Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Burdekin’s premier running event saw a record-breaking turnout on Sunday, 26 April, as nearly 400 athletes laced up in Ayr for what was a Sugar Rush for the books. The 24th edition of the Burdekin Road Runners and Walkers Club’s signature running event saw its previous participation record of 320 smashed, with around 392 runners taking part. Club president Patrick Shannon hailed the event as a success for both the organisation and the wider North Queensland running community. “We’re chuffed with the turnout,” Mr Shannon said. “It was a bit unfortunate—we actually had to cut off entries a little bit early simply because we ran out of bibs. It just means we have to plan bigger and better next year.” Continued on page 28 Massive Field Powers Sugar Rush To New Record In Ayr Continued from cover The event attracted competitors from as far north as Cairns and south as Mackay, alongside families and first-time runners in shorter distance fun runs. Jeff Rubach of the Townsville Road Runners won the men’s half marathon in 1:15:08, while Vanessa Kennedy of Hungry Runners took out the women’s title in 1:27:15. Matt Hutchinson led the men’s 10km field in 35:51, with Brittany Hutchinson winning the women’s race in 40:26. Miles Kerr claimed the men’s 5km title in 20:18, while Mia Brunker of the PACE Project won the women’s event in 20:46. Each runner received a complimentary barbecue breakfast courtesy of the Ayr Rotary Club, while MC John Furnell entertained supporters at the finish line at the Ayr War Memorial. Mr Shannon said the memorial backdrop capped off the morning, the culmination of months of preparation. “There was a lot of work put in over the last three to five months… But to see the community coming out, the amazing weather, and the day after Anzac Day, having the monument behind us, was a really good feeling.” FULL RESULTS Half Marathon—Men Jeff Rubach (Townsville Road Runners) — 1:15:08 Grant Breadsell Aaron Bathis Half Marathon—Women Vanessa Kennedy (Hungry Runners) — 1:27:15 Liv Compton (Whitsunday Running Club) Elizabeth Maguire (Hungry Runners) 10km—Men Matt Hutchinson — 35:51 Sonny O’Rourke Brendan Maltby 10km—Women Brittany Hutchinson — 40:26 Anwen Mackay Isla Chapman 5km—Men Miles Kerr — 20:18 Nathan Barrett Brad Patti 5km—Women Mia Brunker (PACE Project) — 20:46 Bec Stedman Skye Claussen CAPTIONS: Back—The 24th edition of the Burdekin Road Runners and Walkers Club’s signature running event saw its previous participation record of 320 smashed, with around 392 runners taking part. 2—Jeff Rubach of the Townsville Road Runners won the men’s half marathon in 1:15:08. 3—Vanessa Kennedy of Hungry Runners took out the women’s title in 1:27:15. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
Read the full story
Seniors A better weekend for the Burdekin Panthers. The Club had only four senior games winning three and losing one. The Premiers and Reserve, away to Riverway JCU, won 2-1 and the Reserves, also away to JCU also won 2-1, The Division 1, at home to rebels lost 3-6 but the Division 2, also at home to Rebels won 3-0. The Colts and Ladies both had byes. This week only four teams are in action as both Ladies and Colts have byes. On Friday, the Division 1 and Division 2 are away to Olympic, at 8.30 and 6.30 and on Saturday the Premiers and Reserves are away to Warriors at 7.00 and 3.00. The Colts and Ladies do not have games this week. Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club An away trip to JCU is never easy, and after dropping points the previous week, there was added motivation to respond. JCU started strongly, limiting the Panthers time on the ball and making it difficult to find any rhythm early. The first half produced few clear chances, with JCU capitalising late to take a 1–0 lead into the break. The second half saw a renewed energy from the Panthers, while JCU looked to sit deeper and protect their advantage. This shift allowed Burdekin to dominate possession and build pressure in dangerous areas. The Panthers came close on many occasions, including a strike off the crossbar, before Elliott Dal Santo found the breakthrough with a well-taken finish following strong defensive work in the lead-up. Pushing for a winner, Kyle Taylor earned a penalty in the 87th minute, and Jake Siandri stepped up to calmly convert and give the Panthers a 2–1 lead which they held onto in the closing stages to secure a hard-fought result. That’s three wins from their opening four rounds. Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service Another week and another changed side saw the Reserves debut opportunity for young players Charlie Predebon & Nyasha Gwarada. It was a very warm afternoon game and developed into a good contest with both teams working hard but neither finding any dominance in possession or field position. It took until the last five minutes of the first half for a goal to come from a longer range freekick and JCU went into the break one up. The second half for the Panthers was much better with senior players able to influence the game and keep better possession of the ball. With improved possession and control Burdekin were able to score two goals from Jonte Grazioli and Dom Arrate. It was a gritty game that in previous seasons the Panthers may have let slip, so very pleasing to turn it around and