Jaxon Watkins and Everly Nicholas won the McDonald’s Sport Award for the Smash Series. Photos supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Troy Patti

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Cricket balls were flying at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Home Hill Cricket Association Grounds this week as junior cricketers showed their stuff.

In the Smash Series, there were some excellent batting with the strikers edging out the superstars by three runs.

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Jaxon Watkins (19), Everly Nicholas (15), Lincoln McDowell (12) and Kerby Brett (12) all made valuable runs but it was Harvey Shannon who blasted them around the park with 22 runs.

Harvey also bowled well, taking one wicket, while Jaxon, Olivia Patti, Aria Bryant and Emily Patti all bowled accurately.

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Reuben Armstrong and Dylan Bryant were balls of energy in the field with Dylan claiming one run out along with Kerby and Harvey.

The Blue Group was dominated by the heroics of Henry Cohen who top scored with 24 runs, took 1/3 from his three overs and claimed a run out.

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Other notable scores included Jai Baxter (9), Lane (6) and Doug (5).

The bowling and fielding were on point with Broly Colls, Mitchell Patti, Rollo Colls, Doug Cohen and Royce Cohen getting the breakthroughs while Jai bagged a double.

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Hugh Armstrong took two excellent catches and a run out along with Corbett Cross, Mitchell and Henry.

Will Searle and Logan McKeough were energetic in the field and cut off scoring opportunities.

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Xavier Cross had a day to remember in the Gold Group claiming what every bowler dreams of; a hat trick!

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His devastating spell of 3 for 4 was accompanied by other wicket-takers including Jardii Russell (1/21), Jude Shannon (1/2), Kip Nicholas (1/7), Mazlyn Smith (1/6) and Ben Watkins (1/13).

Ben also top scored this week with 16 runs closely followed by Jude (14) and Marshall Parker (12).

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Tate Parker, Tyler Shultz, Mazlyn and Jude shoed off their impeccable hands, each claiming a catch.

Well done to all the youngsters out there giving their all.

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Til next week… that’s stumps.

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Altmann capped off a memorable match with the bat, smashing 82 from just 52 deliveries, including 13 boundaries. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by HHCA

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Home Hill celebrated a perfect weekend on the cricket field, recording victories in Second, Third and Fourth Grade to complete a clean sweep over Wests at Cutheringa Park.

The standout performance came from Home Hill Evergreen Sheds in Third Grade, where an outstanding all-round display from Lachlan Altmann powered the side to a commanding 77-run victory.

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After electing to bowl, Home Hill's attack dismantled the Wests batting line-up, reducing the visitors to 8/46 before dismissing them for 121 in the 31st over. Altmann starred with remarkable figures of 6/11 from 4.3 overs, while Guy Stevenson (3/14) and Lee Watts (1/16) provided excellent support.

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Altmann then capped off a memorable match with the bat, smashing 82 from just 52 deliveries, including 13 boundaries. He shared a dominant opening partnership of 125 with Lee Watts, who contributed a patient 37, setting the foundation for Home Hill's imposing total of 7/198 from 35 overs. Adam Jarvis added a quick-fire 28, while captain Simon Vickers (18 not out) and John Licciardello (7 not out) guided the innings to the close.

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Earlier, Home Hill Pengelly Cabinets overcame a dramatic batting collapse to secure a thrilling three-wicket win in Second Grade.

Sent into the field after losing the toss, Home Hill's bowlers seized control from the outset. Aaron McKeown led the charge with an exceptional 4/12 from eight overs, supported by Lachlan Altmann (2/8), Mark Nosworthy (2/25), Salvatore Cardillo (1/18) and Leo Olditch (1/5).

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The fielding effort matched the quality of the bowling, with captain Ayden Marano taking three catches and Olditch grabbing two, including a sharp caught-and-bowled, as Wests were bundled out for just 79.

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However, the chase appeared in serious trouble when Home Hill slumped to 6/16. With the match hanging in the balance, Altmann and Alex Stillhard produced a match-winning rescue mission. Altmann remained unbeaten on 39, while Stillhard blasted 23 not out from only 11 deliveries, including two sixes. Their unbroken partnership steered Home Hill to 7/85 and a hard-earned victory.

