Local

Last weekend the Burdekin Panthers had four games, winning one, drawing one and losing two. On Friday the Division 1 met Wulguru Roosters in Townsville and drew 1-1. On Saturday the Premiers, Under 23s and Women Premiers were all at home to estates. The Premiers won 4-2, the Under 23s lost 0-4 and the Women Premiers lost 1-3.

This weekend the Funkies are away to Brothers in Townsville on Friday night and the Premiers and Under 23s are away to Saints eagles Souths on Saturday. The Ladies have a bye.

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers knew that this was going to be a tough match, having lost last time out against Estates. The game started at a high intensity and Estates took the lead after thirty minutes with a shot that left Jarrod Camer in goal no chance. From there the Panthers came alive and a nice chip from Kai Goodman found Jay Leckenby who scored to make it 1-1. Two minutes later it was Matthew Kolb's turn to finish in a similar fashion giving Burdekin a 2-1 lead at halftime. The Panthers started the second half. with a much more patient, possession oriented style of football. Both teams had their chances but neither could find the back until after 65 minutes, Elliott Dal Santo crossed for Jay Leckenby to finish it making it 3-1. From there Estates kicked into gear creating lots of chances, but with outstanding defensive play from the Panthers backline and Camer in goal Burdekin were able to keep them out until with five minutes to go, Estates scored from a penalty. With a minute to go, Leckenby was fouled in the penalty area and Kolb scored from the spot to make the final score 4-2. Man Of the Match was Jarrod Camer.

The Burdekin Tyre Service Under 23s had the home ground and a good squad playing well but the result did not reflect the pre-game hopes. Burdekin played good football but were up against a quality side so it was a tight contest in the first half. Estates won a free kick midway through the half and it resulted in a goal line scramble and their opening goal. Despite the score Burdekin were confident and positive for a potential win. Unfortunately, bad luck and mistakes contrived to let Estates in for three more goals in a mid-half fifteen minute period and the result was then out of reach. The team fought hard and put in plenty of effort but could not repair the damage.

The Austral Masonry Funkies played Wulguru in Townsville on Friday night. Burdekin fielded a full squad and hoped to build on the draw last week. The beginning of the match was very physical with Wulguru trying to out muscle the young Burdekin team. The Funkies combated this by trying to move the ball around and play around the Wulguru defence. Wulguru managed to score first after fifteen minutes. The Burdekin team kept working after this setback and managed to create a number of chances but could not score. The second half saw both teams have chances as the game opened up. Burdekin levelled the score with five minutes to go with a goal from Alec Contzonis. Both teams came close to snatching a late winner but had to settle for a 1-1 draw. Burdekin travel to Townsville again on Friday night to play Brothers. 

The Ayr Anzac Club Ladies returned to International Park this week with a full bench and eager players, hungry for the first win of the season. The game started off fast with Estates using speed to press the Burdekin defence. Estates took the lead after fifteen minutes and a few minutes later scored from a corner to lead 2-0 half time. The Burdekin Ladies put their heads together at half time to assemble a strong formation. The Ladies new approach to the second half was quickly rewarded with a good goal from Ellyana Mugica. Burdekin continued to push forward, eager to find an equaliser but aim and luck were not on their side. The Burdekin defence worked tirelessly to shut down the Estates strikers. Unfortunately, fatigue hit the young side and Estates scored again with twenty minutes left to win 3-1. A huge improvement from this very young and inexperienced side. The Ladies have a bye this weekend.  

The Under 13 Panthers took on SES at paradise park on Saturday going down 5-0. The team played well especially in the second half creating several good chances but unfortunately couldn’t find the back of the net. A much improved performance by the entire team and a lot of positives to be taken out of the game.

On Sunday the Panthers took on Warriors 5 Stick Consulting at Honeycombes park going down 4-1. In another improved performance the team appears to be heading in the right direction. Brady Wilshere, Hayden Zandonadi and Tanner Cole all had strong games. Zandonadi scored for the Panthers.

