In an unforgettable 2023 rugby union season, the Burdekin Rugby Union Club left an indelible mark, triumphing in a dramatic Reserve Grade Grand Final showdown. Building on the previous year's independence from A-grade, the team's journey was marked by talent, resilience, and unyielding determination.

By the time mid-season arrived, the Reserve Grade boasted an impressive record of six wins and two losses. The team had started to take shape, with a backline that bore a striking resemblance to the renowned Fiji Bati, a youthful forward pack, and the experience of players like Hugh Leeson-Smith and Chris Baker added further depth to the squad, making them a formidable competitor.

In the elimination final, Burdekin faced a formidable Teachers West team known for their physicality and confidence. As rugby aficionados know, the forward pack often determines the outcome, while the backline determines the margin of victory. The young Burdekin pack rose to the occasion, outmatching and outlasting Teachers in every aspect of the game. Notable performances by Robbie Cantarella, who scored two crucial tries, and workhorse Aaron Peters were instrumental in securing the victory.

The grand final match against Brothers was a heart-pounding roller coaster of emotions. Despite the adversity of losing live-wire halfback Zac Nolan, the team rallied behind the selfless Hugh Leeson-Smith, who delivered an outstanding all-around performance. The game had it all, from charge-down tries to long-distance efforts and even extra time, pushing both teams to their limits.

In front of an electrifying Burdekin crowd, the team got off to a flying start, leading 14-0. The forward pack dominated Brothers, with Robbie Canterella and Wainui Matainavora giving their all. However, Brothers mounted a comeback, tying the game at 14-all at halftime. The tension continued for 70 intense minutes, with no clear winner emerging as the final whistle blew, leaving the score at 28-all.

Extra time seemed to bring out the best in Burdekin's playing group, especially Joeli Lutumailagi and Isireli Nasawalu, who launched a two-try onslaught that sealed the victory with a final score of 38-28. The win was a testament to the team's incredible performance and their ability to shine in critical moments, marked by brilliant individual displays.

Special congratulations were in order for Nemia Nawave, who was named Player of the Final, recognising his exceptional contribution to the team's success.

Head Coach, Jeff Sullivan, said he was extremely proud of the way the Burdekin boys bonded throughout the season, forever learning, and progressively improving to keep cool heads under pressure in the final. He made special mention of Captains, Chris Baker, CJ Nolan and Xander Barnard for their leadership and encouragement of the team.

The 2023 season will forever be etched in the annals of Burdekin Rugby Union Club's history as they showcased their talent, tenacity, and teamwork on their path to grand final glory.

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Reserve Grade 2023 champions

Nemia Nawave was named Player of the Final

On Friday, September 15, the last bowl was sent down the rink at Home Hill Community Sports Club by Joe Linton.

The next morning, 14 players and club members turned up to begin the dusty and dirty task of ripping up the carpet and clearing out the drainage ditches surrounding the green.

Monday, September 18 saw the arrival of the contractor from Brisbane to begin laying the new green.

Upon completion, the new green will be named Rummeny Green after club patron Karl Rummeny, who turns 100 years young in December.

The Home Hill Bowling Club first opened in 1930.

In 1961, the cement surrounds were completed, the date engraved in concrete and only discovered after removing the carpet beside the clubhouse.

The green was last upgraded in 2009 when it was opened by the then Member for Burdekin Rosemary Menkens.

The committee currently consists of President Trevor Elton, Vice President Lloyd Shepard, Treasurer Wayne Newton, Secretary John Clark and Public Relations and Games Coordinator Stephen Doig.

Social bowls is played on Thursday afternoons commencing at 1:30pm, Friday nights from 6:00pm with weekend bowls hoping to commence in the near future.

The club has a function room and a licensed bar area, hosting regular community events including bingo on Friday mornings, craft on Wednesday mornings and fitness.

The club will host a reopening event upon the completion of the new green with a date and time to be confirmed.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Home Hill Community Sports Club President Trevor Elton and Public Relations and Games Coordinator Stephen Doig overseeing the laying down of a new green. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Following a short hiatus during the school holidays, Ayr Junior Golf is gearing up for an exciting return on Saturday, October 7. The break saw some of its members showcase their skills at the Cairns Junior Open and the Townsville Junior Open. To kick things off, the young golfers will benefit from coaching sessions led by Darryl, setting the stage for the customary 3, 6, or 9-hole competitions.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 14, as Ayr Junior Golf will host the October Monthly Medal event, building anticipation for the eagerly awaited two-day Karrie Webb Junior Masters scheduled for October 21 and 22.

As always, Ayr Junior Golf extends a warm welcome to new members interested in joining the ranks. For additional information, please reach out to juniorcaptain@ayrgc.com. It's time to tee off and embrace the world of junior golfing!

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Junior golfers are being kept busy in the school holidays with the Cairns and Townsville Junior Opens, followed by the Karrie Webb Junior Masters October 21 and 22

In a showcase of community support and sporting camaraderie, the Burdekin Tyre Service Day 2023 witnessed a vibrant gathering at the Ayr Golf Club. Pam and Jason Guy, renowned for their unwavering backing of sports across the Burdekin region, once again displayed their generosity by sponsoring this year's captivating partner day.

The event, which featured a 4-ball best ball (4bbb) format, attracted the participation of 25 enthusiastic ladies, all eager to showcase their golfing prowess. The competition was fierce, with impressive scores punctuating the day's play, and the distribution of prizes extended down to the fifth spot.

However, it was Donna Reid and Ingrid Vaes who emerged as the day's shining stars, displaying a remarkable synergy that propelled them to the top with 45 points. Their outstanding performance is sure to turn heads as they gear up for the upcoming Ayr Open.

