
45 teams from across Queensland met in Home Hill last weekend, duelling for glory in what was the 45th edition of the region’s esteemed Sugar Bowl tennis tournament. Men’s and women’s teams travelled from as far as Brisbane, competing in a traditional round-robin format across A Grade, A2 Grade and B Grade divisions from Saturday, 2 May to Monday, 4 May. Emerald Tennis Club’s Keg Slayers took out the A Grade men’s competition, with M&M’s claiming the women’s A Grade title for a fourth time. A2 Grade men’s champions TTT dominated the division, while the Lady Bugs pipped their A2 women’s rivals to glory. The Shoeys edged the Wackers to claim men’s B Grade glory, and the Hot Shots proved too strong for the women’s B division after a comfortable victory. Both Col’s Crew and the Sugar Hits were recognised with Team Spirit awards to tie off the eventful three days. Home Hill Tennis Association secretary Kate Casswell said the event was another feather in the cap of the club, continuing the tournament’s 45-year history with another successful edition. “It was such a successful year with a really strong field. The quality we saw from the A men’s in particular this year was next level,” Ms Casswell said. She said the event garnered significant interest from the tennis community. “Tennis really picks up locally—even in Townsville—because this is a big thing on the calendar for them. They want to come to play, compete and have fun,” she said. Ms Casswell said the influx of visitors also boosted local business, with around 1,000 players and spectators filling local accommodation and supporting businesses throughout the long weekend. She thanked the committee, team captains and the Ayr-Home Hill Lions Club for their efforts in facilitating the event that was just as much social as it was competitive. “The highlight for me is just seeing all the teams come and have a great time together—the positivity and the energy that comes from it,” she said.
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Ayr’s finest golfers have returned triumphant from the 2026 Queensland Women’s Country Week. Battling "character-building" coastal winds across Yeppoon and Rockhampton, the eight-strong squad proved their mettle on the greens. The highlight belonged to Kerry Heuir and Sandra Wight, who secured the Division 2 Foursomes title with a gritty 95. Former local Amanda Gees also tasted glory in Division 1. Between rainbows and gala dinners, the week celebrated the unbreakable spirit and camaraderie of regional golf. Read on page 29 CAPTION: Battling "character-building" coastal winds across Yeppoon and Rockhampton, the eight-strong squad proved their mettle on the greens. Photo source: Ayr Golf Club/Facebook
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Seniors A disappointing weekend for the Burdekin Panthers. The Club had only three senior games drawing two and losing one. The Premiers and Reserves were away to Warriors with the Premiers drawing 1-1 and the Reserves losing 0-1. The Division 1 team forfeited but the Division 2, drew 1-1 away to MA Olympic. The Colts also had a bye, and the Ladies have withdrawn from the competition. This week four teams are in action as the Colts have a bye. On Friday, the Division 1 and Division 2 teams are at home to Olympic, at 8.30 and 6.30 and on Saturday the Premiers and Reserves are away to MA Olympic at 7.00 and 5.00. Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club With several players unavailable, the Panthers were forced into their fifth different backline combination in as many games, heading into a tough away trip to Warriors at Melrose Park, a venue where points are always hard to come by. The first half was a stalemate, with neither side able to gain control despite the Panthers enjoying a large share of possession. Clear chances were limited, and both teams remained disciplined defensively. The second half followed a similar pattern, although Warriors began to create more threatening opportunities. Jarrod Camer stood tall in goal, producing key saves to keep the scores level. With ten minutes remaining, the breakthrough finally came, with Jay Leckenby finishing off a well-worked move to give the Panthers a 1–0 lead. However, the advantage was short-lived, with Warriors equalising five minutes later. The match finished 1–1, a result that reflected a hard-fought contest in difficult conditions. Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service The Panthers started the game well with plenty of effort and pressure creating multiple chances which the Burdekin were guilty of not taking. On the back of the Panthers failing to score, Warriors took one of their very few chances and scored right before half time. The Panthers applied a lot of pressure after the break but were again guilty of not taking their opportunities. Luke Torkington received a red card, for letting his frustration at some questionable tactics get to him. Even with ten men, Burdekin still had Warriors camped in their half so despite the 1-0 loss there is potential for a better result next round. Division 1 – Austral Masonry Faced with a shortage of players, weddings etcetera, the Division 1 had to forfeit their match against Olympic. Division 2 – RG Customs The RG Customs Funkies drew 1-1 with MA Olympic on Friday night. It was a very competitive contest and free flowing game. Burdekin created numerous attacking chances but continued to be denied by Olympic keeper who was very good all night. It took until the 77th minute for Jared Giardina to give Burdekin the lead with a neat finish. The game was quite frantic until the end and Olympic managed to equalise in the 89th minute to share the points. An unfortunate goal after an incorrect decision to award Olympic a corner that resulted with the goal. Despite the draw the Funkies can be proud of the effort and intensity on the night, for the entire game. A focus, however, must be on finishing off attacking chances and dominating the scoreboard as well as the game. Great performances by Jared Giardina, Jesse Thomasson and also Chris Achille running out the full 90 minutes of play. Ladies Female Football is taking over Monday nights! A strictly social hour of football. All are welcome to attend. Small-sided game, no skills, or experience required! Grab your friends and come down and have good time. 6:30pm, Senior Fields! Welcome to Female Football Week! An exciting two weeks to celebrate the outstanding contribution and the growth of the female game! We are proudly hosting events across the two weeks! Keep an eye out on Facebook for more details. Thank you to all the amazing females and girls that shape the face of what Female Football means in the Burdekin! Masters The Masters had another good turnout and a replay of last week’s World Cup Qualifier, Italy v Bosnia Herzegovina. In a close game Bosnia won 3-2 and for Italy it’s Goodnight Luigi! Fengil scored twice for Bosnia. Best players on the night were George Karagkiozis and Jonty Davis. The Masters play every Monday night. All players are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless, halt and lame. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick off. Juniors After a quiet week with no games over the long weekend, our junior soccer teams are eager to get back into the swing of things. Training resumes this week, giving players a great chance to sharpen their skills, reconnect with teammates, and prepare for the return to matches this Saturday. We are looking forward to seeing everyone back on the field, refreshed and ready for another exciting round of junior soccer. National The A League Men’s season has reached the final stages. In the Elimination Finals Auckland defeated Melbourne City on penalties after a 1-1 tie and Sydney beat Melbourne Victory 1-0. On Saturday, Sydney now plays Newcastle and Auckland plays Adelaide in the 1st Leg of the semi-finals. The A League Women are at the Semi-finals stage, and in the 1st Leg, Melbourne City beat Victory 1-0 and Brisbane defeated Wellington 2-1. The second leg will be played this weekend. International In the World Cup department, the Socceroos travel to the USA to play Mexico on 31 May at the Rosebowl in Pasadena and now have another ‘friendly’ organised. They play Switzerland in San Diego on 6th June. Australia’s first Group D match is against Turkey in Vancouver on the 14th June. They then play the USA in Seattle on 20th June and Paraguay in San Francisco on 26th June. In Europe, the various leagues are very close to the end of season. In England with three rounds left, Arsenal leads Manchester City by six points, but City has two games in hand. ManU will probably finish in third place with Liverpool or Aston Villa finishing fourth. Wolves and Burnley are already relegated with either Spurs or West Ham joining them. Oh yes, Coventry City won the Championship by eleven points. What a team! In Germany with two rounds to go Bayern are already champions and Dortmund need one more point to finish second. Leipzig should finish in third spot with either Leverkusen, Stuttgart or Hoffenheim finishing fourth. Relegation faces Heidenheim, St Pauli and Wolfsburg. In Spain, with four rounds to go, Barcelona are champions with Real Madrid second and, probably Villarreal third and Atletico fourth. It is very tight at the foot of the table with Oviedo in deep trouble with Levante, Seville and Alaves struggling. In Italy, with three rounds left, Inter are already champions with Napol likely to finish in second place. AC Milan, Juventus, Como or Roma could fill the third and fourth places. Pisa and Verona are already relegated and either Cremonese or Lecce could join them. In France with two rounds to play PSG are already champions and Lens and Lyon are likely to finish in second and third spots. Lille or Rennes will finish fourth. Metz and Nantes are already relegated, and Auxerre will probably accompany them.
