There were blue skies finally last Friday at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex which allowed the Challenger Blasters and Junior Hardball cricket games to go ahead. The Challengers began with the whole group participating in some fun drills of running between wickets set up on the grass, then bowling the correct line and length in the nets. They were then split into two groups to play games of ‘Pairs Cricket’ on the fields.

The Junior Hardball game had a mixture of low scores in the batting, tight bowling from some and also far too many wides from some others. It is something we need to work on at training to get more consistency in the line and length of the bowling. Top scorer this game was Oscar Mahoney who scored 16 runs not out, which included the only four in the game. The next best was Tyler Schultz on 10 and was also unbeaten.

As previously mentioned, it was a mixed bag in the bowling. Tyler was also one of the best here, taking 2 wickets for 7 runs. Others to take 2 wickets were Xavier Cross, 2 for 14 and Harrison Smyth, 2 for 16.  William Chandler, Oliver Calligaro, Oscar Mahoney and Logan Pickup all took one each. The ‘Players of the Week’ award winners were Logan Pickup and Jacques Gardner who both played very well. We are now looking forward to this Friday for our last week of Junior Cricket for this season, our presentations will follow.

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Contributed by Scott Heidke

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Caption: Logan Pickup and Jacques Gardner. Photo supplied

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The glory days of surf sport will return at the Surf Life Saving Queensland Youth State Championships being held at Burleigh from March 21-24. This event will be action-packed with thousands of the next generation of surf sport superstars battling each other on the surf and sand in their quest for state glory.

More than 1,600 surf lifesaving youth sports competitors from all across Queensland, including six from the Ayr Surf Club, will compete in beach sprints, flags, board rescue, surf rescue, ironman and ironwoman events.

The Ayr competitors heading south are Mia Wicks, Milla Chapman, Emma Jones, Zachary Dale, Isla Chapman and Ryley Sartori and they're looking forward to being a part of the largest and most prestigious event for U11-U15 age categories, which has the finest talent in surf sports from across Queensland go head-to-head.

The event will be livestreamed on Surf Life Saving Queensland Facebook page for anyone wanting to catch some of the action. Good luck to our competitors!

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Contributed by Kellie Lawry

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Burdekin Roosters coach Steve Lansley was impressed after his team beat Townsville Brothers in an A Grade trial at Airlie Beach last Saturday night.

“Brothers sent down a pretty strong side with only a couple of players missing and were confident of taking the match,” Lansley said.

In the end, the Roosters came away with a two-point victory 28-26 after conceding a try late in the match when one man down with Dom Augostis in the bin.

The Roosters crossed for five tries with Dylan Doak converting four of them and hitting the upright with his first attempt.

Lansley said Doak and Joel Mason combined very well again in the halves until he changed his team around putting Doak at fullback with Jones Munro moving to the wing replacing Terry Connors who went onto the halves.

The coach added that combination was also successful.

“I thought Cowboy Jeremiah Matuatu and Blackhawk Christian Gale dominated up front with both making plenty of ground given good ball by hooker Nemia Nawave,” Lansley said.

Nemia has been playing  on the wing  but has played plenty of games as hooker in Fiji.

In this match besides setting up his big forwards Nemia also defended well whilst bamboozling the defence to score two tries.

“I liked the way Nemia combined with lock Kali Nauque and together they are lethal,” Lansley said.

The coach added he was very impressed with the defence from Hayden Lammon who never took a backward step backed up by Tate Brombal who made many metres in attack.

Ethan Hagarty played in the centres and even though he had a good one he much prefers the forwards.

Terry Connors, Ethan Hagarty and Tate Brombal scored a try each with Nemia Nawave scoring two and Dylan Doak kicking four goals.

The club will have their first fixture match in the RLTD on Sunday April 7 when they meet Western Lions in Townsville.

Reserve Grade To Compete For Lona Kaifoto Brown Trophy

The Burdekin Roosters reserve grade team will have a hit out this Friday, March 22 at Rugby Park when they take on the Bowen Seagulls with the winner to receive the Lona Kaifoto Brown trophy.

