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45 teams from across Queensland met in Home Hill last weekend, duelling for glory in what was the 45th edition of the region’s esteemed Sugar Bowl tennis tournament. Men’s and women’s teams travelled from as far as Brisbane, competing in a traditional round-robin format across A Grade, A2 Grade and B Grade divisions from Saturday, 2 May to Monday, 4 May. Emerald Tennis Club’s Keg Slayers took out the A Grade men’s competition, with M&M’s claiming the women’s A Grade title for a fourth time. A2 Grade men’s champions TTT dominated the division, while the Lady Bugs pipped their A2 women’s rivals to glory. The Shoeys edged the Wackers to claim men’s B Grade glory, and the Hot Shots proved too strong for the women’s B division after a comfortable victory. Both Col’s Crew and the Sugar Hits were recognised with Team Spirit awards to tie off the eventful three days. Home Hill Tennis Association secretary Kate Casswell said the event was another feather in the cap of the club, continuing the tournament’s 45-year history with another successful edition. “It was such a successful year with a really strong field. The quality we saw from the A men’s in particular this year was next level,” Ms Casswell said. She said the event garnered significant interest from the tennis community. “Tennis really picks up locally—even in Townsville—because this is a big thing on the calendar for them. They want to come to play, compete and have fun,” she said. Ms Casswell said the influx of visitors also boosted local business, with around 1,000 players and spectators filling local accommodation and supporting businesses throughout the long weekend. She thanked the committee, team captains and the Ayr-Home Hill Lions Club for their efforts in facilitating the event that was just as much social as it was competitive. “The highlight for me is just seeing all the teams come and have a great time together—the positivity and the energy that comes from it,” she said.
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Ayr’s finest golfers have returned triumphant from the 2026 Queensland Women’s Country Week. Battling "character-building" coastal winds across Yeppoon and Rockhampton, the eight-strong squad proved their mettle on the greens. The highlight belonged to Kerry Heuir and Sandra Wight, who secured the Division 2 Foursomes title with a gritty 95. Former local Amanda Gees also tasted glory in Division 1. Between rainbows and gala dinners, the week celebrated the unbreakable spirit and camaraderie of regional golf. Read on page 29 CAPTION: Battling "character-building" coastal winds across Yeppoon and Rockhampton, the eight-strong squad proved their mettle on the greens. Photo source: Ayr Golf Club/Facebook
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Seniors A disappointing weekend for the Burdekin Panthers. The Club had only three senior games drawing two and losing one. The Premiers and Reserves were away to Warriors with the Premiers drawing 1-1 and the Reserves losing 0-1. The Division 1 team forfeited but the Division 2, drew 1-1 away to MA Olympic. The Colts also had a bye, and the Ladies have withdrawn from the competition. This week four teams are in action as the Colts have a bye. On Friday, the Division 1 and Division 2 teams are at home to Olympic, at 8.30 and 6.30 and on Saturday the Premiers and Reserves are away to MA Olympic at 7.00 and 5.00. Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club With several players unavailable, the Panthers were forced into their fifth different backline combination in as many games, heading into a tough away trip to Warriors at Melrose Park, a venue where points are always hard to come by. The first half was a stalemate, with neither side able to gain control despite the Panthers enjoying a large share of possession. Clear chances were limited, and both teams remained disciplined defensively. The second half followed a similar pattern, although Warriors began to create more threatening opportunities. Jarrod Camer stood tall in goal, producing key saves to keep the scores level. With ten minutes remaining, the breakthrough finally came, with Jay Leckenby finishing off a well-worked move to give the Panthers a 1–0 lead. However, the advantage was short-lived, with Warriors equalising five minutes later. The match finished 1–1, a result that reflected a hard-fought contest in difficult conditions. Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service The Panthers started the game well with plenty of effort and pressure creating multiple chances which the Burdekin were guilty of not taking. On the back of the Panthers failing to score, Warriors took one of their very few chances and scored right before half time. The Panthers applied a lot of pressure after the break but were again guilty of not taking their opportunities. Luke Torkington received a red card, for letting his frustration at some questionable tactics get to him. Even with ten men, Burdekin still had Warriors camped in their half so despite the 1-0 loss there is potential for a better result next round. Division 1 – Austral Masonry Faced with a shortage of players, weddings etcetera, the Division 1 had to forfeit their match against Olympic. Division 2 – RG Customs The RG Customs Funkies drew 1-1 with MA Olympic on Friday night. It was a very competitive contest and free flowing game. Burdekin created numerous attacking chances but continued to be denied by Olympic keeper who was very good all night. It took until the 77th minute for Jared Giardina to give Burdekin the lead with a neat finish. The game was quite frantic until the end and Olympic managed to equalise in the 89th minute to share the points. An unfortunate goal after an incorrect decision to award Olympic a corner that resulted with the goal. Despite the draw the Funkies can be proud of the effort and intensity on the night, for the entire game. A focus, however, must be on finishing off attacking chances and dominating the scoreboard as well as the game. Great performances by Jared Giardina, Jesse Thomasson and also Chris Achille running out the full 90 minutes of play. Ladies Female Football is taking over Monday nights! A strictly social hour of football. All are welcome to attend. Small-sided game, no skills, or experience required! Grab your friends and come down and have good time. 6:30pm, Senior Fields! Welcome to Female Football Week! An exciting two weeks to celebrate the outstanding contribution and the growth of the female game! We are proudly hosting events across the two weeks! Keep an eye out on Facebook for more details. Thank you to all the amazing females and girls that shape the face of what Female Football means in the Burdekin! Masters The Masters had another good turnout and a replay of last week’s World Cup Qualifier, Italy v Bosnia Herzegovina. In a close game Bosnia won 3-2 and for Italy it’s Goodnight Luigi! Fengil scored twice for Bosnia. Best players on the night were George Karagkiozis and Jonty Davis. The Masters play every Monday night. All players are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless, halt and lame. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick off. Juniors After a quiet week with no games over the long weekend, our junior soccer teams are eager to get back into the swing of things. Training resumes this week, giving players a great chance to sharpen their skills, reconnect with teammates, and prepare for the return to matches this Saturday. We are looking forward to seeing everyone back on the field, refreshed and ready for another exciting round of junior soccer. National The A League Men’s season has reached the final stages. In the Elimination Finals Auckland defeated Melbourne City on penalties after a 1-1 tie and Sydney beat Melbourne Victory 1-0. On Saturday, Sydney now plays Newcastle and Auckland plays Adelaide in the 1st Leg of the semi-finals. The A League Women are at the Semi-finals stage, and in the 1st Leg, Melbourne City beat Victory 1-0 and Brisbane defeated Wellington 2-1. The second leg will be played this weekend. International In the World Cup department, the Socceroos travel to the USA to play Mexico on 31 May at the Rosebowl in Pasadena and now have another ‘friendly’ organised. They play Switzerland in San Diego on 6th June. Australia’s first Group D match is against Turkey in Vancouver on the 14th June. They then play the USA in Seattle on 20th June and Paraguay in San Francisco on 26th June. In Europe, the various leagues are very close to the end of season. In England with three rounds left, Arsenal leads Manchester City by six points, but City has two games in hand. ManU will probably finish in third place with Liverpool or Aston Villa finishing fourth. Wolves and Burnley are already relegated with either Spurs or West Ham joining them. Oh yes, Coventry City won the Championship by eleven points. What a team! In Germany with two rounds to go Bayern are already champions and Dortmund need one more point to finish second. Leipzig should finish in third spot with either Leverkusen, Stuttgart or Hoffenheim finishing fourth. Relegation faces Heidenheim, St Pauli and Wolfsburg. In Spain, with four rounds to go, Barcelona are champions with Real Madrid second and, probably Villarreal third and Atletico fourth. It is very tight at the foot of the table with Oviedo in deep trouble with Levante, Seville and Alaves struggling. In Italy, with three rounds left, Inter are already champions with Napol likely to finish in second place. AC Milan, Juventus, Como or Roma could fill the third and fourth places. Pisa and Verona are already relegated and either Cremonese or Lecce could join them. In France with two rounds to play PSG are already champions and Lens and Lyon are likely to finish in second and third spots. Lille or Rennes will finish fourth. Metz and Nantes are already relegated, and Auxerre will probably accompany them.
