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45 teams from across Queensland met in Home Hill last weekend, duelling for glory in what was the 45th edition of the region’s esteemed Sugar Bowl tennis tournament. Men’s and women’s teams travelled from as far as Brisbane, competing in a traditional round-robin format across A Grade, A2 Grade and B Grade divisions from Saturday, 2 May to Monday, 4 May. Emerald Tennis Club’s Keg Slayers took out the A Grade men’s competition, with M&M’s claiming the women’s A Grade title for a fourth time. A2 Grade men’s champions TTT dominated the division, while the Lady Bugs pipped their A2 women’s rivals to glory. The Shoeys edged the Wackers to claim men’s B Grade glory, and the Hot Shots proved too strong for the women’s B division after a comfortable victory. Both Col’s Crew and the Sugar Hits were recognised with Team Spirit awards to tie off the eventful three days. Home Hill Tennis Association secretary Kate Casswell said the event was another feather in the cap of the club, continuing the tournament’s 45-year history with another successful edition. “It was such a successful year with a really strong field. The quality we saw from the A men’s in particular this year was next level,” Ms Casswell said. She said the event garnered significant interest from the tennis community. “Tennis really picks up locally—even in Townsville—because this is a big thing on the calendar for them. They want to come to play, compete and have fun,” she said. Ms Casswell said the influx of visitors also boosted local business, with around 1,000 players and spectators filling local accommodation and supporting businesses throughout the long weekend. She thanked the committee, team captains and the Ayr-Home Hill Lions Club for their efforts in facilitating the event that was just as much social as it was competitive. “The highlight for me is just seeing all the teams come and have a great time together—the positivity and the energy that comes from it,” she said.
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Ayr’s finest golfers have returned triumphant from the 2026 Queensland Women’s Country Week. Battling "character-building" coastal winds across Yeppoon and Rockhampton, the eight-strong squad proved their mettle on the greens. The highlight belonged to Kerry Heuir and Sandra Wight, who secured the Division 2 Foursomes title with a gritty 95. Former local Amanda Gees also tasted glory in Division 1. Between rainbows and gala dinners, the week celebrated the unbreakable spirit and camaraderie of regional golf. Read on page 29 CAPTION: Battling "character-building" coastal winds across Yeppoon and Rockhampton, the eight-strong squad proved their mettle on the greens. Photo source: Ayr Golf Club/Facebook
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Seniors A disappointing weekend for the Burdekin Panthers. The Club had only three senior games drawing two and losing one. The Premiers and Reserves were away to Warriors with the Premiers drawing 1-1 and the Reserves losing 0-1. The Division 1 team forfeited but the Division 2, drew 1-1 away to MA Olympic. The Colts also had a bye, and the Ladies have withdrawn from the competition. This week four teams are in action as the Colts have a bye. On Friday, the Division 1 and Division 2 teams are at home to Olympic, at 8.30 and 6.30 and on Saturday the Premiers and Reserves are away to MA Olympic at 7.00 and 5.00. Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club With several players unavailable, the Panthers were forced into their fifth different backline combination in as many games, heading into a tough away trip to Warriors at Melrose Park, a venue where points are always hard to come by. The first half was a stalemate, with neither side able to gain control despite the Panthers enjoying a large share of possession. Clear chances were limited, and both teams remained disciplined defensively. The second half followed a similar pattern, although Warriors began to create more threatening opportunities. Jarrod Camer stood tall in goal, producing key saves to keep the scores level. With ten minutes remaining, the breakthrough finally came, with Jay Leckenby finishing off a well-worked move to give the Panthers a 1–0 lead. However, the advantage was short-lived, with Warriors equalising five minutes later. The match finished 1–1, a result that reflected a hard-fought contest in difficult conditions. Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service The Panthers started the game well with plenty of effort and pressure creating multiple chances which the Burdekin were guilty of not taking. On the back of the Panthers failing to score, Warriors took one of their very few chances and scored right before half time. The Panthers applied a lot of pressure after the break but were again guilty of not taking their opportunities. Luke Torkington received a red card, for letting his frustration at some questionable tactics get to him. Even with ten men, Burdekin still had Warriors camped in their half so despite the 1-0 loss there is potential for a better result next round. Division 1 – Austral Masonry Faced with a shortage of players, weddings etcetera, the Division 1 had to forfeit their match against Olympic. Division 2 – RG Customs The RG Customs Funkies drew 1-1 with MA Olympic on Friday night. It was a very competitive contest and free flowing game. Burdekin created numerous attacking chances but continued to be denied by Olympic keeper who was very good all night. It took until the 77th minute for Jared Giardina to give Burdekin the lead with a neat finish. The game was quite frantic until the end and Olympic managed to equalise in the 89th minute to share the points. An unfortunate goal after an incorrect decision to award Olympic a corner that resulted with the goal. Despite the draw the Funkies can be proud of the effort and intensity on the night, for the entire game. A focus, however, must be on finishing off attacking chances and dominating the scoreboard as well as the game. Great performances by Jared Giardina, Jesse Thomasson and also Chris Achille running out the full 90 minutes of play. Ladies Female Football is taking over Monday nights! A strictly social hour of football. All are welcome to attend. Small-sided game, no skills, or experience required! Grab your friends and come down and have good time. 6:30pm, Senior Fields! Welcome to Female Football Week! An exciting two weeks to celebrate the outstanding contribution and the growth of the female game! We are proudly hosting events across the two weeks! Keep an eye out on Facebook for more details. Thank you to all the amazing females and girls that shape the face of what Female Football means in the Burdekin! Masters The Masters had another good turnout and a replay of last week’s World Cup Qualifier, Italy v Bosnia Herzegovina. In a close game Bosnia won 3-2 and for Italy it’s Goodnight Luigi! Fengil scored twice for Bosnia. Best players on the night were George Karagkiozis and Jonty Davis. The Masters play every Monday night. All players are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless, halt and lame. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick off. Juniors After a quiet week with no games over the long weekend, our junior soccer teams are eager to get back into the swing of things. Training resumes this week, giving players a great chance to sharpen their skills, reconnect with teammates, and prepare for the return to matches this Saturday. We are looking forward to seeing everyone back on the field, refreshed and ready for another exciting round of junior soccer. National The A League Men’s season has reached the final stages. In the Elimination Finals Auckland defeated Melbourne City on penalties after a 1-1 tie and Sydney beat Melbourne Victory 1-0. On Saturday, Sydney now plays Newcastle and Auckland plays Adelaide in the 1st Leg of the semi-finals. The A League Women are at the Semi-finals stage, and in the 1st Leg, Melbourne City beat Victory 1-0 and Brisbane defeated Wellington 2-1. The second leg will be played this weekend. International In the World Cup department, the Socceroos travel to the USA to play Mexico on 31 May at the Rosebowl in Pasadena and now have another ‘friendly’ organised. They play Switzerland in San Diego on 6th June. Australia’s first Group D match is against Turkey in Vancouver on the 14th June. They then play the USA in Seattle on 20th June and Paraguay in San Francisco on 26th June. In Europe, the various leagues are very close to the end of season. In England with three rounds left, Arsenal leads Manchester City by six points, but City has two games in hand. ManU will probably finish in third place with Liverpool or Aston Villa finishing fourth. Wolves and Burnley are already relegated with either Spurs or West Ham joining them. Oh yes, Coventry City won the Championship by eleven points. What a team! In Germany with two rounds to go Bayern are already champions and Dortmund need one more point to finish second. Leipzig should finish in third spot with either Leverkusen, Stuttgart or Hoffenheim finishing fourth. Relegation faces Heidenheim, St Pauli and Wolfsburg. In Spain, with four rounds to go, Barcelona are champions with Real Madrid second and, probably Villarreal third and Atletico fourth. It is very tight at the foot of the table with Oviedo in deep trouble with Levante, Seville and Alaves struggling. In Italy, with three rounds left, Inter are already champions with Napol likely to finish in second place. AC Milan, Juventus, Como or Roma could fill the third and fourth places. Pisa and Verona are already relegated and either Cremonese or Lecce could join them. In France with two rounds to play PSG are already champions and Lens and Lyon are likely to finish in second and third spots. Lille or Rennes will finish fourth. Metz and Nantes are already relegated, and Auxerre will probably accompany them.
