The Clash of Clubs at the weekend was a huge success with old Burdekin players travelling from all over the state to take part. The Masters Final was won by Easts who beat Home Hill Rangers and the Seniors Final was decided on penalties, Saints winning after tying 1-1 with Rangers at full time.

The next big occasion will be the Escriva Cup which will be played early in November.

The Burdekin FC Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 25 October. Get your tickets now.

Night Soccer

The second week of competition and with three forfeits (School holidays?) The seventeen games produced sixty three goals, and the three scratch games produced a few more! Top scorers were DL Lager with five goals and Plumb Dingers, Nutrien Ag, 6 TO UR 7 and Willy Wackers all with four. Top individual scorer was Oscar Licciardello with a hat trick for BA and quite a lot of players scored twice.

After two weeks, Nutrien Ag, UDS and Clare Cutters lead in Mens A Grade and Wires Down and DL Lager top the table in B1. Bennetts Old Grumpies are the only team with maximum points in B2. In the Women’s Groups, Red Carded and Scoregasms lead in AI, and 6 TO UR 7 leads in A2.

Juniors

Preparations are well underway for the start of the Junior Social Soccer season on Tuesday 14th October. Teams are in, players looking for teams sorted. Due to the huge numbers of teams, we have to mark out Field 2 at International Park. If you can lend a hand marking the fields on Saturday morning that would be much appreciated. The time will be confirmed.

Please check the Burdekin FC Facebook page and emails from the club for the draw each week and any information and updates on the season. Each week, the ages groups play at the following times: U5-7 - 4pm, U8-9 - 4.30pm, U10-12 - 5pm, U13-16 - 5.30pm.

The name of the game is the kids to have fun playing with their friends and also forming new friendships.

National and International

The 2025-6 A League season kicks off on Friday 17 October. It is a twelve team competition and Brisbane Roar’s first match is at home to Macarthur on that date. The Women’s A league starts on Friday 31st October with eleven clubs.

The Matildas next match is a friendly against Wales, in Cardiff on 25 October, followed by another friendly against England on 29 October. They then have a rest before the AFC Women’s Asia Cup. Their first match is against the Philippines on 1 March, they then play Iran on 5 March, and their final group match is against South Korea on 8 March. In the FIFA World Rankings, Australia is ranked at 15.

The Socceroos have two friendlies coming up. They are away to Canada on Saturday and then play USA next Wednesday. In the FIFA World Rankings, the Socceroos are currently ranked 25th, the US 16th and Canada 26th.

The Young Socceroos have defeated Cuba 3-1 in their final group stage game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025.The result means that the Young Socceroos finished third in Group D. The team will await results in Group E and F tomorrow to determine if they will advance to the Round of 16 as one of four best third-placed teams.

The 2026 World Cup starts on 11 June with the Final on 19 July. Forty eight teams will compete in twelve groups of four teams, with the top two teams from the groups plus the best eight third placed teams qualifying for the Round of 32. The Group Draw will be made in Washington DC on 5th December. And yes, Australia has qualified!

In the EPL, Liverpool lost again and has now dropped to second place one point behind Arsenal. Spurs and Bournemouth are a further point behind, and Manchester City has moved up to fifth place. Oh, and Ange’s Notts Forest lost again, and it is not looking good. And at the foot of the table, none of the bottom seven teams won. Wolverhampton managed another draw and now has two points from seven games.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, after six games, Bayern is the only club with maximum points. They lead Dortmund by four points with Leipzig a point behind in third place. At the foot of the table two of the bottom seven teams won but Heidenheim was not one of them. Monchengladbach managed a draw but with Mainz still look to be in trouble

In Italy only three of the top six teams won and Napoli and Roma stay at the top of Serie A with fifteen points. AC Milan stays in third place two points behind and Juventus, still unbeaten stay in fifth place. At the bottom of the league all four teams lost. Pisa and Genoa are now equal on two points from six games.