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Touch Juniors[Text Wrapping Break]Last Friday’s Junior Touch saw 45 boys and girls aged 4 to 12 nominate. Skills, drills and games will begin this Friday from 5.30pm to 6.15pm for six weeks. Further nominations will still be accepted. Annual General Meeting[Text Wrapping Break]The Annual General Meeting of the Burdekin Touch Association will be held next Tuesday, 12 May, in the Touch Clubhouse at 6pm. Everyone is welcome. Results – Coutt’s Commercial Hotel Open Men’s and Women’s (Round 8) Men[Text Wrapping Break]Way To Go 5 (B Palmer 2) def Nrgize 4 (L Torkington 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Wires Down 6 (K Parravicini 2, G Flannagan 2) drew One Touch IT 6 (J Ballin 2, J Leckenby 2, R Taylor 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Alliance Pharmacy 13 (J Furnell 4, K Hesp 3, A Watson 2) def Baywatch 1[Text Wrapping Break]Burdekin PCYC 12 (G Dau 6, S Doolah 2, T Heron 2) def Blue Murder 7 (N Spina 2, R Smith 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Royal Touch 7 (A Miller 3, C Formilan 2) def Touch n Go 5 (R Piva 2, K Vitty 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Creampuffs 9 (P Le Feuvre 3, L Chatfield 2, L Lampton 2) def Petrol Heads 4[Text Wrapping Break]Teamo Supremo 9 (J Moustakas 3, H Horan 2, R Heuir 2) def Feelers 5[Text Wrapping Break]Renegades 12 (B Frau 4, D McKeough 2, B Johnson 2, S Andreatta 2) def Ball Grabbers 2[Text Wrapping Break]Crocs won on forfeit Women[Text Wrapping Break]Lasers 12 (B Robertson 6, T Horan 3, M Robertson 2) def Can’t Catch 1[Text Wrapping Break]Eathorne’s Princesses 6 (A Cornford 4) def Salty Sirens 1[Text Wrapping Break]First in Physio 11 (L Trindle 5, M Nauqe 3, T Monday 2) def Chick Flicks 1 Under 14[Text Wrapping Break]Red Dogs 2 3 (Logan, Jamie, Emmet) def Broncos 2 (Jake, Kasey)[Text Wrapping Break]Red Dogs 1 6 (Connor Linton 3, Luca Lawry, Archie) def Rockies 2 Contributed with thanks to Peter Knapton CAPTION: Torah Brock in action. Photo supplied
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Saturday 8/11 1-5pm Group D - Ben Lawry PC, Kellie Lawry PC, Bella Lawry, Charlotte Lawry, Lisa Vivian
Sunday 9/11 AM 9am-1pm Group B - Terry Lund PC, Kristy Wassmuth PC, Heather Scott, Anita Giddy, Briella Wassmuth, Emilee Wassmuth
Sunday 9/11 PM 1-5pm Group A - Richard Dale PC, Chris Wicks PC, Jane Olsen, Zachary Dale, Stephanie Dale, Warne McShane, Nico Ortner, Wil Holt
Last weekend, two Burdekin Roosters A-grade league players were in action in matches at both the north and south of the state.
Front-rower Tate Brombal was in Cairns representing the Queensland Italian team, while utility forward Kali Nauque was in Logan, Brisbane, representing Fiji.
Two years ago, Tate was selected in the Queensland Italian team to play the Cook Islands in Tully, and he says it was a tough match. This year, the team faced the Cardwell Axemen at the Southern Suburbs grounds in Gordonvale on Saturday.
Tate said the Italian team was coached by Johnno Zangrande from Cairns and included players from Cairns and Brisbane, with Tate the only player from the Townsville area. “The Axemen were made up of players from Cairns, Townsville and Brisbane and were a pretty fast team,” he said. In a high-scoring encounter, the Queensland Italian team won 36 to 20.
Meanwhile, Kali Nauque, a dual Fijian international and World Cup player, represented Fiji in a mini Pacific Islands carnival featuring teams from Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands. Kali said the carnival was grassroots level, with no players involved from the NRL, Queensland Cup or NSW Cup. Games were held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, though no results were available at the time of writing.
