Sports

Burdekin Canetoads Call For Players Ahead Of New Season

Burdekin Canetoads Call For Players Ahead Of New Season

Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads are recruiting new players for the North Queensland season (April–August). Men’s squad seeking key positions (prop, halfback/fly-half, centre), with all roles welcome; women’s team open to all levels. Club promotes strong country rugby pathway with competitive regional competition in Townsville. Emphasis on lifestyle appeal for locals and travelling/working holiday players (community, fishing, outdoor living).

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ON THE GREEN AT HOME HILL COMMUNITY SPORTS CLUB

ON THE GREEN AT HOME HILL COMMUNITY SPORTS CLUB

Easter Saturday, 4 April 2026 saw the Home Hill Community Sports Club host its annual Easter Fours bowls tournament, with 64 players in attendance. On arrival at the club, visitors were greeted by our mascot, a ’35 Grey and Gold Belly Ferguson tractor—a machine built between 1956 and 1958 and widely used to help build the sugar industry in the Burdekin. Not to mention, the grounds were looking a picture. The tournament comprised three games of sixteen ends over the course of the day. Teams from Wangaratta, Bowen, Collinsville, St Townsville, Jubilee, Suburban, Alligator Creek, Ayr, Brandon, and Home Hill were represented. Looking over the green, spectators were delighted to witness the array of club and team colours. Jamie Woods’ Chicken Bin shirts were a standout—good job, boys. Like any tournament, competitiveness and camaraderie were clearly evident. Winning teams on the day were: First – Will Johnson (St Townsville) Second – Sandie (St Townsville) Third – Jamie Woods (Brandon) Congratulations to you all. The club wishes to extend its sincere thanks to our event sponsors: Coral Coast Electrical, Home Hill Prawn Shop, Home Hill Tyrepower, Inspiration Paints, Burdekin Printers, and K & S Wright. Your generosity ensured the event’s success. To our visiting clubs, we also extend our sincere gratitude for the commitment shown by all, especially considering the distance travelled under difficult financial times. Within the club, these sorts of days don’t just happen without the support of members such as kitchen provider Judy Elton and her team of ladies, Ron Smith and Bruce McCallum on the barbecue, Mick Olsen and Michael Young on the scoreboard, and Belinda, Shantel, and Precilla on the outdoor esky bar—not forgetting our President working the bar. Good job to all. In summary, the entire day turned out to be a huge success—bring on 2027! Wednesday night numbers remain steady, with 20 players taking to the green, enjoying the stars above and the friendly atmosphere prior to a sausage sizzle. Names in by 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start. Visitors welcome. Ph: 0478 642 515. Home Hill Hot Shots continue to attract good numbers for Wednesday night darts and Friday night snooker games, both starting at 6.00pm. Ph Scott: 0480 208 335. Thursday club bowls saw 22 players take to the green to compete in three games of triples and one game of pairs. The overall random winning team went to Paul Vass and Hugh Montgomery, who had a very close win over Katarina and Gary Nosworthy, with one shot the difference. Congratulations to you both. Raffle winners were again the Giru boys, Steve Mutu and Geoff Taylor. Well done and well deserved, gents—your support for the club goes without saying. Club Weekly Activities Monday – 9.00am: Gentle Exercise Class Tuesday – 9.00am: Trimmers Wednesday – 9.00am: Craft group Thursday – 9.30am: Bingo Contributed with thanks to Bob Pickard. CAPTION: Players and spectators enjoy a vibrant day on the green at Home Hill Community Sports Club’s annual Easter Fours tournament. Photo supplied

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Football Matters with Cyclops