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In Fourth Grade, Home Hill ML Partners held their nerve in a tense contest, defending a modest total to claim an eight-run win.

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Batting first, Home Hill recovered from an early setback of 2/12 thanks to valuable contributions from Andrew Wallwork and Sameer Korgaonkar. Wallwork anchored the innings with 36 from 41 balls, while Korgaonkar added 20. Travis Butler then played a crucial role, carrying his bat for an unbeaten 34 to help Home Hill reach 9/134 from 30 overs.

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Wests mounted a determined chase, but Home Hill's bowlers repeatedly struck at key moments. Bala Bandlamudi delivered the match-winning spell, taking 4/13 from six overs, while Roopesh Krishnan claimed 2/32 and Tomey Mathew added a wicket. Strong fielding from Casey Forrester and Bandlamudi helped maintain the pressure as Wests were dismissed for 126 in 29.3 overs.

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The three victories capped off a highly successful weekend for Home Hill, with strong bowling performances, disciplined fielding and key contributions with the bat proving the difference across all grades.

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The new lights will be installed on courts seven, eight and nine (foreground). Photo supplied

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The Home Hill Tennis Association has secured $70,802 in Queensland Government funding to upgrade lighting across three of its courts.

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The funding, awarded through the Games On! Grassroots Infrastructure Program, will allow the club to replace ageing metal halide lights on courts seven, eight and nine with energy-efficient LED lighting.

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Club secretary Kate Casswell said the upgrade had been identified as a priority several years ago, but the association waited until completing its amenities upgrade and saving enough to meet its required contribution.

The club will contribute $17,701 towards the project, representing 20 per cent of the total cost.

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Casswell said the project was included in both the club's Strategic Plan and Burdekin Shire Council's Sport and Recreation Plan.

The association began its grant application in February and was among just five per cent of applicants to progress to the program's second stage in July.

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The process required several approvals and certified lighting designs before the application could be finalised.

The latest funding will complete the club's broader lighting upgrade, following the installation of LED lights across its other nine courts through three separate grants in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

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Casswell said the club was excited to finally complete the project, although construction was still some way off.

The funding agreement must first be finalised, with funds received and project managers and contractors appointed before work can begin.

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The club hopes to switch on the upgraded lights for the first time at next year's Sugar Bowl.

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FDS were too good for Good Boys in the Grand Final, winning 3-1. Photo supplied

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It is now the close season for Burdekin FC, but football hardly stops here. Night Soccer continues until the middle of December, while Masters Soccer starts again at the end of January next year, as does training for the 2027 North Queensland season.

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The Escriva Cup, based on Night Soccer, took place at International Park last Friday, with a good crowd turning out to watch 15 Men’s teams and four Women’s teams compete in knockout competitions.

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In the Men’s Cup semi-finals, FDS beat FJV 3-0 and Good Boys defeated RG Customs 2-0. In the grand final, FDS proved too good for Good Boys, winning 3-1. Ryan Taylor, Jess Thomasson and Jeremy Dal Santo scored for FDS.

In the Women’s Cup semi-finals, Bodytune Bombers won 5-0 against Pitch Please, while Kicken Goals beat Goal Diggers 5-2. In the grand final, the Bombers proved too good, defeating Kicken Goals 4-1 with goals from Sian Reardon (2), Sharni Lennox and Zara Frost.

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Night Soccer – Delta Cleaners

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Night Soccer’s sixth week of competition was played in good conditions, with just one forfeit. The 19 games produced 68 goals and one sin bin. There were four draws, while just four games were decided by a single goal.

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This year, the Men’s competition is initially split into three tables of eight teams, and after six rounds, UDS is now the only team with maximum points. The Ladies have two tables of eight teams, with Bodytune Bombers the only team to have won all their games.

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Top scorers in the Men’s competition were Mountain View Fresh 2 with six goals, while two teams, Rocky Pond Warriors and Mountain View Fresh 1, managed to score five.