Lona was a prominent player for the Roosters starring in the 2015 premiership team where the Roosters beat Herbert River in the A grade final.

From there, he went on to play several games for the Townsville Blackhawks before deciding to play for the local Roosters again.

Unfortunately, Lona was involved in a serious road accident which left him fighting for his life in the Townsville Hospital.

He recovered but was told playing football was definitely out of the question, that decision ruling him out of again playing for the Roosters.

Being as tough as he was, Lona helped coach the Bowen Seagulls reserve grade team which had been admitted into the TDRL.

For the past two years he has had that role as well as helping his brother in law Tyson Stocker coach the team.

This Friday night at 7:30 the Roosters will host the Bowen team for the inaugural trophy.

Entry will be by way of a gold coin with doubles on sale, the bar open and the canteen with spaghetti and sausages for sale.

Roosters coach Chris Perry will be giving a number of boys a run with the team captained by John Zaro and Zac Campbell.

Perry said Rhett Williams missed last week’s trial with a bucks party while Riley McCloskey and  Riley Horan are back from injury.

He said Jared Thorley is ready after work commitments and he would like to see Dominic Arrate put on the after burners as he did at touch last week scoring five tries.

New player from Sarina Masi Ketchell Mills stood out against Magpies as did Caleb Noah and he wants to see them fire as with Dom Augostis, Beau Crowdey, Sem Tom and Tala Pepa.

Brodie Horan has trained well and Mark Cervoni will be a big help to the younger players.

Steven and Antonio are two of the Fijians who have not gone home and they can be dangerous around the rucks.

Perry said the boys would not only like to take home the first trophy but also cement a spot in the team for the first club match with Western Lions on their ground  on Sunday April seven.

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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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Burdekin Clay Target Club had a very successful 2 Day Shoot on Saturday March 9 and Sunday March 10. 73 shooters attended, travelling from Atherton, Silkwood, Townsville, Bowen, Mackay, Sarina and Charter Towers to compete over the weekend. The weather wasn’t looking the best leading up to the weekend but at least the heavy rain held off for us, with only scattered showers at times. The cloud cover and wind made conditions very challenging with visibility tough while the targets danced a jig but that didn’t stop the fantastic results in all grades. Thanks goes out to our sponsors for their continued support- B & M Drilling, QMN, John & Gina Calligaro, CVS Mechanical, Russo & Vella, AGnVET, Lui & Inez Populin, NQ Hardfacing & Kirknie Station. Also a huge thank you to all the club members and volunteers that helped make the weekend such a success. Our next shoot will be our Come & Try day on Saturday March 23 – come along for something different to try. For more details, visit our Facebook page.

Event 1-25 Target Pointscore 15m

AA Grade 1st Christopher Santarossa 73/75, 2nd Lindsay Groat & Ray Collinson 72/75,

A Grade 1st  Joe (Snr) Sebastiani 74/75, 2nd Peter Threlfall 72/75, 3rd Jason Sapuppo, Colin Ferguson & Ben Beazley 71/75

B Grade 1st Michelle Russell 71/75, 2nd Stephen Jones 68/75, 3rd Santo Greco 67/75

C Grade 1st Richard Stanhope 72/75, 2nd Kellie Rea 71/75, 3rd Jason Yarrow 69/75

Event 2-30 Target Medley 15m Sponsored by B & M Drilling

OPEN 1st Christopher Santarossa 50/50

AA Grade 1st Lindsay Groat 49/50, 2nd Bruce Murphy 48/50

A Grade 1st Wayne Cislowski 73/75, 2nd Colin Ferguson 71/75

B Grade 1st Santo Greco 48/50, 2nd John Kinnomonth 67/75

C Grade 1st Tim Ewnes 43/50, 2nd Peter Neubecker 66/75

Event 3-25 Target Single Barrel 15m Sponsored by QMN & John & Gina Calligaro

OPEN 1ST Joe (jnr) Sebastiani 25/25

AA Grade 1st Bruce Murphy 28/29, 2nd Joe Caruso 27/29

A Grade 1st Brad Farry 23/25, 2nd Ben Beazley 44/48

B Grade 1st Mick Populin 25/28, 2nd Sylvia Rossato24/28

C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 29/33, 2nd Karl Perna 28/33

