After persistent rain, bowlers finally had their chance to return to the green at Brandon, with competitive action kicking off on Friday night. The A & B Pairs final saw Jayson Farry and Jamie Woods prove too strong for Gary Pearce and Lloyd Shepherd, securing a decisive victory.

Saturday 29th March – A Grade Singles

Championship events continued on Saturday with a highly anticipated second-round A Grade Singles clash between two powerhouses, Peter Lejarraga and Vince Beitia. The match was finely balanced, but in-form Lejarraga shone on the green, sealing his place in the next round.

Sunday 30th March – Championship & Social Bowls

Sunday saw 30 bowlers take to the green for a mix of championship and social bowls.

In the A Grade Singles, a family rivalry took centre stage as Gary Pearce faced his son, Chris, for annual bragging rights. Chris took an early lead, but Gary’s experience ultimately prevailed as he edged a narrow victory.

The A Grade Pairs second-round match between Lloyd Shepherd and Kevin Collins against Gary Nosworthy and Trevor Elton was another tightly contested encounter. Shepherd and Collins emerged victorious, progressing to the next round.

Social bowls also saw competitive play, with several matches producing impressive performances:

Bruce McCallum & Richie Mau defeated Henry Hazel & Jamie Woods.

Sandra Darween, Hugh Montgomery & Peter Jorgensen overcame Ken Ferguson, Lyn Storrie & Ray Paneccasio.

Margaret Chapman, Leo Kenny & Peter Henderson triumphed over Ben Mills, Doug Kiehne & Jeff Taylor.

Joe Linton, Mick McCloskey & Doug Robins edged Neville Dickinson, Glenn Woodford & Joe Yipnazar.

The club’s monthly meeting will be held on Sunday 6th April at the usual time, followed by bowls at 1:30 pm.

Contributed by Brandon Bowls Club.

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Gary Pearce, Lloyd Shepherd and  Kevin Collins

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The heavens opened again which made it impossible for playing the last week of Junior Cricket games of the 24/25 season. The breakup and presentations went ahead at the Nutrien Ag Solutions cricket clubhouse though. Players from the youngest Rookies to the Challengers, along with members of the Blue and Gold groups and their families, gathered for the end-of-season celebration last Friday night. A free sausage sizzle was provided for all players and their siblings before the presentation of gifts and trophies took place.

The Rookies and Challengers all received a certificate for completing the season, and a ball each for practicing cricket at home. The Blue and Gold players were given a certificate, a laminated field position picture and a medal for their season at Home Hill Cricket.

Some individual trophies were then presented to some of the Blue and Gold group. Mitchell Patti received the "Most Improved Player" in the Blue Group. The "Coaches Award" in the Gold Goup went to Xavier Cross, Marshall Parker got the "Batting Award" and Ben Watkins the "Bowling Award". The major award for the year, the "Junior Cricket Player of the Year" went to Marshall Parker for his all-round performances in the Friday games as well as at Representative level throughout the season.

Gratitude was extended to everyone who contributed in any way to providing children with the opportunity to play cricket in the Burdekin. Appreciation was also expressed to Woolworths for donating the items used for the free sausage sizzle.

Contributed by Home Hill Junior Cricket.

Xavier, Gold Coaches Award
Marshall Parker, Gold Battling Award
Ben Watkins, Gold Bowling Award

The weather gods were not smiling on Home Hill Cricket this week, with the grand final game between Peto Marine and the Rookies, and the playoff for third between Alliance Pharmacy and the Crowned Mongrels being washed out.

Despite the rain, presentations and a small celebration of the 2024/25 cricket season were held on Sunday afternoon.  Winners from the season were:

Minor premiers - Peto Marine

Most runs - Lee Watts (210 runs for the season)
Batting average - Lee Watts (average 70 runs)
Highest individual score - Alex Stillhard (116 runs)
Most wickets - Dan Olditch (9 wickets)
Bowling average - Ayden Marano (taking 4 wickets at an average of 5 runs per wicket)
Fielding - JD Wilkins (10 catches)

An overall champion was also crowned, with the Senior Player of the Season being awarded to Dan Olditch from the Rookies for strong performances across all aspects of the game.

