Sports

Burdekin Canetoads Call For Players Ahead Of New Season

Burdekin Canetoads Call For Players Ahead Of New Season

Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads are recruiting new players for the North Queensland season (April–August). Men’s squad seeking key positions (prop, halfback/fly-half, centre), with all roles welcome; women’s team open to all levels. Club promotes strong country rugby pathway with competitive regional competition in Townsville. Emphasis on lifestyle appeal for locals and travelling/working holiday players (community, fishing, outdoor living).

Read the full story
ON THE GREEN AT HOME HILL COMMUNITY SPORTS CLUB

ON THE GREEN AT HOME HILL COMMUNITY SPORTS CLUB

Easter Saturday, 4 April 2026 saw the Home Hill Community Sports Club host its annual Easter Fours bowls tournament, with 64 players in attendance. On arrival at the club, visitors were greeted by our mascot, a ’35 Grey and Gold Belly Ferguson tractor—a machine built between 1956 and 1958 and widely used to help build the sugar industry in the Burdekin. Not to mention, the grounds were looking a picture. The tournament comprised three games of sixteen ends over the course of the day. Teams from Wangaratta, Bowen, Collinsville, St Townsville, Jubilee, Suburban, Alligator Creek, Ayr, Brandon, and Home Hill were represented. Looking over the green, spectators were delighted to witness the array of club and team colours. Jamie Woods’ Chicken Bin shirts were a standout—good job, boys. Like any tournament, competitiveness and camaraderie were clearly evident. Winning teams on the day were: First – Will Johnson (St Townsville) Second – Sandie (St Townsville) Third – Jamie Woods (Brandon) Congratulations to you all. The club wishes to extend its sincere thanks to our event sponsors: Coral Coast Electrical, Home Hill Prawn Shop, Home Hill Tyrepower, Inspiration Paints, Burdekin Printers, and K & S Wright. Your generosity ensured the event’s success. To our visiting clubs, we also extend our sincere gratitude for the commitment shown by all, especially considering the distance travelled under difficult financial times. Within the club, these sorts of days don’t just happen without the support of members such as kitchen provider Judy Elton and her team of ladies, Ron Smith and Bruce McCallum on the barbecue, Mick Olsen and Michael Young on the scoreboard, and Belinda, Shantel, and Precilla on the outdoor esky bar—not forgetting our President working the bar. Good job to all. In summary, the entire day turned out to be a huge success—bring on 2027! Wednesday night numbers remain steady, with 20 players taking to the green, enjoying the stars above and the friendly atmosphere prior to a sausage sizzle. Names in by 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start. Visitors welcome. Ph: 0478 642 515. Home Hill Hot Shots continue to attract good numbers for Wednesday night darts and Friday night snooker games, both starting at 6.00pm. Ph Scott: 0480 208 335. Thursday club bowls saw 22 players take to the green to compete in three games of triples and one game of pairs. The overall random winning team went to Paul Vass and Hugh Montgomery, who had a very close win over Katarina and Gary Nosworthy, with one shot the difference. Congratulations to you both. Raffle winners were again the Giru boys, Steve Mutu and Geoff Taylor. Well done and well deserved, gents—your support for the club goes without saying. Club Weekly Activities Monday – 9.00am: Gentle Exercise Class Tuesday – 9.00am: Trimmers Wednesday – 9.00am: Craft group Thursday – 9.30am: Bingo Contributed with thanks to Bob Pickard. CAPTION: Players and spectators enjoy a vibrant day on the green at Home Hill Community Sports Club’s annual Easter Fours tournament. Photo supplied

