Wednesday 22nd May: With a different start to the afternoon of bowls, Kevin Collins put the ladies through some practice drills to help sharpen their skills.
Following the training, the ladies tried out their new skills with a game of rinks between Kaye Garner, Lyn Storrie, Colleen Olsen and Helen Collins in a nail biting finish only to draw with Ann Newton, Vanda Ballao, Joy Woods and Darelle Pearce. Same time next week names in by 1.00pm for 1.30pm start. Any ladies wishing to come along turn up by the above time.
Sunday 26th May was a busy day with lots of championship events been played.
A Grade singles was played between Peter Lejarraga and Chris Peace in a very tight game played with Chris just getting home with point.
B Grade singles: Dough Kiehne played Lloyd Shepherd in very blustery conditions with Lloyd eventual the winner. Thanks to Len Feeney and Gary Pearce for marking in both of the singles games.
A Grade Pairs: Mick McClosky and Hugh Montgomery defeated Dave Brown and Rob Garner with both teams fighting to the end in a close finish. Jamie Wood and Peter Henderson defeated Glen Woodford Norm Storrie however Jamie had his work cut out carrying the out of match fit Peter Henderson to get over the line.
Red Pennants: Good luck to those who have been selected to play at various club in Townsville this weekend.

Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd

Lloyd Shepherd, Mick McClosky, Hugh Montgomery, Jamie Woods and Peter Henderson. Absent: Chris Pearce

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Local

Last weekend the Burdekin Panthers had four games, winning two, drawing one and losing one. On Friday the Division 1 met Saints Eagles Souths in Townsville and drew 2-2. On Saturday the Premiers, Under 23s and Women Premiers were all at home to Warriors. The Premiers won 5-0, the Under 23s won 2-1 but the Women Premiers lost 0-7.

This weekend the Funkies are away to Wulguru Roosters in Townsville on Friday night and the Premiers, Under 23s and Ladies are all at home to Estates on Saturday.

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers knew that despite playing a team yet to win a game, the Panthers needed to keep up the intensity. The opening minutes were fairly even with neither team doing much to gain the upper hand. The after fifteen minutes Jay Leckenby calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net. From there the nerves settled and the Panthers game plan kicked into gear. Not long after Elliott Dal Santo scored a goal from a through ball from Jack Gimson and Matthew Kolb made it 3-0 by half time. The second half started as the first had ended with Kai Goodman making it 4-0 five minutes after the restart. Matthew Kolb then put the result out of Warriors reach in the 65th minute to make it 5-0. From there Burdekin worked on retaining possession to make sure they kept a clean sheet. A great all round effort from everyone on the team to help the Panthers stay on track for the top 4. The Ayr Anzac Club Player of the Week was Ryan Scodellaro.

The Burdekin Tyre Service Under 23s enjoyed home ground advantage against Warriors and looked to avenge the loss from Round 1. Hopes were high for a good performance but Burdekin started slowly and again struggled with ball control and pass execution. Warriors were given a lot of possession in the first half and they had many chances to score. Fortunately, they only scored one goal and Burdekin were able to stay in the game. Five minutes into the second half the scores were tied when Damien Casella scored from very good buildup play. From that point the confidence of Burdekin grew and control of the game shifted to the home team. By the 70th minute Burdekin had scored again, a headed goal by Connor Sexton. The effort given by every player was the deciding factor to stay in the game early, and then take control and win it by the end.

The Austral Masonry Funkies travelled to Townsville on Friday night to play SES. The first half started very physically, with both teams charging into tackles. Burdekin gave away a free kick in a dangerous area after 18 minutes and SES converted this into a goal. Burdekin were undeterred and continued to try and hold their own and after a slight fracas the game settled down and Burdekin managed to create a few changes. One of these was converted by Chris Achille from a Brad Wright through ball. Unfortunately, the Funkies then managed to surrender the lead again almost directly after the kick off, to go into half time down 2-1. Both teams had chances throughout the second half with poor shooting and some good saves from David Bryen preventing any change in the score. Then with eight minutes left Chris Achille pounced on a mistake from the SES keeper to score his second and lock the game up.

The Under 13 Panthers went down 5-1 to MAO White at Honey combe’s park on Saturday. Leading 1-0 at halftime after a good goal from Brady Wilshere, the boys’ intensity dropped off after MAO equalised early in the second half and then continued to score with little resistance from the Burdekin team. The Under 13's have a double header this weekend with an away game on Saturday and a home game on Sunday.