Home Hill Cricket Association would like to thank all the senior players who made the effort to take the field this season.  While the regular Saturday games might be over, cricket will be back soon with the Canefield Ashes scheduled for April 26 and 27.

Contributed by Home Hill Senior Cricket.

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Minor premiers - Peto Marine 
Highest score - Alex Stillhard (L)
Player of the Season Dan Olditch (R) and his son and fellow Rookies teammate Leo Olditch (L)

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The Ayr Bowling Club has celebrated another excellent week on the greens despite the rain, with members coming together for a mix of club Championship games and engaging social matches. The atmosphere and enthusiasm around the club remains high, as members are gearing up for Ladies Division 1 Pennants. With Ayr Bowling Club hosting the event from 26th – 29th April, 2025. We encourage members and anyone who has an interest in bowls to come and support our ladies during this prestigious event. Our ladies’ pennants team has been announced and available on the Club Noticeboard.

Tuesday Ladies Social bowls was played in overcast conditions with intermittent showers throughout the afternoon. Winners on the day were Katharina Stuckler, Isabel Cislowski, Deslie Olsen and Heather Jorgensen defeating Rayleen Hervey, Donna Soper, Karen Page and Irene Wilson. Runners up were Merle Smith, Sandra Stidston and Beryl Cornford defeating Karen Shepherd, Linda Giumelli and Mary Poli.

Ladies Competition A Singles played on Thursday saw Pam Power defeating Isabel Cislowski. Pam now progresses to the next round. In the other A singles games between Deslie and Karen, Irene and Heather, the games were suspended due to the wet weather conditions.

Men’s Social bowls on Wednesday saw one game of triples and one game of pairs. Winners on the day were Arthur Gauvin, Joe Papale and Ron Soper defeating Ron Smythe, Wayne Coonan and Barry Shepherd. In the pairs John Pirrone and Lew Stidston defeated Happy Horan and Anthony Bull.

Saturday’s Social bowls sponsored by Mahjong Ladies saw another great turnout of 22 players, with three games of triples and a game of pairs played. The winners on the day were Donna Soper, John Pirrone and Anthony Bull who put on a good performance to take the top spot. Runners up were Barry Hewson and Pam Power.

On Saturday 5th April, Mahjong Ladies will be sponsoring the Saturday Social bowls, celebrating 23 years of Mahjong at the club. The club is looking forward to a great afternoon of celebration with 1st prize $25 pp 2nd prize $15pp with a lucky number draw and other prizes to be won.

The Ayr Bowling Club invites everyone to its Fun Friday Night Bowls Sponsored by B & M Drilling on Friday 4th April, starting at 6 PM. This evening promises fun for bowlers of all levels, encouraging participants to bring friends or join solo to meet new people. The entry fee is $10 per game, which includes a sausage sizzle at 6 PM and a light supper after bowling begins at 7 PM.

Contributed by Ayr Bowling Club.

Saturday runners up, Pam and Barry
Saturday Winners, John, Donna and Anthony

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The sun was shining as the Ayr Juniors enjoyed a fantastic round of golf two weekends ago. The front nine was played, with 3-, 6-, and 9-hole competitions running.

The club expressed its gratitude to Burdekin Christian College for generously sponsoring the morning and to Debra Creed for joining Ayr Juniors to help present the wonderful prizes, which included bags of golf goodies.

In the 3-hole competition, Opie McKeough claimed the gross win, closely followed by Pia Mauro, who secured the nett victory with an impressive -1 nett score. A warm welcome was extended to Pia’s brother, Harvey, who played his first 3-hole round and recorded a strong debut score of 30 shots.

Heath Smart took out the gross win in the 6-hole competition, with Tyler emerging as the nett winner.

In the 9-hole competition, Amaya Mahoney secured the gross win, while Rheanna claimed the nett victory. The club congratulated all players for their efforts, participation, and support of the event.

