Saturday PM 20/12 (1-5pm) Group H - Dave Satori PC, Kathryn Satori PC, Riley Satori, Jake Satori, Cole Pontifex, Alyssia Gibson, Billy Gibson and Halle Gibson Sunday AM 21/12 (9am-1pm) Group A - Richard Dale PC, Chris Wicks PC, Jane Olsen, Zachry Dale, Stephanie Dale, Warne McShane, Nico Ortner and William Holt Sunday PM 21/12 (1-5pm) - Group C - Jane Jones PC, Lauren Chapman PC, Gavin Jones, Emma Jones, Evan Chapman, Isla Chapman, Milla Chapman and Shaize Christie
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Home Hill Tennis celebrated the conclusion of the tennis and pickleball year with the AO One Point Slam, with die-hard players turning out to enjoy the event despite a storm threatening and a few drops of rain falling. In the official tennis competition, Bernie Claussen proved too strong for all her opponents and has been invited to play in the Brisbane event, with the club hopeful for a lucky draw and a chance to win $50,000. President Joel Hanson’s serve was on fire, helping him secure a first-round win against mate and fellow Vice President Mark Barbagallo. Joel went on to win the sign-on event after a lengthy final rally, while Toni Pivotto claimed victory in the pickleball event after several long points. The celebrations highlighted the ongoing growth of pickleball at the club, which continues to attract strong numbers each week, with sessions on Tuesday nights from 6.30 pm and most Saturday mornings at 7.30 am. The group wrapped up the year with a social gathering at the Kalamia Hotel. For more information about the club, contact Kate Casswell on 0447 384 441.
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Junior Touch Football players from across the region gathered in Ayr recently for the Fast Four Touch carnival, showcasing their skills in a day of fast-paced action. Twenty-two teams competed across age divisions from under 10 to under 16, with four players per side taking to half a field. Local Burdekin teams were joined by several squads from Townsville, creating a highly competitive atmosphere. The round-robin games saw over 250 touchdowns scored, with players backing up game after game in challenging hot conditions, impressing the large crowd of spectators. Before the finals, sprints and team relays were also held, adding extra excitement to the day. In the finals, The Snippers defeated Six Seven Superstars 5-0 in the under-10 boys, while Shooting Stars beat Lollypops 5-0 in the under-10 girls. The Brotherhood edged out Walking Warriors 1-0 in the under-12 boys, with SSS A narrowly defeating SSS B 3-2 in the under-12 girls. Angus’s Team claimed a 3-1 win over Legacy 22 in the under-14 boys, and Baywatch triumphed 4-1 against Young Girls in the under-14 girls. In the under-16 divisions, 2 Deadly won 1-0 over Too Fresh in the boys, with Red Madness victorious in the girls. After the action-packed day, club officials praised the players and volunteers for their efforts. “All players displayed great sportsmanship throughout the day,” said President Peter Knapton. “Many thanks go to the referees, cooks, canteen workers, helpers and parents but more importantly to the players for the terrific skills and the competitive spirit of the games which made for an enjoyable carnival.”
