On Wednesday, 16 October, the A Grade Women’s Singles final was played between Darell Pearce and Lyn Storrie. In a gripping contest, with President Joy Woods marking the match, the game remained close until Lyn Storrie powered through to secure the win. This marks back-to-back titles for Lyn - congratulations! Both ladies put on a fantastic performance, and thanks once again to Joy Woods for officiating the final.
In the social game played at the same time, Kay Garner, Bev Gairoch, and Helen Collins triumphed over Kay Garner, Ann Norton, and Vanda B.

Friday night saw 56 bowlers take to the green in perfect conditions for Nutrien AG Trophy Bowls, sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions. It was an enjoyable night, and thanks go to Len Feeney for running the BBQ, the kitchen team (Sharon Kenny, Joy Wood, and Lyn Storrie), and Leo Kenny behind the bar. With one more evening left in 2024, the Brandon Bowls Club looks forward to Bennetts Mechanical x 4X4 on Friday, 15 November - stay tuned for more details!

In Sunday’s Championship match, Chris Pearce, Joe Yipnazar, and Len Feeney faced off against Mick McCloskey, Allan Gairoch, and Peter Jorgensen in warm, windy conditions. Peter Jorgensen’s team dominated, securing their place in the next round - Peter might want to buy a lottery ticket after that performance!

The highly anticipated A & B Pairs match saw Jayson Farry and Jamie Woods take on Trevor Elton and Hugh Montgomery. A close contest for the first 10 ends, the Farry-Woods combination eventually proved too strong. In the next round, odds-on favourites Jayson Farry and Jamie Woods will face last year’s champions, Lloyd Shepherd and Gary Pearce.

Three games of triples were played on Sunday for social bowls with the results as follows:
   • Norm Storrie, Vince Beitia, and "Rampaging" Ray Paneccasio defeated Dave Sheehan, Doug Kiehne, and Doug Robins.
   • Ben Mills, Glenn Woodford, and Kev Collins drew against Gary Nosworthy, Jeff Taylor, and Leo Kenny.
   • Ken Ferguson, Lyn Storrie, and Peter Henderson triumphed over Henry Hazel, Rob Jorgensen, and Richi Mau.
Congratulations to all the participants, and we look forward to the upcoming games!

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

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Brandon Bowls Club President, Joy Woods with Lyn Storrie and Darell Pearce.
Friday’s victors Phil Carrillo, Glen Pirone, Peter Matthews, and Alf Gangemi.
John Pirone, Joe Grabbi, Nutrients Sponsor John Grabbi, and Norm Storrie.
Peter Jorgensen, Nutrients sponsor Heather Jorgensen, and David Bycroft.

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Local

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

Night Soccer

Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 7 had to be postponed until Thursday because of the rain. The 21games produced 67 goals and surprisingly there were only three forfeits and even more surprisingly, no Sin Bins! Top scorers for the Men were Plumb Dingers who thumped Karls Mowing Service 11-1 and UDS who defeated iComply 7-0.

Mottin Earthmoving are still top of Group AI, UDS still lead in Group A2 and Wires Down head Group B.

In the Women’s competition DILLIGAF and Let’s Get Messi both scored three goals and UDS Ladies still top the A Grade table and Shin Kickers are the leaders in B Grade.

Juniors

Junior Social Soccer was called off on Tuesday afternoon but will, hopefully recommence next week. With 40 teams taking part this year, it is a very big afternoon.

National and International

The Socceroos managed a 1-1 draw away to Japan. In the context this was a good performance as Japan, the group leaders had previously won all three of their games, scoring fourteen goals and not conceding any. This result moves Australia up to second place in their Group and they need to finish in the top two.

The Socceroos next match is against Saudi Arabia on 14 November in Melbourne. Five days later the reverse fixtures start, and the Socceroos are away to Bahrain.

The Matildas will soon be in action again as they have two friendly matches in October. The first is away to Switzerland on 25 October and they then play Germany on Monday 28th October in Duisburg. Their next games are not until late November - December when they play Brazil, home and away.