notch up another win. Division 1 – Austral Masonry Against Rebel, both teams and goals started fast, with two goals from Julen Arrate being answered by two from Rebels in the first eighteen minutes. At half time it was 2-2. After that Burdekin got stuck into the grind with tackles flying everywhere. Then a penalty to Rebels and second yellow card for Brad Wright tipped the balance, with Rebels side scoring two goals in quick succession. Cody Scalia headed in a beautiful Charlie Shears corner to give the Burdekin a chance, but with only ten men, it was too much of a struggle The game ended 6-3 to Rebels. Division 2 – RG Customs RG Customs 2nd division defeated Rebels 3-0 in a match they dominated from start to finish. Chris Achille gave Burdekin the lead early in the first half, but despite lots of possession and repeatedly attacking Rebels goal, the Funkies were unable to extend their lead in the first half. Burdekin added further goals through Simon Scuderi after 68 minutes and Fengil after 84 minutes in the second half to see the Funkies rewarded for their efforts and deserving winners in a match they controlled very much from start to finish. Next up is MA Olympic this Friday night away in Townsville. Masters The Masters had another good turnout and, augmented by the Ladies Squad had a replay of the World Cup Qualifier, Italy v Bosnia Herzegovina. A tight match ended in a 2-2 draw with a replay next Monday. Best players on the night were Charley Ruskin and Riley Granshaw. 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 Junior soccer returned in great spirit over the Anzac Day weekend, marking the first round of games following the school holiday break. Our youngest players in the U5–U7 age groups took to the field on Saturday afternoon, enjoying local matches filled with enthusiasm, teamwork and plenty of smiles. It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces back and eager to play. Sunday saw an exciting milestone for the U8–U12 teams, who travelled to Townsville for their first games of the season. The step up in competition didn’t deter our players, with all teams showing determination and great sportsmanship throughout the day. It was a wonderful way to kick off the return to soccer, with strong participation across all age groups and a positive start to the term ahead. The U15's had their first game at the weekend against Wulguru. A new coach, a few new players and whole lot of enthusiasm. A bit of nervous energy to start with the first goal being scored by the opposition, but the team went in at half time with a 2-1 lead. Goals for the Panthers scored by Annan Power and Nathan Casella. The team lost Linc Innes due to a nasty clash with their keeper which depleted the bench with only one sub. The second half saw the team digging deep to secure three more goals. One of the new Panthers, Cecil Badza Gwarda scoring two and Emmanuel Mio banging in the final goal for the Panthers to secure a convincing win 5-2. Unfortunately, there is a bit of a break before their next round on the 16 May. An excited U13 Burdekin Panthers team took the field for the first time this season again MA Olympic. The Panthers came away with a very good 3-0 win with two goals from. 2 Caelan Farrell and one from Jazz Chung. All players played outstanding football!! National The A League Men’s season has reached the final stages. Newcastle have won the Premiership; five points clear of Adelaide with Auckland third and Melbourne Victory fourth. The Elimination Finals start on Saturday with Auckland playing Melbourne City and Victory playing Sydney FC. The A League Women are at the Semi-finals stage. At the end of regular fixtures Melbourne City were Premiers six points clear of Wellington, with Canberra third and Brisbane fourth. In the semi-finals this Saturday, Melbourne City face Victory and Brisbane play Wellington.
Read the full story
Round 7 of the Coutt’s Commercial Tavern Burdekin Touch open competition produced a string of competitive results across all divisions. In the men’s draw, Way To Go defeated BAYWatch 8–4, while His Haas and Slush Puppies played out a 5–all draw. Alliance Pharmacy proved too strong for Wires Down 9–3, and Petrol Heads accounted for Touch n Go 8–5. Blue Murder continued their good form with an 8–4 win over Ball Grabbers, while Burdekin PCYC and Feelers finished locked at 4–all. Renegades edged a tight contest against Royal Touch 7–6, and Teamo Supremo claimed a narrow 3–2 victory over Creampuffs. In the women’s competition, Eathorne’s Princesses defeated Lasers 5–2, while First in Physio delivered the most dominant performance of the round, overpowering Salty Sirens 12–1. Chick Flicks also secured a solid 6–4 win over Can’t Catch. Junior action in the under-14 division saw Chicken Burgers and Cowboys share the points in a 6–all draw. Rockies defeated Broncos 8–3, BAYWatch A accounted for Red Dogs A 8–2, and Silly Soft Serves rounded out the round with a 10–5 win over Red Dogs B. Meanwhile, junior touch football sign-on will be held on Friday, May 1 at 5.30pm at the Burdekin Touch Football clubhouse. The program is open to boys and girls aged 4 to 12, with six weeks of skills, drills and games to follow. Returning Term 1 players can register for free, while new sign-ons cost $20. For more information, contact Rebecca on 0400 705 205 or Peter on 0437 710 500.