Read the full story
Football Matters with Cyclops

Football Matters with Cyclops

Local Seniors What with Easter and School holidays, there are no fixtures now until 17th April. Junior Junior soccer has now paused for the school holiday break, giving players and families a well-earned rest after a great start to the season. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the fields after the holidays, refreshed and ready to go again. Here’s hoping for some beautiful weather when we return so the kids can enjoy their games and training to the full! ‍Masters The Masters had another good turnout, and in perfect conditions, Leeds and West Ham fought out a relation battle. West Ham won 9-3 after going 0-2 down. Man of the Match was Fengil with a hattrick. The Masters will be happening on Easter Monday. All players are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless, halt and lame. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick off. ‍National and International In the World Cup department, the Socceroos, under Coach Tony Popovic, have just one more match, a friendly against Mexico, before the squad of twenty-six players is announced by 1st June. The Socceroos travel to the USA to play Mexico on 31 May at the Rosebowl in Pasadena. The final World Cup playoffs have now been decided, and Turkey beat Kosovo to make it to Group D. Australia’s group games are now versus Turkey on 13 June in Vancouver, USA on 19 June in Seattle and Paraguay on 25 June in Santa Clara. In England, the EPL has seven rounds to go, and Arsenal is nine points ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand. ManU is in third place a further six points adrift and Aston Villa is another point behind. In the FA Cup quarter-finals Southampton beat Arsenal 2-1, Manchester City beat Liverpool 4-0, Chelsea thumped Port vale 7-0 and Leeds defeated West Ham on penalties. In Germany, the Bundesliga has six rounds to go. The top three teams all won, and Bayern continues to lead Dortmund by nine points. Leipzig and Stuttgart are a further eleven points behind. At the foot of the table Heidenheim and Wolfsburg look doomed and St Pauli could well join then in relegation. In Spain there are still eight rounds to go. Only three of the top six teams won and with Real Madrid losing against relegation threatened Mallorca, Barcelona is now seven points clear of Real and eighteen points ahead of third placed Villarreal. In the relegation zone, Oviedo and Levante are struggling and Elche could be joining them. In Italy’s Serie A with seven rounds left, Inter thumped Roma 5-2 to stay nine points clear of AC Milan with Napoli a further point behind. Como is in fourth place. Juventus drew and stays in fifth place. At the foot of the table, for Pisa and Verona it looks like Goodnight Luigi, and Cremorne or Lecce could be joining them. Finally, in France, PSG beat Toulouse 3-1 and with Lens losing, has a four point lead with a game in hand. Lille are third a further nine points away with Marseille fourth. At the foot of the league, it looks like Au Revoir for Metz and Nantes and Auxerre could be joining them in Ligue Deux. In the A League, with just three rounds left, Newcastle lost 2-3 to Macarthur but is still three points ahead of Auckland who drew 1-1 away to Adelaide, who stay in third place. Melbourne Victory missed their chance of moving up into third place after losing at home to Wellington. The Roar drew 0-0 at home to Sydney FC and remains in tenth place. Western Sydney and Perth Glory continue to hold up the table. In the A League Women, with three rounds left, three of the top four teams won. Melbourne City won 2-1 at Newcastle to stay six points clear of Wellington who beat Adelaide 2-0. Canberra lost 1-2 away to Brisbane but hangs onto third place on goal difference from the Roar. Sydney FC and Western Sydney are still holding up the table. The Soccer Quote of the Week is from ex- Manchester Utd and Ireland Star Roy Keane. “People say 'go with the flow' but do you know what goes with the flow? Dead fish.”

Read the full story
Burdekin Teams Ready For Senior State Age In Townsville

Burdekin Teams Ready For Senior State Age In Townsville

Netball excitement is growing as teams from across Queensland get ready to compete in the 2026 Senior State Age Netball Championships, which will be held in Townsville this year. The annual championship is one of the biggest events on the Queensland netball calendar. It brings together associations from all over the state for four days of intense competition. In 2025, the tournament saw an impressive 210 teams participate, showing how large and popular the event has become. Burdekin’s teams have been preparing for months, with many players starting their training late last year. Through weekly sessions, trial matches and fitness work, athletes and coaches have been working hard to build connections and improve their skills before the major competition. The tournament offers a great chance for players to challenge themselves against some of the best talent in Queensland while also showcasing the strength of regional netball. Players, coaches, and supporters are excited to travel north and represent the Burdekin community. With plenty of determination, teamwork, and the unmistakable Burdekin spirit, the teams look forward to taking the court in Townsville and giving their best effort. The championships promise four days of high-quality netball, good sportsmanship, and community pride as Queensland’s top young athletes come together for one of the state’s key netball events. Contributed with thanks to Burdekin Netball Association Publicity Officer, Kelli Loizou. CAPTIONS: Burdekin Netball Association’s U17/18s team; (front) Lola Carmicheal, Isla Chapman, Riley Sartori, Lacey Catanzaro, Aja Olsen, (back) Ali Balin (Manager), Jayel Gibson, Georgia Thygesen, Indy Macdonald, Pascal Crooks, Jorja Bapty, and Kristy Penisi. Photo supplied Burdekin Netball Association’s U16s team; (front) Tahlia Lammon, Shilah Horan, Emma Wilkie, Lisa Keryk, (back), Chloe Steel (Coach), Ruby Prescott, Amaya Caspanello, Mya Mitchell, Maya Mahoney, Gemma Keihne, and Clodagh Liessman. Photo supplied Burdekin Netball Association’s U15s team; (front) Ebony Moul, Zara Scovazzi, Emma Jones, Milla Chapman, Eden Godfrey, (back) Sarah Butterworth (Coach), Emily MacDonald, Maggie and Addy Chandler, Lily Ahern, Paityn Coleman-Blakoe and Alicia Butterworth (Manager). Photo supplied

Read the full story
Advertising Banner

An Unmissable Sunday Showdown @ Town of Origin

October 17, 2024

This Sunday, 20 October will host a showdown like never before with the Home Hill Harvest Festival’s Town of Origin event!

