The wet weather held off just long enough for the Junior Cricket games to go ahead last Friday at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex. The "Barras" took on the "Bulls" in a close game in the "Challengers", with the "Bulls" winning by two when Hugh Armstrong hit three runs off the last ball of the match. The margin could have been bigger but for some accurate bowling by Oliver Richter and Doug Cohen, who showed great energy in the field by chasing down everything that went near them.

The highest batting partnerships of 35 runs were scored by a hard-hitting Jai Baxter and Noah Tanner for the "Barras", and Hugh Armstrong and Nate Ryder for the "Bulls". Hugh received a "McDonald's Sports Award" for his great batting technique and the other was awarded to Dylan for taking a hat-trick. Aria Briant and Everly Nicholas contributed to their team's win with excellent running between the wickets, and Everly also took two scalps when bowling.

Runs were harder to score in the "hardball" games, with Jardii Russell the only batter to hit any boundaries on his way to 17 runs in the "Blue" group. Royce Cohen had to run all of his 11 runs to finish second-highest scorer.

Corbett Cross and Jardii both took two wickets each, with Stirling Williams, Tait Parker, Nahjiyah Johnston, Royce Cohen and Henry Cohen snaring one each. Mitchell Patti and Jardii got a run-out each and Royce took two, while Henry also took a catch. Nahjiyah and Corbett took away the "McDonald's Sports Awards" in this game.

In the last "proper" game of the season before the final week and presentations next Friday, the individual "Gold" batting, bowling and overall trophies were still up for grabs because of the close statistics. Mark Wilkie top-scored with 14 not out, followed by Ben Watkins on 12, who was also unbeaten.

Xavier Cross bowled well and took 2 for 14, while others to take a wicket each were Kyle and Mark Wilkie, Rylan Nicholaides and Kip Nicholas. Kip also took a catch along with Tyler Schultz, and Kyle combined with Marshall Parker to perform a run-out. Xavier and Mark earned a "McDonald's Sports Award" each for the "Gold Group”.

CAPTION: Xavier and Mark earned a "McDonald's Sports Award" each for the "Gold Group”. Photo supplied.

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Local

Seniors

The 2026 season kicks off this weekend. The Division 1 and Division 2 Funkies teams play Estates at home on the Friday night at 6.30 and 8.30 and the Ladies are away to MA Olympic at 6.30. On the Sunday, the Premiers and Reserves are away to Rebels at 5.00 and 3.00 pm. The Premiers first home game of the season is against Estates on Saturday 28 March. Senior Registrations are open and players should register now. Men’s training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 .15 and the Ladies are in action on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6.00.

Junior

Training for both Boys and Girls starts this week Girls from Under 5 to Under 11 play on Tuesdays at 5.00 and Boys aged 6-9 play on Wednesdays. Boys Under 7 and  Under 12 years will train on Thursdays. Pre-season games will Kick Off on Saturday 21^st March.

Masters

The Masters had to be cancelled again last Monday as the pitches were too wet. The season should now start next Monday Night. The  Magic (or Mayhem) should now kick off on 23rd March. All are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless, halt and lame. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick off.

National and International

The Matildas played their second match in the  AFC Women’s Asian Cup and defeated Iran 4-0, they then played South Korea and in the last minute managed an equaliser to draw 3-3. The Matildas finished runners up, on goal difference and qualified for the Quarter Finals where they played North Korea on Friday in Perth and won 2-1 with goals from Alanna Kennedy and Sam Kerr. Having qualified for the semi-finals the Matildas now play China on Tuesday in Perth. In the other semi-final Japan will play South Korea on Wednesday.

The Socceroos are warming up for the 2026 World Cup with three friendlies, the first of them next Friday when they play Cameroon. Then on 31 March they meet Curacao. The Socceroos then travel to the USA to play against Mexico on 31 May at the Rosebowl in Pasadena. In the FIFA World Cup, the Socceroos will know their first opponents in Group D by 1^st April after the Play Offs between  Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia and  Kosovo. The play offs start on 27 March and finish four days later.

In the  A League, after twenty one rounds  Newcastle are still the League leaders despite losing 1-2 at home to Auckland. They are now just one point clear of the NZers. Adelaide could only draw at Central Coast and Melbourne Victory move up to fourth place with a 4-1 defeat of Macarthur. Brisbane is still in eighth place after drawing 2-2 with Western Sydney and Perth and Western Sydney now hold up the league.

The A League Women resumed this week, and Melbourne City is  top of the ladder  by three points with a 1-0 win against second placed Canberra. Adelaide stay in third place with a win against Perth and Wellington is fourth a further point behind after a 3-0 defeat of Brisbane. The Roar is now in eighth place. Sydney FC and Western Sydney are still holding up the table.

Europe

In the EPL with eight Rounds left Arsenal is now eleven points clear of Manchester City. The Gunners beat Everton 2-0 and City could only draw 1-1 away to West Ham. ManU beat Aston Villa 3-1 to stay in third place seven points clear of fourth placed Villa who are two points clear of Liverpool. With nine rounds left Wolves and Burnley look Championship bound but only four points now separate West Ham, Notts Forest, Spurs and Leeds for the other Championship spot.

