Home Hill’s young cricketers delivered another strong showing at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex, with solid performances across both the Blue and Gold groups.

In the Blue Group, tight bowling set the tone early. Fielders supported well, with run-outs to Mazlyn Smith and Royce Cohen. Batting proved difficult, with Kyle Wilkie the only player to register runs before being bowled by Cohen shortly after hitting a four. Mitchell Patti, Henry Cohen, and Jake Cullen all retired not out.

Cullen produced the standout bowling figures of the match, sending down two maidens and taking 1/0. Wilkie followed with 1/1, while Patti collected 1/5. For his patient batting and economical bowling, Mitchell Patti received the McDonald’s Sports Award.

In the Gold Group, Marshall Parker dominated with a commanding all-round display. Parker struck 31 not out, including four fours and a six, and claimed 2/2 with the ball. Oliver Calligaro added an important 19 runs with three fours to help secure the win.

Bowling contributions also came from Mark Wilkie (1/1), Ben Watkins (1/6), Xavier Cross (1/7) and Rylan Nicholaides (1/9). Parker’s efforts earned him the McDonald’s Sports Award, completing a strong weekend across both junior groups.

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Marshall & Mitchell rec lived awards for their outstanding performances on the day. Photo supplied

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The 2025 Burdekin Small Schools Swimming Carnival brought ten schools to the Ayr Pool on Saturday for a full program of racing and junior water activities.

Airville, Brandon, Clare, Giru, Gumlu, Jarvisfield, Kalamia, Maidavale, Millaroo and Osborne State Schools fielded students aged 9 to 13 in 50-metre and 25-metre freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke events, along with the 50-metre butterfly. Younger students, aged eight and under, spent the day rotating through sponge relays and water-park games.

Giru State School claimed the Overall Average Winner trophy after a consistent showing across all events, while Clare State School earned the Spirit Award for its enthusiasm and strong support from the sidelines.

Continued on page 25

Giru Makes a Splash at 2025 Carnival

Continued from back cover

Age Champions were announced across each division:
• 9 Boys: Thomas (Giru)
• 9 Girls: Milla (Giru)
• 10 Boys: Stirling (Osborne)
• 10 Girls: Yolanda (Jarvisfield)
• 11 Boys: Kobi (Kalamia) & Jacob (Osborne)
• 11 Girls: Jorja (Jarvisfield)
• 12 Boys: Reece (Brandon)
• 12 Girls: Isabella (Giru)

The event ran efficiently, with tight races, steady volunteer support and strong school turnout. Kalamia State School coordinated the tuckshop, which kept swimmers and staff well supplied throughout the day.

The carnival delivered a clear showcase of participation, friendly rivalry and student achievement across the Burdekin’s small schools.

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Photos supplied

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The Ayr Golf Club capped off its junior season with an energetic end-of-year breakup and presentation afternoon, drawing families, new faces and plenty of young golfers to the course. Juniors mixed across the three, six and nine-hole groups, giving players the chance to partner with friends they don’t usually compete alongside.

The day marked the final junior meeting of the year, drawing a close to another successful year for junior golf at the club. The club praised all juniors for a strong season, including those who travelled for inter-club events.

2025 AWARD WINNERS

Monthly Medal Winners
• 3 Holes: Zade Keating
• 6 Holes: Tyler Smith & Pia Mauro
• 9 Holes: Kyle Wilkie
Putting Champions
• 3 Holes: Opie McKeough
• 6 Holes: Evelyn Mahoney
• 9 Holes: Oscar Mahoney
9-Hole Gross Champion
• Oscar Mahoney
9-Hole Nett Champion
• Kyle Wilkie
Most Improved Golfer Overall
• Pia Mauro
Encouragement Award
• Dayne Weston
Tara’s Award for Consistency in Coaching
• Pia Mauro & Maxx Tannock
Most Improved (Rundown)
• Fletcher Sgroi
• Harvey Mauro
• Lyla Land
• Heather Smart

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Young Touch Football players from across the region will converge on Ayr on Saturday, 22 November, when the Burdekin Touch Association hosts a Junior Touch Football Carnival for boys and girls aged 9 to 16 years.

The event will feature a ‘Fast Four’ competition format, played on half-sized fields with four players per side and up to six players allowed per team. While standard Touch rules will apply, each set will be limited to four touches, and matches will run for 10 minutes.

Divisions to be contested include Boys Under 10, Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16, and Girls Under 10, Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16. Prizemoney will be awarded to the winners of each division.

“The carnival will give the current players in our under 14 competition and the Friday Juniors a chance to learn more about the game of Touch in a competitive environment,” said Burdekin Technical Director Bruce Johnson.

“We expect teams from Townsville and Bowen to also participate,” he added.

Teams can nominate by completing a form available at the Burdekin Touch canteen on Wednesdays and Fridays, or by emailing burdekintouch4807@gmail.com with team details. The nomination fee per team is $20.

For further information, contact Bec Watson (0400 705 205) or Peter Knapton (0437 710 500).