Football Matters with Cyclops

Local Seniors What with Easter and School holidays, there are no fixtures now until 17th April. Junior Junior soccer has now paused for the school holiday break, giving players and families a well-earned rest after a great start to the season. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the fields after the holidays, refreshed and ready to go again. Here’s hoping for some beautiful weather when we return so the kids can enjoy their games and training to the full! ‍Masters The Masters had another good turnout, and in perfect conditions, Leeds and West Ham fought out a relation battle. West Ham won 9-3 after going 0-2 down. Man of the Match was Fengil with a hattrick. The Masters will be happening on Easter Monday. All players are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless, halt and lame. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick off. ‍National and International In the World Cup department, the Socceroos, under Coach Tony Popovic, have just one more match, a friendly against Mexico, before the squad of twenty-six players is announced by 1st June. The Socceroos travel to the USA to play Mexico on 31 May at the Rosebowl in Pasadena. The final World Cup playoffs have now been decided, and Turkey beat Kosovo to make it to Group D. Australia’s group games are now versus Turkey on 13 June in Vancouver, USA on 19 June in Seattle and Paraguay on 25 June in Santa Clara. In England, the EPL has seven rounds to go, and Arsenal is nine points ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand. ManU is in third place a further six points adrift and Aston Villa is another point behind. In the FA Cup quarter-finals Southampton beat Arsenal 2-1, Manchester City beat Liverpool 4-0, Chelsea thumped Port vale 7-0 and Leeds defeated West Ham on penalties. In Germany, the Bundesliga has six rounds to go. The top three teams all won, and Bayern continues to lead Dortmund by nine points. Leipzig and Stuttgart are a further eleven points behind. At the foot of the table Heidenheim and Wolfsburg look doomed and St Pauli could well join then in relegation. In Spain there are still eight rounds to go. Only three of the top six teams won and with Real Madrid losing against relegation threatened Mallorca, Barcelona is now seven points clear of Real and eighteen points ahead of third placed Villarreal. In the relegation zone, Oviedo and Levante are struggling and Elche could be joining them. In Italy’s Serie A with seven rounds left, Inter thumped Roma 5-2 to stay nine points clear of AC Milan with Napoli a further point behind. Como is in fourth place. Juventus drew and stays in fifth place. At the foot of the table, for Pisa and Verona it looks like Goodnight Luigi, and Cremorne or Lecce could be joining them. Finally, in France, PSG beat Toulouse 3-1 and with Lens losing, has a four point lead with a game in hand. Lille are third a further nine points away with Marseille fourth. At the foot of the league, it looks like Au Revoir for Metz and Nantes and Auxerre could be joining them in Ligue Deux. In the A League, with just three rounds left, Newcastle lost 2-3 to Macarthur but is still three points ahead of Auckland who drew 1-1 away to Adelaide, who stay in third place. Melbourne Victory missed their chance of moving up into third place after losing at home to Wellington. The Roar drew 0-0 at home to Sydney FC and remains in tenth place. Western Sydney and Perth Glory continue to hold up the table. In the A League Women, with three rounds left, three of the top four teams won. Melbourne City won 2-1 at Newcastle to stay six points clear of Wellington who beat Adelaide 2-0. Canberra lost 1-2 away to Brisbane but hangs onto third place on goal difference from the Roar. Sydney FC and Western Sydney are still holding up the table. The Soccer Quote of the Week is from ex- Manchester Utd and Ireland Star Roy Keane. “People say 'go with the flow' but do you know what goes with the flow? Dead fish.”

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Burdekin Teams Ready For Senior State Age In Townsville

Burdekin Teams Ready For Senior State Age In Townsville

Netball excitement is growing as teams from across Queensland get ready to compete in the 2026 Senior State Age Netball Championships, which will be held in Townsville this year. The annual championship is one of the biggest events on the Queensland netball calendar. It brings together associations from all over the state for four days of intense competition. In 2025, the tournament saw an impressive 210 teams participate, showing how large and popular the event has become. Burdekin’s teams have been preparing for months, with many players starting their training late last year. Through weekly sessions, trial matches and fitness work, athletes and coaches have been working hard to build connections and improve their skills before the major competition. The tournament offers a great chance for players to challenge themselves against some of the best talent in Queensland while also showcasing the strength of regional netball. Players, coaches, and supporters are excited to travel north and represent the Burdekin community. With plenty of determination, teamwork, and the unmistakable Burdekin spirit, the teams look forward to taking the court in Townsville and giving their best effort. The championships promise four days of high-quality netball, good sportsmanship, and community pride as Queensland’s top young athletes come together for one of the state’s key netball events. Contributed with thanks to Burdekin Netball Association Publicity Officer, Kelli Loizou. CAPTIONS: Burdekin Netball Association’s U17/18s team; (front) Lola Carmicheal, Isla Chapman, Riley Sartori, Lacey Catanzaro, Aja Olsen, (back) Ali Balin (Manager), Jayel Gibson, Georgia Thygesen, Indy Macdonald, Pascal Crooks, Jorja Bapty, and Kristy Penisi. Photo supplied Burdekin Netball Association’s U16s team; (front) Tahlia Lammon, Shilah Horan, Emma Wilkie, Lisa Keryk, (back), Chloe Steel (Coach), Ruby Prescott, Amaya Caspanello, Mya Mitchell, Maya Mahoney, Gemma Keihne, and Clodagh Liessman. Photo supplied Burdekin Netball Association’s U15s team; (front) Ebony Moul, Zara Scovazzi, Emma Jones, Milla Chapman, Eden Godfrey, (back) Sarah Butterworth (Coach), Emily MacDonald, Maggie and Addy Chandler, Lily Ahern, Paityn Coleman-Blakoe and Alicia Butterworth (Manager). Photo supplied

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Social Bowls

May 2, 2024

Thursday afternoon (ANZAC DAY) social bowls saw 12 players take part.

Two games of triples were played. 

Rink 3: Judy, Joclyn and Stephen were much too strong for Mick M, Bob and Mark, winning 24 to 9 and 11 ends to 7.

Rink 6: Karl/Yogi, John and Wayne defeated Margaret, Mick O and Joe 22 to 8, and also 11 ends to 7.

Today's winners by mystery draw were Judy, Joclyn and Stephen. Thanks to today's sponsors Ray and Rosemary Menkens.

Tuesday Trimmers is going well, as is Wednesday morning Kraft group. Wednesday night barefoot bowls is becoming popular. Thursday morning BINGO continues to get good numbers and, with the cooler weather here now, I expect that Thursday afternoon social bowls will start to see larger fields.

Names in by the very latest 1pm for a 1.30pm roll off - $12 a game includes afternoon tea.

Good bowling, see you there.


Contributed with thanks Stephen Doig.