Event 4-30 Target Double Barrel 15m Sponsored by CVS Mechanical

OPEN 1ST Brad Farry 100/100

AA Grade 1st Max Nicolaides 99/100, 2nd Wayne Benson 76/77

A Grade 1st Joe (Snr) Sebastiani 40/41, 2nd Col Edgerton 31/32

B Brade 1st Santo Greco 99/100, 2nd Andrew Bergin 32/33

C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 28/30, 2nd Alf Gangemi 35/39

Event 5-30 Target Double Barrel Continental 15m Sponsored by Russo & Vella & AGnVET

OPEN 1ST Christopher Santarossa 73/73

AA Grade 1st Ron Gough 72/73, 2nd Ray Collinson 40/41

A Grade 1st Brad Farry 39/40, 2nd Benji Micallef 36/37

B Grade 1st Mark Fiamingo 41/42, 2nd Rob Draper 30/31

C Grade 1st Karl Perna 29/30, 2nd Peter Scott 27/31

Event 6-30 Target Pointscore 15m Sponsored by Lui & Inez Populin

OPEN 1ST Rob Draper 95/96

AA Grade 1st Greg Maltby 97/99, 2nd Wayne Benson 94/99

A Grade 1st Wayne Cislowski 94/96, 2nd Col Edgerton 92/96

B Grade 1st Sylvia Rossato 83/90, 2nd Andrew Bergin 82/90

C Grade 1st Peter Delle Baite 86/93, 2nd Kellie Rea 83/93

Event 7-25 Target Double Barrel Handicap Sponsored By NQ Hardfacing

OPEN 1ST Mick Populin 25/25

2nd Karl Perna 51/52

3rd Benji Micallef 50/52

4th Santo Greco 37/39

5th Ron Gough 34/36

HIGHGUN WINNERS-Sponsored by Kirknie Station

OPEN 1ST Ray Collinson 309/325

AA Grade 1st Ron Gough 320/325

A Grade 1st Benji Micallef 304/325

B Grade 1st Santo Greco 294/325

C Grade 1st Kellie Rea 282/325

LADIES 1ST Annette Vassalini 288/325

VETERAN 1ST Lindsay Groat 307/325

JUNIOR 1ST Jarrod Coleman

Contributed by Sylvia Rossato

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Caption 1: Back Row L-R: Wayne Cislowski, Christopher Santarossa, Lindsay Groat, Santo Greco, Tim Ewens. Front Row L-R: Bruce Murphy, Collin Ferguson, John Kinnomonth, Peter Neubecker

Caption 2: Back Row L-R: Joe (Jnr) Sebastiani, Bruce Murphy, Brad Farry, Mick Populin, Brian Bonanno. Front Row L-R: John Calligaro, Joe Caruso, Ben Beazley, Sylvia Rossato, Karl Perna

Caption 3: Back Row L-R: Brad Farry, Joe (Snr) Sebastiani, Santo Greco, Brian Bonanno. Front Row L-R: Wayne Benson, Col Edgerton, Andrew Bergin, Alf Gangemi

Caption 4: Back Row L-R: Christopher Santarossa, Ron Gough, Brad Farry, Mark Fiamigo, Karl Perna. Front Row L-R: Ray Collinson, Benji Micallef, Rob Draper, Peter Scott

Caption 5: Back Row L-R: Wayne Benson, Greg Maltby, Wayne Cislowski, Sylvia Rossato, Peter Delle Baite. Front Row L-R: Col Edgerton, Lui Populin, Rob Draper, Andrew Bergin, Kellie Rea

Caption 6: L-R Karl Perna, Benji Micallef, Mick Populin, Santo Greco, Ron Gough

Caption 7: Back Row L-R: Ron Gough, Glen Rea Jarrod Colman. Front Row L-R: Benji Micallef, Santo Greco, Ray Collinson, Kellie Rea, Annette Vassalini, Lindsay Groat

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Social Tuesday March 5: Katarina Stuckler, Karen Page and Mary Poli defeated Raylene Hervey, Beryl Cornford and Pam Power. Isabel Cislowski and Irene Wilson defeated Heather Jorgensen and Sandra Stidston.