In Germany’s Bundesliga only two of the top six teams won. Bayern drew 1-1 away to Leverkusen but is still nine points clear of Dortmund who beat Augsburg. Hoffenheim and Stuttgart are a further eight points behind with Hoffenheim third on goal difference.

At the bottom of the league Heidenheim and Wolfsburg are definitely in trouble, and  St Pauli and Werder Bremen and Cologne are all struggling.

In Italy’s Serie A, three of the top six teams won and Inter who could only draw is now eight points clear of AC Milan who lost 1-0 away to Lazio. Napoli stays in third place one point behind AC and Como moves up to fourth place another five points adrift. Juventus won at Udinese and moves up to fifth place. Only Pisa, of the bottom six teams, won, and it still looks all up with Pisa and Verona.

In Spain’s, La Liga with ten Rounds left to play, the three top teams all won. Barcelona  leads Real Madrid by four points and Atletico stays in third place a further nine points away. Villarreal drew but holds on to fourth place two points adrift. At the bottom of the league, only Oviedo won but together with Levante are still in deep trouble.

In France’s Ligue 1, both  PSG and Lens lost and PSG is now only one point ahead of second placed Lens. Marseille won but is still seven points behind, two points clear of fourth placed Lyon. Nice was the  only one of the bottom seven teams to win, and Metz, Auxerre and Nantes all look bound for Ligue Deux.

The Soccer Quote of the Week

is from ex- Liverpool Manager Bob Paisley “Mind you, I've been here during the bad times too - one year we came second.”

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Players and supporters gathered on Saturday evening to celebrate the achievements of Home Hill Cricket Association’s Second and Third Grade teams in the 2025/26 CNQ Townsville Cricket competition.

The Third Grade side finished sixth on the ladder with six wins for the season, while the Second Grade team placed seventh with five wins.

Awards were presented across both grades to recognise outstanding individual performances throughout the season. Third Grade’s Leo Olditch stole the spotlight, taking the most wickets and earning both Player’s Player and Champion Player honours, while Andrew Wallwork led the batting with 212 runs at an average of 70.67. In Second Grade, Jd Wilkins claimed Player’s Player and Champion Player, with Adam Camer topping the batting charts with 309 runs for the season.

See full list of winners on page 26

Wallwork, Olditch and Wilkins among major award winners

Continued from cover

Third Grade award winners
Batting Aggregate – Andrew Wallwork (212 runs)
Batting Average – Andrew Wallwork (70.67)
Most Wickets – Leo Olditch (19)
Bowling Average – Laurence Zappa (7.67)
Most Catches – Travis Butler (6 catches, 3 stumpings)
Player’s Player – Leo Olditch
Champion Player – Leo Olditch

Second Grade award winners
Batting Aggregate – Adam Camer (309 runs)
Batting Average – Adam Camer (44.14)
Most Wickets – Jd Wilkins (24)
Bowling Average – Josiah Ballin (14.75)
Most Catches – Zakk Myles (7 catches, 1 stumping)
Player’s Player – Jd Wilkins
Champion Player – Jd Wilkins

Club officials thanked players, supporters and volunteers for their contribution to the 2025/26 senior cricket season.

CAPTIONS:

BACK—Champion Players - Jd Wilkins (Second Grade) and Leo Olditch (Third Grade)

2—Richard’s Family “Club Person of the Year” awarded to Alex Stillhard (photo Alex Stillhard with Heather Richards)

3—HHCA President Dan Olditch with Adam Camer (Second Grade Batting Average and Batting Aggregate)

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The Burdekin Touch Football Association was proudly represented at the National Touch Championships in Coffs Harbour last weekend.

Bruce Johnson and Peter Knapton competed as part of the North Queensland Over-65 men’s team, while Michael Littlefield attended as a referee.

The NQ 65s team faced a challenging start, with injuries including a broken collarbone and broken finger in their first two games. Despite this, strong performances against eventual grand finalists Brisbane and the Southern Suns (Western Sydney) highlighted the fighting spirit of North Queensland. Both Burdekin representatives completed all six games exhausted but injury-free.

Michael Littlefield spent much of his time officiating on Field One, culminating in his selection to referee the men’s Over-30 grand final—a well-deserved recognition of his efforts. He also ranked third among all seventy referees for total distance covered during the carnival.

Back home, local players are reminded that registration for the Burdekin competition must be completed before Round 4. Players who are not registered will be ineligible to take the field.

CAPTION: Bruce Johnson and Peter Knapton competed as part of the North Queensland Over-65 men’s team at the National Touch Championships in Coffs Harbour last weekend. Photo supplied

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With the bowls season in full swing, activity at Ayr Bowling Club has ramped up with good numbers taking to the green on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Open social bowls on Tuesday featured 4 games of triples. Winners on the day were. Donna Soper, Lloyd Shepherd, and Sandra Stidston defeated Arthur Gauvin, Chris Berkery / Happy Horan and Beryl Cornford. In game 2 Meryl Smith, Barry Shepherd, and Al Hardcastle defeated Deslie Olsen, Cisco and Maurie Power. Game 3 Merle Nixon, Ross Mclaughlin and Pam Power defeated Karen Shepherd, Ron Smythe and Ron Soper. Game 4 Betty Schultz, Shelia Hardcastle and Anthony Bull defeated John Pirrone, Barry Hewson and Lew Stidston.