The A League kicked off its 2024-25 season last weekend. Surprisingly, Macarthur head the League after marmelising Perth Glory 6-1. Sydney FC beat Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1, Melbourne City won away at Newcastle and newcomers Auckland beat Brisbane Roar 2-0. Next week Macarthur is away to Newcastle and Brisbane has the bye.

The A League Women will kick off on 1st November with Western Utd at home to Wellington and on the Saturday Brisbane Roar is away to Canberra. There are twelve clubs in the competition this season.

In the EPL, Liverpool and Manchester City both won and with Arsenal losing, Liverpool is top of the table a point clear of City with Arsenal and Aston Villa a further three points behind. Brighton has moved up to fifth place! Wolves and Southampton continue to hold up the League with one point each from eight games.

In the Bundesliga, the top five teams all won and after seven rounds Bayern and Leipzig are level on seventeen points. Freiburg stays in third place two points behind and Leverkusen, last year’s champions, are another point adrift. At the foot of the table Holstein and Bochum are yet to win a game.

In Italy, the top six teams all won so there is no change at the top of Serie A. Napoli still lead Inter by two points with Juventus a further point away and AC Milan fourth. At the bottom of the league Venezia, Monza and Lecce are in deep trouble.

In Spain’s La Liga, Villareal who drew, were the only team out of the top seven who didn’t win. Barca still leads Real Madrid by three points with Atletico a further four points adrift as Villareal drop to fourth place. Las Palmas and Valencia are having problems at the foot of the table, but Valladolid managed a win.

In France, only three of the top six teams won. With Monaco only managing a draw PSG is back on top of the table with twenty points and a superior goal difference to Monaco. Marseille is third and Lille a distant fourth. Angers and Montpelier are in trouble after eight rounds.

Finally, In the Albanian Super League, Partizani Tirana leads Egnatia and KS Dinamo Tirana by one point after nine rounds. I thought you should know.

In Europe, next week the Champions League resumes. Arsenal is at home to Shaktar. Juventus plays Stuttgart, Barcelona is at home to Bayern and Liverpool travels to Leipzig.

The Quote of the Week is from new England Manager Thomas Tuchel, “Sometimes, it is good to lose - you learn.”

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Saturday Pairs Bowls was sponsored by Home Hill Prawn Stop and was a successful event.
The pairs have attracted a mixture of male and female bowlers who all agree it is a fantastic and fun afternoon.
Come and enjoy 3 bowl pairs, fully sponsored with a 12pm start.
Burdekin Bowls club are great in supporting other clubs in the area in tournaments, congratulations to all these clubs.
Apologies for missing the last few weeks, but we are back to regular programming.
Contributed with thanks to Stormin’ Norman.

Winners are Grinners. Photo Supplied

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On Saturday 12 October, the 2024 Sip 'n Putt sessions at Home Hill Golf Club concluded with a fantastic finish! Fourteen ladies, including five newcomers, participated in the final session led by PGA coach Tara Jenkins where some of the ladies were introduced to golf for the first time, while others practiced skills from previous lessons.

Several participants felt confident enough to play a hole in an Ambrose format, discovering just how much technique is required to get that little white ball into the hole!

After the session, the ladies, along with several club members, enjoyed socialising over drinks and nibbles. During this time, there was discussion about ways to stay engaged with the game, and most ladies expressed interest in a 4-hole competition, to be held on either a Saturday or Sunday. The first competition is planned for later in November, with club members on hand to offer guidance and tips. Ladies who were unable to attend the Sip 'n Putt sessions are also welcome to join in. Keep an eye on the Home Hill Golf Club Facebook page for updates.

A special thank you goes to Tara Jenkins for traveling from Townsville to lead the sessions. The club also acknowledges the support from the State Government’s Active Women & Girls Program, which funded Tara’s professional coaching services.

