The Burdekin Netball Association has awarded Wilma Wright a prestigious Life Membership in recognition of her 15 years of dedicated service. This honour is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the association, and Wilma’s tireless commitment over the years has made her a standout recipient.

Wilma became involved with the association in 1996 when her daughter Sarah joined the local netball scene, shortly after the family moved to the Burdekin.

Despite being new to the area, Wilma quickly immersed herself in the community, starting with a simple task—mending team bibs. Her contributions soon grew to include managing uniforms, scoring games, and helping with fundraising events, such as cake stalls.

Known for her reliability, Wilma was a regular presence at the Thursday competitions, where her organisational skills earned her the affectionate title of "Mrs Afternoon Office Lady." She ensured the office was always well-prepared and ready by 4 pm, a vital role that supported the smooth running of the association's busy afternoons.

Beyond the weekly games, Wilma also spent 13 years managing representative teams at State Age Championships and other carnivals. From preparing spreadsheets to cooking meals for players, her attention to detail and dedication were critical to the success of these events.

Her homemade muffins became a beloved treat during these busy weekends.

This Life Membership not only recognises Wilma’s incredible service but also highlights the lasting impact she has had on the Burdekin Netball Association.

Her commitment and hard work have left an enduring mark on the community and set an inspiring example for others to follow.

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Burdekin Netball Association awarded Wilma Wright Life Membership in recognition of her 15 years of dedicated service. Photo supplied

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The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club will be back on duty this coming weekend with the start of the September school holidays.

The red and yellow flags will be raised again at Alva Beach on Saturday afternoons, all day Sunday, as well as public holidays from now until May.

There is still time to 'Join the Club' and become part of a family friendly organisation and give back to your community with a wide variety of roles available and a new Bronze and SRC course commencing shortly.

For more information, please contact admin on ayrslsc@gmail.com.

The club also announced their new Junior Club Captains for the 2024-25 Season last weekend at the Water Festival Parade. 

Congratulations to Briella Wassmuth and Zachary Dale have taken on this role for the season.

Patrols:

Saturday 14th Sept (1-5pm)
Group F: Lisa Furnell, Jen Morgan, Jo Morgan, Lauren Chapman, Isla Chapman, Ryley Sartori

Sunday 15th September (9am-1pm)
Super Subs: Josh Furnell, Brooke Cross, Barry Cross

Sunday 15th September (1-5pm)
Group G: Jimmy Hayllor, Carl List, James Kennedy, Shane Morgan, Ross Blakey, Ross Rickards, Jedd Giddy

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The two new Junior Club Captains Briella Wassmuth and Zachary Dale

Under 12 Burdekin Wildcats Girls Representative Team were announced 1st Place Gold Medallist in Division 2, winning all 15 games at the Burdekin at Basketball Queensland’s North Queensland Junior Basketball Championships (NQJBC).

Back Row: (L to R) Manager – Hayley Colls, Darci Colls, Allie Boland, Bella Galbraith, Addison Reid, Dakota Oliver, Head Coach – Larni Vasta
Front Row: (L to R) Assistant Coach – Kate Gaze, Tilly Chandler, Gracie Giardina, Radha Haller, Hallie Friend and Scarlett Sinclair.

GOLD MEDALISTS NOW HEADING TO STATE CHAMPS

Local girls represented the Burdekin at Basketball Queensland’s North Queensland Junior Basketball Championships (NQJBC) recently.

The championships run from June to August annually and consist of three tournaments which are held in Cairns, Mackay and Townsville respectively with elite junior players representing their local associations. 
 
The u12 Burdekin Wildcats Girls Representative Team, consisting of 10 junior athletes competed in 15 games across these three tournaments winning all 15 games - undefeated and were announced 1st Place Gold Medallist in Division 2 on Sunday 25th August 2024.

Head Coach Larni said she was absolutely thrilled with the results.

“As a first time coach at the representative level, it has been an absolute honour and privilege to work with such a remarkable and talented team,” she expressed.

“Witnessing their personal and team growth throughout the season has been truly inspiring.  I am hopeful and really looking forward to a great outcome at State Championships in September!”
 