Round 11 Results – Seniors and Under 14 Mixed

Mixed Under 14s
Baywatch 2 6 (Xavia 3) def Red Rippers 2
Silly Soft Serves 8 (O. Ferguson 3, T. Chapman 2) def Baywatch 3 1
Baywatch 1 10 (Matteo 3, Adea 3, Marcus 3) def Mustangs 1

Seniors Mixed Touch
Nrgize 7 (H. Munro 2, D. Lampton 2) def Antiskeptics 5 (Josiah Ballin 2)
Crocs 8 (C. Zaro 2, D. Doak 2) def Alliance Pharmacy 5 (J. Furnell 3, J. Gimson 2)
Nutek Titans 5 (S. O’Rourke 2, J. Olditch 2) def One Touch IT 4 (S. Smith 2)
Petrol Heads 6 (B. Vasta 2, D. Torrisi 2) def Redskins 2
Royal Touch 7 (C. Formilan 3, A. Miller 2) def Baywatch A 6 (E. Henaway 2)
Touch n Tease 7 (R. Siandri 2, H. Lemon 2) def Pink Piggies 4 (J. Dowson 2)
East Ayr 9 (K. Samios 2, N. Lacey 2) def Baywatch B 7 (G. Dau-Mocka 2)
Slush Puppies 6 def Jigsaw 3
First in Physio 11 (T. Marshall 4, L. Rattler 3, M. Noah 2) def Renegades 3 (S. Andreatta 2)
One Touch Wonders 9 (K. Drain 5, L. Dobe 2) def Blue Murder 8 (R. Smith 3, C. McGrath 2)
NIS 6 (D. Arrate 4) def Touch Potatoes 2 (H. Horan 2)

Contributed with thanks to Peter Knapton

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A very successful Burdekin FC Presentation Night was held last Saturday at Populin’s Hall. This completes the 2025 season, and it will not be long before the 2026 season approaches.

Night Soccer

The sixth week of competition and in a high scoring night, the twenty games produced ninety one goals and there were no Sin Bins! Top scorers were Ladies team Body Tune with fifteen goals, Mottin Earthmoving and Young Guns both netted six and Clare Cutters, UDS and Plumb Dingers all rattled in five goals.

In Men’s Competitive Group, UDS top the table with sixteen points one point ahead of Clare Cutters and Mountain View Fresh stay in third place. In Mens Social 1, DL Lager with thirteen points are two points clear of Willy Wackers with Oary’s Levellers in third place. In Mens Social 2, Jaime’s Boys now lead with twelve points from Always Fits on goal difference, five points ahead of Delta Physio and Bennetts Old Grumpies.

In Ladies Group 1, Scoregasms with sixteen points lead Young Guns by one point with Body Tune in third place and in Group 2, 6 TO UR 7 with twelve points lead Rocky Pond Wonders by two points with DILLIGAF in third spot on goal difference.

Juniors

Social soccer on Tuesday afternoons continues, with some good team performances and lots of enjoyment for the kids.

On Sunday, Ken Mitchell from Football Queensland conducted a Foundation of Football Coaches training course for twelve of our junior coaches. This was a highly informative all day session both theoretically and practically. Thanks to our junior FQ academy players for coming down to help our coaches in the afternoon with the practical aspect of the course (a welcome relief for themselves having completed the practical in the morning session!)

National and International

After the third round of the A League, Auckland top the table after defeating Adelaide 2-2. Sydney FC are one point behind after thumping Newcastle 4-1 and Brisbane Roar is in sixth spot with a 0-0 draw at home to Melbourne City.

The Women’s A league kicked off on the weekend with wins for Central Coast, Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar and Newcastle Jets. Melbourne City and Sydney could only manage a draw.

The Matildas have played two friendlies beating Wales 2-1, in Cardiff on 25 October, before losing 0-3 to England last Saturday.

The Socceroos have two friendlies coming up in November. They play Venezuela in Houston on 15 November and then meet Colombia in New York four days later.

The 2026 World Cup starts on 11 June with the Final on 19 July. Forty eight teams will compete in twelve groups of four team in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The top two teams from the groups plus the best eight third placed teams qualifying for the Round of 32. So far twenty eight countries have qualified with Qatar and Saudi Arabis the last teams to make it.

In the EPL, after ten rounds, Arsenal lead Manchester City by six points with Liverpool and Bournemouth a further point behind. At the foot of the table, it is still looking dire for Wolves who have just two points, but West Ham won, and Nottingham Forest managed a draw against ManU.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, the old order has not changed. After nine rounds Bayern still have maximum points and are five points clear of Leipzig. Dortmund is in third place a further two points adrift and Stuttgart drops to fourth spot. At the bottom of the league three points separate eight teams with Heidenheim and Mainz struggling with just five points.

In Spain, after eleven rounds, Real Madrid leads Barcelona by five points and is still unbeaten. Real has thirty points and Barca twenty five. Villarreal is third two points behind, and Atletico is in fourth spot. Girona and Oviedo continue to hold up the league with seven points each.

In Italy’s Serie A four of the top teams won but leaders Napoli could only draw. They lead Inter, AC Milan and Roma by a point. Juventus beat Cremonese and move up to sixth place. At the foot of the table five of the bottom teams lost and Genoa props up the league.

In France’s Ligue 1 all four top teams won and after eleven rounds PSG leads Marseille and Lens by two points with Lille, Monaco and Lyon a further two points behind. At the bottom of the league Metz have won their last two games and has moved off the bottom one point ahead of Auxerre.

Quote of the Week

Is from Roy Keane, Irish and Manchester Utd star and ex-manager of Nottingham Forest. “If you're fully prepared you've got nothing to worry about - it's just a game of football. Aggression is what I do. I go to war. You don't contest football matches in a reasonable state of mind”.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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Bob Pickard and Alex Bojack were too good for Yogi Bunn and Hugh Montgomery.

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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.‍

Ayr Brings Home Gold and State Selection from Mackay

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

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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

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At The End Of Harvest Golf Classic

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

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The 2024 End of Harvest Golf Classic was one for the history books! Photo Credit: Chelsea Ravizza

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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

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Tomey Mathew - 5 wickets
Luke Mottin - 59 runs

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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

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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!

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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.

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Finals Pairs winners: Glenn Woodford [L] and Jason Farry [R]
A Grade Ladies Finals winner: Lyn Storrie [L], runner-up Margaret Chapman [R]

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