Sip 'n Putt will return in 2025!

Contributed with thanks to Megan Barbagallo.

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Tara guiding the 14 ladies through the final Sip ‘n Putt session for the year!
After an awesome afternoon on the green, the attendees enjoyed some nibbles and drinks.

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The rainy weather early in the week that forced the cancellation of Monday's training thankfully cleared for the Home Hill Cricket Association’s junior cricket games on held on Friday, 18 October. 

Three groups of eager cricketers lined up for their games under sunny skies at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex in Home Hill.  The youngest of these, the Challengers, were playing in front of the clubhouse on the "Barry Richards Field".  The children put on a good show of skills for the adults who were watching with Nicholas Marrinan winning the "Player of the Match Award" for his efforts.

Over on the astro pitches the "Hardball" games were being played by the older children.  It was a one-sided affair in the "Blue" group as one team took all the wickets in the game to come away with the win.  Tait Parker, Kayleah McCarthy and Corey Pensini took 2 wickets each and Chaz Moschella bowled economically to help their team achieve this. The great batting from Alex Cullen, Billy Muilwyk and Mazlyn and Tyler Smith was the highlight of the game. 

The "Gold" group found scoring runs more difficult than last week as the bowling was tighter.  Marshall Parker was again the top scorer with 18 runs not out, just pipping Tyler Schultz on 17.  Three other batters retired, they were Ben Watkins, Jacques Gardner and Nathaniel Backo.  The best bowler and winner of this week's "Player of the Match Award" was Aanav Desai who's second over was a two-wicket maiden, he finished with three wickets for the game.  Mark Wilkie, Marshall Parker and Jacques Gardner all took one wicket each.

Contributed with thanks to Home Hill Cricket Association Secretary, Tiffany.

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Kaisen Petersen at the bat!
Batting for the win was Player of the Match, Aanav Desai.
Tait Parker took 2 wickets in Friday’s “Hardball” game!
Xavier Cross gave it his all on the pitch!
Tyler Schultz scored 17 runs in Friday’s game.
Alex Cullen, Billy Muilwyk and Mazlyn and Tyler Smith were commended for their batting.
The “Blue” group were Friday’s victors!
Working hard, the “Blue” group took all the wickets, scoring them the win!

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The big news for the Ayr Bowling Club this week is Irene Wilson being named North Queensland District Ladies Bowling Association’s Bowler of the Year! Irene has been a standout performer at the club and secured this prestigious title by winning the North Queensland singles. The club also sends best wishes to Pam Power, another exceptional female bowler, as she heads to Bargara Bowls Club to compete in the State Champion of Champions after claiming the North Queensland Champion of Champions title. The Ayr Bowling Club is immensely proud of these two women, who are leading the way in ladies’ bowls in North Queensland.

Ladies’ Social Bowls kicked off a busy week at the club, with 16 bowlers taking to the green as the weather warms up. Winners on the day were Linda Guimelli, Deslie Olsen, Heather Jorgensen, and Sandra Stidston, who defeated Karen Shepherd, Karen Page, Ron Soper, and Irene Wilson. In another match, Ruth Moore, Isabel Cislowski, Rayleen Harvey, and Pam Power triumphed over Katharina Stuckler, Donna Soper, Beryl Cornford, and Dot Cutting.

Wednesday Mixed Social Bowls saw three games of triples and one game of pairs, with some fantastic bowls played throughout. G Tiomo, Barry Hewson, and John MacDonald emerged as the day’s winners.

On Wednesday night, two games of triples were played in the social competition. Katharina Stuckler, Tegan Cesconetto, and Michael Parravacini claimed victory in the first game, while Tricia Achille, Rob Jorgensen, and Gary Pearce won the second.

In Thursday’s Three-Bowl Pairs competition, winners advanced to the next round. Beryl Cornford and Pam Power defeated Donna Soper and Joy Comollatti, while Deslie Olsen and Mary Poli overcame Katharina Stuckler and Heather Jorgensen.