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Local Burdekin FC’s AGM will be held on Sunday 18th January at Honeycombes Hall on Beach Road. The Panthers would like all those interested, to be there. Training for Men and Colts for the 2026 season has started. Thursday nights at 6.15. Small sided games for the next three weeks. Be There! Night Soccer Friday was a big night at International Park. It was Grand Final night of the 47th season of Delta Cleaners Night Soccer and a very big crowd turned up to watch the twelve games. The Men’s A Grade Final was won by Mottin Earthmoving who beat UDS 3-1 and in the Ladies A Grade Final, Scoregasms defeated Body Tune 1-0. In the other Men’s competitions, the A Grade Plate was won by Rocky Pond Warriors who beat FJV 1-0 and the A Grade Bowl went to RG Customs who beat 7 Stooges 7-0. In A Social Oary’s Levellers beat DL Lager 1-0 and in the A Social Plate Delta Physio defeated Willy Wackers 3-2. B Social was won by His Haas who beat Bennetts Old Grumpies and in the B Social Plate, Free Ballers beat Hardly Normal. In the other Ladies competition, the A Grade Plate was won by 6 TO UR 7 who beat Lets Get Messi. In the B Grade, Kicken Goals beat Chicks & Chooks and in the B Grade Plate, Short Staffed won against Haven’t a Kahlua. One of the highlights of the night was the annual Drinkers Trophy, won this year by Fair Call who beat Delta Physio 2-1. Winner of the SLoBs Raffle was ticket Grey H66. Juniors The final Burdekin Juniors report for 2025! The 2026 season will be upon us before we know it! Our AGM is scheduled for Sunday the 18th of January - all positions will be open and all new members to our committee much welcomed so come along. Keep an eye out for details on Junior Social Soccer in Term 1 before the season proper commences! Merry Xmas to you all! International and National In the A League Men, after eight rounds Sydney FC is still top after winning 2-1 away to Perth. Auckland is back in second place following their win at central Coast. Brisbane could only manage a goalless draw at Western Sydney and has dropped to third place. In the A League Women, Canberra now top the table after winning away to Sydney FC. Adelaide is in second place after beating Adelaide and Newcastle beat Brisbane to move up to third place with Brisbane dropping to fourth. However, Newcastle and Brisbane both have two games in hand. The Socceroos first World Cup group game is on 13 June. Presumably, there will be some friendly games announced before then. The Matildas play in the AFC Asian Cup in March. In their group games their first match is against Philippines, they then play Iran and then Korea. In England, in the EPL, the three top teams all won, and Arsenal is two points clear of Manchester City with Aston Villa in third place. At the foot of the table Wolves, Burnley and West Ham all lost and are in deep trouble. In Germany’s Bundesliga, none of the top three teams won but the still unbeaten Bayern has a nine point lead over Leipzig and Dortmund. At the foot of the table St Pauli won but along with Heidenheim and Mainz are still in the relegation zone. In Italy’s Serie A, only Inter of the top four teams won. Inter now leads AC Milan by one point with Napoli in third place. Juventus won and moves up to fifth place. At the foot of the table Verona won again but along with Pisa and Fiorentina look doomed. In Spain the top five teams all won, and Barcelona leads Real Madrid by four points with Villarreal in third place and Atletico fourth. At the bottom of the league, Girona won but along with Oviedo and Levante are still in trouble. In France’s Ligue 1, the top six teams all won, and Lens leads PSG by one point with Marseilles in third place a further four points adrift. At the foot of the table, none of the six bottom teams won and Auxerre, Metz, and Nantes are not looking good. Quote of the Week Is from Journalist David Lacey on Boby Robson. “His natural expression if that of a man who fears he might have left the gas on.”
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One day, nine holes, and a four-person Ambrose all in support of one amazing organisation… you guessed it… the infamous End of Harvest Golf Classic will return to the community on Friday, the 12th of December!
The time has come to nominate your teams for one of the most celebrated social sporting extravaganzas on the shire’s calendar with all funds raised going directly to CORES, supporting mental health and suicide prevention.
Just 12 short months ago, 274 players divided across 68 teams took to the Ayr Golf Course to try their luck, swing for success, and fundraise an outstanding $32,140 for CORES. All of the funds raised were donated to CORES to facilitate programs, and work within the Burdekin Shire, workplaces, and schools supporting those in need and spreading awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.
Spearheaded by Kelsey Shand and Ben Smith, the annual event continues to bring the community together in many more ways than one, with many attendees often taking the microphone during the afternoon’s presentations to speak on the importance of seeking mental health support and looking out for your mates.
In 2024, Cool Me AC took out the top spot in the competition, earning themselves both the celebrated Fire Pits Trophy and a year’s worth of bragging rights, leaving everyone questioning… who will champion the 2025 End of Harvest Golf Classic?
Registrations can be made online now at https://form.jotform.com/241538497359875, with fees at $30 per player or $120 per team which includes a good old steak burger lunch. As always, spots are predicted to fill up fast, so jump online and register your teams now! To volunteer for the event and for any event enquiries, email endofharvestgolf@gmail.com, or call Kelsey on 0437 863 448 or Ben on 0448 948 661.