Wednesday Night social bowls 12 bowlers took to the green with 2 games of triples played. Winners on the night were Evelyn Wiltshire, Lorraine Wolffe and Gary Pearce taking the first game. Winners in game 2 were Margaret Mclaughlin, John Cesconetto and Heather Jorgensen.

Sunday 8^th March Men’s A Grade Championship singles round 1 were played winners were. Anthony Bull defeated Joe Grabbi. Allen Bartlett defeated John Pirrone. Lew Stidston defeated Al Hardcastle. Barry Shepherd defeated Ron Smythe and Maurie Power won on forfeit.  The quality of the bowls was very impressive! Congratulations to our winners progressing to the next round.  

Tuesday 14^th April is President Karen’s ladies day sponsored by Queensland Country Bank.  Great prizes to be won on the day. Call of the cards 9.45am play starts 10am finishing at 12.30pm come along for a wonderful day of bowling. Light lunch provided $15 per player. Email nominations preferred indicating playing position to ayrlbc@gmail.com or contact Pam Power 0458 330 019.  RSVP by Friday 10^th April.

Wilmar Challenge is at Brandon Saturday 21^st March the pennant teams have been selected and on the board in the clubhouse. Get along on the day and support this local event.

Ayr bowls club for 2026 is now an open bowls format Tuesdays, Wednesday night and Saturdays.  Wednesday Night Social Bowls is in full swing, sign up by 6.30pm. See our Facebook page for upcoming events.

If you are interested in trying Bowls, Friday Roll Ups are a good place to start. They are held every Friday afternoon from 3:00 - 5:30pm. Whether you are looking to hone your skills, enjoy some friendly training tips, or simply unwind with a drink, these casual roll-ups are the perfect way to kick off the weekend. We have a table bowls table so drop in for roll up on our new table. Come down for some training, enjoy a few drinks, and join in the fun with fellow club members.

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Young golfers have teed off the year in style, with a strong turnout for the first junior golf morning at the Ayr Golf Club.

A recent “Come Try Day” proved a hit with the community, attracting 29 juniors eager to learn the fundamentals of the sport. The budding golfers spent the morning on the fairway under the guidance of instructor Tara, who introduced them to the basics of the golf swing and demonstrated how to use the different clubs in their bags.

Each participant had the chance to practise hitting balls on the range, while also enjoying the social side of the game. New friendships were formed throughout the morning, and some keen juniors even had time to head out and play a few holes together.

While wet weather prevented play this week, it did not dampen the excitement surrounding the club’s junior scholarship program. Scholarship recipients received their welcome packs for the year ahead, marking the start of another promising season.

The scholarships are made possible thanks to the support of the Australian Golf Foundation, which helps young players begin or continue their journey in the sport while building confidence, developing new skills and fostering a lifelong love of golf.

Organisers also extended their thanks to Kristina Patane Land for the significant work she has put into making this year’s junior program at Ayr Golf Club a success.

Scholarship recipients who were unable to attend the welcome session have been advised that their golf bags are available for collection from the club during the week or next Saturday, when juniors will return to the course for another fun morning on the greens.

With enthusiasm high and plenty of young players keen to learn, the club is looking forward to watching its junior golfers grow and develop throughout the year.

Contributed with thanks to Laura Mahoney.

Local

Despite the wet weather the 3rd Round of the Kappa Cup was played last Saturday night in Townsville. However, it was not a good night for the Burdekin who went down 1-7 to Brothers.

Seniors

In the Kappa Cup the game started off poorly with Brothers scoring in the first five minutes from a set piece. Five minutes later they were in again with a similar goal. Due to going two goals down early, the Panthers started to rush and make mistakes. This compounded when Brothers scored a third goal. By half time it was 4-0, with the Premier league keeper being substituted due to injury and Zack Durrant making his Premier league debut in goal. The Panthers set about creating a plan for the second half and executed it quite well.

With an increased intensity it saw Burdekin  create more chances but also left gaps in behind as they chased goals. Brothers capitalised on this scoring another three goals, which could have been more if not for some outstanding saves from Zack Durrant. Jay Leckenby managed to score for the Panthers  after some good build up play from the team. The final result was a 7-1 win to Brothers with the loss being magnified after an injury to captain Joshua Valle which looks to keep him out for an extended period of time.

Only one week now before the season kicks off. Fixtures start on the weekend of 20 - 22 March. The Division 1 and Division 2 Funkies teams play Estates at home on the Friday, and the Ladies are away to MA Olympic. On the Sunday, the Premiers and Reserves are away to Rebels. The Premiers first home game of the season is against Estates on Saturday 28 March. Senior Registrations are open and players should register now. Men’s training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 .15 and the Ladies are in action on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6.00.

Junior

A pre-season Training Clinic for both Boys and Girls aged 6-9 years has started. Tuesdays at 5.15 at International Park. A terrific way to get back into soccer before the season begins. Teams will be hopefully getting sorted out in the next few weeks. Pre-season games will Kick Off on Saturday 21^st March.  

