On Saturday, 31st May, the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships swung into action under perfect weather and buzzing crowds. From seasoned veterans to fresh faces, competitors showed off their skill and speed—and a bit of friendly rivalry—across a range of divisions sponsored by some of the region’s top local businesses.

The day saw fierce competition and plenty of impressive performances across all categories, culminating in the final showdown—the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championship, taken out by first-time winner and Burdekin local, Mark Vass.

“It’s great to get it back home,” he said. “The Vass’ and the Gilbert’s have always had a big rivalry. They’re great people, and they were hard to beat for years, so it’s good to get the Vass name back on there.”

He added, “It was the best turnout I’ve seen for a long time. What they did this year with the extra shade and the smoke-offs and stuff like that, it was just amazing and I loved every bit of it.”

Results:

Over 55 Years
Sponsored by Next Gen Building Co
1st Place: Wayne Borellini – 10:57
2nd Place: Enzo Codega – 12:26
3rd Place: Joe Gallea – 13:16

35–55 Years
Sponsored by Diamantina Lime & Gypsum
1st Place: Adam Gilbert – 11:26
2nd Place: Karl Vass – 13:15
3rd Place: Mark Vass – 13:22

Under 35 Years
Sponsored by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables
1st Place: Keith Gilbert – 11:29
2nd Place: Stuart Gilbert – 12:35
3rd Place: Angus Gilbert – 18:53

Ladies Novice
Sponsored by Tallai Project Group
1st Place: Nichola Borellini – 2:30
2nd Place: Patrea Bojack – 4:41
3rd Place: Laura Gilbert – 5:16

Ladies Cup
Sponsored by Lillie’s Cubby House
1st Place: Lyn McLaughlin – 4:30
2nd Place: Rosie McLean – 6:45
3rd Place: Krystel Kerr – 7:44

Corporate Team Challenge
Sponsored by Keir Steele Waldon Lawyers
1st Place: Vass Engineering
2nd Place: Next Gen Building Co
3rd Place: QSL

Cut, Top and Load Team Challenge
Sponsored by Elders Insurance Ayr
1st Place: Gilbert Group – 15:00
2nd Place: Vass Group – 16:21
3rd Place: Codega Group – 20:25

2025 Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships
Sponsored by Parkside Group
1st Place: Mark Vass – 14:08
2nd Place: Stuart Gilbert – 15:58
3rd Place: Adam Gilbert – 16:52

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Burdekin Catholic High School’s Open Rugby League team has made a powerful impression in their inaugural year competing in the prestigious Townsville Blackhawks Schoolboys Shield, North Queensland’s elite secondary schools rugby league competition.

The BCHS Bears entered the competition with high hopes and quickly proved they belonged among the region's best. Their campaign began with a commanding 20–8 win over All Souls St Gabriels School, showcasing grit, skill, and impressive teamwork.

“The boys really came together on the field,” said Principal, Lorraine Wolffe. “It was a solid team performance that set the tone for the rest of the competition.”

Building on that strong start, the Bears powered through their next match with a thrilling 30–20 victory over Blackheath & Thornburgh College. Known for their fast-paced play and relentless drive, the BCHS boys demonstrated composure under pressure and excellent cohesion across all positions.

“There’s always room for improvement,” Coach, Luke Marano added, “but the effort, determination, and spirit shown by the team was outstanding.”

In their final game of the round, the Bears faced a formidable challenge in Columba Catholic College — last year’s champions. Despite falling short with a 24–10 result, the BCHS side played with heart and courage, never backing down from the contest.

“Columba is a well-drilled team with a lot of experience in this competition,” said team captain Lleylan Lampton. “But we’re proud of how we played — we showed resilience, stuck to our game plan, and represented our school with pride.”

The team's debut season in the Blackhawks Schoolboys Shield has not only been a significant milestone for the school but also a perfect build-up to the upcoming QISSRL Confraternity Carnival in Rockhampton this July. The Confraternity Carnival, often referred to as "Confro," is an annual rugby league competition organized by the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League (QISSRL). Established in 1980, it brings together Catholic and independent secondary schools from across Queensland and other regions for a week-long tournament that emphasizes sportsmanship, community, and the values of Catholic education. Many NRL players have risen from this competition.

Principal Mrs. Lorraine Wolffe praised the team’s performance and attitude throughout the tournament.

“Our students have shown what it means to wear the BCHS jersey — with determination, respect, and school pride,” she said. “We’re incredibly proud of our Open Rugby League team and can’t wait to see what they achieve in July.”

As the Bears turn their focus to the QISSRL Carnival, one thing is clear: Burdekin Catholic High School has arrived as a force in schoolboy rugby league in the North.

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They say two is better than one—and in the case of the Burdekin Roosters winning games, that’s absolutely true.

