Local
Last weekend the Burdekin Panthers had three games, losing all of them. On Friday the Division 1 met Brothers in Townsville and lost 0-7. On Saturday the Premiers, Under 23s were away to Saints Eagles Souths. The Premiers lost 0-2, the Under 23s lost 0-2 and the Women Premiers had a bye.

This weekend the Funkies are away to Brothers in Townsville on Friday night and the Premiers, Under 23s and Ladies are at home to JCU Riverway.

The Annual Mooney Cup Charity Match will take place this Saturday at 5.00. Please come along and cheer on the “Oldies” as they raise money for Children’s Cancer. Rainbows won the Match last year and so Blue Balls will be determined to win this year.

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers started the game on fire against Saints Eagles Souths with a couple of early chances falling to Matthew Kolb and Jay Leckenby, but they couldn’t convert. The Panthers then had a goal ruled out for offside shortly afterwards. The Panthers continued to find ways in behind the Saints’ defence, but the Saints held firm. Things were much the same in the second half until midway through, when, after a lightning quick counterattack, Saints scored to take the lead. A few minutes later Matthew Kolb found himself one on one with the keeper; but after rounding the keeper, the keeper made a good recovery to take the ball. From the goal kick Saints scored again making it 2-0 which is how the game finished. 

The Burdekin Tyre Service Under 23s travelled to Saints with some confidence but with another changed squad due to injury and unavailable players but still a capable side on paper. The first half was a familiar story. The Panthers played good football and created several chances but could not take the lead that was deserved. The second half was a different story, and the Panthers were not as dominant. Saints scored two goals from Burdekin’s poor ball control and lack of defensive effort and the result was sealed with Saints winning 2-0. 

The Austral Masonry Funkies travelled to Townsville to play Brothers on Friday night. A small squad of twelve was put together due to a number of players being unavailable. This combined with the fact that Brothers were at the top of the table meant Burdekin expected a tough night. Once the game started Brothers wasted no time in opening the scoring with three goals in the first twelve minutes. Burdekin then managed to get into the game and were able to fashion a couple of chances but couldn’t make the final pass stick. Brothers scored another goal in the 33rd minute to take the half time score to 4-0. The second half started much like the first with Brothers quickly adding three more goals. After the initial onslaught the Funkies once again worked their way into the game and had some attacking moments but couldn’t trouble the scorer. The final score was 7-0 to Brothers. Burdekin have a bye next week before a home game against Rebels. 

The Under 13 Panthers went down 4-3 to Brothers White at Paradise Park on Saturday. Brothers struck early scoring in the first minute, but Lincoln Innes hit an equaliser straight away. Brothers scored again and then an own goal had the Panthers on the back foot. Brady Wilshire scored for the Panthers and at half time the Panthers were behind 2-3.

In the second half a lot of effort was put in by the Panthers but unfortunately Brothers scored again. Through some quick thinking and an awesome throw in, Lincoln Innis slotted his second goal right on full time. The Panthers played with no subs, fought hard and supported each other right to the final whistle.  Emma Jones brought intensity to the back line, Annan Power brought grit and determination to the attack and William Shears stepped up to the captaincy role and lead by example.  The effort of everyone on the pitch was commendable

The Under 14/15 Panthers played v MAO Blue and after a shaky first half outplayed their opponents to win 2-0. The Panthers knocked the ball around well in a good win. With good goals from Brayden Card and Caleb Formilan.

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On Thursday 6 June, the Home Hill Bowls Club was packed with a huge attendance of 32 players ready to have a go at social bowls.

The day saw Tony Caruso, Stephen Doig, and Wayne Newton as the celebrated winners, Mick Olsen fortunately winning the meat tray raffle, and Stephen Doig scoring $125 after picking the correct jackpot lucky ball!

All 32 players gave it their all over 5 games of triples, and the results are as follows:

Rink 3: John and Henry outclassed Yogi, P. Saur, and J. Taylor 20 – 12.

Rink 4: Karl / Jimmy, Terry and Alan J. cleaned up against Judy, Bob / Mick O. and Hugh 20 – 11.

Rink 5: Helen, Helen B., and Mick M. won a close one over Ray, Joe and Glen (Bones), 15 – 14.