Compeitive and dedicated teams from Ayr and Home Hill have been busily gearing up for the much-loved event which will run from 1pm to 6pm at Home Hill High School.

An annual clash, the event celebrates the friendly rivalry between the two towns, with exciting matchups in cricket, netball, and rugby. But there’s more to this event than just the competition - it’s a true community celebration.

Alongside the action-packed sports, there’s a fantastic lineup of family-friendly activities to ensure everyone has a great afternoon, with the Home Hill Community Kindergarten set to run a tuckshop serving delicious food and refreshments throughout the day.

For the little ones, a petting zoo will be available, and there will be a special kids' event during the rugby half-time. Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Burdekin Cruisers Car Club, which will be showcasing a stunning array of vehicles.

Whether you’re cheering for your team or enjoying the many activities, the 2024 Town of Origin is set to be a memorable day of fun and local pride. Come along this Sunday for a fantastic celebration of sport, family, and community, proudly brought to you by the Home Hill Harvest Festival Committee!

Never a dull moment, this Sunday will host an action packed Town of Origin event as part of the Home Hill Harvest Festival. Photo supplied

Read More

Have a Swing at the Last Sip ‘N Putt for the Year

October 10, 2024

The final Home Hill Golf Club Ladies’ Sip ‘n Putt event will be held this Saturday 12 October from 3:30pm. After several months of successful sessions, Megan Barbagallo warmly invites newcomers and players of all skill levels to come along for a swing this Saturday afternoon.

Each session runs under the talented guidance of PGA Professional, Tara Jenkins, and covers different skills and golfing techniques to prepare the attendees for a hit on the green. All equipment for the FREE afternoon is supplied by the Home Hill Golf Club, and each session concludes with plenty of chats and a drink at the Club. Introduced by Megan in July earlier this year, the sessions were created to encourage women to give golf a try in an encouraging and judgement free environment.

Come along this Saturday for an enjoyable afternoon of socialisation and sport!

What: Ladies FREE Sip ‘n Putt.
When: Saturday 12 October from 3:30pm to 4:30pm.
Where: Home Hill Golf Club.
More Information: Contacting Megan Barbagallo.

September’s group of ladies were taught driving drills and enjoyed plenty of laughs throughout the session.

Read More

Action on the Green with the Ayr Bowling Club

October 14, 2024

After a brief hiatus, the Ayr Bowling Club is back with a report full of exciting bowling action. The past week has seen some fantastic games, starting with Wednesday Mixed Social Bowls on 2 October, which featured three games of triples and one game of pairs. Laughter filled the air as players showcased their skills. The day's winners were G. Nixon and M. Power, who triumphed over S. Darwen and A. Bull.

Wednesday evening brought cool and windy conditions, but it didn’t stop two pairs games and one triples game from being played. The winners of the triples were Les Anderson, Rob Jorgensen, and Michael Parravacini. In the pairs, Tricia Achille and Sam Caltabiano secured a victory in one game, while Margaret McLaughlin and Gary Pearce won the other.

Thursday saw the Ladies Competition in full swing with the Parkside Triples event. In a thrilling final, Ruth Moore, Joy Comollatti, and Pam Power emerged victorious over Isabel Cislowski, Beryl Cornford, and Dot Cutting. In another match, Donna Soper, Merle Nixon, and Mary Poli defeated Katharina Stuckler, Robyn McAllister, and Irene Wilson. It was a fantastic display of competitive bowling.

Saturday Social Bowls saw three games of triples and one game of pairs. Joe Papale, Sandra Darwen, and Pam Power defeated Lorraine Wolffe, Barry Hewson, and John MacDonald to claim the win.

On Sunday 6 October, the Club Championships continued with some thrilling matches. In the Mixed Singles, Lew Stidston defeated Sam Caltabiano. In the Mixed Triples, Margaret Chapman, Henry Hazle, and Gary Pearce overcame Donna Soper, Barry Shepherd, and Ron Soper. The Mixed Fours saw Ruth Moore, John Hall, Sandra Darwen, and Michael Parravacini triumph over Lorraine Wolffe, John Pirrone, Betty Shultz, and Anthony Bull. Further championship games are scheduled for 13th October, with details posted on the club board.

