It was Ayr who had the last laugh on Sunday, 19 October, after defeating cross-town rivals Home Hill in a three-sport series as part of the Home Hill Harvest Festival's esteemed Town of Origin series.

The well-attended event drew hundreds of locals to Home Hill State High School grounds for the 11th instalment of the series, with Ayr's 2-1 victory across junior cricket, netball and rugby giving it a 6-5 historical lead and temporary bragging rights over its local counterpart.

Beyond the on-court and on-pitch action, Harvest Festival president Mark Vass said the event was a win for the entire Burdekin community.

"There's always a lot of banter out there, a lot of banter on the sidelines and it's just a good atmosphere," said Vass. "People are very passionate about it, and as long as people continue to support it, we'll keep it going."‍

Home Hill Pushed Hard, But Ayr Reigns Supreme

Ayr hit the ground running in the early afternoon, claiming a narrow, hard-fought 60-59 victory in the junior cricket showdown, with Kip Nicholas named Man of the match for his dominant performance. Home Hill bounced back with a commanding 40-17 win in netball, with Krystel Kerr named player of the game for her outstanding exploits. But it was Ayr that finished strongest, sealing the series with a comprehensive 32-4 rugby league victory to clinch the 2-1 series win.

With Ayr fans celebrating and Home Hill supporters already plotting next year’s comeback, the Town of Origin once again proved it’s as much about community as it is about sport.

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Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories & Photography

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After two wins at home last week, both teams were hoping to replicate that success again on Sunday at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex.

The Home Hill Third Grade side faced a disciplined Suburban Parks attack and dismissed for 126 runs. The innings never quite found momentum, with four early wickets falling to J Eldho, who proved to be the chief destroyer for Sub Parks. The partnership of Alexander Romeo (35 runs) and Darcy Walters (39 runs) proved crucial to the total.

Despite Home Hill’s bowlers delivering a spirited performance, Suburban Parks finished their innings at 6/153 to take the win by 4 wickets. Steven Zabala was the standout bowler for Home Hill, claiming 3 wickets for just 15 runs in his 6-over spell, including 2 maidens.

In Second Grade, Home Hill’s batting innings was a mix of resilience and missed opportunities, posting a low total 84 runs before Wanderers chased it down with five wickets in hand. Despite flashes of brilliance in both batting and bowling, Home Hill couldn’t quite hold off the opposition who took the win, 5/85.

Alex Stillhard (21 runs) and TJ Richards (20 runs) were the top scorers with the bat, supported by a steadying 11 run stand from Thomas Cardillo. Al Wilkins delivered with ball in hand, a tidy spell of 3 overs with 1 maiden, conceding just 9 runs and claiming 2 crucial wickets.

In both games, Home Hill’s bowlers gave their teams a fighting chance, but the batting lineups couldn’t match the intensity. Time to regroup for next week’s fixtures.

Contributed with thanks to HHCA Secretary Tiffany Olditch

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In both games, Home Hill’s bowlers gave their teams a fighting chance, but the batting lineups couldn’t match the intensity. Photo supplied

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The batters dominated at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex last week.

In the Blue Group, Kaisen Petersen led the way with an unbeaten 30 runs, including four fours. Jake Cullen also impressed with 19 not out, hitting two fours. Corbett Cross and Kip Nicholas both remained unbeaten on 17 runs.

With the ball, Tait Parker and Jake Cullen each took two wickets, while Kyle Wilkie, Henry Cohen and Petersen each contributed a run out. Jake Cullen and Henry Cohen were awarded the McDonald’s Sports Awards for their efforts.

In the Gold Group, Tyler Schultz scored 24 not out, just ahead of Ben Watkins’ 23 not out. Both were recognised with the McDonald’s Sports Awards. Only four wickets fell during the game, with Xavier Cross (1/10) and Tyler Schultz (1/17) taking the only wickets. Ben Watkins took a catch and a run out, while Oliver Calligaro also secured a run out.

There were no stats recorded for the Challengers this week, but Claire Cross and Aria Bryant earned the McDonald’s Sports Awards for their excellent all-round performances.

