18 players rolled up for barefoot bowls on Wednesday March 20.
Three games of triples were played. Mark, Margaret and Torrie proved too strong for Kate, Greg and Lloyd winning 23 to 10.
Carol, Meryl and Mick prevailed against Phoebe, Yogi and Sam 12 to 6.
The final game saw Conner, John and Alex put the cleaners through Brenda, Laurence and Joe 16 to 4.
Thursday March 21’s winners by mystery draw were Bones, Bob and Dino.
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Rink 4 saw triples match Dino, Bob and Bones out lasted Karl/Terry, Alex and Henry 12 to 10 and 9 ends each.
Rink 5: Jimmy, John and Wayne cleaned up against Tony, Clinton  and Mick McClosky with a big win 30 to 13 and 14 ends to 6.
Rink 6: Mick Olsen and Joe held on to defeat Rino, Mick Murison and Hugh 18 to 15 and 10 ends each.
Rink 7: Ray Menkens and Trevor Elton scrapped home against Warren Bunn and Stephen Doig 20 to 18 and 11 ends to 10.  
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Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Thursday March 21’s winners by mystery draw were Bones, Bob and Dino. Photo credit: Stephen Doig

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27 players turned up on Friday, March 15 to do battle on a course that looked amazing after all the rain.
The day’s winner was Pat Toohey who also drew his own ticket out of the bucket.
Least amount of putts went to Gary Pappalardo with 12.
Pin shots on 9.
The ladies winner was Beth Prescott.
Gary Pappalardo won the C grade.
Sadly no one from A/B hit the green.
The fifth hole was the most difficult putting hole with scores of 5, 4, 3 and multiples of them there were only two one putts.
Friday club starts a 3pm $12 comp fees and also a $2 putting competition weekly.
There was a good roll up on Sunday, March 24 with 38 players for the Drummond Day 4BBB.
The pin shots were won by Stringy, Kieran and Mary (in the hole) on 4/13 with Sibo, Kieran and Mac for 9/18.
The winners were Stacey and Amy Smail on 44 on a countback from Jason Farry and Tim Branch.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Six Juniors from the Ayr Surf Club spent four days on the Gold Coast battling it out with the best of the best for the Queensland Youth State Championships. With over 1,500 competitors from across the state converging on North Kirra, a relocation from its original location at Burleigh due to conditions, it was a sight to see.
It was a weekend with big surf, tough conditions and inclement weather where all competitors gave it their all for the entire weekend. The Ayr kids travelled down as part of the North Barrier Branch Youth State Team allowing them to take part in team events, and the NBB Team ended up coming in 7th overall for the State.
All members had a fantastic weekend away and found the challenging experience great for honing their skills and making new friends.

Zachary Dale in U13 Board Race. Photo supplied

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Ayr Surf Club At Youth State Championships

A few juniors from the Ayr Surf Club brought home some bling winning medals in some Team events after competing at the Queensland Youth State Championships on the Gold Coast on the weekend.
Congratulations to Zachary Dale who won Bronze in the 2x1km Beach Relay with Nathaniel from Eimeo, Milla Chapman who won a silver medal in both U12 Mixed Beach Relay & U12 Female Beach Relay, and Emma Jones also won a silver medal in the U12 Female Beach Relay.
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Contributed by Kellie Lawry

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L-R: Ryley Sartori, Isla Chapman, Emma Jones, Milla Chapman and Mia Wicks. Front: Zachary Dale
Milla Chapman competes in the U12 Flags. Photo supplied
Ivy Ryan (Arcadian) & Ayr girls Emma Jones & Milla Chapman (with board)
Isla Chapman (far right) with her U14 Female team mates
Mia Wicks (far right) with U11 Female team mates
Zachary Dale & Nathenial (Eimeo) 3rd in U13 Male 2x1km Beach Relay
Photos supplied

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The best of the region’s talent came together at the first ever Super JDS Series event to be hald at Home Hill Tennis Association. Rallying 48 players and 8 coaches together, the event featured interactive workshops, a full-day player camp and a thrilling team competition.

The Super JDS series aims to bring key stakeholders within each region together, whilst hosting a fun event that focuses on positive values and future collaboration opportunities.

By supporting the aspiring players through a combination of coaching, competition, physical testing, and player camaraderie, it provides a pathway for talent identification as well as an opportunity to develop their skills in a fun and supporting environment.

Player Training Camp and fitness testing commenced on day one, Saturday, March 16, which was held by the Tennis Australia National Coach Development Team.