The Roosters have a couple of big events scheduled in the coming weeks. First, the AGM will be held at the Queens Hotel at 4.30pm on Sunday, where the new executive will be decided and coaches for A-grade, Reserve, Under-19 and Women’s teams are expected to be announced.
On Saturday, November 29, the popular Club of Origin games will take place. Players tied to the Burdekin’s four latest clubs – Colts, Hornets, Brothers and Home Hill – will compete for the Bendigo Bank Shield, while unaffiliated players will be drawn by ballot. There will also be plenty of activities for spectators, including a Ladies match featuring Ayr versus Home Hill. More information will be published as the games approach.
Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes
Third Grade CNQ – Home Hill vs Wanderers
In a tightly contested Third Grade CNQ clash at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex, Home Hill fell just short, posting 110 runs before Wanderers chased the target with four wickets in hand.
Home Hill’s innings began shakily, losing two early wickets in the second over. Despite a composed 31 runs from Alexander Romeo, 19 from Salvatore Cardillo, and a late contribution of 13 runs from Tomey Mathew, momentum proved difficult to recover. Home Hill finished on 110 from 26.2 overs.
The Home Hill bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, keeping Wanderers to 4-114 and pushing the chase deep into the innings. William McLees was the standout, producing three maidens in his six-over spell, taking two wickets for just nine runs. Steven Zabala impressed in the field with a caught-and-bowled wicket and an additional catch.
Second Grade CNQ – Home Hill vs Suburban Parks
Home Hill’s Second Grade team faced a dominant Suburban Parks side, falling short by 127 runs after Suburban Parks posted 9-242 and restricted Home Hill to 9-115.
Guy Stevenson led the Home Hill bowling attack with 3 wickets for 13 runs in 4 overs, breaking the opening partnership and taking two more wickets in quick succession to leave Suburban Parks at 3-75. Thomas Cardillo contributed 2 economical wickets in 2 overs, and JD Wilkins also took 2 wickets, but the Home Hill attack was ultimately unable to stop the flow of runs.
In reply, Adam Camer top-scored with a brisk 34 off 38 balls, hitting six boundaries. JD Wilkins anchored the innings with an unbeaten 24 from 35 deliveries. However, the remainder of the lineup struggled against disciplined bowling, with five batters dismissed for single digits, as Home Hill finished at 9-115.
Twenty players enjoyed a very warm spring afternoon at Home Hill Bowls Club last Thursday, with a welcome breeze arriving around 2pm.
On Rink 3, Bob Pickard and Alex Bojack (pictured) proved too strong for Yogi Bunn and Hugh Montgomery. Rink 4 saw Margaret Chapman, Mark Swaine and Trevor Elton on song, defeating Nev Webb, Sandra Darwin and Steve Doig. Rink 5 featured a win for Des Chapman, Dino Poli and Joe Linton over Judy Elton, Bruce McCallum and Mick McClosky. Meanwhile, on Rink 6, in another pairs game, Paul Vass and Michael Young accounted for Betty Webb and Bones Berryman.
The raffle was won by Des Chapman, while Laura Bojack took home a bottle of wine. The club is currently seeking someone to run the kitchen next year, with thanks extended to Judy for all her efforts. The AGM will be held at 10am on 13 December 2025.
Regular club activities continue to thrive. Monday morning fitness, Tuesday Trimmers and Tuesday Funday remain popular. Wednesday features the Kraft Group and evening barefoot bowls with a sausage sizzle. Thursday includes morning BINGO, social bowls in the afternoon, and $5 social bowls sessions.
Till next week, happy bowling!
Photo and report by Stephen Doig
Bob Pickard and Alex Bojack were too good for Yogi Bunn and Hugh Montgomery.
Over the weekend, 21 Ayr competitors made the trip south to Mackay, taking on the region’s best at the North Australian Championships. This event draws clubs from as far north as Port Douglas and as far south as the Wide Bay region, with a few Sunshine Coast competitors also in attendance. The championships are a three-day sporting extravaganza, starting with the Pool Rescue Championships on Friday, followed by two action-packed days of surf and beach events over the weekend.
