Roosters coach Steve Lansley was visibly frustrated after watching his team narrowly lose to Charters Towers 32-26 at Rugby Park on Saturday night.

"I am starting to sound like a broken record but that is definitely a game we let go way," said Coach Lansley.

The first half was a closely contested battle, with both teams scoring three tries each, going into halftime, tied at 18-all. The Roosters then pulled ahead to 24-18 with a converted try by Jye Olsen, followed by a penalty from Olsen, bringing the score to 26-18. However, Charters Towers responded with a try, narrowing the gap to 26-24.

A couple of controversial referee decisions put the Miners in a strong attacking position, and they soon scored in the corner, with the conversion giving them a 30-26 lead. A late penalty sealed the win for the Miners at 32-26.

Lansley praised Dudley Dotoi, who scored two tries, but noted that his team deviated from their game plan in the second half by trying too hard to get the ball wide. This led to turnovers, with the Miners capitalizing on the Roosters' mistakes.

"We have a very young side, and they are learning each week - we only have to keep our calm and the wins will come as our defence is good for the most part," Lansley added.

Lansley also commended Jye Olsen for his outstanding performance, both in scoring and overall play, naming him the players' player. He praised forwards Henry Teuteu and Paul Merlo for their significant contributions, with Merlo being particularly dangerous from dummy half.

In addition to Dotoi's two tries, Paul Merlo and Jye Olsen also crossed the line, with Olsen kicking five goals.

In other A-grade matches; Brothers defeated Centrals 22-16, Souths beat Western Lions 40-18 and Herbert River overcame Norths 34-10.

Reserves coach Chris Perry praised his under-18 players who played a pivotal role in their team's 26-16 win over Charters Towers.

While he highlighted the efforts of the younger players, Perry also commended Jerome Lacco and Alex Lennox for their strong performances. He noted John Zaro's standout game, describing it as a turning point in the match.

Despite missing some players, Perry acknowledged the team's gutsy effort, with young Llama Ghee named players' player for his determined try. Lacco and Zaro also featured prominently in the players' awards.

Burdekin's tries came from Jerome Lacco (2), Braithen Heeron, and Llama Ghee, with Dylan Doak adding two goals.

In other reserve grade games; Bowen defeated Brothers 32-8, Souths beat Western Lions 34-30, and Herbert River overcame Norths 26-20.

The Ladies' game between Burdekin Hens and Charters Towers was called off after 13 minutes due to a serious injury to a Charters Towers player, requiring hospital treatment. At the time, the Hens were leading 28-0.

The game was played as a ten-a-side affair due to both teams having the bare minimum number of players. In the brief time the game was played, the Hens scored five tries and kicked four goals, with Toni Daisy, Stephanie, and Martina Monday proving too fast for the Miners. Stephanie also excelled with her kicking, converting four out of five attempts.

In other ladies matches; Centrals defeated Brothers 34-4, and Herbert River beat Norths 30-6.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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Celebrated for another week, Jye Olsen was named Players Player following his performance last Saturday night.
Following an unforgettable loss to Charters Towers last week, the Roosters plan to bounce back to yield better results this Saturday.

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The Ayr Surf Club is hosting a Mini Come and Try Day and Sign-On on Sunday 28 July 2024 to kick off the 2024-25 Season.

The day will begin at 10:30am at the Ayr Surf Club at Alva Beach, followed by a sausage sizzle afterwards and the community is invited to come along for what will be a spectacularly sunny morning of activities. Children aged from Green Caps (must be 5 by 30 September 2024) through to Under 14s will be able to experience and trial everything that’s involved with nippers.

The Ayr SLSC provides a wonderful experience for children and adults to learn valuable water safety and lifesaving skills, improve fitness and have a lot of fun with friends and family.

