The weekend saw plenty of action at Brandon Bowls Club, kicking off with the Trophy Bowls Night on Friday 13th, proudly sponsored by Gurgoes Inspiration Paints Ayr. Despite a lower-than-usual turnout, eight teams enjoyed a cool evening of friendly competition on the green. Team Mio Farming, regulars of the event, took home the honours for the night. Special thanks to all who contributed, especially Ken Feeney on the BBQ, Leo Kenny behind the bar, and the members who brought food. The next round is scheduled for 18th October, sponsored by Nutrients AG Solutions.

Winning Team: Peter Jorgensen, Phillip Cadillo, Peter Glen, Alf

Saturday 14th September saw twelve bowlers head to Bowen for the Country Pennants second round at Wangaratta Bowls Club. Teams from Ayr, Brandon, Bowen, and Wangaratta faced off in a round-robin format. Conditions were ideal, with a gentle sea breeze providing a challenge at times. After three games, Bowen and Brandon tied with one draw and two wins each, but Bowen clinched the overall victory by 6 shots, retaining the trophy they won earlier this year at Brandon.

Team Pearce claimed three wins, while Team Robins managed two wins and a loss. Team Wood ended with three losses. Players included Allan Garioch, Ken Ferguson, Ben Mills, Mick McCloskey, Doug Robins, Jayson Farry, Glenn Woodford, Jamie Woods, Leo Kenny, Lloyd Shepherd, Ray Paneccasio, and Gary Pearce.

The weekend wrapped up on Sunday 15th September with the A Grade Pairs Championship, where Neville Dickinson and Len Feeney faced the dynamic pairing of Danny O’Shea and Tony Bayliss. O'Shea's crafty play helped secure the win, advancing them to the next round.
In the Championship Triples, Vince Beitia, Ray Paneccasio, and Leo Kenny narrowly defeated Peter Lejarraga, Kevin Collins, and Doug Robins. Social bowls also provided exciting matchups, with the following results:

   • Damion Morello and Allan Garioch def. Terry Feakes and Joe Yipnazar
   • Mick McCloskey and Helen Collin def. Ken Ferguson and Jamie Woods
   • Gary Nosworthy, Glenn Woodford, and Gary Pearce def. Norm Storrie, Henry Hazel, and Hugh Montgomery
It was a great weekend of bowls with spirited competition and camaraderie all around!

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Peter Jorgensen, Phillip Cadillo, Peter Glen and Alf
V Dal Bello, Morgan Sopen, E Sopen, Rob Jorgensen and Ray
Lots of Fun!

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd

Local Football Report

The Burdekin Panthers Premier team travelled to Townsville on Saturday night to face Brothers in the Grand Final.

Backed by a large crowd of supporters, the Panthers were narrowly defeated 3-4 in a thrilling, back-and-forth match.

Although the result didn’t go their way, the Panthers played an outstanding game, and the outcome could easily have been different.

The Ayr Anzac Club team entered the match with a mix of nerves and anticipation for their biggest game of the season.

Having split results against Brothers during the regular season, the Panthers knew it would be a close contest.

However, the game didn’t start well for Burdekin, as Brothers scored within the first few minutes. But just a minute later, after another brilliant run down the wing by Elliott Dal Santo and a perfect cross into the box, Matthew Kolb was left unmarked at the back post, calmly slotting the ball into the net to equalise.

The game continued at a high pace, with Brothers regaining the lead to make it 2-1 after 15 minutes.

Ten minutes later, Matthew Walker delivered a great pass behind the defence to Kolb, who controlled the ball beautifully and struck it sweetly into the back of the net, levelling the score again.

At the 35-minute mark, Burdekin won a free kick just outside the Brothers’ penalty area. Luke Maguire stepped up and expertly curled the ball over the wall, leaving the goalkeeper no chance, putting Burdekin ahead 3-2.

However, Brothers managed to equalise with the final kick of the half, sending the teams into the break tied at 3-3.

The Panthers dominated the opening 20 minutes of the second half but couldn’t capitalise on their chances.

