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.”

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

Contributed by Laura Mahoney

‍

Caption: Ayr Junior Golf Monthly Medal winners

‍

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.

‍

Contributed by Brian Carnes

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

Photos supplied

‍

‍

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

Contributed by Brian Carnes

‍

Social Tuesday February 27 Winners were Katharina Stuckler, Beryl Cornford and Irene Wilson defeating Isabel Cislowski, Joy Comollatti & Mary Poli.

Desley Olsen, Heather Jorgensen and Pam Power defeated Donna Soper, Karen Page and Sandra Stidston.

Competition on Thursday's 1:30pm in March  Championship Rinks starting.

Ayr lady bowlers, see the bowls club noticeboard or contact your skips - good bowling.

Men's Championship Four's 8:30am Sunday March 17.

1. G. Papale, J Grabbi, S. Caltabiano, L. Stidston vs A. Bull, C. Essex, M. Power, R. Soper.  

2. H. Horan, J. Hall, W. Coonan, M. Parravicini vs D. Poli, M. Olsen, R. Young, M. Milan.

‍

Contributed by Michael Parravicini

‍

18 players fronted up for Wednesday night barefoot bowls.

Rink 2: Wayne, Carol and Nev were too good for Jocelyn, Merle and Mark winning 14 to 12.

Rink 3: Kate, Paul and Joe put the cleaners through Maisie, Betty and Ron 17 to 5.

Rink 4: Kita, Sam and Stephen were way too strong for Yogi, Gladys and Judy winning 20 to 8.

22 Players fronted on it seems the first dry Thursday afternoon bowls in weeks.        

Rink 3 Triples: Karl/Mick O, Mick and Glen won the day in a close one over Ray, Terry and Henry 15 to 13.  

Rink 4 Pairs: Alex and Trevor were much too strong for Paul and Bob to the tune of 33 to 22.

Rink 5: After Norm had to pull out for health reasons Stephen skipped for two teams. Jim and Stephen just lasted to defeat Dino and Stephen to the tune of 15 to 13.

Rink 6: John and Joe won a nail-biting contest over Tony and Hugh 25 to 24.

And finally on rink 7, Judy and Wayne were convincing winners over Yogi and Des 28 to 18.

Thanks again to sponsor Rocky Ponds produce.

‍

Supplied by Stephen Doig

‍

Caption 1: Wednesday night’s barefoot bowls winners were Nev, Carol and Wayne

Caption 2: The winners of Thursday were Alex and Trevor

Photos supplied: Stephen Doig

‍

The blue skies late last week dried out the grounds and pitches enough at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex for the Junior Cricket and Challenger Blasters’ games to go ahead. The slow outfield in the Junior Cricket “Hardball” game meant only one four was scored in the whole match. Xavier Cross was quite proud of this shot as it was his first ever four scored in a game. Marshall Parker was top scorer with 17 runs followed by Mark Wilkie on 12. The weeks of net sessions and batting drills are starting to show in the nice shots that some of the batters are now playing. It is good to know that the coaching is working and that they are putting what they are being shown into practice in the games to score runs.

If it was hard to score runs, then it was even harder to take wickets as only five fell for the entire game over both innings.  William Chandler came out on top with the ball getting 2 for 15. Oliver Calligaro and Jacques Gardner snared one each, and Marshall Parker combined with Oscar Mahoney to affect a run out. ‘Players of the Week Award’ winners for this game were Harrison Smyth and Spyridonas Spyrou. No stats were available for the Challenger Blaster game, but Kyle Wilkie was the top scorer, and the award winners were Levi Trail and Morgan Burrell.

‍

Caption 1: Harrison Smyth and Spyridonas Spyrou

Caption 2: Levi Trail and Morgan Burrell

Photos supplied

‍

After two weeks of rain and cancelled coaching sessions, the sun finally came out to let our Juniors out on the golf course this Saturday morning. Many thanks to Darryl for coming down to coach our young golfers, with everyone’s swing being recorded for analysis and future work. Darryl will be down again in a forthright and then monthly, working on different aspects of the game each time.

This Saturday we will be holding the February Monthly Medal, with a 3, 6 and 9 hole competition being held, with the Nett winner in each group receiving a monthly medal. Please follow the Junior Golf Ayr Facebook page for more details.