In Spain, only three of the top six teams won and Barcelona got thumped 4-1 by Seville. Real Madrid won and now top the table two points ahead of Barca with third placed Villarreal three points further adrift. Real Betis are fourth and Atletico fifth. Of the bottom six clubs only Girona won and are now a point clear of Mallorca and Real Sociedad.

Meanwhile in France, PSG were held to a draw by Lille and are now only one point clear of Marsellie, Strasbourg and Lyon. Monaco and Lens are a further two points away. None of the bottom nine teams managed a win and Metz with just two points from seven games are in trouble.

Quote of the Week is from Frank Lampard former Chelsea and England star and now Coventry City manager - "Goals never come easy. No one gives you goals."

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The Seniors Final was decided on penalties, Saints winning after tying 1-1 with Rangers at full time.
The Masters Final was won by Easts who beat Home Hill Rangers.
Ladies Teams

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The Junior Touch Football season is set to kick off tomorrow night, Friday 10th October, welcoming boys and girls aged four to thirteen. Sign-on will take place at the Touch clubhouse on Wickham Street from 5:30 pm, with a season fee of $20 per child.

Teams will be organized from the nominations, and each week participants will enjoy a mix of skills, drills, and games. Sessions will run from 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm every Friday night throughout the season.

For further information, contact Michael Littlefield on 0408 000 497, Bec Watson on 0400 705 205, or Peter Knapton on 0437 710 500.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Knapton

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Twenty-two players turned out on a very warm spring afternoon, with temperatures peaking at 36°C around 2:30 pm. Fortunately, a welcome breeze arrived just in time. We were pleased to welcome Vicki and Ian Connell, as well as Steve Motu and Jeff Taylor, all visiting from Giru.

On Rink 3, Paul Vass and Gary Nosworthy defeated Bruce McCallum and Glen Bones Berryman. Rink 4 saw Warren “Yogi” Bunn, Bob Darr, and Ian Connell account for Steve Motu, Ron Smith, and Terry Feakes. Meanwhile, Michael Young, Vicki Connell, and Joe Linton proved too strong for Bob Young, Elaine Young, and Steve Doig on Rink 5. On Rink 6, Margaret Linton, Joclyn DeFranciscus, and Jeff Taylor prevailed over Judy Elton, Trevor Elton, and Mick McClosky.

The prawn tray raffle was won by Jeff Taylor, with second place going to Steve Motu, reversing last week’s result. Giru must be a lucky place! Today’s winners were Paul Vass and Gary Nosworthy; unfortunately, Paul had another commitment and had to leave before the photo. The photo includes Vicki Connell, Steve Motu (slightly obscured), and Ian Connell, all from Giru, alongside Gary Nosworthy.

Club activities continue throughout the week with Monday morning fitness, Tuesday Trimmers and Funday sessions, Wednesday morning Kraft group, and Wednesday evening barefoot bowls and sausage sizzle, which is likely to grow in popularity as temperatures rise. Thursday brings morning BINGO and social bowls in the afternoon, and Saturday sees $5 social bowls continue as usual.

Till next week – good bowling.

Photo and report by Stephen Doig

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Vicki Connell, Steve Muto and Ian Connell with Gary Nosworthy. Photo supplied

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It’s been a fantastic week of fun and fierce competition at Ayr Bowling Club! The greens have been buzzing with energy as members threw themselves into both social games and championship matches. With the championship season coming to an end, the talent and sportsmanship on display have been nothing short of impressive.

On Wednesday, we saw a great afternoon’s social bowling competition. There were two games of Pairs and one game of triples. Winners were Cisco, Wayne and Dave.

Saturday Social Bowls saw 28 players on the green for a fantastic day of bowling. The day was sponsored by the Mahjong ladies with two prizes up for grabs. Winners were Karen Shepherd, Betty Schultz and Al Hardcastle. Second place went to Barry Hewson and Ron Soper. It was wonderful to have some visitors to the come on this day too.