What: End of Harvest Golf Classic
When: Friday, the 12th of December
Where: Ayr Golf Course
The 2024 End of Harvest Golf Classic was one for the history books! Photo Credit: Chelsea Ravizza
The Home Hill Third Grade side delivered a commanding all-round performance to claim victory over Brothers Resilient Projects, posting a strong 7/178 before bowling out the opposition for 126 at John McCulloch Oval.
Simon Vickers set the tone early with a blistering 33 off 21 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes before being caught in the deep. The innings was steadied by Luke Mottin’s composed 59 from 76 balls, featuring five boundaries, while Travis Butler added a valuable 35. Lower-order runs pushed Home Hill to 7/178 from 30 overs.
The bowlers backed it up superbly, with Tomey Mathew ripping through the Brothers middle order to take 5 for 30 from 6 overs, including a maiden. Leo and Dan Olditch took two wickets each, sealing a 52-run win.
In Second Grade, Home Hill bowled first against Northern Beaches. JD Wilkins impressed with 4 for 30 from 8 overs, while Ayden Marano claimed 3 for 28 to dismiss the opposition for 184. Marano then led the batting with a brisk 51 from 46 balls, hitting 10 boundaries, while Zakk Myles added 33 from 60. Despite their efforts, Home Hill fell short in the chase, bowled out for 162 in 37.5 overs — just 22 runs shy of victory.
Contributed with thanks to Tiffany Olditch
Tomey Mathew - 5 wickets
Luke Mottin - 59 runs
Runs were hard to come by at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex last week. In the Blue Group, Jake Cullen top-scored with 9 not out, while Kyle Wilkie was next best with 5 not out. Three run outs didn’t help batters settle in for bigger totals, but Jake contributed with one of those run outs and bowled well, finishing with figures of 1 for 2. Other wicket-takers were Kip Nicholas (1 for 4), Henry Cohen (1 for 7), and Corbett Cross (1 for 8). The McDonald’s Sports Awards for this group went to Henry and Kip.
It was a similar story in the Gold Group, where no batter reached double figures. Oscar Mahoney struck two fours in his short innings of nine before being clean bowled by Rylan Nicolaides. Ben Watkins also scored nine with one four and remained not out. Xavier Cross looked promising on eight before running out of partners. The standout bowler was Oliver Calligaro, taking 2 for 11 and effecting two run outs. Billy Muilwyk took 1 for 4, and Rylan Nicolaides 1 for 18. Mark Wilkie and Rylan Nicolaides claimed the McDonald’s Sports Awards for their all-round performances.
Scores weren’t available for the Challengers game at the time of writing, though Jack impressed with great technique, line, and length, while Nicholas bowled well and nearly clinched victory for his side by smashing a four off the final ball. The game ended 76 to 75. For their efforts, Jack and Nicholas received the McDonald’s Sports Awards.
Contributed with thanks to Scott Heidke
The Ayr Golf Club ladies’ competition saw some thrilling performances on Selections Day 2025, with players showing off their skills on the greens.
A special thank-you went out to Marissa and the team at Selections, long-term sponsors of the club’s Wednesday ladies’ competition. Their continued support is greatly appreciated by all members.
On the day, it was Tuk Williams who stole the show, posting an impressive 40 points to decisively win the competition. Wendy Baker finished strong in second place with 36 points, followed closely by Bev Power in third with 35 points. Pat Lawson rounded out the top four with 33 points.
Congratulations to all the competitors for a fantastic day of golf!
It was a big week at Brandon Bowls Club, with thrilling finals and tight finishes across all divisions. Jason Farry and Glenn Woodford claimed the 2025 Pairs Finals title after a hard-fought victory over Kenny Ferguson and Gary Nosworthy, drawing cheers from the crowd for their sharp teamwork and calm under pressure.
In Wednesday’s A Grade Ladies Final, Lyn Storrie triumphed over Margaret Chapman in a close, high-quality match that had spectators glued to the green.
The Ladies’ Triples saw Vanda Ballao, Sandra Darwen, and Helen Collins edge out Lyn Farr, Bev Garioch, and Darelle Pearce in another nail-biter. Sunday’s mixed triples action wrapped up the week, with impressive wins from teams led by Margaret Chapman, Neville Dickinson, and Ken Ferguson — capping off a standout week of bowls.