The u12 team is now preparing to compete in the premier competition combining athletes across South, Central and North Queensland at Basketball Queensland’s Queensland State Championship being held from 19th to 22 September 2024 in Zilmere at the Northside Basketball Sports Centre.

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Team with Medals
Back Row: (L to R) Head Coach – Larni Vasta, Allie Boland, Hallie Friend, Darci Colls, Scarlett Sinclair, Bella Galbraith, Gracie Giardina, Manager – Hayley Colls
Front Row: (L to R) Assistant Coach – Kate Gaze, Radha Haller, Tilly Chandler, Addison Reid, Dakota Oliver

Team mates Darci and Scarlett
 
Dakota dribbling up the court
Photos supplied
 

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Local

Burdekin Panthers had just the Premiers playing at the weekend. They had finished third on the League ladder and were playing in the Elimination Final against Estates at Paradise Park in Townsville. The Premiers won 2-1 and now face Olympic, who lost 0-2 to Brothers, next Saturday at 7.00 pm, for a Place in the Grand Final against Brothers.

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers were very nervous as they played their first Premier League finals series in ten years. The Panthers knew Estates would come out firing and they did. They were all over the Panthers for the first fifteen minutes and had a goal disallowed for offside in that period. This seemed to spark some life into the Burdekin as they started to find their feet and started to play their game.  The Panthers began to get better field position and won a few free kicks in prime positions. If not for great goalkeeping from Estates, Matthew Kolb could have scored two “goal of the season” contenders. Right before half time, Oliver Gabiola expertly got on the end of a well taken Ryan Scodellaro set piece to head the ball into the back of the net taking the Panthers into the break with a 1-0 lead.

The Panthers knew that Estates would come out firing again to start the second half but this time the Burdekin had no answer and Estates equalised within two minutes of the restart. This buoyed the Townsville team as they continued to dominate as they had in the early parts of the first half. Again, the Panthers started to wrestle back control and started to find space down the wings. A delicate little ball from Jay Leckenby found Luke Maguire inside the box and with his left foot he curled the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-1 with about thirty minutes to play. The Panthers continued to create more chances as Estates chased an equaliser. A couple of crosses from the right found their way across the Burdekin goal mouth but no one could get a final touch on it to put it in the back of the net, setting up a nervy finish. With a last-ditch effort Estates found their way into the penalty area, but Jarrod Camer and Joshua Valle bundled the ball out for a corner. From this corner, Estates had a free header at the back post and could have equalised but fortunately put it wide. From the ensuing goal kick the referee blew the full time whistle and the Panthers were through to the semi-final. 

Masters

Monday Night Masters has finished for the year and will recommence in January 2025.

Night Soccer

Delta Cleaners Night Soccer kicked off its 46th Season on Tuesday with twenty nine Men’s teams and fourteen Women’s Teams. Nomination Forms are at Delta Cleaners, Intersport and Sportfirst. Late entries will be considered

Juniors

Saturday was the last weekend of the year of Townsville teams travelling down to the Burdekin and what a successful year it has been!  Our kids have benefited so much from playing against different opposition.  This Saturday is Junior Breakup day with games, jumping castle, sausage sizzle and a lolly drop!  See you all there for a fun day!

National and International

The A League 2024-5 season kicks off on the weekend of 18 - 20 October. The Premiers, Central Coast Mariners are at home to Melbourne Victory and new team Auckland meet Brisbane Roar.

The Socceroos will be back in action when they begin their AFC World Cup Qualification matches. They start, at home, on the Gold Coast, this Thursday when they play Bahrein. They are then away to Indonesia on 10th September.

In the EPL after three rounds only two teams have maximum points, Manchester City, and Liverpool. Manchester City has scored nine goals and Erling Haaland has netted seven of them. At the foot of the table Southampton and Everton are yet to register a point.

In Serie A Juventus could only manage a 0-0 draw at home to Roma and now four top teams, Inter, Juve, Torino and Udinese all have seven points, Como and Venezia are holding up the table with one point each. In Spain’s La Liga, after four rounds, Barcelona top the table with maximum points after marmelising Valladolid 7-0, four points clear of Real Madrid, Atletico and Villareal. Valencia, with a single point, prop up the table.