The Under 14/15 Panthers had a great win on the weekend against Brothers. 3-1 ahead at half time they went on to win 4-3 with goals from Brayden Card (2), Max Kelly and Caleb Formalin. The whole team played well with a special mention to goalkeeper Zack Durrant who made some great saves keeping the Panthers in front the whole game.

Juniors

Saturday fixtures were played in great conditions again this weekend.  There were some late forfeits from Townsville teams which meant last minute changes to the draw and also the canteen roster, and we thank everyone for being very helpful with this.

On Saturday afternoon and night, and all day Sunday, the Townsville Warriors Football Club held their annual Bobby Hagger Junior Carnival. Burdekin nominated 14 club and JDS teams from Under 6's through to Under 13's. The Burdekin teams matched the Townsville teams and even more with some great results all round, and with teams making semi-finals, finals and being crowned champions!  It is hoped all the players enjoyed themselves playing on different fields and against different opposition.  They will come back now after that carnival and improve again this weekend.

Estates hold their annual carnival this coming Sunday, good luck to all junior teams travelling to Townsville to take part.

Masters

A good turn out on Monday with some Masters getting ready for the Mooney Cup on 15th June. This week, in a replay of the Championship play-off Southampton beat Leeds Utd 1-0, again. Player of the Night was Drew Bursey. The Masters welcome old and new players, Monday nights at International Park, 6.30 kick off.

National and International

The Socceroos have two games coming up in the Asian World Cup qualifiers. They are away to Bangladesh next Thursday, 6th June and then at home to Palestine the following Tuesday, 11th June.
The Matildas have two matches against China in the lead up to the Paris Olympics. The first is in Adelaide on Friday and the second, in Sydney, the following Monday, 3rd June. In the Paris Olympics, in their group Games, The Matildas play Germany on 26th July followed by Zambia on 29th July and USA on 1st August. The Matilda’s have a tough group, USA is ranked 4th, Germany 5th and Zambia 65th. Oz is presently 12th.
In the A League Grand Final Central Coast beat Melbourne Victory 3-1 after extra time to complete the Triple, A League Premiership, Grand Final and AFC Cup.
In England Southampton beat Leeds Utd 1-0 in the Championship play off and is promoted to the EPL nest season along with Leicester and Ipswich.
In Europe it was Cup Final time with, in England ManU beating Manchester City 2-1, whilst in Scotland Celtic beat Rangers 1-0, and in Germany Leverkusen defeated Kaiserslautern 1-0. In France PSG beat Lyon 1-0 and in Italy, Juventus defeated Atalanta 1-0.
In Italy’s Serie A, it is almost over with Inter champions, nineteen points ahead of AC Milan who are assured of second place. Juventus could finish in third place but Atlanta might drop them to fourth if they beat Fiorentina. Relegated are Salernitana, Sassuolo and Frosinone.

Spain’s La Liga also has one round left. Real Madrid are champions, ten points ahead of Barcelona with Girona, four points away in third place. Atletico will finish fourth and Bilbao fifth. At the foot of the table Almeria, Granada and Cadiz ate all relegated.

This week’s quote is from Liverpool Manager Bill Shankly. “For a player to be good enough to play for Liverpool, he must be prepared to run through a brick wall for me then come out fighting the other side”.

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The Wednesday night barefoot bowls winners were Tony Caruso, Judy Elton and visitor Leona Johnson.
Thursday bowls saw 25 players front up.
The daily winners were Gary, Warren, Bob and Trevor.

Contributed by Stephen Doig
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Tony Caruso, Judy Elton and visitor Leona Johnson
Gary, Warren, Bob and Trevor
Photos supplied: Stephen Doig