Finals Pairs winners: Glenn Woodford [L] and Jason Farry [R]
A Grade Ladies Finals winner: Lyn Storrie [L], runner-up Margaret Chapman [R]
Ayr Bowling Club has enjoyed another vibrant week on the greens, with a great mix of social and championship games bringing members together. With the championship season now coming to an end competition has been fierce but friendly, highlighting the impressive skill and sportsmanship of our bowlers. Social games have also been well-attended, creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere that continues to strengthen the club’s sense of community.
Tuesday Ladies Social bowls was played, Winners on the day were Beryl Cornford and Pam Power defeating Katharina Stuckler and Mary Poli. Karen Shepherd, Karen Page and Dot Cutting defeating Donna Soper, Betty Schultz and Heather Jorgensen
The Ladies Handicap Pairs Competition was played with Lorraine Wolffe and Irene Wilson defeating Katharina Stuckler and Heather Jorgensen winners progress to the next round.
Men’s Social bowls on Wednesday saw two games of triples and one game of pairs. Well done to all these players turning up in the high humidity. Winners on the day were Richard Aplin, Joe Papale and Chris Olditch.
Wednesday night social bowls two games of triples were played. The winners of the first game were Bertilla Piazetta, David Burt and Sam Caltabiano. Winners in the second game were Sonya Richards, Ken O'Shea and Gary Pearce.
On Thursday, the Mixed Singles Championship game was held between Beryl Cornford and Anthony Bull. Early in the game it was close, with Beryl Cornford taking a commanding lead halfway through the game to win 26 - 12. Bery now proceeds to the semi-final against Ron Soper.
Saturday’s Social bowls there were two games of triples. Winners on the day were Donna Soper, Deslie Olsen – Lachlan Grantz and Dot Cutting defeating Arthur Gauvin, Betty Schultz and Barry Shepherd.
If you are interested in trying lawn bowls, Ayr Bowling club is a hub for lawn bowls enthusiasts, offering a friendly and social environment for players of all skill levels. Here are some details about the Ayr Bowling Club:
· Location: 101 Young Street, Ayr, Queensland 4807
· Phone Number: (07) 4783 1336 · Facebook Page:Ayr Bowling Club | Ayr QLD | Facebook
Social bowls are played on Wednesday or Wednesday evening or Saturday afternoon – we would love to see you! We have plenty of sets of bowls for you to try with. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or a beginner looking to try your hand at lawn bowls, the Ayr Bowling Club is a great place to connect with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy the sport.
Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull
Home Hill Bowls Club report Thursday 23rd October. Twenty-three players turned out for a windy afternoon. Rink 2 saw a singles match between Alex Bojack and Michael Young, which was eventually won by Alex. He will now play Wayne Newton in the final. Rink 2 was also the lucky rink drawn, so Alex and Michael are the daily winners, shown in the photo.
On Rink 4, Judy Elton, Janet Arthur, and Steve Doig went down to Bob Young, Michael Young, Ron Smith, and Gary Nosworthy/Trevor Elton after not being able to score a point following the tea break. Rink 5 saw Paul Vass, Nev Webb, and Mick McClosky prove too strong for Henry Hazel, Elaine Young, and Joe Linton. Bob Pickard and Joclyn DeFranciscus won handsomely over Betty Webb and Bruce McCallum on Rink 6, while Margaret Linton and Glen Bones Berryman were big winners over Warren Yogi Bunn and Margaret Chapman on Rink 7.
The breakfast tray raffle was won by Bones Berryman and Yogi Bunn, who took home the wine. This year’s Christmas party will be held on 29th November, beginning at 1pm. Janet Arthur and Gary Nosworthy both had birthdays during the week. As usual, Monday morning fitness, Tuesday Trimmers and Tuesday Funday, Wednesday morning Kraft group and Wednesday evening barefoot bowls and sausage sizzle all continued. Thursday morning Bingo, social bowls, and the $5 day on Saturdays are all going well.
Until next week, good bowling. Story and photos by Stephen Doig.
Last Saturday, Burdekin Football Club celebrated another standout season at Populin Hall, honouring players, volunteers, and teams who went above and beyond. The night was a mix of camaraderie, recognition, and celebration, highlighting the dedication that fuels the club year after year.
