It’s been a bustling week at the Ayr Bowling Club, with plenty of action on the greens and members preparing for the upcoming Purple Pennants in Bowen from May 30 to June 1. Best of luck to our men’s team this weekend.

Tuesday’s Ladies Social Bowls featured a game of triples and a rinks match. Karen Shepherd, Beryl Cornford and Pam Power claimed victory over Linda Giumelli, Heather Jorgensen and Dot Cutting. Runners-up on the day were Donna Soper, Rayleen Hervey, Joy Comollatti and Irene Wilson, who defeated Isabel Cislowski, Deslie Olsen, Merle Nixon and Mary Poli.

Men’s Social Bowls on Wednesday was sponsored by Arthur Gauvin, who celebrated his 80th birthday in style. A big thank you to Arthur for his continued work around the club—it’s greatly appreciated. On the green, three games of triples and one pairs match were played. The top-performing team was John Pirrone, Joe Papale and Barry Shepherd, while runners-up honours went to Dino Poli, Richard Saurer and Anthony Bull. It was a fine afternoon of friendly competition and good spirits.

Later that evening, Wednesday Night Social Bowls saw two games contested. The first was won by Kate Stringer, Tricia Achille and David Burt. In the second, Angela Williams, Katharina Stuckler and Joe Grabbi emerged victorious.

Thursday’s Ladies Competition Open Pairs produced two strong performances. Beryl Cornford and Pam Power defeated Karen Shepherd and Heather Jorgensen, while Lorraine Wolffe and Irene Wilson overcame Katharina Stuckler and Mary Poli.

Saturday brought another great turnout, with three social games of triples played. Cisco, Barry Hewson and Ron Soper defeated Ron Smythe, George Nixon and Lachlan Grantz. In championship action, the Mixed Pairs produced several competitive matches. John Pirrone and Beryl Cornford defeated Sandra Stidston and Wayne Coonan; Lorraine Wolffe and Anthony Bull got past Raylene Hervey and Ron Smythe; and Deslie Olsen and Ron Soper beat Cisco and Katharina Stuckler. The B Grade Pairs Final was also played, with John Pirrone and Ron Smythe taking out a well-fought and entertaining game against Cisco and Barry Hewson. Members are encouraged to check the board for upcoming Mixed Pairs and Ladies Pairs matches.

For those interested in giving bowls a try, Friday Roll Ups are a great place to start. Held every Friday from 3:00 to 5:30pm, these sessions offer a relaxed environment for players of all levels. Whether you're looking to hone your skills, pick up some tips, or simply enjoy a drink with fellow club members, Friday afternoons on the green are the perfect way to kick off the weekend.

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Local

It was another strong weekend for the senior teams, with three wins and two losses. All five teams are expected to be in action again this weekend in Townsville.

On Friday night at International Park, the Division 1 Men went down 0–6 to Brothers, while the Division 2 Men lost 1–2 away to Rebels. The Ladies, playing at home to Warriors, delivered a dominant performance and won 7–0. On Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves travelled to face Rebels, with both teams returning victorious. The Premiers ground out a 1–0 win, while the Reserves secured a convincing 4–1 result.

This Friday, the Division 1 Men, Division 2 Men and the Ladies are all on the road. The Division 1 Men play Estates at 8:30pm, the Division 2 Men face Rebels at 6:30pm, and the Ladies also take on Rebels at 6:30pm. On Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves meet JCU Riverway away, with the Reserves kicking off at 5:30pm and the Premiers at 7:30pm.

Premiers

The Ayr Anzac Club Panthers were looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss the previous week, but standing in their way was a determined Rebels outfit that never makes it easy. From the opening whistle, it was a scrappy contest. The Panthers struggled to find their rhythm in attack, while Rebels created the better chances throughout much of the match. Defensive discipline proved critical, with the Panthers holding firm thanks to several desperate goal-line clearances and a sharp reflex save from keeper Jarrod Camer that kept the score locked at 0–0.

With the game hanging in the balance, a moment of class finally broke the deadlock. Kai Goodman delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Matt Kolb, who showed composure to calmly slot it past the Rebels keeper with just five minutes remaining. The final moments were tense, but the Panthers dug deep and held on for a hard-fought 1–0 victory. It wasn’t pretty, but after last week’s setback, the boys will take confidence from proving they can win ugly when it counts.

Reserves

The Burdekin Tyre Service Reserves headed to Paradise Park to take on Rebels, desperate to end a run of three straight scoreless draws. From the outset, the Panthers dominated possession and created numerous chances, but the goal drought continued into halftime with the score still 0–0. The frustration was evident, yet Burdekin stayed patient and stuck to their game plan.

The breakthrough came when Kyle Taylor made a wide run and crossed to Cooper Kross, who headed home to open the scoring. That goal lifted the team's confidence. A pinpoint cross from Adam Mottin found Tarryn Smith, who finished well with his head to double the lead. Rebels responded with a goal from a corner and pushed hard for an equaliser, but Burdekin raised their efforts again. Kross beat his defender and squared it for Smith to score his second from close range, and Kross later added a fourth to give the Panthers a deserved 4–1 win.

Division 1 Men

The Austral Masonry Panthers suffered a heavy 6–0 defeat to Brothers after trailing 2–0 at halftime. The side missed a few good chances to get on the scoreboard and were punished late, with Brothers piling on four goals in the final fifteen minutes. Despite the result, Max Kelly and Caleb Formilan both put in strong performances.

Division 2 Men

The Funkies went down 1–2 to top-of-the-table Saints in what was a hard-fought and evenly contested clash between two top-four teams. Chris Achille gave Burdekin the lead just before halftime with a clever finish after stealing the ball out wide near the halfway line. The Funkies began to tire in the second half but managed to hold on until two long-range free kicks gave Saints the edge and the eventual 2–1 win.

Ladies

The Ayr Anzac Club Ladies delivered a dominant display against Warriors. Zandi Bonanno opened the scoring in the fourth minute, setting the tone early. Ellyana Mugica followed in the 12th minute with a well-placed chip over the keeper, and in the 23rd minute, Sienna Lago broke through one-on-one, hit the post, and calmly finished the rebound after it deflected off the goalkeeper.

Lago added a second soon after, while Mugica notched her second just before halftime, giving Burdekin a commanding 5–0 lead at the break. Chayse Feeney scored in the 53rd minute, and in the final minute of the match, Lago completed her hat-trick with a coolly taken penalty after being brought down in another one-on-one. A dominant 7–0 win for Burdekin. Well done, ladies!

Juniors

Saturday’s junior matches were played in fine weather, with various Townsville clubs making the trip down. The quality of the games continues to improve each week. Kids who received Player of the Week awards proudly showed off their new ribbons. On Sunday and Monday, Burdekin hosted the North Queensland Schoolboy and Schoolgirl Trials. The standard was high, with teams from Townsville, the Whitsundays, Charters Towers and Herbert River all taking part.

Congratulations to all players for their teamwork and sportsmanship, and further congratulations to those selected in the final NQ teams. A big thank you goes out to all the volunteer referees—both youth and senior—who helped the two-day event run smoothly, along with everyone working behind the scenes to make it happen.

Masters

Monday night brought cooler weather but another solid turnout. A tight match saw Crystal Palace defeat Manchester City 2–0 in a replay of the FA Cup Final. Goals came from George Giorgos-Karagounis and Lee Kosta-Manolis. A reminder—Masters continue every Monday at 6:30pm. Be there.

National

In the A-League Men, the second leg of the semi-finals wrapped up over the weekend. Auckland lost 0–2 at home to Melbourne Victory, giving Victory a 2–1 win on aggregate. Meanwhile, Melbourne City drew 1–1 at home to Western United, cruising through with a 4–1 aggregate result. That sets up an all-Melbourne Grand Final this Saturday night.

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Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads have congratulated a few of their star players, Caitlin Holmes, Brooke Smith, Amanda Brown, Julea Farry, Nathan Steel, Dom Arrate, Tubby Heron, and Jack McIntosh for being selected to represent the Brolgas over two massive days on the green.

Over the weekend of the 17th and 18th of May, the crew did an exceptional job both on and off the field, playing with precision whilst displaying high levels of sportsmanship in each game.

“The club is incredibly proud of your dedication and hard work, and we know you would have given your all on the field,” shared the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads.

The club also extended another congratulated to esteemed coach, Rowland Holmes, for coaching the Under 14s girls team over the weekend, commending his skills once again.

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Julea Farry, Brooke Smith, Caitlin Holmes, and Amanda Brown did the Canetoads proud (Photo Supplied)
Brooke Smith going for possession (Photo Supplied)
Coach Rowland Holmes was commended for his skills (Photo Supplied)

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The highly anticipated Clash of Clubs event will return to the Burdekin Shire on the 3rd and 4th of October and locals are being urged to save the date for what promises to be a thrilling weekend of sporting action and community celebration.

Hosted by Burdekin Football Club, the event will once again bring together Senior, Masters and Ladies teams for a fierce but friendly competition, with bragging rights on the line across two full days of matches.

Back by popular demand is the fan-favourite Clash of Codes showdown, where athletes from different sporting backgrounds will put their skills to the test in a light-hearted clash like no other.

Described as a weekend of fun, laughter and action, the Clash of Clubs is more than just a football tournament, it’s a chance for the community to come together, rekindle old rivalries, make new friends, and enjoy a festival atmosphere filled with entertainment for the whole family.

Interested players who’d like to join a team or learn more are encouraged to get in touch by emailing the club at burdekinfc@hotmail.com.

Stay tuned for more updates, but for now, mark your calendars and get ready to Clash!

What: Clash of Clubs
When: 3rd and 4th of October
Where: International Park, Beach Road

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Clash of Clubs annually provides the community with plenty of action, excitement and competition (Photo Supplied)

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A couple of weeks ago, the Burdekin Touch Association (BTA) took time out to recognise a special group of people on and off the field - its players and officials who are past or present members of local emergency services.

“The contribution made to the Burdekin community by SES, Lifesavers, Police, Fire & Rescue, Paramedics and Marine Rescue members often goes unnoticed,” said BTA President, Michael Littlefield.

“We wanted to thank our Touch Football members who make our community a safer place to live.”

Among the most recognisable is Blue Murder, a team made up predominantly of local police officers. But their service spirit is spread far and wide—nearly every team in the competition features at least one player who currently serves, or has served, in an emergency role.

To say thanks, the Association treated emergency service representatives to a free sausage sizzle and a well-earned drink, as a small gesture of appreciation for the big role they play in the Burdekin every day.

Contributed with thanks to Amity Cornford.

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The BTA thanked the region's first responders with a sausage sizzle (Photo Credit: Amity Cornford)

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Home Hill Pickleball numbers continue to rise. Over the weekend, club members headed up to Townsville to participate in a Queensland Pickleball Tournament. While the opposition were consistent and quick at the net, all the players did some learning and had a great time. Debbie Tait came home with a silver medal in the mixed doubles and Hannah Casswell a silver in the open ladies’ doubles. The club is looking forward to hosting the Cane Country Cup, a mixed doubles team event on Sunday 8th June.

For those new to the sport of pickleball, it is a fun, fast moving, social and easy to play game. It is played with a light paddle and a whiffle ball on a small court. The point is started with an underarm serve. The club has paddles to borrow, and the first trail week is free. Pickleball is regularly played on Tuesday nights from 6.45 pm and Saturday mornings from 7.30 am. It is sometimes played on Thursday afternoons and Sunday afternoons as well. New players are welcome.

On Tuesdays the club will be starting a “Pickle Kids” program for kids aged 10 – 15 years. The club was recently successful in gaining a grant for through the Australian Sports Foundation and Hart Sport for extra equipment to support these sessions. The kids will learn skills through games and playing matches. It is an awesome, affordable option at just $35 for five weeks. Sessions will be from 6 – 6:45 under lights. Be sure to register your child by emailing homehilltennis@gmail.com.au as spaces are limited! We are also thankful to the Queensland Government for supporting this program to enable Queenslanders to participate in sport and recreation activities.

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On Tuesday's, the club will be starting a “Pickle Kids” program for kids aged 10 – 15 years. Photo supplied

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It’s been a big week at the Ayr Bowling Club, with two major highlights bringing excitement and energy to our local greens.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Community Gaming Benefit Fund, brand-new lighting was installed on the club’s green on Tuesday. The upgrade was made possible with the support of Ergon Energy and expertly carried out by the team at Coral Coast Electrical. These lights are set to enhance the club’s popular Wednesday Night Social Bowls and Friday Fun Nights, providing a brighter and more enjoyable environment for evening play.

Adding to the buzz, the club was proud to host the Country Pennants on Sunday, welcoming teams from Bowen, Wangaratta with the support of Home Hill) and Brandon for a fiercely contested day of bowls. Spectators were treated to a high standard of competition, with Ayr finishing in a strong second place. A standout performance came from Col Essex and his team, who won all three of their games on the day.

Congratulations to Brandon Bowls Club for taking home the trophy, and a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated volunteers who worked behind the scenes to ensure the event ran smoothly. Events like these simply wouldn’t be possible without their tireless support.

In Wednesday Men’s Social Bowls, the green was alive with friendly competition as two games of triples and a game of pairs were played. Taking out the honours on the day were Jeff, Joe Papale, Norm Bethel, and Mick McCloskey, who bowled consistently to secure the win. It was a great afternoon of camaraderie and quality bowls enjoyed by all.

Wednesday night social bowls had a good turnout of players as our new lights were turned on for the first games played under the new lights. There were some good bowls played in the rinks and the triples game. The winners of the rinks game were Ali Vasefi, Evelyn Wiltshere, David Burt and Sam Caltabiano. Lyn Cecil, Rob Jorgensen and Joe Grabbi won the triples game.

Saturday had another great afternoon at Ayr Bowling Club as some of our southern guests arrived for a game. There were two games of pairs and a triples played winners were Donna Soper and Anthony Bull def Lorraine Wolffe and Beryl Cornford.

In Championship action this week, the Men’s Championship Rinks final delivered a closely contested match featuring some outstanding bowls. The team of John Pirrone, Mario Milan, Wayne Coonan, and Barry Shepherd claimed victory with a 21–15 win over Cisco, Sam Caltabiano, Joe Grabbi, and Lew Stidston in a well-fought and entertaining game. Please see the board for the Mixed Pairs and the Ladies Pairs games coming up soon.

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.

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The Ayr Men's Pennants Team. Photo Supplied

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Trophy Night – Sponsored by Cignal

The club was buzzing with energy and camaraderie at Trophy Night, sponsored by Cignal. Bowlers and spectators alike enjoyed a fantastic evening of fun and competition.

Winners: Peter Micklan, Rhonda Martin, and Joe Yipnazar
Second Place: Ken Ferguson, Deon McIntosh, and Heather Jorgensen
Bradman's Prize: Braedyn, Clinton, Aiden, and Rhianna
Mark your calendars – the next Trophy Night is set for June 13.

Wednesday Bowls

A strong turnout made for an exciting midweek session featuring pairs and triples.

Pairs Winners: Colleen Olsen and Lyn Storrie defeated Joy Woods and Darelle Pearce
Triples Winners: Ann Newton, Vanda Ballao, and Helen Colling edged out Kaye Garner, Bev Garioch, and Margaret Chapman in a well-fought match.

Saturday Competitions

Two fiercely contested matches lit up the greens on Saturday.

David Defranciscis and David Harding narrowly defeated Peter Lejarraga and Doug Robins in a nail-biter that was decided by an extra end after the scores were tied at 21 ends.
In the B Grade Pairs Semi Final, Trevor Elton claimed victory over Doug Kiehne in another tight encounter.

Sunday Afternoon Social Bowls

Fourteen bowlers turned out for a relaxed but competitive afternoon of triples and fours.

Triples Winners: Henry Hazel, Glenn Woodford, and Alan Garioch beat Rob Jorgensen, Peter Henderson, and Jeff Taylor
Fours Winners: Gary Nosworthy, Leo Kenny, Joe Ypinazar, and Richard Mau defeated Margaret Chapman, Sandra Darwen, Vince Beitia, and Hugh Montgomery

Men’s Country Pennants – Held in Ayr

Brandon Bowls Club took top honours at the Men’s Country Pennants, finishing with three wins and earning first place.

Team 1: Jamie Woods, Jason Farry, David Harding, David Defranciscis
Team 2: Ken Ferguson, Ray Panecassio / Peter Lejarraga, Chris Pearce, Gary Pearce
Team 3: Ben Mills, Doug Robins, Kevin Collins, Peter Jorgensen

Ayr came in second with two wins. The next round of the Country Pennants will be hosted in Bowen on September 6.

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Local

Not a great weekend for the seniors — one draw, three losses, and one win by forfeit. All five teams are expected to be in action this weekend.

On Friday night at International Park, the Division 1 Men lost 0-2 to MA Olympic, while the Division 2 Men won by forfeit. The Ladies were away to Brothers, going down 0-4. On Sunday, the Premiers and Reserves travelled to MA Olympic, with the Premiers losing 1-2 and the Reserves drawing 0-0.

This Friday, the Division 1 Men and the Ladies are both at home. Division 1 face Brothers at 8.30, while the Ladies play Warriors at 6.30. The Division 2 Men are away to Saints Eagles Souths. On Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves are away to Rebels.

Premiers

The Ayr Anzac Club Panthers knew that the day after the races is always a tough one — especially against a side like MA Olympic. Burdekin started sluggishly and paid the price early, conceding two quick goals.

To their credit, the Panthers responded with some quality build-up play. Jay Leckenby sparked a promising move down the right, linking up nicely before threading a pass to Damien Casella, who calmly finished to close the gap before halftime.

Despite building momentum and creating chances, a string of injuries forced some reshuffling at the break. The Panthers controlled large stretches of the second half and pushed forward with intent, but the finishing touch was missing. Plenty of positives to take, but ultimately the boys went down 1-2.

Reserves

The Burdekin Tyre Service Reserves were away to Olympic for a top-of-the-table clash. With their strongest line-up of the season, the Panthers were quietly confident despite facing an unbeaten opponent. The match was hard-fought, with both sides showing solid defence and creating goal-scoring chances. MA Olympic had a few good looks in the first half but couldn’t convert.

The second half began poorly, with Burdekin sloppy in possession. Once again, their effort and commitment were tested. In a carbon copy of recent games, the Burdekin defence stood firm and continually repelled Olympic’s attacks. In the final 20 minutes, the Panthers were the better side and had several chances to steal the win, but poor finishing or great goalkeeping kept the score 0-0. A third straight scoreless draw.

Division 1 Men

The Austral Masonry Division 1 Men took on MA Olympic on Friday night, going down 0-2 after trailing 0-1 at halftime. The Panthers created chances but it just wasn’t their night. Standout performances came from Seaton Ivory and Dom Woodford.

Division 2 Men

The Burdekin 2nd Division Funkies were scheduled to play Warriors at home on Friday night, but the Townsville club forfeited.

Ladies

The Ayr Anzac Club Ladies travelled to Townsville on Friday night to take on Brothers, losing 0-4 — quite the contrast to their 16-0 win the week before!

Juniors

Teams from Under 8s and up made their first trip to Townsville on Saturday — a great experience, especially for kids playing away for the first time. The Under 5s to 7s played local matches and had an absolute ball.

Burdekin was represented by four teams at the SESFC carnival on Sunday, with all players giving it their all and having a great time. The combined Easts and Crusaders Under 8 team came away with four wins, including the Grand Final.

Saints Under 8s recorded one win, one draw, and one loss. The Under 11 boys had one win and two defeats. The Under 10/11 girls finished runners-up after two wins and a draw took them to the Grand Final. Fantastic work from all the players, coaches, managers, parents, and supporters.

Masters

Another solid turnout on Monday. In a tight match, Arsenal beat Manchester United 1-0, with Tobin Messi netting the winner. Monday night at 6.30 is the place to be — see you there. A reminder that the Mooney Cup will be played around the end of July.

National

In the A-League Men, the first leg of the semi-finals saw Auckland win 1-0 away to Melbourne Victory, and Melbourne City claim a 3-1 win away to Western United. The second legs will be played this weekend.

In the A-League Women’s Grand Final, Central Coast Mariners beat Melbourne Victory on penalties (5-4) after a 1-1 draw.

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The Burdekin Roosters will be back on the playing field this Saturday—and, more importantly, will play their first home game after opening the season with three games on the road.

It will be a big day at Rugby Park, with the Juniors also in action. Thirteen junior teams, along with Bowen, will take the field.

Games will kick off at 8.30am across four fields, finishing with the A Grade clash on Field One at 6.30pm.

The Roosters Old Boys Club will be at the Ayr Anzac Club from midday for a get-together before heading to Rugby Park to cheer on the current players.

The first senior match will start at 3.30pm, with the combined Burdekin/Herbert River women’s team—named Burdekin River—taking on the Western Lions.

The Lions have been top-notch for a few years, but the local girls showed in their first outing, with a win over Norths, that they could be a force once fully fit.

Players to watch for the Hens include Townsville centre Martina Monday, hooker Abby King, and five-eighth from Ingham, Paige Horvat. Blackhawks Under-19 players Tiana Krusjfeldt and Lily Mills are also in the squad.

At 5pm, the Reserves will meet the Lions, and coach Peter Horan will relish having a full crew to call upon. In matches so far, the Reggies have been close at halftime, with a lack of numbers telling in the second stanza.

Dylan Doak will lead a good young group around, with John Zaro and Llama Ghee prominent. Riley Easton had a big game against Norths and will again be looked to for impact.

Roosters A Grade coach Steve Lansley will be hoping PNG international Aiden Arisa is back from injury and that Blackhawks centre Logan Dickson is available to play.

The locals held Souths until near the end of their last match with good defence and clever attack. With halves Jye Olsen and Hayde Munro steering the team around, Olsen’s kicking game could prove decisive.

The Roosters have speed and youth—and that could be the difference. Terrence Mosby and Colby Thompson are two young forwards to keep an eye on.

Last weekend in RLTD fixtures:

Brothers got back on track with a 30–0 win over Centrals.
Norths beat Charters Towers 24–22.
In the top-of-the-table clash, Souths spoiled Ladies Day in Ingham with a 38–14 win over Herbert River.
Lions and the Roosters had byes.
Reserve Grade:

Brothers beat Centrals 20–18.
Norths and Towers drew 18–18.
Souths defeated River 36–4.
Bowen were too good for the Lions, winning 24–16.
Women's:

Centrals beat Brothers 24–4.
Towers overcame Norths 18–8.
The Lions dominated Bowen 64–0.

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Home Hill Cricket Club’s current and former juniors, Xavier Cross and Nate Elphinstone, proudly represented Queensland in the Century Cricket State of Origin Under-13 Series held in Brisbane over the April school holidays. The series brought together junior players from five regional teams: Victoria Metro, Victoria Country, New South Wales, Queensland, and the Allies – a combined side featuring players from Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia.

Despite the first day being rained out, Xavier and Nate made the most of the weather setback by experiencing indoor cricket for the first time – an exciting new challenge that sharpened their reflexes and team communication.

Over the following three days of fast-paced T20 cricket, the Queensland side had mixed results but showed strong character. They secured close wins against the Allies and Victoria Country but fell narrowly short in a thrilling 3-run loss to New South Wales. The boys wrapped up the tournament in the third-place playoff, where they faced the Allies again but couldn’t chase down a strong total.

In a series where wickets were scarce, both Xavier and Nate stood out with the ball. Each took key wickets for their side, applying pressure in crucial overs and showcasing strong bowling discipline and accuracy.

The tournament also provided a valuable opportunity for growth under the guidance of coach Hassan. With 18 years of experience representing the Maldivian National Team, and now active in Queensland Premier Cricket with Western Suburbs, Hassan brought a wealth of international experience and tactical knowledge.

A special highlight for the boys came when Josh Brown, former Brisbane Heat Big Bash League powerhouse, made a surprise visit to Marchant Park. Known for his big-hitting and explosive top-order performances, Brown watched a few overs live and then joined the team back at their accommodation for a Q&A session. His insights into professional preparation, mindset, and power-hitting were eagerly absorbed by the young cricketers.

Xavier and Nate did themselves, their club, and their region proud—competing hard, learning fast, and growing both as players and teammates. Their performances at this level show they’re ones to watch in Queensland cricket’s future.

Written by Brooke Cross

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Nate: Nate Elphinstone representing Queensland at the Century Cricket State of Origin Under-13 Series. Photo supplied
Xavier: Xavier Cross representing Queensland at the Century Cricket State of Origin Under-13 Series. Photo supplied

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After a busy weekend of events, the club returned to its regular routine, starting with Friday night bowls. Attendance was down slightly due to the long weekend, with ten players participating across one game of triples and one game of pairs.

In the triples, Margaret McLaughlan and Ray Panacassio defeated D. Sheehan and Ross McLaughlan. In the pairs, the team of Ben Mills, Lloyd Shepherd, and W. Newton proved too strong for A. Newton, L. Storrie, and Jamie Woods.

Saturday, 3 May – Pairs Championship

Saturday saw the continuation of the Pairs Championship, with Kevin Collins and Lloyd Shepherd facing off against Peter Jorgensen and Joe Yipnazar. The game was played in challenging conditions, with strong winds and rain forcing play to pause at times.

Jorgensen and Yipnazar started the stronger of the two sides, displaying impressive draw bowling that saw them take an early lead. Collins and Shepherd knew they had a fight on their hands and slowly worked their way back into the game. A rain delay midway through left the match hanging in the balance, but once play resumed, Collins and Shepherd managed to take control and secure their place in the final.

Sunday, 4 May – Pairs Championship

The championship resumed on Sunday with Jamie Wood and Peter Henderson coming up against Doug Robins and Peter Lejarraga. Played in fierce winds reaching 25 to 30 knots, it was always going to be a question of which pair could best adapt to the tough conditions.

Robins and Lejarraga rose to the challenge and dominated the match from early on. Wood and Henderson struggled to find their rhythm, and even when they managed to land positional bowls, luck wasn’t on their side. Robins and Lejarraga claimed a convincing win.

Sunday, 4 May – Social Bowls

Social bowls also went ahead on Sunday, despite the same difficult conditions. Two games of rinks and one game of pairs were played.

In the first rink match, J. Farry, B. Mills, G. Woodford, and D. Defrancisci defeated D. Sheehan, H. Hazel, M. McCloskey, and P. Jorgenson. The second rink saw C. Sexton, S. Darwin, G. Nosworthy, and R. Mau come out on top against M. Chapman, H. Collins, L. Shepherd, and J. Taylor. In the pairs match, K. Ferguson and A. Gairoch overcame N. Dickinson and D. Kiehne.

Midweek and Upcoming Events

Wednesday’s lawn bowls also went ahead in windy weather. Congratulations to Bev Garioch, Darelle Pearce, and Lyn Storrie, who defeated Kay Garner, Colleen Olsen, and Helen Collins.

Friday night saw more players return to the green. Margaret McLaughlan, Ken Ferguson, and Gary Pearce notched a win over D. McIntosh, Lyn Storrie, and Ray Panacassio. In another match, B. McIntosh, Dave Sheehan, and Jamie Woods proved too strong for Joy Woods, Ben Mills, Rob Jorgensen, and Ross McLaughlin.

Looking ahead, the club wishes good luck to those selected for the upcoming Country Pennants, to be held on 18 May at Ayr Bowls Club.

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Lloyd Shepherd, Kevin Collins. Photo supplied

Doug Robins, Peter Lejarraga. Photo supplied

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After a week off with away opens, junior golf was back on here in Ayr this Saturday morning. Overcast and cool, it was a perfect few hours on the course. May Monthly Medal. Our winners for the monthly medal for 9 holes was Kyle Wilkie, with a wonderful PB. For 6 holes it was Hunter Oar, who played some great shots today. And for 3 holes it was River Oar. Gross winners were Amaya Mahoney for 9 holes, Evelyn Mahoney for 6 holes, and Opie McKeough for 3 holes. Congratulations all.

Ayr Junior golf runs a 3, 6 or 9 hole competition every Saturday morning during school term. We also have coaching this year, once a month from a professional coach, Tara Jenkins, who travels down from Townsville. Please follow our Junior Golf Ayr Facebook page for more information, or enquire at the Ayr golf clubhouse.

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Synonymous with the Sugar Bowl are the Teaspoons.

The Teaspoons have been part of the Sugar Bowl since the 1980s, originally led by longtime captain David Woods. Today, the legacy continues with his son Josh, who rallies the team each year. They come together not just to play, but for mateship, camaraderie, and to support the club and the wider community. The Sugar Bowl simply wouldn’t be the same without their unwavering commitment.

The Woods family motto — “first to arrive, last to leave” — is lived out every year. Captain Josh even managed a 5 a.m. run to Cape Upstart to tow home his brother, handing off early morning duties to his son Deegan, who rose to the challenge.

Though some members, like Councillor Max, are no longer in playing shape, they still turn up to help, often manning the barbecue. Sunday tradition sees the team gather to cook pork for the evening meal — a highlight of the weekend.

Each year, the organisers award the Woods Team Spirit Trophy to the team that best embodies the spirit of the game. With their sharp 2025 shirts, steadfast club support, strong court presence, and unwavering sportsmanship, the Teaspoons earned it this year.

They averaged 22.5 games per session and held their usual place of honour a teaspoon tradition — a strong performance, especially compared to past runs at the Casswell B Grade Men's Trophy.

At the closing, President Joel Hanson and Josh Woods paid a tribute to all the volunteers in both clubs who contributed in any way to the running of the Sugar Bowl. “This is our main event of the year and without all the people helping out we could not run the event. All the people, especially the organisers, the workers who get the jobs done, the kitchen staff, and the cooks are just terrific. They are long hours.” The club and players are already looking forward to the 2026 Bowl.

