Burdekin Basketball Pushes For More Girls In The Game From competitive fixtures to community programs, the courts are always buzzing at Burdekin Basketball. But now, the association is making a play for change—and it starts with getting more girls on the court. “We’re a community facility, and we want to make sure everyone feels included,” said club president Shane James. “This current push is about getting girls back into sport—giving them opportunities to be active, to build friendships, and
Read the full storyThe Brandon/Home Hill Purple Pennants team travelled to Bowen and Wangaratta over the weekend to compete in the Pennants competition, facing off against five opposing teams. The team came away with a solid performance, recording two rink wins, one draw, and one match win. Beyond the results, the weekend was highlighted by friendly competition, reunions with familiar faces, and the formation of new friendships across clubs. Friday Night Bowls Draws Strong Turnout There was a great atmosphere a
Read the full storyLocal Another mixed weekend for the Panthers, winning one, drawing one, and losing three of five matches. On Friday night in Townsville, the Division 2 Funkies drew 0–0 with Brothers, and also in Townsville the Division 1 Men lost 1–4 to Ingham, but the Ladies defeated Saints Eagles South 5–0. On Saturday, in Townsville against Brothers, the Premiers lost 0–2 and the Reserves lost 2–3. This Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves are away to Warriors, the Premiers at 3.30pm and the Reserves at 1
Read the full storyThrills on the Green: Canefire Fours Brings Regional Rivals Together ** The Ayr Bowling Club came alive over the weekend as it played host to the highly anticipated Canefire Fours—a two-day carnival that drew 56 passionate lawn bowlers from across the North Queensland region. Teams journeyed from as far afield as Collinsville, Bowen, Wangaratta, and Townsville, and were proudly joined by local contenders from Ayr, Brandon, and Home Hill, creating a vibrant blend of regional talent. The format s
Read the full storyLocal
The Final games of the 2024 North Queensland season were played last weekend in the Crad Evans Shield. At the end of every season the Champion teams from North Queensland play their counterparts in Far North Queensland. This year the eight senior games were played in Townsville. No Burdekin teams were minor Premiers and so were not involved.
In the Main Men’s games, in the Premier Division MA Olympic lost 3-5 to Marlin Coast Rangers and in the Under 23s (Reserves) Estates were beaten 2-3 by Innisfail Utd. In Division 1, Ingham were beaten 2- 3 by Marlin Coast Rangers but, in Division 2, Townsville Warriors defeated Stratford Dolphins 2-1.
In the Women’s matches, MA Olympic lost 0-4 to Edge Hill Tigers in the premier Division and in the Under 23s MA Olympic were defeated 1-3 by Redlynch Strikers Utd.
The Burdekin Panthers Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 12 October at Populin’s Hall. Tickets are now available and can be bought online or from the Mad House at Night Soccer.
Night Soccer
Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 4 had mostly close games and the twenty matches, there were two forfeits, produced seventy goals. Top scorers for the Men were Mottin Earthmoving with six goals and Hallerwealth Old Grumpies and FJV with four each. In the Women’s competition Shin Kickers scored five. Individual top scorer was Josh Searle with four goals. Teams are reminded that their Nomination Fees are now due!
Juniors
The Junior season has finished but the Junior social soccer season will start next Tuesday 8th October
National and International
With new coach, Tony Popovic in charge the Socceroos have two very important matches coming up. They play China, in the Asian World Cup Qualifying Group C, in Adelaide on 10 October and are then away to Japan, five days later. The China match is a ‘must win’ and a draw in Japan would be a good result.
The Matildas will open their October FIFA International window with a match against Switzerland on 25 October. They are then booked for a friendly against Germany on Monday 28th October in Duisburg. Their next games are not until December when they play Chinese Taipei twice, in Melbourne and then Geelong.
Only three weeks now before the A League kicks off its 2024-25 season. The first round will be played over the weekend of 18 - 20 October. The A League Women will kick off on 1st November.
In the Australia Cup Final Macarthur beat Melbourne Victory 1-0. Burdekin Panthers were one of the seven hundred and fifty eight teams who entered the competition, starting way back in February.