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Touch Juniors[Text Wrapping Break]Last Friday’s Junior Touch saw 45 boys and girls aged 4 to 12 nominate. Skills, drills and games will begin this Friday from 5.30pm to 6.15pm for six weeks. Further nominations will still be accepted. Annual General Meeting[Text Wrapping Break]The Annual General Meeting of the Burdekin Touch Association will be held next Tuesday, 12 May, in the Touch Clubhouse at 6pm. Everyone is welcome. Results – Coutt’s Commercial Hotel Open Men’s and Women’s (Round 8) Men[Text Wrapping Break]Way To Go 5 (B Palmer 2) def Nrgize 4 (L Torkington 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Wires Down 6 (K Parravicini 2, G Flannagan 2) drew One Touch IT 6 (J Ballin 2, J Leckenby 2, R Taylor 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Alliance Pharmacy 13 (J Furnell 4, K Hesp 3, A Watson 2) def Baywatch 1[Text Wrapping Break]Burdekin PCYC 12 (G Dau 6, S Doolah 2, T Heron 2) def Blue Murder 7 (N Spina 2, R Smith 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Royal Touch 7 (A Miller 3, C Formilan 2) def Touch n Go 5 (R Piva 2, K Vitty 2)[Text Wrapping Break]Creampuffs 9 (P Le Feuvre 3, L Chatfield 2, L Lampton 2) def Petrol Heads 4[Text Wrapping Break]Teamo Supremo 9 (J Moustakas 3, H Horan 2, R Heuir 2) def Feelers 5[Text Wrapping Break]Renegades 12 (B Frau 4, D McKeough 2, B Johnson 2, S Andreatta 2) def Ball Grabbers 2[Text Wrapping Break]Crocs won on forfeit Women[Text Wrapping Break]Lasers 12 (B Robertson 6, T Horan 3, M Robertson 2) def Can’t Catch 1[Text Wrapping Break]Eathorne’s Princesses 6 (A Cornford 4) def Salty Sirens 1[Text Wrapping Break]First in Physio 11 (L Trindle 5, M Nauqe 3, T Monday 2) def Chick Flicks 1 Under 14[Text Wrapping Break]Red Dogs 2 3 (Logan, Jamie, Emmet) def Broncos 2 (Jake, Kasey)[Text Wrapping Break]Red Dogs 1 6 (Connor Linton 3, Luca Lawry, Archie) def Rockies 2 Contributed with thanks to Peter Knapton CAPTION: Torah Brock in action. Photo supplied
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Hordes of people descended on the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday February 10 for their annual Beach Golf Day.
The day kicked off with the drawing event of their Top 100 Club, where the masses mingled over lunch and drinks until the big wheel revealed the lucky winners. First prize went to Ena Daniels, whilst Carol Rossato was the winner of second prize.
20 teams took to the unique beach golf course to make their way around the 6 holes, enjoying an afternoon of sunshine, sand and laughs.
The Ayr Surf Club would like to thank their sponsors for the day, The Kalamia Hotel and Padman Water Solutions for their generous donation of prizes, and all those who attended to support their club.
Best dressed team for the day were The Drunken Bus Drivers - Ben Nielson, Danny Horan, Jimmy Hayllor and Greeny.
Overall Winners were 4 Over Par - Ben Pontifex, Dave and Kathryn Sartori, Jarrod Rossato and Sarah Pontifex.
Their next event is a Family Fun Day being held on Saturday March 2 which will be a great family day out with lots of activities for young and old.
Contributed by Kellie Lawry
‘4 Over Par’ were overall winners on the day
‘The Drunken Bus Drivers’ were awarded Best Dressed
Photos supplied: Kellie Lawry
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The services of some of its most dedicated members and volunteers were recognised by Burdekin Race Club at a presentation late last year.
At a race meeting on December 9 2023, four volunteers were presented with Life Memberships while a further four were honoured for their volunteer service.
“It’s all about recognising those many years of volunteering,” said Burdekin Race Club President Rick Gudge.
“Everything that’s done here is done by volunteers and, without them, there’s no club.”
