The 2024 football season started last Saturday for Burdekin FC. The Panthers were away to Estates in the Kappa Cup. It was a good start to the season with the Panthers winning 2-1 at Victoria Park in Townsville.

The boys were keen to get into their first fixture of the year. The Panthers always seem to do well in the Cup and wanted to continue that. Burdekin started well with Matthew Kolb hitting the post with a well drilled left foot shot. With lots of short, sharp passing, the Panthers were able to find pockets of space, and eventually got the breakthrough they deserved after Jay Leckenby in the box, laid a nice pass to Ryan Scodellaro who from just outside the penalty area calmly placed his left foot shot in the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

Estates fought back, growing into the game and with the Panthers fitness levels lacking, Burdekin were on the back foot for the last twenty minutes of the first half, and under pressure. Estates got their reward just before half time to go into the break all square at 1-1. Burdekin came out in the second half trying to play like they had in the first twenty minutes and the game was far more evenly poised. The Panthers went ahead with fifteen minutes to go when Elliot Dal Santo, unmarked at the back post, calmly headed in a cross. 

Congratulations to Jarrod Dal Santo who made his first team starting debut and to Oscar Licciardello who was named on the bench for the first time, a step up in his football career. The Panthers now play JCU Riverway in the next round of the Cup. The match is at International Park this Saturday night at 7.00.

Training at International Park is on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30 pm for men and Wednesdays at 6.00 pm for women.

Junior Registration for the 2024 season closed on Sunday. There are nearly 200 juniors nominated for the season, great numbers!  Coaches will be getting together during the week to pick teams for each age group. The first pre-season game will be this Saturday, at times to be determined. 

Keep an eye out on your emails and Facebook for any information this week leading up to the first pre-season game. The MiniRoos Coaching Clinic will be held on 25th February from 4:30pm- 6:30pm, This is a Free Coaching Clinic.

Read Football Matters with Cyclops on the Burdekin FC Facebook page.

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Contributed by Richard Samwell

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Elliot Dal Santo. Photo supplied

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Hordes of people descended on the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday February 10 for their annual Beach Golf Day.

The day kicked off with the drawing event of their Top 100 Club, where the masses mingled over lunch and drinks until the big wheel revealed the lucky winners. First prize went to Ena Daniels, whilst Carol Rossato was the winner of second prize.

20 teams took to the unique beach golf course to make their way around the 6 holes, enjoying an afternoon of sunshine, sand and laughs.

The Ayr Surf Club would like to thank their sponsors for the day, The Kalamia Hotel and Padman Water Solutions for their generous donation of prizes, and all those who attended to support their club.

Best dressed team for the day were The Drunken Bus Drivers - Ben Nielson, Danny Horan, Jimmy Hayllor and Greeny.

Overall Winners were 4 Over Par - Ben Pontifex, Dave and Kathryn Sartori, Jarrod Rossato and Sarah Pontifex.

Their next event is a Family Fun Day being held on Saturday March 2 which will be a great family day out with lots of activities for young and old.

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Contributed by Kellie Lawry

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‘4 Over Par’ were overall winners on the day

‘The Drunken Bus Drivers’ were awarded Best Dressed

Photos supplied: Kellie Lawry

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The services of some of its most dedicated members and volunteers were recognised by Burdekin Race Club at a presentation late last year.

At a race meeting on December 9 2023, four volunteers were presented with Life Memberships while a further four were honoured for their volunteer service.

“It’s all about recognising those many years of volunteering,” said Burdekin Race Club President Rick Gudge.

“Everything that’s done here is done by volunteers and, without them, there’s no club.”

Life Memberships were presented to Doug Chappell, Robyn Hewson, Torrie Davies and Jan Davies.

Jim and Fay Olsen and Mitchell and Margaret Gudge were also highlighted for their contributions to the club.

Mr Chappell has worked in numerous stewarding roles since he first became involved in racing as a teenager and was honoured after around 60 years of service to the club.