In the 65th minute, Brothers were awarded a free kick just outside Burdekin's penalty area, and from the set piece, they scored with a well-placed header to take a 4-3 lead.

Despite upping the intensity and creating several half-chances, the Panthers couldn’t find a way back, and the game ended 4-3 in Brothers’ favour.

While the young Panthers side would have preferred a different outcome, it was still a highly successful season. With a youthful squad, the Burdekin team is aiming to make Grand Final appearances a regular occurrence in the coming years – and to win a few along the way.

Night Soccer
Week 2 of the Delta Cleaners Night Soccer competition saw an impressive 85 goals scored across 20 games.

Rocky Pond Warriors led the scoring in the Men’s Division, while UDS Ladies topped the Women’s league.

This week marked the end of the trial games, with the competition proper starting on Tuesday.

Juniors
Although the Junior season has come to a close, the Junior Social Soccer season is set to kick off next term, starting on Tuesday, 15th October.

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Contributed with thanks to Cyclops.

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Burdekin FC’s Premier League side have qualified for Saturday’s Grand Final after winning 1-0 against MA Olympic in the Preliminary Final, played at Paradise Park in Townsville last Saturday night. 
 
The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers had a sense of confidence going into this game, having beaten MA Olympic twice with the most recent win coming just two weeks ago. However, the Panthers also knew that it wasn't going to be an easy task coming up against the minor premiers. The game started slowly for the Burdekin as their nerves showed. Olympic had the Panthers pinned in their defensive half for the first ten minutes with a couple of nervy moments from set pieces. Once the Panthers got through this, they started to play their game with the front three causing havoc for the Olympic defence. 
 
After some intense pressing, Matthew Kolb won the ball, found himself behind the Olympic defence but put his shot wide. Then, in the 24th minute, Elliott Dal Santo worked his way into the penalty area and fired a ball across the goal which found Jay Leckenby unmarked at the back post. The league’s leading scorer calmly slotted the ball home to give the Burdekin a 1-0 lead. 
 
A few minutes later, Leckenby looked to turn provider as he whipped a ball across the goal and found Dal Santo’s head, but unfortunately, he couldn't keep his effort down. The rest of the half went in a similar fashion with the Panthers dominating the proceedings, but no further goals were scored before the half-time break.  
 
The Panthers knew that Olympic would come out firing in the second half, but Burdekin’s defence continued to keep them at bay quite comfortably. Olympic’s set pieces continued to cause some problems, but the Panthers continued to keep them out. The Burdekin’s opportunities in front of goal dried up in the second half, other than an Oliver Gabiola long-range shot that was agonisingly close. Olympic continued to attack but the Panthers all dug deep to help secure the club’s first grand final appearance in eleven years.  
 
Grand Final versus Brothers at Paradise Park in Townsville, next Saturday at 8.00 pm. Be There! 
 
Contributed with thanks to Cyclops

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Go The Panthers!

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The Burdekin Roosters Reggies suffered a tough defeat in the Grand Final last Sunday, falling 42-24 to minor premiers Souths at the Sports Reserve in Townsville. Early mistakes from the Roosters allowed Souths to gain momentum, and by halftime, the Redmen led 24-0. Despite a spirited second-half comeback, where the Roosters outscored Souths 24-18, the early deficit proved insurmountable.

Terry Connors crossed twice for the Roosters, with Nemia Nawave and Braedyn Cotter also scoring, but Souths were too strong overall, with tries from Jayke Raikaki (2), Kirani Levi (2), George Reuben, Jason Mosby, and Raymond Oborne. Reuben converted all seven attempts.
In the A-grade final, Western Lions appeared set for victory with a 24-4 halftime lead over Souths. However, Souths stormed back in the second half, scoring 30 unanswered points to win 34-24. Michael Carroll scored two tries, with Shaun Nona kicking five from six conversions.