In the EPL, with Manchester City only drawing again, Liverpool have moved to the top of the League, one point ahead of City and Arsenal. Chelsea and Aston Villa are a further point away and Fulham has leapt into sixth place! At the foot of the table Wolves and Southampton each has one point after six games.
In Germany’s Bundesliga, Bayern and Leverkusen drew but Bayern still leads with thirteen points from five games. Eintracht is a point away in second place with Leipzig third. Leverkusen has dropped to fourth spot together with Dortmund. Holding up the league, Kiel and Bochum both have a solitary point form five rounds.
In Italy, the top four teams all won, and after six rounds Napoli leads Juventus by one point and AC Milan. Inter and Torino by two points. At the bottom of the table all five teams lost and Cagliari is last with two points.
In Spain, Barcelona somehow managed to lose 4-2 at Osasuna but still top the table three points ahead of Real Madrid. Third placed Atletico is another two points away with Bilbao in fourth place on goal difference. At the bottom of the league only Las Palmas is yet to win a game.
And in France, after six rounds PSG and Monaco are equal on sixteen points three points clear of third placed Marseille with Reims two points further adrift in fourth place. Only one of the seven bottom teams won and Angers continues to prop up the table.
The Quote of the Week is from Australia’s very own Ange Postecoglou “I was alright as a player. I played for the Socceroos three or four times, but I was a battler - hard at it as we say in Aussie terms.”
Award recipients, Ryan Scodellaro, Josh Valle, Jay Leckenby, Jarrod Camer, with their proud Coach, Leighton Gallagher.
The Panthers came away second best in the Grand Final on 14 September.
The Burdekin Football Club was awarded the Football Queensland Protect our Game Service Award.
After a nail-biting Grand Final game, the boys celebrated the conclusion of an awesome season.
The Burdekin Hockey Association is gearing up for their Hacker’s Cup 5-A-Side Mixed Hockey Carnival set for Saturday 19 October, and is calling for the community to register their teams for what will be an action-packed competition.
The Association hopes to see players of all skill levels take to the Ayr Junior Rugby League Fields, and has extended an invitation for all old, new, and retired players to register.
Each team must hold a maximum of eight players and must field two female / junior players to qualify with all players aged 12 years and over.
Both single and team nominations can be made by emailing burdekinhockeyinc@gmail.com or by contacting Deanne on 0431 125 856.
Hacker’s Cup stands as a great social competition, perfect for welcoming new players to the sport!
Saturday 5th of October 1.00pm to 5.00pm (Patrol Group D) Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Zac Dale, Parker Bonato, Richard Dale, Bella Lawry, William Holt, Sharli Archibald, Danica Archibald, Lisa Vivian, Kristy Wassmuth, Briella Wassmuth.
Sunday 6th of October 9.00am to 1.00pm (Patrol Group B) Terry Lund, Tramayne Horan, Dylan Carew, Heather Scott, Anita Giddy, Jan Hatherell, Gabriel Hatherell, Toby Wilson, Danny Wilson.
Sunday 6th Of October 1.00pm to 5,00pm (Patrol Group G) Carl List, Jimmy Hayilor, James kennedy, Shane Morgan, Ross Blakey, Ross Rickards, Jedd Giddy.
Monday 7th Of October (Kings Birthday Holiday) (All day Patrol Group D) 9am to 5pm Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Zac Dale, Parker Bonato, Richard Dale, Bella Lawry, William Holt, Sharli Archibald, Danica Archibald, Lisa Vivian, Kristy Wassmuth, Briella Wassmuth.
Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.
On Wednesday 25 September, the Brandon Bowls Club hosted an impressive turn out on the green for a great afternoon of bowling. In the A-grade women's category, two exciting games took place. Lyn Storrie claimed victory over Sandra Darwen, while Darelle Pearce defeated Joy Woods. In the mixed game, the team of Kevin Collins, Vanda Ballao, Colleen Olsen, and Alan Garioch triumphed over Kaye Garner, Ann Newton, Lyn Farr, and Helen Collins.
The Club extends a friendly invitation to the community to have a bowl each Wednesday afternoon with games scheduled for 1pm each week.