In Championship games this week, the Mixed Singles saw a very tightly contested game, Beryl Cornford defeated Lorraine Wolffe 27 – 22. In the A & B pairs game, John McDonald and Col Essex defeated Al Hardcastle and Barry Shepherd 26 – 12. In the Men’s Triples Cisco, Sam Caltabiano and Lachlan Grantz defeated Ron Smythe, Joe Grabbi and Ron Soper 21 – 13. All winners now progress to the next round.

If you are interested in giving Bowls a try, Friday Roll Ups are a good place to start. They are held every Friday afternoon from 3:00 - 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. Come down for some training, enjoy a few drinks, and join in the fun with fellow club members.

Friday Fun Night will be on Friday 10th October, starting at 6 PM. This is sponsored by Ayr Medical Group. This evening promises fun for bowlers of all levels, encouraging participants to bring friends or join solo to meet new people. The entry fee is $10 per game, which includes a sausage sizzle at 6 PM and a light supper after bowling begins at 7 PM. Get some friends together and come and have an evening of fun and laughter.

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The Burdekin Rugby Union Club held its annual Presentation Night on Saturday, 27 September at the Queens Hotel, recognising the achievements of players, volunteers, and club representatives from the past season.

First and Second Grade awards highlighted standout performers. Player of the Year honours went to Kelsey Hesp (First Grade Women), Kasey Parison (First Grade Women), and Wainui Matainavora (Second Grade), while other awards recognised Most Improved, Most Consistent, Best Forward, Best Back, and Player’s Player across grades.

Representative honours were awarded to Dom Arrate, Amanda Brown, Julea Farry, Tubby Heron, Caitlin Holmes, Jack McIntosh, Nathan Steel, and Brooke Smith for their selection in Townsville and North Queensland teams across multiple grades.

Club awards celebrated contributions beyond the field, with Dedication to Players (Senior) awarded to Joe Paoletti, Volunteer Contributing the Most to Craig Steel (accepted by Nathan Steel), Player Contributing Most (Don Marshall Shield) to Caitlin Holmes, Spirit of Rugby (Gary Jensen Shield) to Jody Horan, and Clubman of the Year to Robbie Cantarella.

The night was a fitting celebration of the talent, dedication, and community spirit that define Burdekin Rugby Union Club.

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After a long season Burdekin Panthers can look forward to a few months off, except for the Clash of Clubs and the Escriva Cup! The Clash of Clubs is on this weekend, and the Escriva Cup will be played early in November.

In the Good News Department, three Panthers Players have been picked in the Football North Queensland Team of the Year. Congratulations to Ryan Scodellaro, Matthew Kolb and Josh Valle, a great achievement.

The Burdekin FC Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 25 October. Get your tickets now.

Night Soccer

In the first week of the competition proper, the twenty games produced seventy-two goals with Ladies team Kicken’ Goals scoring seven of them. Goal Diggers, and 7 Stooges both scored six and Body Tune scored five. Top individual scorer was Charley Ruskin with a hat trick. This year the Men’s A Grade has twelve teams and B Grade is split up into two Groups. The Women are also divided into two groups.

Juniors

Preparations for Junior Social Soccer in Term 4 are in full swing! Get your teams in if you have not already done so. If your child is keen to play but does not have a team, email the club and we will find them a team.

National and International

The Matildas next match is a friendly against Wales, in Cardiff on 25 October, followed by another friendly against England on 29 October. They then have a rest before the AFC Women’s Asia Cup. Their first match is against the Philippines on 1 March, they then play Iran on 5 March, and their final group match is against South Korea on 8 March. In the FIFA World Rankings, Australia is ranked at 15.