Contributed with thanks to Scott Heidke

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The Junior Touch Football season kicked off last Friday with an impressive 170 boys and girls aged 4 to 13 registering to play. Teams participate in skills, drills, and games each week from 5.30 to 6.15pm, ensuring young players develop their ball-handling and game awareness while having fun.

Burdekin Life member Bob Clerke said, “It’s great to see so many young players. There are over 40 boys and girls aged from four to six years. The aim is to develop their ball and playing skills while making sure they enjoy themselves along the way.”

In preparation for the season, 13 referees from the Wednesday Senior Touch competition attended a coaching session conducted by NQ Technical Director Michael Littlefield last Sunday. “It’s important that referees are consistent with their rulings and sessions like these assist greatly,” Michael said. “It’s also pleasing to see young players wanting to referee as well.”

Four teenagers — Riley Dobe, Beau Ellwood, Danny Wilson, and Mia Robertson — attended the course and will now be mentored by senior referees.

Round nine results in the senior Mixed Touch competition saw some high-scoring games:
Nrgize 7 (L. Torkington 3, Leylan Lampton 2) def Alliance Pharmacy 4
Crocs 7 (J. McIvor 3) def Antiskeptics 4 (D. Ballin 2)
NIS 5 (J. Previtera 2) def Baywatch B 2
Nutek Titans 11 (L. Olditch 3, J. Olditch 2) def Slush Puppies 6 (L. Marshall 5)
One Touch IT 8 (C. Kross 3, R. Taylor 2, C. Spedding 2) def First in Physio 6 (T. Marshall 3, R. Palmer 2)
East Ayr 6 def Baywatch A 5
One Touch Wonders 11 (K. Drain 6) def Redskins 4 (M. Pavone 2)
Petrol Heads 8 (D. Torrisi 2, C. Ferrando 2, M. Worlein 2) drew Pink Piggies 8 (C. Lyne 3)
Touch Potatoes 6 (H. Horan 3, A. Watson 2) def Renegades 2 (K. Vitty 2)
Touch N Tease 8 (B. Hughes 2, H. Lammon 2, E. Catanzaro 2) def Blue Murder 6 (R. Smith 3, D. Walsh 3)

Players of the round included Mia Robertson and Beau Ellwood.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Knapton

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Junior referees. Photo supplied

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The Burdekin FC Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 25 October at Populin’s Hall. Get your tickets on-line now, or at the Mad House on Tuesday night.

Night Soccer

The fourth week of competition and with two forfeits, the eighteen games produced sixty two goals, and there were no Sin Bins! Top scorers were Ladies team Body Tune with ten goals. Delta Physio scored four goals and there were six draws with five games being decided by the odd goal. Top individual scorer was Sian Reardon with three goals for Body Tune.

In Men’s Competitive Group, UDS top the table with 10 points ahead of Nutrien Ag and Clare Cutters with 9. In Mens Social 1, DL Lager with 12 points are two points clear of Willy Wackers and in Mens Social 2, Delta Physio with 7 points lead Bennetts Old Grumpies, Jaime’s Boys, Always Fits and Boarin n Scorin all with 6 points. In Ladies Group1, Scoregasms with 10 points lead Young Guns with 7 and in Group 2, 6 TO UR 7 and Rocky Pond Wonders, lead with 9 points each.

Juniors

Burdekin was represented in the first Northern Girls United Carnival in Townsville last weekend by our Under 10/11 girls. Due to some late team withdrawals, the girls were asked to play up in the Under 13 age group. With this we knew the girls would have some hard games, but they played so well both individually and as a team, that they made the semi-finals, finishing fourth out of seven teams. An amazing effort by the girls!

Junior Social Soccer was played on Tuesday afternoon again with plenty of great goals, saves and gameplay.

Our Junior coaches have a 'Foundation of Football' coaching course this Sunday at the clubhouse. If you have not signed up and keen to improve your coaching skills, please contact the club for the details.

Angelo Licciardello's Football Star Academy sessions are also on for Term 4. These are great for players to continue improving their skills in the off season, and also for new players. Angelo's sessions are both fun and informative skill wise. If you would like more info on these contact Angelo or the club.

National and International

The 2025-6 A League season kicked off last Friday and in the first round only three teams had a win. Central Coast, Adelaide, and Brisbane top the table. The other three games were draws. This week, the Roar are away to Wellington Phoenix, Central Coast meet Sydney FC and Adelaide are away to Macarthur.

The Women’s A league starts on Friday with eleven clubs. Brisbane Roar are at home to Melbourne Victory on Saturday and Champions Central Coast, are at home to Adelaide on Sunday.

The Matildas next match is a friendly against Wales, in Cardiff on 25 October, followed by another friendly against England on 29 October.

The Socceroos have played two friendlies, the first friendly was against Canada in Montreal last Saturday and resulted and in a 1-0 victory with a goal from Nestory Irankunda. They then played the USA in Denver, on Wednesday, losing 1-2.

The 2026 World Cup starts on 11 June ( Trump willing) 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. The Group Draw will be made in Washington DC on 5th December. So far twenty five countries, including Cape Verde, population 525k, have qualified plus the three host countries.

The major European leagues resumed last weekend. In the EPL, Liverpool lost at home to ManU and drop to fourth place. Arsenal now tops the table after eight games; three points clear of Manchester City with Bournemouth and Liverpool a further point behind. At the foot of the table, it is looking dire for Wolves who have just two points.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, the old order has not changed. After seven rounds Bayern, with maximum points, are already five points ahead of second placed Leipzig with Stuttgart third and Dortmund fourth. At the bottom of the league Munchen Gladbach are struggling with just three points. In Spain, after nine rounds, Real Madrid and Barcelona have moved ahead of the field. Real has twenty four points and Barca twenty two. Villarreal is third five points behind, and Atletico is in fourth spot.

In Italy’s Serie A it is a lot closer. After seven rounds AC Milan lead by a point from Inter, Napoli and Roma. Juventus without a win in their last four games are in seventh place. At the foot of the table Pisa, Genoa, and Fiorentina, all without a win, are on three points. Finally in France after eight Round, for once PSG do not top the table. Marseille leads PSG by a point with Strasbourg and Lens a further point away. At the bottom of the league Metz already looks doomed.

Quote of the Week is from Ange Postecoglou former Spurs and Nottingham Forrest Manager “Every time I see the light at the end of the tunnel it turns out to be an oncoming train.”

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This week the Ayr Bowling Club was filled with friendship and healthy competition. Tuesday 14th October saw Ladies Social Bowls with 10 ladies giving us 1 triple’s and 1 pairs game. Winners J McDonald, D Soper, and B Schultz defeated M Nixon, K Stuckler and P Power. In the pairs game Karen Shepherd and M Poli defeated M Smith and K Page.

On Wednesday, we saw a great afternoon’s social bowling competition. There were two games of Triples. Winners were Cisco, G Nixon and J McDonald defeating D Poli, J Pirrone and A Bull. On Wednesday evening, social bowls, two triples’ games and a pairs game were played. Winners were Evelyn Wiltshere and Gary Pearce winning the pairs game. Kate Stringer, John Cesconetto and Ross McLaughlin won 1 triples game. Sonya, Rob Jorgensen and Sam Caltabiano won the second triples game.

Saturday Social Bowls delivered a lively afternoon of competition and camaraderie, featuring four engaging games of bowls. Emerging victorious on the day were the talented trio of Jen McDonald, Joe Grabbi, and Chris Berkery defeating Harold Rumney, Betty Schultz and Dot Cutting. Second place went to Merle Nixon, Wayne Metzer and Anthony Bull defeating Karen Shepherd, Arthur Gauvin and Ron Soper.

The club also extended a warm welcome to several travelling visitors, whose presence added to the vibrant atmosphere and spirit of friendly play.

Saturday afternoons at the club continue to be a fantastic opportunity for locals and newcomers alike to meet new people, enjoy the fresh air, and discover the joys of bowls. Whether you're a seasoned player or picking up a bowl for the first time, you're invited to come down, give it a go, and join the fun!

Wednesday 15th saw a Championship semifinal game of mixed triples played. Winners were B Cornford, P Power and M Power defeating R Smythe, D Soper and R Soper 25 – 16 in a close contest. Friday night Championship mixed triples final was played under perfect conditions. Emerging victorious in an entertaining game were B Cornford, P Power and M Power defeating L Wolffe, J McDonald and Anthony Bull 20 – 13. Sunday mixed rinks were played winners were K Stuckler, R Smythe, B Cornford and C Essex defeating K Shepherd, B Shepherd, D Olsen and C Oldhitch 24- 17.

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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Twenty players attended, with eighteen taking to the greens across three rinks of Triples.

Rink 4: Yogi Bunn, Ron Smith, and Hugh Montgomery battled closely against Bob Young, Sandra Darwin, and Glen Bones Berryman.

Rink 5: Paul Vass, Gary Nosworthy, and Joe Linton, today’s winning team, comfortably defeated Michael Young, Trevor Elton, and Steve Doig. Rumour has it that Joe Linton’s team was touched by a fairy, as luck seemed to follow them all day.

Rink 6: An on-fire Margaret Chapman, Bruce McCallum, and Wayne Newton defeated Margaret Linton—also bowling strongly—alongside Dino Poli and Tony Eadie.

The day’s raffle featured a crumbed seafood tray, enthusiastically won by Gary Nosworthy, while a bottle of wine went home with Bruce McCallum.

As usual, the club hosts a variety of activities throughout the week: Monday morning fitness, Tuesday Trimmers with Tuesday Funday (a come-and-learn event to meet new friends), Wednesday Kraft group, Wednesday evening barefoot bowls with Ron’s world-famous sausage sizzle, Thursday morning BINGO, Thursday social bowls (names in by 1pm to assist with the draw), and Saturday afternoon $5 social bowls, which continues to draw a crowd.

Until next week, good bowling!

Photo and report by Stephen Doig

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Paul Vass, Gary Nosworthy, and Joe Linton, today’s winning team, in action on the greens. Photo supplied

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A strong field of young golfers took to the course last weekend for the October Monthly Medal at Ayr Golf Club, with 19 juniors turning out for a great morning of competition and practice ahead of this weekend’s major event — the Karrie Webb Junior Masters.

In the three-hole division, Frank McKeough claimed the Monthly Medal, while Patrick Richards took out the gross winner title.

The six-hole competition saw Pia Mauro crowned Monthly Medal winner, with Tyler Smith recording an impressive gross score of 42 to secure his division. Fletcher Sgroi also celebrated a personal best round, finishing with 52 shots.

In the nine-hole division, nine juniors competed, with Evelyn Mahoney winning the Monthly Medal and Amaya Mahoney taking the gross winner honours.

This weekend marks one of the most exciting events on the junior golfing calendar, as Ayr Golf Club proudly hosts the annual Karrie Webb Junior Masters. The event will feature the club’s namesake and Australian golfing legend Karrie Webb in attendance, along with more than 90 junior players travelling from Brisbane, Hervey Bay, Yeppoon, Cairns, and across North Queensland.

With a full field and perfect course conditions expected, the Karrie Webb Junior Masters promises to be a fantastic showcase of young golfing talent and a memorable weekend for all involved.

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What: Karrie Webb Junior Masters
When: Saturday, 8th November
Where: Ayr Golf Club

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Pia Mauro, Frank McKeough and Evelyn Mahoney (Photo Supplied)

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The Ayr Bowling Club has celebrated another excellent week on the greens, with members coming together for a mix of club Championship games and engaging social matches. The atmosphere and enthusiasm around the club is fantastic.

Men’s Social bowls on Wednesday saw two games of triples and a pairs game played. Winners on the day were Al Hardcastle and Chris Berkery defeating Ron Smythe and Col Essex.

Winners on Wednesday night bowls were Evelyn Wiltshere, Rob Jorgensen and Sam Caltabiano. In game two John Cesconetto and Gary Pearce had a win. Wednesday night is the perfect opportunity for new bowlers to play and learn the game. Sign up is at 6.30pm bowling commencing 7pm call the club for details or message us on Facebook.

Fun Friday Night Bowls saw a full green of bowlers turn out for a fantastic night of bowls. First place went to Leanne and Ally defeating Colin, Phil and Andrew. Second place went to Sophie, Kira, Lyndal and Helen defeating Johnny, Holly, Bek and Ross. Sportsman prize went to Anthony, Lorraine, John and Cisco. Thanks to our sponsor Ayr Medical group for sponsoring our Friday Fun Night.

Saturday’s Social bowls saw a turnout of 24 players, with four games of triples played. The winners on the day were Jennette McDonald, Betty Schultz and Anthony Bull defeating Karen Shepherd, Barry Hewson and Lachlan Grantz.

This week in Club Championship Games one game of mixed singles was played. Winner was Gary Pearce defeating Irene Wilson. A & B Pairs Cisco and Sam Caltabiano defeated Ron Smythe and Ron Soper 22 - 20. In mixed Triples Beryl Cornford, Pam Power and Maurie Power defeated Karen Shepherd, John Pirrone and Barry Shepherd 24 - 17. In Ladies Handicap pairs Lorraine Wolffe and Irene Wilson defeated Meryl Smith and Mary Poli winners now proceed to the next round. In the Men’s Championship Triples Final Shane Stanford, John McDonald and Anthony Bull defeated John Cesconneto, Sam Caltabiano and Lachlan Grantz 18 – 10.

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.

Photos:
1. Friday night fun
2. Saturday night's winners

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In a four-week period that has also seen Opals stars Lauren Jackson and Tess Madgen visit the region, the Burdekin’s young basketballers were treated to another special guest on the weekend when Townsville Fire head coach Shannon Seebohm and his S3 Academy team hit the courts for a high-energy skills clinic.

Hosted in partnership with Burdekin Basketball, the event saw Seebohm—joined by his wife Jaimee and assistant coach Miles—run a day of hands-on training sessions focused on teamwork, energy, and passion for the game.

Seebohm, a five-time WNBL Coach of the Year and current assistant coach of the Australian Opals, has an impressive record of developing athletes who’ve gone on to succeed in the WNBL, NBL, WNBA, and international leagues.

Burdekin Basketball organisers said the visit gave local juniors a major boost.

“Thank you to S3 Academy—Shannon, Jaimee and Miles—for visiting the Burdekin and helping to encourage and extend our junior ballers,” the club said. “They all thoroughly enjoyed their sessions.”

The S3 team praised the region’s community spirit and enthusiasm, describing the Burdekin as having a “beautiful, family-first culture that truly loves the game.”

The day wrapped up with a hearty lunch courtesy of Queens Hotel Ayr, which the S3 crew thanked for their “amazing hospitality and good vibes.”

It was, in every sense, a slam dunk for local basketball.

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Another warm spring afternoon set the scene on Rummeny Green as 18 players took to the rinks for a lively session of triples.

On Rink 5, Warren “Yogi” Bunn, Dino Poli, and Steve Doig were in top form, comfortably defeating Margaret Chapman, Bruce McCallum, and Gary Nosworthy. Rink 6 saw Paul Vass, Alex Bojack, and Mick McClosky secure a strong win against Terry Feakes, Ron Smith, and Hugh Montgomery. Meanwhile, on Rink 7, Elaine Young, Michael Young, and Glen Bones Berryman produced a solid performance to overcome Bob Young, Joclyn DeFranciscus, and Trevor Elton. Today’s winners are pictured: Yogi Bunn, Dino Poli, and Steve Doig.

In club news, the Bowen Fours tournament is scheduled for 25–26 October, with entries closing on 18–19 October. The day’s raffles also brought excitement, with Steve Doig taking home the meat tray and Gary Nosworthy winning a bottle of wine.

Home Hill Bowls continues to offer a full social calendar. Monday morning fitness sessions and Tuesday Trimmers provide opportunities to stay active, while Tuesday Funday encourages newcomers to learn the game and meet fellow bowlers. Wednesday mornings feature the popular Kraft Group, and Wednesday evenings attract a lively crowd for barefoot bowls and a sausage sizzle. Thursday mornings see enthusiastic participation in Bingo, followed by afternoon social bowls. Saturday afternoons are dedicated to $5 social bowls, drawing players each week.

The club looks forward to another week of enjoyable bowls and camaraderie on Rummeny Green.