Competition Results Thursday March 7 Open Rinks: Ruth Moore, Isabel Cislowski, Joy Comollatti and Irene Wilson defeated Katarina Stuckler, Elaine Young, Heather Jorgensen and Mary Poli.

Competition for Thursday March 14 Open Rinks: Team 1 Sandra Stidston plays Team 3 Mary Poli. Team 2 Pam Power plays Team 4 Irene Wilson.

The Ayr Ladies President Day is being held on Tuesday April 9. All Ladies bowlers are welcome.

Wednesday March 6: Winners were Joe Papale and Col Essex who defeated Alan Jones and Chris Berkery.

Saturday March 9 sponsored by Mahjong Ladies: Winners were Desley Olsen, George Nixon and Ron Soper who defeated John Pirrone, Beryl Cornford and Thelma Klopper.

Runners up were Paul Vass, Alan Jones and Mick Olsen who defeated Katharina Stuckler, Barry Hewson and Henry Hazle.

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Contributed by Michael Parravicini

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On Wednesday March 5, eight ladies played rinks with a very interesting and competitive game.

Margaret Chapman, Darelle Pearce, Ann Newton and Bernice Kugatiff defeated Helen Collins Colleen Olsen and Joy Woods.

Don’t forget names into Joy Woods by 1:00pm for 1:30pm start.

Friday March 8 evening, 13 bowlers played a mixture of triples and rinks.

Winning teams were Lloyd Shepherd, Norm Storrie, Joy Woods and Jamie Woods and in the other game David Bycroct, Ross McLaughlin and Ray Panecassio.

Sunday March 10 Competition A/B grade pairs: Trevor Elton and Hugh Montgomery defeated Doug Kiehne and Leo Kenny in very tight game.

18 bowlers played triples in social bowls and the winners in the 3 games were: Norm Storrie, Henry Hazel and Allan Garioch; Judy Elton, Neville Dickinson and Michael Paravacini; Higgy, Lyn Storrie and Peter Jorgensen

Trophy Night is coming up on Friday March 15, proudly sponsored by Meo Farming.

If you haven’t got your teams in, please do so to Gary Pearce ASAP.

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Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd

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Caption: Trevor Elton won Competition A/B grade pairs alongside Hugh Montgomery (absent). Photo supplied

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Thursday March 7 saw 23 players front up to do battle on Rummeny Green.

Four rinks were used on the east to west side.

Rink 5: Jimmy and Glen prevailed over Judy and Des 23 to 21 and 11 ends to 10.

Rink 6: Mick M, Dino and Stephen had a big win over John, Dave and Hugh 19 to 8 and 14 ends to 4 ends and were the day’s winners.

Rink 7: Mick O, Bob and Joe were too strong for Yogi, Alex and Wayne to the tune of 22 to 13 and 13 ends to 7.

Rink 8: Paul, Jeff and Henry were also convincing winners over Karl/Terry, Con and Trevor 18 to 14 and 12 ends to 6.

The weather has been perfect so hope to see you all next week.  

Don't forget Tuesday Trimmers, Wednesday Kraft group, Wednesday night barefoot bowls, Thursday arvos for bowls and Thursday morning it's bingo.

Come along and join your club.

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Supplied by Steve Doig

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Caption: Thursday afternoon winners were Stephen, Dino and Mick M

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The North Queensland Swimming Championships were held in Mackay on March 2 and 3 at the Mackay Aquatic Centre. The Burdekin Torpedoes took a total of five swimmers, with coaches Kim and Mick McConnachie there to guide them once again through the meet. The Championships were opened with a themed march pass around the pool of all the Clubs participating in the meet. The Burdekin Torpedoes looked very relaxed in their 'Cruisin' Torpedoes' outfits and demonstrated their pride in the Burdekin with some loud chants. When the racing begun there were some outstanding swims with many of our swimmers achieving personal best times yet again and medalling in their age group.