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In front of a huge crowd bolstered by some 150 old boys, the Burdekin Roosters A grade played their best football of the year beating Centrals 38 nil at Rugby Park last Saturday night.
Coach Steve Lansley said he was going to have one of the smallest pairings in the league in the halves and he did with success.
Half Hayde Munro and five eight Rhett Williams were the perfect link between backs and forwards with Rhett picking up the player’s player but just ahead of Hayde.
The team scored six tries with four of them coming from outside backs showing the ball was given air like a hot potato.
The coach said the boys not only attacked well but their defence was spot on as can be seen by not allowing the Tigers side to score any tries.
The team also showed a good kicking game with Hayden Lammon landing a forty twenty.
Lammon has been out for 6 weeks suspended but he made up for the time off with as top class defensive game whilst making ground in attack.
Lansley said the boys put pressure on the opposition from the start and that is what also contributed to the win.
Hooker Kali Nauque received a sting early but came back to be one of the better players.
New winger Ratu Kikau was impressive but no more than the other winger Nemia Nawave, centre Dudley Dotoi and fullback Joel Mason.
With Dyland Doak back in reserve grade, Mason took over the goal kicking landing seven from seven whilst also scoring a try to have 18 of the 38 points.
Burdekin tries by Hayden Lammon, Ratu Kikau, Rhett Williams, Ethan Hagarty, Joel Mason and Nemia Nawave and Joel Mason seven goals .
In other a grade RLTD matches, Brothers beat Norths 26 – 6 and Souths beat Charters towers 44 – 26 with Herbert River and Western Lions on byes
A good all-round performance by the reserve grade saw that team move to second on the ladder with a resounding 40 – 10 over the previous high flying Centrals.
The Tigers fielded a big forward pack, but the speed of the locals meant the visitors could not get up any momentum.
Coach Chris Perry said while it was a good result by his team, they still had a lot of work to do to keep improving their position on the ladder.
He said the Tigers had some big boys and his team did well to keep them out.
He thought his team’s attack was good, saying they continually looked for the chance to take advantage of dropped ball
Terry Connors took a great intercept while Tayla Pepa backed up well to score with Braithen Heron showing speed for his try.
Parry thought Wassime Nouheli was one of the better forwards, but the players player went to fullback Jayden Sgarbossa.
The big number one carved the opposition up when he opened, and he did for two good tries whilst also defending well.
Caleb Noah and Terry Connors had top games.
Burdekin tries by Jayden Sgarbossa 2,Terry Connors 2, Braithen Heron and Tayla Pepa and Dylan Doak six goals.
In other reserve matches, Bowen beat Herbert River 24 – 14, Brothers beat Norths 36 – 6 and Souths beat Charters Towers 24 – 6 with Western Lions on a bye.
Centrals came storming home in the ladies match to score three tries in the dying stage to remain undefeated in the competition by defeating the Hens 20 – 12.
The Hens lead 8 – 4 at the break to extend that out to 12 – 4 and looked like having a good win.
At this stage, five eight Soleil Heron was sent off and that seemed to unsettle the Hens as they let in three tries in the last 15 minutes.
The Tigers took advantage of the player short, and they let the ball work to score the tries.
The loss of star player Abby King with a knee injury from what appeared to be an unchecked hip drop did not help either.
King was one of the better Hens with her decisive running.
Coach Anita Hagarty was not happy after the game saying her team had thrown away the game with their ill-discipline.
“That is a game we had and threw it away with silly mistakes,” the coach added.
Logan Roncato, Abby King, the Monday twins Martina and Stephanie played well with front rower Theo Mosby Nona the best player.
Burdekin tries by Tiana Krutzfeldt two and Steph Monday.
In the other ladies match, Brothers beat Norths 34 – 8 with Charters Towers, Western Lions and  Herbert River having byes.

Round Eight Preview

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Everything is looking good for another big day of Rugby League at Rugby Park this Saturday when the Roosters take on Townsville club Norths in three grades.
The day will also be the annual Ladies Day when close to 200 ladies will be entertained, wined and dined whilst also watching three games of exciting Rugby League.
The A Grade will wear special pink outfits sponsored by Griggs Haulage and Fabbro Diesel Services with those jerseys being auctioned off after the game in the ladies area.
The 38 nil win by the A grade over Centrals last Saturday night has moved that team up to fifth place on the ladder behind Souths, Brothers, Herbert River and Western Lions.
Coach Steve Lansley was impressed with his team’s defence against the Tigers while they quickly turned that aspect into attack when it was required.
The placing of Rhett Williams and Hayde Munro into the halves was a master stroke with both boys defending well whilst giving their backline plenty of room to move.
Coach Steve does not know till later in the week as to his Blackhawk and Cowboy allocations but he is hoping Dudley Dotoi is one of them as he had a good one last week.
With the Cowboys losing six to Origin, there is a possibility Henry Teuteu could be required by the Northern Pride.
The Roosters are sitting fifth with two wins and a minus four points difference to Norths eighth with a difference of minus 80.
The Devils have been given a few extra under 19 Cowboys and are being coached by Steve Shepherd now so they will be a well drilled team.
Chris Perry’s reserves have moved to second spot on the ladder only a point behind Souths but ahead of Centrals and Brothers.
Norths are in seventh spot with a minus 72 points score to the Roosters plus 44.
Perry had his team throwing the ball about well against the Tigers with their defence also good.
The forwards, led by Frenchman Wassime Nouvelli, are combining well, giving the backs plenty of room where five eight Terry Connors and  half John Zaro are taking advantage allowing their outside men ground to move.
Fullback Jayden Sgarbossa was on song last week with two tries and a man of the match performance.
The Hens threw away a perfect chance to go close to being at the top of their competition with an ill-disciplined display that cost them the game.
Coach Anita Hagarty was critical of their display, and she had every reason to be.
Front rower Theo Mosbym Nona has had some good games with a player of the match award against Centrals while Abby King could be in doubt with a knee complaint.
Taleisha Bulgarelli’s bad luck continued with this time breaking a bone in her hand going  with the broken ankle she received against Norths last season.
If the girls keep their discipline then Logan Roncato will give speedsters like Steph and Martina Monday room to move and score tries.
At the moment, the Hens are in fourth spot with two wins and two losses, with 160 points average compared to Norths sixth spot on one win and four losses and an average of minus 44.
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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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Burdekin Roosters A Grade team defeated Centrals 38-0. Photo supplied: Burdekin Roosters