Masters

The Masters had to be cancelled again last Monday as the pitches were too wet. The season should now start next Monday Night. The  Magic (or Mayhem) should now kick off on 16th March. All are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless, halt and lame. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick off.

National and International

The Matildas played their second match in the  AFC Women’s Asian Cup and defeated Iran 4-0 on Thursday. The Matilda’s then played South Korea on Sunday and in the last minute managed an equaliser to draw 3-3. The Matildas finished runners up, on goal difference and qualify for the Quarter Finals where they will play either China or North Korea.

The Socceroos are warming up for the 2026 World Cup with three friendlies the first of them in two weeks’ time. They play Cameroon on Friday 27^th March and Curacao on 31 March in Australia and have now arranged a friendly against Mexico on 31 May at the Rosebowl in Pasadena. The Socceroos will know their first opponents in Group D by 1^st April after the Play Offs between  Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo. The play offs start on 27 March and finish four days later.

In the  A League, after twenty rounds  Newcastle are still the League leaders, and were the only one of the top five teams to win. They beat Western Sydney 2-1 and are now four points clear of Auckland with just six games left. Sydney drew  with Melbourne Victory and is a further three  points behind and  Adelaide stays in fourth spot. Brisbane is still in eighth place. Wellington and Western Sydney now hold up the league but only four points separates the bottom five clubs.

With the Asian Pacific Cup being played, there were no A League Women Fixture this week.

Europe

In England it is FA Cup time and after the 5th Round Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea,  Liverpool, Leeds, Southampton, and Port Vale  are all through to the Quarter final. In the EPL Arsenal is now seven points clear of Manchester City who have a game in hand. ManU has moved up to third place a further nine points behind, and Aston Vill has dropped to fourth place on goal difference. With nine rounds left Wolves and Burnley look Championship bound but West Ham and Notts Forest are fighting hard and Spurs, who have lost their last five games  could be Championship bound.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, with nine rounds left, the top three teams won, and Bayern stays eleven points clear of Dortmund. Hoffenheim is a further six points behind and Stuttgart who could only draw is another two points adrift. At the bottom of the league Heidenheim are definitely in trouble, but St Pauli and Werder Bremen both won and might escape relegation.

In Italy’s Serie A, five of the top six teams won and Inter is still ten points clear of AC Milan. Napoli stays in third place one point behind AC and Roma stays in fourth spot another five points adrift, despite only managing a draw. Juventus stays in sixth place. The bottom six teams all lost, and it looks all up with Pisa and Verona.

In Spain’s La Liga with eleven Rounds left only three of the top teams won. Barcelona  leads Real Madrid by four points and Atletico move up to third place a further nine points away. Villarreal lost but holds on to fourth place. At the bottom of the league, only one of the last six teams won and it looks like Goodnight Oviedo.

In France’s Ligue 1,  PSG lost and is now just four points ahead of Lens. Marseille won but is still seven points adrift in third place, one point clear of Lyon. Paris FC was the  only one of the bottom seven teams to win, and Metz, Auxerre and Nantes are in severe trouble.

The Soccer Quote of the Week

is from ex-Chelsea Manager (amongst others) Jose Mourinho "Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm European champion and I think I'm a special one."

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The Coutt’s Commercial Tavern Men’s and Women’s Touch Football Grand Finals were held last week, marking the first time the pre-season competition featured finals.

In the women’s decider, Eathorne’s Princesses faced First in Physio. The Princesses’ defence proved impenetrable, keeping their opponents scoreless while putting four touchdowns on the board. Ryley Sartori scored twice and was named player of the final for her standout performance.

The men’s final between One Touch IT and BAYWatch delivered end-to-end action, with both sides showing strong attack and defence. The match finished five-all. Jayden Lambie-Fabbro earned player of the final honours. Both captains agreed to forego extra time, opting to share the prize money.

Results of Round 1 played 25 February, 2026

Under 14

BAYWatch1 5 def Silly Soft Serves 1,

Red Dogs 11 (F Levitt 5, L Pickup 3) def Rockies 1,

Cowboys 11 (Adea 6, S Williams 4) def Broncos 3 (Zaviar 2).

OPEN WOMEN

Pre-season Final:

Eathorne’s Princesses 4 (R Sartori 2) def First in Physio 0,

Salty Sirens 8 (A Dobe 2, L Groth 2) def Can’t Catch 2,      

Lasers 9 (T Horan 5, B Robertson 3) def Chick Flicks 1.    

OPEN MEN

Pre-season Final:

One Touch IT 5 (J Valle 2, J Leckenby 2) drew BAYWatch 5,                    

Alliance Pharmacy 9 (A Watson 2, J Olsen 2, B Vasta 2, K Hesp 2) def Slush Puppies 3 (J Levitt 2),

Way To Go 4 def Tha Murries 3 (C Taiters 2),

Crocs 9 (J McIvor 3, KJ Zaro 2, J Naque 2) def His Haas 1,

Nrgize 7 (H Munro 3, L Lampton 2) def Wires Down 1,

Burdekin PCYC 8 (G Dau 6) def Touch n Go 2,                        

Teamo Supremo 10 (B Horan 4, R Heuir 2) def Renegades 1,                                      

Creampuffs 4 def Royal Touch 3,                    

Feelers 4 (L Dobe 2) def Blue Murder 1,                                    

Ball Grabbers 6 (C White 2) def Petrol Heads 1.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Knapton

CAPTIONS:

1—Eathorne's Princesses

2—First in Physio

Photos supplied

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The Burdekin Roosters are scheduled to begin the R L T D season on Sunday, April 12, when they meet Brothers at Jack Manski Oval in Townsville. They have, however, arranged trial matches for all four grades in Ayr on Saturday, March 21.