Results:

Millie Lyne (13yo Women) - 1st 100m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Butterfly, 2nd 100m Freestyle, 3rd 50m Backstroke, 3rd 100m Backstroke

Gabriella Mottin (12yo Women) - 2nd 50m Butterfly, 3rd 100m Freestyle, 3rd 50m Freestyle

Maddison Searle (9yo Women) - 2nd 50mFreestyle, 3rd 100m Freestyle.

On the weekend, Millie Lyne and her coaches, Kim and Mick McConnachie yet again travelled, but to Townsville this time to compete in the Townsville Lightning Swim Club meet. Millie put in some fantastic swims to PB in two of her swims, the 50m Butterfly and 100m Breaststroke.

Her results for the meet: 1st 50m Freestyle, 1st 50m Breaststroke, 2nd 100m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Butterfly, 2nd 50m Backstroke.

Millie and her coaches will now travel to the Gold Coast to compete in the National Age Championships and represent the Burdekin Torpedoes in the 50m Breaststroke (14yo Women) on Wednesday April 10.

Go the Torpedoes.

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Contributed by Kate Lyne

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Caption 1: Millie Lyne 1st 100m Breaststroke North QLD championship 

Caption 2: Cruisin Torpedoes- Kim McConnachie, Gabriella Mottin, Arabella Sangiuliano, Brielle Sangiuliano, Millie Lyne, Mick McConnachie, Ellanah Searle, Maddison Searle.

Caption 3: Arabella Sangiuliano and Gabriella Mottin

Caption 4: Kim, Ellanah, Maddison, Gabriella, Arabella, Mick and Millie

Caption 5: Kim, Millie and Mick in Townsville

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Photos supplied

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Junior players from Ingham to Mackay travelled to Ayr from March 2 to kick off the first Junior Development Series tournament of 2024.

An amazing weekend was had by all with lots of tennis, lots of food and lots of slushies.

Day 1 started off early with the opening ceremony and a ground warm up on court which the players all loved.

Lots of tennis was played Saturday and final matches wrapped up early in the evening.

Day 2 started off early as well with last matches finishing about 2:15pm.

“As a club we are super proud and happy with the weekend,” said coach Patrea Bojack.

“Last year we had about 40 juniors play and this year we had 75 juniors play over the weekend!”

Ayr Tennis had 12 players representing the club from Delta Tennis with two player taking home trophies in the Orange ball division.

“We would like to thank Home Hill Tennis Association for hosting our division 5 players yesterday,” Ms Bojack said.

“Also, a massive thank you to the Pioneer Tennis players and Charters Towers players for coming all the way to Ayr to play, as well as all other players who travelled from near and far, and also Lefty for running the tournament.

“Finally, a massive thank you to all our committee members and volunteers over the weekend!

“We couldn’t have done this without you.”

Ayr Tennis Association has its AGM on Thursday March 14 at 6pm – all welcome to attend.  

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Caption: Junior tennis players from across north Queensland took part in Ayr Tennis Association’s recent Junior Development Series tournament. Photos supplied

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Green socks will run out onto rugby league fields all across the state this year as the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) increases its support for young match officials.

The new QRL campaign carries a key message to fans attending QRL fixtures in 2024: “If their socks are green, they are under 18”.

The campaign aims to create a more positive environment for young referees, attracting more to the role and boosting retention.

QRL State Match Officials Manager Clayton Sharpe said the initiative would complement the QRL’s existing Positive Environment Program (PEP).

“While wearing green socks may seem like a small change, it represents a powerful message for the rugby league community,” Mr Sharpe said.

“Primarily, it is about treating young referees with respect, refraining from abuse, and understanding that our emerging match officials are still learning, just like the players.

“We’re putting all of our resources into this to foster a supportive atmosphere and enhance the experience for young referees who make an immense contribution to our sport every year.”

A former Hostplus Cup referee and NRL touch judge, Mr Sharpe is familiar with the challenges that many young referees face in the community and QRL statewide competition matches.

“Rugby league is a highly competitive sport, played and supported by passionate people,” he said.

“But that doesn’t excuse poor behaviour or negative comments directed at our referees.

“This campaign will be built on respect, encouragement, patience and enjoyment – they’re just some of the guiding messages that will form part of what we hope will be a very successful initiative.”

