The Ayr Golf Club’s annual Searle Family Day Golf event was met with resounding success this year, thanks to the generous sponsorship of club member Debbie Searle and her family. The event featured an exciting Stableford format, which saw participants competing in high spirits under perfect conditions.

Securing third place was Shannon Peckham, who achieved her personal best score to date with an impressive 36 points. Wendy Baker claimed second place with a solid 37 points, while Angie Baxter emerged victorious with a mammoth 38 points, taking home the top honours.

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Pretty in pink! Ayr Golf Club ladies celebrated a successful Searle Family Day Golf event!

Spirit Shines At Ayr Golf Club's Searle Family Day

Adding a unique twist to the Ayr Golf Club's Searle Family Day, Debbie Searle introduced an additional challenge involving three randomly selected holes, kept secret until after the round. The ladies with the highest scores on these hidden holes were also recognised and awarded prizes. Shannon Peckham added to her accolades by winning this special challenge, while Donna Boccolatte was named the runner-up.

The day was further enhanced by a show of solidarity for breast cancer awareness, with participants dressed in their best pink attire. This vibrant display added to the event’s uplifting atmosphere and emphasized the community’s support for an important cause. Donations were collected to contribute to breast cancer research, underscoring the club’s commitment to making a difference beyond the game.

The Ayr Golf Club extends its gratitude to Debbie Searle and her family for their generous sponsorship and creativity, which made the day a memorable one. Congratulations to all participants for their achievements and enthusiasm in supporting a wonderful event.

Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Golf Club.

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Debbie Searle, with placeholders Shannon Peckham, Wendy Baker, and Angie Baxter.

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Saturday 9 November 1.00pm to 5.00pm and Sunday 10 November 9.00am to 5.00pm (Full Weekend Patrol Group E) John Moloney, Anne Moloney, Tony Felesina, Isabella Moloney, Jane Jones, Gavin Jones, Sophia Moloney, Alissia Gibson, Billy Gibson, and Danni Coughlin.
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Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.

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Burdekin's own Jennifer Fotinos has earned a prestigious spot on Australia’s Youth Women’s Futsal Team, set to compete in the UK this November. Jennifer’s journey to the international stage began earlier this year at the 2024 National Futsal Championships in Sydney, where she represented North Queensland in the Open Women’s division and reached the quarterfinals with an impressive display of skill.

Jennifer Fotinos Selected
For Australian Futsal Team

Jennifer’s futsal achievements didn’t stop there - she also competed in Football Queensland’s National Futsal Championships on the Gold Coast, representing Queensland in her age group. With four years of futsal experience complemented by fourteen years in soccer, Jennifer has honed a versatile skill set that has paved the way for her success.

Her athletic talent stretches beyond futsal; Jennifer was also selected for the Queensland boxing team. However, due to scheduling conflicts with the futsal competition, she will miss the chance to compete at the Australian Titles.

In 2022, Jennifer was selected for AFA’s Australian U19 Women’s Futsal Team, though COVID restrictions prevented her from traveling for the competition. This year’s opportunity to compete internationally is especially meaningful, and Jennifer is thrilled to represent Australia in the UK.

Jennifer’s dedication and skill have earned her a place among Australia’s top youth athletes, and she is eager to make the most of this incredible opportunity.

Contributed with thanks to Marietta Fotinos.

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A highly skilled athlete, Jennifer has four years of futsal experience under her belt.
Jennifer will compete in the Australia’s Youth Women’s Futsal Team this November.

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Night Soccer

Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 9 was played in good conditions and with only one forfeit. The 21games produced 57 goals and, surprisingly, no Sin Bins. Top scorers for the Men were Rocky Pond Warriors with six goals and for the Women, DILLIGAF scored four goals.

FJV stay top of Group A1 despite only managing a 0-0 draw with lowly Karls Mowing Service and Mottin Earthmoving drop to third place after losing 0-1 to second place Plumb Dingers. UDS still lead in Group A2 after beating Show Me Da Mane 2-1. FUFC drop to third place. Wires Down are still at the top of Group B with Jaime’s Boys and Old Grumpies still in hot pursuit.