Caption:  Judy Elton, Jocyln DeFranciscus and Stephen Doig. Photo supplied

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Ayr Junior Golfing

May 2, 2024

We had 16 players turn up Saturday morning for the April Monthly Medal.

Congratulations to Hudson, Evelyn and Oscar on the Monthly Medal wins, for 3 holes, 6 hole and 9 hole respectively.

Gross winners for the morning were Heath, for 3 holes, Riley, for 6 holes, and Ethan, for 9 holes. 

There will be a break next week for the May Day public holiday, juniors will be back in a fortnight on the 11th May. 


Contributed with thanks to Laura Mahoney.

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Roosters Host Bowen (Rugby League)

May 2, 2024

A good crowd at Rugby Park last Sunday saw two good games of rugby league when the Roosters hosted Bowen in reserve grade and Souths in A grade.

The premiership favourites, Souths, showed why they have that mantle by showing the locals just how to concentrate for an entire game.

The Townsville visitors took the A grade 46 to 20 but not before the locals had given them a fright. 

Leading 12 – 10 and watching Burdekin denied a try, the visitors took advantage and moved the ball down field and scored to take an eight point 18 – 10 advantage into the break.

The visitors scored two quick tries after the interval, and it was all over.

Nemia Nawave, back from injury, scored two great tries before the end showing he should have been used more during the encounter. Coach Steve Lansley said his team has got to concentrate for the entire time on the paddock.

“At times we are fully switched on and then we slip away and they score points. And with an experienced ex NRL player in Steve Nona out there, he will hurt you,” Steve said.

Lansley said he thought forward Henry Teuteu had a big game making many breaks but were not there for the off load as with Jeremiah Matuatu.

The coach said Rhett Williams had a good game after a week off and Kali Nauque was always dangerous.

“We know we can do it, we just have to put it into action for an entire match,” Steve said.

Nevia Nawave scored two tries with one each to Kali Nauque and Jayden Sgarbossa. Joel Mason and Dylan Doak kicked goals.

In other A grade matches Herbert River beat Western Lions in Ingham 32 – 14, Brothers belted Charters Towers at Brothers 42 – 12 and Centrals beat Norths at Bushland Beach 38 – 20.

“We had a poor beginning giving Bowen a 16-point start before we put our backs to the grindstone and did the hard things right to take the game,” Roosters stand in coach Peter Horan said after his team beat Bowen 34 – 28.

Horan, with Paul Horan, were deputising for regular coach Chris Perry away on personal business. Peter said once his team hung onto the ball they quickly wore down the 22 – 6 lead making it 22 all at the break.

Peter said the team should have won by more but good defence added to poor options cost the boys.

The coach said though a win is a win no matter how you get it.

Mark Cervoni, back from a couple of years off, was awarded players player for a tough one up front making plenty of ground in attack and defending well.

Paul Meryl and Wassime Mouvelli enjoyed the drop in temperature even though the wind made it difficult for all. Meryl scored a good try put through by a perfect pass from Jeerome Lacco. Lacco and Dom Augostis also had good games.

Tries were scored by Sem Tom, Bryde Horan, Riley Horan, Paul Meryl and Dom Arrate with Dylan Doak kicking 5 goals.

In other reserve matches Western Lions beat Herbert River 42 – 18, Brothers beat Charters Towers 36 – 10 and Centrals beat Norths 38 – 12.
...........................................................
There will be no club Rugby League over the May Day weekend with the Northern Zone trials in Mackay where the Roosters have two RLTD representatives Henry Teuteu and Jeremiah Matuate.

The Hens will also have two players in Mackay, Toni Daisy and Kazziah Lammon.

On Saturday May 14 the A grade, reserves and Ladies will play Charters Towers in the western city and it also happens to be Ladies Day in the Towers.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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Will The Teabags Win Again This Year?

May 2, 2024

The Home Hill Tennis Association will be proudly hosting the 43rd Annual Sugar Bowl iconic teams event this weekend. It is known as the sweet spot on the North Queensland tennis calendar. In 1981, Lex and Pat Anderson initiated the teams event by inviting captains from as far afield as Mackay and Ingham to form teams and come to the Burdekin and play off for the inaugural Sugar Bowl. Today, we have teams that travel from Brisbane to Mareeba and all places in between.
Continued on page 30
Sugar Bowl Action Returns In 2024
Continued from back cover.
It is anticipated that Giru, Home Hill and Ayr Tennis courts will be used to cater for the 44 teams which have nominated. Each team has a minimum of 6 players with some teams having as many as 10 or more in their team allowing for members to have a bye. Play begins Saturday from 8 am and finishes around 2 pm on Monday. The Sugar Bowl famous Teabags with Dallan and Kurtis Garvey as members are looking to defend their title in A Grade. B Grade champions in 2023 were Ian Gould’s Goldin Aces and have subsequently moved into A2. All the teams will be out to win the highly sought after Woods Team Spirit Award named after David Woods who was the inaugural captain of the Teaspoons.
This weekend will see over 300 visitors flooding into the district for the long weekend providing economic benefits to the Burdekin with players frequenting local eateries, shops and accommodation venues. It is hoped that some of them will check out the Burdekin Craft Spectacular on Saturday morning at the Memorial Hall.
Members have been busy getting all their facilities so that they are in top class condition, with a coat of paint here and there. There will be the usual delicious array of food plus donated and home baked cakes and slices and a coffee stall at the entrance of Home Hill Tennis each day.
Sunday evening after play everyone is encouraged to stay and locals to come down and enjoy some good old Burdekin hospitality. There will be live music with Tammy Moxom singing from 5pm onwards. The Teaspoons are organized and will be cooking roast pork rolls amongst other delicious food for sale. A ride back to Ayr can be organized for those wishing to have a drink or two.
Ayr, Home Hill and Giru Tennis Associations would really like to thank all its volunteers, sponsors and donors for their contributions to the weekend. “We couldn’t do it without them,” said organizer Kate Casswell.
For more information look at Home Hill Tennis Facebook page. Life members, event sponsors, past and present members are invited to come along over weekend and to the presentations which will be around 2 pm on Monday.