The Socceroos have two friendlies coming up. They are away to Canada on 11 October and then play USA on 15 October. In the FIFA World Rankings, the Socceroos are currently ranked 25th,

The 2026 World Cup starts on 11 June with the Final on 19 July. Forty eight teams will compete in twelve groups of four teams, with the top two teams from the groups plus the best eight third placed teams qualifying for the Round of 32. The Group Draw will be made in Washington DC on 5th December. And yes, Australia has qualified!

In the EPL, Liverpool lost to Crystal Palace but still have two point lead over Arsenal with Palace in third place and Spurs, fourth. Nottingham Forest lost at home to Sunderland and Ange Postecoglou is still waiting for his first win. And at the foot of the table, Wolverhampton managed a draw and now has one point from six games.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, after five games, Bayern is the only club with maximum points. They lead Dortmund by two points with Leipzig a point behind in third place. At the foot of the table Heidenheim have won a game and moved off the bottom a point ahead of Monchengladbach.

In Italy’s Serie A, Napoli lost away to AC Milan and drops to second place, behind AC on goals. Roma in third place also has twelve points. Juventus drew again and is in fourth place. At the bottom of the league all three teams drew. Lecce, Pisa, Parma and Genoa are all now equal on two points from five games.

In Spain’s La Liga, Real Madrid was thumped 5-2 in the local derby against Atletico. Barcelona has taken over at the top of the League, one point ahead of Real with Villarreal third and Elche fourth. Girona and Oviedo are holding up the table with three points each.

Meanwhile in France, PSG and Lyon top the table with fifteen points and Monaco, Marseille and Strasbourg all have twelve points. This after Marseille had beaten PSG. Metz managed a draw but is still in trouble at the foot of the table.

Quote of the Week is from former Spurs manager - Ange Postecoglou “By keeping my distance from players and staff, it means my decisions are unemotional. It makes sure every decision I make is best for the team ...

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Ryan Scodellaro, Josh Valle, Matthew Kolb have been picked in the Football North Queensland Team of the Year. Photo supplied

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Last week the Ayr Surf Club had several members attend the North Barrier Branch Bronze Medallion and Surf Rescue Certificate awards camp on Magnetic Island. The week consisted of members from across the region working together whilst learning and training to gain their relevant awards to join the patrolling ranks of SLSQ.

The club had 7 Under 14s gain their Surf Rescue Certificate to join the red and yellow family for the first time, as well as a current member gaining her Bronze Medallion and ART and an Austrian exchange student who gained his Observers, First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation.

These members have significantly boosted patrol numbers at the local Ayr Surf Club with several of them already hitting the beach over the weekend for their first patrols.  The Ayr SLSC is always looking for new members and will be running further training courses in the near future, so please reach out if you are interested in Joining the Club - there's a role for everyone in lifesaving.

Patrol Roster--Saturday 4th October:
1-5pm - Group E - John Moloney, Anne Moloney, Tramayne Horan, Sophia Moloney & Tony Felesina
Sunday 5th October:
9am-1pm - Group H - Dave Sartori, Kathryn Sartori, Ryley Sartori, Jake Sartori, Cole Pontifex, Alissia Gibson & Billy Gibson
1-5pm - Group C - Jane Jones, Gavin Jones, Emma Jones, Lauren Chapman, Isla Chapman, Milla Chapman & Shaize Christie
Monday 6th October:
All Day (9am-5pm) - Group D - Kellie Lawry, Ben Lawry, Bella Lawry, Charlotte Lawry & Lisa Vivian.

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On Sunday, 21st September, the Home Hill Bowls Club hosted the inaugural Wilmar Cup, featuring teams from Ayr, Brandon, Home Hill, and Giru.

Three games were played with three teams from each club competing in very warm conditions on a green that proved challenging for some.

Home Hill Bowls Club provided a tremendous day, offering an abundance of food and refreshments for all.