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Touch Juniors[Text Wrapping Break]Last Friday’s Junior Touch saw 45 boys and girls aged 4 to 12 nominate. Skills, drills and games will begin this Friday from 5.30pm to 6.15pm for six weeks. Further nominations will still be accepted. Annual General Meeting[Text Wrapping Break]The Annual General Meeting of the Burdekin Touch Association will be held next Tuesday, 12 May, in the Touch Clubhouse at 6pm. Everyone is welcome. Results – Coutt’s Commercial Hotel Open Men’s and Women’s (Round 8) Men[Text Wrapping Break]Way To Go 5 (B Palmer 2) def Nrgize 4 (L Torkington 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Wires Down 6 (K Parravicini 2, G Flannagan 2) drew One Touch IT 6 (J Ballin 2, J Leckenby 2, R Taylor 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Alliance Pharmacy 13 (J Furnell 4, K Hesp 3, A Watson 2) def Baywatch 1[Text Wrapping Break]Burdekin PCYC 12 (G Dau 6, S Doolah 2, T Heron 2) def Blue Murder 7 (N Spina 2, R Smith 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Royal Touch 7 (A Miller 3, C Formilan 2) def Touch n Go 5 (R Piva 2, K Vitty 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Creampuffs 9 (P Le Feuvre 3, L Chatfield 2, L Lampton 2) def Petrol Heads 4[Text Wrapping Break]Teamo Supremo 9 (J Moustakas 3, H Horan 2, R Heuir 2) def Feelers 5[Text Wrapping Break]Renegades 12 (B Frau 4, D McKeough 2, B Johnson 2, S Andreatta 2) def Ball Grabbers 2[Text Wrapping Break]Crocs won on forfeit Women[Text Wrapping Break]Lasers 12 (B Robertson 6, T Horan 3, M Robertson 2) def Can’t Catch 1[Text Wrapping Break]Eathorne’s Princesses 6 (A Cornford 4) def Salty Sirens 1[Text Wrapping Break]First in Physio 11 (L Trindle 5, M Nauqe 3, T Monday 2) def Chick Flicks 1 Under 14[Text Wrapping Break]Red Dogs 2 3 (Logan, Jamie, Emmet) def Broncos 2 (Jake, Kasey)[Text Wrapping Break]Red Dogs 1 6 (Connor Linton 3, Luca Lawry, Archie) def Rockies 2 Contributed with thanks to Peter Knapton CAPTION: Torah Brock in action. Photo supplied
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The Burdekin Roosters A Grade team showcased their true potential with a commanding 62-22 win over Centrals at the Sports Reserve in Townsville on the afternoon of Saturday 3 August.
The Roosters surged ahead early, leading 16-0 before the Tigers clawed back to make it 26-12 at halftime. In the second half, Burdekin dominated, scoring 36 points to 10, with six of the Tigers' points coming in the final minute.
The Roosters exhibited excellent speed and support play, with multiple tries scored through well-coordinated team efforts. The forwards, led by Henry Teuteu, Paul Merlo, and Lachlan Shepherd, controlled the game, with Tate Brombal making his presence felt in the tough conditions.
The backs were the stars of the match, with Terry Connors earning Player of the Match Honors for his speed and elusive play. Joel Mason, in top form at fullback, scored 18 points with a try and seven goals, aided by Epi Kikau and Ethan Hagarty, who returned from an ankle injury.
Coach Steve Lansley praised the performance of his team, highlighting the exceptional play of Henry Teuteu. Lansley also integrated three players from the high-flying under-18 side - Jye Olsen, Luca Lago, and Llama Ghee - who all performed admirably, with Lago scoring a try.
"We have one game left next week against Herbert River and if we can reproduce that form we will give them a shake too,’ explained Lansley.
Tries: Terry Connors (3), Henry Teuteu (2), Paul Merlo, Kali Nauque, Lachlan Shepherd, Epi Kikau, Ethan Hagarty, Joel Mason, Luca Lago. Goals: Joel Mason (7).
