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45 teams from across Queensland met in Home Hill last weekend, duelling for glory in what was the 45th edition of the region’s esteemed Sugar Bowl tennis tournament. Men’s and women’s teams travelled from as far as Brisbane, competing in a traditional round-robin format across A Grade, A2 Grade and B Grade divisions from Saturday, 2 May to Monday, 4 May. Emerald Tennis Club’s Keg Slayers took out the A Grade men’s competition, with M&M’s claiming the women’s A Grade title for a fourth time. A2 Grade men’s champions TTT dominated the division, while the Lady Bugs pipped their A2 women’s rivals to glory. The Shoeys edged the Wackers to claim men’s B Grade glory, and the Hot Shots proved too strong for the women’s B division after a comfortable victory. Both Col’s Crew and the Sugar Hits were recognised with Team Spirit awards to tie off the eventful three days. Home Hill Tennis Association secretary Kate Casswell said the event was another feather in the cap of the club, continuing the tournament’s 45-year history with another successful edition. “It was such a successful year with a really strong field. The quality we saw from the A men’s in particular this year was next level,” Ms Casswell said. She said the event garnered significant interest from the tennis community. “Tennis really picks up locally—even in Townsville—because this is a big thing on the calendar for them. They want to come to play, compete and have fun,” she said. Ms Casswell said the influx of visitors also boosted local business, with around 1,000 players and spectators filling local accommodation and supporting businesses throughout the long weekend. She thanked the committee, team captains and the Ayr-Home Hill Lions Club for their efforts in facilitating the event that was just as much social as it was competitive. “The highlight for me is just seeing all the teams come and have a great time together—the positivity and the energy that comes from it,” she said.
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Ayr’s finest golfers have returned triumphant from the 2026 Queensland Women’s Country Week. Battling "character-building" coastal winds across Yeppoon and Rockhampton, the eight-strong squad proved their mettle on the greens. The highlight belonged to Kerry Heuir and Sandra Wight, who secured the Division 2 Foursomes title with a gritty 95. Former local Amanda Gees also tasted glory in Division 1. Between rainbows and gala dinners, the week celebrated the unbreakable spirit and camaraderie of regional golf. Read on page 29 CAPTION: Battling "character-building" coastal winds across Yeppoon and Rockhampton, the eight-strong squad proved their mettle on the greens. Photo source: Ayr Golf Club/Facebook
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Seniors A disappointing weekend for the Burdekin Panthers. The Club had only three senior games drawing two and losing one. The Premiers and Reserves were away to Warriors with the Premiers drawing 1-1 and the Reserves losing 0-1. The Division 1 team forfeited but the Division 2, drew 1-1 away to MA Olympic. The Colts also had a bye, and the Ladies have withdrawn from the competition. This week four teams are in action as the Colts have a bye. On Friday, the Division 1 and Division 2 teams are at home to Olympic, at 8.30 and 6.30 and on Saturday the Premiers and Reserves are away to MA Olympic at 7.00 and 5.00. Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club With several players unavailable, the Panthers were forced into their fifth different backline combination in as many games, heading into a tough away trip to Warriors at Melrose Park, a venue where points are always hard to come by. The first half was a stalemate, with neither side able to gain control despite the Panthers enjoying a large share of possession. Clear chances were limited, and both teams remained disciplined defensively. The second half followed a similar pattern, although Warriors began to create more threatening opportunities. Jarrod Camer stood tall in goal, producing key saves to keep the scores level. With ten minutes remaining, the breakthrough finally came, with Jay Leckenby finishing off a well-worked move to give the Panthers a 1–0 lead. However, the advantage was short-lived, with Warriors equalising five minutes later. The match finished 1–1, a result that reflected a hard-fought contest in difficult conditions. Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service The Panthers started the game well with plenty of effort and pressure creating multiple chances which the Burdekin were guilty of not taking. On the back of the Panthers failing to score, Warriors took one of their very few chances and scored right before half time. The Panthers applied a lot of pressure after the break but were again guilty of not taking their opportunities. Luke Torkington received a red card, for letting his frustration at some questionable tactics get to him. Even with ten men, Burdekin still had Warriors camped in their half so despite the 1-0 loss there is potential for a better result next round. Division 1 – Austral Masonry Faced with a shortage of players, weddings etcetera, the Division 1 had to forfeit their match against Olympic. Division 2 – RG Customs The RG Customs Funkies drew 1-1 with MA Olympic on Friday night. It was a very competitive contest and free flowing game. Burdekin created numerous attacking chances but continued to be denied by Olympic keeper who was very good all night. It took until the 77th minute for Jared Giardina to give Burdekin the lead with a neat finish. The game was quite frantic until the end and Olympic managed to equalise in the 89th minute to share the points. An unfortunate goal after an incorrect decision to award Olympic a corner that resulted with the goal. Despite the draw the Funkies can be proud of the effort and intensity on the night, for the entire game. A focus, however, must be on finishing off attacking chances and dominating the scoreboard as well as the game. Great performances by Jared Giardina, Jesse Thomasson and also Chris Achille running out the full 90 minutes of play. Ladies Female Football is taking over Monday nights! A strictly social hour of football. All are welcome to attend. Small-sided game, no skills, or experience required! Grab your friends and come down and have good time. 6:30pm, Senior Fields! Welcome to Female Football Week! An exciting two weeks to celebrate the outstanding contribution and the growth of the female game! We are proudly hosting events across the two weeks! Keep an eye out on Facebook for more details. Thank you to all the amazing females and girls that shape the face of what Female Football means in the Burdekin! Masters The Masters had another good turnout and a replay of last week’s World Cup Qualifier, Italy v Bosnia Herzegovina. In a close game Bosnia won 3-2 and for Italy it’s Goodnight Luigi! Fengil scored twice for Bosnia. Best players on the night were George Karagkiozis and Jonty Davis. The Masters play every Monday night. All players are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless, halt and lame. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick off. Juniors After a quiet week with no games over the long weekend, our junior soccer teams are eager to get back into the swing of things. Training resumes this week, giving players a great chance to sharpen their skills, reconnect with teammates, and prepare for the return to matches this Saturday. We are looking forward to seeing everyone back on the field, refreshed and ready for another exciting round of junior soccer. National The A League Men’s season has reached the final stages. In the Elimination Finals Auckland defeated Melbourne City on penalties after a 1-1 tie and Sydney beat Melbourne Victory 1-0. On Saturday, Sydney now plays Newcastle and Auckland plays Adelaide in the 1st Leg of the semi-finals. The A League Women are at the Semi-finals stage, and in the 1st Leg, Melbourne City beat Victory 1-0 and Brisbane defeated Wellington 2-1. The second leg will be played this weekend. International In the World Cup department, the Socceroos travel to the USA to play Mexico on 31 May at the Rosebowl in Pasadena and now have another ‘friendly’ organised. They play Switzerland in San Diego on 6th June. Australia’s first Group D match is against Turkey in Vancouver on the 14th June. They then play the USA in Seattle on 20th June and Paraguay in San Francisco on 26th June. In Europe, the various leagues are very close to the end of season. In England with three rounds left, Arsenal leads Manchester City by six points, but City has two games in hand. ManU will probably finish in third place with Liverpool or Aston Villa finishing fourth. Wolves and Burnley are already relegated with either Spurs or West Ham joining them. Oh yes, Coventry City won the Championship by eleven points. What a team! In Germany with two rounds to go Bayern are already champions and Dortmund need one more point to finish second. Leipzig should finish in third spot with either Leverkusen, Stuttgart or Hoffenheim finishing fourth. Relegation faces Heidenheim, St Pauli and Wolfsburg. In Spain, with four rounds to go, Barcelona are champions with Real Madrid second and, probably Villarreal third and Atletico fourth. It is very tight at the foot of the table with Oviedo in deep trouble with Levante, Seville and Alaves struggling. In Italy, with three rounds left, Inter are already champions with Napol likely to finish in second place. AC Milan, Juventus, Como or Roma could fill the third and fourth places. Pisa and Verona are already relegated and either Cremonese or Lecce could join them. In France with two rounds to play PSG are already champions and Lens and Lyon are likely to finish in second and third spots. Lille or Rennes will finish fourth. Metz and Nantes are already relegated, and Auxerre will probably accompany them.
