Sporting Clubs are the heart and soul of a community, which feels the impact of unwelcoming weather. Home Hill Tennis Association has felt the impact of all kinds of weather conditions and recent flooding again threatened their clubrooms and cancelled matches.

The timing of a recent donation from the Community Bank Home Hill and Ayr could not have come at a better time as the association aims to put a smile on the many volunteers that help their sport recover from these challenges.

The courts are now feeling the feet and activity of players with the clearer weather thanks to the dedication of their members and volunteers that has been part of their proud 93 year history.
Sugar Bowl training continues to be popular amongst players that brings teammates and friends together to enjoy the family atmosphere. Pickleball is exploding as a sport across Australia, and Home Hill is experiencing the benefits of growing numbers.

Club Secretary, Kate Casswell, says the first night back after the recent flooding saw record numbers. “We had eight new players turn up once the flood subsided, with a total of 30 for the seven courts available. It’s unbelievable to see these types of numbers,” says Kate.

The club has also recently launched PickleKids, a fun coaching and play program for kids aged 10 years and older that is held Tuesday nights from 6 to 6:45pm, which also welcomes parents.

The weekly schedule for Home Hill Tennis Association includes Monday night fixtures, Tuesday night pickleball, Friday Social Mornings, Friday afternoon coaching and cardio, and Saturday Morning pickleball.

Kate emphasises that none of these activities are not possible without the support of volunteers.

“They are the cornerstone of our community. The recent grant from the Community Bank allows us to thank the volunteers with club shirts that also recognises the valuable sponsors that support our club,” says Kate.

Senior Branch Manager for Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr, Chantel Michielin, says their board feel very proud to be supporting local clubs that play a vital role in the community, particularly when weather conditions can interfere the social interactions that are important to many.

“Home Hill Tennis Association has had a deep connection with our local community for over 90 years that brings joy and healthy activities to many in the Burdekin Community,” says Chantel.

“For generations, sport has played a pivotal role in our community. A place where friendships are formed, skills are developed, and a love for the game is fostered. A Community Bank understands that connection and will continue to invest part of our profits back into these clubs,” says Chantel.

‍

Home Hill Tennis kids ready for action. Photo supplied.

‍

Friday 7th March

We only had a small number of bowlers due to sickness and unavailable players, however, those who did turn up enjoyed some great bowling with two games of pairs.

Gary Pearce and Dave Sheehan def Ross McLaughlin and Ray Paneccasio. And in the other game, Ben Mills and Jamie Woods were too strong for Margaret McLaughlin and Lyn Storrie.

Saturday 8th March A grade singles
It was great to see some members turn up and support this clash between Gary Pearce and David DeFranciscis, in what was a great game of tight ends and great draw bowling, with Gary coming away with the victory and moving onto the next round.

Sunday 9th March Men’s Fours
David DeFranciscis and his star studded lineup of Ross McLaughlin, Michael Paravacini, and David Harding, played against Peter Henderson, Mick McCloskey, Richi Mau and Joe Yipnazar. In a seesawing game with the lead changing throughout the 21 ends game, at the half way mark of the game it was all square, however, David pulled his team aside and basically told them in no uncertain terms before eventually winning the game after 21 ends.

Sunday 8th March social bowls
We had two games of 4s and with pennants and a range of other event ideal time to practice this type of format. Ken Ferguson, Neville Dickinson, Lyn Storrie and Doug Kiehne, won against David Sheehan, Gary Nosworthy, Helen Collins, and Allan Gairoch.

In the other match Lloyd Shepherd, Doug Robins, Jamie Woods and Kevin Collins, were outclassed in a tight finish against Ben Mills, Vince Beitia, Chris Pearce and Gary Pearce.

Those interested in playing Red Pennants this year Friday 30, Saturday 31 June and July 1, please get your name up on the board as selectors need to start getting teams organised. This year we will be playing games in Townsville.

Friday 14th Trophy Bowls night proudly sponsored by G.K Diesel and if you haven’t got your team in please do so asap through normal channels or check our Facebook site.

