Local swimmers have made a splash at the 2026 Townsville Tourist LongCourse Transition Meet, with the Torpedoes Swim Club delivering astandout performance across a big weekend of racing.

Theteam walked away with an impressive haul of place medals, upgrademedals, personal best times, state qualifying times and ribbons, butcoaches and parents alike say the results went far beyond whatappeared on the podium. For many swimmers, the meet provided valuablerace experience, the chance to overcome competition nerves and theopportunity to step outside their comfort zones by taking on newevents.

Aspecial mention goes to Mahli, Gabriella and Warne, who all qualifiedfor the highly competitive Eliminator event. The trio capped offtheir strong performances by securing wins and taking home cashprizes, adding an exciting highlight to the weekend.

Theclub also took time to acknowledge the strong support network behindthe swimmers’ success. Parents were thanked for volunteering theirtime as timekeepers, while the Dale family received specialrecognition for transporting the team tent and helping keep the grouporganised across the meet.

CoachesKim and Mick were praised for their guidance and encouragementthroughout the competition, helping swimmers stay focused andconfident across both days of racing. The Torpedoes also extendedtheir thanks to the Townsville Tourist Amateur Swimming Club forhosting what was described as a well-run and enjoyable event.

Withday one “done and dusted” and plenty of momentum heading into daytwo, the Torpedoes team showed strong spirit, determination andteamwork — proving once again that hard work in the pool pays off.

GoTeam Torpedoes!

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Burdekin’s Torpedoes Swim Club made a splash at the 2026 TownsvilleTourist Long Course Transition Meet. Photo supplied

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Junior cricket returned to the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex in Home Hill last week, with strong numbers of new and returning players taking to the field after the Christmas break.

Blast Cricket Challengers showcased plenty of young talent, with two exciting games played by the 8–10 year olds. In game one, Nate Ryder and Noah Tanner combined for a match-winning 12 runs, while Reuben Armstrong starred with the ball, taking three wickets to earn Player of the Match. Emily Patti also impressed with her early bowling.

In the second game, Jai Baxter delivered a standout all-round performance and was named Player of the Match after teaming up with Jaxon Watkins to score 29 runs from two overs. Aria Bryant claimed an impressive four wickets, while Olivia Patti showed excellent line and length.

In the Blue Group hardball match, bowlers dominated. Henry Cohen top-scored with eight runs, while Mazlyn Smith took 2 for 7. Jardi Russell and Flynn Levitt received the McDonald’s Sports Awards for an outstanding first week in hardball cricket.

The Gold Group saw Logan Pickup take 3 for 7 to earn the McDonald’s Sports Award, while Alex Cullen (19*) and Oliver Calligaro (18*) led the batting.

It was a strong and encouraging start to the junior cricket season, with plenty of promise on display.

Contributed with thanks to Scott and Joanne Heidke.

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Alex Cullen led the batting in the Gold Group last week. Photo supplied

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By Jacob Casha

Home Hill's own Adam Walton teamed up with Rockhampton's Patrick Harper in the opening round of the Australian Open Men's Doubles, facing Townsville local John Patrick Smith and Czech international Adam Pavlasek in what was a strong attestation of Queensland's tennis talent pipeline.

Walton and Harper showed strong teamwork—a synergy that helped them win the NCAA Doubles National Championship during their Tennessee Tech days—but ultimately fell in straight sets to Smith and Pavlasek, 7-6, 6-3.

Fellow Queenslander and Tennessee Tech alumnus Smith put in a solid performance on the other side of the net, advancing to the second round alongside Pavlasek, where they will face the ninth-seeded duo of Francisco Cabral and Lucas Miedler.

The opening set was tightly contested, with both pairs holding serve throughout, leading to a tense tiebreak that Smith and Pavlasek narrowly edged 11-9. In the second set, the Czech Australian duo secured an early break and maintained their lead, closing out 6-3 to take the straight-sets victory.

Home Hill Tennis Association Secretary, Kate Casswell, said the match-up proved a strong advertisement for Queensland tennis, noting a clear influx of interest in the tennis club following both Walton's duel with world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and the triple-Queensland doubles showdown.

"The Facebook post on Adam [Walton's] match got 9,300 views—more than three times the population of Home Hill," she said.