Life Memberships were presented to Doug Chappell, Robyn Hewson, Torrie Davies and Jan Davies.
Jim and Fay Olsen and Mitchell and Margaret Gudge were also highlighted for their contributions to the club.
Mr Chappell has worked in numerous stewarding roles since he first became involved in racing as a teenager and was honoured after around 60 years of service to the club.
“I was real thrilled,” Mr Chappell told Racing Queensland.
“I got the shock of my life when I was told.
“It has been a big journey.”
Fellow Life Member Ms Hewson was a member of Burdekin Delta Turf Club before joining Burdekin Race Club in the early 1990s.
“She’s been a strong member of our club for many years,” said Mr Gudge.
Mr Davies is a former Burdekin Race Club President and Vice President while Ms Davies aids in the publicity of the Burdekin Grower Race Day.
“Both were a main part in the setting up of Burdekin Grower Race Day in 1999; Torrie’s a judge and Jan looks after all of our correspondence,” said Mr Gudge.
Mr Gudge said the Burdekin Race Club is looking for new members, particularly younger members.
“It’s about getting satisfaction out of what you do and supplying a product for other people,” he said.
“When we get together, it’s good camaraderie, we all get along well, and it’s good to be a part of a club.”
Contact Mr Gudge on 0407 022 719 if you’re interested in getting involved in the club.
Burdekin Race Club will hold its next meet this Saturday, February 17 while tickets for the iconic Burdekin Growers Race Day, set to be held on Saturday, May 18, will go on sale in April.
Life membership presentation L-R Burdekin Race Club Vice President Ron Scott, Robyn Hewson, Doug Chappell, Jan and Torrie Davies and Club President Ricky Gudge. Photo credit: David Jackson
A year away from home playing in southern Queensland has given forward Tate Brombal extra incentive to be a part of the Burdekin Roosters A grade side this season.
After being in and out of the top grade in 2022, Tate decided to test himself in another League.
Last year took him south to Warwick where he signed with the Warwick Cowboys under coach Col Speed, a man highly regarded in the coaching ranks in the state.
Speed last year coached Toowoomba in the 47th Batallion Trophy which is played between leagues like Bundaberg, Gympie and Maryborough.
The Cowboys play in the 12 team Toowoomba League with both country and Toowoomba city teams.
Tate said they played against country teams like Goondiwindi, Pittsworth, Dalby, Oakey and Wattles and city teams Valleys, Brothers, Highfield, Souths and Newtown.
“The football is very hard in that competition with a number of young and older players coming from Sydney and Brisbane to join the clubs,” the player said.
He added that there were also a lot of Pacific Islanders working in the area and they played it hard.
The support for Rugby League in that area is huge with big crowds turning out to watch the local games.
“Places like Roma, Dalby and Goondiwindi usually have packed grounds and they support their teams full on,” Tate said.
The forward, who has bulked up to over 110kg, says he is looking forward to one thing especially ... “a Burdekin winter .... it is absolutely freezing at times down there.”
“At times it is so cold and foggy it gets hard to see the other end of the field.”
When asked about the comparison between the Townsville and Toowoomba styles of play, he thought Townsville would be quicker, but Toowoomba would be a lot harder.
The returning Rooster said he hopes to play anywhere in the forwards in A Grade for the Roosters but just to be out there would suit him.
He thought training was coming along well under new coach Daniel Beazley and players should learn a lot from his experience.
Contributed by Brian Carnes
Forward Tate Brombal has returned to the Burdekin after a season in southeast Queensland. Photo supplied
The weekend of February 3-4 saw the Burdekin Torpedoes take on the might of North Queensland swimming in Townsville, at the Townsville Tourists meet which boasted a whooping 282 swimmers from across the region. The Torpedoes had 15 swimmers representing our district with the youngest Brielle Sangiuliano having her first swim meet at just age 5. The heat was on and with some fast swims on both days, the Burdekin Torpedoes had some great results, with plenty of personal best times being achieved. Coaches Kim and Mick McConnachie again travelled with the team and were proud of the results of all swimmers, putting in some great effort in scorching heat.