In other A-grade matches, Norths upset Brothers 22-20, Souths defeated Charters Towers 36-18, and Herbert River beat Western Lions 32-12.
In the Reserve Grade, Roosters' Reserves coach Chris Perry expressed disappointment after his team fell 30-22. Despite leading 16-0, mistakes and contentious decisions, including disallowed tries and penalties, turned the tide.
"We seemed to be going well leading 16 nil, but then we suddenly started making mistakes which appeared very doubtful - we are throwing silly passes instead of taking the tackle,” said Perry.
Caleb Noah was named Player of the Match, with Brody Ferguson also receiving praise. Dylan Doak scored two tries and kicked three goals for 14 points, with additional tries from Suli Korisau and Paul Banigan.
In other reserve grade results, Bowen beat Herbert River 16-12, Brothers defeated Norths 28-10, and Souths beat Charters Towers 38-10.
The Burdekin Hens were outclassed by a well-drilled Centrals team, losing 60-6. The undefeated Lady Tigers have scored 464 points this season, conceding only 48.
Hens coach Anita Hagarty commended her team's effort despite the defeat. Recently selected Queensland Country winger Toni Daisy scored the Hens' only try, with Stephanie Monday converting.
Young centre Tiana Krutzfeldt was named best on field for the Hens.
In other ladies' matches, Brothers beat Norths 46-4, and Western Lions defeated Herbert River 36-6.
Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.
Burdekin Hens coach, Anita Hagarty praised the girls’ efforts last weekend despite their unfortunate loss to Centrals.
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The Home Hill Golf Club’s Ladies’ Sip ‘n Putt sessions were the brainchild of Club Secretary Megan Barbagallo. After securing funding from the Queensland Government’s “Active Women and Girls Program,” the club aimed to increase female participation in golf, and developed a ladies’ only series of events which began on Saturday 20 July. The Sip ‘n Putt concept encourages women to try the sport for the first time by highlighting the fun, social, and exercise aspects, plus the bonus of a free beverage!
The inaugural Ladies’ Sip ‘n Putt on Saturday 20 July was a great success, with nine women joining PGA Professional Tara Jenkins for basic golf drills, socialising, and a fun gathering afterward. The positive feedback has all the attendees eager to return to the green at the Home Hill Golf Club, and many are planning to bring a friend along to the next session.
The upcoming session on 17 August will cover grip and swing basics, ensuring new participants can catch up quickly, with the second half set to focus on chipping and putting around the green, followed by another spectacular social session.
Ladies interested in trying golf are invited to join the fun at Home Hill Golf Club on Saturday, 17 August at 3:30 pm… and remember, golfers live longer!
Contributed with thanks to Megan Barbagallo.
What: FREE Ladies’ Sip ‘n Putt.
When: Saturday 17 August at 3:30pm – 4:30pm (future dates: 14 September & 12 October).
Where: Home Hill Golf Club.
More Information: Home Hill Golf Club’s Facebook Page or by contacting Megan Barbagallo.
A social success! The Home Hill Golf Club invites any ladies interested in having a go at the sport to pop down to the green next Saturday 17 August!

On Sunday 28 July, numerous teams of talented, young Burdekin Football Club athletes traveled to Townsville to put it on the field at the Wulguru Carnival yielding fantastic results across the highly enjoyable day! The results are as follows:
JDS Under 8
Finished 3rd
Pool games - two wins, one loss
Won 3rd v 4th playoff 8-0 defeating Wulguru
JDS Under 9
Finished 5th
Pool games - two wins, one draw, one loss
Won 5th v 6th playoff
JDS Crusaders Under 10
Finished 3rd
Pool games - three wins, one loss.
Won 3rd v 4th playoff in shootouts
JDS East’s Under 10
Finished 6th
Pool games - one win, three losses
Lost 5th v 6th playoff
JDS Under 10 Girls
Finished Runners Up in Girls 10/11 Comp
Pool games - won all three
Lost 1st v 2nd playoff 1-0 to MAO
JDS Under 12
Finished 4th
Pool games - one win, one draw, one loss
Lost 3rd v 4th playoff in shootouts 3-5
Photo credits to Melanie Louise Profke.