Nippers runs on Sunday mornings for the duration of the season and the patrolling season will kick off at the start of the September holidays and continue through until May to coincide with the Stinger season. Children apart of nippers can continue growing their skills and advance to gain their Surf Rescue Certificate, start patrolling, and then have the opportunity to transition to their Bronze Medallion.

The Ayr SLSC host a great family friendly environment with a heavy presence in the wider community by volunteering and assisting at numerous events, and the club are always looking to welcome new members to their community.

If you have any questions or are interested in joining the Ayr Surf Club, please head on down to the Come and Try Day, join the Ayr Surf Club's Facebook page or contact club administration on ayrslsc@gmail.com or the Club's Junior Activities Coordinator, Kellie Lawry.

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Sunday 21 July was a perfect day for an exhilarating game of rugby at Casalegno Fields.

The weather was ideal with clear skies, calm winds, and cool temperatures, setting the stage for an exciting match between the Canetoads and the top-seeded Brothers. Despite playing most of the game with one man down, the Canetoads delivered some of the best footy we’ve seen all year. The small crowd erupted in cheers when the final whistle blew, as the Canetoads snatched victory from the Brothers' grasp.

The story was different for the other grades, as the opposing team in third grade forfeited, and the women's teams also had to forfeit. However, not all was lost. Thanks to the Brothers' ladies who sportingly donned Canetoads jerseys, and our girls swapping out their pink for blue. Both teams enjoyed a spirited game of Rugby 7s.

The U11s were unlucky in their Friday night match but continue to build and improve each week.

The reserve team fell short of expectations once again and seemed slightly off right from the start. Despite their best efforts, the players struggled to find their rhythm, and the opposing team capitalised on every mistake.

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The Canetoads put it on the field last Sunday, taking out a win against Brothers.

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Last weekend was challenging for the Burdekin Panthers, who played four away games against the Warriors, resulting in one win, one draw, and two losses. The Division One Funkies drew 2-2 on Friday night. On Saturday, the Premiers won 2-1, the Under 23s lost 1-3, and the Ladies were defeated 0-5.
This week, the Panthers have four more matches. On Friday night, the Division One Funkies will host MA Olympic, and on Sunday, the Premiers, Under 23s, and Ladies will play away against Estates.
Ayr Anzac Club Premiers' Hard-Fought Victory
The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers aimed to bounce back after a previous loss. They conceded early to the Warriors but stuck to their game plan. In the 68th minute, Elliot Dal Santo set up Luke Maguire for the equalizer. With two minutes left, Dal Santo and Maguire combined again for the winning goal, securing a 2-1 victory despite enduring five minutes of added time.
Burdekin Tyre Service Under 23s' Disappointing Loss
The Under 23s, affected by injuries, started strong with an early goal but quickly conceded. Sloppy mistakes and poor ball control allowed the Warriors to score two more goals, resulting in a 1-3 loss.
Austral Masonry Funkies' Late Equalizer
The Funkies faced the Warriors at Melrose Park with minimal support. Despite conceding two early goals, James Dwyer's stunning 35-meter strike lifted their spirits. The second half saw both teams create chances, with Dave Bryen saving a penalty. Chris Achille scored two minutes before the final whistle, earning a 2-2 draw.
Ayr Anzac Club Ladies' Tough Match
The Ladies played a fiery match against the Warriors, conceding early and struggling to score despite creating multiple opportunities. The Warriors led 3-0 at halftime and added two more goals in the second half. The Panthers tightened their defence, with goalkeeper Mia Galbraith making crucial saves, but ultimately lost 0-5.
Under 13s' Narrow Defeat
The Under 13s faced MAO White at Paradise Park, losing 4-3. Annan Power scored early, and Will Shears added two goals, but MAO's two second-half goals sealed the game. Shears, Rohan Kelly, and Sam Heatley had solid performances.
Juniors
Junior matches resumed for Term 3, with teams from Estates and MAO traveling from Townsville to compete against the Under 8s and up. The younger grades showed significant improvement, reflecting the benefits of carnival play.