Read the full story
As this is the final patrol weekend for the season, the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club would would like to thank all our patrolling members for the countless volunteer hours that were undertaken on the beach for our community, your time is appreciated and we thank you for keeping Alva Beach safe. Beach patrols will resume again in the September School Holidays. Beach patrols will resume again in the September school holidays. Saturday, 2/5/26 (1pm–5pm)[Text Wrapping Break]Group I – Sage Hisatake (PC), Ben Hisatake, Luke Hisatake, Austin Dewar Sunday, 3/5/26 (9am–1pm)[Text Wrapping Break]Group G – Carl List (PC), James Kennedy (PC), Shane Morgan, Ross Rickards, Ross Blakey, Jedd Giddy, Nate Giddy Sunday, 3/5/26 (1pm–5pm)[Text Wrapping Break]Group E – John Moloney (PC), Anne Moloney (PC), Sophia Moloney, Tony Felisina, Tramayne Horan, Jarrod Rossato Monday, 4/5/26 (9am–5pm)[Text Wrapping Break]Group A – Chris Wicks (PC), Richard Dale (PC), Jane Olsen, Zackary Dale, Stephanie Dale, Warne McShane, Nico Ortner, Wil Holt
Read the full story
On Wednesday, 24 July, the Ayr Golf Club hosted its Commercial Tavern Day, featuring an Ambrose style partner event. Despite facing challenging cyclonic winds, 24 dedicated ladies participated in the competition, vying for Tavern Vouchers.
The winning pair, Loretta Mauro and Janet Trezise, delivered an impressive performance, scoring 66.25 and achieving an Eagle on Hole 8. Cecily Lena and Sandra Wight secured second place with a strong score of 68.25, while Tuk Williams and Wendy Baker came in third with 69.75.
The event was a great success, and the Ayr Golf Club thanks the Commercial Tavern for their unwavering support.
This Saturday 3 August, the Burdekin Football Club Senior Teams will host the Saints Eagles Souths Football Club for their annual Sponsors Day event at International Park. The day promises to be filled with exciting football action, with games kicking off from 3PM.
One of the highlights of the day will be the Senior Men's DASH 4 CASH, a thrilling rematch between Jay Leckenby and Matthew Kolb. Spectators are encouraged to place their bets on who they think will win this competitive race.
The bar and canteen will be open from 2PM until late, offering refreshments and snacks to all attendees.
Come out, enjoy some great football, and support the Panthers this Super Saturday!
On the evening of Friday 26 July, twelve bowlers gathered for a lively night of social bowls, filled with laughter and camaraderie at the Brandon Bowls Club.
In the first game, the team of David Bycroft, Peter Lejarraga, and Joe Yipnazar defeated Ben Mills, Lloyd Shepherd, and Jamie Woods. The second game saw Margaret McLaughlan, Jayson Farry, and "Mr. Bowls" Gary Pearce triumph over Raymond Tortorica, Ross McLaughlan, and Ray Paneccasio.
The jackpot didn’t go off this week, and the club invites the community to join the action next Friday night for another fun-filled session!
Sunday 28 July hosted the final of the A Grade Singles which saw a thrilling showdown between father and son, Gary and Chris Pearce. The match was a classic display of skill and determination, going down to the wire. In the end, Gary emerged victorious, securing bragging rights for another year. Despite the loss, Chris played admirably and can be proud of his performance. A big thank you to our President, Jamie Woods, for his excellent job marking the final.
An 18-end game took place between the teams of Gary Nosworthy, Doug Kiehne, and Rob Garner, and Peter Lejarraga, Kevin Collins, and Doug Robins on Sunday 28 July. In a closely contested match, Doug Robins' team emerged victorious, advancing to the next round.
Sunday also saw twenty bowlers participate in a range of pairs and triples games with the pairs results as follows:
• Ben Mills and Lloyd Shepherd defeated Mick McCloskey and Len Feeney.
• Trevor Elton and Leo Kenny won against Colin Mills and Richie Mau.
The Tripples results are as follows:
• Judy Elton, Glenn Woodford, and Ray Paneccasio defeated Robbie Webb, Ken Ferguson, and Allan Garioch.