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Round 2 week 3- 23/05:
Nat II v Bombers at the Queens 10-0
Ants v Crushers at the Anzac 8-2
Falcons v Cougars at the Ayr 8-2
Nat I had the bye 10 points
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Points:
Nat II - 81, Crushers - 69, Falcons - 66,  Nat I- 58,  Ants - 56, Cougars - 43 and Bombers 27
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Games for Thursday 30/05:
Nat I v Bombers at National, Cougars v Ants at Ayr, Crushers v Falcons at Anzac and Nat II have the bye
Contributed by Kerry Davison
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Crushers at the Ayr  Hotel

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Burdekin Clay Target Club held their monthly shoot on Sunday May 12 with 30 competitors competing.
Conditions on the day were very pleasant, the sun was shining and clouds rolling in from time to time making seeing the targets challenging at times.
Burdekin Clay Target Club would like to thank sponsors for the day Raine & Horne and Dal Ponte Electrical.
The club’s next shoot will be on Saturday June 8 being the 100 Target Handicap followed by the monthly shoot on Sunday June 9.

Overall High Gun Winners Ray Collinson, Greg Maltby, John Kinnimonth and Rob Ness

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Burdekin Clay Target Club
May Monthly Shoot Results

Event 1: 30 Target Double Barrel 15m
AA Grade 1st Ray Collinson & Joe Caruso 30/30, 3rd Glen Rea & Aaron Lemphers 29/30
A Grade 1st Ron Clive, Greg Maltby & Tony Caruso 30/30
B Grade 1st John Kinnimonth 30/30 2nd Peter Wade 29/30, 3rd Mick Populin 28/30
C Grade 1st Isaac Sebastiani 26/30, 2nd Brian Bonanno & John Calligaro 25/30

Event 2: 30 Target Pointscore 15m
AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso 85/90
A Grade 1st Greg Maltby 90/90
B Grade 1st Mick Populin 83/90
C Grade 1st Rob Ness 81/90

Event 3: 30 Target Single Barrel 15m, Sponsored by Raine & Horne
AA Grade 1st Ray Collinson 30/32
A Grade 1st Tony Caruso 30/30
B Grade Sylvia Rossato 34/37
C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 25/33

Event 4: 30 Target Double Barrel Handicap
OPEN 1st Bruce McBow 34/35
2nd Rob Ness 33/35
3rd Aaron Lemphers 32/34

Dal Ponte Electrical High Gun
AA Grade 1st Ray Collinson 168/180
A Grade 1st Greg Maltby 176/180
B Grade 1st John Kinnimonth 172/190
C Grade 1st Rob Ness 154/180

Contributed by Sylvia Rossato

Event 2 winners Joe Caruso, Greg Maltby, Mick Populin and Rob Ness
Event 3 winners Ray Collinson, Sylvia Rossato, Tony Caruso and Brian Bonanno
Event 4 winners Bruce McBow, Rob Ness and Aaron Lemphers
Photos supplied

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Dean Liotis with his 153cm Spanish Mackerel caught around Cape Upstart. Photo supplied: Tracy Liotis
Jason Liotis with his 120cm Golden Trevally caught around Cape Upstart. Photo supplied: Tracy Liotis
Will Smith “living the dream” after catching a cod and 81cm barramundi. Photo supplied: Will Smith
A haul caught on the last weekend of April. Photo supplied: John Chandler
A good catch for a Friday afternoon after school. Photo supplied: Brendan Hervey
Peter hauled in a few Jewies, cod, grunter and plenty of bream last week. Photo supplied: Peter