Contributed with thanks to the Burdekin Football Club.

Local
Last weekend was a much better weekend for the Burdekin Panthers as they won three and drew one out of the four games played. The Division One Funkies drew 3-3 away to Estates Navy on Friday night in Townsville. The other three teams were all at home to Saints Eagles Souths on Saturday. The Premiers won 4-0, the Under 23s won 1-0 and the Ladies won 2-1.
This week the Panthers have five games with the Division 1 Funkies playing twice. On Tuesday night they are at home to Brothers and then on Friday night they are playing Ingham in Townsville. On Saturday, the Premiers, Under 23s and Ladies are all away to JCU Riverway.
The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers having lost to Saints last time out were keen to make amends. It started very well for the Panthers with the first chance coming in the opening minutes. In the twelfth minute, after a superbly taken free kick was tapped onto the bar, Antoine found himself unmarked on the goal line to calmly tap home for the opening goal. Six minutes later, Jay Leckenby scored with a left foot volley which left the keeper no chance. Just after the half hour mark, Luke Maguire finally got his goal after having a few shots saved by the goalkeeper. The half ended 3-0. The second half started as the first finished, with the Panthers camped in the Saints half, and the Saints keeper having plenty to do. It wasn't until the 76th minute that Maguire found himself with another goal after a mazy run. The match ended in a 4-0 win for the Panthers. If not for a top performance from the Saints goalkeeper, it could have been a much worse scoreline.
Burdekin FC Reserves were a little bit light on for troops this week due to injuries in both grades, but the coach was confident that the squad taking the field could do the job of getting a win on Sponsors Day. Burdekin started well dominating possession creating several clear chances during the first half hour but couldn’t convert to goals. The subs bench provided some extra energy and at the 30 minute mark an excellent corner from Jhett Jones was headed in by Connor Brown. The rest of the half was the same story with goalkeeper Luke Mottin only called on for one good save to deny a Saints counterattack. It was a different game in the second half playing into the wind, good field position was much harder to get as the amount of possession swung back in Saints favour. The Panthers defence was resolute and absorbed a lot of pressure. Midfield worked hard and gave the forwards opportunities to make counter attacks but there was no change to the score and the Panthers had a well deserved 1-0 win.
The Austral Masonry Funkies played out a six goal thriller against Estates on Friday night at Burt Street Football Park. Burdekin were on top early moving the ball around well and getting in behind the Estates defence with a number of through balls. Unfortunately, none of these breaks resulted in a goal. Estates had a couple of chances that were shut down by some scrambling defence and the teams went to the half time tied at 0-0. Burdekin went behind early in the second half after a ball was not cleared from a corner. This rattled the Funkies, and they conceded a second goal two minutes later from almost the same spot. Burdekin then lifted and were rewarded when a shot from Jack Shears took a deflection from a defender and went in after 61 minutes. Estates restored their two goal lead in the 68th minute and then tried to see out the game by slowing it down. The Funkies struck again in the 74th minute with a goal from Alec Contzonis and Jack Shears then equalised in the last minute. A good draw for the Funkies after twice being two goals down. Burdekin have a catch up game at home on Tuesday night against Brothers.
The Ayr Anzac Club Ladies were fired up and ready to go as they held the main game time slot on Saturday. In front of a huge crowd, the ladies showed great enthusiasm and promise as they attacked hard and fast. Sienna Lago set the pace following a ball in the back of the net opening the scoring for the ladies in the 12th minute. Burdekin continued pushing forward and were rewarded with a goal from Ellyana Mugica in the 21st minute. Charley Ruskin put on a brilliant performance in goal for the first half, keeping the girls in the game and saving many crucial shots. In the second half, the Ladies continued to push forward but couldn’t manage another goal. In the 67th minute, a freekick just outside the Burdekin penalty area allowed Saints to score. The Burdekin showed determination in defence and in attack were unfortunate to not add another goal but came away with a 2-1 win in their last home game for the year!
The Under13 & Under15 Panthers did not have matches last weekend.