Friday 27 September saw warm and humid conditions for an evening of Social Bowls which featured two games of triples. In the first match, Ben Mills, Ross McLaughlin, and Ray Paneccasio defeated Margaret McLaughlin, Peter Lejarraga, and Joe Yipnazar. The second game was highly competitive, with Norm Storrie, Lloyd Shepherd, and Gary Pearce proving too strong for Lyn Storrie, Rob Jorgensen, and Jamie Woods. The overall winners for the evening were Norm Storrie, Lloyd Shepherd, and Gary Pearce.
On Sunday 29 September, one A-grade pairs game was played, with Danny O’Shea and Tony Bayliss facing off against Peter Henderson and Jamie Woods. In a thrilling match that came down to the last end with scores tied, Peter Henderson delivered two of the best bowls of his career, securing a win for himself and Jamie Woods, moving them into the next round.
In the A & B Championship Pairs, Peter Lejarraga and the in-form Kevin Collins took on Lloyd Shepherd and Gary Pearce. Both teams fought hard, but Shepherd and Pearce remained strong under pressure and clinched a tight victory.
Three games were played during the Sunday Social session. In the triples, Ben Mills, Gary Nosworthy, and Leo Kenny drew with Norm Storrie, Henry Hazel, and Vince Beitia. In pairs, Mick McCloskey and Allan Garioch defeated Neville Dickinson and Doug Kiehne, while Ken Ferguson and Doug Robins overcame Glenn Woodford and Joe Yipnazar.
Preparations are well underway for the Brandon Bowls Club Trophy Bowls Night set for 18 October, and those interested in competing are advised to get their teams together.
Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.
Sunday hosted spectacular competitions for the A & B Championship Pairs.
The community is invited to come along for a fun afternoon of bowling each Wednesday.
The Home Hill Golf Club hosted a wonderful day on the green on Sunday 29 September for Round 7 of their Pennants competition.
With a few gaps, the Club thanked those players who stepped up to have a swing and celebrated many awesome achievements as a result. Craig O'Keeffe had an impressive round shooting 2 under and finishing with 38 points, and John Power was runner up with 36 points in a countback from Amy Smail. Pin shots went to (4/13) Simon Power, Peter Dale & John-Ross Dale. (9/18) Owen Bauer, Peter Dale & Peter Mackaway.
The Home Hill Golf Club congratulates all winners and have begun gearing up for next Sunday’s Laser Electrical Monthly Medal competition as well as the final Sip ‘n Putt event scheduled for Saturday 12 October.
Contributed with thanks to Megan Barbagallo.
Amy Smail, Craig O'Keeffe, and John Power were victorious on the green last Sunday at the Home Hill Golf Club.
Looking for a sport that's social, exciting, and perfect for all ages and fitness levels? Pickleball is the game for you! Whether you’re new to racquet sports or a seasoned player, Pickleball offers both social and competitive play in a fun and welcoming environment. Join the fun at the Home Hill Tennis Association, in the middle of the Home Hill Race Track where you can enjoy the energy, laughter, and action that comes with every game. No need to be a super athlete - just show up, grab a paddle, and start playing!
The Association is offering FREE come and try sessions and invites the community to come along on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 8:15pm, and Saturday morning from 7:15am to 8:15am for a swing!
Contributed with thanks to Kate Casswell.
A game for all skill levels, many locals have picked up a racket for a match of pickleball at the Home Hill Tennis Association!
Several perpetual awards were presented at the Burdekin Roosters Awards Night last week with the Prestigious Norm Dee Award for the player showing all aspects of club sprit on and off the field went to A grade player, Tate Brombal. Tate devotes his spare time coaching the Clubs under 7 team which means Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning whilst also attending working bees and Goose Clubs.
Jye Olsen was the most outstanding Junior with Frenchman Paul the Rookie of the year.
Fullback James Munro was the most improved, Joel Mason the most diligent and Nemia Nawavw the most tries with 12, the record held by Damien Quinn in 2001 with 29.