Saturday Social Bowls featured four games of triples. Ray Wall, Joe Grabbi, and Chris Olditch secured a win over Linda Giumelli, Merle Nixon, and Anthony Bull.

Club championships continued on Sunday. In the Mixed Triples, Lorraine Wolffe, Sandra Stidston, and Anthony Bull defeated Sandra Darwen, Sam Caltabiano, and Michael Parravacini. In the Mixed Singles, Pam Power triumphed over Lew Stidson, and Gary Pearce defeated Barry Shepherd. For information on upcoming championship games scheduled for October 27th, please see the club board.

The Ayr Bowling Club invites everyone to Fun Friday Night Bowls on Friday, 1 November, starting at 6pm. This is a great night out for bowlers of all levels—bring friends or sign up solo and meet new people! The cost is $10 per game, which includes a sausage sizzle and a light supper. The sizzle begins at 6pm, and bowling starts at 7pm. To enter or for more information, contact Maurie Power at 0412 551 816 or Pam Power at 0458 330 019.

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.

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Irene Wilson, North Queensland District Ladies Bowler of the Year.

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The October Monthly Medal was the highly sought-after prize among the junior golfers at the Ayr Golf Club this weekend, with competitive scores across the 3, 6, and 9-hole competitions.

In the 3-hole competition, Opie McKeough once again claimed the Monthly Medal with a net score of 5, while Tyler Smith secured the Gross win with a score of 22. Opie dominated the event, also taking home the prizes for Longest Putt and Least Putts.

Heath Smart, playing his best round yet, won the Monthly Medal in the 6-hole competition, and Jett James was the Gross winner with a score of 43. Both Heath and Jett tied for the Least Putts award.

The 9-hole group saw some close competition, but Lyla Land emerged victorious with a net score of 25 to win the Monthly Medal, while Rheanna Bain claimed the Gross title with an impressive score of 60. Parker Oar was awarded Nearest to Pin, and Riley Dobe took home the prize for Least Putts.

Players are now looking forward to the Karrie Webb Championships next weekend.

Contributed with thanks to Kristina Patane Land.

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The weekend’s victors with presenters Kyle Wilkie and Riley Dobe. 

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The Burdekin Roosters have named three of their four coaches for the 2025 season in the RLTD.

The club will be fielding an under 20 team next year after not doing so in 2024, with Peter Horan set to coach. Peter took the under 18 to the grand final this season and although they were beaten by Brothers, Horan had them playing an attractive style of football. Peter said he expected to field a strong side with most of that team stepping up plus the addition of a few new players he has recruited.

Taking charge of the Hens next season will again be this year’s coach Anita Hagarty. Anita, despite a lot of personnel interruptions this season, took her team to the Preliminary Final only to be beaten by Western Lions. Anita said she expected to field practically the same squad next season plus the addition of a couple of new players.

2024 A grade coach Steve Lansley will again be in charge of the A grade team next season. This year Steve had a number of youngsters in his team and with a season in A grade under their belt, he expects to field a very competitive team next year. Plans are under way to have a couple of class Fijians join the squad while player recruiter Paul Horan is looking at a couple of experienced imported players. Steve said he would like to rely on his young local stars as he believes the talent in well and truly in the Burdekin.

The AGM of the club will be held at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club on Sunday 17 November at 10:30am with all positions on the executive committee declared vacant.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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A good crowd of Rugby League supporters last Sunday witnessed a good standard of Rugby League played at the annual Home Hill Harvest Festival Town of Origin!

The first Town of Origin in this format was played in 2013 and since then Ayr has won five times to Home Hills four with no games played in 2018 and 2020.

As is customary in these games the type of play was tough and hard with the town heritage at stake. Two former A grade coaches of the roosters, Chris Perry and Kieran Dawes took control of the two teams, and both had simple instructions - do your best and think of the town you are playing for.