Contributed by Home Hill Tennis Association

Sugar Bowl famous Tea Bags have won the tournament many times
Ian Gould's Goldin Aces from Ayr, Home Hill and Collinsville won the B grade section in 2023

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Table Bowls Notes

May 2, 2024

Round 1 week 6:
Crushers v Bombers at the Queens 10-0
Cougars v Nat I at the Ayr 8-2
National II v Falcons at the National 6-4
Ants had the bye 10 points

Points:
Crushers - 47, Nat II - 46, Nat I - 38, Falcons - 34, Ants - 32, Cougars - 28 and Bombers 15

Games for Thursday 02/05:
Nat I v Ants at National
Falcons v Bombers at Anzac
Crushers v Nat II at Ayr
Cougars have the bye



Contributed by Kerry Davison

Photo: Anzac Ants

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Ayr Bowling Club News

April 24, 2024

Last week was a big week at Ayr Bowling Club with both social and competition bowls being played. The week started with a great day of Ladies’ Bowls on Tuesday, with Isabel Cislowski, Betty Schultz, Heather Jorgensen and Pam Power defeating Deslie Olsen, Ruth Moore, Joy Comollatti and Irene Wilson.

Wednesday hosted a great afternoon of Mixed Social. First place was Happy Horan, Margaret Chapman and Barry Shepard defeating John Perroni, G Braid and Henry Hazle.

On Thursday, Competition Ladies’ saw excellent games on the rinks. The last game of the open Rinks was played, Deslie Olsen, Tricia Achille, Betty Schultz (sub) and Pam Power defeating Merle Nixon, Karen Page, Dot Cutting (sub) and Sandra Stidston. Next week will see the semi-final of the open Singles on the May 2. Irene Wilson playing against Dot Cutting and Pam Power against Deslie Olsen. Good luck to all the ladies.

What a night Friday was! It was the club’s Fun Friday Night Bowls sponsored by Chiropractic Care. Overall winners on the night were Andrew Dunn, John Casella, Karen Murray, Helen Motti and Maria Fagg. The evening was a great night of laughter and new friendships.

Saturday Social Mixed bowls saw three games of Triples and one of Rinks held with first place John Pirrone, Sandra Darwen and Maurice Power defeating John Hall, Rob Garner and Chris Berkery.  
Men’s Competition Games – Results - Championship Fours -  A. Bull/C.Essex/M. Power/R. Soper def J. Grabbi/G. Papale/S. Caltabiano/L. Stidston.  J. Pirrone/V. Beitia/C. Pearce/G. Pearce def R. Young/C. Burkery/M. Olsen/M. Milan
Championship Fours will continue Sunday 28st April at 8.30am. R. Young/C. Burkery/M. Olsen/M. Milan playing against A. Bull/C.Essex/M. Power/R. Soper.  Championship Singles 5 May – M. Power v J. Grabbi; V. Beitia v M. Milan.  Championship Pairs 5 May – M. Power/R. Soper v B. Shephard/S. Calltabiano  B Grade Singles 5 May – TBA after draw.

Contributed by Anthony Bull

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Brandon Bowls

April 24, 2024

Another busy week at Brandon Bowls Club with the women kicking the week off on Wednesday April 17 when two games were played.
Game 1: Kay Garner, Vanda Ballao, Joy Woods and Margaret Chapman def Ann Newton, Sandra Darween, Colleen Olsen and Helen Collins.
Game 2: Bernice, Kay Garner, Lyn Storrie and Colleen Olsen def Ann Newton, Vanda Ballao, Joy Woods and Darelle Pearce.
Friday April 19 Competition A Grade Singles: New member to the club Jayson Farry played his 1st ever singles game against home town favourite Leo Kenny. Jayson jumped out to a very comfortable lead only to find Leo pegging back however 31 ends later on a very humid night the powerhouse and fit Farry just snuck home to take the victory.
Social Bowls was also played on at the same time with the winner of the evening Norm Storrie and Gary Pearce def Lyn Storrie and Joe Ypinazar.
The other game of triples with Lloyd Shepherd, Ross McLaughlan and Ray Panecassio def Lloyd Shepherd, Rob Jorgensen and Joy Woods. In the final game of pairs, Margaret McLaughlan and Jamie Woods def Dave Bycroft and Chris Pearce.
Sunday April  21 Championship A Grade Singles: Mick McCloskey def Norm Storrie
B Grade Singles: Ross McLaughlan def Con Sexton
Sunday April 21 Social: Three games of triples and one pairs were played: Peter Lejarraga, Lyn Storrie and Gary Pearce def Henry Hazel, Helen Collins and Jamie Woods.
Judy Elton, Hugh Montgomery and Leo Kenny def Neville Dickinson, Doug Kiehne and Ray Paneccasio.
Gary Nosworthy, Rob Jorgensen and Joe Yipnazar def Born Higginbothem, Vince Beitia and Geoff Taylor.
Dave Brown and Peter Jorgensen def Glen Woodford and Doug Robins
This coming week we have Anzac mixed triples names in by 12:30pm for 1:30 start. This competition is sponsored by RLA finance and members please bring plate for smoko and uniform is required.
Saturday and Sunday we have the Brandon Bowls Club 4s sponsored by Burdekin Skips. This is a major event on our calendar so come down to the club to watch some entertaining bowls.

Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd

Caption: Mick McCloskey and Ross McLaughlan

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Football Matters with Cyclops

April 24, 2024

Local

Senior and Youth fixtures were mostly away last weekend. On Friday the Burdekin Panthers Division 1 should have been at home to Warriors but the Townsville team forfeited. Then on Saturday away to JCU Riverway, the Under 23s lost 2-3, the Ladies lost 0-9 but the Premiers did very well to win 5-3. This week the Panthers have two home games against Rebels on Sunday with the Division1 team playing Olympic on Friday night the Women have a bye.

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers started off well with Matthew Kolb finding himself in behind the defence with just the keeper to beat, which he calmly did to make it 1-0 in the first five minutes. JCU hit back with two goals of their own to make it 2-1 before Jay Leckenby got on the end of a Ryan Scodellaro free kick to make it 2-2 heading into half time. It was an even contest for the start of the second half but then JCU scored again to make it 3-2 with thirty minutes to go. This kicked the Panthers into life, and they scored three unanswered goals in a ten minute span. Jack Gimson scored a screamer to make it 3-3 and Matthew Kolb then beat his man and the keeper to put Burdekin ahead. He then turned provider for Jay Leckenby to score and give the Panthers a 5-3 victory. 

The Burdekin Tyre Service Under 23s had another week with low numbers but started the game very brightly and played the best team effort of the season so far during the first half. After 35 minutes the Panthers were in front 2-0 thanks to a brace from Tarryn Smith. JCU got a goal back just before halftime. The second half was more of a battle and the afternoon was very hot. The lack of troops started to show as the energy and pass execution started to drop. Despite putting in a very good effort Burdekin couldn’t hold out and JCU got a late goal to win 3-2.

The Austral Masonry Funkies (Division 1) won 3-0 on a forfeit from Warriors.

The Ayr Anzac Club Ladies travelled to Townsville this weekend to face JCU. Player availability once again became an issue with only ten players in the team. The ladies came up against a very strong and dynamic JCU. Unfortunately, the night did not go as planned for the ladies, and an injury took them down to nine players. At half time the Panthers were 0-4 down and at full time had lost 0-9. The large scoreline however, does not reflect the efforts, determination and commitment that the young Burdekin side demonstrated. The ladies thankfully will take the opportunity to rest and regroup with a two week break, hoping to see injured players return to the squad. 

On Saturday the Under13 Panthers met Warriors at Paradise Park. Xavier Mio did well in goal to keep Warriors off the score board and at half time the score was 0-0. Warriors came out firing in the second half scoring two goals in the first ten minutes. Some good runs down the right hand side by Will Shears gave Panthers some opportunities to get back in the game however they couldn't find the back of the net. The game got away from the Burdekin with Panthers conceding three more goals to make the final score 5-0.

On Sunday the Under 13 Panthers had another 5-0 loss, to Brothers at Paradise Park. Two soft goals in the first half saw the boys 0-2 down at half time but still in the game. A lack of concentration in the second half cost the boys dearly with Brothers scoring three more goals. Learning to compete for the entire game is a must for the boys.

On Saturday the Under 14/15 played Brothers Blue and were leading 1-0 at half time with a goal from Angus Innes. Brothers equalized in the second half. Burdekin missed a couple of shots at goal and had to be content with a draw. Goalkeeper Zack Durrant kept the team in the game with some excellent saves. All players played an outstanding game of soccer and the team came together very well with some great soccer. Max Kelly was the best player on the day.

On Sunday the Under 14/15 met Rebels Red and after leading 5-0 at half time, won 11-0. Burdekin dominated from the start with Kale Bryen scoring 5 goals including an excellent header from a cross by Caleb Formilan who also snagged a hat trick.  Dylan O’Shea grabbed two goals with Brayden Card adding to the scoresheet. Excellent teamwork, from the Panthers who controlled the game. Players of the game come from our front line - Kale Bryan and Caleb Formilan.  Burdekin play Rebels Red for a second time at Paradise Park on Saturday 27/4 at 9:30am.  

Juniors

Saturday was a historic day for the club with, for the first time Townsville teams travelling down to the Burdekin to play against our local teams.  MA Olympic Football Club sent down teams from age groups 8's and upwards.  It was so good to see the park full of teams and players enjoying the morning.  Thank you, MAO, for coming down, we hope you had a good time and felt welcome.  A big thank you goes to everyone for their work to make this happen for our club, and to everyone for helping out with coaching and canteen each week.