In the Hens, Coach Aniya Hagarty named her players to win awards as;
• Best Back - Martina Monday
• Best Forward - Abby King
• Most Improved - Margie Orourke
• Most Consistent - Libby Campbell
• Coaches Award - Tiana Krujefdt
• Players Player - Toni Daisy
• Most Diligent - Stephanie Monday
• Player of the Year - Abby King
In the reserve grade Coach Chris Perry named his award winners as;
• Best Back - Kyle Ferguson
• Best Forward - Zac Campbell
• Most Consistent - Dominic Augostis
• Coaches Award - Brodie Smith
• Player Showing Grit - Brody Ferguson
• Most Diligent Reserve Grader - Dom Arrate
• Player with Spirit on and Off the Field - Caleb Noah
• Player of the Year - Jayden Sgarbossa
A grade coach Steve Lindley named his A grade award winners as;
• Best Back - Nemia Nawave
• Best Forward - Henry Teutai
• Most Consistent - Lachlan Shepherd
• Coaches Award - Hayden Lanmon
• Players Player - Rhett Williams
To complete the wonderful night, several volunteers were given gifts of appreciation.
Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.
With the conclusion of the school holidays registrations have now opened for the Burdekin Touch Football Association’s Junior League. The Junior season runs over the next ten weeks as part of the school term with games played each Friday evening.
Young players of all skill levels are invited to attend the Junior Touch Sign On this Friday, 4 October, at the Burdekin Touch Association Clubhouse from 5pm to 5:30pm.
Students of all skill levels are invited to register for the next season this Friday at the Burdekin Touch Association Clubhouse. Photo supplied
Sponsored by Eathorne’s Intersport, the Ayr Golf Club held their September Monthly Medal on Wednesday 18 September which saw some outstanding performances! In A Grade, Wendy Baker took the top spot, while Shirley Jones claimed victory in B Grade, followed closely by runner-up Gabby Cahill. C Grade was won by Donna Boccalatte, with Bev Andrews as the runner-up. There's still one more opportunity to qualify for the monthly medal final - congratulations to all the ladies!
In a tribute to Ken Peagham, 74 players participated in this Honour Board event held over the weekend at the Ayr Golf Club. The day began with a shotgun start, and the competition was fierce. The Club shared a special thanks to Colleen Peagham, who travelled from Charters Towers to present the awards. With an incredible score of 49 stableford points, Karen and Kelvin McIntosh secured their names on the Honour Board. Congratulations! Runners-up, after a countback, were Shirley and Trevor Jones with a score of 46, narrowly edging out Shane Saxby and Darryl Schlieff. The Ayr Golf Club also wised a big thank you to the Peagham family for their generous prize contributions, ensuring many players went home winners. The Club shared their gratefulness to have this cherished event continue year after year.
Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Golf Club.
September Monthly Medal victors, Wendy Baker, Shirley Jones and Donna Bccolatte.
74 players participated in the Ken Peagham Memorial Day Honour Board event at the Ayr Golf Club over the weekend.
On the afternoon of Wednesday 18 September, twelve bowlers took to the green at the Brandon Bowls Club in challenging conditions. The first game of triples saw Sandra Darwen, Vanda Ballao, and Helen Collins claim victory over Ann Newton, Lyn Farr, and Allan Garioch. In the second game, Joy Woods, Lyn Storrie, and Colleen Olsen triumphed against Bev Garioch, Darelle Pearce, and Margaret Chapman.
Friday 20 September hosted a quiet evening at the club, with many die-hard Cowboys fans staying home to watch the game. Despite the smaller turnout, eight bowlers played two rinks of pairs. In the first game, Peter Lejarraga and Joe Yipnazar defeated Ben Mill and Ray Paneccasio, while in the second game, Margaret McLaughlan and Gary "Mr Bowls" Pearce took the win over Rob Jorgensen and Ross McLaughlin. Congratulations to Ben Mills and Ray Paneccasio for winning the jackpot!
Sunday 22 September saw spectators treated to a thrilling semi-final clash between back-to-back champions Gary Pearce (skip), Len Feeney, Jamie Woods, and Chris Pearce, and their challengers Kevin Collins (skip), Doug Robins, Brett Wilshere, and Lloyd Shepherd. Kevin Collins' team applied pressure from start to finish, delivering a high-quality game of lawn bowls. Kevin Collins’ side emerged victorious, securing their place in the upcoming final. Congratulations to both teams for a superb display of skill!