In the Women’s competition UDS Ladies still top the A Grade table despite losing 1-2 to Sanco Produce who  are now just four points behind in second place. Shin Kickers are the leaders in B Grade but only on goal difference from Blue Goal Diggers after they played out a 1-1 draw.

Juniors

Week 3 of Junior Social Soccer went well with great conditions and some good competitive games being played. All kids are having a ball. Boom boom…

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The Home Hill Cricket Association was fortunate to welcome Antony Stewart from QLD Cricket for two visits over the past week. Antony first joined Guy at East Ayr State School last Tuesday to assist with the Rookies, and then returned on Friday afternoon to work with the Challengers at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex. He was highly impressed with the players’ progress, particularly their skilful, straight-arm bowling. This week, Challengers Corey Pensini and Nicholas Marrinan top-scored with a strong 27-run partnership. All-round performances from Harvey Shannon and Corey earned them the MacDonald’s Sports Awards for the week.

The "Blue" game on the astro pitch saw a flurry of wickets, with a total of 19 falling throughout the match. Successful wicket-takers included Steve Wallwork, Kip Nicholas, Jude Shannon, Tyler Smith, Chaz Moschella, and Kye Quinlan, with Tait Parker achieving the best figures of the week with four wickets. However, the batting side struggled, with only two players reaching double figures. Unfortunately, no scores or photos were available from the "Gold" group at the time of this report.

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Contributed with thanks to HHCA Junior Co-Ordinator Scott Heidke.

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Many young cricketers enjoyed the company of Antony Stewart on Tuesday afternoon.
The Blue Group were celebrated for their performance last week.
Stave, Kip, Jude, Tyler, Chaz, Kye and Tait were commended for their contributions to the Blue Group’s success.
Mazlyn Smith received a Sports Award last week for her skilled performance.
Proud Sports Award recipients Harvey Shannon and Corey Pensini.

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The Escriva Cup was held on Friday 1 November at International Park. The Cup, played for annually, was won for the second time by Class of 13 who defeated FJV 2-1 in a very close game. The Men’s Cup attracted eighteen teams in six groups of three so that every team played at least two matches.

The competition was run on a Night Soccer basis and each match lasted thirty minutes. Winners of each Group and the two best runners up went into the quarter finals. This meant that the finalists played five games.

The six group winners were Wantocks, Mullumbimby Moonshooters, FJV, Class of 13, FDS and Young DD and they were joined by second placed Delta Physio and Locked In. After the Quarter finals had been played the semi-finalists had been decided with Class of 13 to meet  Mullumbimby Moonshooters and FJV to play FDS.

The semi-finals were both very close games with Class of 13 winning 1-0 and FJV winning 3-2. Scorer for Class of 13 was Jake perry and for FJV, Jack Moustoukas netted twice and Logan Guglielmana Once.

In the Grand Final Class of 13 beat FJV 2-1 to retain the trophy. Taryn Bradford  and Chris Achille scored the goals for Class of thirteen and Jhett Jones replied for FJV.

The Ladies competition only attracted two teams so Goalden Girls and Fat and Furious played off for the trophy with Fat and Furious winning 2-1. Goals for Fat and Furious were scored by Sienna Lago, Sian Reardon, and Kya Quagliata.

A big Thank You for all the teams who took part and helped to raise money for a very good cause.

Contributed with thanks to Cyclops.

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Escriva Cup Ladies Winners Fat and Furious
Escriva Cup Male Winners Class of 13