The club was fortunate to have Matt Kilsby come down on Saturday afternoon for a coaching clinic.  We had around 10 coaches and 10 kids for two hours to learn a few things on the core skills of football and the players had a great time demonstrating the games and scenarios put to them. With enough numbers, moving forward, we are hoping to arrange for Matt to come down to the Burdekin during the season, to help develop our junior coaches even more, so they can pass on their knowledge to our juniors.

Masters

National and International

The Matildas have two matches against China in the lead up to the Paris Olympics. The first is at home on 31st May in Adelaide and the second, in Sydney on 3rd June.
The Olyroos failed to make it to the Paris Olympics, finishing third in their qualifying Group after failing to score a goal in their three matches! Qatar and Indonesia both qualify.
In the A League, with one round left Wellington is in first place one point clear of Central Coast although the Mariners have a game in hand. Victory stays in third place despite drawing and Macarthur moves up to fourth spot after defeating Sydney, with nine men! Sydney FC and Melbourne City complete the top six. Perth Glory are the wooden spooners.
In the A League Women semi-finals 1st leg, Melbourne City beat Newcastle Jets 3-0 and Syden FC won 1-0 away to Central Coast. The 2nd leg will be played this weekend.

In the EPL, Manchester City were busy in the FA Cup, but both Arsenal and Liverpool won. With five rounds left Arsenal and Liverpool are equal on points with Man City a point behind but with a game in hand. Aston Villa and Spurs stay fourth and fifth. At the foot of the table, Burnley and Everton both won, and it is still not apparent who will accompany Sheffield Utd down into the Championship.

In the FA Cup semi-finals Manchester City beat Chelsea 1-0 and ManU were lucky to beat Coventry City on penalties after a 3-3 draw. AAARRRGGHH!

In Germany with four rounds left, Leverkusen are champions with second placed Bayern three points clear of third placed Stuttgart who are two points ahead of Leipzig with Dortmund fifth. At the foot of the table, Darmstadt and Cologne seem to be relegated.

In Italy’s Serie A, all four top teams drew but Inter seem to have it won, fourteen points ahead of AC Milan with Juventus a further five points behind. Bologna stays in fourth place with Roma fifth. Salernitana is doomed together with two out of Sassuolo, Frosinone and Udinese.

In Spain’s La Liga, Real Madrid beat Barcelona and is now nine points clear of Barca. Girona is two points behind in third place and leads Atletico by seven points with Bilbao fifth. At the foot of the table Almeria along with Granada and probably Cadiz are probably gone.

And in Ligue1 in France, with five rounds left, PSG won and is now eleven points clear of Monaco with Brest two points further behind in third place. Lille stays fourth with Nice a further five points adrift in fifth spot.

In the 2nd Leg of the Europe Champions League Quarter finals Arsenal lost away to Bayern and Real Madrid, away to Manchester City, went through on penalties. PSG beat Barcelona to qualify for the semi-finals and Dortmund went through against Atletico.

This week’s quote is from English manager Sam Allardyce "Today was about our lack of ability to not produce the ability we've got."

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Ayr Junior Golf

April 24, 2024

We had a near full house for Juniors this Saturday with 18 juniors taking the field. It was the March Monthly Medal and some great scores came in for the morning, with some close ones too and two count backs to decide on the winners. Heath Smart was the 3 hole monthly medal winner, Lyla Land for 6 holes, and Gabe Hatherall for 9 holes. Well done to all competitors. We also had coach Darryll from Townsville join us for the morning to teach some short game and putting skills to the juniors first. This definitely helped Lyla who had a birdie on the 11th hole with a chip onto the green from 50 metres out to sink the ball into the hole. Well done Lyla.
This Saturday morning will be the April Monthly medal.

Contributed by Laura Mahoney

Heath Smart and Oscar Mahoney

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Burdekin Torpedo Takes On National Campionships

April 24, 2024

Millie Lyne and her coaches, Kim and Mick McConnachie, travelled to the Gold Coast earlier in the month to compete at the Australian Age Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast and represent the Burdekin Torpedoes at a National level. The experience for Millie was amazing and she would not have reached it without the support of her wonderful coaches and the Burdekin Swimming Club being 100% behind her. Millie raced in the 14yo Girls 50m Breaststroke and put in a fantastic swim to just go above her personal best time and place 50th in the Nation from 81 swimmers who made the qualifying time.
On pool deck was former Burdekin Torpedo Seamus Casey who had a jampacked week of seven swims and he came away with a silver medal in the Boys 14-15yo 4 x 50m Freestyle relay for St Peters Western.