For those interested in lawn bowls, the Ayr Bowling Club is the perfect place to enjoy the sport in a friendly, social environment. Located at 101 Young Street, Ayr, Queensland, the club welcomes players of all skill levels. Social bowls are played on Wednesdays (afternoon or evening) and Saturday afternoons. The club has plenty of sets of bowls available for newcomers to try.

To learn more, visit the club’s Facebook page or call (07) 4783 1336. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or a beginner, the Ayr Bowling Club is the place to be!

Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.

Come along and have a bowl at the Ayr Bowling Club’s Wednesday Social Bowls!

Read More

Ayr Surf Life Savers Weekend Roster

October 17, 2024

On Saturday 12 October from 1pm to 5pm will be Patrol Group F consisting of; Furnell, Jen Morgan, John Furnell, Jo Morgan, Lauren Chapman, Isla Chapman, Ryley Satori, Jake Satori, Kat Satori, Dave Satori.

On Sunday 13 October from 9am to 1pm, the Super Sab Group consisting of Joshua Furnell, Barry Cross, and Brooke Cross will be on patrol. Taking over from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday will be Patrol Group G consisting of Carl List, Jimmy Hayllor, James Kennedy, Shane Morgan, Ross Blakey, Ross Rickards, and Jed Giddy.

The Club wishes their members all the best for the upcoming Forrest Beach Carnival.

Contributed with thanks to Hockey  Vernon.

Read More

Making History: Jenna Parravicini Becomes Burdekin Rugby League's First Lady Life Member

October 24, 2024

On the evening of Friday 20 September history was made at the Burdekin Rugby League Presentation night held at Populins Hall where the Club inducted its first ever Lady Life Member, Jenna Parravicini.

The Burdekin Rugby League was first formed in that name in 1963 and although there have been several males honoured with Life Membership, Jenna will be the first female. Jenna has been associated as Secretary and Treasurer for a period of just over 12 years. During that period, she has become heavily involved in the running of the club which has become more difficult in the past few years with changes in general to Rugby League in the Townsville District. For just on eight of those years Jenna also found time to devote to the organisation and conducting of the highly popular Ladies Day which has become a great fund raiser for the Roosters.

Jenna became involved with the club as she like Rugby League and the other people with the organisation. She says it takes up a lot of time as the administration emails just keep coming but she has enjoyed what she has done.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

Read More

Ayr Golf Club Hosts Successful Open Event & Weekday Competitions

October 10, 2024

On Wednesday 25 September, the Ayr Golf Club hosted a partner event, generously sponsored by Burdekin Tyre Service, featuring 12 pairs competing in a split six format. The windy conditions added a layer of challenge, but they also kept the heat at bay, ensuring an enjoyable day for all. The final two pairings played neck and neck throughout the entire 18 holes, adding excitement to the day.

The top five teams were awarded prizes, with Kerry and Heather finishing 5th, Elesa and Kim in 4th, Rhonda O and Ann in 3rd, Betty and Mavis taking 2nd place, and the winners of the day being Sandra and Donna R.

The Club shared a warm thank you to Jason, Pam, and the entire crew at Burdekin Tyre Service for their fantastic support of the Ayr Ladies Golfing group.

On Wednesday 2 October, the Ayr Golf Club ladies played in Selections Day, sponsored by Marissa and her team at Selections, in a Stableford competition. A very windy afternoon made scoring difficult, but two golfers stood out. Vicki, back in form after a short break, and newcomer Heather, who is quickly lowering her handicap, battled it out. Heather edged out Vicki on a countback to take the win. Congratulations to both, and the Club shared a big thank you to Selections for their continued support.

The Ayr Ladies Golf Club recently welcomed clubs from across North Queensland for their annual Open Event, proudly sponsored by Don West Toyota and Groves and Clark Solicitors, with the Open Champion prize sponsored by Brenton and Janet Trezise. This year’s event saw 70 enthusiastic ladies compete in their respective grades, making it a weekend to remember.

The day was filled with camaraderie, great food donated by the Ayr lady members, and plenty of impressive golf. Presentations were slightly delayed due to a thrilling playoff in the C Grade division, which ended after three extra holes, crowning a well-deserved winner.

A special thank you goes to the generous sponsors who continue to support this event, making it a highlight of the year. The Ayr Ladies Club members also deserve recognition for their tireless work in cooking and catering for the day, ensuring there was plenty of delicious food for all.