On that day, Souths from Townsville will visit the Roosters with three grades — A, Reserve, and Ladies. The Under 19s will play Norths from Townsville as the first game of the day. Souths were A-grade premiers in the R L T D in both 2024 and 2025. Their Reserve grade team were premiers in 2024, while the Ladies team is a brand-new addition for the club.

Souths have put together a strong women’s team, winning the Bowen Tens Ladies last weekend. The Under 19s are new to the R L T D, but both Norths and Burdekin had strong teams in the Under 18s last year. The day will start with the Under 19s at 1:30 pm, followed by the Ladies, Reserves, and A-grade at 6:00 pm.

The two Burdekin-based teams acquitted themselves well at the annual Bowen Tens in Bowen last Saturday. The Burdekin Delta Dolphins won two games from four in a tough pool, with the Pacifica side taking three of their four games and just missing the final. Wests Tigers from Mackay were the men’s winners, narrowly defeating last year’s champions Emu Park from Rockhampton in a 14-team competition.

The women’s competition attracted six teams, with first-timers Souths from Townsville crowned winners over Emu Park from Rockhampton. Burdekin players Stephanie and Martina Monday, along with Toni Daisy, played for Souths. Emu Park defended the relay victory from last year, with Runamuck from Bowen the women’s winner. Kudin from Bowen was judged the lucky team at the carnival.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes

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Local

The 1st Round of the Kappa Cup, after being postponed four times, was finally played last Saturday. The Premiers were away to Saints Eagles Souths in Townsville and won 3-2 after Extra Time. Other North Queensland winners were Riverway JCU, MA Olympic and Brothers. Burdekin now play Brothers in the 3rd Round.

Seniors

In the Kappa Cup a tough opening match saw Burdekin travel to Saints, a venue where the Panthers traditionally find it hard to get going. That trend continued as the Panthers struggled early before breaking through with a well-taken goal from Ryan Scodellaro to lead 1–0. Soon afterwards Burdekin were reduced to ten men, and Saints equalised with five minutes remaining, to force extra time. The Panthers showed great resilience, with Jake Siandri calmly converting a penalty before Jay Leckenby added a third. Saints pulled one back late in the game to keep the pressure on, but the Panthers defended strongly in the closing minutes to secure a hard-earned first win of the season.

Only two weeks now before the season kicks off. the Men train on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 .15 and the Ladies are in action on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6.00. The Ladies are looking for a goalkeeper and a Coach. Fixtures start on the weekend of 20 - 22 March. The Division 1 and Funkies teams play Estates at home on the Friday, and the Ladies are away to MA Olympic. On the Sunday the Premiers and Reserves are away to Rebels. The Premiers first home game of the season is against Estates on Saturday 28 March. Senior Registrations are open and players should register now.

Juniors

A pre-season Training Clinic for both Boys and Girls aged 6-9 years will start on Tuesdays at 5.15 at International Park. A great way to get back into soccer before the season begins. Registrations for the 2026 season are now open and will close on 1st March. Teams will be hopefully getting sorted out in the next few weeks. Pre-season games will Kick Off on Saturday 21st March.

Masters

The Masters had to be cancelled again last Monday as the pitches were too wet. The season should now start next Monday Night. The Magic (or Mayhem) should kick off on 9th March. All are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless, halt and lame. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick off.

National and International

The Matildas played their first match in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and managed to win 1-0 against the Philippines in Perth on Sunday. In a less than impressive performance, Sam Kerr scored the only goal. The Matilda’s are due to play Iran this Thursday and South Korea on Sunday. The Matildas are in Group A with Iran, South Korea, and the Philippines.

The Socceroos are warming up for the 2026 World Cup with three friendlies. They play Cameroon on 27 March and Curacao on 31 March in Australia and have now arranged a friendly against Mexico on 31 May at the Rosebowl in Pasadena. The Socceroos will know their first opponents in Group D by 1st April after the Play Offs between Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo. The play offs start on 27 March and finish four days later.

In the A League, after nineteen rounds Newcastle are still the League leaders, despite only managing a 0-0 draw with Central Coast. They lead Auckland, who beat Melbourne City 3-0, by three points and Sydney FC stay in third place after beating Wellington. Adelaide drew at Melbourne Victory to stay in fourth spot and Brisbane drew 1-1 with Perth to move up to eighth place. Wellington and Western Sydney now hold up the league one point adrift of Perth.

With the Asian Pacific Cup being played, there were no A League Women Fixture this week.