Players had the opportunity to sharpen their skills on their serve and return through a variety of activities throughout the day.

As the daylight faded, everyone gathered for Pop Tennis and a BBQ, where players, parents, and coaches mingled as they shared their passion for the game.

Day two was the highlight of the event, featuring a level-based team competition.

The day was fun-filled with timed singles and doubles matches, keeping players and spectators on the edge of their seats.

Parents and coaches also had the chance to participate in workshops and play alongside their children in a friendly match of Pop Tennis.

What set this event apart is the Fast 4 format, coupled with bonus points awarded for team spirit, sportsmanship and tactical expertise execution.

This unique scoring system heightened the competition and encouraged players to give their all on the court.

Head of Coach and Players Pathways, Sheridan Adams said, “It’s fantastic to see so many players, coaches, and parents here over the weekend in Home Hill. Working together and having fun to improve their game and tennis in the region.

“Thank you to Home Hill Tennis Association for their amazing hospitality and home cooked meals.”

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Home Hills first ever Super JDS Series deemed to be a success!

Photos supplied: Tennis Queensland

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Our Tuesday Rookie Blaster Group joined the Challengers and Junior Hardball Cricket players at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex last Friday for the final games of the 23/24 Junior Cricket season. Although no stats were recorded for these games there is one thing that should be mentioned: everyone was very excited when Michael Finn hit his first ever six when the ball sailed over the boundary at ‘Cow Corner’ late in the Junior Hardball game.  
After the games were completed, everyone enjoyed a free slushie and sausage sizzle, kindly donated by Woolworths. With full bellies and the sugar from the slushies kicking in, the Presentations of Awards and Trophies for the 23/24 season commenced. All Rookies and Challengers received a Certificate, Blaster Ball and an Easter Egg. The Junior players didn’t miss out either with all getting a Certificate, Medal and Easter Egg (or two). Some special award winners for this group were then presented with trophies. William Chandler received an ‘Encouragement Award’ and Xavier Cross was the ‘Most Improved’ for the season. Marshall Parker took out the ‘Allrounder Player of the Season’ trophy.
Some of our ‘TCI Under 17 Andrew Symonds Cup’ players were there to celebrate the end of the season as well. The trophies for most runs scored in the season was awarded to Salvatore Cardillo and best bowling to Corey Heidke. The recipient of the ‘Andrew Loizou Memorial Trophy’ for the ‘Junior Cricket Player of the Year’ was Thomas Cardillo.
A huge thank you must go to Woolworths, Antony Stewart (Queensland Cricket) and everyone that helped out during the season to give the kids of the Burdekin the opportunity to play cricket.
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Contributed by Scott Heidke

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The first grade game against Estates started positively when Matthew Kolb found Jack Gimson's well-timed run with an even better through ball. After being taken down in the box, we were awarded a penalty, which Matthew Kolb calmly slotted to make it 1-0. This kicked Estates into gear, and they started to dominate the proceedings. Estates had a free kick that they crossed in nicely and it dropped to an unmarked player who put it in the back of the net to make it 1-1. This continued and after a looping high ball was not cleared properly, with the ball falling to an Estate’s player, they made it 2-1. Soon after, they made it 3-1 after another miscue on defense. Oliver Gabiola forced a great save from the keeper and hit the post right before half time. We were the dominant team early on, with Elliott Dal Santo hitting the post with the rebound going straight to a prone goalkeeper. Straight away, down the other end an Estates player put his foot through a ball that careened off the post and into the goal to make it 4-1. We continued to push until the very end with Jay Leckenby getting a late consolation goal to finish the game 4-2. We have a 2 week break to help us get back to winning ways.
Burdekin FC Reserves travelled to Estates with a changed lineup due to new injuries and some returning from injury. Expectations were for a good result, but the match became one to regret and forget. It was a poor start by conceding an opening goal inside the first 5 minutes. The entire team put in full effort, but ball control and pass execution let us down. Without sustained possession the team was always under pressure, and this led to another goal just before half time.
After the break, the Burdekin boys came out with better energy and Tarryn Smith scored the goal they deserved for their effort. From the 60-minute mark it all unraveled. Individual mistakes were being made right across the pitch and in a 12-minute period, Estates pounced on these errors and scored 4 goals to put the result out of doubt.
The pleasing aspect of the team's performance was the continued effort and support of each other. If that effort is maintained and we improve our execution of control and passing, we will reverse the result as the season progresses.
The Austral Masonry Funkies travelled to Townsville on Friday night to play Riverway JCU in 1st Division. The Burdekin team was made up of a number of 1st and 2nd Division players from last year. Burdekin started with several people in new positions, and it showed early on with Riverway taking the lead after only 6 minutes. Further goals followed in the 9th and 18th minute. After the early goals Burdekin started to get into the game more but couldn’t hold the ball long enough to threaten the Riverway goal. Two further late goals took the half-time score to 5-0 to Riverway. A change in defensive structure from Burdekin in the second half allowed them to stem the flow of goals somewhat. Riverway added another two goals in the second half, but Burdekin managed to control the ball better towards the end of the game and this resulted in Mick Taylor getting two late consolation goals to bring the final score to 7-2. A tough night for the Burdekin team who for sure will now enjoy a week off due to the Easter holidays.
Juniors
The last round before the Easter and School Holiday's break was played on Saturday.  The vibe at the grounds is amazing with so many kids playing and people watching.  For the under 8's and up who play two games, it is great seeing them interact with their teammates and also others in between games.  Hope you all have a great Easter break and are excited for when things recommence after the school holidays!