Contributed by Kate Lyne

Millie Lyne and her coaches Mick and Kim McConnachie

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Table Bowl News

April 24, 2024

Round 1 week 5:
National 1 v Crushers at the National 7-3
Cougars v Bombers at the Ayr 8-2
National II v Ants at the Anzac 7-3
Falcons had the bye 10 points
Points:
Nat II - 40, Crushers - 37, Nat I - 36, Falcons - 30, Ants - 22, Cougars - 20 and Bombers 15
Games for Wednesday 24/04:
Nat II v Falcons at National, Bombers v Crushers at Queens, Cougars v Nat I at Ayr and
Ants have the bye


Contributed by Kerry Davison

National II Team

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Roosters Find Winning Form On Home Soil

April 24, 2024

It was a great day for the Burdekin Roosters at Rugby Park on Saturday night in front of a very big crowd when the locals played Brothers in three grades, winning two and drawing one.
Instead of concentrating for only three quarters of the game as they have done in recent matches the, A grade put it together from go to whoa winning 28 - 4.
“I was glad to see the boys in focus for the full game and they now know what they could have done in other matches as they did in this one,” coach Steve Lansley said.
The coach thought his team had a full eighty-minute performance.
Fullback Jones Munro had an outstanding game both in defence and attack.
Brothers peppered him with a variety of kicks, but he came through with flying colours.
Munro then turned attack into defence with some long jerking runs up the paddock which yielded two good tries.
His defence was also spot on diffusing a number of try attempts.
With Rhett Williams attending his siters wedding, Kalin Nauque was moved to hooker from lock with Blackhawk Englishman Chris Gale coming in.
It took Kali back in time when he represented Fiji at two World Cups as a hooker.
He controlled play well giving his big men plenty of good ball with front rower Jeremiah Matuate a menace to the Brothers’ defence.
Second rower Lachlan Shepherd was once again one of the better players in all areas.
Terry Connors was brought in to play half with Joel Mason out and he turned on a great game.
Terry was the perfect link between forwards and backs with his defence playing above his weight and size.
The coach said the boys now know how to win and they have to put the practice into action when they play other sides, especially Souths at home this Sunday.
Jones Munro scored 2 tries with one each to Patrick Krause, Caleb Noah, Kali Nauque and Dylan Doak kicked 4 goals
In other A grade matches, Souths beat Norths 48 - 4, Charters Towers beat Western Lions 19 - 16 while Herbert River and Centrals had byes.
The two French imports playing in the reserves showed what they can do with the weather a bit cooler as they both stood out in the reserve grade 14 all draw with Brothers.
Both boys have played two matches in searing heat before Saturday night and found the drop in temperature so good they both played a full reserve grade game before sitting on the bench for A grade where they again played well.
Coach Chris Perry said his team did not play well enough to deserve the win, but they put themselves in that position with costly errors.
“Basic mistakes cost us the game ...  we have to work on our fitness and those mistakes won’t come,” the coach said.
The coach named Paul Meryl as his best player and his three tries from dummy half were smart efforts.
Fellow Frenchman Wassime Mahali wasn’t far behind with his defence and hard straight running.
Perry said his two centres Kyle Ferguson and Riley Horan were two of the best players out there with forward Sem Tom doing some good runs in attack.
Paul Meryl scored three tries with John Zaro kicking a goal.
In other reserve matches Souths beat Norths 34 - 12, Western Lions beat Charters Towers 14 - 8, Centrals gave Bowen their first loss 32 - 12 with Herbert River on a bye.
With coach Anita Hagarty walking the Kokoda Trail, Ricky Dallachy took over the coaching of the Hens team and they made Anita’s trek a little easier by running out commanding winners 40 - 10.
Ricky told his team to take it up the centre a couple of times and then send it wide as often as possible and run the bigger Brothers girls off their feet.
They did that with five of the eight tries coming from out wide.
The halves Soliel Heron and Toni Daisy controlled the play well with Soliel being players player.
Teah Lee Monday, Abby King and Theo Mosby Nona were dangerous up front making ground with Anna Mila Bin Awel showing plenty of promise.
Out wide, Jo Morgan was on fire with two tries while Martina Monday and Toni Daisy cut holes in the defence.
Logan Roncato was another stand out and it was great to see Tegan Johnson pick up a four pointer.
Jo Morgan scored two tries with Theo Mosby Nona while Martina Monday, Toni Daisy, Teah Lee Monday and Tegan Johnson scored tries with Soliel Heron kicking four goals.
In the other Ladies match Western Lions beat Charters Towers 52 - 4 while Norths, Centrals and Herbert River had byes.
This Sunday, the A grade side meets Souths at Rugby Park with the reserves playing Bowen also in Ayr.
Teams had not been selected at time of writing but Rhett Williams, Joel Mason and Nemia Nawave should all be back for A grade.
The Hens have a bye this week.
Norths will play Centrals, Brothers meet Charters Towers and Herbert River host Western Lions.

Contributed by Brian Carnes

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Cheers To 20 Years Canefield Ashes Anniversary Celebrated In Style

April 17, 2024

The Eugene Pagotto Memorial Canefield Ashes celebrated its 20th anniversary over the weekend with hundreds of cricketers, supporters, families and friends flocking to Home Hill to celebrate.
The carnival saw innumerable huge sixes hit, classic catches taken, and beverages consumed, but attendees ultimately enjoyed the weekend as an opportunity to catch up with mates and participate in what has become an iconic Burdekin event.
Organisers expressed satisfaction with the 2024 event and gratitude to the attendees, supporters, sponsors and volunteers.
Read on to find the results.