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Home Hill Golf Club finally held their Summer Cup final, seeing a close event in very windy conditions.

Winner on the day was Tim Branch on 35 points followed by Stephen Doig 35 points, Jaylen Mcubben 34 points, Eric Barbagallo 34 points, and Kieren Dawes 34 points.

Pins 4/13 Tim Branch and Kieren Dawes, 7/16 Tim Branch and Scott Sheahan, 9/18 Eric Barbagallo and Stephen Doig and least putts Stephen Doig on 24.

Summer cup runaway winner for the season was Kieren Dawes 28 points; 2nd Kevan Chatfield on 19 points; 3rd Tim Branch on 18 points; 4th Luke Carrett on 17 points; 5th Guysie LeBlowitz on 17 points; 6th Ross Wilkie on 17 points; 7th Tony Carrett on 16 points; 8th John Power on 15 points; 9th Tarra Cesconnetto on 15 points; 10th Eric Barbagallo on 14 points.

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Caption: Ladies winner Amy Smail, Men’s A Grade winner Jonathan McKeough and B Grade winner Keiran Dawes. Photo supplied

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On Saturday morning, Ayr junior golfers held their February monthly medal competition. The Nett winner from each group wins the monthly medal. Just a light shower or rain didn’t stop the juniors from completing their holes, with a great number of 6 holes players competing this week.

The 3 hole monthly medal winner was Hudson Suficiencia, 6 hole monthly medal winner was Lyla Land, and the 9 hole monthly medal winner was Oscar Mahoney. Congratulations all.

The club would also like to welcome Riley Dobe, who joined us for the first time this week, playing 9 holes.

This Saturday coaching is planned, more details will be on the Junior Golf Ayr Facebook page.

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Contributed by Laura Mahoney

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Caption: Ayr Junior Golf Monthly Medal winners

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The former greats of the Rugby League Townsville & Districts (RLTD) gave the visiting NRL Legends team something to think about when both teams played out a 26 all draw in Townsville at the Sports Reserve last Saturday night.

Burdekin Roosters reserve grade coach Chris Perry was asked by the Townsville coach Kev Marty to be his assistant as well as manager.

Perry did so and said the game was played in the right spirit with the Legends team showing that even though the legs are slower and the bellies are bigger, it is still there in the head.

The Burdekin Coach said that the Townsville team never gave in, and the Legends knew they had been playing.

Perry estimated close to 1,000 people were at the game and he thought that had the match been in Ayr, there would have been a much bigger turnout.

“Matty Bowen could still be playing today, he is so fit and still quick turning on a coin,” Perry said.

Former Dragons, Cowboys and Burdekin Roosters star Noel Goldthorpe looked like he could still play today.

The will of the wisp half back is remembered for his exploits for the Dragons, kicking a field goal from near halfway for the Blues to win the deciding Super League Origin and leading the Burdekin Roosters to a RLTD premiership.

On speaking to Goldie on Monday, he said he still plays competitive Oz Tag on the Sunshine Coast where he lives.

The Burdekin had four ex-players in the Townsville team: hooker Lee Mclean, front rower Damien Lynch, second rower Jeff Linton and utility back Brad Parravicini.

Kurt Olsen was to play but a work accident ruled him out.

Perry said the Old Roosters were four of the better players out there with Parra looking like he could still go round.

"I think the promotion would go well in the Burdekin with spectators flocking to see old faces like Sam Thaiday, John Hopoate, Kevin Campion, Ben Hannant, Matty Bowen and Antonio Winterstein,” Perry said.

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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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Caption: Four former Burdekin players took on the NRL Legends side in Townsville on the weekend. Photo supplied: International Legends of League

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The stage has been set for the Home Hill Cricket Association senior grand final following a Guardian Pharmacy victory on the weekend.

Guardian faced Crowned Mongrels on the astro wicket, with Mongrels winning the toss and electing to bat.

Some tight bowling led to a conservative start for the batting side and an early wicket before Andrew Wallwork dug in for 57 runs from 44 balls assisted by Scott Hazard with 26 from 31, Casper Licciardello with 12 from 13 and Travis Butler with 11 from 17.