Rink 6: Ray, Richard and Barry dominated over Helina, Dino, and Gary 27 – 9.

Rink 7: Tony, Stephen and Wayne dominated Dave (Curly), Alex and Trevor, 27 – 15.

The club wishes to remind everybody of their upcoming schedule of Monday morning fitness, Tuesday Trimmers, and Wednesday morning KRAFT group, and the ever popular, Wednesday night barefoot bowls. Welcoming in the cool weather, the club’s Thursday morning BINGO has become a sensation, along with afternoon bowls amongst both the community and with travelers.

The Home Hill Bowls Club thanks Ferguson Plumbing for sponsoring the day.

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On the weekend from the 1 to the 2 of June, eight of the Burdekin region’s best bowls players travelled to Townsville to play in the Pennants Bowls Competition against seven other dedicated clubs.

After a 10 years hiatus from the pennants scene, the club took out fifth place in the competition out of the eight teams.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

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With picture-perfect weather, 15 teams of avid pickleballers made their way onto the Home Hill Tennis Courts to compete for the 1st Annual Cane Country Cup. With teams visiting from Cardwell, Townsville, Bowen and the Whitsundays, the matches were both competitive and social at the same time.

Team winners were spread across the north. In the Competitive section the Airlie Norfolk and Chance 231 points took out 1st place by a mere 2 points, followed by Legendary Lobbers from Townsville on 229 points and Blown the Away from Bowen on 228 points. In the Social section, the Cardwell Crocs were the winners with 220, followed by Rocky Ponds Pickled Stars with 202 points and the Fruit Loops Home Hill took out 3rd place with 162. The Pickled Stars defeated the Cardwell Crocs 50 – 40 early in the round-robin event, but couldn’t hang onto their lead. David Catanzaro from the Home Hill and Ayr Community Bendigo Bank was on hand to hand out the prizes, congratulating the club on their progressiveness in bringing pickleball to the district.

“In a Pickle” Home Hill was voted best team name, while the Fruit Loops also from Home Hill received the prize for the best dressed team, wearing a necklace of fruit loops around their necks.

As many pickleballers are new to the sport it was exciting to see the enthusiasm for the sport, with lots of laughs coming from the competitors. Home Hill members put on a fantastic spread of food which will no doubt be remembered long after all the bad shots are forgotten. A big shout out to all the sponsors, donors and especially the volunteers who helped make this event happen. Organizer Kate Casswell said she couldn’t have been happier with the day, reporting many of players expressing their plans to return to the court next year.

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Home Hill's Cane Crushers
Back Daniel Walsh, Ben Barbagallo, Ryan Schwab
Front  Hannah Casswell, Debbie Barbagallo, Heather DesBois

winners Home Hill Stockfeeds hats

Daniel and Carly with Home Hill Winery wine tasting at lunch

Pickleball action on court

David Catanzaro Bendigo Community Bank representative with Cardwell Crocs winners Social Section Robyn and Darry Archer, Helen Johnson, Terri Hanlon, Stan Keats, Deb Clancey

David Catanzaro BendigoCommunity Bank representative with Airlie Norfolk and Chance winnersCompetitive Section Peter Hughes, Trevor Gregory, Robyn Murray,Kazuko Collins

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From Thursday the 23 May to Sunday the 26 May, the Burdekin’s very own Ayr High Northern players representing North Queensland in the under 19’s Basketball State Championships in Townsville.

The tournament hosted an action-packed four days, overflowing with nail biting moments, plenty of close calls, and an abundance of celebratory moments.

The under 19 girls did exceptionally well over the 2 days, with Ayr State High School’s Jayla Tinus, Lacy Horan, Ashlee Colls, and Zandi Bonanno winning gold in the 17 – 19 years Queensland School Sport Basketball State Championships. The team also celebrated the selection of Ashlee Colls to join the Merit Queensland Team.

Overcoming disrupted preparations and late team changes, the girls finished second in their pool heading into cross over games on the Saturday. Up against basketball power houses in the quarter finals, and increasingly tough competitors in the semifinals, the girls upset their highly fancied opponents and found themselves making it to the finals. The final game of the weekend saw the girls dominate the Sunshine Coast 70 – 68 for an intense finisher to an amazing tournament.

