It’s been 10 years since the Burdekin Roosters last claimed A Grade glory in the Townsville District Rugby League—and this weekend, the heroes of that 2015 premiership will reunite to relive one of the club’s greatest triumphs.

The Roosters’ 2015 campaign began with Chris Perry appointed head coach, but he was forced to withdraw early in the season. Local junior coach Glenn Brock stepped in, bringing on Carl List as assistant. With a number of Bowen-based players in the squad, Brent Stocker also joined the coaching team.

Gary Wegert took on the role of team manager, while fitness was kept sharp under Cathy Higgs, her son Hayden, and trainer John Furnell.

Despite a rollercoaster season, the Roosters powered into the Grand Final against a formidable Herbert River side, led by the brilliant Mitch Seri.

Burdekin’s squad was just as stacked—with club stalwart Ryan Davenport leading from the front, backed by player of the year Lona Kaifoto, who would go on to sign with the Blackhawks.

The backline was electric, featuring the elusive Power brothers—Karmen and Rainer—along with speedster Bryce Stockdale and versatile utility Jerome Lacco, who only retired this season.

Joining Davenport and Kaifoto in the forwards was Dylan Jensen, brother of current Broncos prop Corey Jensen. The towering Sio Ataata—believed to be the biggest man in the TDRL at the time—was a standout both on field and off, famously listing his occupation as “fish filleter.”

Former University halfback Tyson Stocker steered the side around the park with a defence-first mindset. He would later become Kaifoto’s brother-in-law.

New Zealand front-rower Brad Hunt was recruited to add starch to the pack but missed the decider through injury. Seventeen-year-old Mitchell Guy, however, earned a dream call-up and was named in the matchday squad.

The Roosters looked to have the premiership sewn up with a healthy lead late in the game—but Mitch Seri had other ideas. Two tries in the dying minutes turned the contest on its head and left Burdekin fans stunned.

Enter Zac Heron.

With one final play on the clock, the Roosters hooker scooped up the ball 40 metres out, ran backwards, sliced across the field, straightened up and dived over in the corner.

The moment was immortalised by local photographer Peter Peach. The image of Heron’s match-winner has become one of the most iconic in Burdekin league history.

The Roosters were premiers—and celebrations erupted across the Burdekin and Bowen.

This Saturday, players and officials from that side will gather for a reunion lunch at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club, a major sponsor in 2015 along with Burdekin Tyre Service.

They’ll then head to Rugby Park, where the current Roosters A Grade side takes on Charters Towers.

There, the 2015 premiership team will be introduced to the crowd and form a guard of honour before kickoff.

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The Burdekin Touch Association paid tribute to the vital role women have played in the sport during its Women in Touch celebration last week.

Held during Round 11 of the local competition, the event honoured the countless women and girls who have helped shape Touch Football into one of the region’s most popular sports. Players, referees, coaches, and volunteers were treated to a drink and sausage sizzle in recognition of their contributions.

Incoming president Peter Knapton acknowledged the strength of the women’s competition in the Burdekin.

"We have seven teams in our current Open Women’s competition, as well as scores of girls who play in our Under 14 Mixed and Junior Touch seasons,” commented incoming president Peter Knapton.

“Prior to COVID, we had 22 women’s teams playing,” he continued.

The Burdekin has a proud history of female athletes representing at higher levels. Among the women selected for North Queensland representation are Heather Desbois, Desley Urry, Sonya Hesp, Tramayne Horan, Kate Neal, Shelly Wilkie, Vicki Toohey, Leesa Johnston, Jenny Gagen, Sonia Setter, Naomi Lampton, Lynette Monday, Leah Smallwood, and Anita Hagarty (née Cantarella).

Desley Urry went on to represent Queensland, while Heather Desbois, Anita Hagarty, and Leesa Johnston were selected for both Queensland and Australia. Heather even captained the Australian team during a tour of England, and Anita later served as Chair of the Board of Touch Football Australia.

From playing to refereeing, coaching, administration, and volunteering—Burdekin women have been central to the sport’s success.

The Burdekin Touch Association celebrated its female players last week with a Women In Touch event (Photo Supplied)

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A cornerstone of the Burdekin Shire since 1926, the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club will officially celebrate its 100th anniversary in less than a year’s time, with a three-event extravaganza set to kick off from the 29th of May 2026.

Although its early days, the club has taken to social media to ramp up the excitement and anticipation ahead of what’s shaping up to be a historic celebration to remember.

To mark the monumental milestone, the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club will host an elegant Formal Dinner to celebrate the remarkable achievement in style at the beautiful Burdekin Memorial Hall in Home Hill.

The Formal Dinner will take place the evening of Saturday the 30th of May (2026) where members of the club and the broader community will come together to reconnect with old friends, journey through cherished memories, and reflect on the impressive legacy the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club has built over the past century.