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Following on from a successful Home Hill Junior Open on Saturday, Ayr Juniors saw another great field of juniors playing the wonderful Ayr course. 3, 6, 9 and 18 hole competitions were run for both boys and girls, with some great scores and fun had by all. Players and their families travelled from as far as Mackay, Charters Towers, Bowen, Proserpine and Townsville, along with a great local turn our of Ayr juniors, a field of 52 players took to the course.
A huge thank you to Oar and Horan Dentist for sponsoring our Ayr Junior Open.
We now look forward to four days of junior golf hosted in Townsville over the Easter holidays.
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Contributed by Laura Mahoney

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A total of 52 players took to the course for the Ayr Junior Open. Photo supplied

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“Ill-discipline cost us that game, a game we should have won,” Roosters reserve coach Chris Perry said after his team were defeated by the Bowen Seagulls at Rugby Park last Friday night 18-16.
The teams were playing for the inaugural Lona Kaifoto Challenge Shield.
Lona Kaifoto from Bowen was an integral member of the Burdekin Roosters ten years ago, helping the club to win the TDRL A grade premiership in 2015 defeating Herbert River in the final.
He then spent a couple of years with the HostPlus Blackhawks before preparing to play again for the Roosters.
A serious car accident that left Lona fighting for his life in the Townsville Hospital was followed by months of rehabilitation and although he has made a great recovery, he was told his rugby league playing days were over.
Since then, he has maintained a keen interest in the resurgence of rugby league in Bowen by first being their coach and now their manager for the team coached by his brother-in-law Tyson Stocker.
Lona has always kept a keen interest in the Roosters and if he could, he would have the tri colours on again.
A side stepping try by centre Riley Horan opened the account for the Roosters before Horan again had a hand in the second try putting the flying Dom Arrate over in the corner.
It was converted by five eight and captain John Zaro and the Roosters were looking good leading 10 nil.
That is when the ill-discipline started with Bowen receiving too many penalties for bad play.
With the glut of possession, the Seagulls attacked with a converted try coming right on the half time bell for the locals to go in leading 10-6.
A stern talking to at the break by Perry had the desired effect for a while with the Roosters showing more in attack and defending well.
They were rewarded when Caleb Noah scored a good try which Zaro again converted, and they lead 16-6.
Instead of playing on as they started the half, individual play set in with again poor discipline in defence.
Bowen took advantage and narrowed the score to 16-10 with a converted try.
The Roosters were disallowed a try after an infringement with Bowen working up field resulting in a try near the posts.
Former Roosters half Flynn O’Brien added the extras, he kicked three from three, to lead the match 18-16.
In the closing stages, the locals tried desperately to close the gap but failed with the Lona Kaifoto Trophy going south.
Perry said that the game was there to win but his team had thrown it away.
“Hopefully it will be a good lesson,” the coach said.
The coach named Riley Horan as his standout player backed up by Zac Campbell in the forwards.
The club will have no games this weekend but will start the season proper on Sunday April 7 in Townsville against Western Lions.
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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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A Home Hill cane farmer has achieved his lifelong dream of qualifying to represent Australia in clay target shooting.
Joseph Rossato, a member of Bowen’s Port Denison Gun Club, returned from Wagga Wagga earlier this month where he represented Queensland in the 2024 National Trap Championships.
Joseph has qualified for the state team six times and competed for Queensland twice, finishing his most recent outing on equal first in the top 25 in Australia, known as the Mackintosh team.
Shooters then shot another 100 targets point score, where he made the top five to qualify to represent Australia at the World DTL Championship in Bywell, England in July.
“Ever since I knew I could shoot competitively, I wanted to shoot for Australia and wear the green and gold,” Joseph said.
“My dream’s come true, and it feels amazing.”
Growing up on a cane farm, guns have always been a part of Joseph’s life.
He started clay target shooting in 1992 aged 16 and competed at a local gun club where he won an under 18 young fellows shooting event.
“Ever since then, I was hooked,” he said.
Early in his shooting career, Joseph would shoot every weekend, working his way around the Charters Towers, Burdekin, Townsville and Bowen circuits.
He gradually developed his skillset and climbed the ranks, advancing to participate in state shoots.
“You just have to be seasoned, competitive and match fit,” he said.
“You have to shoot consistently and shoot well and not let any internal demons get into your head, which is easier said than done.
“This sport is 90% mental and 10% ability.
“It’s a mental game and if you’ve got that under control, you will do well.”
Joseph will represent Australia in the Open Men’s team in July.
He is one of three Queenslanders travelling to England to represent the country alongside Jessica Rob shooting in the women’s and Jack Brandt shooting in the juniors.
“I couldn’t have done it without my family’s support,” he said.
“Friends and family are my inspiration, they keep me going, and the love of the sport drives me.
“When I zip up the green and gold, I think that’s when it’s going to hit me, that will be a huge moment.”