‍

Contributed by Laura Mahoney

‍

Caption: Ayr Junior Golf returned on Saturday morning. Photo supplied

‍

The Burdekin Roosters will have their first hit out of the season when they host the Mackay Magpies at Rugby Park this Saturday.

Two grades will be played: A grade and Reserve grade with the reserves scheduled to start at 3:30pm.

The two clubs play a trial match each year on a rotating basis.

The Roosters will be out to silence the birds from Mackay after they were the victors last year.

Rooster coach Daniel Beazley said his team could be a little underdone after recent rain had severely curtailed training.

“I expect they would be in the same boat as well,” Beazley said.

The coach said he wanted to have a look at a couple of players in different positions and that is what trials are all about.

It is not expected the two players each allocated from the Cowboys and Blackhawks will be playing.

“We have a keen bunch of boys and I expect them to give a good account of themselves,” Beazley said.

The coach added he particularly wanted to see three players in action.

“Adam Stephens appears to be a very good player, very professional and athletic and as he is only new, I want to see him on the field while Rhett Williams will play at hooker and I expect him to add a touch of class out there,” he said.

Beazley went on to say that he was glad to see Nemia Nawave at training and going hard.

He added, “Nemia will start on the wing where he is very quick but I have been told he played at hooker in Fiji so I will give him a go there to see what he offers in the middle.”

“Tate Brombal has been putting in the hard yards at training and is welcome back home after a year away playing in the Toowoomba League.

“Riley Horan is another I want to see after having a year off with former Queensland schoolboy representative Terry Connors who could be the X Factor as he appears quick.”

Reserves coach Chris Perry has named a squad with plenty of youth on one hand plus experience on another.

Former Marlins representative Mitchell Guy says he has finished playing A Grade but still wants to put the boots on and help out Chris and his reggies.

His experience will be invaluable to the coach who will have a number of last years under 19 players making the step up.

The canteen will be open with the bar and doubles sold on the gate.

‍

Contributed by Brian Carnes

‍

Last weekend saw the successful return of the Burdekin Boars & Barras Competition, hosted by the Clare State School P&C, with hundreds of people showing up for the weigh in on Sunday, March 3.

There was something for everyone at the event including facepainting, kids’ corner run by Lillies Cubby House, a bar, delicious food, and live music by Tammy Moxon.  

The Crab races and auction kept everyone entertained with a total of $1100 prize money up for grabs for the winner, while the Yeti toss proved to be very popular with lots of kids lining up for their chance to win a Yeti Water bottle.

“A massive thank you to all of the event sponsors,” said Emma Bethel of the Clare State School P&C.

“Without their generous support this event would not have been possible.

“The Clare State School P&C are very grateful to everyone who supported this event.”

‍

Caption: Heaviest Junior Barra Winner Josh Patterson (left) and Heaviest Boar Winner Shane Cavanagh (right). Photos supplied

‍

BURDEKIN BOARS & BARRAS

2024 WINNERS

OPEN DIVISION

HEAVIEST BOAR- 118 Kg Shane Cavanagh

HEAVIEST SOW - 62.55 Kg Mat Corradi

HEAVIEST CRAB - 1.47 Kg Mathew Lynch-Harlow

JUNIOR

BARRA - 8.38Kg - Josh Patterson

MANGROVE JACK - 1.26Kg - Jace Klaka

CATFISH - 5.32Kg - Joshua Brett

FLATHEAD - 0.94 kg - Keatan Jarvis

SECRET BARRA WEIGHT – 3.14Kg - Alex Wright

SENIOR

BARRA - 8.56 Kg - Joel Bethel

MANGROVE JACK - 1.76Kg - Jack Malas

CATFISH - 3.56Kg - Tiffany Jones

FLATHEAD - 1.72Kg - Mathew Lynch-Harlow

SECRET BARRA WEIGHT – 8.46Kg - Mark Zunker

JUNIOR LUCKY DRAW - Angus Galvin

SENIOR LUCKY DRAW - Melissa Hyne

‍

Caption 1: Heaviest junior flathead winner Keatan Jarvis with Clare State School Principal Troy Patti

Caption 2: Heaviest junior catfish winner Joshua Brett with Troy Patti

Caption 3: Heaviest mangrove jack winner Jack Malas with Troy Patti

Caption 4: Heaviest senior catfish winner Tiffany Jones with Troy Patti

‍

Social Bowls were played Tuesday February 20 where the winners were Ruth Moore, Elaine Young, Beryl Cornford and Pam Power defeating Desley Olsen, Donna Soper, Sandra Stidston and Irene Wilson.