Last week, the A Grade side notched their first win of the season by defeating the Western Lions. Then, on Sunday, they backed it up with a solid victory over Centrals. The Reserves also broke through for their first win of the season, defeating Centrals as well.

A Grade started slowly against the Tigers, who scored early to take the lead. But the locals fought back, with Terrence Mosby and Kali Nauque crossing for tries to push the Roosters ahead 12–4. It could have been 18, but a try held up over the line was waved away—much to the frustration of players who protested the decision.

Centrals hit back soon after, and at halftime the Roosters led 12–8.

After the break, Centrals came out firing, scoring twice to take control at 20–12. But the locals weren’t done—they shifted gears, scoring four more tries to Centrals’ one and claiming an entertaining 36–24 win.

Coach Steve Lansley said it was pleasing to see the boys dig deep and come back for the win.

“They’ve been working hard and deserved the victory,” he said, adding that he was especially impressed with the team’s defence in the final stages when they repelled wave after wave of attack.

Colby Thompson and Terrence Mosby were neck and neck in the players' player tally, until Colby mesmerised the opposition with a 50-metre solo try. Lansley also praised Jesse Yallop’s performance at fullback, saying he looked set to keep the jersey.

Try scorers were Aiden Arusa (2), Terrence Mosby, Kali Nauque, Nemia Nawave, and Colby Thompson. Joel Mason kicked 6 goals.

In other A Grade matches:

Charters Towers defeated Herbert River 24–18
Western Lions edged Norths 34–32
Souths and Brothers had byes

Reserves

Reserves coach Peter Horan has been saying all season he lacked quality numbers—but this time, he had them, and the result was a 34–10 win over Centrals.

Horan had watched his side start games well before fading due to injuries and fatigue. Not this time. The team led 24–0 at halftime and held strong in the second half to draw the session and secure the win.

The inclusion of Caleb Noah provided the spark the team had been missing, and with Llama Ghee working hard up front, Caleb and Dylan Doak ran amok, making plenty of metres.

Luca Lago was another standout, along with Jye Starr, Matthew Lee, and Jack Rushton.

The team scored six tries, with Dylan Doak landing five goals—four from four in the first half.

Try scorers: Harvey Horan, Matthew Lee, Luca Lago, Caleb Noah, Llama Ghee, Jye Starr
Goals: Dylan Doak (5)

In other Reserves matches:

Herbert River defeated Charters Towers 38–14
Brothers beat Bowen 34–10
Lions narrowly beat Norths 16–12

Ladies

The newly formed Burdekin River Ladies team took on last year’s premiers, Centrals, and for most of the game it looked like an upset was on the cards. With just two minutes remaining, the score was locked at 12-all.

But the Tigers’ experience told in the end, scoring a late try to win 18–12.

The visitors showed their class with some sharp attacking footy, and ironically, their best player was former Ingham product Eryn McCulloch.

The Burdekin River girls showed marked improvement from last week, with much better ball movement. Alekiah Heron combined well with Toni Daisy and Martina Monday, both of whom were standouts. Alyssa Partch worked hard in the forwards, but none were better than Paige Horvat, who looked dangerous every time she touched the ball.

Toni Daisy scored two tries, while Martina Monday kicked two goals.

In other Ladies matches:

Brothers thrashed Bowen 50–4
Lions defeated Norths 42–6

Coming Up

This Saturday will be another Super Saturday, with the Burdekin Juniors playing 13 games and Bowen Juniors also in town for 13 games of their own—followed by three senior matches featuring the Roosters and Burdekin River taking on Charters Towers.

The 2015 A Grade premiership-winning team will also be holding a 10-year reunion. Look for another article in this edition detailing that memorable season.

Elsewhere in the R.L.T.D. this weekend:

Western Lions host Herbert River Crushers on Sunday
Centrals play Norths on Saturday
Souths face Brothers in a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday
Tiana Krutzfeldt and Lilly Chappell also had strong games.

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It’s been another big week at the Ayr Bowling Club. The highlight was our men travelling to Bowen for the North Queensland Purple Pennants.

Our team went into the final day of play with four match wins—equal top with Bowen—putting them in a strong position. Ayr faced Bowen first up, who went on to win the Purple Pennants, and unfortunately we couldn’t secure the win.

In our last game against Giru, we notched another match win, bringing our total to five for the weekend and placing Ayr second overall—Runners Up. This was a fantastic result for our club, and the playing group had a strong campaign against some quality sides.

Earlier in the week, Tuesday Ladies’ Social Bowls featured two games of triples. Winners on the day were Karen Shepherd, Donna Soper, and Irene Wilson, who defeated Meryl Smith, Beryl Cornford, and Heather Jorgensen. Runners-up were Katharina Stuckler, Rayleen Hervey, and Pam Power, who defeated Isabel Cislowski, Linda Giumelli, and Mary Poli.