Brandon Bowls Club emerged victorious with three wins and a +74 score, followed by Home Hill with two wins (+26), Ayr with one win (-10), and Giru finishing with three losses (-95). Standout performers included Gary Pearce and Chris Pearce, each with three wins, and Peter Jorgensen with one win. Brandon will host the next event in 2026.

In Wednesday afternoon mixed bowls Pairs finals, Sandra Darwen and Colleen Olsen had an exciting win over Lyn Storrie and Helen Collins. The match was tied at the 21st end, requiring an extra end to determine the victors.

Another pairs game saw Vanda Ballao and Margaret Chapman defeat Bev Garioch and Joy Woods.

Contributed with thanks to Lyn Storrie

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The first annual Wilmar Challenge Trophy was held on 21st September at the Rummeny Green Home Hill Bowls Club. Four Burdekin clubs entered three teams of four players each. The event was officially opened by Burdekin Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort – thank you, Pierina.

After a full day’s play, Brandon came out on top with three wins and will host next year’s event. The hosts, Homehill, finished second with two wins, Ayr third with one win, followed by Giru. Thanks to Nathaniel from Wilmar Sugar for presenting the trophy. A huge thanks to the ladies in the kitchen for a sumptuous feast, and the bar staff for keeping everyone hydrated on a very warm spring day. Hopefully, the Wilmar Challenge will become a wonderful addition to the bowling calendar.

On another warm spring afternoon, a smaller field of 23 players competed. On Rink 3, Henry Hazel, Terry Feakes, Ron Smith, and Glen Bones Berryman (today’s winners pictured, minus Henry who left early) defeated Paul Vass, Elaine Young, and Jeff Taylor. On Rink 4, Des Chapman, visitor Wayne Coonan, and Steve Doig overcame Judy Elton, Sandra Darwin, and Bruce McCallum. Rink 5 saw Gary Nosworthy, Dino Poli, and Tony Eadie win over Michael Young, Steve Muto, and Joe Linton, while Rink 6 had Margaret Chapman and Mick McClosky outlast Meryl Smith and Trevor Elton.

Regular weekly activities continue with Monday morning fitness, Tuesday Trimmers and Funday, Wednesday morning Kraft group and Wednesday night barefoot bowls with sausage sizzle, Thursday morning BINGO and afternoon social bowls, and Saturday afternoon social bowls returning this weekend. Monday mornings at 10 am are also set aside for coffee and a chat for anyone interested.

Until next week – good bowling!

Photo and report by Stephen Doig

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It was all action at the dress up pickleball night that was run as a Harvest Festival Community event.

The Harvest Festival is all about community and Queen Entrant Amelia Pivotto is very supportive of this ideal. “Raising awareness of pickleball and getting people out of their comfort zone to try something new is always good,” said Amelia. “The fact that we raised a bit of money for Home Hill Tennis is great too as there are always things to improve and maintain in a club.”

Fun at Home Hill Pickleball

The whack of the ball and laughter from the participants was louder than the music that was played.

There were a few dinosaurs, Pat Cash, a couple from the Swiss Alps and there was even a doctor in the house. Luke Skywalker alias Daniel Walsh did a great job as Emcee and guest Judges Mitchell, Margaret, Penny and Sharon had a great night awarding the pickle prizes to best dressed, best couple, funniest costume etc.

The club is already looking forward to their next event, a trivia night on Friday 17th Oct.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Casswell

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The Burdekin Ladies took out the Division 1 Women’s Grand Final on Friday night when they defeated minor premiers Brothers 5-4 after extra-time.

Brothers started strongly and were 3-1 ahead at half time, Ellyana Mugica having scored for the Burdekin. In the second half the Burdekin fought back with goals from Sienna Lago and Zandi Bonanno to make the full time score 3-3. The match then went to extra time, and a Brothers own goal put the Burdekin ahead. However, Brothers equalised early in the second half before Tegan Johnson scored the winning goal for Burdekin four minutes from full time.