In the Ladies’ competition, Chicks & Chooks, Scoregasms and Rocky Pond Wonders all scored four goals. Ben Hisatake from Austen Tay Shus scored the night’s only sin bin. Sian Reardon scored all three goals for Bodytune Bombers.

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Quote of the Week is from playwright Oscar Wilde: “Football is all very well as a game for rough girls but is hardly suitable for delicate boys.”

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Utility back Jye Olsen was named the Roosters’ A Grade best and fairest player of the season. Photo supplied

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Before a good crowd at the Burdekin Theatre forecourt last Friday night, utility back Jye Olsen was named the Roosters’ A Grade best and fairest player of the season.

Olsen, last season’s Blackhawks Under 19 captain, started this season at halfback before his Blackhawks teammate and last season’s A Grade player of the year, Hayde Munro, returned from an early-season injury.

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Olsen then moved to fullback, with incumbent No. 1 Adam Camer shifting to the wing.

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Olsen is an outstanding attacking player who can set up his outside men or take the line on himself. At fullback, he chimes into the backline well, while few players get past him in defence.

Olsen was pushed all the way by R L T D Back of the Year Jake O’Brien, who was named the Roosters’ best A Grade back, along with centre co-captain Jones Munro and five-eighth Mitch Brown.

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A number of forwards were also in contention for the award, including co-captain Lachlan Shepherd, outstanding front-rower Cooper Fletcher, hooker Nash Beck, Nemia Nawave and Tano Rupena.

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ROOSTERS HONOUR STARS ON AND OFF THE FIELD

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Contributed with thanks by Brian Carnes

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This season, the club welcomed experienced forward Ron Geia to Reserve Grade from Palm Island.

The nuggety hooker committed himself to the club, travelling from the Island for training every Thursday.

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He proved a tough opponent at hooker and came off the bench in A Grade on a couple of occasions.

Ron was named the Mike Horan Reserve Grade Player of the Year, beating R L T D Best Back Dylan Doak, who also claimed that honour locally.

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Under 19 halfback Chad Fraser has had an outstanding year wearing the No. 7 jersey for the Under 19 team, which went all the way to the grand final.

Fraser, who also played a couple of A Grade games, was recently named the R L T D Under 19 Player of the Year.

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He followed that award by taking home the Jim Eathorne Memorial as the Roosters’ best Under 19 player.

Young forward Cooper Fletcher joined the club for Club of Origin last November, playing for Colts.

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The former Bowen front-rower, who played for Ignatius Park College, featured in every A Grade game this season and was one of the best players on the paddock on numerous occasions.

He was named the club’s Rookie of the Year, winning the Des and Betty Weaver Memorial.

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Cooper has also attracted the attention of the Townsville Blackhawks, signing to play with the club next season while remaining dual-registered with the Burdekin.

The club also has two prestigious awards remembering past club officials, Norm Dee and Norm Bohl.

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The Norm Dee Award, originally donated by Kevin Muspratt, is presented to a player who not only stands out on the field but is also a valuable club member off the paddock.

Co-captain Jones Munro was a worthy recipient, proving a damaging player on the field while giving plenty off it, including running the Queens Hotel Goose Club.

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The Norm Bohl Award, donated by the Bohl family, recognises a volunteer who stands out for their commitment to the club.

President Alex Lennox said there were many people who freely gave their time to the club without seeking recognition.

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The winner came down to two people who could not be separated – Vicki and Ashley Smith.

Vicki took on the role of canteen convenor, preparing everything for game days, volunteering at the gate, helping out at Ladies Day, selling drink tickets and assisting Ann Marie and Clinton Dale at the Crown Hotel Goose Clubs.

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Ashley helps his wife prepare the canteen, assists Clinton Dale and Paul Horan in the bar, serves as the club’s F.A.O. on game days and also helps at the Crown Hotel Goose Clubs.

Other award winners will be honoured in later editions of Burdekin Life.

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Club of Origin will be played at Bendigo Bank Park on Saturday 5th December, with a day of football, family fun and entertainment, including fireworks and children’s rides.

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Emma Jones competing in the U15 Board Relay. Photos supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Ayr SLSC

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Twenty-five Ayr lifesavers travelled to Mackay over the weekend to compete in the North Australian Championships.