The Under 14/15 Panthers – No report.

Juniors

Due to the cancellation of the Ingham carnival on Saturday, no Townsville teams travelled down to Ayr and Burdekin teams played matches between themselves.  A good chance for the kids to match their improved skills against one another!

Multiple Burdekin teams travelled to Townsville on Sunday to compete in the Estates Carnival, with good results again, and with multiple teams winning their competitions or being runners up!  Check out Burdekin FC Facebook for all the results and happy faces!  A big thanks to Estates for a great carnival and accommodating our teams’ late nominations due to cancellation of Ingham.

Back to usual this week with Saturday fixtures against Townsville teams, see you all down at the grounds!

Masters

Another good turn out on Monday, augmented with some young Funkies and some Masters getting ready for the Mooney Cup on 15th June. This week’s match, a replay of the Champions League Final saw Real Madri (Oldies) beat Dortmund (Youngies) 8-4 after leading 2-1 at half time. The Oldies lead ballooned to 8-1 before the Youngies came back late in the game.

The Masters welcome old and new players, Monday nights at International Park, 6.30 kick off.
National and International

The Socceroos have two games coming up in the Asian World Cup qualifiers. They are away to Bangladesh on Thursday, then at home to Palestine, in Perth, next Tuesday.
The Matildas have had two matches against China in the lead up to the Paris Olympics.  In Adelaide last Friday they drew 1-1and in Sydney, on Monday, won 2-0. The Paris Olympics kicks off in late July with Oz up against Germany, Zambia and USA. The Matilda’s have a tough group, USA is ranked 4th, Germany 5th and Zambia 65th. Oz is presently 12th.
In Europe, all the major Leagues have wound up. Real Madrid defeated Dortmund 2-0 in the European Champions League Final at Wembley and Olympiacos beat Fiorentina 1-0 in the Europa League Final.
Euro 2024 kicks off on 15 June. This year there are twenty four teams competing in six groups of four countries. The top two teams in each Group plus four of the best placed teams coming third, progress to the knockout round of sixteen teams. The SLoBs are running a competition. For further details see Burdekin FC Facebook page.

This week’s quote is from QPR and England Star Stan Bowles. “I blew the lot on vodka and tonic, gambling and fags. Looking back, I think I overdid it on the tonic.”