Centrals redeemed their season in the Women's Grand Final, beating defending champions Western Lions 22-10. Captain Jordi Mahendranajah scored twice for the Tigers, while Mateeka Nielson and Tamika Little also crossed the line.
In the under-20s, Brothers claimed a 20-6 win over Centrals, with Mitch Brown named man of the match. Richard Price scored two tries, supported by Rayzarlin Pearson and Mitch Doyle.

Despite strong efforts across all divisions, early mistakes and second-half rallies defined the Grand Final day outcomes.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes

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The Burdekin Netball Association has awarded Wilma Wright a prestigious Life Membership in recognition of her 15 years of dedicated service. This honour is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the association, and Wilma’s tireless commitment over the years has made her a standout recipient.

Wilma became involved with the association in 1996 when her daughter Sarah joined the local netball scene, shortly after the family moved to the Burdekin.

Despite being new to the area, Wilma quickly immersed herself in the community, starting with a simple task—mending team bibs. Her contributions soon grew to include managing uniforms, scoring games, and helping with fundraising events, such as cake stalls.

Known for her reliability, Wilma was a regular presence at the Thursday competitions, where her organisational skills earned her the affectionate title of "Mrs Afternoon Office Lady." She ensured the office was always well-prepared and ready by 4 pm, a vital role that supported the smooth running of the association's busy afternoons.

Beyond the weekly games, Wilma also spent 13 years managing representative teams at State Age Championships and other carnivals. From preparing spreadsheets to cooking meals for players, her attention to detail and dedication were critical to the success of these events.

Her homemade muffins became a beloved treat during these busy weekends.

This Life Membership not only recognises Wilma’s incredible service but also highlights the lasting impact she has had on the Burdekin Netball Association.

Her commitment and hard work have left an enduring mark on the community and set an inspiring example for others to follow.

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Burdekin Netball Association awarded Wilma Wright Life Membership in recognition of her 15 years of dedicated service. Photo supplied

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The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club will be back on duty this coming weekend with the start of the September school holidays.

The red and yellow flags will be raised again at Alva Beach on Saturday afternoons, all day Sunday, as well as public holidays from now until May.

There is still time to 'Join the Club' and become part of a family friendly organisation and give back to your community with a wide variety of roles available and a new Bronze and SRC course commencing shortly.

For more information, please contact admin on ayrslsc@gmail.com.

The club also announced their new Junior Club Captains for the 2024-25 Season last weekend at the Water Festival Parade. 

Congratulations to Briella Wassmuth and Zachary Dale have taken on this role for the season.

Patrols:

Saturday 14th Sept (1-5pm)
Group F: Lisa Furnell, Jen Morgan, Jo Morgan, Lauren Chapman, Isla Chapman, Ryley Sartori

Sunday 15th September (9am-1pm)
Super Subs: Josh Furnell, Brooke Cross, Barry Cross

Sunday 15th September (1-5pm)
Group G: Jimmy Hayllor, Carl List, James Kennedy, Shane Morgan, Ross Blakey, Ross Rickards, Jedd Giddy

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The two new Junior Club Captains Briella Wassmuth and Zachary Dale

Under 12 Burdekin Wildcats Girls Representative Team were announced 1st Place Gold Medallist in Division 2, winning all 15 games at the Burdekin at Basketball Queensland’s North Queensland Junior Basketball Championships (NQJBC).

Back Row: (L to R) Manager – Hayley Colls, Darci Colls, Allie Boland, Bella Galbraith, Addison Reid, Dakota Oliver, Head Coach – Larni Vasta
Front Row: (L to R) Assistant Coach – Kate Gaze, Tilly Chandler, Gracie Giardina, Radha Haller, Hallie Friend and Scarlett Sinclair.

GOLD MEDALISTS NOW HEADING TO STATE CHAMPS

Local girls represented the Burdekin at Basketball Queensland’s North Queensland Junior Basketball Championships (NQJBC) recently.

The championships run from June to August annually and consist of three tournaments which are held in Cairns, Mackay and Townsville respectively with elite junior players representing their local associations. 
 