North Aussies is a three-day event, attracting competitors from as far north as Port Douglas to Alexandra Headland in the south, with some also travelling interstate for the championships.

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Thirteen competitors took part in Friday's Pool Rescue Championships at Mackay ARC, where the local lifesavers secured several podium finishes.

The remaining members joined them on Saturday and Sunday at Mackay Harbour Beach for two big days of individual and team events.

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The small but mighty crew finished the carnival by taking home the Handicap Points Score, following a strong showing against some stiff competition.

North Aussies also serves as a selection carnival for the Queensland Country Team, which will travel to the Gold Coast in December for the Inter-branch Championships.

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Congratulations to Warne McShane, Milla Chapman and Taylor Chapman, who were selected in the 2026 team following their performances at the carnival.

Warne was also named Under-15 Male Age Champion after securing podium finishes in all his individual pool rescue and water events.

Contributed with thanks by Stephen Doig

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Eighteen players turned out on a very warm spring afternoon that felt more like summer.

Three games of triples were played.

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Rink 3: Bob Young, Roslyn DeFranciscus and Trevor Elton defeated Maureen Marsden, Sandra Darwin and Bruce McCallum.

Rink 4: Paul Vass, Judy Elton and Tony Eadie accounted for Janet Arthur, Les Hoey and Gary Nosworthy.

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Rink 5: Des Chapman, Ron Smith and Glen Bones Berryman had a big win over Belinda McConville, Steve Doig and Phil Marsden.

It was noted that Belinda, a newcomer to bowls, had a toucher and held three shots over Des, a seasoned bowler, on the penultimate end. Good one, Belinda!

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The meat tray raffle was won by Judy Elton, with Mick Olsen taking home a bottle of wine.

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What's on at the club:

Monday morning fitness; Tuesday Trimmers and Tuesday Funday; Wednesday Kraft group, evening barefoot bowls and Wednesday night darts.

Thursday morning bingo, followed by social bowls at 1.30pm. Names in by 1pm.

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Friday night is pool club night, starting at 6pm.

Saturday afternoon social bowls starts at 1.30pm, with names in by 1pm.

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Until next week, good bowling.

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Smash Series standouts Lincoln McDowell and Nicholas Marrinan. Photos supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Troy Patti

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Junior cricket fixtures were on again at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Home Hill Cricket Complex last Friday with good numbers across all age groups.

The Smash Series Cricketers were split into two teams with the “Chicken Nuggets” taking on the “Brisbane Heat”.

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The Nuggets batted first with Nicholas Marrinan top scoring with 17, Reuben Armstrong scoring 10 and Lincoln McDowell and Dylan Bryant scoring 8 runs a-piece.

Cooper Amos struck with an early wicket while Allegra Parker and Kirby Brett were lightning in the field, each effecting a run out.

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The Heat’s innings started solidly with Aria Bryant and Everly Nicholas scoring 7 and 9 runs respectively.

Lincoln took a superb catch while he, Harvey, Dylan and Reuben also caught the batters short of their ground.

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Arthur Cohen and Cooper anchored the innings with a 22-run partnership but the Chicken Nuggets were the victors 79 – 66.

In the Blue Group, the fielders were on fire with 7 runouts shared between Georgia Vasta, Doug Cohen, Nate Ryder and Will Searle as well as a catch a-piece to Royce Cohen and Georgia.

Doug was a standout with the bat, scoring 13 runs, while Corbett Cross (12) and Nate (9) swung the willow well.

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Notable bowling performances included Logan who took 1/10, Jai (1/7), Royce (3/12), Doug (1/13) and Hugh Armstrong who bowled a wicket maiden.

The stage was set for an epic battle and fierce rivalries in the Gold Group.

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Marshall Parker opened the batting before being caught and bowled by Ben Watkins for 8, a favour Marshall later returned when he caught and bowled Ben for 4 runs.

Xavier Cross, compiled runs quickly on his way to the top score of 11.

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After Henry Cohen’s powerful 8 runs, the bowlers took control.