Ligue 1 in France, and after three rounds it is much the same as usual PSG, are top with nine points and Marseille, Nantes, Lens and Monaco are all two points behind. At the foot of the table Angers and St Etienne look to be in deep trouble. Germany’s Bundesliga has only played two rounds and Heidenheim, Bayern and Leipzig are the only teams with maximum points.  Leverkusen lost for the first time in a very long time.

This week’s quote is from Argentine star Diego Maradona “My mother thinks I am the best. And I was raised to always believe what my mother tells me” 

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The Burdekin Panthers Premier team have qualified for the semi-final against Olympic this week. Photo Credit: Sharon Woodward.

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The Burdekin Roosters will have three teams competing in the RLT Grand Finals this weekend, with the Under-13s and Under-18s playing on Saturday, and the Reserve grade squad taking the field on Sunday.

The Under-13s are set to face Charters Towers at 8:30am on Saturday, following a commanding 60-0 victory over the Western Lions last weekend. The Miners edged out the Roosters in the major semi-final by just four points, but with a couple of key players returning from illness, the Little Roosters are raring to go.

In the Under-18s, the Roosters will meet Brothers in what promises to be a thrilling clash at 2:00pm, also at the RLT grounds. The young Roosters boast a talented lineup, with many of them earmarked for future senior selection.

One standout is Jye Olsen, who has already made a name for himself in A-grade, winning player awards. Olsen will be a key player at halfback for the Under-18s. Another player to watch is Luca Lago, whose sharp ball skills and blazing speed have also earned him A-grade appearances this year. Speedy centre Jahi Starr and fan-favourite front-rower Llama Ghee, who has played in both A-grade and Reserve grade, will bring their experience to the team.

Ghee is also part of the extended bench for the Reserve grade Grand Final on Sunday. The Under-18 squad is rounded out by standout players like reliable fullback Adam Camer, with wingers Amadeus Bulgarelli and Kane Batchelor ready to finish off scoring opportunities. In the centres, Lincoln Boccolatte and Starr will provide strong attacking play, while the forward pack, led by Joey Southwell and Jacob Horan, will be looking to dominate with solid service from hooker Harrison Lammon.

Back-rowers Leylan Lampton and Johnathon Hunter bring height and versatility, with Jett Castello locking down the pack as a tough ball player.  

The Reserve grade bench will feature an exciting mix of players, including Brody Scrivener, Levi Ludwick, and the lightning-fast winger Maliq Ogomeni. Should the front rowers tire, Archer Swindley will step in to provide big minutes.

With such depth and talent across the teams, the Burdekin Roosters are set for an exciting weekend of rugby league action.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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The Burdekin Roosters U18s are expected to field a talented lineup in this weekend’s Grand Final.

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The return of five-eighth and goal kicker Dylan Doak from suspension proved to be the decisive factor in the Burdekin Roosters' Preliminary Final victory over Bowen last Sunday.

Doak slotted three crucial goals, while Bowen’s kicker missed two vital conversions, allowing Chris Perry's Burdekin team to advance to the Grand Final.

Looking ahead, Coach Chris Perry is hopeful that the return of another key player, Kali Nauque, from suspension will have a similar impact. The Burdekin side faces off against Souths in the RLT Grand Final at the Sports Reserve this Sunday at 1:30pm.

“Kali says very little, but he is a leader with his actions and high work rate,” Perry said.

Known for his fierce defensive tackles, Nauque’s performance is sure to inspire his teammates.

In another boost for the Roosters, defender Alex Lennox is set to return from injury and is expected to provide further inspiration. The coaching staff will also assess the fitness of French International hooker Paul Merlo, who missed last week’s match due to injury.

Reflecting on their previous game, Perry said, “The team had to defend grimly given the lopsided penalty count, and they did so with very few blemishes.”

Souths earned their spot in the Grand Final after defeating Bowen in the semi-final. They’ve only lost one game this season, coincidentally to Burdekin, so they’ll be on high alert. Souths finished the season with an impressive 532 points for and 216 against, compared to the Roosters’ fourth-place finish with 418 points for and 350 against.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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In the same week three Aussie men made it to the last 16 at the US Open, the Ayr Tennis Association was overflowing with local juniors playing in the annual Delta Cup tennis tournament. Ayr tennis coach Patrea Bojack said the weekend was an enormous success with some exciting youngsters heading for higher honours after surviving some close calls on the way to finals.  