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Touch Juniors[Text Wrapping Break]Last Friday’s Junior Touch saw 45 boys and girls aged 4 to 12 nominate. Skills, drills and games will begin this Friday from 5.30pm to 6.15pm for six weeks. Further nominations will still be accepted. Annual General Meeting[Text Wrapping Break]The Annual General Meeting of the Burdekin Touch Association will be held next Tuesday, 12 May, in the Touch Clubhouse at 6pm. Everyone is welcome. Results – Coutt’s Commercial Hotel Open Men’s and Women’s (Round 8) Men[Text Wrapping Break]Way To Go 5 (B Palmer 2) def Nrgize 4 (L Torkington 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Wires Down 6 (K Parravicini 2, G Flannagan 2) drew One Touch IT 6 (J Ballin 2, J Leckenby 2, R Taylor 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Alliance Pharmacy 13 (J Furnell 4, K Hesp 3, A Watson 2) def Baywatch 1[Text Wrapping Break]Burdekin PCYC 12 (G Dau 6, S Doolah 2, T Heron 2) def Blue Murder 7 (N Spina 2, R Smith 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Royal Touch 7 (A Miller 3, C Formilan 2) def Touch n Go 5 (R Piva 2, K Vitty 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Creampuffs 9 (P Le Feuvre 3, L Chatfield 2, L Lampton 2) def Petrol Heads 4[Text Wrapping Break]Teamo Supremo 9 (J Moustakas 3, H Horan 2, R Heuir 2) def Feelers 5[Text Wrapping Break]Renegades 12 (B Frau 4, D McKeough 2, B Johnson 2, S Andreatta 2) def Ball Grabbers 2[Text Wrapping Break]Crocs won on forfeit Women[Text Wrapping Break]Lasers 12 (B Robertson 6, T Horan 3, M Robertson 2) def Can’t Catch 1[Text Wrapping Break]Eathorne’s Princesses 6 (A Cornford 4) def Salty Sirens 1[Text Wrapping Break]First in Physio 11 (L Trindle 5, M Nauqe 3, T Monday 2) def Chick Flicks 1 Under 14[Text Wrapping Break]Red Dogs 2 3 (Logan, Jamie, Emmet) def Broncos 2 (Jake, Kasey)[Text Wrapping Break]Red Dogs 1 6 (Connor Linton 3, Luca Lawry, Archie) def Rockies 2 Contributed with thanks to Peter Knapton CAPTION: Torah Brock in action. Photo supplied
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Several perpetual awards were presented at the Burdekin Roosters Awards Night last week with the Prestigious Norm Dee Award for the player showing all aspects of club sprit on and off the field went to A grade player, Tate Brombal. Tate devotes his spare time coaching the Clubs under 7 team which means Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning whilst also attending working bees and Goose Clubs.
Jye Olsen was the most outstanding Junior with Frenchman Paul the Rookie of the year.
Fullback James Munro was the most improved, Joel Mason the most diligent and Nemia Nawavw the most tries with 12, the record held by Damien Quinn in 2001 with 29.