Ben, Flynn Levitt, Mazlyn Smith, Jude Shannon and Jake Cullen each claimed one wicket.

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Billy Muilwyk finished a devastating spell with 2 wickets for no runs and Xavier continued his dominance with an impressive 3/7.

Til next week, “that’s stumps”

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Home Hill Cricket Club celebrated a successful weekend of senior cricket, with impressive victories in both Second and Third Grade. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Home Hill Cricket Club

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Home Hill Cricket Club celebrated a successful weekend of senior cricket, with impressive victories in both Second and Third Grade, while wet weather unfortunately put a stop to Fourth Grade action.

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Second Grade: Pengelly Cabinets Dominate Charters Towers

Home Hill Pengelly Cabinets produced a complete team performance to record a crushing 191-run victory over Charters Towers at Mosman Park.

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After being sent into bat, Home Hill faced early challenges, slipping to 4/81 as the Charters Towers bowlers applied pressure. Valuable contributions from Darren O’Keeffe (25), Sameer Korgaonkar (17) and Tristan Richards (31) helped steady the innings and rebuild the scoreboard.

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The highlight of the day came from Alex Stillhard, whose explosive unbeaten 68 from just 29 balls transformed the contest. Stillhard launched seven sixes and two fours in a breathtaking display of power hitting, propelling Home Hill to an imposing 9/219 from their 40 overs.

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Home Hill’s bowlers then took complete control. Al Wilkins delivered a sensational spell, claiming 4/5 from six overs, including three maidens, while Mark Nosworthy provided excellent support with 3/12 from six overs. Leo Olditch (2/5) and Tristan Richards (1/6) finished the job as Charters Towers were bundled out for just 28.

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Third Grade: Evergreen Sheds Hold Their Nerve

Home Hill Evergreen Sheds edged out Wests in a thrilling low-scoring encounter at Cutheringa Park, securing a hard-fought three-run win.

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After electing to bat, Wests struggled against a disciplined Home Hill bowling attack and were dismissed for 95 in 32.1 overs.

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John Licciardello was the chief destroyer, producing outstanding figures of 5/16 from seven overs. Guy Stevenson also impressed with the ball, taking 2/3 from four overs, including three maidens. Bala Bandlamudi, Mitchell Price-Wilson and Sameer Korgaonkar each chipped in with a wicket as Home Hill maintained constant pressure.

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In reply, Home Hill's chase got off to a shaky start as they slumped to 3/21. Guy Stevenson then played a crucial innings, anchoring the chase with a patient 38 from 62 deliveries. Bala Bandlamudi added a valuable 22, while Sameer Korgaonkarcontributed 15 as the visitors gradually worked their way towards the target.

Despite a determined effort from the Wests bowlers, Home Hill managed to reach 98 and secure victory in a tense finish.

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Fourth Grade Washed Out

Unfortunately, the Fourth Grade fixture between Home Hill ML Partners and Northern Beaches was abandoned without a ball being bowled after wet weather left the grounds unplayable.

While the washout was disappointing for players and supporters, Home Hill still enjoyed a highly successful weekend, with two strong victories helping maintain momentum across the club.

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After rehabbing with team physio Rob, Tramayne was back to a full sprint and fit to compete within days. Photos supplied

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A Burdekin touch footballer has helped bring the Australian Emus Women’s 40s side to Asia Pacific glory, overcoming an injury which threatened to end her tournament before it began.

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Tramayne Horan made her international debut at the Asia Pacific Seniors Touch Cup in Japan last month, appearing in two group-stage clashes before contributing to a 3-1 grand final victory over trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand.

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Representing the nation marked the realisation of a decades-long dream for the touch footy veteran, who called the experience “amazing.”

“My heart was racing,” she said, recalling the moments before her debut.

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“My adrenaline was skyrocketing, and I knew if I wanted to perform at my best, I had to definitely bring it down.

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“We had exceptional ladies … who were so supportive. They trusted me and my skills, and that made me trust my skills and know that I was more than capable to step out onto the field and wear the jersey.”

A training injury sustained before the tournament opener kept Tramayne out of the side’s first two days of competition.