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A nail-biting finish to the A grade match at Rugby Park last Saturday night saw the Burdekin Roosters go two on end defeating Townsville Norths by 24 – 22.
The Bushland Beach club actually lead 12 – 6 at the break with the Roosters making a few mistakes.
In the second session, the locals started to put it together with some top tries scored.
The skirting of the touch line for 40 metres by winger Nemia Nawave before crossing the score stripe brought the good crowd to its feet.
Centre Dudley Dotoi has been an explosive player for some time now after coming here from Bowen and he showed just what he could do with his fast attacking bursts.
Dudley rightly so was awarded player’s player.
The return of Jeremiah Matuatu from the Cutters replacing Henry Teuteu who was rested also paid off with big Jerry making plenty of ground running off the rucks.
Coach Steve Lansley said while his team’s defence was good, he would like to see more time taken in guarding the grubber kicks by the opposition.
Norths scored two tries from this move.
Tomasi Tikomilia has been training for some time recovering from a knee reconstruction and this was his first game in twelve months.
The wait was worth it with Tomasi crossing for a determined try.
The coach added that he thought Hayden Lammon again stood out while his halves Rhett and Hayde were to the fore although not as controlling as in the good win over Centrals.
“Ratu Kikau can really finish with our bench of Colby, Nelson, Tomasi and Tate really contributing,” the coach said.
The win still has the Roosters in fifth behind Souths, Brothers, H River and Western Lions.
Burdekin; tries by Ratu Kikau 2, Dudley Dotoi, Nemia Nawave, Tomasi Tikomilia and Joel Mason 2 goals.
In other a grade games Herbert River beat Centrals 24 – 22, Souths beat Charters Towers 32 – 18 and Western Lions def Brothers 32 – 16.
The Roosters Reserves remain in second spot on the ladder despite giving Norths a lesson 64 nil scoring 11 tries in a dominant display.
Despite the shellacking, coach Chris Perry said his team is not yet playing at their best.
Perry said at times his side looked like world beaters and then dropped off for a snooze.
He said despite that, he thought his squad was getting better each outing with his team’s defence equalling that of the attack.
Fullback Jayden Sgarbossa was judged player’s player for the second week in a row.
The tall fullback is showing a good turn of speed in attack.
He was backed up by several players with Zac Campbell showing plenty of hard forward play.
The coach added it was unfortunate French import Wassime Nouvali played his last game as he has to return to France where he has been selected in the national team for a match with England.
Wassime has been a forward leader whilst here and never takes a back step.
Dylan Doak had a top game at lock scoring 2 tries and kicking 10 goals for 28 points.
Burdekin tries by Paul Bunacam 2, Dylan Doak 2, Jayden Sgarbossa 2, Zac Campbell, Terry Connors, Dom Arate, Caleb Noah, John Zaro, and Dylan Doak 10 goals.
In other reserve grade matches, Centrals beat Herbert River 32 – 16, Souths beat Bowen 46 – 16 and Western Lions beat Brothers 32 – 12 with Charters Towers on a bye.
Despite having the bare 13 with others sick, the Burdekin Hens were far too good for Norths winning 64 – 4.
With Theo Mosby Nona, Margie Jay and Lily Chappell making ground up the middle, it made room for the speedsters to take advantage.
Hooker Abby King was outstanding, scoring nearly at will crossing for 4 tries.
Logan Roncato started at fullback but was all over the field, scoring two tries and then kicking 5 goals for 18 points.
Give the Monday twins and Toni Daisy room to move and they will make you pay with all three crossing, Martina twice.
Coach Anita Hagarty named Abby King as her best player with Akeilah Thomasson doing a lot of  work in the centre.
The girls have moved up the ladder to third.
Burdekin tries by Abby King 4, Martina Monday 2, Logan Roncato 2, Theo Nona, Marella Campbell, Toni Daisy, Steph Monday and Logan Roncato 5 goals and Steph Monday 3 goals.
In other ladies games, Centrals beat Herbert River 38 nil and Western Lions beat Brothers 40 nil with Charters Towers having a bye.
Visit www.burdekinlife.com for the full report and a preview of round nine.

Contributed by Brian Carnes

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This week saw a highlight in the North Queensland Bowling Calendar with both the Ladies and the Men competing in Pennants. The Ladies (2 teams) competing in the Blue Pennants in Townsville had a fantastic 4 days of bowling finishing 5th overall. The team had 4 match wins 8 rinks. The team skipped by Pam Power finished in the top 6 teams for the competition with 5 wins. This was a great result as it was their first pennants in blue division. Well done ladies!
The Men competed in the Purple Pennants over three days, playing at Giru, Alligator Creek and Thuringowa Bowls Clubs. The teams played well with some newcomers to the Club in the teams and players in new positions. Ayr Bowling Club finished 6th overall with the team skipped by first time skip Wayne Coonan won four of their seven games. Congratulations to all bowlers for representing Ayr Bowling Club with high enthusiasm and commitment.
Back at the clubhouse, it’s been a fantastic week of bowls again. Social Tuesday Ladies saw, R Moore, R Hervey, D Cutting def M Smith, L Guimlli, M Poli. It was great to see the ladies keeping the bowling going with their fellow players at Pennants. On Wednesday, the weekly social bowls event was held. There were three games of Triples. Winners were John Pirrone, Arthur Gauvin, and Maurie Power. Saturday saw two games of triples. The winners for the afternoon were Lorraine Wolffe, George Nixon, and Betty Schultz.  
Ayr Bowling Club would like to invite all newcomers to Fun Friday Night Bowls on Friday 7th June starting at 6pm. It’s a great night out for all levels of bowlers, bring some friends or sign up by yourself and meet new friends. $10 a game, includes sausage sizzle and a concluding light supper. Sizzle is at 6pm with bowling commencing at 7pm. To enter or find out more information, contact Maurie Power 0412551816 or Pam Power 0458330019.