Regional Queenslanders are no strangers to success in the sport, with Casswell pointing to a determination forced upon young athletes in remote areas as a potential reason.

"You look at Pat Rafter from Mount Isa, Rocket Rod Laver from Rockhampton… Historically, people from regional Queensland have done really well," she said.

"When you have to drive seven hours to get to tournaments… it definitely makes you more determined."

Although Casswell hopes regional towns can continue to nurture talent, she said the sport is for everyone to enjoy.

"It doesn't matter whether you're going to become the next Adam Walton," she said.

"It helps to develop hand-eye coordination, pick up social skills. It's a really fun sport to play."

Casswell encouraged anyone interested in trying tennis to inquire about the Home Hill Tennis Association’s coaching sessions, 24/7 court hire, or to join the Monday night fixtures starting 2nd February, or the Friday social sessions beginning at the end of March.

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Adam Walton began playing tennis in Home Hill at five-years-old and is currently ranked 81st in the world. Photo source: Tennis Australia

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Local

The 2026 season is fast approaching. The various teams have been in training for a few weeks and on Saturday there were a couple of practice matches at International Park. The season starts this Saturday with the 1st Round of the Australian Cup where the Premiers are away to Saints Eagles Souths in Townsville.

Premiers

The Ayr Anzac Club Premier League side played Cairns team Southside Comets on Saturday evening. In hot, sultry conditions the Premiers won 4-3 after leading 4-1 with seven minutes left! The Panthers opened the scoring after only eight minutes with a goal from Matthew Kolb, but the Comets equalised sixteen minutes later. Jeremy Dal Santo restored the Panthers lead after forty three minutes and Sean Young quickly made it 3-1. With twenty minutes left Matthew Kolb added another goal and the Panthers looked to be cruising to a good win but two late goals from the Comets made the final score 4-3.

Reserves

Burdekin Tyre Service Reserves and the Astute Financial Colts had a practice match. The Reserves won 2-0 with second half goals from Mason Matthews and Seaton Ivory.

Juniors

Registrations are now open for Juniors for the 2026 season. Please head to Facebook for registration information. If you have any questions, please email the club at burdekinfc@hotmail.com.

Our committee needs you! Due to some long serving committee members now moving on within the club, we need parents to put their hands up to take over these crucial roles in order to help run the club and continue to make it thrive. Positions available are Junior Secretary, Junior Registrar, Grants Officer and Junior Canteen Co-ordinator.

These are all vital roles within our club, and we thank and congratulate those who have helped been in these positions both last year and previous years. They have established a great platform for a smooth transition for incoming committee members.

Masters

The Masters will resume its Monday Night Magic (or Mayhem) on 23 February. All are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick off.

National and International

The Matildas will be hosting the AFC Women’s Asian Cup which kicks off in March. The Matildas are in Group A with Iran, South Korea, and the Philippines and their first match is against the Philippines in Perth on 1st March. They then meet Iran on 5th March and South Korea on 8th March.

The Socceroos have a couple of games lined up in March as they get ready for the World Cup which starts in June in America, Canada and Mexico. On 27th March they play Cameroon in Sydney and on 31st March meet Curacao in Melbourne.

In the A League, after fourteen rounds Auckland are one point clear of Newcastle after only managing a 2-2 draw at home to Central Coast. Macarthur thumped Melbourne City 6-2 and move up to third place. Brisbane Roar lost at home to Adelaide and drop to sixth place. Western Sydney continue to hold up the league.

In the A League Women, after eleven rounds Melbourne City are five points clear of Wellington after winning 2-0 in Perth. Canberra is in third place after losing 3-1 to Brisbane who are now fourth. Western Sydney are bottom of the league, two points adrift of Sydney.

Europe

In the EPL, Arsenal was the only one of the top five teams to lose, 2-3 at home to ManU. The Gunners are still top of the table four points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa. ManU is fourth and Chelsea fifth. At the foot of the table West Ham and Nottingham Forest both won but Burnley and Wolverhampton are in deep trouble.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, Bayern lost for the first time this season, 1-2 at home, to fifteenth placed Augsburg! They are now only eight points clear of Dortmund with

Hoffenheim and Stuttgart another six points adrift. Heidenheim and St Pauli are holding up the table and Mainz, who won again, is still in trouble.