Masters
Had another good turn out and in a pre-play of the Olympics semi-final Spain thumped Morocco 4-0. Just two more weeks of Monday Night Masters before 2024 season winds up. Delta Cleaners Night Soccer begins its 46th Season on Tuesday 3rd September.
Juniors
Juniors had local matches on Saturday. Townsville teams recommence coming down this weekend for the next four weeks. Our breakup and final local games will be on Saturday 7th September. Enjoy what is left of the rest of this successful season!

The highly anticipated Delta Cleaners Night Soccer is set to kick off on Tuesday, 3 September, at International Park. This Six-a-Side competition is open to both Men's and Women's teams, with all players required to be over the age of fifteen. Nomination forms are available at Delta Cleaners, InterSport, and Sportfirst, and must be returned by Friday, 23 August.
Celebrating its 46th season, Night Soccer began in Home Hill in 1979 with the goal of helping the Burdekin Football Club, then known as Ayr Parkside, maintain fitness during the off-season. Initially, the competition featured eight Men's teams. The following year, the event moved to Ayr and has been held at International Park since 1981.
A highlight of the Night Soccer competition is the "Sin Bin," where misbehaving players are publicly named and shamed. These players are benched for three minutes, forcing their team to play with only five members during that time.
Last year, the Night Soccer competition saw a record participation of forty-eight teams, with thirty-two Men's teams and sixteen Women's teams. The season will commence with two trial weeks, followed by group games, and will conclude with the Grand Final on Friday, 13 December.
Contributed with thanks to Cyclops.
The infamous Sin Bin continues to serve as one of the many highlights of Night Soccer at International Park.

The Burdekin Roosters' A grade and ladies’ teams are on a bye this week, but the Reserve team is gearing up for an important match in Bowen on Friday night.
The Reserve grade competition is heating up, with Souths clinching the minor premiership. The race for second, third, and fourth place is wide open. Currently, Souths lead with 28 points, followed by Bowen and Centrals with 22 points each, and Burdekin close behind with 21 points.
This Friday night's clash between Bowen and Burdekin is pivotal. Bowen will earn two points from a bye in the final round, while Centrals are set to play Norths and Charters Towers. The Roosters will travel to Bowen on Friday and then host Herbert River in a "Super Saturday" event next week.
The Roosters previously secured a solid win over Bowen in Ayr on a Friday night a couple of months ago. However, coach Chris Perry faces challenges with player availability due to injuries. Forward leader Jerome Lacco will miss the game due to work commitments, but the team will see the return of hard-working Alex Lennox.
French hooker Paul Merlo was injured last Saturday, but Tate Brombal and Hayden Lammon are fit to play. There is uncertainty regarding Dylan Doak's availability after his dismissal in the controversial loss to Centrals.
The statistics show a tight competition between the two clubs: Bowen has 22 points from 10 wins and a bye, while Burdekin has 21 points from 8 wins, a draw, and two byes. Bowen has scored 361 points with 272 against, while the Roosters have 390 points with 302 against.
The much-anticipated match at Denison Park in Bowen is set to kick off at 7:30PM on Friday 9 August.
Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.
The Burdekin Roosters Reserve team will travel to Bowen this Friday night with Tate Brombal and other skilled players expected to take to the field.

The Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club proudly acknowledged the outstanding performance of its 10 members who competed at the Secondary School Surf League in Townsville. These young athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition, showcasing the club's dedication to excellence.
Special congratulations go to Milla and Parker, who were named age champions for the day.
The Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club looks forward to more such accomplishments in the future and continues to encourage young members to participate and excel in surf lifesaving activities. Well done to all the competitors!
Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club.

The Ayr Bowling Club extends a huge congratulations to the Ladies’ Premier Cup Team - Beryl Cornford, Heather Jorgenson, Desley Olsen, Irene Willson, and Pam Power. The team performed sensationally, securing fourth place in a field of 12 teams from around the district, with Ayr achieving 7 wins, +23, and 116 ends!
In social bowls on Wednesday 31 July, three games of triples and one game of pairs were played, with J. Papale and B. Shepherd celebrated as the victorious winners.