• Brenton Trecize, Vince Bietia, and Peter Henderson secured a win over Norm Storrie, Neville Dickinson, and Joe Yipnazar.
The Brandon Bowls Club looks forward to seeing everyone at the next session for more great bowls action!
Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.
Runner Up Chris Pearce, President Jamie Woods, and A Grade Singles Champion Gary Pearce after last Sunday’s thrilling showdown at the Brandon Bowls Club.
.jpg)
The Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads had another memorable weekend at the Hughenden 7s tournament. Despite some sore heads, a few injuries, the event was filled with plenty of camaraderie on tour, and exciting rugby action.
The girls' team faced a tough challenge and unfortunately suffered a loss in the bowl match. Meanwhile, the lads battled hard against the Minions, who were eager for redemption after losing to the Canetoads last year. Although there were no Canetoad champions this time around, the players and supporters alike had a fantastic time, celebrating the spirit of country rugby.
The true highlight of the weekend was the sense of community and the new friendships formed over some cold drinks. The Canetoads enjoyed the warm hospitality shown by the Hughenden community and appreciate the effort put into organising such a great event. The team eagerly looks forward to returning next year.
A special thank you was expressed the Canetoads' sponsors for their continued support, providing fantastic kits and backing the team's efforts on tour each year.
Both male and female Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads teams travelled to Hughenden last weekend for a memorable tournament.
The Ayr Golf Course hosted an incredible weekend the first-ever combined Men's and Women's Handicap Pennants! A total of 114 players gathered for this historic event, marking a significant milestone for the club.
The Ayr Golf 2024 Committee embraced the challenge of organising this event, and it truly stood as a test of logistics and coordination. With 50 members generously lending their personal buggies, the team faced the task of collecting keys and preparing the equipment for the traveling teams by 5:30am - a challenging yet rewarding experience.
The Ayr Golf Club shared this event would not have been possible without the meticulous planning and dedication of their volunteer members, who ensured everything was ready for the 7am tee-off on both Saturday and Sunday. A special thanks was also expressed to the club’s kitchen helpers for preparing over 120 sandwiches each day, keeping everyone energised throughout the games.
The green saw five divisions in play over the weekend, three for the ladies and two for the men, with each division crowning a winner. A highlight was the ladies Ayr 3 team winning Division 5, and the ladies Ayr 2 team finishing as runners-up, just one win shy of taking the title. The Ayr Men's team also celebrated victory in their division after being a late addition to the event. Additionally, the Ayr 1 ladies team claimed the flag at the Home Hill Golf Club, which hosted two divisions. It was a weekend of success all around!
The Ayr Golf Club extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed their time and effort, from the bar staff to Pat Herd for selling raffle tickets, and especially to the committee and members who ensured everything ran smoothly.
“To all that gave up their time – congratulations to a job well done,” shared the Ayr Golf Club.
“To all the travelling teams – we hope you enjoyed your weekend in the Burdekin, many new friendships were made, and we look forward to seeing you again at upcoming opens around North Queensland.
To the NQ Golf Committee lead by our very own Callan Oar (President of NQ Golf) thank you for giving Ayr Golf Club the opportunity to trial this combined event along with all the organisation of the competition and points scoring.”
Showcasing their dedication and exceptional skills, many golfers backed up their efforts over the action-packed weekend to play in the Drummond Vets Classic on both Monday and Tuesday earlier this week. It’s clear the Ayr Golf Club is the place to be!
Rhonda Martin, Tin Watts, Katrina Hearn, Debbie Searle, Bev Power, and Pat Lawson from the Ayr Golf Club at the NQ Handicap Pennants.
Ayr Golf Club ladies Wendy Baker, Janet Trezise holding Tilly, Loretta Mauro (front), Kim Manby, Cecily Lena, and Michelle Stockdale (Absent from Photo Vicki Adcock) ready to hit the green.
Ayr Golf Club ladies Ann Phelan, Sandra Wight, Tuk Williams (front), Donna Reid, Donna Boccolatte, Kerry Mann, and Ang Baxter (back) celebrating at the historic NQ Handicap Pennants.
Wendy Baker, Tuk Williams, Tilly (dog), and Kerry Mann zipping around the green.
The Home Hill Ladies Team celebrated winning the first round!
Stuck between a bush and a hard place, Home Hill Golf Club ladies had a giggle questioning “will I play it?”.
Paula was celebrated for hitting an amazing hole in one on 18!
Home Hill Golf Club’s Kieren Dawes, Kevan Chatfield, Luke Carrett, Doug McCubben, Jaylen McCubben, and Ross Wilkie celebrated taking out second place in Pool B.