Football Matters with Cyclops

Night Soccer

In the second trial week, the nineteen games produced 86 goals. Top scorers were UDS with eight goals followed by DILLIGAF, Let’s Get Messi and Mottin Earthmoving with seven and Delta Physio with six. Individual top scorers were Jack O’ Keefe with four goals and Travis Butler and Hannah Bradley with three goals. The competition starts next Tuesday with twenty-seven Men’s teams and fifteen Women’s teams. Fees are now due.

Juniors

Get your teams Nomination Forms in for Junior Social Soccer commencing at the start of Term 4. Email the club if your child does not have a team and we will find one for them!

National and International

The Matildas next match is against Wales, in Cardiff on 25 October. Matilda’s captain Sam Kerr came an as a sub for Chelsea in their 1-0 win against Leicester.

The Socceroos next games are both friendlies. They are away to Canada on 11 October and then play USA on 15 October.

In the EPL, Liverpool now with maximum points from five games, lead Arsenal, Spurs and Bournemouth by five points and at the foot of the table, Wolverhampton has lost all five games and West Ham and Aston Villa have just three points.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, after four games, Bayern is the only club with maximum points. They lead Dortmund by two points with Leipzig a point behind in third place. At the foot of the table Heidenheim have lost all four games. In Italy’s Serie A, Napoli has maximum points while Juventus could only draw away to Verona. AC Milan and Roma are further point adrift. At the bottom of the league Lecce and Pisa have just one point.

In Spain’s La Liga, Real Madrid still has maximum points from five games with Barcelona in second place with thirteen points. Villarreal and Espanol are a further two

points behind and Girona is holding up the table with one point. Meanwhile in France, PSG the only team with maximum points, is still to play this week. They are level on points with Monaco, Lyon and Strasbourg and Metz is in trouble at the foot of the table.

Quote of the Week is from former Wimbledon Star Vinnie Jones “Sometimes footballers are not perfect…”

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The Burdekin Ladies took out the Division 1 Women’s Grand Final on Friday night when they defeated minor premiers Brothers 5-4 after extra-time. Photo supplied

Over the weekend, 29 Ayr Surf Life Savers showcased their skills at the Arcadian Carnival, held at Alma Bay on Magnetic Island. The event was a resounding success, with competitors achieving outstanding individual and team results, earning numerous podium finishes across all age groups, and demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship throughout.

Saturday featured a full slate of individual events, surf teams, and beach relays, while Sunday was a highlight with thrilling water team relays, drawing cheers from participants and supporters of all ages.

Ayr Nippers will return to Alva Beach this Sunday, 28th September, kicking off at 8.45am.

Patrol Roster for the Weekend

On Saturday 27th September, Team D – Kellie Lawry, Ben Lawry, Bella Lawry, Charlotte Lawry, and Lisa Vivian – will be on duty from 1–5pm. On Sunday 28th September, Team A – Chris Wicks, Richard Dale, Jane Olsen, Stephanie Dale, Zachary Dale, Warne McShane, and Nico Ortner – will patrol from 9am–1pm, followed by Team B – Terry Lund, Kristy Wassmuth, Heather Scott, Anita Lund, Briella Wassmuth, and Emilee Wassmuth – from 1–5pm.

U14 Ironman Trifecta: Cole Pontifex (3rd), Nate Giddy (2nd) & Warne McShane (1st).

All Age Relay Team - Quinn Pontifex, Mackenzie Sartori, Toby Hatherell, Audrey Rickards, Taylor Chapman, Eva Rickards, Warne McShane, Gabriel Hatherell, Ryley Sartori & Ross Rickards.