Alex Swinney and Michael Lindley led the way in the yellow ball top division while Keegan Carter and Nash Christie fought out the green ball final. Additionally, Tom Chandler and Adison Robertson secured victories in the red ball and orange ball divisions.  

Still in its infancy, the Delta Cup is designed for local kids that are coached by Patrea and her team at Delta Tennis to put the skills they’ve learnt since the start of the year into action in a full tournament.  

“Having this for them you really see the improvement and the main aim is getting them into match mode,” Patrea said.  

“I love to see the kids actually playing a match as tennis is not an easy sport to pick up - it takes time to learn and build skills and I know their parents love seeing them in action”  

Patrea also added Alex Swinney has really started to improve in 2024 and is has been competing in the regional JDS circuit this year. On the back of that Michael Lindley has played consistently to secure a spot in the JDS final this weekend, with the Ayr Tennis Association wishing him all the best for the tournament.

Patrea explained that you are never too young or too old to start playing tennis, and the sport has changed to embrace juniors of all talent levels.  

“We have 5-year-olds, we have 17-year-olds and different coloured levels in tennis now with blue as a pre rally then Red, Orange, Green & Yellow Ball for the juniors to progress to.  

They continue to handle the ball and court better as they progress with the smaller court for the youngest players with lower compression balls and bigger courts and harder balls as they get older,” Patrea said.  
Ayr Tennis Association was fortunate to receive a grant from the Rural Sustainability programme at Tennis Queensland.  This made the weekend a free event and the juniors received a free Delta Cup shirt that represents the colours of their talent levels.  

Patrea Bojack was very thankfull for the support of the club and its volunteers for making the weekend a huge success with great weather as well.  

Friday the Red ballers got the competition underway and after that the club had a social tennis family night where all the courts were full.   

Red Ball results:  
Div 1 winner -Tom Chandler  
Runner up - Lincoln Harvey  
Div 2 winner- Sebastian Belke  
Runner up- Harper Beltrame 
Div 3 winner – Koa Wight 
Runner up – Brydie Mc Shane 
Div 4 winner- Eloise Frau 
Runner up- Mila Bunyan 

The older players took part in the tournament on Sunday and excelled in fantastic conditions.  

Orange ball results: 
Div 1 winner Adison Robertson  
Runner up – Archie Sgori 
Div 2 – winner- leytonn Vidler 
Runner up- Cooper Cordie 
Div 3 – winner -Ebony Cordie 
Runner up- David Holm 
 
Green ball 
Div 1 winner- Keegan Carter 
Runner up- Nash Christie 
 
Yellow ball 
Winner- Alex Swinney 
Runner up – Michael Lindley 

Anyone who would like to take tennis lessons or be part of the next Delta Cup can consult the Delta Tennis or Ayr Tennis Association Facebook sites or come down to watch the JDS finals this weekend at Ayr courts or on Tuesday & Wednesday afternoons.  

Contributed with thanks to Patrea Bojack.

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Delta Cup Red Ballers brought plenty of skill and action to the courts last weekend!
Orange, Green and Yellow Ballers enjoyed the fantastic morning.

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On Wednesday, 28 August, the Brandon Bowls Club celebrated President Joy Woods Day, welcoming 64 ladies from various clubs, both near and far, to join in the festivities. The day unfolded under perfect weather, adding a touch of magic to the friendly games and lively atmosphere filled with laughter.

A special mention goes to the sponsor of the day, DG & M O'Shea Painting Contractors. Their valuable support ensures that days like this are possible, and the club shared sincere thanks to Danny and Marissa O’Shea.

Another beautiful evening unfolded at the Brandon Bowls Club on Friday 30 August as 12 bowlers participated in a close contest over 16 ends of 3-bowl triples.

On rink 5, the team of Ben Mills, Rob Jorgensen, and Jamie Woods faced off against Steve Cockfield, Ross McLaughlin, and Ray Paneccasio. What started as a tight match eventually saw the powerhouse trio of Mills, Jorgensen, and Woods pull ahead to claim victory.