Europe

In the EPL Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 and is now five points clear of Manchester City who won 1-0 at Leeds and ManU has moved up to third place with a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace as Aston Villa drop to fourth place after losing to Wolverhampton! With ten rounds left Wolves and Burnley look Championship bound and West Ham, Notts Forest or Spurs could be joining them.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, only three of the top six teams won and Bayern who beat Dortmund 3-2 in the top of the table clash is now eleven points clear of Dortmund. Hoffenheim and Stuttgart are a further six points behind in third and fourth place. At the bottom of the league Heidenheim are definitely in trouble, but St Pauli and Werder Bremen both won and might escape relegation.

In Italy’s Serie A, four of the top six teams won and Inter, who beat Genoa 2-0, is still ten points clear of AC Milan who won away to Cremonese. Napoli won and is in third place four points further behind and Roma is fourth another two pints adrift. Juventus drew and dropped to sixth place and the four bottom teams all lost. Pisa and Verona both look Serie B bound.

In Spain’s, La Liga Barcelona beat Villarreal 4-1 and leads Real Madrid by four points but Real has a game in hand. Villarreal drops to fourth place and Atletico who won at Oviedo moves up to third place another nine points behind. At the bottom of the league, Levante was the only one of seven teams to win but together with Oviedo are still in deep trouble.

In France, PSG was the only one of the top three teams to win. They beat Le Havre 1-0 and are now four points ahead of Lens who drew at Strasbourg. Lyon lost again and is now a further eight points behind, three points clear of fourth placed Marseille. Paris FC was the only one of the bottom nine teams to win, and Metz, Auxerre and Nantes are in severe trouble.

The Quote of the Week is from ex Nottingham Forest Manager Brian Clough “Walk on water? I know that most people out there will be saying that instead of walking on it, I should have taken more of it with my drinks. They are absolutely right.”

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The Ayr Lady Golfers launched the 2026 Wednesday Competitions earlier this month with an action-packed opening day, highlighted by strong performances, camaraderie, and the support of a new sponsor.

Paul from Dingle Smash Repairs attended the event to personally present prizes to the day’s winners, including first- through fourth-place finishers, pin shot winners, and the “lucky loser” prize, much to the delight of the members.

The day also marked the start of the club’s nine-hole social competition for beginner members, giving newcomers a chance to build confidence as they progress toward playing the full 18-hole competition. Experienced members, including those currently sidelined with injury, provided encouragement and support throughout the day.

Opening Day Results:

• 4th Place: Kat Fensom – 31 points (her very first 18 holes)
• 3rd Place: Rhonda Martin – 31 points
• 2nd Place: Sandra Wight – 32 points
• Winner: Angie Baxter – 36 points

Pin Shot Winners:

• Hole 9: Debbie Searle
• Hole 5: Sandra Wight
  With no one finding the green on Hole 3, the Wheel of Fortune awarded the prize to Sonya O’Shea.

The Ayr Lady Golfers thanked Paul and Dingle Smash Repairs for their generous support, which helped make Opening Day a memorable start to the 2026 season.

The rain stayed away long enough for the Junior Cricket games to go ahead at the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex last Friday. After two weeks of wet weather and no games it could be assumed that the Challengers could be a little rusty, though this was not the case as some great cricket skills were on show in the group.

Flynn Sullivan top scored with 7 runs and had good awareness in the field to get a couple of runouts, as did Jaxon Watkins. Nicholas Marrinan scored 4 runs from some well-placed shots into the gaps and Doug Cohen bowled very fast and had great energy in the field. Cooper Amos, Oliver Richter and Everly Nicholas also bowled well, with Everly earning one of the "McDonalds Sports Awards" for her nice straight arm. Nash got the other award for his fine batting technique.

Flynn, Everly and Nash Star in Junior Cricket Comeback‍

There was plenty of energy in the field in the "Blue Group" with four runouts, and seven wickets taken by the bowlers.  Flynn Levitt had the best figures of 2 for 8 runs including one maiden in his overs.  Royce Cohen, 2 for 12 and Corbett Cross, 2 for 16 also bowled well.  Jardii Russell took one wicket, two runouts and led the way with the bat smashing 2 fours on his way to 16 runs.  Henry Cohen was next on 15 runs with 1 four and also a runout.  Jake Cullen and Tait Parker also hit a four each and scored 14 runs in their innings, with Jake also taking a catch and a runout.  Flynn and Tait got the "McDonalds Sports Awards" for their great bowling and fielding in this game.

Only three wickets fell in the "Gold Group" this week and only 2 fours were hit in the whole game.  These fours were scored by Marshall Parker who ended his innings of 24 runs not out.  Ben Watkins was next highest on 15 but was out LBW on his last ball before retiring, trying a reverse sweep to Kip Nicholas in his first game in this group.  Tyler Schultz was next on 13 not out after he took a couple of overs to get going.  Ben was very economical and took 1 for 7 when bowling, Oscar Mahoney, 1/10 and Kip, 1/24 snared the other wickets.  Ben and Kip earned the "McDonalds Sports Awards" for their overall performances.

Contributed with thanks to Scott Heidke

Blue Group - Tait & Flynn

Challengers - Everly & Nash

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Over the weekend, more than 700 of the state’s top youth athletes from 53 lifesaving clubs descended on Maroochydore to compete on the sand and in the surf at the Queensland Youth State Lifesaving Championships. The 14 members from the Ayr Surf Club had a fantastic weekend, taking on very tough competition in challenging conditions. With incredible individual and team performances progressing through heats, quarters, semis, and finals, our members brought home multiple podium finishes — as well as a few close fourths.