Play seesawed for the entire match with one team scoring and then the other. In the end it came down to an attempted conversion from the sideline with the ball heading towards the uprights only to be blown away. That gave the win this year to Home Hill by 24 – 22 now levelling up the annual scoreline.

Coach Kieran Dawes said he thought Jayden Sgarbossa was his best player and judges agreed with Sgarbossa receiving the man of the match. Dawes did say he thought Liam Cannavan, Joel Pennisi and Robert Canteralla also had good games. Dawes said he thought all had a crack and they used a lot of effort and energy. He said he told them to make their tackles and mean it.

Ayr coach Chris Perry said he thought Lachlan Shepherd was his best player by a long shit although John Zaro and Llama Ghee never stopped especially Llama with his defence.

“It was not our best effort but regardless it was a good game and congratulations to Home Hill,” said Perry.

For Home Hill Dom Arrate, Lachlan Kerr, Jayden Sgarbossa and Liam Cannavan scored tries with Don Arrate kicking 4 from 4. For Ayr Jones Munro, Kane Batchelor, Luca Lago and Llama Ghee scored tries with Joel Mason kicking 3 goals.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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The only senior match of the round in Home Hill Cricket took place on Saturday afternoon, with Peto's Marine winning the toss and sending the Crowned Mongrels in to bat.

The Mongrels made the most of their time at the crease, with Andrew Wallwork top-scoring with 46 runs from 41 balls. Handy contributions from Luke Mottin (29 runs) and Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro (23 runs) helped set a competitive total of 6/153 from 25 overs.

In response, Peto's Marine started strong with quick runs from Cal Boland (34 runs) and Jack Gimson (25 runs). They needed just 11 runs from the last two overs, but strong bowling performances from Dan Olditch and Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro saw the Mongrels claim the last three wickets, leaving Peto's all out for 146, just short of the target.

In other news, Alliance Pharmacy forfeited their game against the Rookies.

Next weekend, Peto’s Marine will face off against the Rookies, while the Crowned Mongrels take on Alliance Pharmacy.

Contributed with thanks to Home Hill Cricket Association Secretary, Tiffany.

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Tuesday Ladies’ Social bowls kicked the week off and had 14 bowlers competing. Winners were Karen Shepherd, Isabel Cislowski, Merle Nixon and Dot Cutting def Donna Soper, Katharina Stuckler, Joy Comollatti and Sandra Stidston. Ruth Moore, Rayleen Harvey and Irene Wilson def Linda Guimelli, Karen Page and Mary Poli. 
Wednesday Mixed Social bowls there were 3 games of triples with lots of fantastic bowls played over the 3 games. Winners on the day were J Pirrone, Col Essex and Chris Berkery def Ray Wall, Dino Poli and M Power. 
On a windy Wednesday night, two pairs’ games were played.  The winners of the night were, Michael Parravacini and John Cesconetto in the first pairs game. Rob Jorgensen and Bertilla Piazetta won the second game.   
Competition Thursday morning the mixed singles were played and saw some very good bowling in a close fought game Irene Wilson def Anthony Bull. Thursday afternoon the Handicap Pairs were played. Deslie Olsen (sub) and Irene Wilson def Ruth Moore and Dot Cutting with great bowls being played all round. 
Saturday Social Bowls sponsored by the mahjong ladies saw three games of triples and one game of pairs.  Winners were Merle Nixon Joe Papale, and Ron Soper def Lorraine Wolffe, Barry Hewson and John MacDonald. Second place winners were Donna Soper and Joe Grabbi def Linda Guimelli and David Kroll. 
Club championships continued Sunday.  Mixed Triples saw Margaret Chapman, Henry Hazle and Gary Pearce def Lorraine Wolffe, Sandra Stidston and Anthony Bull. Mixed singles saw Michael Parravacini def Irene Wilson.  Please see the club board for further championship club games for the 13th of October.  
If you are interested in trying lawn bowls, Ayr Bowling club is a hub for lawn bowls enthusiasts, offering a friendly and social environment for players of all skill levels. Here are some details about the Ayr Bowling Club: 
   • Location: 101 Young Street, Ayr, Queensland 4807 
   • Phone Number: (07) 4783 1336 
   • Facebook Page:Ayr Bowling Club | Ayr QLD | Facebook  
Social bowls are played on Wednesday or Wednesday evening or Saturday afternoon – we would love to see you!  We have plenty of sets of bowls for you to try with.  Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or a beginner looking to try your hand at lawn bowls, the Ayr Bowling Club is a great place to connect with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy the sport.  
 