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The Ayr Bowling Club has enjoyed another week filled with competitive matches and social events, showcasing the talent and camaraderie of its members.
Tuesday Ladies’ Social Bowls kicked off the week with 14 players taking to the green. Notable matches included a win for the team of Karen Shepherd, Linda Guimelli, Beryl Cornford, and Mary Poli, who defeated Meryl Smith, Merle Nixon, Joy Comollatti, and Heather Jorgensen. In another match, Ruth Moore, Karen Page, and Irene Wilson triumphed over Isabel Cislowski, Sandra Stidston, and Dot Cutting.
On Wednesday 30 October, Pam Power represented the club in the Champions of Champions tournament at Bargara Bowls Club. Pam Power performed admirably against some of Queensland’s best bowlers, narrowly missing out on a spot in the Championship playoff. Her impressive showing capped off a fantastic year, earning her recognition and respect from her peers.
The Wednesday Mixed Social Bowls featured three exciting games of triples, bringing both competition and laughter. The winning team comprised Sandra Darwen, George Nixon, and Chris Olditch, who defeated Margret Chapman, Dino Poli, and Wayne Coonan. Later that evening, a single game of rinks saw Evelyn Wiltshere, Tricia Achille, Cisco, and Ross McLaughlin emerge victorious.
Fun Friday Night Bowls saw a turnout of 32 participants enjoying an evening of friendly competition. Spirits were high as four games of rinks were played. The winning team of Mika Strano, Melissa Northward, Matt Strano, and Michael Northward bested Lyn Copas, Toni Colburn, Deb Calligaro, and Tracey Redgwell. Second place went to Karen Shepherd, Ron Smythe, Deslie Olsen, and Barry Shepherd, while the Sportsman’s Prize was awarded to the team of Rebekah Oakes, Johnny Casella, Holly Giarusso, Ross Cambino, and Andrew Curro. The club extends its gratitude to all participants and looks forward to the final Fun Night of the year on 29 November.
On Saturday, the club hosted two games of triples and one game of fours, with intense competition evident throughout the matches. The winning team included John Pirrone, Rob Garner, and Anthony Bull, who defeated Cisco, Ron Smythe, and Barry Shepherd.
Sunday marked a continuation of the club championships, featuring Mixed Triples. Lorraine Wolffe, Sandra Stidston and Anthony Bull claimed victory against Donna Soper, Barry Shepherd, and Ron Soper, while earlier in the week the Mixed Singles was held with Michael Paravicini defeating Gary Pearce.
The Ayr Bowling Club invites everyone to its final Fun Friday Night Bowls event of the year on 29 November, starting at 6 PM. 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. For more information or to sign up, please contact Maurie Power at 0412 551 816 or Pam Power at 0458 330 019.
The club looks forward to seeing both new and returning faces for an enjoyable evening of bowling and community spirit.
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Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.

Friday Fun Night 1st Place winners!
Friday Fun Night 2nd Place victors!
Friday Fun Night Sportsman's Prize winners!

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Wednesday afternoon saw another excellent turnout for bowls. Bev Garioch, Lyn Farr, and Lyn Storrie triumphed over Ann Newton, Vanda Ballao, and Joy Woods. Members are encouraged to join the fun each Wednesday - please have your names in by 1pm for a 1:30pm start.

Friday night’s social bowls drew a fantastic crowd. In the pairs match, Bruce McCallum and Ray Panecassio claimed victory over Margaret McLaughlin and Joe Ypinazar. The triples game went to Ben Mills, Ross McLaughlin, and Jamie Woods, who defeated David Bycroft, Joy Woods, and Gary Pearce.

With some members competing in out-of-town events, numbers were slightly down on Sunday. Nonetheless, Ben Mills, Doug Kiehne, and Joe Ypinazar secured a win against Norm Storrie, Neville Dickenson, and Leo Kenny. In the pairs, Kenny Ferguson and Richard Mau defeated Rob Jorgensen and Alan Garioch, while Lyn Storrie and Peter Jorgensen bested Henry Hazel and Kevin Collins.

A reminder that Trophy Bowls Night, sponsored by Bennett Exhaust, is coming up on Friday, 15 November. As this will be our last event of the year, it promises to be a popular evening - get your names in as soon as possible!

On Saturday, 16 November, Charters Towers will be visiting for a return match. Please check the notice board for additional information.

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

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The Brandon Bowls Club hosted another awesome week of action

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Home Hill Bowls Club invites the Burdekin to their Come and Try Day, particularly children and teenagers to find out about a new sport to play injury free. It’s a 9am start and will run until lunchtime. Drinks will be available, bring your hat and flat soled shoes. If not, you can go barefoot. For enquiries, please phone 0428183054.

What’s On At The Club
Mondays: 10am Coffee Chats. Come along and join.

Wednesdays: 10am Trimmers
             5:30pm Barefoot Bowls and a sausage sizzle

Thursdays: 9am Bingo
         1pm Social Bowls

Saturdays: 1pm Saturday Bowls Open Mixed

Completion of Competition Bowls to be advised.
Contributed with thanks to Stormin’ Norman.