Isabel Cislowski, Heather Jorgensen and Mary Poli defeated Katharina Stuckler, Joy Comollatti amd Dot Cutting.

Eighteen bowlers enjoyed playing lawn bowls under the stars at Wednesday Night Bowls on February 21.

Coming in first place were Katharina Stuckler, Anthony Bull and Robyn McAllister.

In second place were Carolyn Jones, Rob Jorgensen and Heather Jorgensen.

Men's Championship Fours 8:30am Sunday March 10 - 1. G. Papale, J. Grabbe, S. Caltabiano, L. Stidston vs D. Poli, M. Olsen, ? , M. Milan.  2. H. Horan, J. Hall, W. Coonan, M. Parravicini vs A. Bull, C. Essex, M. Power, R. Soper.

Nominations for championship pairs and triples close March 3.

Wednesday February 21 winners were Bob Young and Col Essex who defeated Vince Beitia and Chris Berkery.

Other results were John Hall, Barry Hewson and Maurie Power defeated John Pirrone, Sandra Darwen and Wayne Coonan.

Mick Olsen, Joe Papale and Lew Stidston defeated Jim Murray, Dino Poli and Ron Soper.

‍

Contributed by Michael Parravicini

‍

Wednesday February 20

Ladies results: only four ladies turned up and conditions still not favourable however those who turned up certainly had a good time.

Kaye Garner and Lyn Storrie beat Ann Newton and Vanda Ballao.

Ladies, please have your names in by 1:00pm for 1:30pm start.

Sunday February 25

A grade singles: Gary Pearce defeated Henry Hazel.

And the other A grade singles game went down to the wire with Doug Koehne defeating Jamie Woods.

A Pairs: Vince Beitia and Allan Garioch defeated Joe Ypinazar and Peter Jorgensen.

Social Bowls

Triples game: Norm Storrie, Rob Garner and Peter Henderson defeated Kaye Garner, Bob Jorgensen and Ray Panacassio.

And final game of was Rinks with Neville Dickinson, Helen Collins, Lloyd Shepherd and Doug Robins defeating Glen Woodward, Ken Ferguson, Lyn Storrie and Leo Kenny.

Sunday March 3 Jackpot will be drawn until we get a winner.

Names in by 1.00pm for 1.30pm start.

‍

Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd

‍

Caption: Winners of Sunday’s Championship events. Photo supplied

‍

Burdekin FC will work towards upgrading its women’s changerooms and facilities at International Park after winning a grant from the 2024 Ergon-Energex Community Fund.

The $10,000 grant will enable renovation of the women’s changerooms to provide a safer, more inclusive, and accessible space for players to feel comfortable and confident in their environment and increase participation.

Burdekin FC Senior Secretary Sian Reardon said the women’s facilities currently has two toilets, one of which often malfunctions, a women-only shower that is used as storage and a communal shower that is shared with the men’s facilities and doesn’t have a lock on the door.

The club plans to upgrade all facilities including a third toilet, new shower area and new basin and mirror.

“At the moment, it’s just not a nice place to be in,” Ms Reardon said.

“The facilities are our foundation.

“If we don’t foster a positive, clean environment, it’s not a welcoming environment for those girls to come into.

“If they see that we take pride and responsibility and put that money in to make the facilities clean and welcoming, we get more people through the door.”

Ms Reardon, who also plays for the senior women’s team and coaches junior teams, said the investment proves the growth of the women’s game in the Burdekin.

She said the club currently has enough junior girls for two teams in U9s, U10/11s and U12/13s age groups this year.

“The numbers have grown incredibly this year,” she said.

“We’ve seen more girls interested in coming down to our women’s training as well.

“We’ve got a few 15-year-olds floating around who are really eager and want to get involved, which is awesome.”

The club has also recently purchased new goal posts using a previous grant which are due for installation soon.

“We would not be able to function without grants and community support,” Ms Reardon said.

“Whenever Louise (Nicholas, Grants Officer) sees a grant that could towards the club, the entire club comes together to discuss what’s most important.”

‍

Caption: Burdekin FC Senior Secretary Sian Reardon is excited to see upgrades to the women’s changerooms after securing a grant. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

‍