After a handful of setbacks and foul trouble, the girls’ dedication, teamwork and strength continued to shine through, producing extraordinary results and plenty of celebrations.

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Photo supplied: Burdekin Blokes and Boats
Photo supplied: Peter
Photo supplied: Alex Lester
Photo supplied: Brendan Hervey
Photo supplied: Wayne Baker
Photo supplied: Anthony Hall
Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Saturday saw our June Monthly Medal competition happen with a good turn out of players and some promising scores. Our monthly medal winners were Jacob Munro for 3 holes, Jett James for 6 holes, and Oscar Mahoney for 9 holes. A special mention to Jett who had his first birdie on hole 15, a superb effort! And also to Hudson for winning Dave’s putting challenge.
Monday afternoon saw coach Darryll travel down from Townsville for the first of three after school coaching session. The weather was beautiful and the children all seemed to have lots of fun, learning new techniques and practicing around green 18, out the sand bunker, pitching competitions, and putting practice. A great way to start the week. Juniors is back in this Saturday morning. Please follow the Ayr Junior Facebook page for more details.
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Contributed by Laura Mahoney

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Ayr Junior Golf’s June Monthly Medal competition saw some competitive golf and promising results. Photos supplied

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Home Hill Tennis Association invited its Monday night tennis teams to dress up for the penultimate round of the season on Monday, June 3 for a fun night of tennis, music and a sausage sizzle.
John Chandler will lead his team Wilmar into the finals next Monday, June 10 to take on Joel Hanson and his team, Polar Air, for the trophy of another great season.
Mick Zabala leads his team, Home Hill Car Wash, against Bendigo Bankers, led by Andrew Casswell, into the final round playing for third and fourth place.
Adain Slatcher and his team played a great season, leading Ayr Marine Service into an extra bye.

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Team Wilmar dressed in hi-vis
Team Polar Air dressed as bogans
Team Home Hill Car Wash dressed in Mexican dress up
Team Bendigo Bank dressed as farm animals
Team Ayr Marine Service dressed in Hawaiian dress up
Photo credit: Sheryn Woods

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Local

Last weekend the Burdekin Panthers had four games, winning one, drawing one and losing two. On Friday the Division 1 met Wulguru Roosters in Townsville and drew 1-1. On Saturday the Premiers, Under 23s and Women Premiers were all at home to estates. The Premiers won 4-2, the Under 23s lost 0-4 and the Women Premiers lost 1-3.

This weekend the Funkies are away to Brothers in Townsville on Friday night and the Premiers and Under 23s are away to Saints eagles Souths on Saturday. The Ladies have a bye.

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers knew that this was going to be a tough match, having lost last time out against Estates. The game started at a high intensity and Estates took the lead after thirty minutes with a shot that left Jarrod Camer in goal no chance. From there the Panthers came alive and a nice chip from Kai Goodman found Jay Leckenby who scored to make it 1-1. Two minutes later it was Matthew Kolb's turn to finish in a similar fashion giving Burdekin a 2-1 lead at halftime. The Panthers started the second half. with a much more patient, possession oriented style of football. Both teams had their chances but neither could find the back until after 65 minutes, Elliott Dal Santo crossed for Jay Leckenby to finish it making it 3-1. From there Estates kicked into gear creating lots of chances, but with outstanding defensive play from the Panthers backline and Camer in goal Burdekin were able to keep them out until with five minutes to go, Estates scored from a penalty. With a minute to go, Leckenby was fouled in the penalty area and Kolb scored from the spot to make the final score 4-2. Man Of the Match was Jarrod Camer.

The Burdekin Tyre Service Under 23s had the home ground and a good squad playing well but the result did not reflect the pre-game hopes. Burdekin played good football but were up against a quality side so it was a tight contest in the first half. Estates won a free kick midway through the half and it resulted in a goal line scramble and their opening goal. Despite the score Burdekin were confident and positive for a potential win. Unfortunately, bad luck and mistakes contrived to let Estates in for three more goals in a mid-half fifteen minute period and the result was then out of reach. The team fought hard and put in plenty of effort but could not repair the damage.