In Italy’s Serie A, Inter was the only one of the top four teams to win, They are now five points clear of AC Milan, and third placed Roma is another four points behind, together with Napoli who lost to Juventus who move up to fifth spot. None of the bottom seven teams won and Pisa and Verona look doomed.

In Spain’s, La Liga the top three teams all won and Barcelona leads Real Madrid by one point. Third placed Atletico is a further seven points behind and Villarreal another three points adrift. At the bottom of the League Levante was the only team to win but along with Oviedo is still in deep trouble.

Finally, in France, after nineteen rounds, PSG leads Lens by two points with Marseille a further five points away and fourth placed Lyon another two points behind. None of the bottom five teams won and Metz, Auxerre and Nantes have severe problems.

The Quote of the Week is from Alex Ferguson, on José Mourinho "He was certainly full of it, calling me boss and big man when we had our post-match drink after the first leg. But it would help if his greetings were accompanied by a decent glass of wine. What he gave me was paint-stripper.

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Funding is now available to help local sport, active recreation and racing clubs recover after recent flooding, with the Government rolling out targeted disaster assistance across Queensland.

Under the Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program (SRDRP), eligible not-for-profit organisations in disaster-declared areas can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to support immediate clean-up efforts and help re-establish club activities and operations.

The program is open for the next three months and is designed to assist clubs impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji and the North Queensland Monsoon Trough, as well as other significant weather events experienced late last year.

For the first time, not-for-profit racing organisations across all three racing codes—Thoroughbred, Harness and Greyhound—are also eligible to apply, recognising the important role racing clubs play in regional communities.

Acting Minister for Sport and Racing Steve Minnikin said the funding was aimed at easing the pressure on volunteers who often shoulder the burden when disaster strikes.

“Most of Queensland’s sport and racing clubs are run and operated by tireless volunteers, and the burden is often left with them to clean up when disaster strikes,” Minister Minnikin said.

“The Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program is here to help them get through the initial stages of recovery.”

He said extending eligibility to racing clubs acknowledged their social and community value.

“We also recognise that our racing clubs are part of the social fabric of Queensland which is why it is so important that they also have access to this funding,” he said.

“We’ll continue to monitor this weather event, and clubs can check the website for updates on additional eligible local government areas. I strongly encourage impacted clubs to apply for assistance and let us help them to get back on their feet.”

Organisations affected by weather events between October and December 2025 are also encouraged to check their eligibility.

More information and application details are available through the Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program (SRDRP).

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Not-for-profit racing organisations across all three racing codes are also eligible to apply for the SRDRP. Photo source: Burdekin Race Club

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Home Hill’s senior cricket sides returned to the field on Sunday for the first time since the Christmas break.

The Third Grade side travelled to Riverway Stadium to take on Suburban Parks.

Suburban Parks, batting first, struggled to build momentum against the Home Hill bowling attack. Troy Patti led the charge, claiming three wickets for just 15 runs from his five overs. Darren O’Keeffe, Brad Parravicini and Brendan Williams chipped in with two wickets apiece to restrict Suburban Parks to 9/114 from their 30 overs.

Home Hill’s chase was anchored by Daniel Olditch (52) and Andrew Wallwork (46), with support from Brendan Williams (21) and Brad Parravicini (15). The final score of 8/164 comfortably surpassed the required total and sealed a valuable win for the visitors.

Home Hill’s Second Grade team faced a tough match-up against ladder leaders Brothers.

Home Hill posted a modest total of 79 runs, with early wickets tumbling in quick succession. A brief recovery came through Greg Flanagan (13 off 40) and Jack Gimson (35 off 45), whose counterattack gave Home Hill a glimmer of hope. Gimson’s seven boundaries were the highlight of the innings, but the tail couldn’t build on the momentum, with the final wicket falling at 79.

With the ball, Alex Stillhard struck early to remove opener Tom Herron for a duck. Greg Flanagan bowled with control, conceding just one run from two overs, including a maiden. Al Wilkins and Jay Leckenby bowled economically to keep the pressure on, but Brothers held firm and reached the target to win by nine wickets. The team will look to regroup and bounce back stronger in the next fixture.