WHAT: Come & Try Day
WHEN: This Sunday from 9am
WHERE: Home Hill Bowls Club

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You too can play like this!

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The Home Hill Golf Course came alive with friendly competition and laughter during the Golf Ambrose event, a key highlight of the Home Hill Harvest Festival. Participants gathered for a day of teamwork, skill, and light-hearted fun, embracing the event’s spirit by dressing up and celebrating together.
One team added extra flair to the day by dressing up as XXXX beer, sporting simple but creative outfits that paid homage to the iconic Queensland brand, drawing laughs and adding a festive vibe to the course.
The Ambrose format made the event accessible for all skill levels, with teams working together to achieve the best overall score, creating a strong sense of camaraderie among players. After the final holes, participants enjoyed refreshments and a presentation of prizes, recognising standout performances and memorable moments. The Golf Ambrose was a fantastic way to celebrate community spirit, friendship, and the Home Hill Harvest Festival’s longstanding traditions.

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Jacob Hook, Corey Catanzaro, Luke Blackburn and Steve Delle Baite

Rob, Kieren, Gordon and Jason

Shane Hartwell, Jason Forno, Tim Branch, Peter Mackaway

Clark Grogan

Erin Brennan’s Tyrepower Team

Photo credit: Miah Lampard

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The Ayr Golf Club hosted the final monthly medal event of the year for their junior players over the weekend, with plenty of commendable results scored across the board.

The official November 3-hole competition winners were River Vass for Monthly Medal and with Grey Perry celebrated as the Gross Winner. Grey also took out Least putts and Andi Perry took home Longest Putt. 

The 6-hole competition saw the return of some old players with the Club welcoming back and congratulating Parker Lawson who took Monthly Medal, Angus Watson for Gross winner and Parker Lawson and Heath Smart for Least Putts. 

In 9-hole competition Riley Dobe was the Monthly medal winner with an impressive PB. Lyla Land took out Gross winner and Parker Oar won Least putts. 

Congratulations to Jett James for making the move to 9 holes and Hudson Suffeciencia for making his move to 6 holes. Well done! 

Ayr Junior Golf have a come and try with no membership fee for the remainder of the year held Saturday mornings at the Ayr Golf Club. 9 holes 8am, 6 holes 8:30am, 3 holes 9am. The clubhouse have plenty of clubs to lend so why not pop out for a hit. 

Contributed with thanks to Kristina Patane Land.

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November Monthly Medal Winners with presenters, Jett James and Lyla Land.

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The Home Hill Harvest Festival’s annual King and Queen of the Hill event returned on Saturday, October 26, drawing determined participants for a thrilling early morning climb up Inkerman Hill.
Starting at 6.30am, runners raced up to the summit lookout, then descended the steep goat track, where the 2024 Harvest Festival Queens were on hand to record finish times.
This year’s event featured four age categories, each with impressive performances. In the Under 12s, Quinn Jones led the girls at 28:01, while Connor claimed victory for the boys with 25:50. In the 13-17 bracket, Grace Ogemeni finished first for the girls at 27:33, and Luke Blacklock clocked a fast 17:42 for the boys.
The 18-35 category saw Jennifer Fotimos lead with 22:15, while Brendan Maltby set a new record with a blazing 16 minutes. For the 35+ group, Naomi Jones took the crown at 23:17, and Robert A. Rama led the men with 17:35.
The King and Queen of the Hill remains a festival highlight, showcasing the community’s athletic spirit and resilience.

Photo credit: Marni Hine

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A small but thriving fishing club in the Burdekin is celebrating its 50th year in 2024. The Burdekin District Sportfishing club owes its longevity to a very strong family and social thread which runs alongside the competitive fishing aspect.  
Monthly competitions culminate in a weigh-in and BBQ at a member’s residence which brings the whole group together in an informal and personal setting.
The competitive element is always present but members do share “secret” spots and are keen to encourage new and younger members. These days, club members often weigh in fish alongside their nurturing grandparents!
The club is marking its remarkable 50 years with a celebration at the Annual Presentation Night in mid-December. Any prospective or past members or anyone associated with the club through interclub competitions etc. who wish to take part in the celebrations can make contact through the club’s Facebook page and advise of their intention by the end of November.  
Happy 50th Anniversary to the Burdekin District Sportfishing Club.