Another highlight at the Ayr Bowling Club over the past week was the Ayr Ladies Classic Triples with teams from Townsville and Bowen competing achieving the following results:
Winners: Robyn Stitt, Tracey Roach, and Wendy Coles from Bowen.
2nd Place: Terri Crozier, Denise Wallace, and Penny Warren from Wangaratta.
3rd Place: Deslie Olsen, Joy Comollatti, and Irene Wilson from Ayr.
Round winners included:
Round 1: Ruth Moore, Rayleen Hervey, and Heather Jorgensen.
Round 2: Katharina Stuckler, Beryl Cornford, and Pam Power.
Round 3: Robyn Engert, Lorraine McClintock, and Lynette Riches.
The club extends sincere thanks to sponsors Wilmar, Kalamia Hotel, Wrights Funerals, and the family of Matilda Tapiolas.
On Saturday 3 August, the club hosted an afternoon of enjoyable social bowls, celebrating winners J. Grabbi, A. Gauvin, and S. Caltabiano. The Ayr Bowling Club shared it was wonderful to see more visitors joining for a roll.
Over the weekend, four members - Lorraine Wolffe, Pam Power, Anthony Bull, and Maurie Power - competed in the Kirwan Sports Club Open/Mixed 4s in Townsville. While they did not secure the top prize, their participation represented the club well in a high-standard competition.
This weekend, the Ayr Bowling Club extends best wishes go to Joe Grabbi and Maurie Power as they head to Jubilee Bowls Club to compete in the North Queensland Singles Championships - B Grade and A Grade, respectively. Good luck, gentlemen!
Please refer to the club board for further championship club games scheduled for 11 August. Mixed competition closing dates are also posted on the club board, and the club asks players enter your teams as per the closing dates.
Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.
The Premier Cup Team has been celebrated and congratulated for securing fourth place out of twelve teams!
Hosting Classic Triples, Ayr Bowling Club secured third place against teams from Bowen and Townsville.

Sunday afternoon at the Brandon Bowls Club saw players battling challenging wind conditions. Despite the difficulties, Norm Storrie, Geoff Taylor, and Peter Henderson triumphed, defeating Henry Hazel, Gary Nosworthy, and Ray Panacassio!
In second place, Ben Mills, Doug Kiehne, and Doug Robins outplayed Jim Murray, Vince Beitia, and Alan Garioch. Ken Ferguson, Helen Collins, and Kevin Collins secured third place by overcoming Mick McClosky, Hugh Montgomery, and Leo Kenny.
Friday night's celebrated winners were Ben Mills, Ross McLaughlin, Joe Ypinazar, and Gary Pearce.
Regular games are held every week on Wednesday afternoon, Friday night, and Sunday afternoon at the Brandon Bowls Club, and the community is invited to call 0476 302 889 for more information.
Contributed with thanks to Lyn Storrie.

32 players participated on another perfect winter afternoon. Thursday's winners were Steve (Giru), Sandra, and Mick McClosky. The day was sponsored by Oar and Horan.
Rink Results:
• Rink 2: Judy & Gordon narrowly defeated Ron and Henry 20-18.
• Rink 3: Kim, Tony & John, in another close game, won over Mick, Terry, and Trevor 20-19.
• Rink 4: Ron, Bruce, and Gary accounted for Des, Bob, and Joe 19-10.
• Rink 5: Steve, Sandra, and Mick McClosky won another close game over Tony C, John Mc, and Henry 18-17.
• Rink 6: Mark and Wayne defeated Yogi and Glen (Bones) 18-12.
• Rink 7: Alex, Mick, and Jeff beat Margaret, Dino, and Cy 19-14.
Additional Information:
• Raffle Winner: Steve Muty from Giru
• 2nd Prize: Bob Pickard
• Mystery Ball: Drawn by Glen "Bones" Berrymen, no winner; next week's jackpot is $200.
Upcoming Events:
• Monday Morning: Fitness
• Tuesday: Trimmers
• Wednesday Morning: Kraft Group
• Wednesday Night: Barefoot Bowls
• Thursday Morning: BINGO
• Thursday Afternoon: Social Bowls (please ring your names in by 1 pm, earlier if possible)
• Saturday Afternoon: Bowls
Till next week, good bowling.