Contributed by Anthony Bull

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Ladies Pennants Teams
Men’s Pennants Teams

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It was a busy weekend for the Brandon Bowls club venturing up to Townsville to compete in the North Queensland Bowls Association Pennants.
Brandon fielded one team this year hoping to stay in the Red division. Teams that played in this division came from Maggie Island, South Townsville, Macknade, Cutheringa, Wangaratta, Jubilee and Thuringia.
Unfortunately for Brandon things didn’t go to plan winning only 1 of its 7 games. In 2 of the games the result came down to 2/3 shots against some of the bigger clubs in Townsville.
Coming up tournament-wise is the Dunn Cup which will be played at the Jubilee Bowls Club in Townsville where 4 of the best bowlers from each club complete over the 4 days. This event started many years ago at Home Hill Bowls Club and the tradition continues to this day.

Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd

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Lloyd Shepherd, Gary Pearce, Ken Ferguson and Chris Pearce
Danny O’Shea, Allan Garioch, Jamie Woods and Ray Panacassio
Doug Robins, Leo Kenny and Brett Whilshere
Photos supplied

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Thursday’s sponsor was Ferguson Plumbing where Dino, Ray and visitor Barry took out the day.
Monday fitness group is well attended as is Tuesday Trimmers, Wednesday craft group is going strong and Wednesday night barefoot bowls had another 25 players.
Thursday morning bingo is a big hit and Thursday afternoon social bowls is always well attended.  
We are starting to see visitors and the splash of colour from other clubs shirts make for an interesting spectacle.
New club shirts have arrived and are on sale at the club – see the bar staff.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Thursday winners were Dino, Ray and visitor Barry

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Home Hill Tennis, will be running its first pickleball competition on Sunday 9 June. Teams from Whitsunday, Bowen, Townsville, Cardwell and of course the Burdekin will be playing in either the Competitive or Social categories, all competing for The Cane Country Cup.
If you’ve ever wondered ‘What is pickleball?’, here’s your chance to watch players of all ages and skill level, in action. You’ll see power and control, rallies, dinking, volleys, lobs and players having fun.
Pickleball is an easy game to learn and increasingly popular! Come along Sunday 9 June and you may decide pickleball is the game to play.
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Contributed by Home Hill Tennis Association

WHAT: Cane Country Cup Pickleball Tournament
WHEN: Sunday, June 9
WHERE: Home Hill Tennis Association

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Last week, 25 people ran, jogged and walked the course, of whom six were parkrun tourists (two from Toowoomba and four from Townsville). One runner recorded new Personal Best.
The event was made possible by five volunteers: Eddie Jones and Nick, Saraha, Matilda and William Wiseman.
Contact Plantation parkrun on Facebook to learn more about volunteering.

Photos supplied: Plantation parkrun

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Over the weekend of May 25-26, the Burdekin Cup once again emerged as a beacon of thrilling netball action, drawing in a record number of teams for an unforgettable two-day extravaganza organised by the Burdekin Netball Association.
The success of the Burdekin Cup owes much to the steadfast support of the Burdekin Netball family and the generous contributions from local businesses and community members. Their unwavering dedication ensured that this year's tournament exceeded all expectations.
At the heart of the event were the players whose skill, determination, and sportsmanship lit up the courts, captivating audiences and fellow competitors alike. From nail-biting matches to moments of camaraderie off the court, the true essence of Burdekin spirit was on full display throughout the carnival.