What a weekend! Over 100 players gathered at the Ayr Golf Club for a 7am tee-off on both Saturday and Sunday.
Ladies from the Ayr Golf Club ready to make history at last weekend’s NQ Handicap Pennants.
The Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads had an eventful weekend, showcasing the spirit and determination of both their youth and senior teams.
On the evening of Friday 26 July, the Under-11 boys played against Brothers at Mike Carney Toyota Park. Despite facing a tough challenge, the young players demonstrated commendable effort and growth, learning valuable lessons from the match. Their dedication and progress were evident, and they can be proud of their performance, regardless of the outcome.
Saturday afternoon saw the Canetoads' 3rd grade team take to the field for their first match of the season. The players eagerly reunited with the sport they love, shaking off the dust from their boots. The game was intense, but the Canetoads emerged victorious with a final score of 31-14. This win marks a fantastic start to their season and sets a positive tone for the upcoming matches.
Overall, it was a weekend filled with enthusiasm and promising performances from the Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads. The club looks forward to building on these experiences in the games ahead.
A toadally awesome weekend - Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads shone in both youth and senior matches last weekend.
A perfect winter afternoon set the stage for a competitive day at the Home Hill Bowls Club on Thursday 25 July, with 30 players participating. The games were drawn at random, resulting in four games of triples and one game of pairs.
Rink 3: The team of Kim, Bruce, and Cy narrowly defeated Judy, Dino, and Jim with a score of 18-15.
Rink 4: Bob Y, Mick O, and Trevor dominated Karl/Hugh, Des, and Stephen, winning 30-5.
Rink 5: Yogi, Bob P, and Wayne outplayed Paul, Steve, and Terry, securing a 23-11 victory.
Rink 6: Jimmy M/Henry and Mick Mc edged out Mark and Ron in a tight match, finishing 15-12.
Rink 7: Mick M, Jeff, and Gary had a strong win over Christina, John, and Joe, ending the game 25-13.
The raffle saw Bruce Ross winning the meat tray, generously donated by Dino, while Lyn Elton took home a bottle of wine as the second prize. The lucky ball draw went to Jimmy Murray, but there was no winner this week, rolling the jackpot over to $114 for next week. The club expresses special thanks to EB Hives for sponsoring the event.
A smaller group of 12 players enjoyed the Saturday afternoon session on 27 July. Two games of triples were played over 10 ends, with the winners rotating after the break. Yogi, Joclyn, and Cy emerged as the day's champions, winning both of their matches. A standout moment came from Margaret Linton, who impressively placed three blue bowls close to the kitty, showcasing her skill.
For those interested in joining the club's activities, there are various events throughout the week, including the Monday morning fitness group, Tuesday Trimmers, Wednesday morning KRAFT group, Wednesday evening barefoot bowls, Thursday morning BINGO, and Thursday afternoon social bowls. Saturday afternoon social bowls are also gaining popularity and are a great way to spend the weekend.
Until next week, good bowling!
Contributed with thanks to Stephen Doig.
Another wonderful week of wins was had at the Home Hill Bowls Club!
Margaret Linton’s impressive display of skill saw her place three blue bowls close to the kitty last Saturday afternoon.
%20(Medium).png)
Coming soon! On Saturday’s
Mixed open pairs
Sponsored
Starting dates to be advised
Come on down and join the barefoot bowls night!
Every Wednesday night
Home Hill Bowls Club is very friendly and sociable club with full bar facilities, bowls and bowling aids, if necessary.
Supplied by clubs and assistance is available
All names to be in by 5:30 - 6:00 pm!
$5.00 entry fee which will a BBQ cooked by, The One, The Only …. Ronnie Smith. Our expert BBQ member.
See you all there for a great night!
1. Where were you born?
Killkenny, Northern Ireland
2. Main occupation?
Manager Local car sales
3. Favourite Olympic sport?
Men & woman’s 100 metres
4. Make bed or get up and go?
Get up and go!
5. Who introduced you to your first game of bowls?
Dino Poli (still very hard to beat today)
6. Favourite person to meet?
Malcom Fraser (the then P.M)
7. Pet peeves?
Getting up on a cold morning
8. If you won the Lotto?
Great times with mates and alcohol
9. Favourite car?
Nissan X-Trail
10. Stranded on a deserted island, who or what would you want?
To be chased by a red head.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Canetoads put it on the field last Sunday, taking out a win against Brothers.
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.
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.
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.
Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.
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.
Contributed with thanks to Anthony Bull.
Pam Power victorious in the North Queensland Team.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Pty Ltd.