At the pool rescue events, competitors tested their lifesaving skills in challenges including manikin tows and carries, obstacle swims, and patient tows. The Ayr team gave 100% in every race, achieving fantastic individual and team results in tough competition and bringing home several medals across multiple disciplines and age groups.
The team then hit the beach for two days of challenging racing in very hot conditions. Competitors took on a range of individual events, including surf race, board, ironperson, tube, flags, sprints, and 1–2km beach runs, as well as team events such as surf teams, Cameron relay, Taplin relay, board rescue, board relay, beach relay, and two-person R&R. Despite the high calibre of competition, the Ayr members held their own and secured multiple individual and team podium finishes.
For the first time in four years, Ayr brought home gold in the All Age Relay. It was fantastic to see the camaraderie and team spirit, with members young and old cheering the team to victory.
The weekend concluded with presentations for overall club champion, handicap, age champions, and the announcement of the Queensland Country Team. A massive congratulations to Milla Chapman and Warne McShane, both selected for the Queensland Country team and set to compete at the Queensland Interbranch Championships at the end of November. Special congratulations also to Warne McShane, who was named Under-14 Male Age Champion for the weekend.
Contributed with thanks to Kellie Lawry
Warne McShane & Milla Chapman, selected in the Queensland Country Team.
All Age Relay Champions – Ben Lawry, Ross Rickards, Audrey Rickards, Alyssa Irvine, Ryley Sartori, Zachary Dale, Warne McShane & Taylor Chapman.
Alyssa Irvine competing in the 100m patient tow at the Pool Rescue Championships.
Emma Jones & Milla Chapman catching a wave in the Under 14 female board rescue
Taylor Chapman - 2nd in Under 12 female flags
Ryley Sartori - 3rd in Under 17 female flags
One day, nine holes, and a four-person Ambrose all in support of one amazing organisation… you guessed it… the infamous End of Harvest Golf Classic will return to the community on Friday, the 12th of December!
The time has come to nominate your teams for one of the most celebrated social sporting extravaganzas on the shire’s calendar with all funds raised going directly to CORES, supporting mental health and suicide prevention.
Just 12 short months ago, 274 players divided across 68 teams took to the Ayr Golf Course to try their luck, swing for success, and fundraise an outstanding $32,140 for CORES. All of the funds raised were donated to CORES to facilitate programs, and work within the Burdekin Shire, workplaces, and schools supporting those in need and spreading awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.
Spearheaded by Kelsey Shand and Ben Smith, the annual event continues to bring the community together in many more ways than one, with many attendees often taking the microphone during the afternoon’s presentations to speak on the importance of seeking mental health support and looking out for your mates.
In 2024, Cool Me AC took out the top spot in the competition, earning themselves both the celebrated Fire Pits Trophy and a year’s worth of bragging rights, leaving everyone questioning… who will champion the 2025 End of Harvest Golf Classic?
Registrations can be made online now at https://form.jotform.com/241538497359875, with fees at $30 per player or $120 per team which includes a good old steak burger lunch. As always, spots are predicted to fill up fast, so jump online and register your teams now! To volunteer for the event and for any event enquiries, email endofharvestgolf@gmail.com, or call Kelsey on 0437 863 448 or Ben on 0448 948 661.
What: End of Harvest Golf Classic
When: Friday, the 12th of December
Where: Ayr Golf Course
The 2024 End of Harvest Golf Classic was one for the history books! Photo Credit: Chelsea Ravizza
The Home Hill Third Grade side delivered a commanding all-round performance to claim victory over Brothers Resilient Projects, posting a strong 7/178 before bowling out the opposition for 126 at John McCulloch Oval.
Simon Vickers set the tone early with a blistering 33 off 21 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes before being caught in the deep. The innings was steadied by Luke Mottin’s composed 59 from 76 balls, featuring five boundaries, while Travis Butler added a valuable 35. Lower-order runs pushed Home Hill to 7/178 from 30 overs.
The bowlers backed it up superbly, with Tomey Mathew ripping through the Brothers middle order to take 5 for 30 from 6 overs, including a maiden. Leo and Dan Olditch took two wickets each, sealing a 52-run win.