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Burdekin Net Set Go teams. Photo supplied

Burdekin Cup 2024

Acknowledgment also goes to the numerous coaches and managers whose guidance and leadership played a pivotal role in steering their teams towards success. Equally deserving of praise are the selfless parent and family volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the carnival. From the canteen to maintaining facilities, their efforts were instrumental in creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for all involved.
As the curtains draw on another remarkable edition of the Burdekin Cup, anticipation mounts for what the future holds. With talk of potentially expanding facilities or introducing new initiatives, hopes are high for an even bigger and better event in 2025.
Congratulations to Townsville City Netball Association for taking out the Burdekin Cup Aggregate.
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Contributed by Kelli Loizou

List Of Division Winners
11 Years - WNA Star
12 Years – Te Whanau 12s Blue
13/14 Years – MV Garnets
15 Years – Burdekin
16 Years – MV Diamonds
17/18 Years – Runaways Barraways

Burdekin Go’s team
Burdekin 11s team
Burdekin Under 12s
Burdekin 13/14s
Under 14 Burdekin Rep Team
Winner of the 15 Years Division - Burdekin 15s
Lilea Levitt, Hunter Oar, Taylah Chapman and Katie-Lee Bapty
Cara Trindle (BNA President), Zachary McCallum (physiotherapist), Jessica Cox (assistant to physiotherapist) and Amy Butterworth
Ally Webster 11 Tears MVP
Photos supplied

The Home Hill Community Sports Club President and ‘Top Dog’, Trevor Elton, sat down for a Q&A with the Spy and the Pork Pie:

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   1. Where were you born?
Brisbane
   2. What was your occupation?
Retail
   3. What is your first drink of the day, tea or coffee?
Coffee
   4. What is your favourite food?
Thai takeaway
   5. Which team do you support in State of Origin?
Queensland
   6. What is your pet hate?
Waste of all kinds
   7. What is your favourite make of vehicle?
Toyota
   8. What sport is your favourite to watch?
Rugby league
   9. Do you make the bed of a morning or get up and go?
Get up and go
   10. If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you wish for?
A helicopter full of supplies

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Welcome to the Home Hill Community Sports Club’s new Monthly Round Up!
From the times of hardship to today, members of the Home Hill Community Sports Club have rejuvenated the facility to encourage new members to join.
A haven for lawn bowlers young and old, the recently refurbished Rummeny Green remains a popular surface for social bowls on a Wednesday night while the more competitive take to the green on Thursday afternoons, with weekend bowls soon to be introduced.
The last bowl was sent down the old rink by Joe Linton on Friday, September 15, 2023, before 14 players and club members began the dusty and dirty task of ripping up the carpet and clearing out the drainage ditches surrounding the green the next morning.
The new green, made possible by Sports and Recreation Queensland funding, heralds a new era for the Home Hill Community Sports Club as the club is now registered with Bowls North Queensland, with members looking forward to representing their club in the upcoming Pennants tournament.
Bowlers Mick McCloskey, Trevor Elton, Garry Nosworthy, Wayne Newton, Alex Bojack, Joe Linton, Terry Fenkes, Warren Bunn and reserves Bob Pickard and John Hall all look forward to travelling to Townsville’s Suburban Bowls Club to compete from Friday, May 31 To Sunday, June 2.
Exciting times await the Home Hill Community Sports Club, formerly known as the Home Hill Bowling Club, first opening in 1930.
The club has a function room and a licensed bar area, hosting regular community events including bingo, craft and fitness – check out ‘What’s Up At The Club’ below to learn more!
Those requiring assistance with transport are asked to contact the club.
The club also wishes to thank its generous sponsors for their support.
The Home Hill Community Sports Club is about to enter an exciting new chapter and looks forward to inviting you to join.
The clubhouse is located at 87 Ninth Avenue, Home Hill, and can be contacted at 0468 313 115 or homehillcsc@gmail.com.