‍

Front row Ross McLaughlin and Michael Parravacini. Back row David DeFranciscis and David Harding. Photo supplied.

‍

The Burdekin Clay Target Club once again ran a very successful Novice/Come & Try Day, with 15 Teams battling it out and having fun. The weather was great, we had a constant breeze all day. We gained another 8 new members, which brings us to a total of 94.

Thank you to our sponsors for the day QCTA-Queensland Clay Target Association, Joe & Sylvia from Joe Caruso Construction. Thank you to Cameron Cislowski & Regan Southwood for donating the prizes for Best Dressed Team. Our next shoot will be our Annual 2 Day Shoot on Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th March.

Novice Individual
1st Jarred Ferguson 45/50
2nd Blake Heffernan 43/50
3rd Peter Lejarraga 40/50
4th Mark Tomarchio 40/51
5th Mark DallOsto 39/51
6th Bryce Caltabiano 38/50

Members Individual
1st Ron Gough 50/50
2nd Joe Caruso 48/50
3rd Brontie Rea 47/50

Novice Junior Individual
1st Texas Delle Baite 21/22
2nd Tarj Galetta 20/22

Novice Ladies Individual
1st Regan Southwood 34/50
2nd Rebecca Mason 30/50

Teams
1st REVOLVER DOORS 244
Ben Hobb
Rebecca Mason
Robert Tucker
Edgar Soper
Morgan Soper

2nd SORE & BROKE 229
Ron Gough
Tony Caruso
Joe Caruso
Sylvia Rossato
Jody Towning

3rd KIRKNIE KLOWNS 226
Samuel Gibson
Angus Balmer
Zane Poli
Emma Jordan
Paul Marano

4th FLOCKERS 223
Hugh Russell
Sam Lanskey
Martin Lanskey
Chris Moore
David Russell

5th NORFOLK EN CHANCE 223
Neil Hudson
Oliver Hudson
Dominic Augustis
Julen Arrate
Ryan Delle Baite

6th ROOTER TOOTERS 222
Carlo Tomarchio
Mark Tomarchio
Bryce Caltabiano
Brady Tomarchio
Nick Todeschino

7th THE CATMANDOO'S 221
Cameron Cislowski
Regan Southwood
Duncan Southwood
Ben Beazley
Jarred Ferguson

8TH SITEFIX 221
Brett Delle Baite
Allan Andrews
Mark Delle Baite
Glen Delle Baite
Clinton Briant

‍

Best Dressed Team, Back Row: Paul Marano Sponsor Cameron Cislowski, Samuel Gibson. Front Row: Angus Balmer, Emma Jordan, Zane Poli. Photo supplied

‍

An Australian-first initiative to improve fatigue management on farms has heard directly from busy primary producers about how they prioritise rest, safety and productivity.

CQUniversity researchers are compiling the practical advice for farmers, with farmers – with input from across dairy, cotton, eggs and grains sectors.

Now the project is creating useful guides to highlight causes, impacts and management strategies for fatigue on farms – and launching a new survey to grow understanding of farmers’ experiences.

Fatigue on-farm has been identified as an industry-wide priority for the Rural Safety & Health Alliance (RSHA), a collaborative partnership between AgriFutures Australia, Australian Eggs, Australian Wool Innovation, Australian Pork Ltd, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Dairy Australia and Grains Research and Development Corporation.

In collaboration with the RSHA, the Farming and Fatigue: Growing Sensible Solutions project aims to help industry measure and manage fatigue on-farm.

Amy Cosby is part of the project team from CQUniversity’s Agri-tech Education and Extension team as well as a dairy farmer and busy mum.

She says the research is a first for the Australian agriculture sector, and importantly works with farmers to highlight effective habits for rest and wellbeing.

“What farmers have told us so far is that managing fatigue on farms is about more than hours in bed – it’s impacted by stress, and seasons, and weather, and of course the huge workloads involved with life on the land,” she said.