Contributed by Kate Lyne
Lewis Bonato dominated the pool when the Burdekin Torpedoes took on the might of North Queensland swimming at the recent Townsville Tourists meet. Photo credit: Kate Lyne
Results
Lewis Bonato (9yo Boys) - 1st 50m Breaststroke, 1st 100m Backstroke, 3rd 50m Freestyle, 1st 100m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Butterfly, 2nd 50m Backstroke.
Parker Bonato (12yo Boys) - 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Freestyle, 2nd 100m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 3rd 100m Freestyle.
Isla Chapman (14yo Girls) - 3rd 50m Breaststroke
Milla Chapman (12yo Girls) - 3rd 50m Breaststroke
Taylor Chapman (9yo Girls) - 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 2nd 100m Breaststroke.
Jedd Giddy (14yo Boys) - 1st 50m Breaststroke, 2nd 100m Backstroke, 1st 50m Freestyle, 1st 100m Breaststroke.
Nate Giddy (11yo Boys) - 2nd 50m Freestyle
Millie Lyne (13yo Girls) - 1st 50m Breaststroke, 1st 100m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Freestyle, 1st 100m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Butterfly, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 1st 100m Freestyle.
John McKaig (Open Men) - 3rd 50m Freestyle, 1st 100m Butterfly, 2nd 50m Butterfly, 2nd 100m Freestyle.
Ellanah Searle (8yo Girls) - 3rd 50m Backstroke
Maddison Searle (9yo Girls) - 2nd 50m Freestyle, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 3rd 100m Freestyle.
Arabella Sangiuliano (11yo Girls) - 2nd 400m Freestyle
Maddison and Ellanah Searle
Koa and Brax Wright
Millie Lyne
Arabella and Brielle Sangiuliano
Parker Bonato, John McKaig and Lewis Bonato
Photos supplied
Tuesday February 6 Winners of the Amcal sponsored day were Katharina Stuckler and Heather Jorgensen, defeating Raylene Hervey and Isabel Cislowski. Meryl Nixon, Sandra Stidston and Pam Power defeated Lynette Storrie, Elaine Young and Irene Wilson.
A donation was presented to our local SES John and Rosemarie Winn by Ayr Ladies Bowls President Sandra Stidston.
Results for Wednesday Feb 7:
Winners were John Pirrone, Joe Papale and Chris Olditch who defeated Happy Horan,Anthony Bull and Ray Wall.
Results for Saturday Feb 10 sponsored by Mahjong Ladies:
Winners were Paul Vass, Mick Olsen and Lew Stidston who defeated Mick Murison, George Nixon and Joe Papale.
2nd Place went toMerle Nixon, Margaret Chapman and Maurie Power who defeated Lorraine Wolffe, Donna Soper and Ron Soper.
What a great night of bowls we had on Wednesday, February 7. A cooling breeze was blowing and there were some good bowls played. The winners on the night were Joe Grabbi, Heather Jorgensen and Tricia Achille and RobynMcAllister.
Contributed by Michael Parravicini
Friday night’s highlight was the singles match between Pancho and Gary Pearce.
Pancho set the pace early on in the game only to lose to Gary in later stages of game.
Gary Pearce joined three other energetic bowlers in Chris Pearce, Peter Lejarraga and Lloyd Shepherd. Bowen Invitational Fours has been going for many years and along with 15 other teams the competition was very strong. Teams came from Townsville in the North to Mackay in the South.
Three rounds on Saturday and the team walked away with one win and two losses. On Sunday, they had one win and one loss.
Wednesday Ladies Bowls starts for 2024 with names in by 1.00pm for 1.30pm start.
Friday night we start with first Corporate Bowls night proudly sponsored by Ray Peterson at Peto’s Marine Home Hill.
Members attending don’t forget plate for smoko at end of evening.
Don’t forget championship games to be played as soon as possible.
Good Bowling.
Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd
Wednesday night’s barefoot bowls saw 18 players take to the green on February 7.
The winners for the night were Joclyn, Aaron and Meryl.
Thursday February 8 also saw 18 bowlers do battle on Rummeny Green.
Thanks again to the sponsor Rocky Ponds Produce.