Meanwhile, rink 6 featured a tense game between Margaret McLaughlin, Lloyd Shepherd, and Gary "Mr. Bowls" Pearce, who played against Raymond Tortorica, Jayson Farry, and Joe Yipnazar. After scoring a 5 on the first end, Pearce thought it would be a smooth night, but the dynamic duo of Tortorica and Farry turned the game around, leaving little for skipper Yipnazar to do. As the game approached the 15th end, Gary Pearce used his experience to guide his team to a hard-earned win.

Team Wood took home the scratchies, though there was no Jackpot winner.

In near-perfect conditions, the pair of Jayson Farry and Jamie Woods played a controlling game, ultimately securing a decisive win against Allan Gairoch on Saturday 31 August at the A & B Pairs Championship.

The defending champions, Chris Pearce, Jamie Woods, Len Feeny, and Gary Pearce faced Ben Mills, Glenn Woodford, Vince Beitia, and Leo Kenny on Sunday 1 September for the Men’s as Championship. Although Gary Pearce's experienced team dominated the game, they were met with strong efforts from the inexperienced side led by Leo Kenny. In the end, Pearce’s experience led his team to a comfortable win.

Despite numbers being slightly down due to Father’s Day, 12 dedicated bowlers played triples across two rinks. In the first game, Henry Hazel, Joe Yipnazar, and Peter Henderson were outplayed by T. Ferres, Neville Dickinson, and Hugh Montgomery.

Looking ahead, Trophy Bowls Night, sponsored by Gurgos Paint, will take place on 13 September. Players are encouraged to submit their names through the usual process.

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

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Plenty of laughter, and friendly competition was had at the Brandon Bowls Club last week.
Celebrating their first place victory were Marion Nicholson, and Jodie Geissmann, as pictured with Sponsor Marissa O'Shea, Lyn Farr, and President Joy.
Second place went to Pam Power, Colleen Olsen, and Ruth Moore, as pictured with Sponsor Marissa O'Shea and President Joy.
Third place went to June Paynting, Bev Marsden, and Leslie Bates, as pictured with Sponsor Marissa O'Shea and President Joy.

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Burdekin Clay Target Club held their Monthly Shoot on Saturday 31 August. With beautiful weather conditions, the Club’s members performed exceptionally, with celebratory scores across the board. The Club warmly thanks its sponsors,  Joe Caruso Construction and DnS Quality Meats, and Lui Populin for donating the meat tray for the raffle. Burdekin Clay Target Club will hold its next shoot on Sunday 13 October.

Saturday’s Overall High Gun Winners were Joe Caruso, Domingo Diaz, Daniel Scott, and Brian Bonanno. The day’s additional results are as follows:

Event 1-20 Target Double Barrel Continental 15m
AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso, Wayne Cislowski & Ron Gouch 20/20
A Grade 1st Sylvia Rossato, Ron Clive, Annette Vassalini & Domingo Diaz 20/20
B Grade 1st Peter Wade 19/20, 2nd Daniel Scott & John Kinnimonth 18/20
C Grade 1st David Russell 19/20, John Calligaro 17/20, 3rd Rob Ness 16/20

Event 2-20 Target Single Barrel 15m
AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso 20/20
A Grade 1st Ian Kriesel 20/20
B Grade 1st John Kinnimonth 17/20
C Grade 1st Peter Scott 19/20

Event 3-20 Target Pointscore-Sponsored By Joe Caruso Construction
AA Grade 1st Lindsay Groat 60/60
A Grade 1st Ron Clive 60/60
B Grade 1st Daniel Scott 55/60
C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 53/60

Event 4-30 Target Medley 18m
AA Grade 1st Tony Caruso 50/50, 2nd Joe Caruso 48/50, 3rd Glen Rea 47/50
A Grade 1st Domingo Diaz 48/50, 2nd Annette Vassalini 46/50
B Grade 1st Daniel Scott 44/50, 2nd John Kinnimonth 43/50, 3rd Peter Wade 42/50
C Grade 1st David Russell 40/50, 2nd Toni Scott 40/50, 3rd Peter Scott 36/50

Event 5-25 Target Double Barell Handicap-Sponsored By DnS Quality Meats
1st Daniel Scott 42/43
2nd Tony Caruso 41/43
3rd Lindsay Groat 39/41

Overall High Gun Winners
AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso 169/175
A Grade 1st Domingo Diaz 165/175
B Grade 1st Daniel Scott 156/175
C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 146/185

Contributed with thanks to Sylvia Rossato.