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Confirmed as a grade one ligament tear in her ankle, she feared she might not see the pitch at all.

“I was completely devastated. I've never rolled my ankle inward like that in my life,” Tramayne said.

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“The physio told me to just stay positive. In my head, I had to reinforce that as well because I hadn't even made it on the field yet.

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“I just kept telling myself, ‘I'm going to come back from this. I'm going to come back from this.’”

After extensive rehabbing with team physios, Tramayne was back to a full sprint and fit to compete within days.

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She said the injury scare made her debut all the more emotional.

“As soon as I got my got my ankle strapped and did my warm-up, I basically cried. I was just shaking,” she said.

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“I turned and looked at my coach, and I think I scared him—he didn't know if it was good crying or bad crying. I just ran up and gave him a hug.

“Everything came to fruition. I was finally getting on the paddock with my teammates and finally represent Australia.”

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Tramayne's maiden Australian call-up is the latest chapter of a 33-year touch football career. The Brothers A Grade player began playing at just 13 years old, representing Queensland a number of times since.

She hopes to don maroon again for next year’s State of Origin series, where she expects to face some of her New South Wales-based national team peers.

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Her attention will then turn to the 2028 World Cup in New Zealand, where she aims for back-to-back national team selections.

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Karrie Webb sits with competitors at the Karrie Webb Junior Masters at Ayr Golf Course, which attracted a record 120 young golfers over the weekend. Photo: Rhonda Martin

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The Karrie Webb Junior Masters hit a new high over the weekend, drawing a record 120 young golfers to Ayr as the tournament nearly doubled in size since 2023. The Australian golf great returned to see rising talent from across Queensland compete for the titles, with Burdekin golfers among the placegetters.

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Read more here: www.burdekinlife.com/article/karrie-webb-junior-masters-draws-record-field-as-familiar-face-claims-title

Fun Teams event winners (L - R): 2nd place: Mark’s Minions—Tilly, Holly and Joel Hanson, Sophie (absent) and Mark Barbagallo. First Place: The Pivottos—Toni and Michele. Third Place: Tennis Townsville—Lachie Hutcherson and Rachael. Photos supplied

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Players of all ages tried their hand at a range of racquet sports during the Home Hill Tennis Association’s Fun Teams event, with competitors taking on everything from beach tennis to pickleball.

The afternoon brought together tennis and pickleball players for a series of activities, including jumbo tennis, mini tennis, table tennis and real tennis.

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Four players also travelled from Townsville to take part.

The event featured an Australian Open One Point Slam competition, where players rolled the dice and competed in single-point matches.

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The format kept the competition light-hearted, with one participant pointing out that even tennis great Roger Federer won only 51 per cent of the points he played.

Toni Pivotto won the pickleball division of the One Point Slam, while Daniel Walsh took out the tennis division.

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The Fun Teams competition saw The Pivottos, comprising Toni and Michele, finish first, ahead of Mark’s Minions in second place. The team included Tilly, Holly and Joel Hanson, Sophie, and Mark Barbagallo.

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Lachie Hutcherson and Rachael, from Tennis Townsville, finished third.

Home Hill Tennis Association secretary Kate Casswell thanked participants and local businesses for supporting the event.

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“It was great to see both the pickleball and tennis players and people of all ages come down to enjoy the afternoon,” she said.

“Thanks also to the businesses who donated prizes ensuring the afternoon was a great success.”

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Husband-and-wife duo Laurence and Carla Dal Santo were awarded Life Membership. Photos supplied

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Burdekin FC celebrated the end of the 2026 season with a well-attended Presentation Night last Saturday, recognising the achievements of its teams and players.

The club fielded five men’s teams this season, although its women’s team was forced to withdraw early in the campaign.

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The standout performers were the Astute Finance Colts, who went undefeated to claim the premiership, Grand Final and Crad Evans Trophy.

Cooper Kross was named Colts Player of the Year, while Jhett Jones took home the Best and Fairest award.

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The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers finished third before falling to Brothers in the Grand Final. Ryan Scodellaro was named Player of the Year, with Jarrod Camer receiving the Best and Fairest award.