The winners on the day were Paul, Judy and Glen.
Barefoot bowls again on Wednesday night with a pre-game snag Sanger as well as Wednesday morning craft group, Tuesday Trimmers, Thursday morning bingo and Thursday arvos for social bowls.
The Tuesday Trimmers club recently donated $100 to Home Hill Community Sports Club.
Contributed by Stephen Doig
Barefoot bowls winners Joclyn, Aaron and Meryl
Thursday bowls winners Paul, Judy and Glen
Home Hill Community Sports Club President Trevor Elton receiving a cheque from Bev Woods
Photos supplied
It was all looking good for Friday Junior Cricket to kick off after it was called off the previous week due to wet fields. That was until around 2:30pm when the rain came down at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex which dashed our hopes for play. It also put in jeopardy our home game against Wanderers in the Under 17 Townsville competition the next morning. The start time for this game was put back to 12 noon in the hope that pitch would dry out enough. Thanks to our groundsmen for their hard work in getting the job done preparing the pitch and mowing the field. The later start meant that we were going to be without one player for half the game and another would have to leave later in the second innings due to both having work commitments.
We won the toss and chose to bowl first, hoping that more players in the field would outweigh the loss of a batter in our lineup. The first ball of the innings was sent down by Leo Olditch which resulted in their opener top edging a catch to Salvatore Cardillo at cover, they were 1 for 0. Their batters then dug in and slowly added runs, only losing five more wickets to end their innings on 177. In the hot and humid conditions our bowlers and fielders performed well with Thomas Cardillo getting two wickets, Leo Olditch, Salvatore Cardillo, Rian Berryman and John Southwell getting one each. Joey Southwell took two catches, Jacob Machin and Salvatore one each, Corey Heidke contributed with a stumping.
The decision at the toss put us out in the field in the hottest part of the day which really sapped the energy of our players, and it showed in our batting. Our opener was also caught on the first ball of the innings but the similarities with Wanderers’ batting ended there. Most of our batters didn’t bat with any patience, not waiting for the bad balls to put away. Two runouts of batters that were looking comfortable and a bottom edge from a short ball onto the stumps didn’t help our situation at all. We were all out in the 14th over with Corey Heidke our top scorer this game.
Time now to regroup and train for our next game which is against Brothers who we beat last time we met.
Contributed by Scott Heidke
Wanderers defeated Home Hill in the first home game of the year on Saturday. Photo supplied
Ayr Junior Golf held its first game for the year last Saturday, February 10.
The weather was hot, but a nice group of players came ready to get back into it. Many regular members returned along with two new players, Celine and Heath.
A mini 3 hole, 6 hole and 9 hole competition was played. Heath was the gross winner for 3 holes, Opie was the Nett winner. For 6 holes, some close scores, with Logan the gross winner, and Kyle the Nett winner. In 9 holes, Amaya was the gross winner, and Oscar the Nett winner. Well done to all for coming along, and also to Dave for helping the juniors for the morning.
This weekend on Saturday the club will host coaching for the morning. New members always welcome, times will be confirmed. Please follow Junior Golf Ayr for more information.
Contributed by Laura Mahoney
Players new and old attended Ayr Junior Golf’s first game of the year last weekend. Photo supplied
Coming off a defeat in round 10 last week, Peto’s Marine have bounced back in a big way with a trouncing of Crowned Mongrels in their first fixture of the year.
Peto's Marine won the toss and elected to bat, with opener Simon Vickers getting to work immediately with 33 runs from 17 balls.
First drop Josiah Ballin top scored agonisingly short of his half century with 48 from 53, while Daniel Olditch also contributed with 37 from 36.
Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro shone with the ball for Crowned Mongrels, taking 3/26 from three overs while Nicholas Pengelly, Andrew Wallwork, Alex Stillhard and Casper Licciardello all took one wicket each.
Alexander Romeo also took a run out for the fielding side, seeing Peto's Marine finish their 25 overs on 8/191.
With a handy total to defend, Peto's Marine made short work of Crowned Mongrels’ batting lineup, starting with a caught and bowled on the second ball of the innings from Leon Franklin.