In Second Grade, Home Hill bowled first against Northern Beaches. JD Wilkins impressed with 4 for 30 from 8 overs, while Ayden Marano claimed 3 for 28 to dismiss the opposition for 184. Marano then led the batting with a brisk 51 from 46 balls, hitting 10 boundaries, while Zakk Myles added 33 from 60. Despite their efforts, Home Hill fell short in the chase, bowled out for 162 in 37.5 overs — just 22 runs shy of victory.
Contributed with thanks to Tiffany Olditch
Tomey Mathew - 5 wickets
Luke Mottin - 59 runs
Runs were hard to come by at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex last week. In the Blue Group, Jake Cullen top-scored with 9 not out, while Kyle Wilkie was next best with 5 not out. Three run outs didn’t help batters settle in for bigger totals, but Jake contributed with one of those run outs and bowled well, finishing with figures of 1 for 2. Other wicket-takers were Kip Nicholas (1 for 4), Henry Cohen (1 for 7), and Corbett Cross (1 for 8). The McDonald’s Sports Awards for this group went to Henry and Kip.
It was a similar story in the Gold Group, where no batter reached double figures. Oscar Mahoney struck two fours in his short innings of nine before being clean bowled by Rylan Nicolaides. Ben Watkins also scored nine with one four and remained not out. Xavier Cross looked promising on eight before running out of partners. The standout bowler was Oliver Calligaro, taking 2 for 11 and effecting two run outs. Billy Muilwyk took 1 for 4, and Rylan Nicolaides 1 for 18. Mark Wilkie and Rylan Nicolaides claimed the McDonald’s Sports Awards for their all-round performances.
Scores weren’t available for the Challengers game at the time of writing, though Jack impressed with great technique, line, and length, while Nicholas bowled well and nearly clinched victory for his side by smashing a four off the final ball. The game ended 76 to 75. For their efforts, Jack and Nicholas received the McDonald’s Sports Awards.
Contributed with thanks to Scott Heidke
The Ayr Golf Club ladies’ competition saw some thrilling performances on Selections Day 2025, with players showing off their skills on the greens.
A special thank-you went out to Marissa and the team at Selections, long-term sponsors of the club’s Wednesday ladies’ competition. Their continued support is greatly appreciated by all members.
On the day, it was Tuk Williams who stole the show, posting an impressive 40 points to decisively win the competition. Wendy Baker finished strong in second place with 36 points, followed closely by Bev Power in third with 35 points. Pat Lawson rounded out the top four with 33 points.
Congratulations to all the competitors for a fantastic day of golf!
It was a big week at Brandon Bowls Club, with thrilling finals and tight finishes across all divisions. Jason Farry and Glenn Woodford claimed the 2025 Pairs Finals title after a hard-fought victory over Kenny Ferguson and Gary Nosworthy, drawing cheers from the crowd for their sharp teamwork and calm under pressure.
In Wednesday’s A Grade Ladies Final, Lyn Storrie triumphed over Margaret Chapman in a close, high-quality match that had spectators glued to the green.
The Ladies’ Triples saw Vanda Ballao, Sandra Darwen, and Helen Collins edge out Lyn Farr, Bev Garioch, and Darelle Pearce in another nail-biter. Sunday’s mixed triples action wrapped up the week, with impressive wins from teams led by Margaret Chapman, Neville Dickinson, and Ken Ferguson — capping off a standout week of bowls.
Finals Pairs winners: Glenn Woodford [L] and Jason Farry [R]
A Grade Ladies Finals winner: Lyn Storrie [L], runner-up Margaret Chapman [R]
Ayr Bowling Club has enjoyed another vibrant week on the greens, with a great mix of social and championship games bringing members together. With the championship season now coming to an end competition has been fierce but friendly, highlighting the impressive skill and sportsmanship of our bowlers. Social games have also been well-attended, creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere that continues to strengthen the club’s sense of community.
Tuesday Ladies Social bowls was played, Winners on the day were Beryl Cornford and Pam Power defeating Katharina Stuckler and Mary Poli. Karen Shepherd, Karen Page and Dot Cutting defeating Donna Soper, Betty Schultz and Heather Jorgensen
The Ladies Handicap Pairs Competition was played with Lorraine Wolffe and Irene Wilson defeating Katharina Stuckler and Heather Jorgensen winners progress to the next round.