The weather was kind, the course was in excellent condition, and despite a few hiccups, the event ran smoothly. Congratulations to all the winners and participants, and the Club looks forward to seeing everyone again in 2025.

Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Golf Club.

12 pairs put it on the green at the Ayr Golf Club for Burdekin Tyre Service Day.
Vicki Adcock and Heather Desbois were victorious with a score of 37 at Selections Day.
The Ayr Golf Club held another highly successful Open Event over the weekend, welcoming 70 golfers to the green.

Read More

Burdekin Bocce Club Welcomes Community to Open Day for Seniors Month

October 14, 2024

The Burdekin Bocce Club, a small but dedicated group of 26 members, is embracing Seniors Month this October by hosting an open afternoon on Sunday, 20 October. The event will include afternoon tea, and guests are encouraged to either watch or join in a friendly game of bocce. With many of the club's members aging and finding the physical demands of the sport challenging, some have transitioned to playing Italian card games while others continue to enjoy bocce.

Last Sunday 6 October, the club held a special lunch for members, featuring the traditional Italian dessert, Tiramisu, served by Bertilla Piazzetta and Rita Vener. The lunch was made even more memorable with the presence of three special guests: Fr Manoj, Fr Troung, and Sr Carmel Pattinson from the Catholic Church.

The club is also celebrating the long-awaited repair of its roof, which was damaged during the February cyclone. The repairs were made possible thanks to a $5,000 government grant from the Disaster Recovery fund.

The Burdekin Bocce Club invites the public to come along to the open afternoon, enjoy some delicious afternoon tea, and experience the joy of bocce firsthand. It's a wonderful opportunity for the community to connect and share in this beloved Italian tradition.

Contributed with thanks to Regina Lequerica.

Regina and Tony putting their bocce skills to the test!
Bertilla Piazzetta and Rita Vener treated members to a delicious lunch last weekend.

Read More

Excitement on the Green with the Brandon Bowls Club

October 10, 2024

On Friday, 4 October, the A & B Pairs competition saw an exciting match at the Brandon Bowls Club. Ross McLaughlin and Rob Jorgensen faced off against Lloyd Shepherd and Gary "Mr. Bowls" Pearce on a beautiful evening. Rob and Ross took an early lead with some strategic kitty movement from Rob, which kept the opposition on their toes. However, once the Shepherd-Pearce duo found their rhythm, they began to position their bowls perfectly, ultimately taking control of the game and securing the win. They now advance to the Grand Final.

In the social games, two matches were played. In the pairs, Ben Mills and "Rampaging" Ray Paneccasio took on Margaret McLaughlan and Allan Gairoch, with Ben and Ray emerging victorious. In the triples, Norm Storrie, Jayson Farry, and Jamie Woods played against newcomers Luke Storrie, Peter Lejarraga, and Joe Yipnazar, who proved too strong in the end and claimed the win.

On Sunday, 6 October, 24 bowlers took to the green in near-perfect conditions. The highlight of the day was the Rinks Championship, played on the showcase rink. It was a thrilling battle between Mick McCloskey, Joe Yipnazar, Peter Henderson, and Richie Mau, who took on Damion Morello, Rob Jorgensen, Danny O’Shea, and the great Tony Bayliss.

Other social games of pairs and triples were also played. Ben Mills and Kev Collins defeated Helen Collins and Len Feeney, while Ross McLaughlin, Henry Hazel, and Leo Kenny triumphed over Gary Nosworthy, Glenn Woodford, and Allan Gairoch. In another match, Ken Ferguson, Neville Dickinson, and Peter Jorgensen claimed victory over Con Sexton, Doug Kiehne, and Jamie Woods.

A reminder to all members that the Trophy Bowls Night, sponsored by Nutrients AG Solutions, will take place on Friday, 18 October. This is a highly anticipated event, so please ensure you get your names in as soon as possible.

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

Tony Bayliss, Danny O’Shea, Damion Morello, and Rob Jorgensen enjoyed plenty of thrilling games at the Brandon Bowls Club last week.

Read More

Football Matters with Cyclops

October 10, 2024

Local

The Burdekin Panthers Presentation Night will be held this Saturday 12 October at Populin’s Hall. Tickets are now available and can be bought online or from the Mad House at Night Soccer.

The next Big Thing locally is the Escriva Cup. This is due to be played on Friday evening, 1 November. The Escriva Cup is a fundraiser held by The SLoBs (Soccer Legends of the Burdekin) to help out ex-players with health problems. Last year fourteen Men’s teams and two Ladies teams took part. Hopefully, we will have more teams involved this year.