Crowned Mongrels struggled to establish their presence in the middle, with not one batsman making double figures and top scores going to Alexander Romeo with eight runs and Jay Leckenby with six.
Franklin went on to take two more wickets, finishing the innings with 3/7 from three overs, while Josiah Ballin, Darren O’Keeffe, Ben Walters, Darren Fabbro and Mark Nosworthy took one wicket each and Josiah Ballin took a run out.
Down one player, Crowned Mongrels lost all nine wickets for 42 runs after 10.5 overs.
Crowned Mongrels will take on ladder leaders Guardian Pharmacy this Saturday.
Leon Franklin took 3/7 for Peto's Marine
Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro took 3/26 for Crowned Mongrels
Photos supplied
Wednesday January 31: winners were Richard Aplin, Vince Beitia & Lew Stidston who defeated John Hall, Happy Horan & Kaos.
Saturday February 3: Despite very hot conditions, we had a good turnout for our belated Australia Day Celebration sponsored by Phelan’s Pies.
1st Prize went to Barry Hewson, Sam Caltabiano and Thelma Klopper who defeated Jim Murray/Mick Olsen, George Nixon and Henry Hazle.
2nd Prize went to Happy Horan, Joe Grabbi and Lew Stidston who defeated Katharina Stuckler, Rob Garner and Pam Power.
3rd Prize went to Paul Vass, Chris Berkery and Wayne Coonan who defeated Lorraine Wolffe, Anthony Bull and Chris Olditch.
A big thank you to Phelan’s Pies for their continued support.
Mens Club Championship rinks and singles open Wednesday February 14 and close on Sunday February 25. Competition commences Sunday March 10 at 8:30am for Championship rinks.
Come along for a game of bowls on Wednesday nights at the Ayr Bowls Club. If you have never played bowls, no worries, we have bowls you can use, and you will be shown how to play bowls. Phone the bowls club on 47831336 between 6.00pm and 6.30pm to put your name in. Play begins at 7.00pm.
Winners last Wednesday night were Robyn McAllister, Ross McLaughlin, Evelyn Wiltshere and Heather Jorgensen.
Contributed by Michael Parravicini
12 Bowlers attended for social bowls on Friday with eventual winners Marg McLaughlin, Lloyd Shepherd and Norm Storrie winning on countback.
Championship B grade pairs started with Lloyd Shepherd and Peter Lejarraga defeating Gary Norsworthy and Kevin Ferguson 24 /18.
Chris Pearce and Simon Griggs were selected for NQ District side trials at Northern Beaches Bowls Club, Mackay over the weekend. More trial matches still to come.
Thanks to all those who turned up for the working bee on the weekend. All went well for those in attendance with lots of jobs completed.
Corporate bowls starts up February 16 sponsored by Peto’s Marine Home Hill.
Bookings via Gary Pearce on 0488 214 222.
A club meeting will be held on Sunday, February 18 at 12:15pm at the clubhouse followed by social bowls.
Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd
A Giru cowboy has returned from Tamworth an open bull riding champion after the Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association National Finals Rodeo was held in the ‘country music capital’ from January 25-27.
Braydon Wellby went into the event placed third in the standings in the YETI Open Bull Ride, qualifying as one of 15 finalists after stellar results throughout 2023.
With three opportunities to accumulate points, there were no qualified rides in the first go-round and the second was looking much the same until Braydon was one of only two riders to get to the buzzer in round two.
“I bumped off my first bull, rode my second bull for 84.5 points on Back Handed Panda and then my third bull was Cliff Hanger and rode it for 81 points to seal the deal,” Braydon said.
Giru cowboy Braydon Wellby is an open bull riding champion after competing in Tamworth. Photo credit: Stephen Mowbray
Giru bull rider Braydon Wellby said it felt “pretty good” to be crowned an open bull ride champion at the recent Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association National Finals Rodeo in Tamworth.
“It’s been on my bucket list for a while, to become an Australian champion,” Braydon said.
“It took a little bit to sink in, but it was good.”
Growing up between Townsville and Georgetown, Braydon was raised surrounded by rodeo.
“Both of my parents rodeoed so I’ve always been around it and always done it,” he said.
