Caitlin Kross has been celebrated for her refereeing excellence after returning from Basketball Queensland’s State Referee Program’s (SRP) Camp on Monday 17 June.

Caitlin was prestigiously selected for the six-week program after refereeing at the U16 States Competition in April and has since been selected as 1 of 4 referees to represent Queensland at the School Sport Australia Nationals in July later this year.

Caitlin made the decision to progress into the referring sphere four years ago following a lack of opportunities to compete in rep basketball championships within her age group.

“Referring is a lot faster; the games are a lot more interesting, and it’s a different aspect not many people consider taking up,” explained Caitlin.

Continuing to play for the Burdekin Wildcats whilst pursuing refereeing, Caitlin has persevered to reach new heights.

“It’s taken a long time to get to this stage, and you receive feedback and education when you go away for carnivals, but overall, it’s taken a lot of work to get to this point,” said Caitlin.

Over the six weeks, Caitlin underwent numerous online meetings covering a range of educational topics, including breaking down real game footage to explore and analyse various aspects. In conclusion of the program, Caitlin attended the SRP’s in-person camp in Brisbane from 14 – 16 June. The weekend hosted classroom sessions as hosted by NBL referees, along with the opportunities to sit in on NBL1 games, along with NBL1 pregame preparations and postgame wrap-ups.

Caitlin’s parents are beyond proud of their daughter’s achievements and are overjoyed with how far Caitlin has come in achieving her goals.

“Over the past year, she set herself a goal, that has required travelling many thousands of kilometres around the state, juggling senior study, work, as well as study and development as a Referee, and her determination and persistence are now paying off,” explained Caitlin’s mother, Helen Kross.

“Refereeing in any sport these days whether recreational or professional is extremely challenging due to continual scrutiny, so watching her development and growth in confidence over the past few years has been a pleasure.”

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The Mooney Cup ignited the Burdekin Football Club from 3 pm on Saturday, June 15, delivering extraordinary results and plenty of good times across the board.
continued on page 43

Anna and Brandon Mooney
Players with Anna and Brandon Mooney

The Memories Continue
continued from back page
The Mooney Cup, an annual event in honour of ex-player Michael Mooney, who sadly lost his battle with brain cancer in 2019, brought International Park to life. Both players and onlookers gathered as the U23 Men and FQPL Ladies and Men showcased their skills in a jam-packed two days of exhilarating matches. Crowds eagerly enjoyed the action of the infamous Blue Balls and Rainbows Charity Match.
Played in great spirit, The Mooney Cup saw some friendly banter on Saturday night under perfect conditions. Rainbows took an early lead in the first half with a great goal from Chilli, boosting the team's morale as they enjoyed halftime beers in memory of Michael Mooney. The second half started slowly, with fatigue setting in.
About 15 minutes into the second half, a left-foot screamer from Puchy tied the game, leading to sudden-death shootouts at the end. Unfortunately, Rainbows succumbed to pressure when Weeksy missed his shot, handing the cup back to the Blue Balls.
The idea for The Mooney Cup originated after a Masters comp grand final night in 2016, where Hally jokingly remarked to Moon that even if he combined all three teams in the competition, they still couldn't beat the might of the Blue Balls. Combining three team colours led to the name Rainbows. Moon agreed to the concept on the condition that the event would raise funds for the Cairns bike ride for children's cancer, a cause he passionately supported. After Moon's diagnosis and passing, the event evolved into an actual cup and presentation in his honour, continuing the legacy of a great man and his dedication to fundraising for cancer research.
“All cancer is cruel, but if we can make a difference, hopefully one day it will be gone," said one of the organizers.
A heartfelt shout-out was extended to all the organizers, officials, bike riders, and the Mooney family. Good luck was wished to all riders participating in the challenging Cairns bike ride.

Contributed with thanks to Russell Hall.

Players of both teams with Anna and Brandon Mooney

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With a frosty start to the day turning into a beautifully warm morning, the Ayr Golf Course was filled with dedicated junior golfers ready to take out a win.

The 9-hole gross winner of the day was Oscar with a score of 44, along with the day’s nett winner, Riley with a nett score of 29.

The 6-hole victor was Jett with a gross score of 47, on a count back from Kyle, also with a great score of 47. The nett winner was Ivy with a nett score of 17.

The 3-hole gross winner with Heath, with a score of 21, and the nett winner being Hudson, with a nett score of 5.

The Ayr Golf Course congratulates all its players, and thanks Tracpower for kindly sponsoring the competition for the week, and for the great prizes.

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Local
Last weekend the Burdekin Panthers had three home games against Riverway JCU on Saturday, winning all of them. The Premiers won 2-1, the Under 23s won 2-0 and the Women Premiers won 2-1. The Division 1 team had a bye.

This week the Panthers have four games starting with the Ladies away to Warriors on Wednesday night. The Funkies are at home to Rebels on Friday night and the Premiers and Under 23s are away to Rebels on Saturday.

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers were looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss last week. On top of this, James Cook University (JCU) were only one point behind Burdekin in 4th place. The Panthers started the game focussing on possession but couldn't turn it into goals. JCU looked to catch Burdekin on the counter when right on the stroke of halftime JCU scored one of the better goals you'll see with a first-time volley from outside the 18-yard box. The Panthers came out in the second half determined to get on level terms and within two minutes of the restart Elliot Dal Santo fired in a low, curling cross which the keeper fumbled, and Jay Leckenby pounced on the loose ball to score. The Panthers were now right in the game and Ryan Scodellaro forced a great save from the goalkeeper. With ten minutes to go, JCU couldn't clear the ball from their penalty area and Jay Leckenby scored his second goal to make it 2-1 and the Panthers survived a nervy final minute to hold on for a much-needed win.  

The Burdekin Tyre Service Under 23s had a good team on paper for this home game and were able to follow through with a well-earned win to match the pre-game potential. The Panthers dominated the first half creating enough goal chances to be confident, but for the most part these chances were spurned. It wasn’t until the 36th minute, and again in the 43rd, that Adam Mottin scored what proved to be the match winning goals. In the second half the Panthers were less dominant but were in the box seat and their goal was rarely threatened. It was an important win that hopefully will be the catalyst for a good run into the final third of the season.

The Ayr Anzac Club Ladies started strongly against JCU, and after a string of passes Sienna Lago scored the perfect first goal for the Burdekin side. The Ladies defensive and attacking pressure continued and the Panthers midfield of Charlotte Dal Santo, Charley Ruskin and Kya Quagliata blended together well. The Panthers second goal from a Charley Ruskin corner was scored by Kyla Steiner for a 2-0 lead at half time. After the break JCU attacked ceaselessly but the Panthers defence worked tirelessly to defend their two-goal lead. An unfortunate scramble in the goal box saw JCU score to add pressure to the Burdekin side. The Panthers had countless opportunities to score but unfortunately could not find the back of the net! The 2-1 win was the Ladies first win of the season.

The Under 13 Panthers had a big weekend with a double round leading into the school holiday break. On Saturday they played top of the table Donohue's Warriors, going down 5-0 at Paradise Park. This was a huge improvement on their last match up, with the young Panthers building their plays and showing resilience against the tough competition. Rohan Kelly stepped into a sweeper role and was willing to get his hands dirty to clean up the Warriors attack. Jacob Menso was under pressure in goal but was up to the task.

On Sunday the Panthers were at home against Brothers Blues and came away with a very hard fought 1-0 win. After a good passage of play Tannar Cole scored from a Lincoln Innes pass giving the Panthers a boost of energy to get them through to half time. The Panthers came out in the second half and stood solid in defence until the final whistle. Sam Heatley and William Shears were a standout in defence with Hayden Zandonadi and Tannar Cole also having good games. A well-deserved win and a much needed break for the U13 Panthers.

Juniors
The final round of games before the school holiday break, were played last Saturday with teams from Rebels, Saints, Warriors and JCU Riverway coming down from Townsville to play. We will see everyone back either 13th or 20th of July, stayed tuned to Facebook and emails.

The Burdekin Annual Carnival will be held on Sunday 14th July, so please send in your club team nominations.  If your club team is not able to get together a team and the kids want to play, teams can be combined then.

National and International
In the Asian World Cup Qualifiers, the Socceroos played Palestine in Perth last Tuesday, winning 5-0 and qualifying for the next phase of the Asian World Cup qualifiers.
The Matildas will soon be in France for the Paris Olympics. Their first match will be against Germany on 25th July in Marseille. In other news Sam Kerr has signed up for another two years at Chelsea.
Euro 2024 has kicked off and in the first game Germany thumped Scotland 5-1. There are twenty-four countries competing in six Groups of four with the top two teams in each group, and the four best third placed teams going through to the knockout phase of sixteen teams.

This week’s quote is from Manchester Utd and England Star Bobby Charlton. “It was a fair decision, the penalty, even though it was debatable whether it was inside or outside the box.”

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Putting up a good fight but sadly falling short, the Hens unfortunately took a loss to Western Lions 28 – 16.

The girls sent the ball wide, making exceptional ground with the “speedsters” of the team taking over, however, the Lions outscored the locals by two tries with all of their five tries scored from running up the centre, close to the line.

The Hens did have some setbacks, with star forward Abby King underperforming due to carrying an injury, along with losing Toni Daisy and Margie O’Rourke to injuries.

Before taking to the sidelines, Toni scored a celebrated try early on, and Margie has been commended for being one of the better forwards in recent games.

Tegan Johnson was awarded Players Player due to her outstanding defence out wide, and for diffusing several bombs. Toni, Martina, and Stephanie were also celebrated for scoring tries, along with Logan Roncarto kicking two goals.

In other ladies’ matches, Centrals dominated Brothers 38 – 6 with Charters Towers, Herbert River and Norths all having byes.

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A rollercoaster of emotions was felt by Reserves Coach, Chris Perry as he watched his boy’s 18 nil lead slip away to Western Lions, dominating 36 – 28. 
 
With key players, Zac Campbell and Jared Thorley sidelined with injuries, and a couple of players progressing up to A Grade, Chris believes the reason for the drop off was due to other variables.  

“We seem to go to sleep at times when in front instead of putting the foot down, and putting them away,” said Chris.

Players Player was awarded to Alex Lennox after his perseverance and determination shone through for 80 minutes on the field, with congratulations given for the big efforts displayed as a front rower.

Recognition was also awarded to Sem Ton and Jermaine Mclvor, turning back the clock and holding integral roles up front with Jermaine scoring two tries.

Chris believes the boys must maintain focus to produce better results in the future with other teams aiming for the Roosters’ spot on the ladder.

Throughout the game, tries were scored by Jermaine Mclvor (2), Brody Horan, Braithen Heron, Dominic Arrate, Jayden Sgarbossa, and Dylan Doak 6 from 6 goals.

In other reserve matches; Centrals defeated Brothers 28 – 18, Bowen just won against Charters Towers 13 – 12, and Souths destroyed Herbert River 36 – 8 with Norths having a bye.

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Last Saturday saw a jampacked night at Ayr’s Rugby Park with Townsville’s Western Lions A Grade dominating the Burdekin’s Roosters 26 to nil.

The Roosters set out on the field at a disadvantage, missing their two Cowboy stars, and Blackhawk allocations from the team, and fielding a team containing six 18-year-olds against a team with years of experience was unfortunately no match for the much-loved local boys. A lop-sided penalty count against the locals further contributed to the unfortunate outcome.

Rooster Coach, Steve Lansley assessed the game, believing the penalty calls halted the overall progression of the game.

“On the other hand, I thought our defence was great considering the amount we had to do, especially on our own line – the boys really stood up,” said Lansley.

Hayden Lammon was voted Players Player, with kudos awarded for his continued efforts throughout the night, and recognition was given to Colby Thonson and Nemia Nawave’s overall efforts.

“With all things considered, I was proud of their efforts, especially in defence,” added Lansley.

Subsequent A-Grade games of the evening produced nail-biting results. Brothers dominated Centrals 34 – 10, Souths trumped Herbert River in a top-of-the-table clash 30 – 22, and both Charters Towers, and Norths had byes.

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This Saturday, 22 June, Rugby Park will host only two matches with Souths set to pay a visit to the Burdekin Roosters.

A Grade
A mismatched lineup is on the cards, with Souths missing a lady’s team, and the Burdekin Roosters missing an U20s team to play, however, Souths will field their top of the leader board Reserve and A Grade teams, making for an unmissable couple of games.

Souths will aim to hold their lead and continue their undefeated streak which has held up over the entirety of the season, with only a slight blemish on their record having drawn against the Western Lions.

Having already faced the Burdekin Roosters twice this year, once in Townsville and once at Rugby Park, Souths have shown resilience, often overtaking the Roosters after trailing in the first half.

Shaun Nona, former NRL player for the Dragons and an exceptional goal kicker, adds an advantage for Souths with his accuracy. Meanwhile, the Roosters rely heavily on their allocated players from the Cowboys and Blackhawks, as their younger players give their all in their absence.

Coach Steve Lansley has been integrating young talent, although they face challenges against teams like Western Lions and Herbert River due to inexperience.

Reserves

Chris Perry, the Reserves coach, anticipates welcoming back a few players this week but will be without Zac Campbell, and Jared Thorley due to injuries, and Alex Lennox due to work commitments.

Souths have lost only once this season, against the Burdekin Roosters in Townsville, and currently hold 18 points with 8 wins, 1 loss, and 1 bye, scoring 306 points with 112 against them.

The Roosters are in second place with 6 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses, and 1 bye, scoring 280 points with 168 against.

In other fixtures this weekend: Herbert River will host Charters Towers, Norths will play at home against Brothers, and Western Lions will face Centrals. In the reserve grade, Norths will play Bowen, while Brothers have a bye.

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The Ayr Bowling Club’s week began with Social Ladies’ Tuesday on 11 June; an enjoyable afternoon with great attendance.

Meryl Smith, Merle Nixon, Ruth Moore and Irene Wilson took home a win, defeating Karen Shepherd, Katharina Stuckler, Linda Guimelli, and Betty Schultz. Also celebrating victory was Lyn Storrie, Isabel Cislowski, Raylene Hervy and Dot Cutting after defeating Margaret Linton, Donna Soper, Beryl Cornford, and Pam Power.

On Wednesday 12 June, the afternoon’s competition was overflowing with the spirit of friendship and entailed three games of Triples and one of Rinks. J. Murray, G. Braid, R. Soper took out first place with Runners Up P. Marsden, B. Young, and C. Berkery trailing behind.

Wednesday evening hosted an exceptional night of social bowls with Rob Jorgensen and Gary Pearce leaving victorious, and Evelyn Wiltshire, David Burt, and Robin McAllister as the Runners Up.

On Thursday 13 June, the Ladies’ Competition saw Open Paris Beryl Cornford and Pam Power defeat Ruth More and Deslie Olsen. On Thursday 27 June, Ruth Moore and Deslie Olsen will go head to head against Joy Comollatti and Irene Wilson.

Saturday 15 June saw the rink packed with players, with plenty of travellers stopping in for a visit.

“It was wonderful to have them come and have a roll with us,” expressed the Ayr Bowling Club.

There were six games of Triples and one of Rinks, with K. Stuckler, L. Giumelli and Wixi coming out victorious and John, Judy, George and Jo as the Runners Up.  

Sunday 16 June saw a handful of close championship games with the Championship Singes Final held between M. Power and M. Milan, with M. Power crowned the A Grade Singles Champion. The B Grade Singles saw J. Hall defeat B. Hewson, and J. Grabbi defeat J. Pirrone.

For anyone interested in coming along to try lawn bowls, the Ayr Bowling Club stands as a hub for lawn bowls enthusiasts and offers a friendly, and social environment for players of all skill levels.

Whether you’re a seasoned bowers or a beginner looking to try your hand at lawn bowls, the Ayr Bowling Club is a great place to connect with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy the sport.

What: Ayr Bowling Club
When: Weekly
Where: 101 Young Street Ayr
More Information: (07) 4783 1336 or visit the Ayr Bowling Club’s Facebook Page

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On Friday 14 June, the Ayr Golf Club held Captains Day 2024, hosting 27 nominations of ladies to participate in Captain Sandra’s Day.

With a few hitches along the way, the day was an overall enjoyable experience with a 50m approach shot after the stableford competition exceeding the ladies line up in their respective grades on hole 18, seeing who could get nearest the pin with 1 shot.

“This turned out to be quite the spectacle and could be something we might do a few times a year,” shared the Ayr Golf Course.

Donna Reid was victorious in the stableford competition with an impressive 40 points to her name, closely followed by Mavis Zanetti with 38 points. The NTP on number 17 was awarded to Vicki Adcock, and approach shot on 14 was awarded to Donna Boccollatte. The 50m shots on 18 was awarded to C Grade Donna Reid, B Grade Betty Durrant, and A Grade Wendy Baker.

The club congratulated everyone involved, and thanks everyone for their patience throughout the afternoon.

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Contributed with thanks to Ayr Golf Club

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The Burdekin Clay Target Club held a jampacked weekend starting on Saturday 8 June which saw 42 shooters take part in the 100 Target Handicap Event as sponsored by JBS Foods Australia.

The competition day provided perfect weather and exceptional scores across the board, along with some celebratory results throughout the competition.

On Sunday 9 June, 35 competitors garnered outstanding results once again for another spectacular day, with the club’s Andrew Bergin sponsoring the Double Rise.

Preparations are underway for the club’s next night shoot on Saturday 13 July, and day shoot on Sunday 14 July.
 
The 100 Target Handicap Event results are as follows;
 
Day 1
Event 1- 100 Target Double Barrel JBS Foods Australia Handicap-Round 1
OPEN 1st Ray Collinson, Alan Lord, Tony Coco & Bill Gall 24/25
 
Event 2- 100 Target Double Barrel JBS Foods Australia Handicap-Round 2
Open 1st Isaac Sebastiani, Gregory Calder, Brontie Rea, Alan Lord, Ian Kriesel & Tony Carsuo 24/25
 
Event 3- 100 Target Double Barrel JBS Foods Australia Handicap-Round 3
OPEN 1st Gregory Calder 25/25
2nd Bruce McBow, Col Edgerton, Mark Simpson & Ian Kriesel 24/25
 
Event 4- 100 Target Double Barrel JBS Foods Australia Handicap-Round 4
OPEN 1st Bruce McBow & Col Edgerton 25/25
3rd Mark Tomarchio, Isaac Sebastiani, Glenn Mchenry & Glen Rea 24/25
 
JBS Foods Australia 100 Target Double Barrel
OPEN 1ST Ian Kriesel 94/100
2nd Gregory Calder 93/100
3rd Glen Mchenry, Alan Lord & Col Edgerton 92/100
 
Day2
Event 1-30Target Medley 15m
AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso, Aaron Lemphers & Rob Hunter 50/50
A Grade 1st Gian Vassalini & Annette Vassalini 48/50
B Grade 1st Ian Kriesel 48/50, 2nd John Kinnimonth & John Cerqui 46/50
C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno & Tim Ewens 45/50, 3rd Gregory Calder 44/50
 
Event 2-25 Target Single Barrel 15m
AA Grade 1st Lindsay Groat 32/34
A Grade 1st Ron Clive 24/25
B Grade 1st Sylvia Rossato 24/25
C Grade 1st Tim Ewens 23/25
 
Event 3-20 Target Pointscore 15m
AA Grade 1st Aaron Lemphers 78/78
A Grade 1st Gian Vassalini 59/60
B Grade 1st John Kinnimonth 60/60
C Grade 1st Gregory Calder 59/63
 
Event 4-25 Pair Burdekin Double Rise Championship
OPEN 1st Linsday Groat 48/50
AA Grade 1st Aaron Lemphers 47/50
A Grade 1st Lindsay Groat 48/50
B Grade 1st Greg Maltby 41/50
C Grade 1st Tim Ewens 51/70

Pictured are the Burdekin Clay Targets Club 100 Target Handicap Event winners from Saturday.

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Event-100 Target Double Barrel Handicap JBS Foods Australia
3rd  Place Winners for the day
JBS Foods Australia Representative Aaron Adcock, Glenn Mchenry, Alan Lord & Col Edgerton
 

Event-100 Target Double Barrel Handicap JBS Foods Australia
2nd Place Winner for the day
Gregory Calder & JBS Foods Australia Representative Aaron Adcock
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Event-100 Target Double Barrel Handicap JBS Foods Australia
Open Winner for the day
Ian Kriesel & JBS Foods Australia Representative Aaron Adcock

Sunday Winners

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Event 2-25 Target Single Barrel 15m
Lindsay Groat, Ron Clive, Sylvia Rossato & Tim Ewens
 

Event 3-20 Target Pointscore 15m
Aaron Lemphers, Gian Vassalini, John Kinnimonth & Gregory Calder
 

Lindsay Groat, Aaon Lemphers, Greg Maltby & Tim Ewens 
 

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The Brandon Bowls Club held a celebratory trophy evening proudly sponsored by BQC Quarry. The night fosters fantastic numbers once again, and the club thanks everyone who attended the wonderful event.

The club thanks Garry Pearce for his preparations to organise teams to head out onto the green. Appreciation and thanks was also expressed to Heather Jorgenson and her group of ladies in the kitchen, for preparing delicious smoko for the everyone to enjoy at the evenings conclusion, along with Peter Jorgenson’s tireless commitment to providing everyone with refreshments behind the bar. Leny Feeney’s spectacular sausage sizzling was also thanked by the club.

Congratulations to the winners of the evening; Dave Bycroft, Kim Harding, Margaret McLaughlin, and Ross McLaughlin.

Congratulations to the Runners Up L. Wilson, E. Florreduz, R. Brown, and N. Storrie.

Lastly, congratulations to the 3rd placeholders, J. Zanella, T. Battalgra, and R. Pancho.

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Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

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Thursday winners were Wayne and visitor Jean from Weston Creek bowls club ACT. Dino Poli won the lucky jackpot ball $29 in his pocket.

The meat tray raffle was won by another visitor Mal Gunner from the Tuggeranon Vikings bowls club also in the ACT.

Thanks to our Sponsor once again  Ferguson Plumbing. 30 players including 8 visitors turned up to play on a perfect NQLD Winter afternoon. 4 games of triples and a game of pairs. RINK 2. Jean (visitor) and Wayne were too strong for Ray M and Gary to the tune of 24 to 10. Rink 3. Paul, Dino and Trevor outlasted Margaret, Richard and Glen 12 to 11. RINK 4. Mick M, P. Sava and Henry got up over A. Cosier, Yogi and M. Gunner 18 to 13. RINK 5. Con, Alex and Mick McClosky had a good win over Stephen, Bob and Jeff 22 to 12. RINK 6. Karl/Jimmy, John and Hugh prevailed over Margaret L, Stephen D and Joe L 22 to 14.

The club has a working bee on Monday morning and morning tea as well. Monday morning fitness is still going. Tuesday Trimmers is the go. Wednesday Kraft group is going well.  Wednesday barefoot bowls is getting a good roll up with a sausage sizzle or similar at around 6pm. Thursday morning BINGO is a big hit and always well attended. Thursday social bowls is attracting a good crowd and don't our new shirts look great!? Until next week Good Bowling.  

Contributed by Stephen Doig.

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The Burdekin Touch Fields are in for a busy night overflowing with nail-biting games when the Burdekin Touch Association hosts the season Grand Final from 6pm on Friday 21 June.

The community is invited to come along to witness six men’s divisions, and two lady’s divisions put it on the field for what will make a lively, and entertaining Friday night of touch football for both families and friends to enjoy. The canteen will be serving up food and drinks throughout the evening, and fields are expected to produce many memorable moments while the top teams of the season go head-to-head in deciding games to determine the victors for 2024.

Over the season, both the women’s and men’s competitions have been very close games, and many teams have undergone additional training, improving immensely over the period. Onlookers are advised to bring their popcorn to watch the A Grade teams, with some stand-out players to keep an eye on in the mix.

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From the 7 to the 8 May, the Ayr High Hawks basketball team put it on the court for the Molten Championship Basketball School of Queensland – Townsville Regional Tournament (CBSQ). The competition, making its Townsville debut, encompassed 26 schools from Cairns to Mt Isa for a two-day jampacked event.

The U19 boys played in Division 2 of CBSQ and showcased exceptional team spirit throughout each game, providing mixed results to conclude the event. The 2024 team included a range of skills, with some having played basketball for years, and others lacing up for the very first time, however, despite differences in experience levels, the boys gave 100%, having plenty of fun and laughs both on and off the court.

Dominating Division 1 was the U19 girls team, producing outstanding results over the course of the tournament. Bringing home gold, the girls celebrated their huge achievement accordingly after coming out on top, with only a 1-point loss to Kirwan overall. The team’s manager, Heather Scott, was over the moon with the girl’s technique and teamwork throughout CBSQ, even when faced with tough opponents.

“The girls are extremely talented and it’s incredible to watch them play with the skill level they possess,” explained Heather.

Both the U19 boys and U19 girls teams were under the exceptional guidance of experienced coaches, Belinda Tinus and John Bonanno, who dedicated their time over the tournament and in the lead up to the event to ensure both teams were set for success.

Manager, Heather Scott, and event organizer, Courtney Carrigan, thank all those involved for what was an amazing two-days of teamwork, sportsmanship, skill, and fun.

“Thank you to Basketball Queensland for bringing this event to Townsville and giving all schools in the region this great opportunity a little closer to home,” said Heather.

“Also, to all staff, coaches, managers, referees including Caitlin Kross who helped with referring games when she wasn’t playing, parents, and players from all schools for an enjoyable two-days.”

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