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Joseph Rossato medalled at the 2024 National Trap Championships to qualify to represent Australia in England in July

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Friday March 15 saw the 2nd round of Trophy Bowls sponsored by Mio Farming with another great turnout of 56 bowlers.

Once again thanks goes to the ladies in the kitchen preparing another good smoko. Thanks also goes to our master chef Len Fenney for cooking the sausage sizzle.

Winners of the evening were L Yanis, Ray Panecassio and Tony Battaglia.

2nd Place to Raymond Tortorica, Jayson Farry,  Lloyd Shepherd and Brett Wilshere.

Winners of the losers were Peter Lejarraga, M Previtera and R James.

Next round of Trophy Bowls will be out shortly.

On Sunday March 17, the club welcomed Alligator Sports Club for a social game of bowls.

Two games of Rinks were played with Tony Bayliss, Jamie Woods, Leo Kenny and Norm Storrie the winners.

In the other game Ross McLaughlin, Joe Ypinazar, Peter Jorgensen and Doug Robbins had a narrow loss.

Two Championship Games were also being played out on the green on Sunday.

Game 1 A Grade Pairs winners were Chris and Gary Pearce over Vince Beitia and Allan Gairoch.

Game 2 was the B Grade single with Mick McClusky eventual winner over Kevin Ferguson.

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Caption 1: Ray Panecassio, L Yanis, Tony Battaglia and a Mio Farming Representative

Captain 2: Gary Pearce, Chris Pearce and Mick McCluskey

Photos supplied

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Wednesday night Barefoot bowls at Home Hill saw Paul and Judy defeat Nev and Ron 13 to 8 on Rink 4.

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Rink 5: Yogi, Lol and Sam defeated Tony, Merle and Joe 15 to 10.

Rink 6: Betty, Margaret and Torrie defeated Tasha, Carol and Trevor 17 to 9.

Rink 7: Conner, Gladys and Alex defeated Conner, Mark and Mick 17 to 8.

On Thursday, 20 players turned up at Rummeny Green on a very warm day.

The days winners were Jimmy Murray, Joe Linton and Wayne Newton.

Rinks 3 to 6 east to west were used again due to the clubhouse giving the most shade at the western side.

Rink 3: Jimmy Murray, Joe Linton and Wayne Newton proved too strong for Warren (Yogi) Bunn, Dave Ingold and Des Chapman 26 to 16.

Rink 4: Dino Poli, Judy Elton and Trevor Elton won comfortably over John Hall, Mick Murison and Henry Hazel 24 to 11.

Rink 5 saw the first of the pairs matches with Ray Menkens and Glen (Bones) Berryman winning on the 22nd end vs Paul Vass and Mick McClosky 20 to 19.

Rink 6: Jeff Taylor (Giru) and Hugh Montgomery held on to defeat Con Sexton (Giru) and Stephen Doig 20 points to 13.