Standout moments included the presentation of the Ramon Oar Memorial Spirit Award to Wayne Kolb, the Presidents Medal to Garry and Kiera Durrant, and the Taylah Pearson Memorial Award to Sian Reardon. Young talent like Zack Durrant and Cooper Kross also received top accolades, while Joshua Valle and Charley Ruskin were named Men’s and Ladies Player of the Year.
Major Award Winners:
Ramon Oar Memorial Spirit Award- Wayne Kolb
Alan Chatfield Junior Club Person- Kristen Power
Taylah Pearson Memorial Award- Sian Reardon
Presidents Medal- Garry & Kiera Durrant
Young Club Person of the Year- Zack Durrant
Men’s Player of the Year- Joshua Valle
Ladies Player of the Year- Charley Ruskin
Colts Player of the Year- Cooper Kross
Fillies Player of the Year- Tahlia Lawson
Grand Final Winners- Ladies Team
Team Awards:
Division 2
Players of the Match: Jacob Rossato, Simon Scuderi, Chris Achille
Player of Finals: Jake Lacey
Most Improved: Jack Castrejana
Most Consistent: James Dwyer
Best and Fairest: Heath Swindley
Division 1
Players of the Match: Zack Durrant, Max Kelly, Angus Innes
Most Improved: Casey Calligaro
Most Consistent: Cody Scalia
Best and Fairest: Seaton Ivory
FQPL U23
Players of the Match: Brayden Card, Oscar Licciardello, Leighton Gallagher
Most Improved: Max Kelly
Most Consistent: Cooper Kross
Best and Fairest: Jalen Pedro
Ladies
Players of the Match: Sian Reardon, Ava Heatley, Rhia Nielsen
Player of the Finals: Karina Guglielmi
Most Improved: Dayna Linton
Most Consistent: Zandi Bonnano
Best and Fairest: Sienna Lago
FQPL Men:
Players of the Match: Oscar Licciardello, Jay Leckenby, Cooper Kross
Impact Player: Matthew Kolb
Most Consistent: Oliver Gabiola
Best and Fairest: Ryan Scodellaro
It was Ayr who had the last laugh on Sunday, 19 October, after defeating cross-town rivals Home Hill in a three-sport series as part of the Home Hill Harvest Festival's esteemed Town of Origin series.
The well-attended event drew hundreds of locals to Home Hill State High School grounds for the 11th instalment of the series, with Ayr's 2-1 victory across junior cricket, netball and rugby giving it a 6-5 historical lead and temporary bragging rights over its local counterpart.
Beyond the on-court and on-pitch action, Harvest Festival president Mark Vass said the event was a win for the entire Burdekin community.
"There's always a lot of banter out there, a lot of banter on the sidelines and it's just a good atmosphere," said Vass. "People are very passionate about it, and as long as people continue to support it, we'll keep it going."
Ayr hit the ground running in the early afternoon, claiming a narrow, hard-fought 60-59 victory in the junior cricket showdown, with Kip Nicholas named Man of the match for his dominant performance. Home Hill bounced back with a commanding 40-17 win in netball, with Krystel Kerr named player of the game for her outstanding exploits. But it was Ayr that finished strongest, sealing the series with a comprehensive 32-4 rugby league victory to clinch the 2-1 series win.
With Ayr fans celebrating and Home Hill supporters already plotting next year’s comeback, the Town of Origin once again proved it’s as much about community as it is about sport.
Photo credit: Melanie Napier Memories & Photography
After two wins at home last week, both teams were hoping to replicate that success again on Sunday at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex.
The Home Hill Third Grade side faced a disciplined Suburban Parks attack and dismissed for 126 runs. The innings never quite found momentum, with four early wickets falling to J Eldho, who proved to be the chief destroyer for Sub Parks. The partnership of Alexander Romeo (35 runs) and Darcy Walters (39 runs) proved crucial to the total.
Despite Home Hill’s bowlers delivering a spirited performance, Suburban Parks finished their innings at 6/153 to take the win by 4 wickets. Steven Zabala was the standout bowler for Home Hill, claiming 3 wickets for just 15 runs in his 6-over spell, including 2 maidens.
