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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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Pre-season training has started for the three men’s team for the Roosters with the Hens to start this week under new coach Anita Hagarty.
Newly appointed A Grade coach Daniel Beazley has been in charge of the pre-season work assisted by Reserve Grade Coach Chris Perry and under 20 leaders Paul and Peter Horan.
Former Junior Roosters star Terry Connors has returned home after six years away playing in Townsville.
Whilst in Townsville, Connors attended Kirwan High where he reached a position in that school's top team.
In club football, the half five eight played five years for Brothers in Townsville representing that city in all grades.
He also represented Queensland in both under 12 and under 13 teams.
Last season Connors decided to switch clubs with a number of his mates and played with Souths in under 19.
2023 was also a big year for the talented utility inside back with him being selected as half for the Murri Queensland under 18 team who played a Samoan representative team in Brisbane.
“That was an experience,” Connors said.
“Some of them are big boys.”
Connors said he has moved back home to be with family and catch up with old mates.
“Since I was a youngster growing up, I have always wanted to be a Rooster,” Connors added.
Coach Daniel Beazley said the half would be a welcome addition to his squad which is coming together nicely.
Contributed by Brian Carnes
Former Junior Roosters star Terry Connors. Photo supplied
Senior cricket returned to Barry Richards Field for the first time in 2024 last weekend, with Peto’s Marine taking on Guardian Pharmacy on Saturday, February 3.
Guardian Pharmacy won the toss and elected to bat, with contributions from Hugh Smith (41 runs from 39 balls), Thomas Cardillo (23 from 27) and Jay Leckenby (21 from 13) setting a total of 7/183 runs from 25 overs.
The bowling effort for Peto’s Marine was evenly spread, with Leo Olditch, Jack Oborne, Simon Vickers, Ben Walters, and Shaun Goldsworthy each taking a wicket while Brad Parravicini finished the innings with a wicket and a runout.
Peto's Marine were unable to convert a few starts into big scores, with Leon Franklin (13 from 18 not out), Darcy Walters (12 from 22) and Simon Vickers (11 from 8) top scoring in the run chase.
The batting side was ultimately bowled out for 79 runs in 16.4 overs with three of those wickets coming from Jay Leckenby, two from both Damien Ricketts and Matthew Gardner and one each from Thomas Cardillo, Salvatore Cardillo and Jd Wilkins.
Peto’s Marine will look to rebuild when they take on Crowned Mongrels this weekend.
Jay Leckenby took 3 wickets for 2 runs off 2 overs
Dan Olditch took four catches. Photo credit: Tiffany Olditch
Wednesday January 24 Afternoon Social Bowls – On a very hot and humid day those who braved the conditions struggled, but managed to get a game in. Winners were Sandra Darwen and Maurice Power who defeated Anthony Bull and Chris Berkery.
Saturday January 27 Social Afternoon – Winners were Jim Murray/Mick Olsen, Paul Vass and Pam Power who defeated Lorraine Wolffe, Anthony Bull and Chris Berkery.
New date for our postponed Australia Day Bowls sponsored by Phelan’s Pies will be Saturday February 3. All welcome and wear your best Aussie gear. 1:00pm start, names in by 12:30pm.
Amcal Pharmacy is sponsoring the first day back for Ayr Ladies Bowls playing on Tuesday February 6.
Ladies’ names in by 12.30 to 1:00pm, please call 4783 1336.
Green fees paid by 1:00, for a 1:30pm start.
Here's to a great year of bowls and friendship.
Contributed by Michael Parravicini
Get your racquet out, the Ayr Tennis Association is hitting up your calendar with some of the best tennis action in the region.
On the cards is the beginning of the Ayr Tennis Social and Competitive Competitions, from this evening, Thursday February 1, at 7pm.
Described as ‘extremely social’, Ayr Tennis’ social competition is a great opportunity to get to the court, smash around the ball, enjoy some laughs and share some post-drinks. Taking place every Thursday, everyone is welcome to bat the ball and practice their tennis swing.