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Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Caption 1: Thursday winners Jimmy Murray, Joe Linton and Wayne Newton

Caption 2: Wednesday winners Yogi, Sam and Lol

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Photos supplied

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A close season of competitive cricket came down to Saturday afternoon as Home Hill Cricket Association hosted its grand final between Guardian Pharmacy and Peto’s Marine.

Ladder leaders Guardian, who defeated Crowned Mongrels the previous week to secure their spot in the final, won the toss and elected to bowl while second placed Peto’s were coming off a bye.

The early wicket of Peto’s opener Brad Parravicini to Thomas Cardillo got the bowling side off to a great start before fellow opener Simon Vickers and number three Daniel Olditch dug in.

Back Cover Caption: Back Row L-R: JD Wilkins, Kent Batchelor, Matthew Gardner, Damien Ricketts, Thomas Cardillo, Sam Gillespie and Salvatore Cardillo. Front Row L-R: Andrew Cardillo, Lee Watts, Mark Coventry and Jamie Grabs. Photo credit: Tiffany Olditch

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Senior Cricket At Home Hill

An undefeated half century from Daniel Olditch led the way for Peto’s Marine to set the respectable total of 7/166 from 25 overs in their grand final showdown against Guardian Pharmacy.

Olditch made 50 runs not out from 46 balls and built partnerships with Darcy Walters (37 from 37) and Simon Vickers (25 from 27) to set up the innings.

Damien Ricketts led with the ball for Guardian taking 2/19 from three overs while Lee Watts took 1/4 from two overs, Thomas Cardillo took 1/7 from two overs, JD Wilkins took 1/18 from three overs and a runout, and Matthew Gardner took 1/22 from two overs.

Chasing a target of 167, Guardian openers Mark Coventry and Lee Watts got the run chase off to an excellent start, scoring 44 runs from 50 balls and 50 runs not out from 38 balls respectively.

Peto’s took a few quick middle order wickets to stay in the game before a partnership between JD Wilkins (18 not out from 15) and Andrew Cardillo (12 not out from 14) got the batting side over the line with two overs to spare, with Guardian finishing on 4/168 from 23 overs to claim victory.

Andrew Ballin claimed two of those wickets for Peto’s, finishing with figures of 2/10 from two overs while Brad Parravicini took 1/7 from two overs and Christopher Penna took 1/16 from two overs.

Home Hill Cricket Association President Alex Stillhard presented Guardian Pharmacy captain JD Wilkins with the shield at a presentation after the game, also recognising the following players for their efforts throughout the season:

   • Highest score - Mark Coventry (65 not out)

   • Most runs - Simon Vickers (248)

   • Best batting average - Hugh Smith (70.5)

   • Most wickets - Jay Leckenby / Simon Vickers / Matt Gardner (8)

   • Best bowling average - JD Wilkins (4.71)

   • Most Catches - Dan Olditch (9)

   • Player of the Season - Simon Vickers

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Caption 1: Daniel Olditch scored 50 runs not out from 46 balls for Peto’s Marina

Caption 2: Lee Watts scored 50 runs not out from 38 balls for Guardian Pharmacy

Photo credit: Tiffany Olditch

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There were blue skies finally last Friday at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex which allowed the Challenger Blasters and Junior Hardball cricket games to go ahead. The Challengers began with the whole group participating in some fun drills of running between wickets set up on the grass, then bowling the correct line and length in the nets. They were then split into two groups to play games of ‘Pairs Cricket’ on the fields.

The Junior Hardball game had a mixture of low scores in the batting, tight bowling from some and also far too many wides from some others. It is something we need to work on at training to get more consistency in the line and length of the bowling. Top scorer this game was Oscar Mahoney who scored 16 runs not out, which included the only four in the game. The next best was Tyler Schultz on 10 and was also unbeaten.

As previously mentioned, it was a mixed bag in the bowling. Tyler was also one of the best here, taking 2 wickets for 7 runs. Others to take 2 wickets were Xavier Cross, 2 for 14 and Harrison Smyth, 2 for 16.  William Chandler, Oliver Calligaro, Oscar Mahoney and Logan Pickup all took one each. The ‘Players of the Week’ award winners were Logan Pickup and Jacques Gardner who both played very well. We are now looking forward to this Friday for our last week of Junior Cricket for this season, our presentations will follow.