“I was real thrilled,” Mr Chappell told Racing Queensland.

“I got the shock of my life when I was told.

“It has been a big journey.”

Fellow Life Member Ms Hewson was a member of Burdekin Delta Turf Club before joining Burdekin Race Club in the early 1990s.

“She’s been a strong member of our club for many years,” said Mr Gudge.

Mr Davies is a former Burdekin Race Club President and Vice President while Ms Davies aids in the publicity of the Burdekin Grower Race Day.

“Both were a main part in the setting up of Burdekin Grower Race Day in 1999; Torrie’s a judge and Jan looks after all of our correspondence,” said Mr Gudge.

Mr Gudge said the Burdekin Race Club is looking for new members, particularly younger members.

“It’s about getting satisfaction out of what you do and supplying a product for other people,” he said.

“When we get together, it’s good camaraderie, we all get along well, and it’s good to be a part of a club.”

Contact Mr Gudge on 0407 022 719 if you’re interested in getting involved in the club.

Burdekin Race Club will hold its next meet this Saturday, February 17 while tickets for the iconic Burdekin Growers Race Day, set to be held on Saturday, May 18, will go on sale in April.

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Life membership presentation L-R Burdekin Race Club Vice President Ron Scott, Robyn Hewson, Doug Chappell, Jan and Torrie Davies and Club President Ricky Gudge. Photo credit: David Jackson

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A year away from home playing in southern Queensland has given forward Tate Brombal extra incentive to be a part of the Burdekin Roosters A grade side this season.

After being in and out of the top grade in 2022, Tate decided to test himself in another League.

Last year took him south to Warwick where he signed with the Warwick Cowboys under coach Col Speed, a man highly regarded in the coaching ranks in the state.

Speed last year coached Toowoomba in the 47th Batallion Trophy which is played between leagues like Bundaberg, Gympie and Maryborough.

The Cowboys play in the 12 team Toowoomba League with both country and Toowoomba city teams.

Tate said they played against country teams like Goondiwindi, Pittsworth, Dalby, Oakey and Wattles and city teams Valleys, Brothers, Highfield, Souths and Newtown.

“The football is very hard in that competition with a number of young and older players coming from Sydney and Brisbane to join the clubs,” the player said.

He added that there were also a lot of Pacific Islanders working in the area and they played it hard.

The support for Rugby League in that area is huge with big crowds turning out to watch the local games.

“Places like Roma, Dalby and Goondiwindi usually have packed grounds and they support their teams full on,” Tate said.

The forward, who has bulked up to over 110kg, says he is looking forward to one thing especially ... “a Burdekin winter .... it is absolutely freezing at times down there.”

“At times it is so cold and foggy it gets hard to see the other end of the field.”

When asked about the comparison between the Townsville and Toowoomba styles of play, he thought Townsville would be quicker, but Toowoomba would be a lot harder.

The returning Rooster said he hopes to play anywhere in the forwards in A Grade for the Roosters but just to be out there would suit him.

He thought training was coming along well under new coach Daniel Beazley and players should learn a lot from his experience.

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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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Forward Tate Brombal has returned to the Burdekin after a season in southeast Queensland. Photo supplied

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The weekend of February 3-4 saw the Burdekin Torpedoes take on the might of North Queensland swimming in Townsville, at the Townsville Tourists meet which boasted a whooping 282 swimmers from across the region. The Torpedoes had 15 swimmers representing our district with the youngest Brielle Sangiuliano having her first swim meet at just age 5. The heat was on and with some fast swims on both days, the Burdekin Torpedoes had some great results, with plenty of personal best times being achieved. Coaches Kim and Mick McConnachie again travelled with the team and were proud of the results of all swimmers, putting in some great effort in scorching heat.