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This week our Home Hill junior cricketers, big and small, returned to the fields for the start of the 2024/25 cricket season.

Junior cricket sessions are available for children ages 5 and up.  The “Rookies” (5-7 yr olds) play Tuesday afternoons from 3:30pm at East Ayr State School.  Friday afternoons see the “Challengers” (8-10yr olds) and Juniors (U11’s +) play at the Home Hill Cricket fields from 4pm.  All boys and girls are welcome to join in the fun, even if you’re new to cricket.

Last week saw the start of the 24/25 Home Hill Cricket Association's Junior Cricket season.  Rookies were at East Ayr State School on Tuesday afternoon from 3.30pm. The sessions are for 5 to 7 year olds and aim to teach the children the basics of cricket in a fun way with soft balls.  Challengers are the next level up for 7 to 10 year olds and their sessions are at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex in Home Hill on Fridays at 5pm.  These are still played with soft balls but the activities are more game based.   
They have two groups of "hardball" cricket on Fridays at Home Hill as well, starting at 4pm.  In the "Blue Group" Alex Cullen and Kyle Wilkie scored some good runs and were both not out at the end of their batting.  Tait Parker took the best figures of 2/3, Kip Nicholas and Tyler Smith also bowled well with 1/1 and 1/2 respectively.  This group is for the players who have just moved up from Challengers and has modified rules to make it more enjoyable for them.
The "Gold Group" is the other game and this is played with essentially normal cricket rules as their skill levels are generally higher.  Marshall Parker starred with the bat this week with 46 not out off 30 balls which included 6 fours.  Ben Watkins had fun with the ball taking 3 wickets for 10 runs, Jacques Gardner took 2 and Aanav Desai and Oscar Mahoney 1 each.
It is not too late to register for the 24/25 Junior Cricket season, just go to www.playhq.com and search for Home Hill Cricket Association to join in the fun.
Senior Cricket
It was a family affair as 4 teams took the field for the start of the 2024/25 Senior cricket season at Home Hill Cricket on Saturday.  The Rookies, Alliance Pharmacy and Crowned Mongrels all had fathers and sons playing together.

A tight contest ensued on Barry Richards field as the Rookies took on Crowned Mongrels. The top score of the match by the Rookies Dan Olditch (45 runs from 48 balls) wasn’t enough to secure the win as the Mongrels took the glory in the final over. Crowned Mongrels finished the match 6/137 over the Rookies 6/131.

On field 2, Alliance Pharmacy made a competitive total of 5/130, anchored by opener Lee Watts who retired not out on 50 runs from 58 balls. Peto’s Marine worked hard in reply and helped by an unbeaten 50 not out off 36 balls by Andy Ballin, took the win with a total of 6/151.

Next Saturday will see the two Round 1 winners, Peto’s Marine and Crowned Mongrels, face off on  Barry Richards field from 1pm. Alliance Pharmacy will take on the Rookies on field 2.

To register and join a team, visit www.PlayHQ.com and search “Home Hill”.

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Crowned Mongrels father and son - Aiden and Joe Marano. Photo Supplied
Three generations playing for the Rookies - Leo, Chris and Dan Olditch. Photo Supplied
Alliance Pharmacy family - JD, Alf and Travis Wilkins. Photo supplied
A great day on the field. Photo supplied

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A monumental milestone occasion, this Saturday, 19 October, will see the 300th Plantation Parkrun event take place from 7am at Plantation Park.