Contributed with thanks to Home Hill Cricket Association

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Dan Olditch scored 52 runs on the day. Photo supplied

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As the new bowls season is underway, activity at Ayr Bowling Club has ramped up, with good numbers taking to the green on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Open social bowls on Saturday featured three games of triples and two pairs games. Winners on the day were Donna Soper, Barry Hewson and Ron Soper, who defeated Merle Nixon, Ron Smythe and Sandra Stidston. In game two, Lew Stidston, Cisco and Pam Power defeated Betty Schultz, Bruce McAllum and Al Hardcastle.

Australia Day, Monday 26 January, sponsored by Phelan Pies, saw 18 members turn out for three games of triples over 12 ends. Winners on the day were:

1st – Karen Shepherd, Kaz and Allen Bartlett defeated Shane, Al Hardcastle and Anthony Bull.

2nd – John Pirrone, Beryl Cornford and Maurie Power defeated Lew Stidston, Deslie Olsen and Ron Soper.

3rd – Betty Schultz, Barry Shepherd and Pam Power defeated Happy Horan, Sam Caltabiano and Sandra Stidston.

Also winners of a Phelan’s pie were losing lead Sandra, losing second Al Hardcastle and losing skip Ron Soper.

Ayr Bowling Club thanks Phelan Pies for sponsoring Australia Day for the past 18 years and appreciates their continued support of the club’s Australia Day celebrations.

Tuesday 3 February will be sponsored by Amcal Chemist Ayr, with great prizes to be won. Names in by 12.30pm, with play starting at 1pm. Come along for a great day of bowling.

Members are reminded to get their names on the board for the 2026 pennant season by the end of January. Club games are now open for 2026 — see the games director for details.

The club is now open for 2026, with open bowls formats on Tuesdays, Wednesday nights and Saturdays. Wednesday Night Social Bowls will resume on 28 January, with sign-on by 6.30pm. See our Facebook page for upcoming events.

If you are interested in giving bowls a try, Friday Roll-Ups are a great place to start. They are held every Friday afternoon from 3.00pm to 5.30pm. Whether you're looking to hone your skills, enjoy some friendly training tips, or simply unwind with a drink, these casual roll-ups are the perfect way to kick off the weekend. We also have a table bowls table, so drop in for a roll-up on our new table. Come down for some training, enjoy a few drinks, and join in the fun with fellow club members.

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull

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26 players were on the green on a warm and humid summer’s afternoon, and after a good turnout of 24 players for Wednesday night barefoot bowls, it’s a pretty good effort for our little club. Three games of triples and two games of pairs were contested.

Rink 3: Norm Bethell and Mick McClosky were too good for Paul Vass and Phil Marsden.

Rink 4: Bob Young and Glen “Bones” Berryman narrowly toppled (the players know the real score) Maureen Marsden and Alex Bojack.

Rink 5: Yogi Bunn, Des Chapman and Joe Linton recorded a dominant win over Judy Elton, Sandra Darwin and Michael Young.

Rink 6: Scott Taylor, Elaine Young and Wayne Newton won a close one that came down to the final end against Margaret Chapman, Ron Smith and Tony Eadie.

Rink 7: Les Hoey, Cisco and Trevor Elton (pictured, today’s winners) tied with Rhonda Martin, Margaret Linton and Bruce McCallum. Scores were tied, ends were tied, and the result went back to the highest end of the day — a three-count for Trevor’s team.

The meat tray raffle was won by Mick McClosky, with the wine going to James Taylor.

The Monday morning fitness group is up and running again. Tuesday Trimmers is back, and Funday Tuesday, run by Norm Bethell, is for anyone in the community sitting at home — come along, meet new friends and learn to bowl, with all equipment supplied. Just turn up at 10am.

The Wednesday Kraft group is also up and running, as are barefoot bowls and darts night. Thursday morning BINGO continues, with social bowls at 2pm. Friday night is pool competition night, and Saturday afternoon social bowls also commence at 2pm.

On Saturday 24 January, the club held an Australia Day BBQ for family and friends, as seen in the second photo. An Aussie sausage sizzle kicked off proceedings, along with an 80th birthday celebration — congratulations to Elaine Young. A game of spider bowls was arranged, with some first-timers and new members taking part, and Scott Taylor winning the event by drawing nearest to the kitty. A great day was had by all who attended.