Sunday afternoon saw 26 bowlers play three games of triples and two games of pairs with the results as follows; Ken Ferguson, Mick McCloskey, and Allan Garioch defeated Henry Hazel, Neville Dickinson, and Peter Jorgensen. Norm Storrie, Doug Kiehne, and Richie Mau triumphed over Glenn Woodford, Trevor Elton, and Jeff Taylor. Gary Nosworthy, Ross McLaughlin, and Vince Beitia bested Jim Murray. Lyn Storrie and Peter Henderson, along with Helen Collins and Joe Yipnazar, took the win against Con Sexton and Leo Kenny. Judy Elton and Ray Paneccasio overcame Rob Jorgensen and Hugh Montgomery.
Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.
The Brandon Bowls Club hosted a week of high stakes and big wins.
The club is blessed with a team of dedicated women who tirelessly work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. They organise weekly events like bingo and Trimmers (light exercise), and they’re always on hand to help when the club hall is hired out. These women are loyal, passionate, and always wearing a smile, making the club a welcoming place for all. While they prefer to remain humble and avoid recognition, their efforts deserve a heartfelt thank you.
Newbie Bowling Questions:
1. How do I bowl a bowl? First, get a bowl that suits the size of your hand as they come in various sizes.
2. Where do I bowl it to? To the smaller, white bowl (jack) at the other end where your skip will be standing to help you.
3. What is a skip? That’s the leader of your team from the start of play.
4. How long does a game take? It varies, between an hour and a half to two hours, approximately.
5. Are you playing singles, pairs, triples, or fours? That’s decided by how many people have turned up on the day.
6. What is an end? An end determines which way you’re bowling to and the length of each game.
7. Who wins? The closest bowl to the jack from each team. i.e a team bowl closest decides who wins the end.
8. What happens if I hit the jack? If you hit the jack, your bowl becomes a toucher, which is marked by chalk by your skip. It’s still alive when it’s in the ditch.
9. What is a ditch? A ditch is the outlines of the end of a rink. Any bowl in the rink that’s not a toucher is not counted, or left in the ditch.
10. What clothing do I wear? Comfortable clothing and flat soled shoes.
Contributed with thanks to Stormin’ Norman
A new and exciting tournament is set to hit the greens every Saturday in October, offering bowlers a chance to showcase their skills. This inaugural event, marking the club's amalgamation with Queensland Bowls, features a fresh 3-bowl pairs format, with each Saturday functioning as an individual and independent competition.
The dates for the tournament are as follows:
• 5th October 2024
• 12th October 2024
• 19th October 2024
• 26th October 2024
The format ensures that winners play winners and losers face off against other losers in the second game, keeping the competition dynamic. Both the winners and the winners of the losing matches will take home $100 each, with additional lucky prawn prizes at the end of play, generously sponsored by The Prawn Stop.
As this is a mixed open event, male and female bowlers alike are encouraged to participate and enjoy the friendly competition.
Margaret Linton: The Silent Achiever
Margaret Linton, the club’s highly respected secretary, has been a dedicated member of the bowling community for two years. Here’s a glimpse into her life:
1. Where were you born? Brisbane
2. What did you first play bowls? About 2 years ago at night bowls
3. You’re the club’s highly respected secretary. What inspired this? Like most clubs, I accepted the nomination as no one else was nominated
4. What’s your favourite car? The Subaru. 1999 model I had for many years, it was a great car.
5. What’s your favourite TV show? NCIS
6. Who is the person you would most like to meet? Kylie Minogue
7. What’s your favourite food? Home cooked lasagna. Yuuuum!
8. How many in your family? Two children, four grandchildren
9. How would you like to help attract more female bowlers to the club? I would like to see more schoolgirls to play the game as it’s suitable for all fitness levels and is a non-contact sport.