A beloved Burdekin tradition, the very first Plantation Parkrun event made its debut on Friday 17 February 2018, which saw almost 100 local runners take to the 5k track. Making history, the first runner to cross the Plantation Parkrun finish line was Adrian Royce with a time of 18:45, who was soon followed by Justin Knight-Gray (20:22), and Josh Schultz (20:45).

Over the past 299 events, almost 6000 runners have crossed the Plantation Park finish line, with an average time of 39:35. A number to be celebrated, more than 900 personal bests have been achieved, and almost 200 volunteers are to be commended for their efforts in making the past 299 events possible.

To those with a competitive streak, these are the 5k times to beat to make it into the Plantation Parkrun history books! In the female division, the time to beat is 21:10 which was set by Shannen McDonald in the 27th Plantation Parkrun held on 1 September 2018. 16:05 stands as the time to beat in the male division; a record set by 116 time return Parkrun champion, Tony Gordon on 2 October 2021.

Plantation Parkrun operates as a free, fun and friendly weekly five-kilometer community event where locals are invited to come along for a walk, jog or run, with many also encouraged to volunteer, or spectate. Each Saturday at 7am, runners prepare to ready, set, go close to the Plantation Park Information Centre and complete two equal laps of the park, South into the Juru Walk.

Operated on a voluntary basis, there are plenty of opportunities for members of the community to try new roles and become part of the Parkrun event. If you would like to become a volunteer, please email plantation@parkrun.com or pop down to the park on a Saturday from 7am to speak with team.

The entire Burdekin community is invited to bring their pups, prams and running shoes to Plantation Park this Saturday to be part of this extraordinary 300th milestone event! Competitors interested in walking, running or jogging the trail along with members of the community wanting to cheer on their friends as they cross the finish line are invited to meet near the Plantation Park Information Centre before the 7am start.

To register to compete in this Saturday’s event, please visit www.parkrun.com.au/plantation.

What: The 300th Plantation Parkrun Event
When: Saturday 19 October at 7am
Where: Near the Plantation Park Information Centre
More Information: Visit www.parkrun.com.au/plantation

A wonderful milestone, the community is invited to come along to Plantation Parkrun’s 300th event this Saturday!

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The Ayr Bowling Club had a busy week of competitions, kicking off with Tuesday Ladies' Social Bowls, which saw 14 bowlers take to the green. The winners were Karen Shepherd, Isabel Cislowski, Merle Nixon, and Dot Cutting, who defeated Donna Soper, Katharina Stuckler, Joy Comollatti, and Sandra Stidston. In another match, Ruth Moore, Rayleen Harvey, and Irene Wilson triumphed over Linda Guimelli, Karen Page, and Mary Poli.

Wednesday’s Mixed Social Bowls featured three exciting games of triples, with plenty of top-notch bowls on display. The winning team of the day, J Pirrone, Col Essex, and Chris Berkery, overcame Ray Wall, Dino Poli, and M Power.

Later that night, despite windy conditions, two pairs’ games were held. Michael Parravacini and John Cesconetto secured victory in the first match, while Rob Jorgensen and Bertilla Piazetta took out the second game.

Thursday’s competition continued with the Mixed Singles in the morning, where Irene Wilson edged out Anthony Bull in a closely fought match. In the afternoon, the Handicap Pairs saw Deslie Olsen (subbing in) and Irene Wilson defeat Ruth Moore and Dot Cutting in a round of exceptional play.

Saturday’s Social Bowls, sponsored by the Mahjong ladies, included three games of triples and one pairs match. The winners were Merle Nixon, Joe Papale, and Ron Soper, who triumphed over Lorraine Wolffe, Barry Hewson, and John MacDonald. Second place went to Donna Soper and Joe Grabbi, who bested Linda Guimelli and David Kroll.