The competition remained intense as four teams finished closely behind with 43 points each. In a nail-biting countback, Janet Trezise and Loretta Mauro secured the second spot, edging past the formidable duo of Betty Durrant and Sandra Wight. Meanwhile, Angie Baxter and Kim Manty held their own to secure the fourth position, followed closely by Tuk Williams and Lorraine Henderson in fifth place.

The Ayr Golf Club community now eagerly anticipates the upcoming Peagham Honour Board 4bbb event on Saturday, followed by the thrilling 9-hole Burnt Sugar afternoon challenge on Sunday.

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In a display of family camaraderie, the McIntosh Family made their mark at the BMX State Championships held at Coolooa BMX Club in Gympie. Bradley McIntosh competed in the masters in the 40-44 Cruiser Men category, Deon raced in the 13 Boys and 13-14 Cruiser Boys categories, while sister, Holly, rode in the 11 Girls and 11-12 Cruiser Girls divisions.

The McIntosh Family's journey to the championships was a testament to their love for the fast-paced sport of BMX. Riding fearlessly through every fast corner, they showcased their skills and determination on the track.

BMXers in the Burdekin race every Wednesday night and enjoy Sunday Fundays filled with thrilling rides and friendly competition. Their training sessions are organised into skill groups, ensuring that everyone, from rookies to seasoned riders, can improve their abilities.

Lisa Purssell, President of Burdekin BMX, expressed the club's enthusiasm for the upcoming season. "We are having the most amazing time at Burdekin BMX and look forward to the season ahead," she said. "Our biggest and most talked-about carnival of the year is on the horizon, taking place on the 18th and 19th of November. We anticipate hosting 150-200 riders and their families from across the region for an unforgettable weekend of BMX action."

To make this event even more remarkable, Burdekin BMX is actively seeking sponsors. Their commitment to promoting BMX and community engagement is evident, and they welcome any support to make the carnival a resounding success.

Recently, Burdekin BMX held its Annual General Meeting (AGM), welcoming a new committee that is eager to steer the club towards a promising future. With fresh ideas and a passion for the sport, the club looks forward to a year filled with exciting events and opportunities for riders of all ages.

For those interested in joining the BMX fun or supporting Burdekin BMX, whether as a rider, sponsor, or enthusiast, they can visit the club's Facebook page for more information.

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The McIntosh Family travelled to Coolooa BMX club in Gympie for The Cycling Queensland BMX State Championships

Deon launching off the start line at the State Championships. Credit: Tahlia Jayne Photography

The 24th annual Hacker's Cup, hosted by the Lower Burdekin Hockey Association on Saturday, September 23, saw around 40 passionate players take to the field for a fun day of grass hockey. In a remarkable turn of events, the Broncos, leading the way for their NRL counterparts, clinched victory, adding to the day's excitement.

The carnival was designed to introduce new players to the sport of hockey through a 5-a-side competition on modified fields.  Teams are mixed gender with novice hockey players, or hackers, a hot commodity.  A number of teams also use junior players in their roster, helping to ensure that the future of the sport is in good hands.

The windy conditions were welcomed by players to combat the effects of a sunny, cloudless sky.  Fields were green and lush, with the unpredictability of ball movement on grass proving to be a challenge for some of the experienced turf and indoor hockey players.  

Although the day was physically challenging with all teams playing in at least four games, the spirit of friendly competition was evident all day.  The Darcy Duggan Memorial Award for Spirit of the Carnival (introduced in 2014) acknowledges the player who epitomises the friendly, fair and inclusive hockey player we all strive to be.

Results

A Division Winners – Burdekin Broncos

B Division Winners – Thunder

Best and Fairest Female – Ashley Green and Lynette Wheeler

Best and Fairest Male – Westley Darwen, Wesley Glover, Mark Nicolaides, Bradley Sibson

Goal Hog – Westley Darwen

Spirit of the Carnival – Matthew Gardner

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B Division Winners, Thunder

Three Burdekin Roosters Junior Rugby League squads recently travelled to compete in tournaments, bringing their 2023 seasons to a close.

The under 9s team travelled to Proserpine to compete in the Paul Bowman Challenge from September 16 to 17.

The non-competitive carnival welcomed over 80 teams from across Queensland to the Proserpine Junior Rugby League Fields.

“Every year, our whole club attends all carnivals from under 8s to under 15s,” said Burdekin Roosters JRL President Jared Smith.

“It’s good for the kids to get out and play a lot of different kids from a lot of other communities.

“They play eight or nine games in those two days, so they jam in a lot of football and get a lot out of it.”

The Burdekin Roosters under 9s team wore black armbands as they ran onto the field for the Paul Bowman Challenge in Proserpine, honouring local rugby league legend and Burdekin Roosters life member Norm Bohl, who passed away on Sunday, September 10.

Norm’s great grandson played in the under 9s team at the carnival.

“The boys wore black armbands for Norm because he was instrumental in the starting of junior rugby league in the Burdekin,” said Mr Smith.

The weekend of September 23 to 24 saw both the under 10s and under 14s compete in respective tournaments.

The under 10s travelled to Townsville for the Gorden Tallis Cup where 80 teams from across Queensland met for the non-competitive carnival.

“They played five games on the Saturday and four on Sunday,” said Mr Smith.

“They have an absolute ball, those kids.”

The under 14s then travelled to Cairns for the Tassel Trophy Challenge, the boys unfortunately not making it past the group stages of the tournament.

“The boys kept training once a week and went up there to have a good time rather than trying to take it out,” said Mr Smith.

“We’d rather go with the teams we have and give all of our kids the opportunity to play in those carnivals.”

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The under 9s Burdekin Roosters recently travelled to Proserpine to compete in the Paul Bowman Challenge. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

The Burdekin Roosters under 9s team wore black armbands honouring local rugby league legend life member Norm Bohl. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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