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The last group of bowlers to bowl on the old green in September 2023
Trevor Elton and Stephen Doig standing beside the bare green as the new carpet was being laid down
The new green was laid down by a Brisbane-based contractor, with the assistance of club members, in September and October 2023

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Weekly Events
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Mondays
   • 10am – Exercise Group
       ◦ A morning of low impact exercise for all ages and abilities.
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Tuesdays
   • 9am - Tuesday Trimmers
       ◦ This weekly ‘weight watchers’ group meets at the clubhouse every Tuesday.
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Wednesdays
   • 9am - Friends and Neighbours Craft Group
       ◦ Arts and crafts are just the beginning on Wednesday mornings, when the Friends and Neighbours Craft Group gathers to work on their current craft projects while catching up with friends over morning tea.
   • 5:30pm - Social Bowls
       ◦ Celebrate hump day with an evening of social lawn bowls with the friendly locals. A sausage sizzle and bar are also available.
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Thursdays
   • 9am - Bingo
       ◦ Bingo! Enjoy a morning of bingo and morning tea with friends.
   • 12:30pm - Bowls
       ◦ The Rummeny Green is the setting for Thursday afternoon bowls action. A sausage sizzle and bar are also available.

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Other Events
Wednesday, June 19
   • 5:30pm – Home Hill Chamber of Commerce Social and Networking Event
       ◦ The Home Hill Chamber of Commerce gathers the community on the third Wednesday of the month to hear from a local guest speaker. This month, Labor candidate for Burdekin Anne Baker will speak ahead of November’s state election and Executive Committee Member Meg Wilson will share tales from her recent American adventure.
Saturday, June 22
   • 7:00pm – LBS Music 30th Anniversary Celebrations
       ◦ Lindsay Butler OAM and Shaza Leigh OWB are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their company LBS Music by hitting the road with a roster of LBS recording artists backed by an incredible six piece ‘Butler Showband’, coming to Home Hill in June.

Contact homehillcsc@gmail.com to enquire about hall hire!

The friendly locals at Home Hill Community Sports Club invite you to take part in their array of weekly events

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Ayr Bowling Club would like to invite all newcomers to Fun Friday Night Bowls on Friday June 7 starting at 6pm. It’s a great night out for all levels of bowlers, bring some friends or sign up by yourself and meet new friends.  $10 a game, includes sausage sizzle and a concluding light supper.  Sizzle is at 6pm with bowling commencing at 7pm.  To enter or find out more information, contact Maurie Power 0412551816 or Pam Power 0458330019.  
It’s been a great week of bowls again.  Monday May 20 saw the final of the B Grade Singles. It was a close game with Robyn McAllister defeating Heather Jorgensen.  Congratulations to Robyn! At Social Tuesday, Raylene Hervey, Mary Poli and Irene Wilson def Deslie Olsen, Dot Cutting and Betty Schultz. Merle Nixon, Beryl Cornford and Heather Jorgensen def Isabel Cislowski, Linda Guimelli and Pam Power. The Ladies headed off this week to compete in the Blue Pennants in Townsville. Good Luck and Good Bowling!

On Wednesday, the weekly social bowls event was held. There were three games of Triples and two games of pairs. Winners were Arthur Gauvin, Gary Vowles and Maurie Power and second place went to Jimmy Murray, Barry Shepherd and Hugh Montgomery. During the evening, the mixed social bowls was a good night with Katrina Stuckler and Gary Pearce the winners on the night and second was Margaret McLaughlin and Sam Caltabiano.
Saturday saw four games of triples and a game of rinks. The winners for the afternoon were Lorraine Wolffe, Joe Grabbi, Chris Berkery and Betty Shultz.  Runners Up were Paul Vass, Joe Papale and Blake Hayden.  
Competition Men – B Singles – John Pirrone def John Hall; Joe Grabbi def Vince Beitia; A Grade Pairs – Gary Pearce and Chris Pearce def Mario Milan and Mick Olsen. All upcoming Competition games are on the Noticeboard in the Clubhouse.
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Contributed by Anthony Bull