The Burdekin Tyre Service Reserves also lost their Grand Final to Brothers after finishing second during the season. Jonte Grazioli was named the team’s Best and Fairest.

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In the lower divisions, Cody Scalia won Best and Fairest for the Austral Masonry Division 1 side, while Jared Giardina claimed the award for the RG Customs Division 2 team.

With an undefeated Colts campaign and several strong team and individual performances across the club, Burdekin FC had plenty to celebrate as it brought its 2026 season to a close.

18-hole boys winner Rico Avolio, Karrie Webb, and 18-hole girls winner Lily McGuinness Photos: Rhonda Martin

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Yeppoon golfer Lily McGuinness claimed her third Karrie Webb Junior Masters title last weekend as the tournament attracted a record field, with Burdekin competitors also among winners.

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Roughly 120 young golfers contested the tournament at Ayr Golf Course on Saturday, 24th October and Sunday, 25th October. The tournament was the final Greg Norman Junior Masters qualifier of this year’s junior calendar.

McGuinness reclaimed the 18-hole girls gross title after finishing second last year, winning the event for the third time in four years. Her score of 139 was the lowest among all 18-hole competitors.

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Rowes Bay golfer Rico Avolio took out the boys division with a gross score of 151.

Meanwhile, Ayr golfers ran rampant in both six-hole competitions, with Adelle Morello and Austin Mann winning the girls and boys divisions respectively.

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Burdekin locals Ara Oakes, Tyler Smith, Royce Cohen, River Oar, Andi Perry and Reid Statham also finished in the top three of their divisions.

Karrie Webb, who was in attendance across the weekend, said she was impressed by the talent of this year’s field, which almost doubled in participation since 2023.

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“It's great to see so many young kids playing. I played in all these junior tournaments when I was younger, so it just reminds me all about it,” she said.

“The competition was great—we had kids from Brisbane, Caloundra, all the way up to Atherton and Cairns. It just shows this region that it's an important event for the kids who aspire to continue going from three holes, to six holes all the way up to 18 holes."

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The weekend also included the Golf North Queensland (GNQ) Junior Golfer of the Year presentation on Saturday night, which recognised the best-performing junior golfers in GNQ over the season.

Another presentation on Sunday capped off the weekend’s competition, with winners across the two days taking home impressive prizes courtesy of Mizuno Australia.

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“When you have such great prizes, I think it excites the kids. At a lot of the junior golf tournaments around the district don't usually see prizes like that,” Webb said.

She added that the tournament attracted business to the town.

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"A lot of people travelled a long way, spending a lot of money in the community—hotel rooms, caravan parks. I was out on Friday night, and there was a lot of people out having dinner. A lot of money was spent in town, which is great,” she said.

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Webb thanked sponsors Raine & Horne and Mizuno Australia, as well as her mother, Evelyn, and the volunteers who contributed to tournament preparations.

“They've worked really hard to build this event up to be bigger and better every year. I think our goal is to continue to make it bigger and for more and more people to come and play,” she said.

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Full results available online

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Cooper received the Smash Group’s "McDonalds Sports Award" for his batting efforts. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Home Hill Junior Cricket

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The showers on Friday weren't enough to stop play going ahead at the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex.

The "Smash Group" was again a wicket drought for the bowlers with Kirby the only one to take a wicket, he also was involved in a runout.

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Other runouts were made by Reuben, Jai, Nicholas, Kash and two from Lincoln.

Hugh top scored with the bat, smashing 19 runs not out.  Next was Jaxon, 18 and Cooper on 17 both also not out. Cooper received the "McDonalds Sports Award" for his great batting.

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No Stats were available for the "Blue Group" this week, but Lane took home the McDonalds Sports Award" by getting 2 wickets in his bowling spell and making 8 runs when batting.

Alex hit 3 fours in his innings of 22 runs in his first week back this season, he also had a great game with the gloves behind the stumps which earned him the "McDonalds Sports Award”.

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There was a big gap back to the next best on nine runs by Jude and Ben. Mazlyn clean bowled two batters and Xavier also took two wickets, Kip chimed in with a wicket and Jardii got a caught and bowled.

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