The weekend wrapped up with Sunday’s Club Championships. In the Mixed Triples, Margaret Chapman, Henry Hazle, and Gary Pearce secured victory over Lorraine Wolffe, Sandra Stidston, and Anthony Bull. Meanwhile, in the Mixed Singles, Michael Parravacini came out on top against Irene Wilson.

For upcoming club championship games on 20 October, be sure to check the club board.

The Ayr Bowling Club is always welcoming new players! Whether you’re an experienced bowler or looking to try lawn bowls for the first time, the club provides a friendly and social environment. Social bowls are held on Wednesday, Wednesday evening, and Saturday afternoons.

Come join in the fun - there’s plenty of bowls to go around!

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.

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Following their undefeated run at the North Queensland Junior Basketball Championships (NQJBC), the Burdekin Wildcats u12 Girls have now claimed the title of Division 2 State Champions, securing a Gold Medal at the Queensland State Championships. This remarkable achievement continues to showcase the talent and determination of these young athletes.

After dominating the NQJBC in August 2024 with 15 consecutive victories, the Wildcats traveled to Zillmere in September to compete in Basketball Queensland’s premier competition, which brought together athletes from across South, Central, and North Queensland. Held at the Northside Basketball Sports Centre from September 19 to 22, the tournament saw the Wildcats continue their undefeated streak.

The team, consisting of nine dedicated junior athletes, worked tirelessly to win all five of their pool games, earning them first place in their pool and a spot in the semi-finals. In a commanding semi-final performance, the Wildcats defeated Northside Wizards 1 with a score of 71-43, securing their place in the gold medal match.

On Sunday, 22 September, the Wildcats faced off against the North Gold Coast Seahawks 2 in the Championship game. In a hard-fought contest, the Wildcats emerged victorious, winning 54-42 to claim the Queensland State Champions title for Division 2.

Head Coach Larni Vasta expressed her joy at the team’s accomplishment, stating, "What an incredible season it has been for our team - winning 22 consecutive games, along with dominating three carnivals and becoming State Champions, is a remarkable achievement!

I am immensely proud of each and every one of them.

Their hard work, dedication, and teamwork have truly paid off.

This success reflects not just their skills on the court, but also the effort they put in during training and the support they give each other."

Coach Larni, in her first season at the helm, also acknowledged the support she received throughout the journey.

"As a first-time coach, this season has been an incredible journey - I’m grateful for the unwavering support I’ve received, which has been crucial to our success.

The girls’ hard work and determination made it a joy to lead this talented team.

I, personally, would like to extend a big thank you to our community for your generous support and donations that helped us reach state championships - this made a significant difference in our journey, providing the resources and encouragement that fuelled our success - we couldn’t have achieved this without you!"

The Wildcats would like to extend their gratitude to the Burdekin community and local businesses for their support throughout the season, as well as the family and friends who cheered them on from the sidelines and back home. Special thanks go to Assistant Coaches Kate Gaze and Jodie Miller, Manager Hayley Colls, and, of course, Head Coach Larni Vasta for their dedication and leadership throughout this unforgettable season.

GO WILDCATS!

Contributed with thanks to Hayley Colls.

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BACK ROW (L to R) Manager – Hayley Colls, Head Coach – Larni Vasta, Darci Colls, Allie Boland, Dakota Oliver, Bella Galbraith, Gracie Giardina, Assistant Coach – Jodie Miller.  FRONT ROW (L to R) Scarlett Sinclair, Radha Haller, Hallie Friend and Addison Reid.
BACK ROW (L to R) Gracie Giardina, Manager – Hayley Colls, Allie Boland, Head Coach – Larni Vasta, Scarlett Sinclair, Darci Colls, Bella Galbraith, Assistant Coach – Jodie Miller.  FRONT ROW (L to R) Addison Reid, Hallie Friend, Radha Haller and Dakota Oliver.
Allie sinking a free throw.
Coach Larni giving team instructions.
Time-out team huddle.
Scarlett getting the pass off.
Darci navigating the centre court.

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