In the Hens, Coach Aniya Hagarty named her players to win awards as;
• Best Back - Martina Monday
• Best Forward - Abby King
• Most Improved - Margie Orourke
• Most Consistent - Libby Campbell
• Coaches Award - Tiana Krujefdt
• Players Player - Toni Daisy
• Most Diligent - Stephanie Monday
• Player of the Year - Abby King
In the reserve grade Coach Chris Perry named his award winners as;
• Best Back - Kyle Ferguson
• Best Forward - Zac Campbell
• Most Consistent - Dominic Augostis
• Coaches Award - Brodie Smith
• Player Showing Grit - Brody Ferguson
• Most Diligent Reserve Grader - Dom Arrate
• Player with Spirit on and Off the Field - Caleb Noah
• Player of the Year - Jayden Sgarbossa
A grade coach Steve Lindley named his A grade award winners as;
• Best Back - Nemia Nawave
• Best Forward - Henry Teutai
• Most Consistent - Lachlan Shepherd
• Coaches Award - Hayden Lanmon
• Players Player - Rhett Williams
To complete the wonderful night, several volunteers were given gifts of appreciation.
Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.
With the conclusion of the school holidays registrations have now opened for the Burdekin Touch Football Association’s Junior League. The Junior season runs over the next ten weeks as part of the school term with games played each Friday evening.
Young players of all skill levels are invited to attend the Junior Touch Sign On this Friday, 4 October, at the Burdekin Touch Association Clubhouse from 5pm to 5:30pm.
Students of all skill levels are invited to register for the next season this Friday at the Burdekin Touch Association Clubhouse. Photo supplied
Sponsored by Eathorne’s Intersport, the Ayr Golf Club held their September Monthly Medal on Wednesday 18 September which saw some outstanding performances! In A Grade, Wendy Baker took the top spot, while Shirley Jones claimed victory in B Grade, followed closely by runner-up Gabby Cahill. C Grade was won by Donna Boccalatte, with Bev Andrews as the runner-up. There's still one more opportunity to qualify for the monthly medal final - congratulations to all the ladies!
In a tribute to Ken Peagham, 74 players participated in this Honour Board event held over the weekend at the Ayr Golf Club. The day began with a shotgun start, and the competition was fierce. The Club shared a special thanks to Colleen Peagham, who travelled from Charters Towers to present the awards. With an incredible score of 49 stableford points, Karen and Kelvin McIntosh secured their names on the Honour Board. Congratulations! Runners-up, after a countback, were Shirley and Trevor Jones with a score of 46, narrowly edging out Shane Saxby and Darryl Schlieff. The Ayr Golf Club also wised a big thank you to the Peagham family for their generous prize contributions, ensuring many players went home winners. The Club shared their gratefulness to have this cherished event continue year after year.
Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Golf Club.
September Monthly Medal victors, Wendy Baker, Shirley Jones and Donna Bccolatte.
74 players participated in the Ken Peagham Memorial Day Honour Board event at the Ayr Golf Club over the weekend.
On the afternoon of Wednesday 18 September, twelve bowlers took to the green at the Brandon Bowls Club in challenging conditions. The first game of triples saw Sandra Darwen, Vanda Ballao, and Helen Collins claim victory over Ann Newton, Lyn Farr, and Allan Garioch. In the second game, Joy Woods, Lyn Storrie, and Colleen Olsen triumphed against Bev Garioch, Darelle Pearce, and Margaret Chapman.
Friday 20 September hosted a quiet evening at the club, with many die-hard Cowboys fans staying home to watch the game. Despite the smaller turnout, eight bowlers played two rinks of pairs. In the first game, Peter Lejarraga and Joe Yipnazar defeated Ben Mill and Ray Paneccasio, while in the second game, Margaret McLaughlan and Gary "Mr Bowls" Pearce took the win over Rob Jorgensen and Ross McLaughlin. Congratulations to Ben Mills and Ray Paneccasio for winning the jackpot!
Sunday 22 September saw spectators treated to a thrilling semi-final clash between back-to-back champions Gary Pearce (skip), Len Feeney, Jamie Woods, and Chris Pearce, and their challengers Kevin Collins (skip), Doug Robins, Brett Wilshere, and Lloyd Shepherd. Kevin Collins' team applied pressure from start to finish, delivering a high-quality game of lawn bowls. Kevin Collins’ side emerged victorious, securing their place in the upcoming final. Congratulations to both teams for a superb display of skill!