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Competing in Event 2-20 Target Single Barrel 15m were Peter Scott, John Kinnimonth, Ian Kriesel, and Joe Caruso.

Event 3-20 Target Pointscore-Sponsored By Joe Caruso Construction saw Lindsay Groat, Ron Clive, Daniel Scott, Brian Bonanno, and Sylvia Rossato compete.

Event 5-25 Target Handicap-sponsored by DnS Quality Meats hosted competitors Tony Caruso, Daniel Scott, and Lindsay Groat.

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Wednesday 28 August marked another fantastic Spearritts Jewellers Day at the Ayr Golf Club, with longtime sponsors Jim and Pat Nuttall generously providing three exceptional prizes for the top golfers. The course was in pristine condition, and the weather remained pleasantly ideal for play.

A field of 21 ladies competed in what was a closely fought contest, with standout performances by the winners. Bev Andrews rolled back the years with an impressive 41 points, claiming the top spot and the coveted Gold Voucher. In second place, Donna Reid finished with 35 points, closely followed by Shirley Jones, also on 35 points, who took third place.

Congratulations to all the ladies on a great day of golf!

Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Golf Club.

Celebrating victory, Donna Reid, Bev Andrews, and Shirley Jones were Wednesday’s champions at the Ayr Golf Club’s Spearritts Jewellers Day.

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Father’s Day saw an early start for some, as NQ Green Solutions proudly sponsored the Ayr Closed Junior Championships on Sunday 1 September. Fourteen junior golfers hit the green, showcasing their talent and love for the game to kick off the first day of Spring.

In the 3-hole division, Hudson Suficiencia claimed the gross winner title, while Opie McKeough secured the nett winner spot. In the 6-hole competition, Jett James impressed with a solid round, taking home the nett winner award. Sam Heatley, a newcomer to the competition, was the gross winner and is expected to step up to the 9-hole format by year’s end after a standout performance.

For the 9-hole division, Amaya Mahoney triumphed as the gross winner with a score of 45, while Oscar Mahoney edged out Kyle Wilkie on a countback to claim the nett winner title. Kyle, playing his first round of 9 holes, also delivered a commendable effort. Well done to all the juniors!

Contributed with thanks to Laura Mahoney.

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Hudson, Celine and Opie showcased their talents in the 3-hole division.
In the 6-hole division were Jett, Evelyn, Logan, Heath and Sam.
Taking to the green in the 9-hole division were Amaya, Gabby, Oscar and Kyle.

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23 players turned out on another perfect winter’s afternoon. Incidentally, the last Thursday of this winter next week will be spring. Today's winners were Rink 3. Bob Y and Glen [Bones] over Paul and Cy. Rink 4. Jimmy, Tony and Johnno defeated Terry, Bob and Joe.  Rink 5. Margaret, Stephen and Hugh accounted for Yogi, Gary and Mick Mc.  Rink 6. Des, Ray H and Jeff beat Judy, Dino and Henry. 1st touches of the day winning a $5 voucher went to lead Yogi. 2nd Joe and eventually Skip got one, good one Cy. The winning team pictured Bob and Glen. 2nd place Des, Ray and Jeff. 3rd place - Margaret, Stephen and Hugh. The meat tray raffle was won by Ray Hollis a visitor from Groper Creek. The mystery ball was drawn by Henry.  No winner. Jackpot next week $300. Thanks again to our sponsor Molongle Creek. Other events at the club include Monday morning fitness, Tuesday Trimmers, Wednesday morning Kraft group and Wednesday night barefoot bowls, Thursday morning BINGO and the very popular Thursday afternoon social bowls and now also Saturday afternoon bowls start at 1.30 pm, names to be in by 1 pm. The club is still taking donations of food, stuff, etc for the monster hamper to be drawn at the Harvest Ball. Tickets are still on sale for the raffle made and donated by Yogi a beautiful table with matching side tables.

Until next week, good bowling, Stephen Doig.