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Contributed by Scott Heidke

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Caption: Logan Pickup and Jacques Gardner. Photo supplied

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The glory days of surf sport will return at the Surf Life Saving Queensland Youth State Championships being held at Burleigh from March 21-24. This event will be action-packed with thousands of the next generation of surf sport superstars battling each other on the surf and sand in their quest for state glory.

More than 1,600 surf lifesaving youth sports competitors from all across Queensland, including six from the Ayr Surf Club, will compete in beach sprints, flags, board rescue, surf rescue, ironman and ironwoman events.

The Ayr competitors heading south are Mia Wicks, Milla Chapman, Emma Jones, Zachary Dale, Isla Chapman and Ryley Sartori and they're looking forward to being a part of the largest and most prestigious event for U11-U15 age categories, which has the finest talent in surf sports from across Queensland go head-to-head.

The event will be livestreamed on Surf Life Saving Queensland Facebook page for anyone wanting to catch some of the action. Good luck to our competitors!

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Contributed by Kellie Lawry

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Burdekin Roosters coach Steve Lansley was impressed after his team beat Townsville Brothers in an A Grade trial at Airlie Beach last Saturday night.

“Brothers sent down a pretty strong side with only a couple of players missing and were confident of taking the match,” Lansley said.

In the end, the Roosters came away with a two-point victory 28-26 after conceding a try late in the match when one man down with Dom Augostis in the bin.

The Roosters crossed for five tries with Dylan Doak converting four of them and hitting the upright with his first attempt.

Lansley said Doak and Joel Mason combined very well again in the halves until he changed his team around putting Doak at fullback with Jones Munro moving to the wing replacing Terry Connors who went onto the halves.

The coach added that combination was also successful.

“I thought Cowboy Jeremiah Matuatu and Blackhawk Christian Gale dominated up front with both making plenty of ground given good ball by hooker Nemia Nawave,” Lansley said.

Nemia has been playing  on the wing  but has played plenty of games as hooker in Fiji.

In this match besides setting up his big forwards Nemia also defended well whilst bamboozling the defence to score two tries.

“I liked the way Nemia combined with lock Kali Nauque and together they are lethal,” Lansley said.

The coach added he was very impressed with the defence from Hayden Lammon who never took a backward step backed up by Tate Brombal who made many metres in attack.

Ethan Hagarty played in the centres and even though he had a good one he much prefers the forwards.

Terry Connors, Ethan Hagarty and Tate Brombal scored a try each with Nemia Nawave scoring two and Dylan Doak kicking four goals.

The club will have their first fixture match in the RLTD on Sunday April 7 when they meet Western Lions in Townsville.

Reserve Grade To Compete For Lona Kaifoto Brown Trophy

The Burdekin Roosters reserve grade team will have a hit out this Friday, March 22 at Rugby Park when they take on the Bowen Seagulls with the winner to receive the Lona Kaifoto Brown trophy.

Lona was a prominent player for the Roosters starring in the 2015 premiership team where the Roosters beat Herbert River in the A grade final.

From there, he went on to play several games for the Townsville Blackhawks before deciding to play for the local Roosters again.

Unfortunately, Lona was involved in a serious road accident which left him fighting for his life in the Townsville Hospital.

He recovered but was told playing football was definitely out of the question, that decision ruling him out of again playing for the Roosters.

Being as tough as he was, Lona helped coach the Bowen Seagulls reserve grade team which had been admitted into the TDRL.

For the past two years he has had that role as well as helping his brother in law Tyson Stocker coach the team.

This Friday night at 7:30 the Roosters will host the Bowen team for the inaugural trophy.

Entry will be by way of a gold coin with doubles on sale, the bar open and the canteen with spaghetti and sausages for sale.

Roosters coach Chris Perry will be giving a number of boys a run with the team captained by John Zaro and Zac Campbell.

Perry said Rhett Williams missed last week’s trial with a bucks party while Riley McCloskey and  Riley Horan are back from injury.

He said Jared Thorley is ready after work commitments and he would like to see Dominic Arrate put on the after burners as he did at touch last week scoring five tries.

New player from Sarina Masi Ketchell Mills stood out against Magpies as did Caleb Noah and he wants to see them fire as with Dom Augostis, Beau Crowdey, Sem Tom and Tala Pepa.

Brodie Horan has trained well and Mark Cervoni will be a big help to the younger players.

Steven and Antonio are two of the Fijians who have not gone home and they can be dangerous around the rucks.

Perry said the boys would not only like to take home the first trophy but also cement a spot in the team for the first club match with Western Lions on their ground  on Sunday April seven.

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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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