Photo and report by Stephen Doig

Winners Yogi Bunn, Dino Poli, and Steve Doig. Photo supplied

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It was a weekend to remember for Home Hill Cricket Club, with both the Second and Third Grade sides producing commanding all-round performances to secure back-to-back wins.

In Third Grade, Home Hill’s top order set the tone with a powerful display, piling on 4/223. Captain Alexander Romeo anchored the innings with a composed 51 from 72 deliveries, while Simon Vickers blasted 65 off 47, finding the boundary eight times and clearing it once. Michael Richards added a rapid 37 from just 22 balls, and Daniel Olditch chipped in a brisk 34 from 24. Luke Mottin and Leo Olditch closed out the innings unbeaten, ensuring Home Hill finished with momentum.

Their bowlers then backed it up in style, restricting Wests to 8/178 for a 45-run win. Tomey Mathew led the attack with an inspired 4/21 from 5 overs, including a maiden, while Zappa, Olditch, Wallwork, and Mottin each grabbed a wicket. Behind the stumps, Michael Richards showed sharp reflexes with two stumpings to complete a well-rounded team effort.

In Second Grade, Adam Camer starred with a superb 99 from 111 balls, steering Home Hill to 7/197 against Norths. His near-century was supported by Zakk Myles (29) and JD Wilkins (18), ensuring a competitive total on a testing surface.

Defending the target, Home Hill’s bowlers delivered with precision and firepower. The father-son duo of Al and JD Wilkins combined for eight wickets—Al taking 4/19 and JD matching with 4/35—to bowl Norths out for 176 and claim a 21-run victory.

Outstanding fielding capped off the win, with sharp catches from Tristan Richards, plus crucial run-outs from Thomas Cardillo and Zakk Myles.

Both matches showcased Home Hill’s growing depth and determination, as strong batting foundations and disciplined bowling efforts continue to drive the club’s success.

Home Hill Third Grade in action
Home Hill Second Grade in action
Photos supplied

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It has been a busy couple of weeks for Home Hill Junior Cricket. At the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex on the weekend of October 4 and 5 juniors from Bowen, Charters Towers, Herbert River and Proserpine travelled to Home Hill to play in the 2025 Queensland Country Bank NQ Country Cup. It was a great success with cricket being played on four fields all weekend. The ages of the players ranged from 8-18 years old. Special guest, Ex Australia, Queensland and Brisbane Heat player Nathan Hauritz ran clinics for each age group throughout the carnival when they weren't playing games.

Last Friday saw the start of our local 25/26 Junior season at the club. In the "Gold Group" Marshall Parker scored an unbeaten 28 runs including 4 fours, the next highest was Alex Cullen on 19 also not out. Marshall Parker, Kaisen Petersen and Xavier Cross all took a wicket each when bowling. Billy Muilwyk in his first game in "Gold" got the "McDonalds Sports Award" and Alex Cullen was awarded the other for his great batting and fielding.

Kye Quinlan and Corbett Cross took home the "McDonalds Sports Awards" in the "Blue Group". Kye for scoring 14 runs not out and bowling a wicket maiden and Corbett for taking 2 wickets for only 4 runs. Other notable mentions go to Kip Nicholas, 17 runs and Jake Cullen 12 runs. Both Kip and Jake also took a wicket each.

The Rookie Blasters start on Thursday October 16 at East Ayr State School and Challengers start on October 17 at the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex.

Contributed with thanks to Scott Heidke

1. Billy & Alex
2. Kye & Corbett
3. Scott Heidke, Nathan Hauritz & Ross Parker

Photos supplied

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The Burdekin FC Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 25 October at Populin’s Hall. Get your tickets on-line now, or at the Mad House on Tuesday night.

Congratulations to Alan Chatfield, a Burdekin FC Life Member, on being recognised with the Service to Football – Platinum Award for his outstanding contribution to the game.

Night Soccer

The third week of competition with just one forfeit. The nineteen games produced seventy goals, and there were three Sin Bins! Top scorers were RG Customs with seven goals and Clare Cutters, Always Fits, Let’s get Messi and Young Guns all with four. Top individual scorer was Dom Arrate with four goals for Clare Cutters, Perry Horan scored a hat trick for Oary’s Levellers, and quite a lot of players scored twice. The clash between Mottin Earthmoving and UDS saw Sin bins for Andrew Washbourne for Mottins and Luke Torkington for UDS and Harry Haynes was binned for Wires Down.