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The stage was set for the Preliminary Finals on Sunday 1 September, with the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads fighting for their place in both grades. The Reggies delivered a strong performance, but the Brothers capitalized on their chances, demonstrating a polished game. Both sides engaged in a physical and fast-paced contest that kept the spectators captivated. Unfortunately, luck was not on our side, as the Brothers overcame the Toads, knocking them out of Grand Final contention with the final score being 32 – 12.

The second game was a nail-biter! Locked in a tense deadlock with just five minutes remaining in the first half, North Ward broke through to take the lead. But the Canetoads rallied, executing some brilliant tries and pulling ahead to 17-12 with only 20 minutes left on the clock. The Old Boys responded, sending the score to 24-19 and raising everyone’s pulse. In a tense finish, the Toads managed to keep possession in the closing minutes, controlling the game and securing the win we needed to advance to the Grand Final next weekend!

The Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads also shared a special shout-out to all their Rugby Dads, past and present, Sunday to celebrate Father’s Day!

Contributed with thanks to the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads.

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The Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads put on a nail-biting game for Sunday’s Preliminary Finals Showdown.

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The Home Hill Golf Club welcomed 26 players to the green on Friday 30 August, despite many regulars being away. The club shared a special welcome to newcomer Dan, and a warm welcome back to Dave Cannavan!

Kieren Dawes and Robert Marshall claimed the pin shots, while the ladies unfortunately missed out on apparently “finding the green”. Doug McCubben had the least putts of the day, finishing with an impressive 11!

Gary Pappalardo emerged as the overall winner of the day, and Kevan Chatfield walked away with the lucky ticket, though no win this time, with the jackpot rolling over to $700 next week!

Looking for a fun, social, and active way to spend your afternoon? The Home Hill Golf Club invites all ladies to a FREE "Come and Try" golf day next Saturday 14 September, where you can learn the basics of golf with PGA professional Tara Jenkins. Whether you’re new to the game or just looking to sharpen your skills, this event offers a relaxed and enjoyable environment to try something new.

It’s the perfect opportunity to mix fun, socialising, and a bit of exercise! So, come along, make some new friends, and give golf a go - whether you're a complete beginner or just looking for a social round with like-minded women.

What: Home Hill Golf Club’s FREE Sip ‘n Putt
When: Saturday 14 September 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: Home Hill Golf Club
More Information: Contacting Megan Barbagallo or the Home Hill Golf Club

Contributed with thanks to the Home Hill Golf Club.

Calling all ladies! The Home Hill Golf Club invites you to come along for a FREE Sip ‘n Putt event next Saturday 14 September.

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The Ayr Surf Club is extending an invitation to the public - both new and returning members  - to become part of this fantastic club. Now is the perfect time to get involved with Surf Life Saving Queensland, the largest volunteer organisation in the world, and help build a safer, stronger community. Whether you're a strong swimmer, skilled in first aid, or simply want to lend a hand, there's a role for everyone at the Ayr Surf Club. Enjoy the sunshine, forge new friendships, and make a positive impact by saving lives. Wear the iconic red and yellow with pride!

Be a Lifesaver - Your Way!
Lifesaving can fit into your life however you choose. Whether you can offer a few hours a week, one day a month, or every other weekend, you can bring your passion to the local surf club. For the love of your beach community, your enthusiasm for safety, or your craving for excitement, surf lifesaving offers the chance to learn new skills and meet great people. Join today and be a part of something meaningful.

There’s a Role for Everyone!
Surf lifesaving is open to all, regardless of age or background. Whether you’re recently retired or seeking a purposeful way to give back, the Ayr Surf Club welcomes you. You could be grilling sausages at the nippers’ Sunday BBQ, helping with patrols, or supporting fundraising efforts—there’s a role for everyone. Find your place in our lifesaving family!

The club understands life is busy, and they only ask for the time you can give. Whether it’s 5, 10, or 50 hours, your contribution will be valued. It's a fulfilling experience that fits into even the most packed schedules.

With the new patrolling season starting next Saturday, 14 September, now is the perfect time to get involved. Nippers activities are already underway, but there’s still time to join in the fun!

For more information, contact the club administrator at ayrslsc@gmail.com to connect with a club representative and learn more about getting involved.

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The Ayr Surf Club is calling on the community to join in and make a difference!

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