“But what we’ve also found, and what is certainly my personal experience, is that farmers also consider what they eat, how they exercise, how they schedule employee shifts, and even how they socialise, to try to get better rest, balance their life and avoid fatigue.

“We want producers to have a clear understanding of how their current working patterns can be tweaked to better manage the real risks of fatigue on farms,” Amy said.

Farmers can learn more about the Farming and Fatigue project and complete the anonymous survey online: https://bit.ly/FarmingFatigueSurvey

‍

Amy Cosby (centre) is part of farming and fatigue research. Photo supplied

‍

This Saturday we held our first competition for the year, with a 3 hole, 6 hole, and a 9 hole competition. We welcomed some new members, Pia, Max and Angus, and along with our regular juniors, we had 16 players take the course.

Max was our 3 hole gross winner with 22 shots, and Opie the 3 hole net winner, with a score of 12.
Evelyn was our 6 hole gross winner with a score of 47 shots, and Tyler was the net winner, with 13 net. Gabby was our 9 hole gross winner with 49 shots, and Angus was the net winner in 20 net.

We also had many of our junior girls wearing their new 2024 junior golf scholarship t-shirts, which they all received last week from Golf Australia. This great program helps encourage girls into golf, and the girls will have their golf fees for the year paid for, and funding to receive specialist coaching once a month here at Ayr golf club. A great, fun day was had by all who attended.

‍

L-R: Back row: Gabby Cahill, Tegan Saxby, Amaya Mahoney, Rheanna Bain. Front row: Ivy Land, Lyla Land, Evelyn Mahoney. Absent from photo, Pia Mauro. Photo supplied.

‍

There was no sign of rain when the junior cricketers took to the Nutrien Ag Solutions fields last Friday for their second game this year. The scoring in the Challengers was close with the partnerships of Noah and Nate, and Everly and Anna producing 14 runs apiece. They were closely followed by Nahijah and Lincoln, and Corbett and Claire on 13 each.

The wickets were shared around with Lincoln, Everly, Aria, Harvey and Claire, taking one each, while Noah did one better with two. Aria and Corbett received the MacDonalds Sports Awards.

There were low scores in the 'Blue Group' where Jake top scored with 9 runs followed by Mason and Mazlyn on 6 each. Four runouts in the game may have contributed to the low totals.

The bowlers got into the action as well with Mason and Kai taking two wickets each. Kai's bowling figures were an incredible 2 for 0 runs. Jude, Mazlyn, Jake, Tyler, Billy and Tait, all took one each. Corey and Kai took home the MacDonalds Sports Awards in this game.

The 'Gold Group' produced low scores as well where Alex was the top scorer on 15 runs not out. Tyler was also unbeaten and managed to reach 11 runs. Kyle took 2 for 8 runs and when it was Mark and Marshall's turn to bowl, they took 1 for 5 runs each in their overs. Alex and Kyle earned the MacDonalds Sports Awards for their fine batting and bowling.

‍

Aria & Corbett with their McDonald's Sports Awards.
Alex and Kyle showing off their awards.
Corey was all smiles after winning his award.

‍

A special shout out to Carla Healy principal of Raine and Horne.

Home Hill Open Easter Fours:

The Home Hill Bowls & Sports Club is set to host an exciting Fours Carnival over Easter Saturday and Sunday, with sponsorship ensuring an attractive event for all participants. Flyers have already been distributed to all bowling clubs, and organisers are hopeful this will become an annual fixture on the calendar.

With the summer heat in full force, bowlers are reminded to prepare accordingly for the warm conditions.

Around the Club

The club continues to offer a variety of activities throughout the week:

Monday – Coffee morning at 10 am, where the learned minds gather to discuss the day’s issues.
Tuesday – Low-impact exercise and Trimmers sessions.
Wednesday – Morning arts and crafts, followed by night bowls at 6 pm, with a sausage sizzle from 6:30 pm before play begins.
Thursday – Bingo from 9 am to 12 noon.
Saturday – Club bowls.
Chamber of Commerce – Meets once a month.
For confirmation of times and further details, members are encouraged to contact the club directly.