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On Saturday, the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club hosted their annual Presentation night for both the Junior and Senior members to celebrate and recognise achievements over the season.  The club had over 100 members, family, friends and sponsors attend to wrap up the 2024-25 Season. The Ayr SLSC junior committee would like to thank their additional sponsors for the donations for prizes and awards - Wassmuth Automotive, Radar Floors, Rocky Ponds Produce, Laser Electrical, Bob Gould's Fabrication, Astute Finance, Burdekin Swim School, Rob's Tree Solutions, Pontifex Farming and Julie's Pharmacy.

Ayr Surf Club Award Winners Announced

Junior Award Winners:

Age Champions - U6: Georgia Irvine & Micah Kemp, U7: Eliza Hayllor & Koby Flower, U8: Mackenzie Sartori & Jude Lawry, U9: Toby Hatherell, U10: Lola Gibson & Ryan Irvine, U11: Taylor Chapman, Lewis Bonato & Luca Lawry, U12: Alyssa Irvine, U13: Milla Chapman & Nate Giddy, U14: Briella Wassmuth & Zachary Dale.

The Bill Blakey Memorial Trophy for Junior Best Triers - Ryan Irvine & Quinn Pontifex.
Open Best Triers - Cole Pontifex & Emma Jones.

Burdekin Swim School Best Open Water Swimmers - Zachary Dale & Milla Chapman.
The Bevan & Treena List Perpetual Trophy for Open Ironman and Ironmaiden - Parker Bonato & Milla Chapman.

The Bennett Family Memorial Trophy for the Junior Champions - Angus Wicks & Lola Gibson.
Senior Champions - Nate Giddy & Milla Chapman.

The JR Benvenuti Memorial Trophy for the Most Improved Junior - Hoyt Pontifex.

The Roy & Bev Young Perpetual Trophy for the Most Improved Open - Jake Sartori.

The Robbie & Joyce Great Perpetual Trophy for Most Points at Carnivals - Taylor Chapman.

The Ken Steel Encouragement Award - Harrison Sartori. Additional encouragement awards went to Oscar Hayllor, Lane Hartwell, Lachlan Jones, Gabriel Hatherell, Torah Giddy, Audrey Rickards, Eva Rickards & Isabella Flower.

The Bob & Bev Andrews Perpetual Trophy for the Most Promising Junior - Lola Gibson.

Recognition of Long Service to Nippers - Parker Bonato.

The Jack Sartori Memorial Trophy for the Most Consistent All Rounder - Zachary Dale.

The Margaret Webber Memorial Trophy for The Junior Lifesaver of the Year - Briella Wassmuth.

Recognition was given to our junior members who went above and beyond in surf sports this season by acknowledging Isla and Milla Chapman who made the Queensland Country Team, where Milla won gold in the U13 Flags, bronze in U13 Sprints & silver in the U13 Beach Relay, the 13 members who made the2024-25 North Barrier Branch Youth State Team: Charlottte Dale, Taylor Chapman, Luca Lawry, Mia Wicks, Milla Chapman, Emma Jones, Emilee Wassmuth, Charlotte Lawry, Cole Pontifex, Briella Wassmuth, Zachary Dale, Isla Chapman & Bella Lawry (with 7 of these also attending the Australian Championships.

***Senior Awards:

Age Champion - U15: Isla Chapman, U17: Ryley Sartori, Female Masters Champion: Jan Hatherell, Male

Masters Champion: Jimmy Hayllor, Female Open Champion: Ryley Sartori, Male Open Champion (Mr & Mrs

Jack Vernon Memorial): Jimmy Hayllor.

The Don Johnson Memorial for Official of the Year - Stephanie Dale.

The Jim Great Memorial for Most Efficient Patrol Member - Bella Lawry.

Highest Patrolling Hours - Bella Lawry, Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Briella Wassmuth, Kristy Wassmuth,

John Moloney, Lisa Furnell, Tony Felesina, Terry Lund, Heather Scott, Jane Jones.

The Sam Johnson Memorial for Most Active Club Member - Kristy Wassmuth.

The June Galbraith Memorial Encouragement Award - Zachary Dale.

The Laurie 'Rags' Regattieri Memorial for Contribution to Surf Life Saving - Bella Lawry.

Contribution to Surf Rescue (donated by Furnell Family) - Kellie Lawry.

The Kevin (Keg) Helander Memorial for Club Member for Outstanding Services - John Moloney.

The Lifesaver of the Year (donated by the Chappell Family) - Kellie Lawry.

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Most Consistent All Rounder - Zachary Dale
U14 Junior Lifesaver of the Year - Briella Wassmuth
Most Points at Carnivals - Taylor Chapman

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