“All of our athletes should be extremely proud of their efforts, representing the Ayr Surf Club and the North Barrier Branch with the highest level of sportsmanship and professionalism,” said Ayr Surf Life Saving member and junior activities coordinator Kellie Lawry.

Ayr Surf Club Excels in State R&R and Beach Events

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The four-day competition kicked off with Ayr's first five-person R&R team in decades, alongside our two-person teams, with all three teams claiming silver medals. Ayr’s U13/15 five-person team—Emilee Wassmuth, Charlotte Dale, Luca Lawry, Charlotte Lawry, and Briella Wassmuth—narrowly missed out on gold by just 0.5 points, taking home a well-deserved silver medal. Charlotte and Emilee also claimed silver in the U13/14 two-person R&R, narrowly beaten by the current Australian champions. Briella paired with Amalie from Arcadian Club to also win silver in the U14/15 two-person R&R, finishing behind a fellow North Barrier Branch team. Several of Ayr’s athletes also took on the 1km and 2km beach runs on Thursday afternoon, delivering strong performances.

Friday and Saturday saw Ayr’s athletes compete in a variety of individual and team water and beach events over two massive days of back-to-back competition. The club’s participants experienced a mix of success, progressing through various rounds and putting their hard work and training to the test. Taylor Chapman claimed a silver medal as part of the U12 Female 2x500m Beach Run Relay, and a bronze as part of the U12 Female Beach Relay. Milla Chapman earned a bronze in the U14 Mixed Beach Relay, as well as another bronze with Alyssa Irvine in the All Age Relay.

The final day of competition featured surf race finals and board semi-finals, with several strong performances. Four of Ayr’s members also competed in the March Past event, claiming a silver medal alongside their North Barrier Branch teammates.

Overall, the championships were a roaring success and a fantastic way to cap off the SLSQ competitive season for our Ayr Surf Club members.

Contributed with thanks to Kellie Lawry

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1 - Ayr's 5 person R&R team - Briella Wassmuth, Charlotte Lawry, Luca Lawry, Charlotte Dale & Emilee Wassmuth - Silver

Pic 2 - Briella Wassmuth & Amalie Edwards (Arcadian) - U14/15 2 Person R&R - Silver

Pic 3 - Emilee Wassmuth & Charlotte Lawry - U13/14 2 Person R&R - Silver

Pic 4 - Taylor Chapman (with partner Aria) in U12 2x500m Beach Run Relay - 2^nd

Pic 5 - All Age Relay Team - including Alyssa Irvine & Milla Chapman - 3rd

Pic 6 - Audrey Rickards - U11 Female beach flags

Pic 7 - Mahli McShane in U11 Surf Team

Pic 8 - NBB March Past Team - including Briella & Emilee Wassmuth & Charlotte & Luca Lawry - 2nd

Pic 9 - Taylor Chapman - U12 Female beach relay

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Local

The 1st Round of the Kappa Cup, where the Premiers are away to Saints Eagles Souths in Townsville, was postponed for the fourth Saturday in a row. Coach Leighton Gallagher must wonder if the game will ever be played! Hopefully, the match against Saints Eagles Souths will finally kick off at Aitkenvale Park at 7.00pm this Saturday night.

Seniors

Meanwhile training goes on, the Men train on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.15 and the Ladies are in action on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5.30 to 7.00. Fixtures start on the weekend of 20 - 22 March. The Division 1 and Funkies teams play Estates at home on the Friday, and the Ladies are away to MA Olympic. On the Sunday the Premiers and Reserves are away to Rebels. The Premiers first home game of the season is against Estates on Saturday 28 March.

Juniors

A pre-season Training Clinic for both Boys and Girls aged 6-9 years will start on Tuesdays at 5.15 at International Park. A great way to get back into soccer before the season begins. Registrations for the 2026 season are now open and will close on Sunday 1st March. Teams will be hopefully getting sorted out in the next few weeks. Pre-season games will Kick Off on Saturday 21st March.

Masters

The Masters had to be cancelled last Monday as the pitches were too wet. The season should start next Monday Night. The Magic (or Mayhem) should now kick off on 2 March. All are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless, halt and lame. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick off.

National and International

The Matildas are now just a few days away from their first match in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup which is being hosted by Australia. The Matildas first match is against the Philippines in Perth on Sunday 1st March. They then meet Iran on 5th March and South Korea on 8th March. The Matildas are in Group A with Iran, South Korea, and the Philippines.

The Socceroos are warming up for the 2026 World Cup with two friendlies. They play Cameroon on 27 March and Curacao on 31 March and very soon after that, the Socceroos fans will know their first opponents in Group D. It could be any of four countries, Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo. The play offs start on 27 March and finish four days later. In the meantime, The Socceroos know that they will meet USA and Paraguay but will not know their third opponents until 1st April.

In the A League, after eighteen rounds Newcastle are still the League leaders. They beat Macarthur 1-0 and have now won their last eight games. The Jets are now four points clear of second placed Auckland who won the NZ Derby, 5-0 in Wellington.