Stay Connected
Supporters and members can now follow the Home Hill Bowls & Sports Club on Facebook, with engagement and comments always welcome.

Lastly, the club extends a special mention goes out to John Hall

"The club is thinking of you, mate."

‍

Local

The 2025 fixture season kicked off last weekend  when three Burdekin Panthers teams were in action. On Friday night the Ladies were way to Brothers and then on Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves were at home to MA Olympic. It was not the best start to the season with the Ladies losing 1-3 and the Reserves going down 1-4 but the Premiers did well to draw 1-1.

After last week’s Kappa Cup loss to Estates the Ayr Anzac Club Premiers were hoping to get the season off to a good start against last year’s Champion’s MA Olympic. In a torrid game, Olympic scored in the thirty ninth minute to take a 1-0 lead into half time. The second half was as frantic as the first especially after Matthew Kolby scored a very good goal to make it 1-1. The final ten minutes were nail biting as Olympic tried desperately for the winning goal, but the Burdekin defence held firm and goalkeeper Jarrod Camer made some good saves. At the final whistle a well-earned point for the Panthers.

Burdekin Tyre Service Reserves kicked off the season on a hot afternoon with a quality squad confident of a good showing. It was a bright start with good energy and enthusiasm. It took ten minutes before Kyle Taylor intercepted a ball at the back and with some good passing a chance fell to Lachlan Fry, who on debut gave the home side the lead. It only took another six minutes before Olympic were able to equalise and  the match became an arm wrestle back and forth and with the last kick of the half Olympic were able to score their second goal.

Half time was positive with a belief that Burdekin were in the contest and capable of winning. The second half showed the aspects of our play that our training needs to concentrate on for improvement. Despite their efforts, the Reserves were slower to the ball and failed to keep possession to build pressure. Without having enough control of the ball, it was a difficult game, and the weight of possession led to another two goals from the visitors before the game finished. Definitely not a good result and it now shows the Panthers how much they need to improve in order to compete in the season ahead.

This Friday night the Ladies are away to Wulguru and the Division One Men are away to Saints Eagles Souths. Then on Saturday the Panthers have two away games against Rebels.

Training nights for the Men’s teams are Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30 and Monday and Wednesday for the Women from 6.00.

Juniors

It has been a very busy week for the Juniors! Teams have been selected, and Sunday saw a working bee to mark fields and get everything ready. Playing Kits have been collected so all kids have their playing gear.  Thanks so much to everyone that has put in many hours volunteering and helping out to get the season underway!  The draw for week 1 will be out soon.

Coaches, you will be advised of when able to collect team kits and balls during the week. We are still looking for coaches for some age groups, most notably under 5/6’s.
If not arranged during the week, everything will be sorted on Saturday. Can't wait for round 1!

Masters

Monday Night Masters kicked off last Monday at International Park, there was a good turnout and Arsenal and Spurs drew 2-2. It is a 6.30 pm kick off and all are welcome. Age, gender and infirmity are irrelevant. Be there!

National and International

The Socceroos next match is on the 20 March when they are at home against Indonesia. Five days later they are away to China. Both of these matches are in the third round of qualifying games for the 2026 World Cup. In the current World  Rankings Australia is 26, China 90 and Indonesia 127.

The Matildas were playing in the US in the SheBelieves Cup. They lost 0-4 to Japan and then played the USA and lost 1-2. Finally, last Thursday they lost 1-2 to Colombia. Not a good tournament for the Matilda’s!

In the A League, leaders Auckland drew 4-4 at home to Adelaide and now have an eight point lead over Western Utd who beat Central Coast 3-1. Adelaide drops to third place and Western Sydney moves up to fourth place. At the foot of the table Brisbane  drew 1-1 with Melbourne Victory, who equalised in the 97th minute.

The A League Women were back in action this week and leaders Melbourne City could only manage a 1-1 draw away to Canberra. However, they still lead Victory, who beat  Western Utd, by five points. Adelaide beat Wellington to stay in third spot and Brisbane is still fourth. Sydney is still holding up the table.

