The Matildas have three “friendly” games coming up. They are away to Germany on 9th October and then on 13th October meet Haiti in France. The on 28th November they are at home to Colombi in Canberra.

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Meanwhile in the rest of the world, it is an international couple of weeks. In Europe fifty-four teams are competing in the Nations League! Groups A, B and C each have four groups of four teams and group D has two lots of three teams. Confused? You are not the only one.

Notable results so far include Greece winning 1-0 away to Germany and England losing 2-3 home to Spain. Luxemburg won away to Bulgaria and Italy lost at home to Belgium.

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Quote the of the Week is from comedian Billy Connolly “For years I thought the club’s name was Partick Thistle Nil”.

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Mark Coventry blasted 64 from 61 deliveries in Second Grade, including five fours and five sixes. Photos supplied

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Home Hill enjoyed a successful weekend on the cricket field, claiming victories in both Second Grade and Fourth Grade action, while the Third Grade side were unable to halt a dominant Norths batting performance.

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In Second Grade, Home Hill Pengelly Cabinets defeated Brothers by 51 runs after posting a competitive 9/200. After electing to bat, Home Hill faced a disciplined Brothers bowling attack, with Tristan Richards anchoring the innings superbly with 32 from 61 balls. The momentum shifted when Mark Coventry launched a powerful counterattack, blasting 64 from 61 deliveries, including five fours and five sixes. Greg Flanagan added 16, while Al Wilkins contributed a valuable 25 late in the innings.

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Home Hill’s bowlers ensured Brothers never threatened the target. Wilkins led the way with an excellent 2/23 from eight overs, while Flanagan claimed 2/18 from six overs. Mark Coventry and Brad Parravicini also impressed with miserly spells, each taking a wicket as Brothers were restricted to 9/149.

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In the Fourth Grade competition, Home Hill ML Partners defeated Wests by 35 runs. Home Hill first limited Wests to 9/122, with Troy Patti striking twice early before Yaveen Fernando produced the standout spell, claiming 4/6 from just two overs. Laurence Zappa, Leo Olditch and Mitchell Price-Wilson also took wickets, while Alexander Romeo was outstanding behind the stumps and in the field with four catches.

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Chasing a winning score, Home Hill reached 7/157 from 30 overs. Leo Olditch contributed 20 at the top of the order before Yaveen Fernando anchored the innings with a classy 43 from 46 balls, featuring six boundaries. Andrew Wallwork then finished strongly with an unbeaten 29 from just 17 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes, helping seal an impressive victory.

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Meanwhile, Home Hill Evergreen Sheds were defeated by Norths despite posting a fighting total of 8/143. Captain Darren O’Keeffe led the batting with 33, while Ryan Rickards added a patient 32 and Darcy Walters contributed 26. However, Norths produced a dominant run chase, reaching 4/219 from 35 overs to secure a comfortable win.

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All teams will enjoy the long weekend off, but keep an eye on the Home Hill Cricket Association facebook page for future games and updates. Junior Cricket will also return to the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex from Friday, 9th October.

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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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