Contributed by Kate Lyne

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Lewis Bonato dominated the pool when the Burdekin Torpedoes took on the might of North Queensland swimming at the recent Townsville Tourists meet. Photo credit: Kate Lyne

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Burdekin Torpedoes At Townsville Tourists Meet

Results

Lewis Bonato (9yo Boys) - 1st 50m Breaststroke, 1st 100m Backstroke, 3rd 50m Freestyle, 1st 100m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Butterfly, 2nd 50m Backstroke.

Parker Bonato (12yo Boys) - 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Freestyle, 2nd 100m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 3rd 100m Freestyle.

Isla Chapman (14yo Girls) - 3rd 50m Breaststroke

Milla Chapman (12yo Girls) - 3rd 50m Breaststroke

Taylor Chapman (9yo Girls) - 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 2nd 100m Breaststroke.

Jedd Giddy (14yo Boys) - 1st 50m Breaststroke, 2nd 100m Backstroke, 1st 50m Freestyle, 1st 100m Breaststroke.

Nate Giddy (11yo Boys) - 2nd 50m Freestyle

Millie Lyne (13yo Girls) - 1st 50m Breaststroke, 1st 100m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Freestyle, 1st 100m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Butterfly, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 1st 100m Freestyle.

John McKaig (Open Men) - 3rd 50m Freestyle, 1st 100m Butterfly, 2nd 50m Butterfly, 2nd 100m Freestyle.

Ellanah Searle (8yo Girls) - 3rd 50m Backstroke

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

Arabella Sangiuliano (11yo Girls) - 2nd 400m Freestyle

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Maddison and Ellanah Searle

Koa and Brax Wright

Millie Lyne

Arabella and Brielle Sangiuliano

Parker Bonato, John McKaig and Lewis Bonato

Photos supplied

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Tuesday February 6 Winners of the Amcal sponsored day were Katharina Stuckler and Heather Jorgensen, defeating Raylene Hervey and Isabel Cislowski. Meryl Nixon, Sandra Stidston and Pam Power defeated Lynette Storrie, Elaine Young and Irene Wilson.

A donation was presented to our local SES John and Rosemarie Winn by Ayr Ladies Bowls President Sandra Stidston.

Results for Wednesday Feb 7:

Winners were John Pirrone, Joe Papale and Chris Olditch who defeated Happy Horan,Anthony Bull and Ray Wall.

Results for Saturday Feb 10 sponsored by Mahjong Ladies:

Winners were Paul Vass, Mick Olsen and Lew Stidston who defeated Mick Murison, George Nixon and Joe Papale.

2nd Place went toMerle Nixon, Margaret Chapman and Maurie Power who defeated Lorraine Wolffe, Donna Soper and Ron Soper.

What a great night of bowls we had on Wednesday, February 7. A cooling breeze was blowing and there were some good bowls played. The winners on the night were Joe Grabbi, Heather Jorgensen and Tricia Achille and RobynMcAllister.

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Contributed by Michael Parravicini

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Friday night’s highlight was the singles match between Pancho and Gary Pearce.

Pancho set the pace early on in the game only to lose to Gary in later stages of game.

Gary Pearce joined three other energetic bowlers in Chris Pearce, Peter Lejarraga and Lloyd Shepherd. Bowen Invitational Fours has been going for many years and along with 15 other teams the competition was very strong. Teams came from Townsville in the North to Mackay in the South.

Three rounds on Saturday and the team walked away with one win and two losses. On Sunday, they had one win and one loss.

Wednesday Ladies Bowls starts for 2024 with names in by 1.00pm for 1.30pm start.

Friday night we start with first Corporate Bowls night proudly sponsored by Ray Peterson at Peto’s Marine Home Hill.

Members attending don’t forget plate for smoko at end of evening.

Don’t forget championship games to be played as soon as possible.

Good Bowling.

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Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd

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Wednesday night’s barefoot bowls saw 18 players take to the green on February 7.

The winners for the night were Joclyn, Aaron and Meryl.

Thursday February 8 also saw 18 bowlers do battle on Rummeny Green.  