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Logan, Max and Debra
Juniors with their wonderful prizes.

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The grounds at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex dried up enough for play to go ahead last Friday.  The partnerships of Aria and Corbett and Jai and Nahjiyah produced 19 runs each in the Challengers.  Nahjiyah also took two wickets with his great fast bowling, as did Olivia in her overs.  Harvey, Lincoln, Aria, Everly, Claire and Corbett all took one each.  The McDonalds Sports Awards were given to Nahjiyah for his great bowling and Everly for an excellent all-round performance.

It was an exciting game in the "Blue Group" with Jude dominating with the bat and the ball.  He made 26 runs which included 4 fours, took six wickets in an exceptional spell of bowling and got a runout.  His first over was a double wicket maiden and his second was an unbelievable 4 for 1 run.  He got a hattrick in this over and was one ball away from a double hattrick. Other notable mentions go to Jake who made 20 runs and Mason scored 12 runs not out.  Kip, Tait, Mitchell, Mason and Mazlyn all took one wicket each and Mazlyn got four runouts.  Not surprisingly one of the McDonalds Sports Awards went to Jude, and the other to Mason.

Wickets and runs were shared by all of the players in the "Gold" game, Marshall made 12 not out and Mark on 11 runs also unbeaten.  Tyler, Oliver, Xavier, Marshall and Logan took one wicket each and catches were taken by Mark and Ben.  Ben's catch was a sharp one in the slips.  Marshall took home the McDonalds Sports Award for his all-round effort.

Contributed by Home Hill Junior Cricket.

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HH 1: Challengers, Nahjiyah and Everly
HH 2: Blue Mason and Jude
HH 3: Gold, Marshall

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The Ayr Bowling Club has celebrated an exceptional week on the greens, with members coming together for a mix of spirited club Championship games and engaging social matches. The vibrant atmosphere and camaraderie continue to strengthen, showcasing the club's dedication to fostering connections through the sport of lawn bowls. As enthusiasm remains high, members are returning to the club after their break during the summer heat.

Unfortunately, our club games were cancelled during the week due to the wet weather but we were able to get Saturday bowls in and also some of the Championship games.

Saturday’s social bowls saw another fantastic turnout of 30 players, with five games of triples played. The winners on the day were Ron Smythe, Margaret Chapman and Maurie Power who put on a fantastic performance to take the top spot.  Runners up were Karen Paige, Ray Wall and Col Essex.

The club is very busy with many Club Championship games this week.  On Thursday, a Ladies’ Championship Fours game was played. The winning team proved to strong scoring a good margin and taking them into the final. Winners were Donna Soper, Deslie Olsen, Beryl Cornford and Pam Power defeating Katharina Stuckler, Karen Page, Heather Jorgensen and Mary Poli.

The Men’s Championships A Singles continued Sunday, Maurie Power defeated Mario Milan in a fantastic game of draw bowling. Maurie now progresses to the next round.

The Women’s Championships B Singles continued during the week.  Lorraine Wolffe and Karen Shepherd had a great game with the lead changing constantly.  Unfortunately, the game had to be paused due to the rain.  The game was 22 -19 when stopped with play to continue later to provide a result.

The Ayr Bowling Club invites everyone to its Fun Friday Night Bowls event of the year on Friday 4th April, starting at 6 PM. This evening promises fun for bowlers of all levels, encouraging participants to bring friends or join solo to meet new people. The entry fee is $10 per game, which includes a sausage sizzle at 6 PM and a light supper after bowling begins at 7 PM.

Contributed by Ayr Bowling Club.

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The weekend saw two days of competitive and social bowls as teams from across the region gathered for a highly anticipated tournament. Players travelled from Townsville, Mackay, Airlie Beach, Giru, Brandon, and Proserpine to take part, with plenty of skill and camaraderie on display.

Among the competitors was Wayne Carroll, a veteran of the tournament who has been participating for an impressive 34 years. Now representing a Mackay team, Wayne first took part at the age of 36 and, still fit as a fiddle, hopes to continue competing for many years to come.