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Rugby league has been played in the Burdekin area for over 100 years and it has been played in various competitions from club matches in both Ayr and Home Hill, Foley Shield as Ayr and Home Hill and later Burdekin, and finally as clubs Ayr and Home Hill in Townsville.
Then, after a stint in the Burdekin Whitsunday competition, a club called Burdekin finally entered in the Townsville Rugby League later to have district added to the name.
That came about in 1994 making this the 30th year Burdekin has played competitive football in Townsville as a club side.
This Saturday, at the spiritual home of the Burdekin – Rugby Park – those first players in the Townsville league will be honoured at Old Boys day.
Of the three teams accepted as Burdekin by Townsville that year, two of them won premierships with the third beaten in the preliminary final.
The under 18 team came up against Brothers in the grand final and were successful, beating the Brethren by 26 – 6 after they beat Souths in the qualifying semi final 32 – 22.
That team was coached by the legendary Barry Henaway, himself a talented five eight as well as being a North Queensland representative soccer player.
Barrys’ team in the grand final was Anthony Lampton, Evenis Doolah, Chris Matthews, Brad Parravicini, Bobby Tavasci, Clinton Dale, Scott Tsaousis, Kenny Ghee, Jerffrey Linton, Damien Lynch, Jason Gudge, Paul Horan, Deon Duell, Moses Kudub, Odis Lammon, John Offerman, Andrew Nagle, Daniel Tonion and Brett Catanzaro .
On Saturday, the Roosters A Grade team will wear replica jerseys of the jerseys worn that day.
At the conclusion of Saturday’s A grade match, those jerseys will be auctioned off.
The reserve grade team who defeated Brothers in the grand final 28 – 26 was coached by talented back Billy Heron who had already won a reserve grade grand final in Townsville leading Home Hill to beat Souths in the 1987 final.
Billy’s teams that day was Paul Saltner, Sean Peddersen, Frank Beer, Michael Sartori, Bula Nick, Clinton Pearson, Lenny Heron, Bart Doohasn, Lance Marchant, Beefy Okeefe, Jason Lammon, Lyle Everett, Matt Hedlan, Wesley Heron, Trevor Major, Trent Vernon, Arnold Buffa, Paul Everett, Shane Fayers and Chris Hanlon.
Current reserves coach Chris Perry had arrived back from playing with Wakefield Trinity in England to coach University with the great Kerry Boustead in the Townsville League in the early nineties.
When Burdekin were admitted into Townsville in 1994 it didn’t take much talking to have Chris return to coach the local A grade side.
He took them to the preliminary final only to be beaten by Charters Towers 42 -18.
In 2000, Chris and his A grade Roosters created history by being the first ever Burdekin team to win an A Grade premiership on Townsville soil.
The team Chris had in 1994 was Brad McCarthy, Jarvie Warcon, Peter Horan, Chris Perry, Robert Russo, Simon Leo, Troy Great, Shane Fayers, Robert Palmer, Cha rile Cole, Chris Hanlon, Peter Holmes, Ben Piggott, Barry Henaway, Jason Horan, Lenny Heron and Phil Johansen.
The Roosters have been a strong force in the Townsville League ever since and have won four A grade premierships in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2015.
They were beaten Grand Finalists in 2011.
During that period, they have won six reserve grade grand finals in 1994, 1995, 1999, 2007, 2010 and 2012 and beaten in 2000, 2001 and 2022.
The under 18/19 grade has won two in 1994 and 2001 and played in the 2007 grand final.
There have been a great number of players who have gone on to other places and made names for themselves.
Phil Dennis played in the 2000 under 19 winning grand final and then moved to Brisbane where he became the longest player in the Statewide Host Plus cup.
Brad Parravicini, Scott Tsaoussis, Brad McNamara, Josh Henaway, Jason and Joel Bulgarelli, John Andrews and Jason Barnett all played in the Brisbane Rugby League while Jeffrey Linton, the Olsen boys Ross and Kurt along with Damien Lynch, Thomas Lammon and Frank Beer played many seasons for the Burdekin Roosters.
Shane Muspratt had a distinguished time with the North Queensland Cowboys and the Parramatta Eels with Tarin Bradford also a Cowboy and Danny Horan for a short time.
There have been several players and coaches brought to the area in that time with possibly Noel Goldthorpe the most famous.
Goldie became an enemy of Queensland when he kicked the winning field goal for New South Wales to in the Super League State of Origin.
Steve Shepperd was a Cowboys when he was poached to come to the Burdekin first as a player, then a captain coach and finally a coach.
Cameron McPherson and Cameron Miller are other coaches to have been brought here with local coaches Mal Barnes, John Reid, Barry Henaway and Wayne Cornford holding trophies high.
There have been plenty of players brought to the Burdekin over that time but three who stand out would be Papua New Guinea International Andrew Norman, Fijian International Kali Nauque and two time RLTD player of the year Lee Mclean.
You can meet these players at Rugby Park this Saturday, have a good time reminiscing and cheer on the three local teams trying to bring honour to the jersey and then purchase the replica 1994 premiership jersey as a souvenir.
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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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Round 2 week 2- 16/05:
Nat II v Cougars at the National 10-0
Ants v Bombers at the Queens 8-2
Falcons v Nat I at the Anzac 8-2
Crushers had the bye 10 points

Points:
Nat II - 71, Crushers - 67, Falcons - 58,  Ants/Nat I - 48, Cougars - 41 and Bombers 27

Games for Thursday 23/05:
Ants v Crushers at Anzac, Cougars v Falcons at Ayr, Bombers v Nat II at Queens and Nat I have the bye

Contributed by Kerry Davison
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Anzac Falcons

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As the week finished on another week of friendly competition, the greens of Ayr Bowling Club bore witness to remarkable displays of precision and strategy, captivating both seasoned players and newcomers alike with the joy of the games.
Monday May 13 saw a competition B Grade Singles. Robyn McAllister def Ruth Moore. Heather Jorgensen def Raylene Hervey.  Final to be played between Robyn McAllister and Heather Jorgensen (Marker Sandra Stidston). Good Luck!
Ayr Ladies Social Bowls was held on Tuesday May 14. It was a good afternoon with 16 players. Karen Shepherd, Lyn Storrie, Linda Guimelli and Irene Wilson def Katharina Stuckler, Merle Nixon, Sandra Stidston and Betty Schultz. Isabel Cislowski, Elaine Young, Mary Poli and Pam Power def Meryl Smith, Raylene Hervey, Beryl Cornford and Heather Jorgensen. There was a wonderful afternoon tea supplied by Linda Guimelli celebrating her birthday. Competition Thursday May 16. Open Pairs - Joy Comollatti and Irene Wilson def Beryl Cornford and Pam Power.

On Wednesday May 15, the spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition flourished as the weekly social bowls event was held. There were four games of Triples.  Winners were Jimmy Murray, George Nixon and Anthony Bull defeating John Pirrone, Barry Shepherd and Arthur Gauvin. During the evening, the mixed social bowls was a good night with Robyn McAllister and Lloyd Shepherd the winners on the night.
Saturday saw four games of triples. With Bob Young, Linda Guimelli and Chris Olditch coming out the winners. It was a fantastic afternoon of friendship and friendly rivalry.
Upcoming Championship games – Sunday May 26 – Championship Pairs – C. Pearce/G.Pearce v D. Poli/M. Milan (pending NQ Singles). B Grade Singles – J. Hall v J. Pirrone (marker – V. Beitia).
Congratulations to our three Country Pennants’ teams who competed on Sunday, representing Ayr Bowling Club hosted by Brandon Bowling Club. Great job to Bowen for winning the day. The Club had some new representatives bowling for the first time in competition.
Open Canefire Fours will be held on Saturday June 22 and Sunday June 23. $360 per team includes lunch and afternoon tea each day. Prize money – 1st $2000; 2nd $1000 and 3rd $500. To nominate your team please email ayrbowlingclubinc@gmail.com. Nominations close Friday June 14.

Contributed by Anthony Bull

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A great night was had at Brandon Bowls club trophy night proudly sponsored by BQC Quarry.
We had a fantastic number once again and thanks to all those who turned up.  
Thanks to Garry Pearce who was under the pump to get everyone in a team and on the green.
Thanks to Heather Jorgenson and her group of ladies in the kitchen preparing smoko for the end the evening.
Thanks to old mate Peter Jorgenson working tirelessly behind the bar providing us with refreshments.
And how could I forget our onsite sausage cooker Leny Feeney.
Great job once again Winners for the evening: Dave Bycroft, Kim Harding, Margaret McLaughlin and Ross McLaughlin.
Runners up L Wilson, E Florreduz, R Brown and N Storrie.
Prize for the overall loser J Zanella, J Zanella, T Battalgra and R Pancho.

Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd
Brandon Bowls club trophy night winners. Photo supplied

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Swerve gift vouchers were hotly contested last Saturday as the Ayr Juniors took part in the Swerve Sponsored day. We would like to thank Kylie and her Swerve family for their continued support for our Junior golfers.
In the 3 hole competition, Heath Smart was the gross winner with a great score of 27, and closely behind was Jacob Munro, who took out the Nett prize. In the 6 hole competition, Kyle Wilkie was the gross winner with 46 shots, and Logan McKeough was the Nett winner this week. In 9 holes, the girls took the honours, with Amaya Mahoney winning gross with 43 shots, and Gabby Cahill took out the Nett. Thank you once again to all players, and to Swerve. See you all next Saturday morning for our next junior competition.
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Contributed by Laura Mahoney

Ayr junior golfers. Photo supplied

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On Saturday, May 18, 22 people ran, jogged and walked the Plantation parkrun course, of whom four were first timers and another four recorded new Personal Bests.
The event was made possible by volunteers Terry Brennan, Ronda Downs, Rhonda Martin, Flo De Brueys, Stephen Hervey, Harper Anderson and Steve Crouther.
Visit the the Plantation parkrun Results Page for the full results and a complete event history.
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Photos supplied: Plantation parkrun

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One of Australian tennis’ rising stars and Home Hill Tennis Association alumni is competing in Paris after being awarded a main-draw singles wildcard into Roland Garros.
The announcement came before Adam made his top-100 debut in the latest ATP Tour singles rankings after winning an ATP Challenger title in Chinese Taipei, rising 16 places to a career-high world number 95.
The 25-year-old from Home Hill has tallied 32 match wins and contested four ATP Challenger finals so far in 2024, boosting his ranking up more than 70 places since the start of the year.
The in-form young gun has won 14 of his past 18 matches and can’t wait to compete at Roland Garros for the first time.
“This will be my first time at Roland Garros and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to play main draw,” he said.  
Adam’s season highlights include scoring two top-100 victories to qualify at an ATP 250 tournament in Adelaide and making his ATP Masters 1000 main-draw debut at Miami as a qualifier.
He was awarded a main-draw singles wildcards alongside former world No.32 and three-time Grand Slam singles quarterfinalist Ajla Tomljanovic and is set to compete alongside fellow Aussies Alex de Minaur, Jordan Thompson, Alexei Popyrin, Chris O’Connell, Aleksandar Vukic, Rinky Hijikata, Max Purcell and Thanasi Kokkinakis.
The Roland Garros 2024 qualifying competition began on May 20, with main-draw action commencing from May 26.
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Former Home Hill tennis player was awarded main-draw singles wildcards into Roland Garros. Photo supplied

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Local

Last weekend the Burdekin Panthers had just three games. On Friday the Division 1 met Ingham in Townsville and lost 0-4. On Sunday the Premiers and Under 23s were both away to Brothers with the Under 23s winning 3-0 and the Premiers doing very well to draw 1-1. This weekend the Funkies are away to SES in Townsville on Friday night and the Premiers, Under 23s and Ladies are all at home to Warriors on Saturday.

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers having played Brothers twice this year already, with a win and a loss, knew that this game was going to be a close one. Both teams settled into the game well and had decent patches of possession with neither goalkeeper having to do much. With five minutes to go in the first half, Brothers scored to lead 1-0 at half time. The Panthers were determined to cut down on some of their errors and push for an equaliser in the second half, having the better of the chances. As the game started to get physical, Burdekin lifted another level but to no avail. With a last ditch effort from a corner, Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro went up for a header and was fouled in the box giving Burdekin a penalty. Matthew Kolb stepped up with nerves of steel to make it 1-1 with the last kick of the game. A well deserved point on the road as the Panthers look ahead to two home games. 

The Burdekin Tyre Service Under 23s travelled to Brothers with another changed squad due to injury and illness but still a capable side on paper. The Panthers opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when a ball was won at halfway and a good through pass played for Elliot Dal Santo to split the defence and score a good one on one goal. A lead preserved to half time that was certainly against the run of play. The second half started with a wounded Brothers side that came out from the break with some very good passing and movement, but again the Panthers defence was resolute and just kept stopping the attack. Burdekin’s second goal came from a good move involving Ryan Taylor and Jhett Jones with Dal Santo scoring his second goal and his third, and hat trick, came five minutes from a setpiece.

The Austral Masonry Funkies travelled to Townsville to play Ingham on Friday night. Burdekin spent the first ten minutes pinned in their own half as Ingham moved the ball around quickly. Ingham then opened the scoring and doubled their lead after 23 minutes when they were first to a loose ball after a corner. Ingham scored their third almost straight from the kickoff, two minutes later. Burdekin did manage to have some good possession for the rest of the half but couldn’t muster any meaningful attempts on goal. The second half was more even with both teams having periods of control. Unfortunately, Ingham extended their lead in the 68th minute. Burdekin managed to get a few balls in behind the Ingham defence but couldn’t finish any of the chances off. The final score was 4-0 to Ingham. Burdekin play SES in Townsville next Friday night.

The Under13 Panthers went down 6-1 to second place MAO on Saturday at Honeycombe's Park. A solid first half saw the Panthers go into the break 1-0 down. 
Will Shears tapped in a goal mouth scramble early in the second half, but, unfortunately in a recurring theme, the boys couldn’t match it with MAO for the second half and the game got away from them.

The Under 14/15 Panthers came up against Warriors, who are top of the table, on Saturday. Down 0-1at halftime, they had a disappointing 0-6 loss at full time. Special mention to Kashton Ferguson and Cale Bryan both working hard.  Hoping the team can get rid of injury and sickness for a better performance against Brothers this Saturday 25th May.  

Juniors

Another Saturday of fixtures for juniors were played in good conditions but with the sun still making us know it’s there!  A variety of Townsville clubs made their way down for the Under 8’s up. Our club appreciates you all coming down for the Saturday mornings and improving our local competition.  I can see from all the games, training, academy and JDS going on, that there is a marked improvement in our players skills and fitness.  

Some of our local club and JDS teams travel to Townsville this coming Saturday afternoon and Sunday for the Warriors carnival.  Good luck to all teams, do our club proud by playing in the best spirit but also go for those wins!

Masters

The colder weather brought a few more Masters into action and in a preview of the FA Cup Final, ManU beat Manchester City 4-1! Player of the Night was Jonty Davis. The Masters welcome old and new players, Monday nights at International Park, 6.30 kick off.

National and International

On the Socceroos front, there are two games coming up in the Asian World Cup qualifiers. They are away to Bangladesh on 6th June and home to Palestine on 11th June.
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. In the Paris Olympics, in their group Games, The Matildas play Germany on 26th July followed by Zambia on 29th July and USA on 1st August.
In the A League, it was the 2nd Leg of the semi-finals. Central Coast Mariners were held to a 0-0 draw at home but qualified, on aggregate, for this week’s Grand Final. They will meet Melbourne Victory who beat Wellington Phoenix 2-1 to win 2-1 on aggregate. The Final will be held at Central Coast’s stadium on Saturday at 7.45.
The EPL wound up on Sunday with both Arsenal and Manchester City winning but with City having won their game in hand it meant that they were Champions again, the fourth time in a row. Arsenal were runners up with Liverpool third, Aston Villa fourth and Angie’s Spurs fifth. At the foot of the table, Burnley, Luton and Sheffield Utd are all relegated.

Germany’s Bundesliga has also wound up with Bayer Leverkusen, champions seventeen points clear of Stuttgart. Bayern drop to third place and Leipzig finish fourth with Dortmund fifth. Leverkusen won twenty eight and drew six of their thirty four games. Darmstadt, Cologne and Bochum are all relegated.

In Italy’s Serie A, with one round left, Inter are already champions, nineteen points ahead of AC Milan who are assured of second place. Bologna and Juventus are contesting third place with Atlanta looking likely to finish fifth. Relegation is a battle with Salernitana and Sassuolo already down plus, possibly Udinese or, Empoli, Frosinone,Verona.

Spain’s La Liga also has one round left. Real Madrid are already champions, twelve points ahead of Barcelona with Girona, four points away in third place. Atletico will finish fourth and Bilbao fifth. At the foot of the table Almeria, Granada and Cadiz ate all relegated.

Finally in France, Ligue 1 has also wound up. PSG are champions nine points clear of Monaco. Brest finished third with Lille fourth and Nice fifth. In the relegation stakes, Clermont and Metz are both relegated.

A big couple of weeks starts on Thursday with the Europa League Final between Atalanta and Leverkusen and on Saturday it is the FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester Utd, plus the Scottish FA Cup Final between the two auld enemies Celtic and Rangers. Then, on Sunday Leeds Utd meet Southampton in the Championship pay off to see who gets promoted to the EPL.

This week’s quote is from Manchester Utd and Northern Ireland Star George Best “In 1969, I gave up women and alcohol – it was the worst 20 minutes of my life”.

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