Sunday afternoon saw 26 bowlers play three games of triples and two games of pairs with the results as follows; Ken Ferguson, Mick McCloskey, and Allan Garioch defeated Henry Hazel, Neville Dickinson, and Peter Jorgensen. Norm Storrie, Doug Kiehne, and Richie Mau triumphed over Glenn Woodford, Trevor Elton, and Jeff Taylor. Gary Nosworthy, Ross McLaughlin, and Vince Beitia bested Jim Murray. Lyn Storrie and Peter Henderson, along with Helen Collins and Joe Yipnazar, took the win against Con Sexton and Leo Kenny. Judy Elton and Ray Paneccasio overcame Rob Jorgensen and Hugh Montgomery.
Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.
The Brandon Bowls Club hosted a week of high stakes and big wins.
The club is blessed with a team of dedicated women who tirelessly work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. They organise weekly events like bingo and Trimmers (light exercise), and they’re always on hand to help when the club hall is hired out. These women are loyal, passionate, and always wearing a smile, making the club a welcoming place for all. While they prefer to remain humble and avoid recognition, their efforts deserve a heartfelt thank you.
Newbie Bowling Questions:
1. How do I bowl a bowl? First, get a bowl that suits the size of your hand as they come in various sizes.
2. Where do I bowl it to? To the smaller, white bowl (jack) at the other end where your skip will be standing to help you.
3. What is a skip? That’s the leader of your team from the start of play.
4. How long does a game take? It varies, between an hour and a half to two hours, approximately.
5. Are you playing singles, pairs, triples, or fours? That’s decided by how many people have turned up on the day.
6. What is an end? An end determines which way you’re bowling to and the length of each game.
7. Who wins? The closest bowl to the jack from each team. i.e a team bowl closest decides who wins the end.
8. What happens if I hit the jack? If you hit the jack, your bowl becomes a toucher, which is marked by chalk by your skip. It’s still alive when it’s in the ditch.
9. What is a ditch? A ditch is the outlines of the end of a rink. Any bowl in the rink that’s not a toucher is not counted, or left in the ditch.
10. What clothing do I wear? Comfortable clothing and flat soled shoes.
Contributed with thanks to Stormin’ Norman
A new and exciting tournament is set to hit the greens every Saturday in October, offering bowlers a chance to showcase their skills. This inaugural event, marking the club's amalgamation with Queensland Bowls, features a fresh 3-bowl pairs format, with each Saturday functioning as an individual and independent competition.
The dates for the tournament are as follows:
• 5th October 2024
• 12th October 2024
• 19th October 2024
• 26th October 2024
The format ensures that winners play winners and losers face off against other losers in the second game, keeping the competition dynamic. Both the winners and the winners of the losing matches will take home $100 each, with additional lucky prawn prizes at the end of play, generously sponsored by The Prawn Stop.
As this is a mixed open event, male and female bowlers alike are encouraged to participate and enjoy the friendly competition.
Margaret Linton: The Silent Achiever
Margaret Linton, the club’s highly respected secretary, has been a dedicated member of the bowling community for two years. Here’s a glimpse into her life:
1. Where were you born? Brisbane
2. What did you first play bowls? About 2 years ago at night bowls
3. You’re the club’s highly respected secretary. What inspired this? Like most clubs, I accepted the nomination as no one else was nominated
4. What’s your favourite car? The Subaru. 1999 model I had for many years, it was a great car.
5. What’s your favourite TV show? NCIS
6. Who is the person you would most like to meet? Kylie Minogue
7. What’s your favourite food? Home cooked lasagna. Yuuuum!
8. How many in your family? Two children, four grandchildren
9. How would you like to help attract more female bowlers to the club? I would like to see more schoolgirls to play the game as it’s suitable for all fitness levels and is a non-contact sport.
10. If you were stuck on a desert island, what’s the one item you would like to have? Cocktails and wine
Local
Although the Burdekin Panthers Premiers did not finish the 2024 season with any silverware, they were still one of the more successful teams. Individual honours went to Jay Leckenby, Golden Boot Winner with twenty goals, Jarrod Camer, Goalkeeper of the Year and Leighton Gallagher, Coach of the Year.