B Grade Finalists

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Wednesday 22nd May: With a different start to the afternoon of bowls, Kevin Collins put the ladies through some practice drills to help sharpen their skills.
Following the training, the ladies tried out their new skills with a game of rinks between Kaye Garner, Lyn Storrie, Colleen Olsen and Helen Collins in a nail biting finish only to draw with Ann Newton, Vanda Ballao, Joy Woods and Darelle Pearce. Same time next week names in by 1.00pm for 1.30pm start. Any ladies wishing to come along turn up by the above time.
Sunday 26th May was a busy day with lots of championship events been played.
A Grade singles was played between Peter Lejarraga and Chris Peace in a very tight game played with Chris just getting home with point.
B Grade singles: Dough Kiehne played Lloyd Shepherd in very blustery conditions with Lloyd eventual the winner. Thanks to Len Feeney and Gary Pearce for marking in both of the singles games.
A Grade Pairs: Mick McClosky and Hugh Montgomery defeated Dave Brown and Rob Garner with both teams fighting to the end in a close finish. Jamie Wood and Peter Henderson defeated Glen Woodford Norm Storrie however Jamie had his work cut out carrying the out of match fit Peter Henderson to get over the line.
Red Pennants: Good luck to those who have been selected to play at various club in Townsville this weekend.

Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd

Lloyd Shepherd, Mick McClosky, Hugh Montgomery, Jamie Woods and Peter Henderson. Absent: Chris Pearce

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Local

Last weekend the Burdekin Panthers had four games, winning two, drawing one and losing one. On Friday the Division 1 met Saints Eagles Souths in Townsville and drew 2-2. On Saturday the Premiers, Under 23s and Women Premiers were all at home to Warriors. The Premiers won 5-0, the Under 23s won 2-1 but the Women Premiers lost 0-7.

This weekend the Funkies are away to Wulguru Roosters in Townsville on Friday night and the Premiers, Under 23s and Ladies are all at home to Estates on Saturday.

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers knew that despite playing a team yet to win a game, the Panthers needed to keep up the intensity. The opening minutes were fairly even with neither team doing much to gain the upper hand. The after fifteen minutes Jay Leckenby calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net. From there the nerves settled and the Panthers game plan kicked into gear. Not long after Elliott Dal Santo scored a goal from a through ball from Jack Gimson and Matthew Kolb made it 3-0 by half time. The second half started as the first had ended with Kai Goodman making it 4-0 five minutes after the restart. Matthew Kolb then put the result out of Warriors reach in the 65th minute to make it 5-0. From there Burdekin worked on retaining possession to make sure they kept a clean sheet. A great all round effort from everyone on the team to help the Panthers stay on track for the top 4. The Ayr Anzac Club Player of the Week was Ryan Scodellaro.

The Burdekin Tyre Service Under 23s enjoyed home ground advantage against Warriors and looked to avenge the loss from Round 1. Hopes were high for a good performance but Burdekin started slowly and again struggled with ball control and pass execution. Warriors were given a lot of possession in the first half and they had many chances to score. Fortunately, they only scored one goal and Burdekin were able to stay in the game. Five minutes into the second half the scores were tied when Damien Casella scored from very good buildup play. From that point the confidence of Burdekin grew and control of the game shifted to the home team. By the 70th minute Burdekin had scored again, a headed goal by Connor Sexton. The effort given by every player was the deciding factor to stay in the game early, and then take control and win it by the end.

The Austral Masonry Funkies travelled to Townsville on Friday night to play SES. The first half started very physically, with both teams charging into tackles. Burdekin gave away a free kick in a dangerous area after 18 minutes and SES converted this into a goal. Burdekin were undeterred and continued to try and hold their own and after a slight fracas the game settled down and Burdekin managed to create a few changes. One of these was converted by Chris Achille from a Brad Wright through ball. Unfortunately, the Funkies then managed to surrender the lead again almost directly after the kick off, to go into half time down 2-1. Both teams had chances throughout the second half with poor shooting and some good saves from David Bryen preventing any change in the score. Then with eight minutes left Chris Achille pounced on a mistake from the SES keeper to score his second and lock the game up.