The Quote of the Week is from Aston Villa and England’s  Lee Hendrie “I took a whack on my left ankle, but something told me it was my right”.

‍

Friday 28th February (Night Bowls)

Under slightly cooler conditions we all had a great evening at Brandon Bowls Club with 13 players venturing onto the green.

Winners of the evening were Lloyd Shepherd, Jayson Farry, and Jamie Woods over Margaret McLaughlan, Margaret Chapman, Peter Legarraga, and Joe Yipnazar. In the other game of triples Ben Mills, Ross McLaughlan, and Ray Paneccasio, defeated Dave Sheehan, Lyn Storrie, and Gary Pearce.

Sunday 2nd March

Under very hot and extreme conditions that only the strong could handle, we had a 16 players involved with Championship Singles and Social Bowls.

Competition A grade singles

• Jamie Woods def Doug Robins
• Mick McCloskey def Glenn Woodford
• Kevin Collins def Doug Kiehne

Sunday Social Bowls

Henry Hazel, Lyn Storrie and Joe Yipnazar, def Ken Ferguson, Vince Beitia, and Ray Paneccasio.

Peter Henderson & Richi Mau def Neville Dickinson & Allan Gairoch.

‍

Hot conditions greeted our teams on Saturday for Round 13 of the Home Hill Senior Cricket competition.

Alliance Pharmacy v Peto Marine

Alliance Pharmacy won the toss and chose to bat. Lee Watts led the way with 35 runs from 57 balls, supported by 18 runs from both Kane Batchelor and Mark Spalding. Alliance finished with a total of 5/132. The chase from Peto Marine was lead by Brad Parravicini, who retired not out on 50 runs from 31 balls, and consolidated by Greg Flanagan’s 50 not out from 24 balls. JD Wilkins was the pick of the Alliance bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 13 runs from his 3 overs. But the Peto Marine batters proved too strong, winning the match 6/206.

Rookies v Crowned Mongrels

The Rookies were sent in to bat after losing the toss. Alex Stillhard (41 runs) and Dan Olditch (22 runs) were the biggest contributors with the bat, guiding the Rookies innings to a total of 9/142.  Ayden Marano starred for the Mongrels bowling attack, taking 3 wickets for 3 runs (3 overs), then anchored the run chase, making 49 runs from 40 balls before being dismissed. The Mongrels chased strongly with totals of 32 runs from Alexander Romeo, 24 runs from Travis Butler, and Elliot Marano’s 25 runs. Dan Olditch’s bowling efforts of 3 wickets for 17 runs slowed the runs, but ultimately the Mongrels won the match 6/183.

‍

Hot conditions greeted our teams on Saturday for Round 13 of the Home Hill Senior Cricket competition.

‍

Our year started off this weekend with our annual sign-on and coaching session for new members. We also had our regular juniors turn up to refresh those skills and play a few holes, mainly to get rid of the cobwebs on their clubs after a couple of months off!

A wonderful morning was had for the Ayr Juniors sign on this Saturday. Tara Jenkins joined us to teach many basic golf skills to our juniors with some familiar faces from last year, and many news ones too, which was great to see. It looked like everyone had fun.

Many thanks to Tara, Dave Edwards, Shane, Kristina and Glenda, for helping with the morning.
Watch this space and follow our Facebook page, Junior Golf Ayr, for more information on what’s to come next Saturday, and the following weekends ahead for the Ayr Juniors Golf.

Junior golfers brushing off the cobwebs
Our juniors practicing their skills on the green
The coaches offering some tips

‍

The recent floods from the Burdekin River have caused significant disruptions at the Ayr Golf Course, with water lapping up to the edges of the men’s tee on holes 3 and 16. From the 16th green, golfers are witnessing the rising waters flooding over the fairways of 3, 4, and 16. Additionally, the 13th tee has been impacted by the water flowing down 14, while it stretches across the 9th fairway as well.