10. If you were stuck on a desert island, what’s the one item you would like to have? Cocktails and wine
Local
Although the Burdekin Panthers Premiers did not finish the 2024 season with any silverware, they were still one of the more successful teams. Individual honours went to Jay Leckenby, Golden Boot Winner with twenty goals, Jarrod Camer, Goalkeeper of the Year and Leighton Gallagher, Coach of the Year.
In addition, in the FQPL Men’s Team of the Year, the Panthers had four players. Jarrod Camer, goalkeeper, Josh Valle, centre back and Ryan Scodellaro, midfield and Jay Leckenby, striker.
The Panthers Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 12 October. Tickets are now available.
Masters
Monday Night Masters has finished for the year and will recommence in January 2025.
Night Soccer
Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 3 kicked off the competition proper after the usual two trial weeks. The twenty three games featured seventy-two goals with UDS top scoring in the Men’s Leagues with six goals and Shin Kickers with five goals in the Women’s League. Individual top scorers were Tahlia Lawson with four goals and Logan Guglielmana with three.
Juniors
The Junior season has finished but the Junior social soccer season will start on Tuesday 15th October, next term!
National and International
The Big News is that Socceroos Coach Graham Arnold has resigned and been replaced by Tony Popovic. The new Coach has just two weeks to get himself and the Socceroos sorted out as they play China, in the Asian World Cup Qualifying Group C, in Adelaide on 10 October. They are then away to Japan, five days later. The China match is a ‘must win’ and a draw in Japan would be a good result.
The Matildas are booked for a friendly against Germany on Monday 28th October in Duisburg. Their next games are not until December when they play Chinese Taipei twice, in Melbourne and then Geelong. The Matildas have a new coach. Tom Sermanni
has been appointed on an interim basis after Toni Gustavson was sacked. Sermanni previously coached the Matildas in 1994-97 and 2005-12.
Only three weeks now before the A League kicks off its 2024-25 season. The first round will be played over the weekend of 18 - 20 October. The A League Women will kick off on 1st November.
In the Australia Cup semi-finals Melbourne Victory beat Adelaide Utd 1-0 and now play Macarthur who accounted for South Melbourne 1-0 in the Final.
In the EPL, after five rounds Manchester City, who were lucky to draw at home with Arsenal, still top the table, one point clear of Liverpool and Aston Villa, with Arsenal in fourth place and Chelsea fifth. At the foot of the table, Wolves, Southampton, and Everton all have a single point from five games.
In Germany’s Bundesliga, Bayern are still the only team with maximum points and sixteen goals from four games. They are three points clear of Leverkusen, Freiburg and Frankfurt. The three bottom clubs, Bochum, St Pauli and Holstein Kiel all managed to draw.
In Italy, champions Inter lost and drop to sixth place. In fact, only two of the top six teams won. Torino is top of the ladder one point clear of Napoli and Udinese with Juventus fourth and Empoli fifth. Cagliari and Como prop up the league.
In Spain, after six Rounds only Barcelona has maximum points and is now four points clear of Real Madrid with Bilbao and Atletico in third and fourth place. Real and Atletico are still unbeaten. At the bottom of the league only Getafe and Las Palmas are yet to win a game.
And in France, only two of the top six teams won. PSG drew and with Marseille and Monaco both winning all three teams are level on thirteen points after five Rounds. Lens is in fourth place four points below them. At the foot of the table only one of seven teams won, and one drew with Angers now holding up the league.
The Quote of the Week is from West Ham and Chelsea star Frank Lampard “When you take a lot of stick you want to ram it down people's throats…”
Ryan Scodellaro, Josh Valle, Jay Leckenby, Jarrod Camer, and coach, Leighton Gallagher.
Burdekin Panthers Grand Final Runners up.
Burdekin FC President Lawrence Dal Santo accepted the Football Queensland Protect our Game Service Award.
Saturday 28th - 1pm-5pm
Sunday 29th - 9am-5pm
Patrol (Group E)
PC John Moloney
PC Ann Moloney
Tony Felesina
Bella Moloney
Jane Jones
Gavin Jones
Sophia Moloney
Alissia Gibson
Billy Gibson
Danni Cughlin
Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.