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Home Hill Bowls Club enjoyed a busy week of action on the greens, with club singles, triples, pairs, and rinks all contested. On Thursday, three games of club singles were played alongside two triples and two pairs. Michael Young defeated Tony Eadie on Rink 2, while Alex Bojack narrowly overcame Mick McClosky on Rink 3. Wayne Newton accounted for Jeff Taylor on Rink 4. In the triples and pairs, Henry Hazel, Ron Smith, and Des Chapman defeated Bob Pickard, Sandra Darwin, and Bruce McCallum on Rink 5, and Paul Vass, Dino Poli, and Joe Linton downed Bob Young, Elaine Young, and Terry Feakes on Rink 6. Judy Elton and Glen Bones Berryman were victorious over Margaret Chapman and Steve Doig on Rink 7, while Janet Arthur and Hugh Montgomery outlasted Cisco and Margaret Linton on Rink 8.

Saturday afternoon saw 14 players compete in a game of triples and a game of rinks, with Alex, Elaine, and Bruce taking the honours. Sunday’s Wilmar Challenge was won by Brandon, followed by Homehill and Ayr with Giru.

The club continues its regular activities, including Monday morning fitness, Tuesday Trimmers and Tuesday Funday, Wednesday Kraft Group and night-time barefoot bowls with a sausage sizzle, Thursday BINGO alongside social bowls in the afternoon, and Saturday afternoon social bowls.

Raffle winners were Joe Linton, who took home a seafood tray, and Mick Olsen, who claimed a dozen eggs and a bottle of wine.

Photos and report by Stephen Doig.

Until next week, good bowling!

The Home Hill Third Grade cricket side started their 2025/26 season with a home game against a young Brothers side.

In a tightly contested Third Grade CNQ fixture, Brothers – Urban Aspect Interiors edged past Home Hill by 11 runs in a low-scoring thriller. Both sides showcased disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, but it was Brothers’ ability to capitalize on key moments that sealed the win.

Brothers won the toss and chose to bat. Wickets fell early before Callum Lindeberg top-scored with a brisk 18 runs. Isaac Drummond anchored the tail with a composed 14* (17 balls). The Home Hill bowling attack was led by Leo Olditch and Al Wilkins taking 2 wickets each, with Billy McLees, Jay Leckenby and Steven Zabala also contributing wickets. Brad Parravicini led from the front in the field, taking 2 catches and 1 run out. The Brothers side was bowled out for 109 in 30 overs, setting a modest but defendable target.

Home Hill lost wickets steadily, with the top order struggling to build momentum. Al Wilkins led the chase with a fluent 29 (32 balls, 2 fours, 1 six). Dan Olditch contributed 14 valuable runs off the bat and Isaac Cardillo remained unbeaten on 11* (33 balls), but ran out of partners. The Home Hill innings ended at 98 runs from 28.5 overs, falling just short of the target and securing Brothers’ narrow win.

Home Hill’s Second Grade - CNQ side hosted Saints Lamberts Produce at Barry Richards Field in their first home game of the season.

Home Hill’s bowlers worked hard to contain Saints after they chose to bat first, but a few loose spells and extras allowed the opposition to build a solid total.
Saints posted a formidable 197/7, anchored by a composed and commanding innings from Kioren Stokes, who struck 72 off 97 balls with 9 boundaries and a six.
Mark Coventry led the Home Hill bowling attack, taking 3 wickets including 1 caught and bowled, while TJ Richards chipped in with 2 wickets. Salvatore Cardillo was outstanding in the field, taking 3 catches.

Home Hill’s chase never quite found momentum, with the top order struggling against tight bowling from Saints. Opener Adam Camer (22 runs), JD Wilkins (15 runs) and Lee Watts (14 runs) made solid contributions with the bat, but early wickets and a steady stream of dot balls stalled progress.
Despite the low individual scores, Salvatore Cardillo provided a late spark with a brisk 24* off 14 balls, including two boundaries and two sixes.

Home Hill showed flashes of brilliance—particularly in the field and with the ball—but fell short in the run chase, all out for 128 from 35.5 overs.

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Nineteen-year-old Hayde Munro has etched his name into Burdekin Roosters history by becoming the youngest ever winner of the coveted A Grade Player of the Year award.