This is a familiar sight for the locals, as when the Burdekin River floods over Plantation Creek on the main highway between Ayr and Home Hill, the lower-lying fairways of the course inevitably take the brunt of the floodwaters. While the water is gradually receding, the course’s greenkeeper, along with the tireless volunteers who dedicate their time each week, are facing a mammoth task ahead of them to restore the course.

Despite these setbacks, the unwavering community spirit of Ayr’s golf club members shines through. Their ongoing support and hard work—both inside and outside the clubhouse—are essential in maintaining the course’s high standards. The members’ dedication plays a crucial role in ensuring that Ayr Golf Course remains one of Queensland’s finest country courses.

A special thanks is owed to all the volunteers whose continued efforts make the course shine, even in the face of adversity. Their commitment to keeping the course in top condition is a true testament to the resilience of the community.

‍

Local

The 2025 season kicked off last Saturday night when Burdekin Panthers met Estates in the Kappa Cup. Unfortunately, the Panthers lost 1-2 but are back in action this Saturday with the start of the 2025 fixtures.

After enjoying a few Cup runs in the last few seasons the Panthers were keen to do the same this year. In front of them was an Estates team that we have enjoyed many tough battles with over the last few years. That it was the first competitive match of the season was obvious as both teams struggled to get into a groove. Both teams enjoyed a couple of forays into the box but to no avail. Estates finally broke the deadlock at the 25 minute mark and that is how it stayed in the first half.

In the Second half, the Panthers came out firing enjoying the lion’s share of possession as well as the majority of the chances but couldn’t find the back of the net. Then, against the run of play, after fifty seven minutes Estates scored again to make it 2-0. This kicked things up a notch for Burdekin as they started to take more risks, creating plenty of chances but a packed Estates defence got their bodies behind every ball in the box. Eventually at the 80th minute a beautiful Jhett Jones cross found Jay Leckenby who scored, setting up a tense final ten minutes. The Panthers pushed forward at every opportunity but unfortunately could not find a leveller.

Despite the loss, the quality of football on display from the Panthers was higher than what you would expect at this point of the season, providing a great springboard to compete for trophies again this year.

Fixtures for 2025 begin this Friday night with the Ladies away to Brothers at Paradise Park. Then on Saturday the Panthers have two home games against MA Olympic. The Under 23s kick off at 5.00 and then the Premiers play at 7.00.

Training nights for the Men’s teams are Tuesday and Thursday from 6.30 and Monday and Wednesday for the Women from 6.00.

Juniors

The season is close, and registrations have closed. Teams are being organised for the upcoming season. Can’t wait for kick off! On Saturday, Brett Butler held a fitness session for Juniors aged 9 and over to get them ready and firing for the season ahead. He will be holding another session this Saturday 1st March at 5pm to 6pm down at junior fields. Kids to wear closed in shoes. No need to register your child’s interest, just come on down!

Masters

Monday Night Masters hoped to kick off on Monday 24th February. International Park, 7.00 pm and all are welcome. Age and infirmity are irrelevant. Be there!

‍

‍

The Ayr Bowling Club ladies made their return to the green on Tuesday, with an impressive turnout of 14 players. The event was proudly sponsored by Amcal Pharmacy, a longstanding supporter of the club. To mark the beginning of 2025, Amcal Pharmacy generously donated cosmetic products for the ladies.

The winners on the day were Katharina Stuckler, Merle Nixon, Sandra Stidston, and Mary Poli, who triumphed over Linda Guimelli, Rhonda Smythe, Heather Jorgensen, and Irene Wilson. In another match, Isabel Cislowski, Rayleen Harvey, and Pam Power secured victory over Karen Shepherd, Karen Page, and Dot Cutting.

Nominations are now open for the upcoming Club Open Championship events, including A Singles, B Singles, and Rinks. The club also extends congratulations to Pam Power on her selection for the North Queensland representative team as a skip—a remarkable achievement reflecting the high calibre of players emerging from Ayr Bowling Club.