On Wednesday, Men’s Social Bowls saw three games of triples and one pairs match played. Competition was close out on the green. Taking out the honours on the day were Arthur Gauvin, Peter Sauer, and Lew Stisdton, who defeated Barry Hewson, Helena Sauer, and Ron Soper. It was a great afternoon of camaraderie and quality bowls, enjoyed by all.

In Championship action, the Ladies’ Competition Open Pairs Final will be played on Thursday, June 5th at 3:30pm. It will be Beryl Cornford and Pam Power taking on Lorraine Wolffe and Irene Wilson.

The Ayr Bowling Club invites everyone to its Fun Friday Night Bowls, sponsored by Ferguson Plumbing, on Friday, June 6th, starting at 6:00pm under our new lights. The evening promises fun for bowlers of all levels—bring your friends or come solo and meet new people. The $10 entry fee includes a sausage sizzle at 6:00pm and a light supper once bowling starts at 7:00pm.

If you're interested in giving bowls a try, Friday Roll-Ups are a great place to start. Held every Friday from 3:00–5:30pm, these casual sessions are perfect for sharpening your skills, getting friendly tips, or just relaxing with a drink. Come down for some light training, enjoy a few drinks, and join in the fun with fellow club members.

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A smaller group of juniors took to the course this week—perhaps deterred by the cooler morning or earlier tee time—but that didn’t stop a close and competitive round across both the 6-hole and 9-hole events.

A big thank you to Menkens Farms for generously sponsoring the morning, with Drummond Golf gift vouchers up for grabs.

In the 9-hole competition, Amaya claimed the gross win with a score of 41. Kyle took out the nett honours with a score of 40, just edging out Riley by one shot and Heath by another—making for a tightly contested leaderboard.

In the 6-hole comp, Evelyn topped the field, beating the boys with a gross score of 53, while Maxx took out the nett prize with a strong score of 19.

Well done to all juniors for participating and continuing to support Ayr Juniors.

This weekend marks the Ayr Juniors Closed Championship, with some incredible prizes on offer. Keep an eye on the Ayr Golf Club Facebook page for full event details.

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A smaller group of juniors took to the course this week, but that didn’t stop a close and competitive round across both the 6-hole and 9-hole events.

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This year, Brandon Bowls Club’s Red Pennants team hit the Bruce Highway for a tough three-day competition across seven rounds at Suburban and South Townsville Bowls Clubs.

Facing off against some of the region’s powerhouse clubs, 12 Brandon bowlers gave it their all in what remains one of the district’s most fiercely contested events.

Results – Suburban Bowls Club

Round 1: Brandon def. Cutheringa
Round 2: Brandon lost to Macknade
Round 3: Brandon lost to Suburban
Round 4: Brandon lost to Thuringowa
Round 5: Brandon lost to Bowen
Results – South Townsville Bowls Club

Round 6: Brandon def. Jubilee
Round 7: Brandon def. South Townsville
A special congratulations goes to Gary Pearce (skip), Chris Pearce, Peter Lejarraga, and Lloyd Shepherd, who recorded five wins and two losses to finish third overall in the special trophy event.

Macknade Bowls Club took out the Red Pennants section—well done to them on a strong showing.

While the Red Pennants team was away, Brandon Bowls Club proudly hosted two days of Blue Pennants—the top-tier colour in the region. A huge thank you goes to all the ladies in the kitchen, the grounds crew who prepared the green and surrounds, and our hardworking bar staff. Hosting an event like this takes a village.

Congratulations to Jubilee on taking out the Blue Pennants title for the third year in a row.

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The Cane Country Cup is back for its second year, bringing with it more teams and more action. The mixed-team pickleball event, hosted by the Home Hill Tennis Association, will take place on Sunday, June 8 from 8am, with spectators welcome to join the action courtside.

After a successful debut, the 2025 edition has grown to 24 teams, up from 16 last year, with teams coming from across North Queensland—including Whitsundays, Bowen, Townsville, Home Hill, Ingham, Cardwell, and Tully.

Teams will compete in two divisions: competitive and social. Among the top contenders in the competitive division are Peter Hughes Airlie Norfolk and Chance, who return as defending champions, and Pickle d’Lulu, led by Hannah Casswell. In the social division, the much-loved Cardwell Crocs make their return.

A new highlight for 2025 is the introduction of the Fair Play Trophy, a perpetual award crafted from silky oak by Merv Mohr and the Burdekin Woodcraft Association. The trophy celebrates the values of fairness, team spirit, and sportsmanship.

With strong regional representation and a welcoming atmosphere, the Cane Country Cup promises a great day out for players and spectators alike.

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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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