Men’s Social bowls on Wednesday saw two games of triples and one game of pairs. Well done to all these players turning up in the high humidity. Winners on the day were Richard Aplin, Joe Papale and Chris Olditch.
Wednesday night social bowls two games of triples were played. The winners of the first game were Bertilla Piazetta, David Burt and Sam Caltabiano. Winners in the second game were Sonya Richards, Ken O'Shea and Gary Pearce.
On Thursday, the Mixed Singles Championship game was held between Beryl Cornford and Anthony Bull. Early in the game it was close, with Beryl Cornford taking a commanding lead halfway through the game to win 26 - 12. Bery now proceeds to the semi-final against Ron Soper.
Saturday’s Social bowls there were two games of triples. Winners on the day were Donna Soper, Deslie Olsen – Lachlan Grantz and Dot Cutting defeating Arthur Gauvin, Betty Schultz and Barry Shepherd.
If you are interested in trying lawn bowls, Ayr Bowling club is a hub for lawn bowls enthusiasts, offering a friendly and social environment for players of all skill levels. Here are some details about the Ayr Bowling Club:
· Location: 101 Young Street, Ayr, Queensland 4807
· Phone Number: (07) 4783 1336 · Facebook Page:Ayr Bowling Club | Ayr QLD | Facebook
Social bowls are played on Wednesday or Wednesday evening or Saturday afternoon – we would love to see you! We have plenty of sets of bowls for you to try with. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or a beginner looking to try your hand at lawn bowls, the Ayr Bowling Club is a great place to connect with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy the sport.
Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull
Home Hill Bowls Club report Thursday 23rd October. Twenty-three players turned out for a windy afternoon. Rink 2 saw a singles match between Alex Bojack and Michael Young, which was eventually won by Alex. He will now play Wayne Newton in the final. Rink 2 was also the lucky rink drawn, so Alex and Michael are the daily winners, shown in the photo.
On Rink 4, Judy Elton, Janet Arthur, and Steve Doig went down to Bob Young, Michael Young, Ron Smith, and Gary Nosworthy/Trevor Elton after not being able to score a point following the tea break. Rink 5 saw Paul Vass, Nev Webb, and Mick McClosky prove too strong for Henry Hazel, Elaine Young, and Joe Linton. Bob Pickard and Joclyn DeFranciscus won handsomely over Betty Webb and Bruce McCallum on Rink 6, while Margaret Linton and Glen Bones Berryman were big winners over Warren Yogi Bunn and Margaret Chapman on Rink 7.
The breakfast tray raffle was won by Bones Berryman and Yogi Bunn, who took home the wine. This year’s Christmas party will be held on 29th November, beginning at 1pm. Janet Arthur and Gary Nosworthy both had birthdays during the week. As usual, Monday morning fitness, Tuesday Trimmers and Tuesday Funday, Wednesday morning Kraft group and Wednesday evening barefoot bowls and sausage sizzle all continued. Thursday morning Bingo, social bowls, and the $5 day on Saturdays are all going well.
Until next week, good bowling. Story and photos by Stephen Doig.
Last Saturday, Burdekin Football Club celebrated another standout season at Populin Hall, honouring players, volunteers, and teams who went above and beyond. The night was a mix of camaraderie, recognition, and celebration, highlighting the dedication that fuels the club year after year.
Standout moments included the presentation of the Ramon Oar Memorial Spirit Award to Wayne Kolb, the Presidents Medal to Garry and Kiera Durrant, and the Taylah Pearson Memorial Award to Sian Reardon. Young talent like Zack Durrant and Cooper Kross also received top accolades, while Joshua Valle and Charley Ruskin were named Men’s and Ladies Player of the Year.