Until next week — good bowling.

Contributed with thanks to Stephen Doig

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Today’s winners on Rink 7: Les Hoey, Cisco and Trevor Elton, who claimed victory on a countback after scores and ends were tied. Photo credit: Stephen Doig

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The Burdekin Swimming Club hosted its annual North Queensland Interclub Burdekin Sprint on Saturday, 17th January, drawing hundreds of competitors to the Burdekin Aquatic Centre for one of the region’s fastest swim meets.

A key fixture on the Swimming North Queensland calendar, the Burdekin Sprint is the final competitive opportunity for many athletes to record qualifying times ahead of the Queensland State Championships.

Read more on page 24

High-Speed Action as Burdekin Sprint Delivers Another Successful Meet

Continued from back cover

Around 215 swimmers competed across the afternoon, with more than 500 people passing through the venue as families travelled from Ingham, Mackay, Collinsville, Richmond and Charters Towers.

True to its name, the Burdekin Sprint is a high-intensity meet, featuring only 50-metre events across all four swimming strokes. It is the only sprint-only meet offered on the North Queensland calendar, making it a popular and unique event for competitive swimmers.

19 Burdekin Swimming Club athletes competed at the meet, recording strong performances and numerous personal best times.

The meet concluded with the popular “Dash for Cash”, a novelty event that sees the eight fastest freestyle swimmers in each age group compete for prize money, adding an extra layer of excitement to the program.

Despite a brief interruption due to storms and heavy rainfall, organisers said the event ran successfully and received positive feedback from visiting clubs.

Burdekin Swimming Club officials said the support from volunteers and local businesses was instrumental in the event’s success, with many visiting teams already expressing interest in returning next year.

The Burdekin Sprint continues to be a showcase event for the region, highlighting both competitive swimming talent and the Burdekin’s ability to host major sporting competitions.

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Photos supplied

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Walton Pushes World No. 1 on Tennis’ Biggest Stage

By Jacob Casha

Walton Takes Confidence From Australian Open Test Despite Defeat

Home Hill native and rising tennis sensation, Adam Walton, put the world on notice over the weekend, giving ATP world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz a stern test before falling in straight sets in the first round of the Australian Open.

Walton pushed Alcaraz hard on Rod Laver Arena, but the Spaniard’s class ultimately prevailed in a 6‑3, 7‑6(2), 6‑2 victory.

Alcaraz broke late in the first set to take a 6‑3 lead, but Walton responded in the second, holding serve early and forcing a tiebreak after leading 3‑1. The top seed raised his level in the breaker to move two sets to the good.

Walton continued to battle in the final set, matching Alcaraz point for point in the early games, but the tournament favourite won the last four games in a row to close out the match that Walton walked away from with his head held high.

“There’s a lot of positives I can take from tonight,” said Walton in his post-match press conference.

“Playing Carlos—it was a great moment to be able to share the court with him, and I thought I did pretty well, served pretty well… and ultimately, it’s unfortunate that I couldn’t get over the line.”

When asked what it felt like to step from Home Hill onto Rod Laver Arena, Walton said, “Yeah, it was a special moment to be able to walk out onto that court. It’s been a dream… to be able to play on a big court against a big player, and it’s a moment I will never forget.”

The 26-year-old, currently ranked 81st in the world, began playing tennis in Home Hill at age five. He rose through the ranks before relocating to Brisbane and then the US for college tennis, which prepared him to step into professional tennis.

Home Hill Tennis Association Secretary Kate Casswell said Walton’s performance, despite a first-round exit, made his hometown community proud.

“What a champion,” she said.

“He served magnificently, never gave up… and the whole community is proud of him and his achievements.”

Walton now turns his attention to doubles, teaming up with University of Tennessee teammate and Rockhampton native Pat Harper to round off his Australian Open campaign.

He hopes to carry the confidence from his Australian Open performance into a strong 2026 season.

“Hopefully I can keep progressing in my tennis. I just try hard each and every week—I was able to have a good 2025… and I’m ready to get stuck into 2026 and hopefully keep climbing the rankings.”