Contributed by: Stephen Doig
Photos by: Trevor Elton

Crushers v Bombers at the Queens 7-3
Cougars v Nat I at the Ayr 10-0
Nat II v Falcons at the National 6-4
Ants had the bye 10 points
Points:
Nat II - 155, Crushers – 143, Falcons - 131, Nat I -118, Cougars - 104, Ants - 101, and Bombers 48
Games for Thursday 08/08/24:
Nat I v Ants at National, Falcons v Bombers at Anzac, Crushers v Nat II at Ayr and Cougars have the bye
This week is our last games before the final rounds begin, good luck.
Contributed with thanks to Kerry Davison.
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On Wednesday, 17 July, the Ayr Golf Club celebrated Queensland Country Bank Day, coinciding with the State of Origin Game 3. While the Maroons couldn't clinch the victory, the day was still a success, with the ladies donning their maroon gear and enjoying a fantastic day on the course.
Debbie Szendrey from Queensland Country Bank joined in the festivities and enjoyed the beautiful weather, with her sister, Janet Trezise, stepping in to present the awards.
Congratulations to the top performers: Ingrid Vaes, who secured third place with 36 points, Kim Manty, who took second place with 37 points and Angie Baxter, who claimed the top spot with an impressive 39 points.
The Ayr Golf Club expresses a big thank you to Debbie and Queensland Country Bank for their continued sponsorship and support, and congratulates all their participants!
Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Golf Club.

On Wednesday, 31 July, the Ayr Golf Club hosted the annual Jan Pilcher Day, attracting a strong field of 23 ladies despite some having played four solid days of golf prior at the outstanding 2024 Handicap Pennant competition. The weather was pleasant with a bit of wind, but it didn't deter the golfers from achieving impressive scores.
This year, Jan Pilcher's daughter, Celeste, along with her children Radley and Jazlyn, travelled from Townsville to present the winners. Celeste reminisced about her childhood spent on the golf course, adding a personal touch to the event.
Katrina Hearn emerged as the winner with a remarkable score of 42 points. Runner-up Lorraine Henderson scored 36 points, continuing her excellent form after being the overall winner of the two-day Drummond Golf Vets Classic. Betty Durrant secured third place with 35 points.
Additionally, a special prize was awarded to Wendy Baker for traveling the greatest distance to participate, and Cecily Lena won the raffle.
The event was a wonderful tribute to Jan Pilcher, with participants and organisers alike feeling her presence throughout the day. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for making it a memorable occasion.
Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Golf Club.

The Ayr Golf Club hosted their July monthly medal competition on the morning of Saturday 3 August, with 13 juniors participating in either a 3, 6, or 9 holes competition. The Nett winner of each competition was celebrated and awarded the July Monthly Medal.
River Vass emerged as the 3-hole monthly medal winner with an impressive Nett score of 4, indicating a move up to six holes is imminent. Logan McKeough secured the 6-hole medal with a Nett score of 23. Lyla Land, in her first 9-hole competition, won the monthly medal with a Nett score of 30. Congratulations to these outstanding juniors!
The gross winners were Jacob Munro for 3 holes, Kyle Wilkie for 6 holes, and Oscar Mahoney for 9 holes.
The Ayr Golf Club expresses a big thank you to all the juniors for participating and to the parents and grandparents for bringing them out early on a Saturday morning!
Contributed with thanks to Laura Mahoney.
River Vass, Lyla Land, and Logan McKeough celebrated a successful morning on the Ayr Golf Course last Saturday.

The Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads had a fantastic weekend, securing victories across first, second, and third grades. The excitement was palpable as the teams clinched their wins in some nail-biting matches. Congratulations to all the players for their outstanding performance!
Scores:
First Grade: 38 - 31 against North Ward
Second Grade: 28 - 7 against North Ward
Third Grade: 27 - 7 against Brothers
Unfortunately, the Pink Toads had to forfeit due to injuries and illnesses, however, they are gearing up for a strong comeback against Brothers in this week’s home game at Casalegno Fields on Saturday 10 August.
Contributed with thanks to the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads.