In a thrilling night of high-octane action, Pioneer Park Speedway played host to the 2023 Queensland Sidecar Championships, showcasing the skills of some of the best riders in the state. The track was on fire, and the crowd was treated to some heart-stopping moments as the sidecar teams battled it out for supremacy.

Taking the top step of the podium was the formidable duo of Brodie Cohen and Josh Murray, who displayed their prowess on the dirt with a stellar performance. Their lightning-quick manoeuvres and unwavering determination secured them the well-deserved gold medal, making them the 2023 Queensland Sidecar Champions.

Not far behind, Stuart Firth and Jason Martin claimed the second spot with an impressive showing, demonstrating their skill and teamwork.

In third place, Trent Headland and April Cottrell showcased their mettle, earning themselves the bronze medal and a spot on the podium. Their tenacity and skill were evident throughout the championship, solidifying their place among Queensland's top sidecar riders.

Tyler Moon and Adam Lovell also put up a commendable performance, finishing in fourth place. While they narrowly missed the podium, their racing spirit and camaraderie were evident to all in attendance.

The action-packed night didn't stop with the sidecars, as the 125cc Solos and Stockbikes also added to the excitement. Ky Mitchell took the top spot in the 125cc Solos, demonstrating exceptional talent and speed. Beau Baker and Kai Moran claimed the second and third positions, respectively, making it a hard-fought competition.

In the Stockbikes category, the battles were fierce, with multiple riders taking the lead at different points in the event. Shane Oats, Lucas Quinn, Lachy Moody, and Jesse Tuffin all showcased their skills and claimed victories on various occasions. The competition was so intense that every race seemed up for grabs, keeping the audience at the edge of their seats.

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Pioneer Park Speedway hosted the 2023 Queensland Sidecar Championships. Photo source: Pioneer Park Speedway on FacebooK

Burdekin FC Celebrates Half a Century

Football's roots in the Burdekin region trace back to the early 1900s when passionate individuals would engage in informal matches in Ayr and Home Hill. Most of these early players were migrants hailing from countries such as Scotland, Ireland, England, and various parts of Europe. In those days, there was no structured club or competition – the focus was on fostering camaraderie and shared love for the beautiful game.

The early 1970s witnessed the emergence of a more organized senior soccer competition as a group of men from Ayr began to lay the foundations for formal gameplay. Sunday afternoons became synonymous with thrilling matches. Over the years, teams would ebb and flow, with typically four teams participating at any given time. The teams included Centrals, Comets, Crusaders, Easts, Grenadiers, Juventus, and Parkside Rangers.

In 1971, the North Queensland Soccer Federation (NQSF), based in Townsville, extended an invitation to Ayr players to compete in their first division, filling in to play teams on their bye weeks. Ayr embraced this opportunity, leading to periodic journeys to Townsville for matches and reciprocal visits from Townsville teams. Although many players were content with this arrangement, some aspired to compete more regularly in the more elite NQSF competition.

During the 1972 season, the idea of joining the NQSF officially took root. By 1973, the Ayr Senior Soccer Association played its inaugural season, eventually evolving into the Burdekin Soccer Club in 1987, now fondly known as Burdekin FC.

Meanwhile, in the early days of junior football, clubs were formed by local schools for players in U8 to U16 age groups, including Comets from Brandon, Centrals from Ayr, AK United from Airdmillan and Kalamia, Rangers from Home Hill and Easts United from East Ayr. Both junior and senior competitions were played at fields on MacMillan Street behind the Ayr Pool, where junior games were played as curtain raisers to the senior matches. In 1974, the Burdekin Football Senior competition was relocated to its current home at International Park on Beach Road.  

With an increase in the number of children enrolled in the local small schools, these schools joined forces to form Crusaders. By the 1980s there were four clubs in the local competition; Home Hill Rangers, Easts United, Saint Francis Saints and Crusaders, later joined by the Bowen Football Association. In 2010, Burdekin Junior Football also relocated to Beach Road.

It was decided that in 2016 the existing juniors’ clubs would unite and the Burdekin Junior Soccer body would run the competition, providing a local non-competitive fixture for U5-U12 and the U12-U16 players playing in the FQ Northern Football Competition in Townsville. The Senior players also compete in the FQ Northern Competition in Premier League Men, Reserve Men, 1st Division Men, 2nd Division Men, Premier League Women and Reserve Women divisions, playing in both Townsville and at home. In 2021, the senior and junior football bodies amalgamated to form Burdekin FC, providing new opportunities for the club and its members while maintaining club values and culture.

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Burdekin FC’s 50 year celebrations started the night before the Gala Dinner at the Annual Escriva Cup and meet and greet, held at International Park on Friday, October 13.

12 teams battled it out in the social 6-a-side tournament, with Class of 13 defeating Mad Punts 3-1 in the men’s final and Pink Panthers triumphing over Fireball with a convincing 6-0 win in the Ladies final.

The Escriva Cup was established in recognition of past player and mate of the club, Eddie Escriva who served as the First Division goalkeeper for many years.

Eddie played his junior soccer in the Burdekin and went on to play for Ayr, Burdekin, and North Queensland.

The annual event is run by the SLoBs (Soccer Legends of the Burdekin) to raise funds for the Burdekin Ex-Players Benevolent Association.

Results

Men’s Final

Class of 13 3 (goals to Kyle Taylor, Patrick Puddlefoot and Jake Perry) def Mad Punts 1 (goal to Mark Grasso)

Women’s Final

Pink Panthers 6 (goals to Sian Reardon (2), Charlotte Dal Santo (2), Maygen Valle (2)) def Fireball 0

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Class of 13

Pink Panthers

Bill and Helen Taylor

Maureen Perry, Chris Perry, and Jerome Lacco

Hope Perry and Jobe Oar

Felix Gabiola, Jessie Escriva, Ann Escriva, Elena Sesma, and Tracey Gabiola

Marty Pierce, Shane Feeney, and Raymon Oar

Laurence Dal Santo, Michael Taylor, and Clinton Southern

Rick Romeo and Nick Predebon

Piggy the Bendigo Bank mascot

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Name: Catherine West (Roncato)

Years with Burdekin FC: 1993 – 2019

Position: Centre Midfield

It’s a career that began in the Burdekin, led to captaining Australia, and resulted in legendary status in north Queensland football, but Catherine West will never forget her roots.

Catherine embarked on her football journey at a time that she says was a rocky one for the women’s team at Burdekin FC, but it didn’t stop her from going on to join the U16 North Queensland women’s team in 1992 before representing Australia in 1993, 1994 and 1995.

In 1995, she even captained the Junior Matildas side to a three-nil victory against New Zealand in a test match while on tour.

They are all fond memories, but Catherine holds her time in the Burdekin dearest.

It was a time of hard work and rebuilding, but she said the players around her made the journey worthwhile.

“We’d gone through a period where other teams had dominated the competition,” Catherine said.

“We were bottom of the ladder for a long, long time.”

It wasn’t until 2006 that she won her first grand final with the club, and it remains one of her most cherished memories.

Catherine went on to play for and coach multiple clubs in Townsville but will never forget her roots.

“Nothing ever beats playing for Burdekin,” she said.

“There’s something great about playing club football.

“You’ll maintain those memories forever because it’s something that you work for the whole year round.”

As her career progressed into coaching the beautiful game, Catherine’s piece of advice to young players is a simple message: “Remember to have fun and don’t get caught up in the pressure of what jersey you’re wearing but focus on what you love doing and that’s playing the game.”

Catherine returned to the Burdekin for Burdekin FC’s 50 year celebrations where she and fellow guest speaker Felix Gabiola guided the audience through the 1993-2002 era of the club.

“You can take the girl out of the Burdekin, but you can’t take the Burdekin out of the girl,” she said.

“That’s something I genuinely believe in.”

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Catherine, her sister Monica and Monica’s daughter Amaia playing for Burdekin FC in 2014

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Name: Kate Southern (Castelanelli)

Years with Burdekin FC: 2002 – present

Position: Centre Midfield

Since starting football at the age of five and joining the Burdekin FC Senior Women’s team at the age of 14, Kate Southern has gone on to become an absolute club stalwart.

She felt her pride for the Panthers when she joined Burdekin FC’s 50 Year Gala Ball organising committee, which allowed her to reflect on her last 20 years with the club.

“I felt very privileged to be a part of that committee,” Kate said.

“It was nice to relive those memories as we were organising the event.”

Kate’s football career started young and saw her move to Brisbane to pursue a scholarship with the Queensland Academy of Sport at age 17.

She played in Queensland representative teams for four years and was even selected in the U19 Matildas Development Squad ahead of the U19 Women's World Championship in 2004, but a viral infection meant she was unable to travel to Thailand for the tournament.

Kate returned Burdekin FC where she’s since won six premierships.

“In the years that I played, we had quite a strong team and won quite a few premierships,” she said.

“They were some of the best years of my life.

“Most of my weekends were spent at soccer so besides playing the game there was such good camaraderie off the field.

“Some of the players I played with will be lifelong friends.”

Kate joined these lifelong friends on Saturday night not only as a member of the organising committee, but also as a guest speaker reflecting on the last decade of the club’s history alongside Angelo Licciardello, Lyndsay Gabiola and Maddison Dal Santo.

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^{Catherine West and Kate Southern with their sons in 2019}

Name: Louis Zabala

Years with Burdekin FC: 2006 – 2012

Position: Midfielder

All Louis Zabala ever wanted to do was play football.

With older brothers who loved the game just as much as he did, his childhood was spent playing in the backyard, going to football training or at the junior fields on a Saturday, waiting around all day to see if another side was short of players so he could fill in for another game.

He started with Burdekin FC at the age of five, developing his skills and fostering his passion for the game before playing in Townsville from age 11.

“That’s where I started playing and that’s where I found my love for the game,” Louis said.

“As a young kid, I loved it, it used to be the highlight of my week.

“It was all I ever wanted to do.”

After a few years playing in Townsville, Louis moved to Sydney at the age of 15 to follow his dreams of playing professional football and upon finishing school, took the next step to Spain.

Louis’ European football journey was never fully realised, however, as after a year of playing in Spain, a global pandemic hit, sending him back to the Burdekin without a clear path forward.

It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it allowed Louis to reunite with his roots and play seniors with the Panthers.

“After that, I was fortunate enough to get signed by the Brisbane Roar,” he said.

Louis made the move the Queensland capital where he made his way through the ranks of the Brisbane Roar Academy.

He played for and even captained the Youth team, leading them to achieve their greatest result in NPL by making the semi-finals for the first time in the team’s history.

A string of stellar performances led to training sessions with the first team with whom he now plays for professionally, having made several FFA cup and A-League appearances.

Having forged the path from the regions of north Queensland to the highest level of professional men's soccer in Australia, Louis said he hopes to inspire his hometown, and thanked them for their support.

“When you’re a kid, from the country especially, it’s tough to make it professionally, but that’s all I ever wanted to do,” he said.

“I’m grateful for my parents, they gave me a lot of opportunity, so I never missed out.

“It’s all I ever wanted to do, it’s all I really knew, and I’m very fortunate that I get to play football as my job now.”

Louis said the keys to his success are a love for the game and a drive to take it further and further.

“If you work at it long enough and hard enough, then you give yourself the best chance,” he said.

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Get ready for heart-stopping intercepts and swish nothing-but-net shots, a netball extravaganza is poised to launch, promising more fun than a bounce pass in the rain. It's not just any fundraiser; it's a passing parade, a contact collision, and an obstruction odyssey all rolled into one at A Spring Day on the Lawn - in aid of BNA’s Harvest Festival Queen Entrant, Dayna Linton.

This year, the event is spicing things up with a delightful twist, The Battle of the Balls. Imagine Rugby Union, Rugby League, and Football teams facing off against our local netball heroes – the old boys and the young guns, causing onlookers to barrack for their favourite ball carrier.

Be there when a lucky local will win $10K!

With two hundred club members participating, each netball player was assigned a unique number between 1 and 200. The lucky number will be drawn at the Spring Day on the Lawn netting its winner a very cool $10,000. It's a game of chance more thrilling than a perfectly timed interception.

For those looking to elevate their netball experience, the Spring Day on the Lawn Marquee awaits. Tickets to this exclusive event are a mere $40 and secure your spot at a shaded table. Expect delectable food, and DJ Brendan spinning tunes.

Tickets for the Netball Spectacular are conveniently available at the Clubhouse on Thursday and at NQIB in Young Street, Ayr. It promises to be a wonderful, laid-back day, and the organisers warmly encourage members to extend the invitation to their friends and fellow netball enthusiasts for a fantastic family day out.

The bar will be open, offering a variety of refreshing drinks, and the BBQ will be sizzling all day. As the sun sets and the netball action continues, DJ Brendan will ensure the mood remains upbeat well into the night. So why not make a plan to come along in the afternoon, stay for dinner, and enjoy a truly relaxed and entertaining day, surrounded by the spirit of camaraderie and netball passion?

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A season that started with inexperience finished with a state championship for the Burdekin Wildcats under 12 boys squad.

Head Coach Lauren Roncato shared her pride with the team, saying the boys had come a long way throughout the season.

“The boys began the season very raw and inexperienced,” she said.

“Out of the 10 players we had, only three had had previous rep experience.”

The team competed in three North Queensland Junior Basketball Competition carnivals throughout the year, travelling to Townsville, Cairns, and Mackay to compete and finishing in an impressive third place.

The team then travelled to Brisbane to compete at the Basketball Queensland State Championships from September 23 to 26, entering the under 12 competition in division 4.

An undefeated run in the pool matches saw the Wildcats enter finals with confidence, coming up against South West Metro Pirates Red for a place in the grand final.

After defeating the Pirates 68-56, it was Burdekin versus Ipswich Force 2 in the ultimate decider, with the Wildcats winning 61-54.

“The boys showed typical Burdekin grit and determination to win this close game,” Ms Roncato said.

“As head coach, I was very proud of the boys for their commitment to training each week, as well as their support for one another throughout the entire competition.

“It really makes it all worthwhile to see where they start the season to where they finish it, and the vast improvements shown by each player.

“The gold medal was the icing on the cake!”

Ms Roncato’s post-season message to the boys is a simple one.

“Just keep working hard on the fundamentals and enjoy playing with mates,” she said.

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Back row L-R Courtney Pennisi (Assistant Coach), Lauren Roncato (Head Coach), Amy Chandler (Assistant Coach); Middle row L-R Rocco Fahey, Jayke Durrant, Xavier Minuzzo, Bailey Lovell, Kyran Boccalatte; Front row L-R Chase Pennisi, Sidney Rizzi, Cruz Roncato, Linc Chandler, Daley Flanagan

Thursday, October 12 saw 16 keen bowlers turn up to play the first game on the brand-new rink at Home Hill Community Sports Club.

It was tricky getting used to the slowness of the carpet with almost no bias.

Three rinks were used for two games of triples and one game of pairs.

Rink 4 saw Karl, Ferg, and Glen defeat Dino, John, and Dave 15-13.  

On Rink 5, Bob, Happy and Stephen defeated Paul, Joe, and Trevor 22-14.

Rink 6 was the pairs game where Jim and Alex went down to Judy and Mick 18-27.

The mystery rink winners for the day were Mick McCloskey and Judy Elton and the raffle was won by Ron Smith.  

On Thursday, October 26, Burdekin Motors will sponsor the day with $300 prize money up for grabs.

Ring the club before 1pm to register for a 1:30 start.

$12 a head and you must be a registered bowler.

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One half of the Mystery Rink winning team Judy Elton. Photo credit: Stephen Doig

The Burdekin Clay Target Club held their monthly shoot on Sunday, October 8, with 34 competitors competing. Conditions were extremely windy which made it a very challenging day. Thank you to our sponsors for the day, Home Hill Engineering, Michael and Susy Populin. Also thank you to Michael and Susy Populin for kindly donating a meat tray which was raffled off and won by John Dickerson.

Event 1-15 Pair Double Rise 15m

AA Grade 1st John Cerqui 27/30, 2nd Michael Zabala 26/30

A  Grade 1st Lindsay Groat 27/30, 2nd Alan Lord 21/30

B Grade 1st Tony Robinson 23/30, 2nd Sylvia Rossato 22/30, 3rd Greg Maltby 21/30

C Grade 1st Colin Ferguson 25/30, Aiden Sebastiani 22/30, 3rd Peter Scott 21/30

Event 2-25 Target Mixed Target Championship 15m

Sponsor- Home Hill Engineering

Open 1st Wayne Cislowski 47/49

AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso 45/49

A Grade 1st Wayne Cislowski 47/49

B Grade 1st Mark Simpson 42/49

C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 41/49

Event 3-25 Target Single Barrel 15m

AA Grade 1st Lindsay Groat 20/25

A Grade 1st Wayne Cislowski 24/25, 2nd Joe (jnr) Sebastiani 23/25, 3rd Colin Ferguson 22/25

B Grade 1st Aiden Sebastiani 21/25, 2nd John Kinnimonth 20/25

C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 20/25, 2nd Pedro Le Blowitz & Peter Giardino 19/25

Event 4-30 Target Burdekin Double Barrel Championship 15m

Sponsor Michael & Susy Populin

Open 1st Joe Caruso 34/35

AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso 34/35

A Grade 1st Bruce McBow 33/35

B Grade 1st Peter Scott 35/37

C Grade 1st Peter Giardino 26/30

Event 5-25 Target Double Barrel Handicap

Open 1st Joe (Jnr) Sebastiani 29/31

2nd Greg Maltby 28/31

3rd Jeff Taylor 24/27

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Contributed by the Burdekin Clay Target Club

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Raffle winner John Dickerson donated by Michael Populin

Event 2-25 Target Mixed Target Championship 15m winners

Wayne Cislowski, Joe Caruso, Mark Simpson, Brian Bonanno

Event 4-30 Target Burdekin Double Barrel Championship 15m winners

Sponsor Michael Populin, Joe Caruso, Bruce McBow, Peter Scott, Peter Giardino

Event 5-25 Target Double Barrel Handicap winners

Joe (Jnr) Sebastiani, Greg Maltby, Jeff Taylor

Pickleball is game a bit like tennis but played on a small court with a lightweight paddle and light whiffle ball.

The serve is underarm, and points are won on the serve.

Games are first to eleven points and typically take between 10 and 20 minutes.

Because it is played on a small court there are lots of opportunities to socialize.

Pickleball has become very popular throughout Australia with all age groups, but especially the over 55s.  

The reason for this is simple: it is easy to learn to play, is low impact and is easy on the body.  

It focuses on reflexes rather than power and running speed.

Pickleball is played at Home Hill Tennis every Tuesday 7 – 8:15 pm.

The first week you try is free and after this the weekly cost is $10 which includes court fees, membership, equipment use and a tea or coffee and a sweet.

“New players are always welcome, and we will teach you the rules and how to score,” said club representative Kate Casswell.

If you require more information, contact Kate on 044738441 or just come along and give it a go.

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L-R Heather Des Bois, Hannah Casswell, Kris Nolan, and Kate Casswell enjoying a hit of pickleball. Photo supplied

BMX enthusiasts from near and far converged at the Proserpine BMX Rumble for Ronald McDonald over the weekend, with our own Burdekin club sending a strong contingent of riders. As the final carnival of the year, the racing raises much-needed funds for Ronald McDonald House.

BURDEKIN BMX RESULTS

Mini Wheeler Competitor:

Hayne Messer

U5 Sprocket Boys:

Malakye Bull

9 Boys:

Raidan Messer (3rd place)

Harrison Sartori (4th place)

11 Boys:

Rhiley Brennan (4th place)

Adrian Abreau (8th place)

11 Girls:

Holly McIntosh (2nd place)

12 Boys:

Jake Sartori (5th place)

13 Boys:

Deon McIntosh (1st place)

Keatan Jarvis (4th place)

Superclass Men:

Kyle Hanlon (5th place)

40-44 Men:

Bradley McIntosh (3rd place)

45-49 Men:

David Sartori (1st place)

Mini wheeler competitor:

• Hayne Messer

U5 sprocket boys:

• Malakye Bull

9 boys:

• Raidan Messer (3rd place)

• Harrison Sartori (4th place)

11 boys:

• Rhiley Brennan (4th place)

• Adrian Abreau (8th place)

11 Girls:

• Holly McIntosh (2nd place)

12 boys:

• Jake Sartori (5th place)

13 boys:

• Deon McIntosh (1st place)

• Keatan Jarvis (4th place)

17-24 men:

• Kyle Hanlon (2nd place)

Superclass men:

• Kyle Hanlon (5th place)

40-44 men:

• Bradley McIntosh (3rd place)

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The Junior Cricket season kicked off on Friday, October 6 at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex in Home Hill with a good turn out of eager children itching to emulate their heroes with the bat and ball. There were some great skills on show for so early in the season thanks to the amount of cricket some of them have played recently at the Country Cup in Charters Towers. Some standouts with the bat were Michael Finn 14 runs, Oscar Mahoney 13 runs and Marshall Parker with 12 runs, all not out.

Marshall and Oscar took a wicket each when bowling as did Henri Klopper, but Nate Elphinstone stole the show with amazing figures of 3 wickets for only 2 runs off 2 overs. All the players had big smiles on their faces even if they didn’t score runs or take any wickets so it is certain that everyone had a good time.

Tuesday, October 10 was the start of the Rookies Blaster program (5-7yo) at East Ayr State School and last Friday saw the Challenger Blasters (7-10yo) start at the club in Home Hill.  

A combined Home Hill/Charters Towers Under 17 team played Brothers last Saturday in Charters Towers and was unfortunately beaten soundly by the Townsville team. Thomas Cardillo was Home Hill’s top scorer with 27 runs, Corey Heidke took 2 wickets and Leo Olditch snared 1.

Contributed by Scott Heidke

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Challenger Blasters Award Winners Anna Muilwyk and Paige Elphinstone

Mark Wilkie and Michael Finn

Senior cricket returned to Barry Richards Field over the weekend, with most players backing up from a thrilling Town of Origin showdown between Ayr and Home Hill the weekend before.

Round one of the Home Hill Cricket Association Saturday Senior competition pitted Peto’s Marine against Guardian Pharmacy, with Peto’s Marine winning the toss and electing to bat.

Opener Simon Vickers got the innings underway with a solid 34 runs off 35 balls, building a dangerous looking partnership with number three batsman Daniel Olditch who finished with 23 runs from 20 balls.

The middle order got Peto’s Marine to a defendable 175 total from their 25 overs, thanks to 39 runs off 27 balls from Greg Flanagan and 24 runs off 30 balls from Leon Franklin.

Wickets to Jd Wilkins (2), Andrew Wallwork, Kenneth Southwell, Jamie Grabs, Isaac Cardillo and Lee Watts saw Peto’s Marine finish at 7/175.

Lee Watts and Isaac Cardillo got the chase underway for Guardian Pharmacy, with an unfortunate run out at the non-striker’s end bringing Lee’s innings to an end on 13 from 21 balls.

Andrew Wallwork came in at number three, stabling the ship with an unbeaten 51 off 40, with Jd Wilkins scoring 26 from 31 at number four.

With Andrew retiring not out, big hitters Kenneth Southwell and Andrew Cardillo combined with a respective 32 not out from 26 and 15 from 12 to finish off Guardian Pharmacy’s run chase with a couple of overs to spare.

Wickets to Aaron Elphinstone (2) and Christopher Penna saw Guardian Pharmacy chase down the total after losing three wickets.

Peto’s Marine will back it up again this week, taking on Crowned Mongrels on Saturday afternoon, while a combined U17 Home Hill and Charters Towers team will take on Townsville Wests earlier that afternoon.

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Guardian Pharmacy defeated Peto’s Marine in round one of the Home Hill Cricket Association senior competition. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Burdekin Junior Golf held its October monthly medal recently, with junior competitors testing their swings over 3, 6 and 9 holes.

Winners were Ivy Land for 3 Holes, Ethan Pengally for 6 Holes, and Will Geitz for 9 Holes. Gross winners were Opie McKeough and Hudson for 3 Holes, Parker Oar for 6 Holes, and Amaya Mahoney for 9 Holes.

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