After three weeks, Nutrien Ag and Clare Cutters lead in Mens A Grade and DL Lager top the table in B1. Bennetts Old Grumpies and Jaime’s Boys lead in B2.

In the Ladies competition, Scoregasms leads from Red Carded, Young Guns and Chicks and Chooks in AI, and 6 TO UR 7 leads in A2 from Rocky Pond Wonders.

Juniors

The Junior Social Soccer season kicked off on Tuesday with over forty teams in four grades. The Under 7s kick off at 4.00pm, the Under 8/9s play at 4.30, the Under 10/12s at 5.30 and the Under 13/16s at 5.30.

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.

National and International

The 2025-6 A League season kicks off this 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 Australian Championship started last weekend. Effectively a national second division competition, it has sixteen teams, mostly from the metropolitan areas but including South Hobart from Tasmania.

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 first friendly was against Canada in Montreal last Saturday resulted and in a 1-0 victory with a goal from Nestory Irankunda. They next play the USA in Denver, Colorado on Wednesday. In the FIFA World Rankings, the Socceroos are currently ranked 25th, and the US 16th.

The Young Socceroos defeated Cuba 3-1 in their final group game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 in Chile. However, results in other groups went against them and they failed to qualify for the Round of 16.

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. The Group Draw will be made in Washington DC on 5th December. So far seventeen countries, including Australia, have qualified plus the three host countries.

Because of the 2026 World Cup Qualifying games last week, there were no games in the major European leagues. They will resume this weekend. In the Group games there were no real surprises although Austria thumped San Marino 10-0 and Turley won 6-1 away to Bulgaria. Ukraine did very well to win 5-3 in Iceland, Norway thumped Israel 5-0 and Faroe Islands defeated Montenegro 4-0.

Quote of the Week is from Trevor Brooking former West Ham and England Star, on playing Sunday morning football for Havering NALGO. “You drop your shoulder and move round a defender only to discover he didn’t read your first dummy. So you crash straight into him, and he comes away with the ball”

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Ayr Surf Club Takes On Forrest Beach Carnival

30 members from the Ayr Surf Club headed north over the weekend to compete at the Forrest Beach Carnival. The team along with their families, volunteer officials, water safety and age managers attended the two day event with other clubs from across the North Barrier Branch. The competitors some phenomenal individual and team results helping Ayr to take out second place overall, only behind a significantly larger cohort of competitors from Arcadian club.

The Forrest Beach carnival is always a fantastic family friendly weekend full of surf sports, good food, club camping and making friends and this year did not disappoint. The club is continuing to train leading up to North Australian Championships in a few weeks time in Mackay, as well as conducting voluntary patrols each weekend to provide a valuable community service to the Burdekin region.

Weekend Roster

Saturday 18/10 1-5pm - Group A - Richard Dale PC, Chris Wicks PC, Jane Olsen, William Holt, Stephanie Dale, Zacary Dale, Warne McShane, Nico Ortner

Sunday AM 19/10 9am -1pm - Group C - Jane Jones PC, Lauren Champman PC, Gavin Jones, Emma Jones, Isla Chapman, Milla Chapman and Shaize Christie

Sunday PM 1/10 1-5pm Group B - Terry Lund PC, Kristy Wassmuth PC, Anita Giddy, Heather Scott, Briella Wassmuth, Emilee Wassmuth

Contributed with thanks to Kellie Lawry and Kristy Wassmuth

Photos:
1. Ayr Team Colour Party
2. Under 13 Wade Relay - Alyssa Irvine, Eva Rickards, Isabella Flower & Harrison Sartori
3. Emilee Wassmuth diving in Under 14 flags
4. Bella Lawry in Under 17 ski race
5. Warne McShane & Zachary Dale winning Under 15 Board Rescue
6. 2 Person R&R - Charlotte Lawry & Emilee Wassmuth
7. Cole Pontifex in Under 14 Board Race
8. Ryan Irvine in Under 11 Board Race