The Under 13 Panthers went down 5-1 to MAO White at Honey combe’s park on Saturday. Leading 1-0 at halftime after a good goal from Brady Wilshere, the boys’ intensity dropped off after MAO equalised early in the second half and then continued to score with little resistance from the Burdekin team. The Under 13's have a double header this weekend with an away game on Saturday and a home game on Sunday.

The Under 14/15 Panthers had a great win on the weekend against Brothers. 3-1 ahead at half time they went on to win 4-3 with goals from Brayden Card (2), Max Kelly and Caleb Formalin. The whole team played well with a special mention to goalkeeper Zack Durrant who made some great saves keeping the Panthers in front the whole game.

Juniors

Saturday fixtures were played in great conditions again this weekend.  There were some late forfeits from Townsville teams which meant last minute changes to the draw and also the canteen roster, and we thank everyone for being very helpful with this.

On Saturday afternoon and night, and all day Sunday, the Townsville Warriors Football Club held their annual Bobby Hagger Junior Carnival. Burdekin nominated 14 club and JDS teams from Under 6's through to Under 13's. The Burdekin teams matched the Townsville teams and even more with some great results all round, and with teams making semi-finals, finals and being crowned champions!  It is hoped all the players enjoyed themselves playing on different fields and against different opposition.  They will come back now after that carnival and improve again this weekend.

Estates hold their annual carnival this coming Sunday, good luck to all junior teams travelling to Townsville to take part.

Masters

A good turn out on Monday with some Masters getting ready for the Mooney Cup on 15th June. This week, in a replay of the Championship play-off Southampton beat Leeds Utd 1-0, again. Player of the Night was Drew Bursey. The Masters welcome old and new players, Monday nights at International Park, 6.30 kick off.

National and International

The Socceroos have two games coming up in the Asian World Cup qualifiers. They are away to Bangladesh next Thursday, 6th June and then at home to Palestine the following Tuesday, 11th June.
The Matildas have two matches against China in the lead up to the Paris Olympics. The first is in Adelaide on Friday and the second, in Sydney, the following Monday, 3rd June. In the Paris Olympics, in their group Games, The Matildas play Germany on 26th July followed by Zambia on 29th July and USA on 1st August. The Matilda’s have a tough group, USA is ranked 4th, Germany 5th and Zambia 65th. Oz is presently 12th.
In the A League Grand Final Central Coast beat Melbourne Victory 3-1 after extra time to complete the Triple, A League Premiership, Grand Final and AFC Cup.
In England Southampton beat Leeds Utd 1-0 in the Championship play off and is promoted to the EPL nest season along with Leicester and Ipswich.
In Europe it was Cup Final time with, in England ManU beating Manchester City 2-1, whilst in Scotland Celtic beat Rangers 1-0, and in Germany Leverkusen defeated Kaiserslautern 1-0. In France PSG beat Lyon 1-0 and in Italy, Juventus defeated Atalanta 1-0.
In Italy’s Serie A, it is almost over with Inter champions, nineteen points ahead of AC Milan who are assured of second place. Juventus could finish in third place but Atlanta might drop them to fourth if they beat Fiorentina. Relegated are Salernitana, Sassuolo and Frosinone.

Spain’s La Liga also has one round left. Real Madrid are champions, ten points ahead of Barcelona with Girona, four points away in third place. Atletico will finish fourth and Bilbao fifth. At the foot of the table Almeria, Granada and Cadiz ate all relegated.

This week’s quote is from Liverpool Manager Bill Shankly. “For a player to be good enough to play for Liverpool, he must be prepared to run through a brick wall for me then come out fighting the other side”.

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The Wednesday night barefoot bowls winners were Tony Caruso, Judy Elton and visitor Leona Johnson.
Thursday bowls saw 25 players front up.
The daily winners were Gary, Warren, Bob and Trevor.

Contributed by Stephen Doig
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Tony Caruso, Judy Elton and visitor Leona Johnson
Gary, Warren, Bob and Trevor
Photos supplied: Stephen Doig

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