The Austral Masonry Funkies played Wulguru in Townsville on Friday night. Burdekin fielded a full squad and hoped to build on the draw last week. The beginning of the match was very physical with Wulguru trying to out muscle the young Burdekin team. The Funkies combated this by trying to move the ball around and play around the Wulguru defence. Wulguru managed to score first after fifteen minutes. The Burdekin team kept working after this setback and managed to create a number of chances but could not score. The second half saw both teams have chances as the game opened up. Burdekin levelled the score with five minutes to go with a goal from Alec Contzonis. Both teams came close to snatching a late winner but had to settle for a 1-1 draw. Burdekin travel to Townsville again on Friday night to play Brothers. 

The Ayr Anzac Club Ladies returned to International Park this week with a full bench and eager players, hungry for the first win of the season. The game started off fast with Estates using speed to press the Burdekin defence. Estates took the lead after fifteen minutes and a few minutes later scored from a corner to lead 2-0 half time. The Burdekin Ladies put their heads together at half time to assemble a strong formation. The Ladies new approach to the second half was quickly rewarded with a good goal from Ellyana Mugica. Burdekin continued to push forward, eager to find an equaliser but aim and luck were not on their side. The Burdekin defence worked tirelessly to shut down the Estates strikers. Unfortunately, fatigue hit the young side and Estates scored again with twenty minutes left to win 3-1. A huge improvement from this very young and inexperienced side. The Ladies have a bye this weekend.  

The Under 13 Panthers took on SES at paradise park on Saturday going down 5-0. The team played well especially in the second half creating several good chances but unfortunately couldn’t find the back of the net. A much improved performance by the entire team and a lot of positives to be taken out of the game.

On Sunday the Panthers took on Warriors 5 Stick Consulting at Honeycombes park going down 4-1. In another improved performance the team appears to be heading in the right direction. Brady Wilshere, Hayden Zandonadi and Tanner Cole all had strong games. Zandonadi scored for the Panthers.

The Under 14/15 Panthers – No report.

Juniors

Due to the cancellation of the Ingham carnival on Saturday, no Townsville teams travelled down to Ayr and Burdekin teams played matches between themselves.  A good chance for the kids to match their improved skills against one another!

Multiple Burdekin teams travelled to Townsville on Sunday to compete in the Estates Carnival, with good results again, and with multiple teams winning their competitions or being runners up!  Check out Burdekin FC Facebook for all the results and happy faces!  A big thanks to Estates for a great carnival and accommodating our teams’ late nominations due to cancellation of Ingham.

Back to usual this week with Saturday fixtures against Townsville teams, see you all down at the grounds!

Masters

Another good turn out on Monday, augmented with some young Funkies and some Masters getting ready for the Mooney Cup on 15th June. This week’s match, a replay of the Champions League Final saw Real Madri (Oldies) beat Dortmund (Youngies) 8-4 after leading 2-1 at half time. The Oldies lead ballooned to 8-1 before the Youngies came back late in the game.

The Masters welcome old and new players, Monday nights at International Park, 6.30 kick off.
National and International

The Socceroos have two games coming up in the Asian World Cup qualifiers. They are away to Bangladesh on Thursday, then at home to Palestine, in Perth, next Tuesday.
The Matildas have had two matches against China in the lead up to the Paris Olympics.  In Adelaide last Friday they drew 1-1and in Sydney, on Monday, won 2-0. The Paris Olympics kicks off in late July with Oz up against Germany, Zambia and USA. The Matilda’s have a tough group, USA is ranked 4th, Germany 5th and Zambia 65th. Oz is presently 12th.
In Europe, all the major Leagues have wound up. Real Madrid defeated Dortmund 2-0 in the European Champions League Final at Wembley and Olympiacos beat Fiorentina 1-0 in the Europa League Final.
Euro 2024 kicks off on 15 June. This year there are twenty four teams competing in six groups of four countries. The top two teams in each Group plus four of the best placed teams coming third, progress to the knockout round of sixteen teams. The SLoBs are running a competition. For further details see Burdekin FC Facebook page.

This week’s quote is from QPR and England Star Stan Bowles. “I blew the lot on vodka and tonic, gambling and fags. Looking back, I think I overdid it on the tonic.”

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A nail-biting finish to the A grade match at Rugby Park last Saturday night saw the Burdekin Roosters go two on end defeating Townsville Norths by 24 – 22.
The Bushland Beach club actually lead 12 – 6 at the break with the Roosters making a few mistakes.
In the second session, the locals started to put it together with some top tries scored.
The skirting of the touch line for 40 metres by winger Nemia Nawave before crossing the score stripe brought the good crowd to its feet.
Centre Dudley Dotoi has been an explosive player for some time now after coming here from Bowen and he showed just what he could do with his fast attacking bursts.
Dudley rightly so was awarded player’s player.
The return of Jeremiah Matuatu from the Cutters replacing Henry Teuteu who was rested also paid off with big Jerry making plenty of ground running off the rucks.
Coach Steve Lansley said while his team’s defence was good, he would like to see more time taken in guarding the grubber kicks by the opposition.
Norths scored two tries from this move.
Tomasi Tikomilia has been training for some time recovering from a knee reconstruction and this was his first game in twelve months.
The wait was worth it with Tomasi crossing for a determined try.
The coach added that he thought Hayden Lammon again stood out while his halves Rhett and Hayde were to the fore although not as controlling as in the good win over Centrals.
“Ratu Kikau can really finish with our bench of Colby, Nelson, Tomasi and Tate really contributing,” the coach said.
The win still has the Roosters in fifth behind Souths, Brothers, H River and Western Lions.
Burdekin; tries by Ratu Kikau 2, Dudley Dotoi, Nemia Nawave, Tomasi Tikomilia and Joel Mason 2 goals.
In other a grade games Herbert River beat Centrals 24 – 22, Souths beat Charters Towers 32 – 18 and Western Lions def Brothers 32 – 16.
The Roosters Reserves remain in second spot on the ladder despite giving Norths a lesson 64 nil scoring 11 tries in a dominant display.
Despite the shellacking, coach Chris Perry said his team is not yet playing at their best.
Perry said at times his side looked like world beaters and then dropped off for a snooze.
He said despite that, he thought his squad was getting better each outing with his team’s defence equalling that of the attack.
Fullback Jayden Sgarbossa was judged player’s player for the second week in a row.
The tall fullback is showing a good turn of speed in attack.
He was backed up by several players with Zac Campbell showing plenty of hard forward play.
The coach added it was unfortunate French import Wassime Nouvali played his last game as he has to return to France where he has been selected in the national team for a match with England.
Wassime has been a forward leader whilst here and never takes a back step.
Dylan Doak had a top game at lock scoring 2 tries and kicking 10 goals for 28 points.
Burdekin tries by Paul Bunacam 2, Dylan Doak 2, Jayden Sgarbossa 2, Zac Campbell, Terry Connors, Dom Arate, Caleb Noah, John Zaro, and Dylan Doak 10 goals.
In other reserve grade matches, Centrals beat Herbert River 32 – 16, Souths beat Bowen 46 – 16 and Western Lions beat Brothers 32 – 12 with Charters Towers on a bye.
Despite having the bare 13 with others sick, the Burdekin Hens were far too good for Norths winning 64 – 4.
With Theo Mosby Nona, Margie Jay and Lily Chappell making ground up the middle, it made room for the speedsters to take advantage.
Hooker Abby King was outstanding, scoring nearly at will crossing for 4 tries.
Logan Roncato started at fullback but was all over the field, scoring two tries and then kicking 5 goals for 18 points.
Give the Monday twins and Toni Daisy room to move and they will make you pay with all three crossing, Martina twice.
Coach Anita Hagarty named Abby King as her best player with Akeilah Thomasson doing a lot of  work in the centre.
The girls have moved up the ladder to third.
Burdekin tries by Abby King 4, Martina Monday 2, Logan Roncato 2, Theo Nona, Marella Campbell, Toni Daisy, Steph Monday and Logan Roncato 5 goals and Steph Monday 3 goals.
In other ladies games, Centrals beat Herbert River 38 nil and Western Lions beat Brothers 40 nil with Charters Towers having a bye.
Visit www.burdekinlife.com for the full report and a preview of round nine.

Contributed by Brian Carnes

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This week saw a highlight in the North Queensland Bowling Calendar with both the Ladies and the Men competing in Pennants. The Ladies (2 teams) competing in the Blue Pennants in Townsville had a fantastic 4 days of bowling finishing 5th overall. The team had 4 match wins 8 rinks. The team skipped by Pam Power finished in the top 6 teams for the competition with 5 wins. This was a great result as it was their first pennants in blue division. Well done ladies!
The Men competed in the Purple Pennants over three days, playing at Giru, Alligator Creek and Thuringowa Bowls Clubs. The teams played well with some newcomers to the Club in the teams and players in new positions. Ayr Bowling Club finished 6th overall with the team skipped by first time skip Wayne Coonan won four of their seven games. Congratulations to all bowlers for representing Ayr Bowling Club with high enthusiasm and commitment.
Back at the clubhouse, it’s been a fantastic week of bowls again. Social Tuesday Ladies saw, R Moore, R Hervey, D Cutting def M Smith, L Guimlli, M Poli. It was great to see the ladies keeping the bowling going with their fellow players at Pennants. On Wednesday, the weekly social bowls event was held. There were three games of Triples. Winners were John Pirrone, Arthur Gauvin, and Maurie Power. Saturday saw two games of triples. The winners for the afternoon were Lorraine Wolffe, George Nixon, and Betty Schultz.  
Ayr Bowling Club would like to invite all newcomers to Fun Friday Night Bowls on Friday 7th June starting at 6pm. It’s a great night out for all levels of bowlers, bring some friends or sign up by yourself and meet new friends. $10 a game, includes sausage sizzle and a concluding light supper. Sizzle is at 6pm with bowling commencing at 7pm. To enter or find out more information, contact Maurie Power 0412551816 or Pam Power 0458330019.

Contributed by Anthony Bull

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Ladies Pennants Teams
Men’s Pennants Teams

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It was a busy weekend for the Brandon Bowls club venturing up to Townsville to compete in the North Queensland Bowls Association Pennants.
Brandon fielded one team this year hoping to stay in the Red division. Teams that played in this division came from Maggie Island, South Townsville, Macknade, Cutheringa, Wangaratta, Jubilee and Thuringia.
Unfortunately for Brandon things didn’t go to plan winning only 1 of its 7 games. In 2 of the games the result came down to 2/3 shots against some of the bigger clubs in Townsville.
Coming up tournament-wise is the Dunn Cup which will be played at the Jubilee Bowls Club in Townsville where 4 of the best bowlers from each club complete over the 4 days. This event started many years ago at Home Hill Bowls Club and the tradition continues to this day.

Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd

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Lloyd Shepherd, Gary Pearce, Ken Ferguson and Chris Pearce
Danny O’Shea, Allan Garioch, Jamie Woods and Ray Panacassio
Doug Robins, Leo Kenny and Brett Whilshere
Photos supplied

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Thursday’s sponsor was Ferguson Plumbing where Dino, Ray and visitor Barry took out the day.
Monday fitness group is well attended as is Tuesday Trimmers, Wednesday craft group is going strong and Wednesday night barefoot bowls had another 25 players.
Thursday morning bingo is a big hit and Thursday afternoon social bowls is always well attended.  
We are starting to see visitors and the splash of colour from other clubs shirts make for an interesting spectacle.
New club shirts have arrived and are on sale at the club – see the bar staff.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Thursday winners were Dino, Ray and visitor Barry

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Home Hill Tennis, will be running its first pickleball competition on Sunday 9 June. Teams from Whitsunday, Bowen, Townsville, Cardwell and of course the Burdekin will be playing in either the Competitive or Social categories, all competing for The Cane Country Cup.
If you’ve ever wondered ‘What is pickleball?’, here’s your chance to watch players of all ages and skill level, in action. You’ll see power and control, rallies, dinking, volleys, lobs and players having fun.
Pickleball is an easy game to learn and increasingly popular! Come along Sunday 9 June and you may decide pickleball is the game to play.
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Contributed by Home Hill Tennis Association

WHAT: Cane Country Cup Pickleball Tournament
WHEN: Sunday, June 9
WHERE: Home Hill Tennis Association

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Last week, 25 people ran, jogged and walked the course, of whom six were parkrun tourists (two from Toowoomba and four from Townsville). One runner recorded new Personal Best.
The event was made possible by five volunteers: Eddie Jones and Nick, Saraha, Matilda and William Wiseman.
Contact Plantation parkrun on Facebook to learn more about volunteering.

Photos supplied: Plantation parkrun

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