The u12 Burdekin Wildcats Girls Representative Team, consisting of 10 junior athletes competed in 15 games across these three tournaments winning all 15 games - undefeated and were announced 1st Place Gold Medallist in Division 2 on Sunday 25th August 2024.

Head Coach Larni said she was absolutely thrilled with the results.

“As a first time coach at the representative level, it has been an absolute honour and privilege to work with such a remarkable and talented team,” she expressed.

“Witnessing their personal and team growth throughout the season has been truly inspiring.  I am hopeful and really looking forward to a great outcome at State Championships in September!”
 
The u12 team is now preparing to compete in the premier competition combining athletes across South, Central and North Queensland at Basketball Queensland’s Queensland State Championship being held from 19th to 22 September 2024 in Zilmere at the Northside Basketball Sports Centre.

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Team with Medals
Back Row: (L to R) Head Coach – Larni Vasta, Allie Boland, Hallie Friend, Darci Colls, Scarlett Sinclair, Bella Galbraith, Gracie Giardina, Manager – Hayley Colls
Front Row: (L to R) Assistant Coach – Kate Gaze, Radha Haller, Tilly Chandler, Addison Reid, Dakota Oliver

Team mates Darci and Scarlett
 
Dakota dribbling up the court
Photos supplied
 

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Local

Burdekin Panthers had just the Premiers playing at the weekend. They had finished third on the League ladder and were playing in the Elimination Final against Estates at Paradise Park in Townsville. The Premiers won 2-1 and now face Olympic, who lost 0-2 to Brothers, next Saturday at 7.00 pm, for a Place in the Grand Final against Brothers.

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers were very nervous as they played their first Premier League finals series in ten years. The Panthers knew Estates would come out firing and they did. They were all over the Panthers for the first fifteen minutes and had a goal disallowed for offside in that period. This seemed to spark some life into the Burdekin as they started to find their feet and started to play their game.  The Panthers began to get better field position and won a few free kicks in prime positions. If not for great goalkeeping from Estates, Matthew Kolb could have scored two “goal of the season” contenders. Right before half time, Oliver Gabiola expertly got on the end of a well taken Ryan Scodellaro set piece to head the ball into the back of the net taking the Panthers into the break with a 1-0 lead.

The Panthers knew that Estates would come out firing again to start the second half but this time the Burdekin had no answer and Estates equalised within two minutes of the restart. This buoyed the Townsville team as they continued to dominate as they had in the early parts of the first half. Again, the Panthers started to wrestle back control and started to find space down the wings. A delicate little ball from Jay Leckenby found Luke Maguire inside the box and with his left foot he curled the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1 with about thirty minutes to play. The Panthers continued to create more chances as Estates chased an equaliser. A couple of crosses from the right found their way across the Burdekin goal mouth but no one could get a final touch on it to put it in the back of the net, setting up a nervy finish. With a last-ditch effort Estates found their way into the penalty area, but Jarrod Camer and Joshua Valle bundled the ball out for a corner. From this corner, Estates had a free header at the back post and could have equalised but fortunately put it wide. From the ensuing goal kick the referee blew the full time whistle and the Panthers were through to the semi-final. 

Masters

Monday Night Masters has finished for the year and will recommence in January 2025.

Night Soccer

Delta Cleaners Night Soccer kicked off its 46th Season on Tuesday with twenty nine Men’s teams and fourteen Women’s Teams. Nomination Forms are at Delta Cleaners, Intersport and Sportfirst. Late entries will be considered

Juniors

Saturday was the last weekend of the year of Townsville teams travelling down to the Burdekin and what a successful year it has been!  Our kids have benefited so much from playing against different opposition.  This Saturday is Junior Breakup day with games, jumping castle, sausage sizzle and a lolly drop!  See you all there for a fun day!

National and International

The A League 2024-5 season kicks off on the weekend of 18 - 20 October. The Premiers, Central Coast Mariners are at home to Melbourne Victory and new team Auckland meet Brisbane Roar.

The Socceroos will be back in action when they begin their AFC World Cup Qualification matches. They start, at home, on the Gold Coast, this Thursday when they play Bahrein. They are then away to Indonesia on 10th September.