Burdekin District Sportfishing Club trophy winners at their last Presentation Night. Photo supplied

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Local

The Escriva Cup is due to be played this Friday evening, 1st November and is a fundraiser held by The SLoBs (Soccer Legends of the Burdekin) to help out ex-players with health problems. Last year fourteen Men’s teams and two Ladies teams took part. Hopefully, we will have more teams involved this year.

Night Soccer

Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 8 was played in good conditions and with only one forfeit. The 21games produced 65 goals and just the one Sin Bin. Congratulations to DL Lager’s Glen Stockdale! Top scorers for the Men were 7 Stooges with five goals and for the Women, UDS Ladies who scored six goals.

FJV beat Mottin Earthmoving to go top of Group A1 with Mottos dropping to second place. UDS still lead in Group A2 from FUFC and Wires Down are still at the top of Group B with Jaime’s Boys and Old Grumpies in hot pursuit.

In the Women’s competition UDS Ladies still top the A Grade table with a perfect record and Sanco Produce has moved up to second place. Shin Kickers are the leaders in B Grade but only on goal difference from Blue Goal Diggers

Juniors

Junior social soccer re-kickstarted after the rain cancelled last Tuesday.  The kids had a great afternoon playing with their friends both current and new.

Managers, please ensure you get your team on the field no matter how many kids there are, to get the game started on time, as the half an hour goes quickly. Also, Managers and parents who have been involved in soccer before, please do not be afraid to help out the kids who haven’t played before.

Just a couple of things also you can help the youth referees out this week. Please ensure your team is at least five metres back from kick-ins and goal kicks, and even the younger grades ask your team to come back to halfway if you are defending from a goal kick.

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The Ayr Golf Club was the place to be over the weekend with the Karrie Webb Junior Masters hosting the talents plenty of young golfers across the green. The weather was exceptional and enjoyed by all 79 players over the two-day event as generously sponsored by Raine and Horne and Mizuno Golf.

The Club saw young golfers from the Burdekin, Cairns, Townsville, Charters Towers, Bowen, Proserpine, Yeppoon, Gladstone, Harvey Bay, Bribie Island and Mt Warren showcase their skills on the Ayr Golf Club’s green.

3-, 6- and 9-hole competition was sponsored and presented by Carla from Raine and Horne.

3-hole winners 
Ezra Ward - Nett Winner
Lincoln Lacey - Nett R/Up
Tyler Smith - Gross Winner
Rylan Craig - Gross R/Up

6-hole winners
Girls
Hunter Oar - Nett Winner
Imogen Ward - Gross Winner
Ella Church - Gross R/Up

Boys
Colten Ward - Nett Winner
Heath Smart - Nett R/Up
Curtis Borellini - Gross Winner
Leo Godfrey - Gross R/Up
 
9-hole winners
Girls
Lyla Land - Nett Winner
Emma Fixter - Nett R/Up
Renee Ward - Gross Winner
Kylie Fixter - Gross R/Up

Boys
Flynn Godfrey - Nett Winner
Jasper Godfrey - Nett R/Up
Hudson Calvert Gross Winner
Kale Malone - Gross R/Up

18-hole competition prizes were sponsored and presented by Steve from Mizuno Golf 

18-hole winners
Girls
Gabby Cahill - Nett Winner
Phoebe Moffat - Nett R/Up
Lilly McGuiness - Gross Winner
Amara Aston - Gross R/Up

Boys
Rico Avolio - Nett Winner
Jacob Painter - Nett R/Up
Nicholas Stedman - Gross Winner
Dallas Douglas - Gross R/Up

The Club shared that the event would not have been a success without event organiser Evelyn Webb and her commitment to making this Masters bigger and better every year. A warm thanks was also extended to the Ayr Golf Club and all the volunteers that helped over the weekend. 

Contributed with thanks to Kristina Land.

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18 Hole Male Winner Nicholas Stedman, with Steve from Mizuno Golf.
18 Hole Female Winner Lilly McGuiness with Steve from Mizuno Golf. 

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