In addition, in the FQPL Men’s Team of the Year, the Panthers had four players. Jarrod Camer, goalkeeper, Josh Valle, centre back and Ryan Scodellaro, midfield and Jay Leckenby, striker.
The Panthers Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 12 October. Tickets are now available.
Masters
Monday Night Masters has finished for the year and will recommence in January 2025.
Night Soccer
Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 3 kicked off the competition proper after the usual two trial weeks. The twenty three games featured seventy-two goals with UDS top scoring in the Men’s Leagues with six goals and Shin Kickers with five goals in the Women’s League. Individual top scorers were Tahlia Lawson with four goals and Logan Guglielmana with three.
Juniors
The Junior season has finished but the Junior social soccer season will start on Tuesday 15th October, next term!
National and International
The Big News is that Socceroos Coach Graham Arnold has resigned and been replaced by Tony Popovic. The new Coach has just two weeks to get himself and the Socceroos sorted out as they play China, in the Asian World Cup Qualifying Group C, in Adelaide on 10 October. They 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 are 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. The Matildas have a new coach. Tom Sermanni
has been appointed on an interim basis after Toni Gustavson was sacked. Sermanni previously coached the Matildas in 1994-97 and 2005-12.
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 semi-finals Melbourne Victory beat Adelaide Utd 1-0 and now play Macarthur who accounted for South Melbourne 1-0 in the Final.
In the EPL, after five rounds Manchester City, who were lucky to draw at home with Arsenal, still top the table, one point clear of Liverpool and Aston Villa, with Arsenal in fourth place and Chelsea fifth. At the foot of the table, Wolves, Southampton, and Everton all have a single point from five games.
In Germany’s Bundesliga, Bayern are still the only team with maximum points and sixteen goals from four games. They are three points clear of Leverkusen, Freiburg and Frankfurt. The three bottom clubs, Bochum, St Pauli and Holstein Kiel all managed to draw.
In Italy, champions Inter lost and drop to sixth place. In fact, only two of the top six teams won. Torino is top of the ladder one point clear of Napoli and Udinese with Juventus fourth and Empoli fifth. Cagliari and Como prop up the league.
In Spain, after six Rounds only Barcelona has maximum points and is now four points clear of Real Madrid with Bilbao and Atletico in third and fourth place. Real and Atletico are still unbeaten. At the bottom of the league only Getafe and Las Palmas are yet to win a game.
And in France, only two of the top six teams won. PSG drew and with Marseille and Monaco both winning all three teams are level on thirteen points after five Rounds. Lens is in fourth place four points below them. At the foot of the table only one of seven teams won, and one drew with Angers now holding up the league.
The Quote of the Week is from West Ham and Chelsea star Frank Lampard “When you take a lot of stick you want to ram it down people's throats…”
Ryan Scodellaro, Josh Valle, Jay Leckenby, Jarrod Camer, and coach, Leighton Gallagher.
Burdekin Panthers Grand Final Runners up.
Burdekin FC President Lawrence Dal Santo accepted the Football Queensland Protect our Game Service Award.
Saturday 28th - 1pm-5pm
Sunday 29th - 9am-5pm
Patrol (Group E)
PC John Moloney
PC Ann Moloney
Tony Felesina
Bella Moloney
Jane Jones
Gavin Jones
Sophia Moloney
Alissia Gibson
Billy Gibson
Danni Cughlin
Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.
On 20 September, the Burdekin Roosters celebrated the conclusion of their 2024 season with a prestigious Presentation Night at Populins Hall. Many Roosters and Hens from juniors to seasoned players were recognised and congratulated for their efforts both on and off the field over the course of the evening, with many exceptional players highlighted for their commendable talents.
Roosters A-grade forwards Henry Teutau and Lachlan Shepherd shared the prestigious Ayr Anzac Memorial Club Best and Fairest award at the Burdekin Roosters' Annual Presentation of Trophies last Friday night.