During the presentations, organisers made special mention of the Home Hill Bowls Club, noting it was heartening to see the club thriving and their bowlers supporting such major events once again. Both Home Hill teams bowled exceptionally well and did their club proud.

In the end, congratulations went to Steve Montin’s team, who claimed the tournament title after a strong performance over the two days. It was a fantastic weekend of bowls, with players already looking forward to next year’s event.

Contributed by Home Hill Bowls.

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The last round of the Home Hill Senior Cricket season saw the top two teams, the Rookies and Peto Marine, take to the field to decide the minor premiership.

Andrew Ballin (retired 53 runs not out) and Josiah Ballin (44 runs) led the way for the Peto Marine innings after being sent in to bat.  Brad Parravicini contributed 18 runs before being caught by the safe hands of Brock Gorey. Dan Olditch (3 wickets for 17 runs off 2.4 overs) and Salvatore Cardillo (2 wickets for 2 runs off 2 overs) did the most damage with the ball for the Rookies to have Petos all out for 173 runs.

The Rookies struggled to attain the required run rate as they chased the total.  Lee Watts (36 runs) and Dan Olditch (17 runs) top scored for the Rookies, but 2 wickets for 3 runs (3 overs) a piece to both Brad Parravicini and Josiah Ballin took care of the rest. Peto Marine took the win with the Rookies finishing the day 8/104.

The Senior Cricket season wraps up with the Grand Final and end of season presentations next Saturday 29 March.  The Rookies and Peto Marine we have a rematch in the final, with Alliance Pharmacy and Crowned Mongrels playing off for third place.  Details for the finals and presentations will be announced on the Home Hill Cricket Association facebook page.

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Although the weather in the Burdekin was pleasant on  Saturday, the scheduled match with Bowen had been called off on Thursday due to the state of  the field.
The Roosters will have their season launch this  coming Saturday night at the Queens Hotel the major sponsor of the league.

Fixtures in the R L T D are to start the following weekend with the Roosters  to host Norths from Townsville in four grades on Saturday April 5.
Apart from playing games, club members will be involved in other activities during the season.

The popular Ladies Day will be held on Saturday July 19 when the Roosters will host Brothers in four grades.

This  season will see the Old  Boys  celebrate two important milestones for the Club.
After being accepted into the T D R L as a club, the Burdekin had to wait till 2000 until it won its first A Grade premiership at the Sport Reserve.
The win that year was a milestone for the locals  as, even though they had played in a couple of Foley Shield finals  at the ground  they had never won an A grade trophy there.
Chris  Perry was appointed coach  of  the team with John Di Bella and Troy Kovacich as managers.

The club decided to import P N G International Andrew Norman  while the Cowboys allotted Kiwi fullback John Andrews from their Young  Guns programme.

On top of those players  a number of  others had returned home after playing in other centres .. Brad Parravicini from Wynnum Manly, Jason Barnett from Darwin, Tarin Braford from the Cowboys, and Terry Parison from Brothers.

The team also had two of the hardest men of  the time in North Queensland football in Charlie Cole and Damien Lynch  and one of the fastest wingers around in Damien Quinn who scored a record 29 tries for the club that season.

The hard working  lock Jeff Linton was also in the forwards with many considering Jeff as hard done by not receiving a Cowboys contract.

Steve Perrett was the trainer of the team and  he made many enemies during the season with the work he made the boys  go through.

That animosity turned to praise when the game ended in a draw and extra time had to be played .. the Roosters were fitter and it showed in that extra time over Brothers.

Come the day in September and hundreds of  local supporters made their way to the Sports Reserve to cheer on their favourite team .. 14 busses were filled with so many cars, it was said  the highway resembled the Gold Coast highway on the way home with so much traffic.
The players went by bus  and on arriving home to Rugby Park they were greeted by hundreds of supporters enjoying the hospitality of the Lifesavers.

A  couple of the players were surfed into the ground  by the crowd .. a la Alfie Langer style.