Major Award Winners:
Ramon Oar Memorial Spirit Award- Wayne Kolb
Alan Chatfield Junior Club Person- Kristen Power
Taylah Pearson Memorial Award- Sian Reardon
Presidents Medal- Garry & Kiera Durrant
Young Club Person of the Year- Zack Durrant
Men’s Player of the Year- Joshua Valle
Ladies Player of the Year- Charley Ruskin
Colts Player of the Year- Cooper Kross
Fillies Player of the Year- Tahlia Lawson
Grand Final Winners- Ladies Team
Team Awards:
Division 2
Players of the Match: Jacob Rossato, Simon Scuderi, Chris Achille
Player of Finals: Jake Lacey
Most Improved: Jack Castrejana
Most Consistent: James Dwyer
Best and Fairest: Heath Swindley
Division 1
Players of the Match: Zack Durrant, Max Kelly, Angus Innes
Most Improved: Casey Calligaro
Most Consistent: Cody Scalia
Best and Fairest: Seaton Ivory
FQPL U23
Players of the Match: Brayden Card, Oscar Licciardello, Leighton Gallagher
Most Improved: Max Kelly
Most Consistent: Cooper Kross
Best and Fairest: Jalen Pedro
Ladies
Players of the Match: Sian Reardon, Ava Heatley, Rhia Nielsen
Player of the Finals: Karina Guglielmi
Most Improved: Dayna Linton
Most Consistent: Zandi Bonnano
Best and Fairest: Sienna Lago
FQPL Men:
Players of the Match: Oscar Licciardello, Jay Leckenby, Cooper Kross
Impact Player: Matthew Kolb
Most Consistent: Oliver Gabiola
Best and Fairest: Ryan Scodellaro
It was Ayr who had the last laugh on Sunday, 19 October, after defeating cross-town rivals Home Hill in a three-sport series as part of the Home Hill Harvest Festival's esteemed Town of Origin series.
The well-attended event drew hundreds of locals to Home Hill State High School grounds for the 11th instalment of the series, with Ayr's 2-1 victory across junior cricket, netball and rugby giving it a 6-5 historical lead and temporary bragging rights over its local counterpart.
Beyond the on-court and on-pitch action, Harvest Festival president Mark Vass said the event was a win for the entire Burdekin community.
"There's always a lot of banter out there, a lot of banter on the sidelines and it's just a good atmosphere," said Vass. "People are very passionate about it, and as long as people continue to support it, we'll keep it going."
Ayr hit the ground running in the early afternoon, claiming a narrow, hard-fought 60-59 victory in the junior cricket showdown, with Kip Nicholas named Man of the match for his dominant performance. Home Hill bounced back with a commanding 40-17 win in netball, with Krystel Kerr named player of the game for her outstanding exploits. But it was Ayr that finished strongest, sealing the series with a comprehensive 32-4 rugby league victory to clinch the 2-1 series win.
With Ayr fans celebrating and Home Hill supporters already plotting next year’s comeback, the Town of Origin once again proved it’s as much about community as it is about sport.
Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories & Photography
After two wins at home last week, both teams were hoping to replicate that success again on Sunday at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex.
The Home Hill Third Grade side faced a disciplined Suburban Parks attack and dismissed for 126 runs. The innings never quite found momentum, with four early wickets falling to J Eldho, who proved to be the chief destroyer for Sub Parks. The partnership of Alexander Romeo (35 runs) and Darcy Walters (39 runs) proved crucial to the total.
Despite Home Hill’s bowlers delivering a spirited performance, Suburban Parks finished their innings at 6/153 to take the win by 4 wickets. Steven Zabala was the standout bowler for Home Hill, claiming 3 wickets for just 15 runs in his 6-over spell, including 2 maidens.
In Second Grade, Home Hill’s batting innings was a mix of resilience and missed opportunities, posting a low total 84 runs before Wanderers chased it down with five wickets in hand. Despite flashes of brilliance in both batting and bowling, Home Hill couldn’t quite hold off the opposition who took the win, 5/85.
Alex Stillhard (21 runs) and TJ Richards (20 runs) were the top scorers with the bat, supported by a steadying 11 run stand from Thomas Cardillo. Al Wilkins delivered with ball in hand, a tidy spell of 3 overs with 1 maiden, conceding just 9 runs and claiming 2 crucial wickets.
In both games, Home Hill’s bowlers gave their teams a fighting chance, but the batting lineups couldn’t match the intensity. Time to regroup for next week’s fixtures.
Contributed with thanks to HHCA Secretary Tiffany Olditch
In both games, Home Hill’s bowlers gave their teams a fighting chance, but the batting lineups couldn’t match the intensity. Photo supplied
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