Lachlan, who joined the club a few years ago from Townsville as an Under-18 player, has risen through the ranks, establishing himself as a key player. Henry, a Cowboys-contracted player with Northern Pride, represents the Roosters when not engaged with the Cowboys. While Lachlan was present to receive his award, Henry was in Redcliffe, preparing for the Queensland Country vs. City match on Sunday, where Queensland Country claimed victory.
In the Reserve Grade category, fullback Jayden Sgarbossa was awarded the Mike Horan Shield for Reserve Grade Player of the Year. The RLTD Best Lady Forward award went to Abby King, who was also honoured with the True North Services Women's Player of the Year trophy.
Club stalwart Paul Horan was recognized for his dedication and hard work, being named the Burdekin Tyre Service Club Person of the Year.
Throughout the year, five Roosters players achieved higher representative honours. Abby King was named the Rugby League Townsville and District Women’s Best Back, while Toni Daisy was selected for the Queensland Country Ladies and Townsville Foley Shield Women’s teams. Kazzia Lammon also earned a spot on the Townsville Foley Shield Women’s team. In the men's category, both Henry Teutau and Jeremiah Matautia were selected for the Queensland Country and Townsville Foley Shield Men’s teams.
The night was a proud celebration of the club’s talent and community spirit.
Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.
The Ayr Golf Club hosted the annual Clive & Olive Williams Honour Board event on Saturday 31 August, with 68 players competing for the chance to have their names added to the prestigious board. The competition followed a Stableford format, producing some remarkable scores. The club was thrilled to have the Williams family join in the clubhouse to present prizes to the winners, and the continued sponsorship of this special day is deeply appreciated.
In the Ladies' division, the top three performers played in the same group, delivering excellent golf. Kerry Mann topped the field with 40 points, earning her name on the Honour Board. Mavis Zanetti secured runner-up position with 38 points, narrowly beating Ann Phelan on a countback, who also finished with 38 points.
In the Men's division, Trevor Jones delivered a stellar round, scoring 42 points to take the win. Joe Henaway was runner-up with 40 points, followed by Ricky Vettovalli in third place with 38 points. Congratulations to all the winners!
On Tuesday 4 September, Betty McLaughlin Day saw another fantastic competition at the Ayr Golf Club. This year, Betty's daughter, Kerry Heuir, participated in the event, and Ross and Margaret McLaughlin were present for the prize presentations. Despite challenging windy conditions, the top three players excelled.
Ann Phelan finished in third place with 39 points, while Heather Desbois claimed second place with 41 points. The winner of the day was Donna Boccolatte, who delivered an incredible 42-point performance. In the run-down, Wendy Baker scored 36 points, and Cecily Lena finished with 35 points. A fantastic turnout of 26 ladies played through the tough conditions - well done to all!
Held over the weekend, Gunnadoo Day 2024 was another exciting event at the Ayr Golf Club, with a secret partner twist. At the end of the day, players returned to the clubhouse to discover who their partner had been.
In third place were Janet and Heather with a combined score of 66. Karen and Kerry also scored 66, securing second place on a countback. The day’s winners were Pat and Betty, with a combined score of 67.
Everyone took home prizes, with bags of fresh squash straight from the paddock, thanks to the generous sponsorship from Gunnadoo. The Club expressed a special thanks to Loretta for the continued support, sharing it's greatly appreciated by all.
Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Golf Club.
68 players competed in the Clive & Olive Williams Honour Board at the Ayr Golf Club.
26 ladies played exceptionally well in windy conditions at the Club’s Betty McLaughlin Day.
Ayr Golf Club hosted an exciting Gunnadoo Day 2024 on the weekend.
A strong turnout of 28 players took to the green at the Home Hill Golf Club last Friday 13 September. Tim Branch took out the title for least putts with an impressive 11, and pin shots were taken by Carol Betteridge, Ray Preisig, and Greg MacElroy. The daily winner was Megan Barbagallo, while the lucky ticket was drawn by Carol Betteridge, but with no win, the jackpot rolls over to $800 for next week!