In the EPL after three rounds only two teams have maximum points, Manchester City, and Liverpool. Manchester City has scored nine goals and Erling Haaland has netted seven of them. At the foot of the table Southampton and Everton are yet to register a point.

In Serie A Juventus could only manage a 0-0 draw at home to Roma and now four top teams, Inter, Juve, Torino and Udinese all have seven points, Como and Venezia are holding up the table with one point each. In Spain’s La Liga, after four rounds, Barcelona top the table with maximum points after marmelising Valladolid 7-0, four points clear of Real Madrid, Atletico and Villareal. Valencia, with a single point, prop up the table.

Ligue 1 in France, and after three rounds it is much the same as usual PSG, are top with nine points and Marseille, Nantes, Lens and Monaco are all two points behind. At the foot of the table Angers and St Etienne look to be in deep trouble. Germany’s Bundesliga has only played two rounds and Heidenheim, Bayern and Leipzig are the only teams with maximum points.  Leverkusen lost for the first time in a very long time.

This week’s quote is from Argentine star Diego Maradona “My mother thinks I am the best. And I was raised to always believe what my mother tells me” 

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The Burdekin Panthers Premier team have qualified for the semi-final against Olympic this week. Photo Credit: Sharon Woodward.

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The Burdekin Roosters will have three teams competing in the RLT Grand Finals this weekend, with the Under-13s and Under-18s playing on Saturday, and the Reserve grade squad taking the field on Sunday.

The Under-13s are set to face Charters Towers at 8:30am on Saturday, following a commanding 60-0 victory over the Western Lions last weekend. The Miners edged out the Roosters in the major semi-final by just four points, but with a couple of key players returning from illness, the Little Roosters are raring to go.

In the Under-18s, the Roosters will meet Brothers in what promises to be a thrilling clash at 2:00pm, also at the RLT grounds. The young Roosters boast a talented lineup, with many of them earmarked for future senior selection.

One standout is Jye Olsen, who has already made a name for himself in A-grade, winning player awards. Olsen will be a key player at halfback for the Under-18s. Another player to watch is Luca Lago, whose sharp ball skills and blazing speed have also earned him A-grade appearances this year. Speedy centre Jahi Starr and fan-favourite front-rower Llama Ghee, who has played in both A-grade and Reserve grade, will bring their experience to the team.

Ghee is also part of the extended bench for the Reserve grade Grand Final on Sunday. The Under-18 squad is rounded out by standout players like reliable fullback Adam Camer, with wingers Amadeus Bulgarelli and Kane Batchelor ready to finish off scoring opportunities. In the centres, Lincoln Boccolatte and Starr will provide strong attacking play, while the forward pack, led by Joey Southwell and Jacob Horan, will be looking to dominate with solid service from hooker Harrison Lammon.

Back-rowers Leylan Lampton and Johnathon Hunter bring height and versatility, with Jett Castello locking down the pack as a tough ball player.  

The Reserve grade bench will feature an exciting mix of players, including Brody Scrivener, Levi Ludwick, and the lightning-fast winger Maliq Ogomeni. Should the front rowers tire, Archer Swindley will step in to provide big minutes.

With such depth and talent across the teams, the Burdekin Roosters are set for an exciting weekend of rugby league action.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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The Burdekin Roosters U18s are expected to field a talented lineup in this weekend’s Grand Final.

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The return of five-eighth and goal kicker Dylan Doak from suspension proved to be the decisive factor in the Burdekin Roosters' Preliminary Final victory over Bowen last Sunday.

Doak slotted three crucial goals, while Bowen’s kicker missed two vital conversions, allowing Chris Perry's Burdekin team to advance to the Grand Final.

Looking ahead, Coach Chris Perry is hopeful that the return of another key player, Kali Nauque, from suspension will have a similar impact. The Burdekin side faces off against Souths in the RLT Grand Final at the Sports Reserve this Sunday at 1:30pm.

“Kali says very little, but he is a leader with his actions and high work rate,” Perry said.