Night Soccer

Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 5 produced just 64 goals from the twenty two games. Top scorers for the Men were Mottin Earthmoving with six goals and BA with five. In the Women’s competition UDS Ladies and Lets Get Messi both scored five goals. Individual top scorers were Jay Leckenby and Sian Reardon with three goals each. Teams are reminded that their Nomination Fees are now due!


Juniors

The Junior season has finished but the Junior social soccer season started on Tuesday.
The Under 7s kick off at 4.00 pm followed by the Under 8-9s, Under 10-12s and Under 13-16s.

National and International

The Socceroos have two very important matches coming up. They play China, this Thursday in the Asian World Cup Qualifying Group C, in Adelaide and are then away to Japan, next Tuesday. China is bottom of the six team group and the match is a ‘must win’ for new coach Tony Popovic. In Japan a draw would be a good result. China has lost both of its games and Japan has won both, scoring twelve goals in the process.

The Matildas have two friendly matches in October. The first is away to Switzerland on 25 October and they are then booked for a friendly against Germany on Monday 28th October in Duisburg. Their next games are not until late November - December when they play Brazil, home and away.

Only two weeks now before the A League kicks off its 2024-25 season. The first round will be played over the weekend of 18 - 20 October. The A League Women will kick off on 1st November.


In the EPL, with all three top teams winning, Liverpool stays in first place, one point ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal. Chelsea and Aston Villa who drew, are a further three points away and Brighton who beat Ange’s Spurs move into sixth place. At the foot of the table all four bottom teams lost and Wolves and Southampton still have one point after seven games.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, Bayern could only draw again and is now level on points with Leipzig. Eintracht is a point away in third place with Freiburg fourth and Leverkusen has dropped to fifth spot. Holding up the league, Kiel and Bochum have both yet to win a game although Kiel did manage a draw this week.

In Italy’s Serie A, four of the top five teams won, and after seven rounds Napoli leads Inter by two points with Juventus who could only draw and is a further point behind together with Lazio and Udinese. At the bottom of the table, three of the last four teams lost with Monza grabbing a point. Venezia is last with four points from seven games.

In Spain, only two of the leading seven teams won. Barcelona and Real Madrid both won and Barca still tops La Liga three points clear of Real with Atletico and Villareal four points adrift. At the bottom of the league Las Palmas is still yet to win a game and has three points from nine matches

And in France, with PSG only managing a draw, Monaco now leads the table two points clear of PSG. Marseille stays in third place level on points with Reims. At the foot of the table, Angers managed a draw but is still the only team without a win, and that’s after seven games.

This weekend is another “International Weekend”. England is at home to Greece, France away to Israel, Italy at home to Belgium and Spain at home to Denmark.

The Quote of the Week is from England Star Striker Gary Lineker “In my day, I wasn't the best footballer, but I was the best goalscorer for two or three years”.

Read More

Football Matters with Cyclops

October 3, 2024

Local

The Final games of the 2024 North Queensland season were played last weekend in the Crad Evans Shield. At the end of every season the Champion teams from North Queensland play their counterparts in Far North Queensland. This year the eight senior games were played in Townsville. No Burdekin teams were minor Premiers and so were not involved.

In the Main Men’s games, in the Premier Division MA Olympic lost 3-5 to Marlin Coast Rangers and in the Under 23s (Reserves) Estates were beaten 2-3 by Innisfail Utd. In Division 1, Ingham were beaten 2- 3 by Marlin Coast Rangers but, in Division 2, Townsville Warriors defeated Stratford Dolphins 2-1.

In the Women’s matches, MA Olympic lost 0-4 to Edge Hill Tigers in the premier Division and in the Under 23s MA Olympic were defeated 1-3 by Redlynch Strikers Utd.

The Burdekin Panthers Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 12 October at Populin’s Hall. Tickets are now available and can be bought online or from the Mad House at Night Soccer.


Night Soccer

Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 4 had mostly close games and the twenty matches, there were two forfeits, produced seventy goals. Top scorers for the Men were Mottin Earthmoving with six goals and Hallerwealth Old Grumpies and FJV with four each. In the Women’s competition Shin Kickers scored five. Individual top scorer was Josh Searle with four goals. Teams are reminded that their Nomination Fees are now due!


Juniors

The Junior season has finished but the Junior social soccer season will start next Tuesday 8th October


National and International

With new coach, Tony Popovic in charge the Socceroos have two very important matches coming up. They play China, in the Asian World Cup Qualifying Group C, in Adelaide on 10 October and are then away to Japan, five days later. The China match is a ‘must win’ and a draw in Japan would be a good result.