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Thursday 17 July hosted a wonderful day on the green at the Home Hill Bowls Club with the winners of the day, Bob, Mick, and Dino, celebrating their victories.

The club extended their gratitude to EB Hives for sponsoring the day, and congratulated Jeff Taylor for winning the meat tray raffle, and Ron Wedd who took home a nice bottle of red after winning the second draw.

34 keen bowlers turned up ready to battle on Rummeny Green for another great winter’s afternoon, with the results as follows.

Rink 2: Tony, Bev, and Wayne edged out Paul, Mick, and Ross in a tight match, 18-16.
Rink 3: Margaret, Stephen, and Keith prevailed over Con, Terry, and Gary, 16-12.
Rink 4: Bob P, Dino, and Mick Mc drew with Bob Y, Gordon, and Hugh, 14-all.
Rink 5: Jo, John, and Trevor proved too strong for Cy, Ray, and Judy, winning 21-16.
Rink 6: Jimmy, Mick, and John won against Ron, John, and Jeff, 15-11.
Rink 7: Ray and Joe came away grinning after defeating Yogi and Bones, 22-17.

The Home Hill Bowls Club invites the community to come along to join the action at their Monday Fitness Group, Tuesday Trimmers Club, Wednesday Morning Kraft Group, Wednesday Evening Barefoot Bowls, Thursday Morning Bingo, and Thursday Afternoon Social Bowls. Excitingly, Saturday afternoon bowls have started up, and those interested are encouraged to put their names down.

Until next week, good bowling!

Contributed with thanks to Stephen Doig.

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Roosters coach Steve Lansley may have a stronger squad this week as his team prepares to face Norths at Peggy Banfield Park in Bushland Beach.

Kali Nauque and Ratu Kikau are back in action after serving four-week suspensions. Hardworking forward Hayden Lammon is also expected to return after more than a month out with a hamstring injury. Fullback Joel Mason is set to make a comeback, and there is a possibility of Blackhawks front-rower Chris Gale also returning.

With the Hostplus Cup on a bye last week, Jeremiah Matuatu might not be required by the Cutters, and Henry Teuteu could be available as well. However, Dudley Dotoi will be missed as he heads to Mt Isa for the Country Round with the Blackhawks.

In A Grade, the Roosters are currently sixth on the ladder with 9 points, having scored 202 points and conceded 314. Norths are at the bottom with 8 points, scoring 164 and conceding 378. Despite their position, the Devils have several Junior Cowboys and are led by former Blackhawk Andrew Neimoller.

Lansley noted that utility Rhett Williams, one of their better players, might be absent due to a shoulder injury sustained last Saturday. The Roosters, accustomed to night matches, will face this challenge in a Sunday afternoon clash.

Reserves Eyeing Valuable Points Against Norths
Chris Perry’s reserves team is also looking to gain two valuable points against Norths. The Roosters reserves are sitting third on the ladder with 19 points, while Norths are ninth with 8 points.

The reserves have won 7 games, drawn 1, and lost 10, compared to Norths’ 2 wins and 10 losses. The Roosters boast a better for-and-against record with 328 points scored and 252 conceded, against Norths' 164 scored and 378 conceded.

Perry has recently relied on up to four under-18 players, but he anticipates having players return from A Grade and some of his own players recovering from injuries. Although Jerome Lacco will be unavailable, Kyle Ferguson is expected back from injury and Jermaine McIvor from work.

Hens and Norths Face Off Amid Player Shortages
Both the Hens and Norths have been struggling with player numbers. However, the Hens’ trio of the Monday twins, Stephanie and Martina, alongside Toni Daisy, looked in excellent try-scoring form against the Towers last Saturday, before the game was called off.

This week, Kazzia Lammon, Theo Mosby Nona, Margie O'Rourke, and Akeilah Thomasson are ready to step up, while Sonia Crichton, Tegan Johnson, and Taleisha Bulgarelli are also expected to return.