Men’s Club Championships and Weekly Bowls

Nominations are also open for the Men’s Club Championships in A Pairs, B Pairs, and Mixed Pairs.

Wednesday men’s social bowls attracted 18 players, with two games of triples and a rinks game played. The winners were Bob Pickard, Joe Papale, and Ron Soper, who defeated Bob Young, George Nixon, and Anthony Bull. Wednesday night social bowls featured two games of pairs, with Margaret McLaughlin and Sam Caltabiano winning the first, while Tegan Cesconetto and Heather Jorgensen claimed victory in the second. The club continues to encourage newcomers to try their hand at bowls during these enjoyable social nights.

Saturday’s Mahjong Ladies Sponsorship

Saturday’s event was generously sponsored by the Mahjong Ladies, who have been valuable supporters of the club for many years. The club expressed its gratitude, acknowledging that such sponsorships make these event days possible.

A total of 24 players took to the greens, playing four games of triples. The winners on the day were:

1st Place: Margaret Chapman, Lorraine Wolffe, and Joe Grabbi, who triumphed over Deslie Olsen, Merle Nixon, and Pam Power.

2nd Place: Cisco, George Nixon, and Sam Caltabiano, who defeated Linda Guimelli, Ron Smythe, and Dot Cutting.

Friday Roll-Ups Return

Friday Roll-Ups continue this week, running from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm. These casual sessions provide an opportunity for members to sharpen their skills, receive training tips, and unwind with fellow players. Whether looking to practice or simply socialise over a drink, Friday Roll-Ups are the perfect way to start the weekend.

Contributed with thanks to Ayr Bowling Club.

‍

After the Christmas break and a spell of wet weather, senior cricketers finally returned to the Nutrien AgSolutions fields for the first matches of 2025 on Saturday. Despite playing on astro turf wickets and enduring intermittent showers, the matches remained highly competitive.

Rookies v Peto Marine

The Rookies won the toss and elected to bat first. A shaky start saw the team at 2/8 after the first over. However, Dan Olditch steadied the innings with a crucial 52 runs off 39 balls. The highlight of the innings came from Alex Stillhard, who delivered a dominant performance, blasting 116 runs off just 49 balls, including 14 sixes, before being bowled. The Rookies set a formidable total of 8/215 from 25 overs.

Peto Marine responded strongly, with notable contributions from Kris Wright (62 runs from 29 balls), Brad Parravicini (42 from 20), and Greg Flanagan (27 from 15). Despite their efforts, Peto Marine fell just short, being bowled out for 200, handing the Rookies their first victory of the season.

Alliance Pharmacy v Crowned Mongrels

The Crowned Mongrels won the toss and chose to bat. The Alliance Pharmacy bowlers were in fine form, with Farhan Sarwar taking 3/17 and Damien Ricketts securing 3/7, including two caught-and-bowled dismissals. Batting contributions from Andrew Wallwork (62 runs from 46 balls) and Alexander Romeo (36 runs) helped the Mongrels reach a total of 165 before being bowled out.

The Alliance Pharmacy batters wasted no time in the chase. JD Wilkins anchored the innings with an unbeaten 60 from 33 balls, while Lee Watts provided stability with 29 runs from 67 balls. Despite a brief rain delay, Alliance secured the victory, finishing at 7/178.

With a hopeful spell of sunshine in the coming week, the fields are expected to dry out in time for the next round of matches. Fixtures for Saturday, 1 March, will see Alliance Pharmacy face Peto Marine, while the Crowned Mongrels take on the Rookies.

Contributed with thanks to Home Hill Cricket Association.

‍

Dan Olditch - 52 runs from 39 balls for the Rookies
Alex Stillhard - 116 runs from 49 balls (including 14 sixes) for the Rookies 
Damien Ricketts - bowled 3/7 (3 overs)
Farhan Sarwar - 3/17 (overs)
Bowling for Alliance Pharmacy
JD Wilkins - 60 runs not out for Alliance Pharmacy

‍