The team that day from 1 to 17 was ..... John Andrews, Damien Quinn, Tarin Bradford, Joel Bulgarelli, Terry Parison, Brad Parravicini, Josh Henaway, Jason Barnett, Deon Duell, Damien Lynch, Andrew Norman, Daniel Donovan, Jeff Linton .... Garth Taiters, Ross Olsen, Charlie Cole, Chris Hanlon.

Many of that team backed up in 2001 when the Club created another record... undefeated in A grade for the whole season.

2025 also marks ten years since the Club has won the A grade premiership in Townsville.
In another edition we shall relive the memories of  that occasion  as it is to be celebrated later this year.

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The grounds at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex dried enough for play last Friday. Aria and Corbett, along with Jai and Nahjiyah, each scored 19 runs for the Challengers. Nahjiyah and Olivia took two wickets each, while Harvey, Lincoln, Aria, Everly, Claire, and Corbett took one each. McDonald's Sports Awards went to Nahjiyah for his bowling and Everly for her all-round performance. In the "Blue Group," Jude excelled with 26 runs, six wickets, and a runout, earning one of the awards, along with Mason. In the "Gold" game, Marshall earned the McDonald's Sports Award for his all-round effort.

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Ready, set go, the wait is almost over. Race season is back, and the engines are ready to roar at Pioneer Park Speedway! Mark your calendars for Saturday, the 29th of March, and get trackside for an adrenaline-fueled night of high-speed action.

Formula 400s will be hitting the track for the first meeting of the year, promising edge-of-your-seat excitement. Whether you’re a die-hard speedway fan or looking for a thrilling night out, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Get your cars sorted, lock in the date, and join the action at Pioneer Park Speedway. For updates and more details, follow Pioneer Park Speedway on Facebook. See you trackside!

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When: Pioneer Park Speedway
Where: 30825 Bruce Hwy, Brandon
When: Saturday 29th March, 6pm to 10pm
More Information: Contact pioneerparkspeedway@gmail.com

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An action-packed night of Speedway action will race into Brandon's track this weekend! (Photo Supplied)

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A man of the match performance by former Papua New Guinea International front rower Aiden Arusa helped the Roosters record a 26 nil won over the Bowen Seagulls at Denison Park in Bowen last Saturday.

Arusa ,who has played four seasons  with the PN G Hunters in the Host plus Cup, showed his vast experience by leading the young Roosters  around the park in defence and attack last Saturday.

The match, which is played each year, honours the playing days of former Bowen and Burdekin player Lona Kaifoto who helped lead the Roosters to their last A grade premiership in the T D R l in 2015..

Roosters coach Steve Lansley said it was a good hit out for his  squad which was made up of mainly reserve grade players with a few A graders and under 20 players as well.
Lansley said the best part about the trial was we never let them score a point in the 26 nil win.

He said while Aiden was a standout he wasnt far ahead of a number of players including new signing Jesse Yallop who ran at five eight.

Yallop is normally a winger and is one of the fastest men in the competition but he showed he is quite at home in the halves as well.

Yallop and Luca Lago combined well in the halves feeding the outside men where centre Terry Connors  scored two tries and winger Nemia Nawave one.

Dylan Doak played at hooker and his service from dummy half proved valuable .. Dylan also kicked three from five with the boot.

Caleb Noah in the centres proved to be a hard  man to stop with John  Zaro one of the better forwards.

Both teams used unlimited interchange with the Roosters running 20 players and Bowen 25.
Both clubs will meet again on Saturday March 22 at Rugby Park in both A grade and under 20.
This will give patrons the chance to inspect the new two million dollar dressing shed complex, enjoy the new lighting system and goal posts.

There will be a new entrance to the grounds with toilets included in the new complex or as they now stand.

The old dressing sheds, which have been there for close on 70 years, are to be demolished.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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The Ayr Bowling Club has enjoyed a fantastic week, with members coming together for a series of competitive and social matches under cooler playing conditions. The energy on the greens has been great, as the club continues to foster a strong sense of enthusiasm towards the great game of lawn bowls. With the momentum showing no signs of slowing, members are eagerly anticipating another month of great matches and good times ahead especially with the weather cooling.