The Hens are currently third on the ladder with 18 points, having scored 255 points and conceded 182, resulting in 5 wins and 5 losses. Norths are seventh with 10 points, scoring 52 and conceding 370, with 1 win and 9 losses.

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Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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Ayr Bowling Club had an eventful week on the green. Ladies’ Social Tuesday served as a practice session for a few Premier Cup team members, and with 14 players participating, the winners were Ruth Moore, Donna Soper, Joy Comollatti, and Sandra Stidston, who defeated Beryl Cornford, Deslie Olsen, Betty Schultz, and Mary Poli. Merle Nixon, Anthony Bull, and Ron Soper triumphed over Karen Shepherd, Linda Guimelli, and Dot Cutting.

Despite the chilly weather, the club’s “Fun Friday Night” was a hit with a full green, and the Ayr Bowling Club expresses many thanks to Sparkle Town Carwash (Strano’s) for their sponsorship. The winners were Mika Strano, Ella Northwood, Kai Northwood, and Jared Poletti. 2nd place went to June Zanella, Joe Zanella, Arthur Gauvin, and Sam Caltabiano, and the Sportsman’s Prize was awarded to John Pirrone, Lorraine Wolffe, and Anthony Bull. All prizes were presented by the evening’s sponsor, Matt Strano.

In Sunday’s Ladies’ Competition on 21 July, Ruth Moore won the Crooked Kitty event against Lorraine Wolffe, and Lyn Storrie defeated Dot Cutting in the Consistency Singles.

On Sunday, 21 July, three championship triples games were played. D. Poli, J. McDonald, and M. Milan defeated A. Bull, M. Power, and R. Soper; B. Hewson, S. Caltabiano, and B. Shepherd defeated V. Bettia, R. Garner, and W. Coonan; J. Murray, J. Hall, and M. Parravicini defeated J. Grabbi, M. Olsen, and L. Stidston.

Members are encouraged to check the club board for further championship club games scheduled for 28 July.

“A huge congratulations to our Ladies’ Player Pam Power,” shared the Ayr Bowling Club.

“Not only is she the Club’s Singles Champion, the District Champion of Champion but this week is she part of the North Queensland team winning the North Women’s Challenge.”

It was a tough three days of bowling against the Mackay District and two teams from the Far North Queensland District, coming down to the last game.

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Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.

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Pam Power victorious in the North Queensland Team.

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Over the school holidays, four talented young golfers from the Ayr Golf Club travelled to Mackay to attend the Mackay Sugar Circuit.

Heath Smart, Oscar and Evelyn Mahoney and Kyle Wilkie had plenty of fun showcasing their skills on the green for an action-packed week of golf. Each Junior performed exceptionally, with all four walking away victorious, scoring a title or two in the daily competitions.

“Some great golf and fun during this Mackay Sugar Circuit - many thanks to Sarina Golf Club, Pioneer Valley Golf Club and Mackay Golf Club for putting on a great week of golf for the juniors,” shared Ayr Golf Club member Laura Mahoney.

Along with golfers from local Mackay clubs, the week attracted players from Moranbah, Blackwater, Charters Towers, and Townsville, providing a range of great competition for the Ayr Golf Club’s Juniors.

Heath Smart was congratulated for his success of moving up to 6 holes, and for consistently playing at a high level over three days of 6 holes in a row. Deservingly, Heath was awarded as the Nett Winner for Thursday’s competition.

Kyle Wilkie was celebrated as the Gross Runner Up at Pioneer Valley for his performance in the 6 hole competition on Wednesday.

Evelyn Mahoney was the victorious Nett Winner each day of the girls 6 hole competition and continued to improve her score as the week went on.

Oscar Mahoney performed well over the four days and was celebrated as the Nett Winner on the third day of the competition in the boys 18 hole competition where he reached a new personal best score of 90.