In Second Grade, Home Hill’s batting innings was a mix of resilience and missed opportunities, posting a low total 84 runs before Wanderers chased it down with five wickets in hand. Despite flashes of brilliance in both batting and bowling, Home Hill couldn’t quite hold off the opposition who took the win, 5/85.
Alex Stillhard (21 runs) and TJ Richards (20 runs) were the top scorers with the bat, supported by a steadying 11 run stand from Thomas Cardillo. Al Wilkins delivered with ball in hand, a tidy spell of 3 overs with 1 maiden, conceding just 9 runs and claiming 2 crucial wickets.
In both games, Home Hill’s bowlers gave their teams a fighting chance, but the batting lineups couldn’t match the intensity. Time to regroup for next week’s fixtures.
Contributed with thanks to HHCA Secretary Tiffany Olditch
In both games, Home Hill’s bowlers gave their teams a fighting chance, but the batting lineups couldn’t match the intensity. Photo supplied
The batters dominated at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex last week.
In the Blue Group, Kaisen Petersen led the way with an unbeaten 30 runs, including four fours. Jake Cullen also impressed with 19 not out, hitting two fours. Corbett Cross and Kip Nicholas both remained unbeaten on 17 runs.
With the ball, Tait Parker and Jake Cullen each took two wickets, while Kyle Wilkie, Henry Cohen and Petersen each contributed a run out. Jake Cullen and Henry Cohen were awarded the McDonald’s Sports Awards for their efforts.
In the Gold Group, Tyler Schultz scored 24 not out, just ahead of Ben Watkins’ 23 not out. Both were recognised with the McDonald’s Sports Awards. Only four wickets fell during the game, with Xavier Cross (1/10) and Tyler Schultz (1/17) taking the only wickets. Ben Watkins took a catch and a run out, while Oliver Calligaro also secured a run out.
There were no stats recorded for the Challengers this week, but Claire Cross and Aria Bryant earned the McDonald’s Sports Awards for their excellent all-round performances.
Contributed with thanks to Scott Heidke
The Junior Touch Football season kicked off last Friday with an impressive 170 boys and girls aged 4 to 13 registering to play. Teams participate in skills, drills, and games each week from 5.30 to 6.15pm, ensuring young players develop their ball-handling and game awareness while having fun.
Burdekin Life member Bob Clerke said, “It’s great to see so many young players. There are over 40 boys and girls aged from four to six years. The aim is to develop their ball and playing skills while making sure they enjoy themselves along the way.”
In preparation for the season, 13 referees from the Wednesday Senior Touch competition attended a coaching session conducted by NQ Technical Director Michael Littlefield last Sunday. “It’s important that referees are consistent with their rulings and sessions like these assist greatly,” Michael said. “It’s also pleasing to see young players wanting to referee as well.”
Four teenagers — Riley Dobe, Beau Ellwood, Danny Wilson, and Mia Robertson — attended the course and will now be mentored by senior referees.
Round nine results in the senior Mixed Touch competition saw some high-scoring games:
Nrgize 7 (L. Torkington 3, Leylan Lampton 2) def Alliance Pharmacy 4
Crocs 7 (J. McIvor 3) def Antiskeptics 4 (D. Ballin 2)
NIS 5 (J. Previtera 2) def Baywatch B 2
Nutek Titans 11 (L. Olditch 3, J. Olditch 2) def Slush Puppies 6 (L. Marshall 5)
One Touch IT 8 (C. Kross 3, R. Taylor 2, C. Spedding 2) def First in Physio 6 (T. Marshall 3, R. Palmer 2)
East Ayr 6 def Baywatch A 5
One Touch Wonders 11 (K. Drain 6) def Redskins 4 (M. Pavone 2)
Petrol Heads 8 (D. Torrisi 2, C. Ferrando 2, M. Worlein 2) drew Pink Piggies 8 (C. Lyne 3)
Touch Potatoes 6 (H. Horan 3, A. Watson 2) def Renegades 2 (K. Vitty 2)
Touch N Tease 8 (B. Hughes 2, H. Lammon 2, E. Catanzaro 2) def Blue Murder 6 (R. Smith 3, D. Walsh 3)
Players of the round included Mia Robertson and Beau Ellwood.