Thanks again to the sponsor Rocky Ponds Produce.

The winners on the day were Paul, Judy and Glen.

Barefoot bowls again on Wednesday night with a pre-game snag Sanger as well as Wednesday morning craft group, Tuesday Trimmers, Thursday morning bingo and Thursday arvos for social bowls.

The Tuesday Trimmers club recently donated $100 to Home Hill Community Sports Club.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Barefoot bowls winners Joclyn, Aaron and Meryl

Thursday bowls winners Paul, Judy and Glen

‍Home Hill Community Sports Club President Trevor Elton receiving a cheque from Bev Woods

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Photos supplied

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It was all looking good for Friday Junior Cricket to kick off after it was called off the previous week due to wet fields. That was until around 2:30pm when the rain came down at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex which dashed our hopes for play. It also put in jeopardy our home game against Wanderers in the Under 17 Townsville competition the next morning. The start time for this game was put back to 12 noon in the hope that pitch would dry out enough. Thanks to our groundsmen for their hard work in getting the job done preparing the pitch and mowing the field. The later start meant that we were going to be without one player for half the game and another would have to leave later in the second innings due to both having work commitments.

We won the toss and chose to bowl first, hoping that more players in the field would outweigh the loss of a batter in our lineup. The first ball of the innings was sent down by Leo Olditch which resulted in their opener top edging a catch to Salvatore Cardillo at cover, they were 1 for 0. Their batters then dug in and slowly added runs, only losing five more wickets to end their innings on 177. In the hot and humid conditions our bowlers and fielders performed well with Thomas Cardillo getting two wickets, Leo Olditch, Salvatore Cardillo, Rian Berryman and John Southwell getting one each. Joey Southwell took two catches, Jacob Machin and Salvatore one each, Corey Heidke contributed with a stumping.

The decision at the toss put us out in the field in the hottest part of the day which really sapped the energy of our players, and it showed in our batting. Our opener was also caught on the first ball of the innings but the similarities with Wanderers’ batting ended there. Most of our batters didn’t bat with any patience, not waiting for the bad balls to put away. Two runouts of batters that were looking comfortable and a bottom edge from a short ball onto the stumps didn’t help our situation at all. We were all out in the 14th over with Corey Heidke our top scorer this game.

Time now to regroup and train for our next game which is against Brothers who we beat last time we met.  

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Contributed by Scott Heidke

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Wanderers defeated Home Hill in the first home game of the year on Saturday. Photo supplied

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Ayr Junior Golf held its first game for the year last Saturday, February 10.

The weather was hot, but a nice group of players came ready to get back into it. Many regular members returned along with two new players, Celine and Heath.

A mini 3 hole, 6 hole and 9 hole competition was played. Heath was the gross winner for 3 holes, Opie was the Nett winner. For 6 holes, some close scores, with Logan the gross winner, and Kyle the Nett winner. In 9 holes, Amaya was the gross winner, and Oscar the Nett winner. Well done to all for coming along, and also to Dave for helping the juniors for the morning.

This weekend on Saturday the club will host coaching for the morning. New members always welcome, times will be confirmed. Please follow Junior Golf Ayr for more information.

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Contributed by Laura Mahoney

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Players new and old attended Ayr Junior Golf’s first game of the year last weekend. Photo supplied

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Coming off a defeat in round 10 last week, Peto’s Marine have bounced back in a big way with a trouncing of Crowned Mongrels in their first fixture of the year.

Peto's Marine won the toss and elected to bat, with opener Simon Vickers getting to work immediately with 33 runs from 17 balls.

First drop Josiah Ballin top scored agonisingly short of his half century with 48 from 53, while Daniel Olditch also contributed with 37 from 36.

Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro shone with the ball for Crowned Mongrels, taking 3/26 from three overs while Nicholas Pengelly, Andrew Wallwork, Alex Stillhard and Casper Licciardello all took one wicket each.