The Ayr Golf Club has congratulated their Junior players for their amazing performance over the week, and looks forward to attending future away competitions.

“Well done all for travelling and giving away competitions a go, they really are a great way to make golfing friends and experience new challenging courses,” said Laura.

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Heath Smart, Kyle Wilkie, and Evelyn Mahoney ready to go at the Mackay Golf Club’s Mackay Sugar Circuit on the school holidays
Oscar and Evelyn Mahoney with their winning prizes at the Mackay Sugar Circuit

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On Sunday 14 July, members of the Home Hill Tennis Association travelled to the Whitsundays to compete against the Bowen Tennis Association (BTA) for a wonderful day of friendly pickleball.

A day of perfect weather, and plenty of laughs, Bowen were the celebrated victors, winning two out of the three sections on their home courts.

“What a great day we had yesterday, playing a game we love against one of our favorite neighboring towns, Home Hill,” shared the Bowen Tennis Association.

“Bowen may have come away as victors on the day but a lot of fun, new friendships and laughs were had at our inaugural Bowen VS Home Hill friendly.”

BTA hosted a lovely morning tea which was enjoyed by all, and both the Home Hill and Bowen teams look forward to the next inter town competition.

“Thank you Bowen for your hospitality and especially the great morning tea – we’re sure to be back,” shared the Home Hill Tennis Association.

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Members from both the Bowen and Home Hill Tennis Association after enjoying playing against one another in friendly matches of pickleball.

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On Saturday 20 July, the Ayr Golf Club was a hub of activity for the KJ’s Mining and Engineering Ayr Junior Golf Morning.

The junior golfers put it on the green, showcasing their skills in hopes to bag one of the awesome SportFirst Ayr vouchers, t-shirts and tracker caps that were up for grabs!

“Some very lucky juniors this morning for sure,” shared Ayr Golf Club’s Laura Mahoney.

The celebrated 9 Hole Gross Winner was Oscar Mahoney with an impressive score of 43.

Breaking PB’s after PB’s was 9 Hole Nett Winner, Riely Dobe who topped his personal best with a great score of 50.

Rhianna Bain was congratulated as the 6 Hole Gross Winner, also breaking her personal best score to top it off to 42.

The celebrated 6 Hole Nett Winner was Heath Smart.

The 3 Hole Gross Winner was Hudson Suficiencia with a great score of 26, and Celine Bain was the victorious 3 Hole Nett Winner.

Contributed with thanks to Laura Mahoney.

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Andrew Smart presented the prizes to all the talented juniors on behalf of KJ’s Mining and Engineering for last Saturday’s wonderful morning of golf.
Rhianna Bain, Tegan Saxby and Evelyn Mahoney had an enjoyable Saturday on the green.

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North Queensland was victorious at the North Women’s Lawn Bowls Challenge last week following a tough three-day competition.  

Taking to the green to lead the North Queensland team to victory was Ayr Bowling Club member, Pam Power, and her achievements have been celebrated by the Burdekin community.

“Congratulations to our own club members, Pam Power for being part of this team,” shared the Ayr Bowling Club.

Over the three days the North Queensland team competed against the best of the best from the Mackay District and two teams from the Far North Queensland District. NQ’s victory was determined by the very last game of the competition, making for a nail-biting decider for on lookers.

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Ayr Bowling Club member, Pam Power with the NQ Team’s winning trophy.
Victorious! The North Queensland team at the North Women’s Lawn Bowls Challenge.

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Last Sunday 14 June, Casalegno Fields was the place to be with the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads putting it on the field for another action-packed weekend.

Although not the results the club was hoping for across the three grades, First Grade put on an impressive performance of skill and talent, clinching a home ground victory against Teachers. A triumphant outcome, the win earned the team another bonus point for the second week in a row.

“Another successful weekend of rugby done and dusted,” shared the Rugby Union Canetoads.