Known for his fierce defensive tackles, Nauque’s performance is sure to inspire his teammates.

In another boost for the Roosters, defender Alex Lennox is set to return from injury and is expected to provide further inspiration. The coaching staff will also assess the fitness of French International hooker Paul Merlo, who missed last week’s match due to injury.

Reflecting on their previous game, Perry said, “The team had to defend grimly given the lopsided penalty count, and they did so with very few blemishes.”

Souths earned their spot in the Grand Final after defeating Bowen in the semi-final. They’ve only lost one game this season, coincidentally to Burdekin, so they’ll be on high alert. Souths finished the season with an impressive 532 points for and 216 against, compared to the Roosters’ fourth-place finish with 418 points for and 350 against.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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In the same week three Aussie men made it to the last 16 at the US Open, the Ayr Tennis Association was overflowing with local juniors playing in the annual Delta Cup tennis tournament. Ayr tennis coach Patrea Bojack said the weekend was an enormous success with some exciting youngsters heading for higher honours after surviving some close calls on the way to finals.  

Alex Swinney and Michael Lindley led the way in the yellow ball top division while Keegan Carter and Nash Christie fought out the green ball final. Additionally, Tom Chandler and Adison Robertson secured victories in the red ball and orange ball divisions.  

Still in its infancy, the Delta Cup is designed for local kids that are coached by Patrea and her team at Delta Tennis to put the skills they’ve learnt since the start of the year into action in a full tournament.  

“Having this for them you really see the improvement and the main aim is getting them into match mode,” Patrea said.  

“I love to see the kids actually playing a match as tennis is not an easy sport to pick up - it takes time to learn and build skills and I know their parents love seeing them in action”  

Patrea also added Alex Swinney has really started to improve in 2024 and is has been competing in the regional JDS circuit this year. On the back of that Michael Lindley has played consistently to secure a spot in the JDS final this weekend, with the Ayr Tennis Association wishing him all the best for the tournament.

Patrea explained that you are never too young or too old to start playing tennis, and the sport has changed to embrace juniors of all talent levels.  

“We have 5-year-olds, we have 17-year-olds and different coloured levels in tennis now with blue as a pre rally then Red, Orange, Green & Yellow Ball for the juniors to progress to.  

They continue to handle the ball and court better as they progress with the smaller court for the youngest players with lower compression balls and bigger courts and harder balls as they get older,” Patrea said.  
Ayr Tennis Association was fortunate to receive a grant from the Rural Sustainability programme at Tennis Queensland.  This made the weekend a free event and the juniors received a free Delta Cup shirt that represents the colours of their talent levels.  

Patrea Bojack was very thankfull for the support of the club and its volunteers for making the weekend a huge success with great weather as well.  

Friday the Red ballers got the competition underway and after that the club had a social tennis family night where all the courts were full.   

Red Ball results:  
Div 1 winner -Tom Chandler  
Runner up - Lincoln Harvey  
Div 2 winner- Sebastian Belke  
Runner up- Harper Beltrame 
Div 3 winner – Koa Wight 
Runner up – Brydie Mc Shane 
Div 4 winner- Eloise Frau 
Runner up- Mila Bunyan 

The older players took part in the tournament on Sunday and excelled in fantastic conditions.  

Orange ball results: 
Div 1 winner Adison Robertson  
Runner up – Archie Sgori 
Div 2 – winner- leytonn Vidler 
Runner up- Cooper Cordie 
Div 3 – winner -Ebony Cordie 
Runner up- David Holm 
 
Green ball 
Div 1 winner- Keegan Carter 
Runner up- Nash Christie 
 
Yellow ball 
Winner- Alex Swinney 
Runner up – Michael Lindley 

Anyone who would like to take tennis lessons or be part of the next Delta Cup can consult the Delta Tennis or Ayr Tennis Association Facebook sites or come down to watch the JDS finals this weekend at Ayr courts or on Tuesday & Wednesday afternoons.  

Contributed with thanks to Patrea Bojack.