Ladies’ Social bowls on Tuesday saw two games of triples, winners were Karen Shepherd, Betty Schultz and Sandra Stidston def. Merle Smith, Karen Page and Irene Wilson. Runners up were Linda Giumelli, Rayleen Hervey and Beryl Cornford def. Katharina Stuckler, Merle Nixon and Pam Power.

Wednesday’s Men’s Bowls saw great participation, with two games of triples and a rinks game. The successful team on the day was Dino Poli, Joe Grabbi and Chris Olditch who delivered a strong performance to claim the win over Wixi, John Pirrone and Barry Shepherd. The Wednesday Jackpot went off and was won by Ron Smythe, George Nixon and Ron Soper congratulations.

Wednesday night bowls saw two games of triples played. The winners of game 1 were Margaret McLaughlin, John Cesconetto and Sam Caltabiano. Winners of game 2 were Tricia Achille, Rob Jorgensen and Heather Jorgensen. Wednesday night social mixed bowls welcomes all newcomers – it’s a great night to learn the game.

Saturday’s social bowls was fantastic, with three games of triples and a pairs game played. The winners on the day were Cisco, R Wall and Chris Olditch who put on a fantastic performance to take the top spot. Cisco, Ray Wall and Chris Olditch took home the Saturday jackpot congratulations on the win.

The Men’s Championships A Singles continued Sunday, Joe Grabbi defeated Rob Garner 26-20 in a see sawing game. Joe now progresses to the next round.

The Women’s Championships A Singles continued during the week. On Thursday Dot cutting defeated Beryl Cornford. While, on Sunday, Deslie Olsen defeated Lorraine Wolffe 25 – 18 with the lead changing constantly.

Club Championships for Mixed Pairs, Men’s A pairs and Men’s B pairs is now open for nominations at the Clubhouse. Please get your name in the book as nominations are closing 30th of March.

The Ayr Bowling Club invites everyone to its final Fun Friday Night Bowls event of the year on Friday 4th April, starting at 6 PM. This evening promises fun for bowlers of all levels, encouraging participants to bring friends or join solo to meet new people. The entry fee is $10 per game, which includes a sausage sizzle at 6 PM and a light supper after bowling begins at 7 PM.

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Saturday Bowls Winners

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The Home Hill Cricket Association’s 2024/25 Junior Cricket season is approaching its final stages, with the last Friday games and presentations at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex just two weeks away. Players have shown significant improvement throughout the season, much to the satisfaction of coaches.

In the Challengers division, Nate and Jack formed a strong partnership, contributing 21 runs, while Aria and Olivia added 14 runs, both pairs remaining not out. Bowlers Jai and Harvey led the attack, taking three wickets each, while Lincoln and Zoe secured two apiece. Claire, Olivia, Aria, Corbett, and Nicholas each claimed a wicket. Jack was awarded the MacDonald Sports Award for outstanding batting, while Zoe received recognition for her exceptional bowling and field awareness.

The Blue Group faced challenging conditions, with no player reaching double figures. Kye recorded the highest score with nine runs. Strong bowling and fielding efforts resulted in five runouts and four clean-bowled dismissals. Jacob impressed with figures of 2 for 8, while Kip, Mason, Billy, Steve, Jake, and Stirling each took a wicket. Stirling delivered a wicket maiden, and Jake secured two runouts. Jacob and Jake were presented with MacDonald Sports Awards for their contributions.

In the Gold Group, runs were also difficult to come by. Alex remained unbeaten on 11, with Oscar scoring nine not out. All wickets fell to clean-bowled deliveries, with Mark, Xavier, and Ben among the key bowlers.

With just two weeks remaining, excitement is building for the season’s final matches and presentations.

Contributed with thanks to Home Hill Junior Cricket Club.

Zoe and Jack
Jake and Jacob