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The Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads giving it their all at last Sunday’s showdown

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On Wednesday July 10, the Ayr Golf Club hosted Burdekin Printers Day 2024.

In celebration of the Burdekin Printers’ continued sponsorship and support, Wednesday saw one of the Ayr Golf Club’s largest attendance totals, with 28 ladies on the course.

With each competition, the club continues to see the ladies reach new personal bests, with impressive scores shining through.

Katrina Hearn was the celebrated Winner of the day, with a “sensational” total of 41 points. The Runner Up was Angie Baxter with 39 points, with Marion Chapple in Third Place with 38 points.

The club congratulates all those who attended the day.

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Marion Chapple, Katrina Hearn and Angie Baxter.

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Sunday 14 July saw 20 ladies compete in the annual Northern Insurance Solutions (NIS) Ayr Ladies Closed Championships.

The 2024 championships hosted spectacular weather conditions whereby two divisions played a 27-hole stroke event on the gorgeous greens of the Ayr Golf Course, with the club celebrating all those who maintain the grounds.

“The ground staff and volunteers are doing a great job – big thanks to all of you,” shared the Ayr Golf Club.

Due to the championship having no live scoring enabled, the conclusion of the day saw a surprising reveal of those victorious, an unveiling the club shared was “fantastic to see”.

The Division 1 Net Winner was Debbie Searle with an amazing score of 100, with the Runner Up being Sandra Wright with a score of 107.

In Division 2, Betty Durrant was the celebrated Net Winner with a net score of 111, and the Division 2 Net Runner Up was Ann Phelan who totaled a net score of 112.

The Club’s Division 1 Gross Winner was Loretta Mauro with a score of 126, and Pat Lawson was the Runner Up with a score of 131.

The Division 2 Gross Winner was Kerry Mann with an impressive score of 143, with Runner Up, Rhonda Martin scoring 148.

“A big thank you for all the ladies who played the 27 holes on a Sunday, and an even bigger thank you to Kelli Dabelstein (NIS) for her generous sponsorship of this important event on the lady’s calendar,” shared the Ayr Golf Club.

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The ladies celebrated the conclusion of a successful championship on the weekend at the Ayr Golf Course.

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The Burdekin Football Club has celebrated another successful Junior Carnival following an action-packed Sunday igniting the sporting fields of Beach Road.

Sunday 14 July attracted many travelling teams along with the region’s very own local stars. All the young players shone brightly across the fields of International Park, showcasing great sportsmanship and team spirit whilst giving each game their best.

Over the past numerous weeks, the Burdekin Football Club’s committee comprising of parents, carers, volunteers, sponsors and community members, have been working tirelessly to dot every i and cross every t to ensure the carnival ran without a hitch. Their efforts in organising the event did not go unnoticed, and the club has shared its immense gratitude to the community for their valuable contributions to the overall success of the carnival.

“Thank you so much to everyone who helped make our annual Junior Carnival a success,” shared the Burdekin Football Club.

The 2024 Junior Carnival saw the Club blown away with the generosity of its sponsors and donors, with 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and excitingly, a 4th prize up for grabs as part of their fundraising raffle, and many dedicated members of the community spent their time baking and cooking delicious treats for the canteen which ran throughout the day.

“We are so extremely lucky to have so many donations for our raffle this year – thank you to all sponsors and those that made donations to the raffle and the canteen!” Shared the Club.

The Burdekin Football Club’s 2024 Junior Carnival has received praise from the Charters Towers’ Hawks of the Goldfields United Football Club who travelled to attend the Sunday spectacular.

“Thank you to Burdekin Football Club for your superb efforts in making the magic happen once again this year,” shared the Goldfields United Football Club.

The Burdekin Football Club has thanked all the coaches, managers, referees and scorers for dedicating their time in the lead up to the carnival and for their support on the day, as well as the community for coming along to cheer on the kids for what was another successful Junior Carnival.

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