ALL GRADES
Most Catches - Reece McCubben (Zookickers)
Most Ducks - Jack Castrejana (Home Hill Bandits)
Most 6’s - Mitch Bradford (Sugar Daddies)
Highest Score - Chris Mann (Nomads)

SOCIAL GRADE
Winners - Borders XI
Runners up - Shouldawornabox
Most Runs - Jarrod Camer (Home Hill Bandits)
Most Wickets - Michael Carrara (Moores Marauders)
Social Grade Player of the Carnival - Deegan Woods (Shouldawornabox)

C GRADE
Winners - Buldgers XI
Runners up - Canefield Slashers
Most Runs - Salvatore Cardillo (Sledgers XI)
Most Wickets - Dan Olditch (Sledgers XI)
C Grade Player of the Carnival - Bryce Stockdale (Buldgers XI)

B GRADE
Winners - Bowen Chargers
Runners up - Honeycombes JD
Batting Aggregate - Lee Watts (Horny Bulls)
Batting Average - Alex Brown (Clout’n’Out)
Bowling Aggregate - Chris Stainsby (Thirsty Rhinos)
Bowling Average - Daniel Borgh (Bowen Chargers)
B Grade Player of the Carnival - Matthew Ryder (Castlemain Kings)

A GRADE
Winners - Ben Dovers
Runners up - Sugar Daddies
Batting Aggregate - Andy Ballin (Ben Dovers)
Batting Average - Mitchell Carmen (MVM)
Bowling Aggregate - Damien Ricketts (Victorious Secret)
Bowling Average - Brendan Williams (Wackers)
A Grade Player of the Carnival - Grant Dilger (Bumbos XI)

A Grade winners Ben Dovers
B Grade winners Bowen Chargers
C Grade winners Buldgers XI
Social Grade winners Borders XI

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Brandon Bowls

April 17, 2024

Thursday April 11 was an afternoon of mixed social bowls with the winners of the day in a very tight game was Kay Garner, Vanda Ballao, Joy Woods and Margaret.
Friday April 12, we had our monthly Trophy night proudly sponsored by North Queensland Green Solutions where most of the Brandon community turned up for a great night of bowls. We had 82 bowlers which must be a record with everyone having a great time.
The weather was perfect and nice to bowl in cooler conditions for a change.
A massive thanks goes out to the evening’s Coordinators Gary Pearce and Bob Jorgenson for making sure everyone got on the green under very difficult circumstances.
Another big thank you to the ladies in the kitchen for putting together a great smoko and the BBQ was cooked by our onsite chef Len Feeny who once again did a great job.
Stayed tuned for next round and sponsor.
Winners were Sandra Darween, Margaret Chapman, Henry Hazel and Gary Pearce; Runners Up were Ryan West, Lloyd Shepherd Brett Wilshere and Jayson Farry; and Winners of the Losers were J Lewis, Dee, H Prideaux and E Lewis.
Sunday April 14 Championship Rounds
Three games were played and in the A grade singles, Tony Bayliss played Doug Robins with Tony too strong to take out the match.
B Grade singles saw three games played with Gary Nosworthy playing the in-form Peter Lejarraga in the first; the form continued with Peter taking out the match.
Ken Ferguson played Norm Storrie on Friday with Norm taking out the lead early on in the game - unfortunately for him, Fergie came home strong to win the game.
And in the final game of B grade singles, it was once again Ken Fergusen playing the powerhouse Doug Kiehne in a tight game where Doug was eventual winner.
Sunday April 14 Social Bowls
Rob Jorgenson and Ray Paneccasio def Ross McLaughlin.
Norm Highinbothem, Trevor Elton and Danny O’Shea def Mick McCloskey, Vince Beitia and Jamie Woods.
Con Section and Leo Kenny def Neville Dickinson and Joe Yipnazar.
Judy Elton, Lyn Storrie and Allan Garioch def Henry Hazel, Norm Storrie and Geoff Taylor.
Don’t forget to get your names in for Anzac Day Mixed Triples proudly sponsored by RLA finance; bowls attire required and affiliated players only.

Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd

Tony Bayliss, Doug Kiehne and Peter Lejarraga. Photo supplied

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Have Your Say In The Queensland Household Energy Survey

April 17, 2024

Queenslanders have the opportunity to tell the state’s electricity networks about their energy needs and wants in the 2024 Queensland Household Energy Survey.  
Energy Queensland CEO Peter Scott said more residential customers are being encouraged to share their insights in the long-running survey which is a joint initiative of Energex, Ergon Energy Network and Powerlink Queensland.
“Every customer’s input into the Queensland Household Energy Survey matters and 4,200 households participated last year,” he said.
“The more we understand about what’s happening on the home front, the clearer picture we have of what the network of the future needs to cater for.  
“The energy landscape has changed dramatically since the first survey in 2009 when rooftop solar was only just taking off in Queensland and electric vehicles were a novelty.    
“Last year’s survey results reflected the community’s focus on cost of living - 53% of respondents were concerned about their ability to pay their power bills, 75% were looking to reduce their electricity use and 72% of households with solar were using it to cut costs.  
“Energy affordability has always been a top priority for us and all the feedback from our customers reinforces that approach.”
The online Queensland Household Energy Survey is open from now until Sunday April 21.
Visit www.talkingenergy.com.au/qhes to find out more and to take the survey.

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