The Matildas will open their October FIFA International window with a match against Switzerland on 25 October. They are then booked for a friendly against Germany on Monday 28th October in Duisburg. Their next games are not until December when they play Chinese Taipei twice, in Melbourne and then Geelong.  

Only three weeks now before the A League kicks off its 2024-25 season. The first round will be played over the weekend of 18 - 20 October. The A League Women will kick off on 1st November.

In the Australia Cup Final Macarthur beat Melbourne Victory 1-0. Burdekin Panthers were one of the seven hundred and fifty eight teams who entered the competition, starting way back in February.

In the EPL, with Manchester City only drawing again, Liverpool have moved to the top of the League, one point ahead of City and Arsenal. Chelsea and Aston Villa are a further point away and Fulham has leapt into sixth place! At the foot of the table Wolves and Southampton each has one point after six games.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, Bayern and Leverkusen drew but Bayern still leads with thirteen points from five games. Eintracht is a point away in second place with Leipzig third. Leverkusen has dropped to fourth spot together with Dortmund. Holding up the league, Kiel and Bochum both have a solitary point form five rounds.

In Italy, the top four teams all won, and after six rounds Napoli leads Juventus by one point and AC Milan. Inter and Torino by two points. At the bottom of the table all five teams lost and Cagliari is last with two points.

In Spain, Barcelona somehow managed to lose 4-2 at Osasuna but still top the table three points ahead of Real Madrid. Third placed Atletico is another two points away with Bilbao in fourth place on goal difference. At the bottom of the league only Las Palmas is yet to win a game.

And in France, after six rounds PSG and Monaco are equal on sixteen points three points clear of third placed Marseille with Reims two points further adrift in fourth place. Only one of the seven bottom teams won and Angers continues to prop up the table.

The Quote of the Week is from Australia’s very own Ange Postecoglou “I was alright as a player. I played for the Socceroos three or four times, but I was a battler - hard at it as we say in Aussie terms.”

Award recipients, Ryan Scodellaro, Josh Valle, Jay Leckenby, Jarrod Camer, with their proud Coach, Leighton Gallagher.
The Panthers came away second best in the Grand Final on 14 September.
The Burdekin Football Club was awarded the Football Queensland Protect our Game Service Award. 
After a nail-biting Grand Final game, the boys celebrated the conclusion of an awesome season.

Read More

Registrations Now Open For The Hacker’s Cup

October 3, 2024

The Burdekin Hockey Association is gearing up for their Hacker’s Cup 5-A-Side Mixed Hockey Carnival set for Saturday 19 October, and is calling for the community to register their teams for what will be an action-packed competition.
The Association hopes to see players of all skill levels take to the Ayr Junior Rugby League Fields, and has extended an invitation for all old, new, and retired players to register.
Each team must hold a maximum of eight players and must field two female / junior players to qualify with all players aged 12 years and over.
Both single and team nominations can be made by emailing burdekinhockeyinc@gmail.com or by contacting Deanne on 0431 125 856.

Hacker’s Cup stands as a great social competition, perfect for welcoming new players to the sport!

Read More

Ayr Surf Club Roster

October 17, 2024

Saturday 5th of October 1.00pm to 5.00pm (Patrol Group D) Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Zac Dale, Parker Bonato, Richard Dale, Bella Lawry, William Holt, Sharli  Archibald, Danica Archibald, Lisa Vivian, Kristy Wassmuth, Briella Wassmuth.

Sunday 6th of October 9.00am to 1.00pm (Patrol Group B) Terry Lund, Tramayne Horan, Dylan Carew, Heather Scott, Anita Giddy, Jan Hatherell, Gabriel Hatherell, Toby Wilson, Danny Wilson.

Sunday 6th Of October 1.00pm to 5,00pm (Patrol Group G) Carl List, Jimmy Hayilor, James kennedy, Shane Morgan, Ross Blakey, Ross Rickards, Jedd Giddy.

Monday 7th Of October (Kings Birthday Holiday) (All day Patrol Group D) 9am to 5pm Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Zac Dale, Parker Bonato, Richard Dale, Bella Lawry, William Holt, Sharli Archibald, Danica Archibald, Lisa Vivian, Kristy Wassmuth, Briella Wassmuth.

Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.