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Delta Cup Red Ballers brought plenty of skill and action to the courts last weekend!
Orange, Green and Yellow Ballers enjoyed the fantastic morning.

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On Wednesday, 28 August, the Brandon Bowls Club celebrated President Joy Woods Day, welcoming 64 ladies from various clubs, both near and far, to join in the festivities. The day unfolded under perfect weather, adding a touch of magic to the friendly games and lively atmosphere filled with laughter.

A special mention goes to the sponsor of the day, DG & M O'Shea Painting Contractors. Their valuable support ensures that days like this are possible, and the club shared sincere thanks to Danny and Marissa O’Shea.

Another beautiful evening unfolded at the Brandon Bowls Club on Friday 30 August as 12 bowlers participated in a close contest over 16 ends of 3-bowl triples.

On rink 5, the team of Ben Mills, Rob Jorgensen, and Jamie Woods faced off against Steve Cockfield, Ross McLaughlin, and Ray Paneccasio. What started as a tight match eventually saw the powerhouse trio of Mills, Jorgensen, and Woods pull ahead to claim victory.

Meanwhile, rink 6 featured a tense game between Margaret McLaughlin, Lloyd Shepherd, and Gary "Mr. Bowls" Pearce, who played against Raymond Tortorica, Jayson Farry, and Joe Yipnazar. After scoring a 5 on the first end, Pearce thought it would be a smooth night, but the dynamic duo of Tortorica and Farry turned the game around, leaving little for skipper Yipnazar to do. As the game approached the 15th end, Gary Pearce used his experience to guide his team to a hard-earned win.

Team Wood took home the scratchies, though there was no Jackpot winner.

In near-perfect conditions, the pair of Jayson Farry and Jamie Woods played a controlling game, ultimately securing a decisive win against Allan Gairoch on Saturday 31 August at the A & B Pairs Championship.

The defending champions, Chris Pearce, Jamie Woods, Len Feeny, and Gary Pearce faced Ben Mills, Glenn Woodford, Vince Beitia, and Leo Kenny on Sunday 1 September for the Men’s as Championship. Although Gary Pearce's experienced team dominated the game, they were met with strong efforts from the inexperienced side led by Leo Kenny. In the end, Pearce’s experience led his team to a comfortable win.

Despite numbers being slightly down due to Father’s Day, 12 dedicated bowlers played triples across two rinks. In the first game, Henry Hazel, Joe Yipnazar, and Peter Henderson were outplayed by T. Ferres, Neville Dickinson, and Hugh Montgomery.

Looking ahead, Trophy Bowls Night, sponsored by Gurgos Paint, will take place on 13 September. Players are encouraged to submit their names through the usual process.

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

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Plenty of laughter, and friendly competition was had at the Brandon Bowls Club last week.
Celebrating their first place victory were Marion Nicholson, and Jodie Geissmann, as pictured with Sponsor Marissa O'Shea, Lyn Farr, and President Joy.
Second place went to Pam Power, Colleen Olsen, and Ruth Moore, as pictured with Sponsor Marissa O'Shea and President Joy.
Third place went to June Paynting, Bev Marsden, and Leslie Bates, as pictured with Sponsor Marissa O'Shea and President Joy.

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Burdekin Clay Target Club held their Monthly Shoot on Saturday 31 August. With beautiful weather conditions, the Club’s members performed exceptionally, with celebratory scores across the board. The Club warmly thanks its sponsors,  Joe Caruso Construction and DnS Quality Meats, and Lui Populin for donating the meat tray for the raffle. Burdekin Clay Target Club will hold its next shoot on Sunday 13 October.