In preparation for next year’s anniversary, the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club have asked past presidents, life members, and past lifesaver of the year and surf girl ambassadors to reach out to the committee at ayrslsc100@gmail.com to detail their most treasured memories they’ve shared with the club over the years.

“As we gear up for our 100 year celebrations, we’d love to hear your stories,” wrote the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club online.

“Get in touch with the committee and help us create something truly special – a tribute to the people and the history that shaped our club.”

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What: Ayr Surf Life Saving Club 100th Anniversary Celebrations
When: 29th, 30th and 31st of May, 2026

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The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club holds a rich history dating back to 1926 (Photos Supplied)

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The Burdekin Clay Target Club held its monthly shoot on Saturday, 10th May, attracting 34 enthusiastic shooters to the range. It was a pleasant day for competition, with ideal weather and a great turnout across all grades. A sincere thank you goes to the valued sponsors for the day — Raine & Horne and Dal Ponte Electrical — for their ongoing support of local sport.

The shoot featured four competitive events: Double Barrel, Pointscore, Single Barrel, and the crowd-favourite Handicap, testing shooters’ skills across a variety of formats. A strong showing from all grades was highlighted by multiple perfect scores and close finishes. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their performances, including standout shooters Tony Caruso, Glen Rea, Joe Scalia, Rob Ness, and Pedro Le Blowitz, who each claimed wins in their respective grades.

The next shoot is set for Saturday, 7th June, and will feature the 100 Target Double Barrel Handicap, commencing at 12:00pm. This exciting event will continue into the evening under lights for a special night shoot. A regular monthly shoot will follow on Sunday. All members and new participants are encouraged to attend.

Event Results

Event 1 – 25 Target Double Barrel 15m
AA Grade – 1st Tony Caruso, Paul Hill 25/25; 3rd Wayne Cislowski 24/25
A Grade – 1st Gian Vassalini 25/25; 2nd Jy Yarrow & David Stitt 24/25
B Grade – 1st Pedro Le Blowitz 23/25; 2nd Peter Wade & Gregory Calder 20/25
C Grade – 1st Rob Ness 24/25; 2nd Keiren Scott 22/25

Event 2 – 25 Target Pointscore 15m
AA Grade – 1st Glen Rea 75/75
A Grade – 1st Joe Scalia 75/75
B Grade – 1st Andrew Bergin 69/75
C Grade – 1st Alf Gangemi 70/78

Event 3 – 25 Target Single Barrel 15m (Sponsored by Raine & Horne)
AA Grade – 1st Glen Rea 34/35
A Grade – 1st Mark Simpson 24/25
B Grade – 1st Andrew Bergin 20/25
C Grade – 1st Rob Ness 22/26

Event 4 – 25 Target Double Barrel Handicap
OPEN – 1st Tony Caruso 25/25
2nd Tony Robinson 24/25
3rd Jason Phillis 30/32

Dal Ponte Electrical High Gun Winners
AA Grade – Glen Rea 144/150
A Grade – Joe Scalia 140/150
B Grade – Pedro Le Blowitz 129/150
C Grade – Rob Ness 132/150

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Pic 1 Event 2-25 Target Pointscore
Andrew Bergin, Joe Scalia, Glen Rea Alf Gamgemi

Pic 2 Event 3-25 Target Single Barrel-Sponsored by Raine & Horne
Mark Simpson, Glen Rea, Andrew Bergin, Rob Ness

Pic 3 Event 4-25 Target Double Barrel Handicap
Tony Robinson, Tony Caruso, Jason Phillis

Pic 4 Dal Ponte Electrical High Gun Winners
Glen Rea, Joe Scalia, Pedro Le Blowitz, Rob Ness

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Before a huge crowd at Rugby Park last Saturday night, the monkey was lifted from the Graders’ back when they recorded their first win of the season, beating last year’s grand finalists Western Lions 38 to 14.

The locals were on top from go to whoa, using the ball to their advantage. The Lions were the bigger side across the park, and for the Roosters to win, they had to let the ball do the work and run the opposition off their feet.

Coach Steve Lansley pulled the right strings, moving regular fullback Joel Mason to five-eighth and shifting Hayde Munro to lock. The move worked a treat, with Mason giving his speedy outside men the ball at every opportunity. Munro’s presence in the pack also proved crucial, bringing down several bigger Lions forwards with classic low tackles.

While Mason had one edge humming, halfback Jye Olsen was doing the same on the other. So effective were they that both wingers scored three tries each.

Coach Lansley said the team finally played the way they’ve been promising all year. “We’re not a big side, but we’re quick, and we used that to our advantage. The ball stuck tonight.”

While the backs starred, the forwards laid the platform. Tate Brombal earned players’ player for his all-round effort, with strong support from Munro, Terrence Mosby, and Lachlan Shepherd.

In the backs, Joel Mason and Jye Olsen were standouts, Jones Munro was solid in his return from injury, and the two wingers were a constant threat.