Simon Vickers, Matthew Gardner and Gill Singh took two wickets each for Guardian while Jamie Grabs and Sam Gillespie took one each and another Clay Brush assisted with the final runout to have Mongrels all out for 137 from 23.5 overs.

An opening stand of 35 runs between Clay Brush and Lee Watts got the Guardian run chase off to an ideal start, with Brush making 30 from 39 and Watts 14 from 29.

The runs kept coming down the order with Salvatore Cardillo making 23 from 19 and the partnership of Jd Wilkins (29 from 26) and Thomas Cardillo (39 from 33) getting Guardian the victory in the final over.

Wickets came to Andrew Wallwork, Jay Leckenby and Joel Hanson for Mongrels with Andrew Wallwork and Jay Leckenby both getting runouts to see the batting side finish on 5/144 from 25 overs.

Guardian Pharmacy will now face Peto’s Marine in the grand final at Barry Richards Field this Saturday, March 16.

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Caption 1: Andrew Wallwork scored 57 runs off 44 balls

Caption 2: A partnership between JD (29* runs) and Thomas (39* runs) guided Guardian to victory in the final over

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Photos supplied

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The Burdekin Roosters had two successful trial matches with the visiting Mackay Magpies on Saturday night at Rugby Park winning the A grade and drawing the Reserve Grade.

New A grade coach Steve Lansley said it was great to get a win with his team first up.

“The defence was terrific by the boys who never gave up in the tough physical encounter,” Lansley said.

The former Ignatius Park First grade coach said the team had good contact in defence, slowing the opposition down consistently.

“Magpies were a bigger side but the speed of our team in defence stopped them from getting any momentum,” the coach added.

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Caption: Roosters A grade and Reserves squads took on Mackay Magpies in pre-season trials on the weekend. Photo supplied

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Tries Galore In First Trials Of The Season

Burdekin Roosters A grade coach Steve Lansley said the defensive pattern employed by the locals worked well for most of the game.

He thought lock forward Kali Nauque was particularly strong, with Dylan Carew having a good one off the bench.

Big forwards Blackhawk English front rower Christan Gale, Cowboy forward Jeremiah Matuate and Tate Brombal led the way, especially in attack, given good service from hooker Rhett Williams who led his team around well whilst being very safe and reliable up the middle.

Hayden Lammon was a handy input off the bench and could be in for a good year.

Lachlan Shepherd and Ethan Hagarty went well in the back row with Shep deserving of his try.

Lansley added he was impressed with his halves Joel Mason and Dylan Doak who kept the opposition guessing along with Terry Connors who came off the bench.

Connors showed how dangerous he can be by cutting the defence in scoring a neat try.

Mason was strong in defence and Doak capped off his game with a timely intercept which won the game from the resulting try.

New winger Aiden Stevens was dangerous as was the other flanker Nemia Nawave with fullback Jones Munro diffusing several skyscrapers.

“It was a good result and a good hit out but we won't get carried away,” the coach added.

Tries were scored by Isnel Makamali, Dylan Doak, Lachlan Shepherd, Terry Connors, Jeremiah Matuate, with Joel Mason converting two goals.

Both teams scored four tries each and kicked two goals with the Roosters and Magpies drawing the reserve grade 20 all.

The Roosters skipped away to lead 12 nil at quarter time and 16 - 6 at the main break.

Superior ball possession by the visitors then had the Roosters defending well whilst scrambling for points.

In that period the Magpies scored three tries to one by Masi Mills, a new player to the Roosters showing plenty of talent.

Mills had earlier converted two tries, good efforts in the strong wind at the time.

Forward Mitchell Guy was the stand out in the match with his hard running backed up by Zac Campbell, John Zaro, Caleb Noah, Masi Mills, Dominic Augostis, Beau Crowdey and the dangerous Terry Connors.

Tries were scored by Masi Mills, Caleb Noah, Beau Crowdey and Antonio Tagicaki with Masi Mills converting two goals.

This Saturday, the A grade Roosters will have a trial match with Townsville Brothers, the game played in Airlie Beach.

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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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