Contributed with thanks to Peter Knapton
Junior referees. Photo supplied
The Burdekin FC Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 25 October at Populin’s Hall. Get your tickets on-line now, or at the Mad House on Tuesday night.
Night Soccer
The fourth week of competition and with two forfeits, the eighteen games produced sixty two goals, and there were no Sin Bins! Top scorers were Ladies team Body Tune with ten goals. Delta Physio scored four goals and there were six draws with five games being decided by the odd goal. Top individual scorer was Sian Reardon with three goals for Body Tune.
In Men’s Competitive Group, UDS top the table with 10 points ahead of Nutrien Ag and Clare Cutters with 9. In Mens Social 1, DL Lager with 12 points are two points clear of Willy Wackers and in Mens Social 2, Delta Physio with 7 points lead Bennetts Old Grumpies, Jaime’s Boys, Always Fits and Boarin n Scorin all with 6 points. In Ladies Group1, Scoregasms with 10 points lead Young Guns with 7 and in Group 2, 6 TO UR 7 and Rocky Pond Wonders, lead with 9 points each.
Juniors
Burdekin was represented in the first Northern Girls United Carnival in Townsville last weekend by our Under 10/11 girls. Due to some late team withdrawals, the girls were asked to play up in the Under 13 age group. With this we knew the girls would have some hard games, but they played so well both individually and as a team, that they made the semi-finals, finishing fourth out of seven teams. An amazing effort by the girls!
Junior Social Soccer was played on Tuesday afternoon again with plenty of great goals, saves and gameplay.
Our Junior coaches have a 'Foundation of Football' coaching course this Sunday at the clubhouse. If you have not signed up and keen to improve your coaching skills, please contact the club for the details.
Angelo Licciardello's Football Star Academy sessions are also on for Term 4. These are great for players to continue improving their skills in the off season, and also for new players. Angelo's sessions are both fun and informative skill wise. If you would like more info on these contact Angelo or the club.
National and International
The 2025-6 A League season kicked off last Friday and in the first round only three teams had a win. Central Coast, Adelaide, and Brisbane top the table. The other three games were draws. This week, the Roar are away to Wellington Phoenix, Central Coast meet Sydney FC and Adelaide are away to Macarthur.
The Women’s A league starts on Friday with eleven clubs. Brisbane Roar are at home to Melbourne Victory on Saturday and Champions Central Coast, are at home to Adelaide on Sunday.
The Matildas next match is a friendly against Wales, in Cardiff on 25 October, followed by another friendly against England on 29 October.
The Socceroos have played two friendlies, the first friendly was against Canada in Montreal last Saturday and resulted and in a 1-0 victory with a goal from Nestory Irankunda. They then played the USA in Denver, on Wednesday, losing 1-2.
The 2026 World Cup starts on 11 June ( Trump willing) with the Final on 19 July. Forty eight teams will compete in twelve groups of four team in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The top two teams from the groups plus the best eight third placed teams qualifying for the Round of 32. The Group Draw will be made in Washington DC on 5th December. So far twenty five countries, including Cape Verde, population 525k, have qualified plus the three host countries.
The major European leagues resumed last weekend. In the EPL, Liverpool lost at home to ManU and drop to fourth place. Arsenal now tops the table after eight games; three points clear of Manchester City with Bournemouth and Liverpool a further point behind. At the foot of the table, it is looking dire for Wolves who have just two points.
In Germany’s Bundesliga, the old order has not changed. After seven rounds Bayern, with maximum points, are already five points ahead of second placed Leipzig with Stuttgart third and Dortmund fourth. At the bottom of the league Munchen Gladbach are struggling with just three points. In Spain, after nine rounds, Real Madrid and Barcelona have moved ahead of the field. Real has twenty four points and Barca twenty two. Villarreal is third five points behind, and Atletico is in fourth spot.
In Italy’s Serie A it is a lot closer. After seven rounds AC Milan lead by a point from Inter, Napoli and Roma. Juventus without a win in their last four games are in seventh place. At the foot of the table Pisa, Genoa, and Fiorentina, all without a win, are on three points. Finally in France after eight Round, for once PSG do not top the table. Marseille leads PSG by a point with Strasbourg and Lens a further point away. At the bottom of the league Metz already looks doomed.