Saturday’s Overall High Gun Winners were Joe Caruso, Domingo Diaz, Daniel Scott, and Brian Bonanno. The day’s additional results are as follows:

Event 1-20 Target Double Barrel Continental 15m
AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso, Wayne Cislowski & Ron Gouch 20/20
A Grade 1st Sylvia Rossato, Ron Clive, Annette Vassalini & Domingo Diaz 20/20
B Grade 1st Peter Wade 19/20, 2nd Daniel Scott & John Kinnimonth 18/20
C Grade 1st David Russell 19/20, John Calligaro 17/20, 3rd Rob Ness 16/20

Event 2-20 Target Single Barrel 15m
AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso 20/20
A Grade 1st Ian Kriesel 20/20
B Grade 1st John Kinnimonth 17/20
C Grade 1st Peter Scott 19/20

Event 3-20 Target Pointscore-Sponsored By Joe Caruso Construction
AA Grade 1st Lindsay Groat 60/60
A Grade 1st Ron Clive 60/60
B Grade 1st Daniel Scott 55/60
C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 53/60

Event 4-30 Target Medley 18m
AA Grade 1st Tony Caruso 50/50, 2nd Joe Caruso 48/50, 3rd Glen Rea 47/50
A Grade 1st Domingo Diaz 48/50, 2nd Annette Vassalini 46/50
B Grade 1st Daniel Scott 44/50, 2nd John Kinnimonth 43/50, 3rd Peter Wade 42/50
C Grade 1st David Russell 40/50, 2nd Toni Scott 40/50, 3rd Peter Scott 36/50

Event 5-25 Target Double Barell Handicap-Sponsored By DnS Quality Meats
1st Daniel Scott 42/43
2nd Tony Caruso 41/43
3rd Lindsay Groat 39/41

Overall High Gun Winners
AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso 169/175
A Grade 1st Domingo Diaz 165/175
B Grade 1st Daniel Scott 156/175
C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 146/185

Contributed with thanks to Sylvia Rossato.

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Competing in Event 2-20 Target Single Barrel 15m were Peter Scott, John Kinnimonth, Ian Kriesel, and Joe Caruso.

Event 3-20 Target Pointscore-Sponsored By Joe Caruso Construction saw Lindsay Groat, Ron Clive, Daniel Scott, Brian Bonanno, and Sylvia Rossato compete.

Event 5-25 Target Handicap-sponsored by DnS Quality Meats hosted competitors Tony Caruso, Daniel Scott, and Lindsay Groat.

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Wednesday 28 August marked another fantastic Spearritts Jewellers Day at the Ayr Golf Club, with longtime sponsors Jim and Pat Nuttall generously providing three exceptional prizes for the top golfers. The course was in pristine condition, and the weather remained pleasantly ideal for play.

A field of 21 ladies competed in what was a closely fought contest, with standout performances by the winners. Bev Andrews rolled back the years with an impressive 41 points, claiming the top spot and the coveted Gold Voucher. In second place, Donna Reid finished with 35 points, closely followed by Shirley Jones, also on 35 points, who took third place.

Congratulations to all the ladies on a great day of golf!

Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Golf Club.

Celebrating victory, Donna Reid, Bev Andrews, and Shirley Jones were Wednesday’s champions at the Ayr Golf Club’s Spearritts Jewellers Day.

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Father’s Day saw an early start for some, as NQ Green Solutions proudly sponsored the Ayr Closed Junior Championships on Sunday 1 September. Fourteen junior golfers hit the green, showcasing their talent and love for the game to kick off the first day of Spring.

In the 3-hole division, Hudson Suficiencia claimed the gross winner title, while Opie McKeough secured the nett winner spot. In the 6-hole competition, Jett James impressed with a solid round, taking home the nett winner award. Sam Heatley, a newcomer to the competition, was the gross winner and is expected to step up to the 9-hole format by year’s end after a standout performance.

For the 9-hole division, Amaya Mahoney triumphed as the gross winner with a score of 45, while Oscar Mahoney edged out Kyle Wilkie on a countback to claim the nett winner title. Kyle, playing his first round of 9 holes, also delivered a commendable effort. Well done to all the juniors!

Contributed with thanks to Laura Mahoney.

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Hudson, Celine and Opie showcased their talents in the 3-hole division.
In the 6-hole division were Jett, Evelyn, Logan, Heath and Sam.
Taking to the green in the 9-hole division were Amaya, Gabby, Oscar and Kyle.

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