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Photo supplied: ATP Tour

The 26-year-old, currently ranked 81st in the world, began playing tennis in Home Hill at age five. Photo supplied

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Twenty-two players fronted on a very overcast afternoon, with humidity at a stifling high. Three games of triples and one game of pairs were played. Rain delayed the start as a heavy shower passed over, but the drainage at Rummeny Green coped admirably.

On Rink 3, Norm Bethell, Les Hoey and Joe Linton enjoyed a runaway win, aided by an extraordinary amount of luck, over Bob Pickard, Judy Elton and Steve Doig. Meanwhile, on Rink 4, Betty Webb, Nev Webb and Michael Young, today’s winners (pictured), accounted for Paul Vass, Ron Smith and Phil Marsden. Margaret Chapman, Trevor Elton and Tony Eadie snatched victory on the last end against Yogi Bunn, Cisco and Mick McClosky on Rink 5, while Tony Caruso and Jeff Taylor outlasted Maureen Marsden and Bruce McCallum in the pairs on Rink 6.

The Chicken Raffle was won by Trevor Elton, while Yogi Bunn added another bottle of wine to his growing collection. A breakdown in communication last week meant the previous report was lost somewhere in the cloud.

Off the greens, a darts club has commenced on Wednesday evenings from approximately 6 pm, and a Friday night pool competition has also started, currently limited to 24 players. Both are run by new member Scott Taylor, who can be contacted for further details.

The Home Hill Sports and Recreation Club held its AGM on Saturday, 10 January 2026. Trevor Elton was elected president, with Wayne Newton as vice president. Margaret Linton will serve as secretary, Lynn Elton as treasurer, Mick Olsen as games officer, Bob Pickard as promotions officer, Judy Elton as providor/kitchen officer, and Alex Bojack as greens officer. Jenny Manganaico continues for another year as auditor. Congratulations to all the new committee members.

Members attending Monday Fitness, Tuesday Trimmers, Wednesday Kraft Group, and Friday BINGO are encouraged to contact their organiser to confirm program start dates. Bowlers can continue with Wednesday night Barefoot Bowls, Thursday afternoon social bowls at 2 pm, and Saturday afternoon bowls also at 2 pm.

Players are reminded to stay hydrated during the hot and steamy afternoons.

Contributed with thanks to Stephen Doig

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The day's winners: Betty Webb, Nev Webb and Michael Young. Photo credit: Stephen Doig

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Burdekin Touch Football is preparing for a big year, with competitions available for players of all ages.

The Coutt’s Commercial Hotel Men’s and Women’s Open Seniors competition will kick off on the 28th of January, while the Under 14 and Under 12 Mixed Touch competition for younger players begins on the 4th of February. Wednesday afternoon sign-on will allow individual boys and girls to be organised into teams, with games starting at 5pm.

Friday Junior Touch for children aged four to twelve will start on the 13th of February. Sign-on is at 5.30pm, followed by a six-week season featuring skills, drills, and games from 5.30 to 6.15pm.

Burdekin Touch Football will also be seeking junior players to represent the region at the Junior State Cup in Townsville from the 16th to the 18th of April. Divisions include boys and girls U10, U12, U14, U16, and U18.

Teams can be nominated online at burdekintouch.com.au. For any queries, contact Peter on 0437 710 500.

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Burdekin Touch Football is preparing for a big year, with competitions available for players of all ages. Photo supplied

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Weekend Patrol Roster at Alva Beach

Saturday 24/1 (1-5pm) Group F - Lisa furnell PC, Jen Morgan PC, John Furnell, Josh Furnell, Jo Morgan, Jan Hatherell and Garbriel Hatherell

Sunday 25/1 (9am-5pm) Group D - Ben Lawry PC, Kellie Lawry PC, Bella Lawry, Charlotte Larwy and Lisa Vivian

Australia Day
Monday 26/1 (9am-5pm) Group H - Dave Satori PC, Kathrine Satori PC, Riley Satori, Jake Satori, Cole Pontifex, Alyssia Gibson, Billy Gibson and Halle Gibson

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By Chelsea Ravizza

Caitlin Holmes capped off an outstanding 2025 season with the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads (BRUC), claiming Best Forward and Players’ Player honours, and proudly accepting the prestigious Don Marshall Shield for Player Contributing Most — a fitting recognition of her commitment both on and off the field.