Sydney defeated Brisbane 1-0 and is in third place a further three points away. Brisbane drops to ninth place. Adelaide stays fourth and Western Sydney continue to hold up the league three points adrift of Wellington and Perth.

In the A League Women, Melbourne City is now three points clear at the top after winning 3-1 at Central Coast. Canberra stay in second place with a 3-0 win away to Western Sydney and third placed Adelaide beat Brisbane 2-0. The Roar is now in sixth place. Sydney FC continues to hold up the league a point behind Western Sydney.

Europe

In England it was back to the EPL and Arsenal, after drawing at Wolverhampton during the week, won 4-1 at Spurs and is now five points clear of Manchester City who beat Newcastle 2-1. Aston Villa could only draw and is a further five points behind six points clear of Chelsea, ManU and Liverpool. With eleven rounds left Wolves and Burnley look Championship bound and West Ham, Notts Forest or Spurs could be joining them.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, with eleven rounds left to play, Bayern was the only one of the top six teams to win. They beat Eintracht and is now eight points ahead of Dortmund. Hoffenheim are a further six points behind and Stuttgart another three points adrift. At the bottom of the league Werder Bremen and Heidenheim are still in trouble, but St Pauli won again and might escape relegation.

In Italy’s Serie A, only two of the top five teams won and Inter, who won 2-0 away to Lecce, is now ten points clear of AC Milan who lost at home to Parma. Napoli also lost and is a further four points behind. Roma moves up to fourth place and Juventus lost again and stays fifth. The two bottom teams, Pisa and Verona both lost again and look Serie B bound but Fiorentina won and might escape relegation.

In Spain’s, La Liga four of the top six teams won but Real Madrid lost at Osasuna and is now one point behind Barca who beat Levante 3-0. Villarreal is another nine points behind and fourth placed Atletico a further three points away. At the bottom of the league, none of the last seven teams won and Levante and Oviedo are still in deep trouble.

In France, PSG was the only one of the top four teams to win. They beat Metz 2-0 and are now two points ahead of Lens who lost to Monaco. Lyon also lost and is now a further seven points behind, but five points clear of fourth placed Marseille. Only Nantes of the bottom seven teams won, and Metz, Auxerre and Nantes are in severe trouble.

The Quote of the Week is from ex Manchester United Manager Sir Matt Busby - “Nobby Stiles a dirty player? No, he’s never hurt anyone. Mind you, he’s frightened a few!

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Two teams of Burdekin-based Rugby League players, Burdekin Delta Dolphins and Pacifika Warriors, will take part in the Annual Bowen Tens competition at Denison Park in Bowen this Saturday.

Founded in 2012 to raise money for Cancer Research, the Annual Carnival conducted by the Bowen Junior Rugby League Seagulls attracts teams from all over North Queensland. This year, teams will be coming from as far north as Cardwell to Emu Park and Morambah.

The carnival now supports several local charities, with Ronald McDonald House charities to the fore.

Players who are 18 years of age and over play in teams of 10 a side on the paddock, with 10-minute halves, using the rules of Rugby League except there are five tackles to a set instead of six.

Teams who have participated in the past have generously contributed to the charity cause. Several Burdekin teams have been successful in the past, donating half their winnings to the nominated charity.

There will be several food vans on site catering for the crowd at the games, which begin at 8 am Saturday morning on two fields and finish late Saturday afternoon.

Semi-finals and a final will be played for both men and women. A few seasons back, a women’s competition was added to the day, and this year that competition has attracted six teams.

Abbot Point Operations are the major sponsor of the women’s competition, with R A P Painting and Finishing sponsoring the runners-up. The six women’s teams are Townsville Souths, Bowen Bush Chooks, Morambah Miners, K A S L United, Emu Park, and Runamok of Bowen.

During the afternoon, a relay will be run between teams for a generous prize donated by Tin Cone. There will also be a draw for a lucky team for a prize donated by P L P Property.

The 14 men’s teams taking part include Emu Park, Shute Harbour Shufflers, Morambah Miners, Wests Tigers of Mackay, Cardwell Axeman, Burdekin teams Pacifika Warriors and Burdekin Delta Dolphins, plus Bowen-based teams Runamok, Chargers, Seagulls, 20 Prise Boys, Paradise Panthers, No Name, and Bowen Mudcrabs Rugby Union.

They will be competing for generous prizes from Williamson Transport Services as major sponsor.

The Burdekin Delta Dolphins team is Keon and Morgan Noah, K J Zaro, Josiah and Jermaine McIvor, Sem Tom, Leylan Lampton, Vakais and Tubby Heron, Harrison Lammon, Terry Connors, Joyton McNee, Gregory Daniells, Orlando Navaho, Jayke Rakiki, and Dylan Doak.

The Pacifika Warriors team is Maika at centre and captain, Maliq, Sepo, Joeli, Saki, Gordon, Johnathon, Toni, Nemi, Kelevi, Tala, Ricardo, Corter, Jayden, Kenneth, Braithen, Brendon, and Tom.

Ten of those players have specific positions on the field, but eight can play multiple spots.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes

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