“I love doing it, I love versing the animal.
“I do other events in rodeo, too, but bull riding’s probably my favourite event.”
Braydon now lives in Giru where his work also involves cattle, working in contract mustering and fencing.
“It’s good being around the cattle all the time, it’s what I enjoy doing,” he said.
While he’s travelled all over Australia and the world to compete, including to America and Canada, Braydon said nothing beats a local rodeo.
“These days, I’d much rather go to these local Queensland events, go to rodeos and compete around here,” he said.
“They’re a bit more relaxed and cruisy.”
Braydon hasn’t yet finalised his calendar for the rest of 2024, but looks forward to these local rodeos the most.
“I’ll do all the shows up in north Queensland here, but I haven’t picked which events I want to travel away for yet around Australia,” he said.
Braydon Wellby won the championship with two big rides in Tamworth. Photo supplied: Lorraine Wellby
Burdekin FC is now getting ready for the 2024 season. Pre-season training has already started, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30 pm for men and Wednesdays at 6.00 pm for women. The Panthers first match of the season will be away to Estates in the Kappa Qld Cup this Saturday night in Townsville. Leighton Gallagher will be coaching the Premiers again this season.
The Juniors have an exciting year of football coming up, with regular matches plus games against out of town opponents. Registrations for Under 5 to Under 12 are now open! Go onto the Burdekin FC Facebook page for more information or email the club at burdekinfc@hotmail.com. Registrations are due on Saturday the 10th of February, and players will be organised into teams.
A great new addition this year is a training shirt for every fully registered and paid up player! Compulsory pre-season games will be Saturday the 17th and 24th of February, with the season kicking off on the 2nd of March. We can't wait for the 2024 season to begin.
The Masters kicked off the 2024 season on Monday night. Usual time, usual place, 6.30 at International Park. New and old players all welcome. In fact, it doesn’t really matter if you can’t play. Treat it as an escape.
The Socceroos are out of the Asian Cup after losing 1-2 to South Korea in extra time. They had reached the quarter finals by beating Indonesia 4-0 in the Round of 16. In the Group matches Oz beat India 2-0, Syria 1-0 and drew 1-1 with Uzbekistan. The Asian Cup is now at the semi-final stage with Jordan playing South Korea and Qatar up against Iran. It looks like a South Korea v Iran final.
The Matildas have not played since losing twice to Canada in early December. Their next matches are Olympic qualifiers against Uzbekistan, home and away, in late February. In the FIFA World Rankings, Australia are currently ranked12th place with Uzbekistan at 47th.
In the A League, leaders Wellington could only draw away to Brisbane but stay two points clear of Central Coast and Melbourne Victory, who both won. Macarthur stay in fourth spot and Brisbane stays in ninth place.
In the A League Women competition, after 15 rounds Melbourne City is three points clear of Western Utd with Sydney FC in third place and Melbourne Victory fourth. Brisbane, who won at the weekend stay in tenth place.
The African Cup of Nations is now at the semi-final stage with Nigeria playing South Africa and Ivory Coast playing DR Congo. Both matches are on Thursday with the final to be played next Monday.
Read Football Matters with Cyclops on the Burdekin FC Facebook page.
Contributed by Richard Samwell
Winners for the day on Thursday, February 1 on countback was the team of Ray, Gary and Glen pictured with sponsor Des Chapman from Rocky Ponds Produce.
18 players turned up to play so three rinks of triples were contested.
Rink 5: Ray, Gary and Glen outlasted Paul, John and Stephen 16 to 11.
Rink 6: Bob, Alec and Wayne proved too strong for Phil, Joe and Mike 21 to 15.
Rink 7: Warren, Des and Trevor narrowly defeated Judy, Jocelyn and Henry 21 to 18.
Thanks again to sponsor Rocky Ponds Produce.
Wednesday night barefoot bowls is on again at 6:00pm, come along for a snag sanger.
Thursday morning bingo is still all the go.
Wednesday mornings have craft group.
Come along and support your club.
Contributed by Stephen Doig
Winners for the day Ray, Gary and Glen pictured with sponsor Des Chapman from Rocky Ponds Produce. Photo supplied
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