Munro, who began playing rugby league at the age of five, was presented with the honour at the club’s annual presentation night at the Queens Hotel in Ayr on Friday. The gifted lock forward also enjoyed a strong season with the Townsville Blackhawks under-19 side, playing alongside fellow Roosters Jye Olsen and Terrence Mosby.

Having started the A Grade season in the halves, Munro was shifted to lock by coach Steve Lansley and flourished in the role, going from strength to strength. He was also recognised by his teammates, who voted him Players’ Player.

In other A Grade awards, captain Joel Mason was named Best Back, while young hooker Colby Thompson claimed Best Forward. The Most Improved player was forward Tate Brombal, who progressed from starting the season on the bench to becoming a regular selection. Terrence Mosby earned Most Consistent for his reliability in both attack and defence. Lachlan Shepherd, who played 80 minutes every week without complaint, received the Coaches Award, while Jye Olsen was presented with the Vic Eathorne Memorial Trophy as the most diligent A Grader. Winger Nemia Nawaf, who crossed for 13 tries, collected the John and Diane Calder Trophy for most tries in a season.

In Reserve Grade, five-eighth and goal-kicker Dylan Doak capped off an excellent year by winning both the Mike Horan Reserve Grade Player of the Year award and the Players’ Player. Johnny Zaro was named Best Back, giant forward Llama Ghee took Best Forward, and Matty Lee claimed Most Improved after establishing himself as a regular centre. Archie Swindley was recognised as Most Consistent, Pryce Gesah received the Coaches Award, and Jack Rushton was presented with the Crocket Heron Most Diligent Award, with coach Peter Horan declaring him an A Grade player in the making.

Club spirit was also recognised on the night, with versatile utility Caleb Noah, who played almost every position across grades and stepped up for A Grade when needed, receiving the Eric Taiters Memorial Shield.

Special honours went to a number of players. Rising junior Adam Camer was named Outstanding Junior, winning the David Gilmore Memorial Award. Terrence Mosby was presented with the Des and Betty Weaver Rookie of the Year, beating a strong field of nominees including Camer, Jye Olsen, Terrence Connors, Luca Lago and Jones Munro. The Norm Dee Award for club spirit on and off the field went to A Grade forward Ethan Hagarty, who not only gave his all on the paddock but also organised a major fundraiser for a seriously ill child. A new accolade, the Norm Bohl Award, was introduced this year and presented to Alex Lennox for his efforts in organising fundraising activities for the club.

The Burdekin River Ladies team, formed this season in partnership with Herbert River, also received recognition after an impressive campaign. The side defeated Brothers in the semi-final, having already overcome Norths, Charters Towers and Bowen, before bowing out to Western Lions in controversial circumstances in the preliminary final. The effort of the squad was remarkable, with players travelling more than 60,000 kilometres during the season to train and play, gathering weekly in Townsville under coach Anita Hagarty despite members commuting from Ingham and the Burdekin. Their dedication was underlined by the entire team attending both the Burdekin and Herbert River presentation nights on consecutive evenings.

Queensland Country winger Toni Daisy was rewarded for her outstanding all-round performances by being named Best and Fairest, and was also recently crowned the Triple S Lady Player of the Year. The flying Martina Monday claimed Best Back, while tireless goal-kicker Rebecca Pace was recognised as Best Forward. Lisa Stokes, who showed enormous development across the season, was named Most Improved, with pint-sized Jo Morgan – who plays well above her size – awarded Most Consistent. The Coaches Award went to forward Tanley Rowe for her relentless work in the tough areas, while the Crystal Herion Most Diligent Award was presented to co-captain Paige Horvat, who praised the team’s organisation in giving the women the chance to play the game they love.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes

Photos:
Men's player of the year, Hayde Munro.
Women's player of the year, Toni Daisy.
Long time major sponsor, Jason Guy.