Read More

Bowls, Battles, & Big Wins at the Brandon Bowls Club

October 3, 2024

On Wednesday 25 September, the Brandon Bowls Club hosted an impressive turn out on the green for a great afternoon of bowling. In the A-grade women's category, two exciting games took place. Lyn Storrie claimed victory over Sandra Darwen, while Darelle Pearce defeated Joy Woods. In the mixed game, the team of Kevin Collins, Vanda Ballao, Colleen Olsen, and Alan Garioch triumphed over Kaye Garner, Ann Newton, Lyn Farr, and Helen Collins.

The Club extends a friendly invitation to the community to have a bowl each Wednesday afternoon with games scheduled for 1pm each week.

Friday 27 September saw warm and humid conditions for an evening of Social Bowls which featured two games of triples. In the first match, Ben Mills, Ross McLaughlin, and Ray Paneccasio defeated Margaret McLaughlin, Peter Lejarraga, and Joe Yipnazar. The second game was highly competitive, with Norm Storrie, Lloyd Shepherd, and Gary Pearce proving too strong for Lyn Storrie, Rob Jorgensen, and Jamie Woods. The overall winners for the evening were Norm Storrie, Lloyd Shepherd, and Gary Pearce.

On Sunday 29 September, one A-grade pairs game was played, with Danny O’Shea and Tony Bayliss facing off against Peter Henderson and Jamie Woods. In a thrilling match that came down to the last end with scores tied, Peter Henderson delivered two of the best bowls of his career, securing a win for himself and Jamie Woods, moving them into the next round.

In the A & B Championship Pairs, Peter Lejarraga and the in-form Kevin Collins took on Lloyd Shepherd and Gary Pearce. Both teams fought hard, but Shepherd and Pearce remained strong under pressure and clinched a tight victory.

Three games were played during the Sunday Social session. In the triples, Ben Mills, Gary Nosworthy, and Leo Kenny drew with Norm Storrie, Henry Hazel, and Vince Beitia. In pairs, Mick McCloskey and Allan Garioch defeated Neville Dickinson and Doug Kiehne, while Ken Ferguson and Doug Robins overcame Glenn Woodford and Joe Yipnazar.

Preparations are well underway for the Brandon Bowls Club Trophy Bowls Night set for 18 October, and those interested in competing are advised to get their teams together.

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

Sunday hosted spectacular competitions for the A & B Championship Pairs.
The community is invited to come along for a fun afternoon of bowling each Wednesday.

Read More

An Eventful Sunday at the Home Hill Golf Club

October 3, 2024

The Home Hill Golf Club hosted a wonderful day on the green on Sunday 29 September for Round 7 of their Pennants competition.

With a few gaps, the Club thanked those players who stepped up to have a swing and celebrated many awesome achievements as a result. Craig O'Keeffe had an impressive round shooting 2 under and finishing with 38 points, and John Power was runner up with 36 points in a countback from Amy Smail. Pin shots went to (4/13) Simon Power, Peter Dale & John-Ross Dale. (9/18) Owen Bauer, Peter Dale & Peter Mackaway.

The Home Hill Golf Club congratulates all winners and have begun gearing up for next Sunday’s Laser Electrical Monthly Medal competition as well as the final Sip ‘n Putt event scheduled for Saturday 12 October.

Contributed with thanks to Megan Barbagallo.

Amy Smail, Craig O'Keeffe, and John Power were victorious on the green last Sunday at the Home Hill Golf Club.

Read More

Experience the Fun of Pickleball at the Home Hill Tennis Association!

October 3, 2024

Looking for a sport that's social, exciting, and perfect for all ages and fitness levels? Pickleball is the game for you! Whether you’re new to racquet sports or a seasoned player, Pickleball offers both social and competitive play in a fun and welcoming environment. Join the fun at the Home Hill Tennis Association, in the middle of the Home Hill Race Track where you can enjoy the energy, laughter, and action that comes with every game. No need to be a super athlete - just show up, grab a paddle, and start playing!

The Association is offering FREE come and try sessions and invites the community to come along on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 8:15pm, and Saturday morning from 7:15am to 8:15am for a swing!

Contributed with thanks to Kate Casswell.

A game for all skill levels, many locals have picked up a racket for a match of pickleball at the Home Hill Tennis Association!

Read More

Your FREE Voice In Print

Home Hill: Cornetts IGA | United Service Station| Complete Health Pharmacy
Ayr: Woolworths | Coles | Tosh’s Convenience Store | Shell Service Station | Ayr Medical Group | Farmhouse Ayr Coffee & Cafe | Dal Santo’s Deli | Woods Newsagencies  
Brandon
: Hotel Brandon | JC’s Cafe
60 + distribution points

Locally Owned. Community Loved.