Alexander Romeo also took a run out for the fielding side, seeing Peto's Marine finish their 25 overs on 8/191.

With a handy total to defend, Peto's Marine made short work of Crowned Mongrels’ batting lineup, starting with a caught and bowled on the second ball of the innings from Leon Franklin.

Crowned Mongrels struggled to establish their presence in the middle, with not one batsman making double figures and top scores going to Alexander Romeo with eight runs and Jay Leckenby with six.

Franklin went on to take two more wickets, finishing the innings with 3/7 from three overs, while Josiah Ballin, Darren O’Keeffe, Ben Walters, Darren Fabbro and Mark Nosworthy took one wicket each and Josiah Ballin took a run out.

Down one player, Crowned Mongrels lost all nine wickets for 42 runs after 10.5 overs.

Crowned Mongrels will take on ladder leaders Guardian Pharmacy this Saturday.

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Leon Franklin took 3/7 for Peto's Marine

Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro took 3/26 for Crowned Mongrels

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Photos supplied

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Wednesday January 31: winners were Richard Aplin, Vince Beitia & Lew Stidston who defeated John Hall, Happy Horan & Kaos.

Saturday February 3: Despite very hot conditions, we had a good turnout for our belated Australia Day Celebration sponsored by Phelan’s Pies.

1st Prize went to Barry Hewson, Sam Caltabiano and Thelma Klopper who defeated Jim Murray/Mick Olsen, George Nixon and Henry Hazle.

2nd Prize went to Happy Horan, Joe Grabbi and Lew Stidston who defeated Katharina Stuckler, Rob Garner and Pam Power.

3rd Prize went to Paul Vass, Chris Berkery and Wayne Coonan who defeated Lorraine Wolffe, Anthony Bull and Chris Olditch.

A big thank you to Phelan’s Pies for their continued support.

Mens Club Championship rinks and singles open Wednesday February 14 and close on Sunday February 25. Competition commences Sunday March 10 at 8:30am for Championship rinks.

Come along for a game of bowls on Wednesday nights at the Ayr Bowls Club. If you have never played bowls, no worries, we have bowls you can use, and you will be shown how to play bowls.  Phone the bowls club on 47831336 between 6.00pm and 6.30pm to put your name in. Play begins at 7.00pm.

Winners last Wednesday night were Robyn McAllister, Ross McLaughlin, Evelyn Wiltshere and Heather Jorgensen.

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Contributed by Michael Parravicini

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12 Bowlers attended for social bowls on Friday with eventual winners Marg McLaughlin, Lloyd Shepherd and Norm Storrie winning on countback.

Championship B grade pairs started with Lloyd Shepherd and Peter Lejarraga defeating Gary Norsworthy and Kevin Ferguson 24 /18.

Chris Pearce and Simon Griggs were selected for NQ District side trials at Northern Beaches Bowls Club, Mackay over the weekend. More trial matches still to come.

Thanks to all those who turned up for the working bee on the weekend. All went well for those in attendance with lots of jobs completed.

Corporate bowls starts up February 16 sponsored by Peto’s Marine Home Hill.

Bookings via Gary Pearce on 0488 214 222.

A club meeting will be held on Sunday, February 18 at 12:15pm at the clubhouse followed by social bowls.

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Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd

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A Giru cowboy has returned from Tamworth an open bull riding champion after the Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association National Finals Rodeo was held in the ‘country music capital’ from January 25-27.

Braydon Wellby went into the event placed third in the standings in the YETI Open Bull Ride, qualifying as one of 15 finalists after stellar results throughout 2023.

With three opportunities to accumulate points, there were no qualified rides in the first go-round and the second was looking much the same until Braydon was one of only two riders to get to the buzzer in round two.

“I bumped off my first bull, rode my second bull for 84.5 points on Back Handed Panda and then my third bull was Cliff Hanger and rode it for 81 points to seal the deal,” Braydon said.