Caitlin first stepped onto the field in 2018, competing in a Rugby Sevens carnival for the BRUC, before completing her first full season in 2019 with a Townsville-based team. It wasn’t until 2023, following her return to the Burdekin, that she officially joined the Canetoads, and became Captain and Coach of the women’s team.

Her 2025 representative achievements included multiple selections for the Townsville and District Rugby Union Brolgas Team, where she competed at the Queensland Country Championships in June. Caitlin also represented the BRUC in both the Townsville and North Queensland Open Women’s teams. Playing predominantly as a prop — most often in the tight-head position — one of her standout moments of the season was helping the North Queensland side secure victory at the Queensland Country Championships.

“Playing at the rep level is always helpful when trying to further develop skills and be a better player,” said Caitlin.

“Being able to play alongside other talented rugby players definitely helps with improvement, and it’s always nice to then bring what you learn back to the local club level.”

Caitlin’s rugby journey has been marked by sustained excellence. Her career highlights include selection in the 2024 TRUD Women’s Team of the Year, winning the 2023 Player Contributing Most Award, and representing North Queensland in 2021. She has also competed in multiple Queensland Country Rugby Union Championships, been selected for the Women’s Brolgas Team, and consistently earned accolades at club level, including Players’ Player and Best Forward awards with the Canetoads.

Off the field, Caitlin’s commitment to the sport remains strong. In recent years, she has stepped back from coaching to focus on her leadership role as captain, with her father, Rowland Holmes, taking on the coaching position. Guided by his support and experience, Caitlin continues to mentor junior female players, playing an important role in developing the next generation of rugby talent within the Burdekin community.

“My advice would be to not be afraid of giving rugby a go if you’re thinking about it,” said Caitlin.

“As scary as contact sport may seem for some, it’s actually a very fun atmosphere to learn in and becomes quite enjoyable once getting past the initial fears of contact and tackling.”

As Women’s Captain of the Canetoads, Caitlin remains focused on growing the game locally. She is passionate about encouraging more women and teenage girls to join the club, develop their skills, and discover the same love for rugby that has driven her impressive career.

“I’m looking forward to getting back into the season with my teammates - we have a very keen group of players this year, and I am excited to see what everyone can bring to the field,” she said.

“I hope to get more girls and women involved in playing for the BRUC so we can continue to grow and empower future generations of players to come.”

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Caitlin Holmes received the prestigious Don Marshall Shield for Player Contributing Most, Best Forward and Players’ Player honours at BRUC's 2025 Presentation Night. Photo supplied

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Record Turnout & Sizzling Temperatures Make This Year’s Tournament One for the History Books

2026 GOLDFIELD ASHES
Over 300 cricket teams flocked to Charters Towers last weekend to take part in the infamous three-day Goldfield ASHES extravaganza, held from Friday, the 16th of January, through to Sunday, the 18th of January.

Since its 1948 inception, the beloved annual tournament allows cricketers to nominate either a social or competitive team, producing both commendable and questionable results across the board.

Countless locals make the trip west for the ASHES each year, with 2026’s tournament labelled as one of the biggest and best ASHES in over seven decades. In 2025, 260 teams registered for the tournament, yet despite inland flooding, 2026’s event attracted a few hundred more cricketers, with organisers confirming a total of 305 teams took to the pitch this year.

Cricketers felt the full force of the heat over the weekend as temperatures pushed past 30 degrees, prompting local firies to step in with hoses and even a helicopter water drop to keep everyone cool.

Organisers said the energy, sportsmanship, and sheer scale of this year’s ASHES reinforced why the Goldfield ASHES continues to be one of the most anticipated cricket events on the Queensland calendar.

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Bobawaba Boys. Photo source: Home Hill Stockfeeds
Bro’s Ho’s and Boundary Babes. Photo source: Shay Kratzmann
Good Thanks Six Rums. Photo source: Riley Hawkins
Bloody Huge XI. Photo source: Home Hill Stockfeeds
Pitch Perfect. Photo source: Michaels
Cricketers cooled off with helicopter water drops over the weekend. Photo source: Dalu 2 Pty Ltd
Dalus Dolls. Photo source: Dalu 2 Pty Ltd

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