Supporters are also excited about new Cowboys recruit Selalike Malifeo, a 19-year-old former New Zealand Schoolboy who recently arrived to join the Cowboys. “We know what we can do now,” Lansley said. “The task is to do it consistently.”

Scorers
Tries: Selalike Malifeo 3, Nemia Nawave 3, Jones Munro, Tate Brombal
Goals: Joel Mason 3

Other A Grade Results

Souths def. Norths 34–8
Brothers def. Herbert River 28–24 (scored in the final two minutes)
Centrals def. Charters Towers 12–0
Reserve Grade Report: Roosters Falter After Fast Start

After a strong start, the Roosters reserves faded and went down 44 to 10 against the Lions.

The Lions opened the scoring early, but the Roosters hit back to trail just 6–8. Despite some promising attacking moments, poor ball control plagued the Roosters. Repeated handling errors allowed the Lions to pile on the points, leading 32–6 before the Roosters finally held the ball. A sweeping move saw winger Malik Ogameni cross for a late try.

The final score was 44–10. Coach and supporters believe the team can perform much better with improved ball control.

Best Players
Terry Connors led from the front, with Brody Ferguson, Riley Easton, and Llama Ghee all contributing solidly.

Scorers
Tries: Malik Ogameni, Dom Southwell
Goal: Dylan Doak

Other Reserve Grade Results

Brothers def. Herbert River 24–12
Souths def. Bowen 20–6
Centrals def. Charters Towers 6–0
Ladies Side Shows Grit Against Grand Finalists

The newly formed Burdekin River ladies team faced a tough test against regular grand finalists Western Lions in their second match together.

Comprising players from the Burdekin, Herbert River, and Townsville, the side trains together in Townsville and had notched a win over Norths two weeks prior.

The Lions, well-drilled and cohesive, executed sharp backline moves and combined well in the forwards. Despite the pressure, the Burdekin River team fought hard and created several scoring chances. Their lone try came from a sharp backline move finished by winger Jo Morgan.

Final score: Lions 24 – Burdekin River 4, with four Lions tries coming through the backs.

Best for Burdekin River
Backs: Tiarna Kruszfeldt, Paige Horvat, Toni Daisy
Forwards: Lilly Chappell, Sarah Castle, Abbey King

Other Ladies Match

Charters Towers and Centrals drew 20–20
Under 6 Roosters Take the Field

The Under 6 Roosters led the A-grade side onto the field and played a halftime mini-match.

Yellow Team: Harvey Mauro, Jase Olsen, Lucas Quagliata, Lane McIvor, Declan Kyle
Green Team: Cooper Johnson, Tate Levitt, Bohdi Bevilacqua, Tahj Nash, Oscar Watson

This Sunday: Roosters at Home Again

This Sunday, the Roosters host Centrals at home.

A Grade kicks off at 3:30 pm
Reserves play beforehand
Ladies may play earlier, pending confirmation
Canteen and bar will be open
Doubles will be sold on the main game
Other Matches This Weekend

Charters Towers hosts Herbert River (Saturday)
Norths face Western Lions (Saturday)
Brothers travel to Bowen (Saturday) – Reserves, Ladies, and Under 21s all scheduled

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Two Burdekin locals recently competed in the 2025 Australian Mus Championships held in Brisbane, claiming the national title and earning a place at the upcoming World Titles in Argentina this October.

Cousins Ramon Lequerica and Joe Aguirre emerged victorious, representing the Basque Club of North Queensland. The tournament featured 11 teams from across the country, including entries from Brisbane, Sydney, and Adelaide.

Mus is a traditional card game with roots in the Basque Country in northeast Spain, dating back to the 1700s. Still widely played in Basque and Spanish communities around the world, it is known for its unique blend of strategy, communication, gamesmanship, and good-natured bluffing.

The Burdekin has long-standing ties to Basque culture, with many local families tracing their heritage back to Basque migrants who arrived in Australia after World War I. A second wave followed in the 1950s and '60s, drawn by job opportunities in the sugar cane industry. Under a government sponsorship scheme, Basque canefarmers provided employment and accommodation to newcomers, helping them get established. While some eventually returned home, many settled permanently in the Ingham and Burdekin regions.

Card games became a favourite pastime among the early Basque settlers, along with costumed dancing, traditional sports demanding strength and endurance, and the annual making of chorizos (pork sausages), a beloved tradition that continues today.

Since the formation of the Basque Club of North Queensland in Townsville in 2003, this culture has been kept alive and celebrated. Monthly lunches featuring traditional Basque cuisine are always well attended, keeping the spirit—and flavours—of the Basque community thriving in the region.

Ramon and Joe’s national victory is a proud milestone not only for their families but also for the broader Basque community in North Queensland. All eyes will now turn to Argentina, where they’ll carry the region’s hopes onto the world stage.

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Cousins Ramon Lequerica and Joe Aguirre with the embroidered Txapelas made in Bilbao.

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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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