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Giru cowboy Braydon Wellby is an open bull riding champion after competing in Tamworth. Photo credit: Stephen Mowbray

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“It’s Been On My Bucket List For A While”

Australian Bull Riding Champion’s Tamworth Success

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Giru bull rider Braydon Wellby said it felt “pretty good” to be crowned an open bull ride champion at the recent Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association National Finals Rodeo in Tamworth.

“It’s been on my bucket list for a while, to become an Australian champion,” Braydon said.

“It took a little bit to sink in, but it was good.”

Growing up between Townsville and Georgetown, Braydon was raised surrounded by rodeo.

“Both of my parents rodeoed so I’ve always been around it and always done it,” he said.

“I love doing it, I love versing the animal.

“I do other events in rodeo, too, but bull riding’s probably my favourite event.”

Braydon now lives in Giru where his work also involves cattle, working in contract mustering and fencing.

“It’s good being around the cattle all the time, it’s what I enjoy doing,” he said.

While he’s travelled all over Australia and the world to compete, including to America and Canada, Braydon said nothing beats a local rodeo.

“These days, I’d much rather go to these local Queensland events, go to rodeos and compete around here,” he said.

“They’re a bit more relaxed and cruisy.”

Braydon hasn’t yet finalised his calendar for the rest of 2024, but looks forward to these local rodeos the most.

“I’ll do all the shows up in north Queensland here, but I haven’t picked which events I want to travel away for yet around Australia,” he said.

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Braydon Wellby won the championship with two big rides in Tamworth. Photo supplied: Lorraine Wellby

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Burdekin FC is now getting ready for the 2024 season. Pre-season training has already started, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30 pm for men and Wednesdays at 6.00 pm for women. The Panthers first match of the season will be away to Estates in the Kappa Qld Cup this Saturday night in Townsville. Leighton Gallagher will be coaching the Premiers again this season.

The Juniors have an exciting year of football coming up, with regular matches plus games against out of town opponents. Registrations for Under 5 to Under 12 are now open! Go onto the Burdekin FC Facebook page for more information or email the club at burdekinfc@hotmail.com.  Registrations are due on Saturday the 10th of February, and players will be organised into teams.

A great new addition this year is a training shirt for every fully registered and paid up player! Compulsory pre-season games will be Saturday the 17th and 24th of February, with the season kicking off on the 2nd of March. We can't wait for the 2024 season to begin.

The Masters kicked off the 2024 season on Monday night. Usual time, usual place, 6.30 at International Park. New and old players all welcome. In fact, it doesn’t really matter if you can’t play. Treat it as an escape.

The Socceroos are out of the Asian Cup after losing 1-2 to South Korea in extra time. They had reached the quarter finals by beating Indonesia 4-0 in the Round of 16. In the Group matches Oz beat India 2-0, Syria 1-0 and drew 1-1 with Uzbekistan. The Asian Cup is now at the semi-final stage with Jordan playing South Korea and Qatar up against Iran. It looks like a South Korea v Iran final.

The Matildas have not played since losing twice to Canada in early December. Their next matches are Olympic qualifiers against Uzbekistan, home and away, in late February. In the FIFA World Rankings, Australia are currently ranked12th place with Uzbekistan at 47th.

In the A League, leaders Wellington could only draw away to Brisbane but stay two points clear of Central Coast and Melbourne Victory, who both won. Macarthur stay in fourth spot and Brisbane stays in ninth place.

In the A League Women competition, after 15 rounds Melbourne City is three points clear of Western Utd with Sydney FC in third place and Melbourne Victory fourth. Brisbane, who won at the weekend stay in tenth place.

The African Cup of Nations is now at the semi-final stage with Nigeria playing South Africa and Ivory Coast playing DR Congo. Both matches are on Thursday with the final to be played next Monday.

Read Football Matters with Cyclops on the Burdekin FC Facebook page.

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Contributed by Richard Samwell

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