Next on the cards, the rescheduled Open Day, postponed due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, has been announced for Saturday February 3, perfect for those interested in joining the club to get a taste for the sport and meet with key club officials.
And finally, the Junior Development Series kicks off March 2 and 3, which is set to aid in the technical growth and development of skills in youth tennis players.
To learn more about the Ayr Tennis Association, and to inquire, contact us the Club President, Robert Slatcher, on president.ayrtennis@gmail.com or ayrtennisasssociation@outlook.com
The Burdekin Shire Council and Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre have partnered to bring residents over the age of 55 into a free initiative to encourage movement and exercise.
Beginning last week, the ‘Move It Burdekin’ initiative is a 15-week program that offers low impact training, exercises, yoga and chair activities, to suit a range of different fitness levels and improve the physical and mental wellbeing on Burdekin’s residents.
The first post-cyclone session was held at Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre on Monday, January 29, wherethe vibe was “pumping”.
“Huge shout out to facilitator, Andrea Piotto, for bringing her expertise and energy to the program!” Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre posted on social media.
“Going by the laughter, smiles and energy in the room - everyone enjoyed 'moving it'”
The social aspect is also highly encouraged, with participants welcome to share some refreshment, a coffee, and a chat after each session.
Also supported by Move It NQ and North Queensland PHN, Burdekin residents are encouraged to get involved, and get moving!
For more information and to download a registration form, visit https://bit.ly/MoveItBurdekin or phone Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre on (07) 4783 3744.
Participants enjoying the first ‘Move It Burdekin’ session last week. Photos supplied: Burdekin Neighbourhood Centre
An excellent turn up for Wednesday night bowls on January 24 with 18 players turning up and the nights winners were Sheila and Lloyd. Four games of pairs and Lynn and Judy played a game of singles – it may have been just for bragging rights.
Rinks 4: to 7 East/West were used.
RINK 4: Amie and Stephen were a bit too strong for Paul and Mick winning 14 to 8.
RINK 5: Sheila and Lloyd outlasted Tony and Margaret 13 to 8. Sheila and Lloyd also drew the lucky rink so they got the drinks.
RINK 6: An extremely good game this one it came down to the last end. Lol and Merle came out on top vs Yogi and Ron 10 to 9.
RINK 7: saw young Conner pair with Mark to defeat Carol and Joe to the tune of 16 to 10.
Sadly, there was no bowls on Thursday as it was getting a bit windy. Back to normality this week. Wednesday night is barefoot bowls again, possibly a sausage sizzle for starters. Thursday afternoon social bowls as per normal. Thursday morning BINGO seems to be a big hit. So come along and support your club. See you all there.
Contributed by Stephen Doig
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More Queensland families will have access to swimming lessons for their young children with a $5 million boost to the Queensland Government’s SwimStart program.
SwimStart is designed to improve water safety for children up to the age of four, while helping to ease cost-of-living pressures for eligible families by delivering vouchers valued up to $150 per child for swimming lessons.
Continued from the back cover.
Here in the Burdekin, SwimStart vouchers can be redeemed with Burdekin Swim School.
“SwimStart is a great opportunity for families luckily enough to qualify,” said Burdekin Swim School Instructor Lisa Furnell.
“For successful applicants, it's an opportunity for some families to do lessons that may have otherwise not been able to afford it.
“It's one of the most essential and important life skills that a child will ever learn.”
Families need to apply with Burdekin Swim School and must hold a healthcare card or a concession card.
There is a limit of 1 voucher per child per financial year.
The additional $5 million more than doubles funding to the SwimStart program up to June 2025.
“Every parent in Queensland knows just how important it is for our kids to know what to do around water from an early age,” said Queensland Premier Steven Miles.
“My kids have grown up around pools and Queensland beaches and it was so important to Kim and I that they felt confident in the water.
“We know households are feeling cost-of-living pressures, which is why we’re doubling the amount of SwimStart vouchers available to families with young children.”
“Every child should have the chance to learn this important skill to improve safety in, on and around water,” added Olympic Gold Medallist Brooke Hanson.