In Sunday’s QCCU Foursome Championship, the ladies division saw Megan and Amy emerge as champions after a thrilling playoff against Carol and Beth. Net winners were Margo and Val, with Mary and Shirley finishing as net runners-up.
For the Men’s 2024 Champions, Craig and Greg secured the title, closely followed by Tim and Simon. Net winners were John Power and Gary Pappalardo, with Doigy and Barry finishing as net runners-up.
The Home Hill Golf Club has also begun gearing up for the 2024 Harvest Festival Ambrose set for Sunday 3 November. Bookings can be made by contacting Doug McCubben at dtjrmccubben@bigpond.com.
Contributed with thanks to Greg MacElroy and Megan Barbagallo.
It’s time to mark your calendars for the 2024 Harvest Festival Ambrose!
On Saturday 14 September, the Home Hill Golf Club welcomed an amazing turnout for their third Sip ‘n Putt session! Despite a few regulars being unable to attend, the day saw 12 ladies take to the green, the Club’s largest Sip ‘n Putt group yet!
PGA professional Tara Jenkins once again led the session, guiding the ladies through driving drills. Tara also demonstrated a perfect drive, sending the ball down the fairway with ease, much to everyone’s admiration.
The group seems to be developing a growing appreciation for the game, and many of the drives during the session were highly impressive.
Megan Barbagallo, the organiser of the fabulous Sip ‘n Putt event series, strongly encourages any ladies interested to come along for an afternoon of socialisation and golf, especially those looking to have a swing for the very first time.
The next Sip ‘n Putt session is scheduled for Saturday 12 October, and excitement is already building.
Contributed with thanks to Megan Barbagallo.
The Home Hill Golf Club hosted their largest Sip ‘n Putt group yet last Saturday.
PGA Professional, Tara Jenkins continues to wow the ladies with her skills and guidance over the sessions.
12 ladies attended the third Sip ‘n Putt event, with excitement already building for next month’s session.
Three Burdekin Roosters rugby league teams competed in Townsville’s Grand Finals on Saturday 7 September – the Under 13s, Under 18s, and Reserve Grade teams. While only one team brought home the trophy, it was the Under 13s who triumphed, taking out the Blackhawks Trophy as Under 13 premiers.
Coached by former Burdekin five-eighth Mark Watson, the team had a challenging path to the final. After losing to Charters Towers in the major semi-final, they bounced back in spectacular fashion, defeating Western Lions 60-0 in the preliminary final to set up a Grand Final rematch with the Towers Miners.
In front of a large and passionate crowd, the Under 13s led from start to finish, scoring three tries to one and securing a 14-6 victory. Watson credited the team’s hard-fought defence, noting the Junior Miners were physically stronger, but the Roosters played with heart.
Second-rower Colten Lynne was named player of the final for his outstanding effort, while front-rower Cooper Webster scored two crucial tries in the first half to help set up the win. The team’s other try came from Parker Bonato, with Perry Munro kicking a goal.
Watson was assisted during the season by former Burdekin players Simon Power (fullback) and Jeffrey Searle (centre), who both contributed to the team’s success.
In the Under 18 final, the Roosters faced a formidable Brothers team and, despite their efforts, fell 28-4. Winger Kane Batchelor scored the only try for the Roosters, while coach Peter Horan praised his team’s determination, noting that they gave their all but were simply outmatched on the day.
Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.
The Burdekin Roosters U13s team put on a spectacular show, scoring a Grand Final victory over the Blackhawks!
The 2024 grand final for the Lower Burdekin Table Bowls Association took place at the National Hotel last week, with the Crushers going head-to-head against the Falcons. In an exciting showdown, the Crushers emerged victorious, claiming the trophy. Congratulations to the Crushers on their well-deserved win!
Contributed with thanks to Kerry Davison.
The Crushers celebrating their victorious grand final win!
Both the Falcons and Crushers went head-to-head last week for the Lower Burdekin Table Bowls Association 2024 Grand Final.
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