Quote of the Week is from Ange Postecoglou former Spurs and Nottingham Forrest Manager “Every time I see the light at the end of the tunnel it turns out to be an oncoming train.”
This week the Ayr Bowling Club was filled with friendship and healthy competition. Tuesday 14th October saw Ladies Social Bowls with 10 ladies giving us 1 triple’s and 1 pairs game. Winners J McDonald, D Soper, and B Schultz defeated M Nixon, K Stuckler and P Power. In the pairs game Karen Shepherd and M Poli defeated M Smith and K Page.
On Wednesday, we saw a great afternoon’s social bowling competition. There were two games of Triples. Winners were Cisco, G Nixon and J McDonald defeating D Poli, J Pirrone and A Bull. On Wednesday evening, social bowls, two triples’ games and a pairs game were played. Winners were Evelyn Wiltshere and Gary Pearce winning the pairs game. Kate Stringer, John Cesconetto and Ross McLaughlin won 1 triples game. Sonya, Rob Jorgensen and Sam Caltabiano won the second triples game.
Saturday Social Bowls delivered a lively afternoon of competition and camaraderie, featuring four engaging games of bowls. Emerging victorious on the day were the talented trio of Jen McDonald, Joe Grabbi, and Chris Berkery defeating Harold Rumney, Betty Schultz and Dot Cutting. Second place went to Merle Nixon, Wayne Metzer and Anthony Bull defeating Karen Shepherd, Arthur Gauvin and Ron Soper.
The club also extended a warm welcome to several travelling visitors, whose presence added to the vibrant atmosphere and spirit of friendly play.
Saturday afternoons at the club continue to be a fantastic opportunity for locals and newcomers alike to meet new people, enjoy the fresh air, and discover the joys of bowls. Whether you're a seasoned player or picking up a bowl for the first time, you're invited to come down, give it a go, and join the fun!
Wednesday 15th saw a Championship semifinal game of mixed triples played. Winners were B Cornford, P Power and M Power defeating R Smythe, D Soper and R Soper 25 – 16 in a close contest. Friday night Championship mixed triples final was played under perfect conditions. Emerging victorious in an entertaining game were B Cornford, P Power and M Power defeating L Wolffe, J McDonald and Anthony Bull 20 – 13. Sunday mixed rinks were played winners were K Stuckler, R Smythe, B Cornford and C Essex defeating K Shepherd, B Shepherd, D Olsen and C Oldhitch 24- 17.
If you are interested in giving Bowls a try, Friday Roll Ups are a good place to start. They are held every Friday afternoon from 3:00 - 5:30pm. Whether you're looking to hone your skills, enjoy some friendly training tips, or simply unwind with a drink, these casual roll-ups are the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Come down for some training, enjoy a few drinks, and join in the fun with fellow club members.
Twenty players attended, with eighteen taking to the greens across three rinks of Triples.
Rink 4: Yogi Bunn, Ron Smith, and Hugh Montgomery battled closely against Bob Young, Sandra Darwin, and Glen Bones Berryman.
Rink 5: Paul Vass, Gary Nosworthy, and Joe Linton, today’s winning team, comfortably defeated Michael Young, Trevor Elton, and Steve Doig. Rumour has it that Joe Linton’s team was touched by a fairy, as luck seemed to follow them all day.
Rink 6: An on-fire Margaret Chapman, Bruce McCallum, and Wayne Newton defeated Margaret Linton—also bowling strongly—alongside Dino Poli and Tony Eadie.
The day’s raffle featured a crumbed seafood tray, enthusiastically won by Gary Nosworthy, while a bottle of wine went home with Bruce McCallum.
As usual, the club hosts a variety of activities throughout the week: Monday morning fitness, Tuesday Trimmers with Tuesday Funday (a come-and-learn event to meet new friends), Wednesday Kraft group, Wednesday evening barefoot bowls with Ron’s world-famous sausage sizzle, Thursday morning BINGO, Thursday social bowls (names in by 1pm to assist with the draw), and Saturday afternoon $5 social bowls, which continues to draw a crowd.
Until next week, good bowling!
Photo and report by Stephen Doig
Paul Vass, Gary Nosworthy, and Joe Linton, today’s winning team, in action on the greens. Photo supplied
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