“As a mum, it was incredible to see my kids learning when they were six months old, being able to get to the side of the pool.
“They weren’t able to crawl at that stage, but they were learning to swim, which is such a valuable skill they will take through life.
“The SwimStart program provides many families with that same opportunity and it’s fantastic to see even more funding allocated to help Queensland kids in the water.”
For more information on SwimStart visit www.qld.gov.au/swimstart
Burdekin BMX Club recently held its break up, awarding outstanding performance and appreciating participants on volunteers throughout 2023.
2023 was a fabulous year revamping our track with a bitumen berm and a successful glueing prosses giving us more track time and less repairs.
Our November carnival was a huge success with 200 riders competing over 2 days and all looking forward to our 2024 November carnival.
Our club committee brought in our new club constitution.
Whole families have enjoyed a wonderful year of training, racing, Sunday fun and good ole exercise, keeping those bodies moving!
A wonderful break up was had where Keatan Jarvis took out the Rodney Richard's Memorial Trophy, Liandri and Dylan were awarded Most Improved Sprockets, Caley and Jamie Most Improved Juniors and Holly and Boden Most Improved Seniors.
Thank you to all who have volunteered their time to make our club what it is today.
So much fun is had week in week out!
Tiny tots from 2 to mums and dads, everyone is so happy!
Let’s have a wonderful 2024!
Contributed by Burdekin BMX Club
Keatan Jarvis (centre) was awarded the Rodney Richard's Memorial Trophy
Most Improved Awardees
Sprocket girls
Junior girls
Years 8-10
Years 11-13
Years 14+
Senior girls
Mums senior cruisers
Dads senior cruisers
Photos supplied
Neville’s Nomads traveled to Charters Towers last Friday to play in their 26th Goldfield Ashes. In very hot and steamy conditions the Nomads won all three of their games. Charters Towers was extremely hot and by Monday after a lot of rain was almost pleasant.
On Friday morning the Nomads played Mt Garnet Eagles out at the airport with the Eagles batting first and making 151 after being 2/88. In reply the Nomads scored 202 with Chris Mann retiring on 50 and the Hot Stubby Award for the lowest total was to Blake Lowis and Robbie Mitchell. Hot Spot of the Day was Robbie Mitchell’s “Bonzo Over,” three wides, two wickets and one run.
On Saturday afternoon the Nomads were out at Six Pack Downs against Farmers XI. Losing the toss, the Nomads fielded first and dropped a lot of catches as the Farmers accumulated 9/211 with Josh Searle taking three wickets and Charlie Papale taking three catches. In the run chase Jaylen McCubben retired on 55 but the Nomads were struggling, and it took an eighth wicket partnership between Marty Pearce 46 and Bary Cross 33 to get the Nomads over the line scoring 8/221. Reece McCubben took out the Hot Stubby Award.
Heartened by these results the Nomads were confident going into Monday’s morning match, a T20 against Butler Park Bandits, at the Airport Quarry. Losing the toss again, the Nomads batted first and after a good start managed to get to 7/181 with Kurt Haller, 37 and Richard Papale, 36 not out. In reply, the Bandits could only manage 6/151 with Nathan Papale taking two wickets in a much improved fielding performance. Brock Gorey and Reece McCubben took out the Hot Stubby Award.
Another successful Goldfield Ashes for the Nomads who finished in 17th place out of the 124 teams in B2 Grade. Top performers from the Burdekin were Canefield Slashers who finished in third place. Contributed by Richard Samwell
Neville’s Nomads Squad. Photo credit: Alex Papale
The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club's Annual Beach Golf Day is gearing up to be a cracker of an event. Being held on Saturday February 10, with tee-off from 1pm, teams of four will enjoy a fun filled day out with their clubs. Teams are invited to come in their best team themed outfits, to help add to the energetic atmosphere of the day.
Unfortunately, the Club's Australia Day Celebrations have been cancelled, however this has allowed their Top 100 Club event to be aligned with Golf Day. The special event of the draw will take place between 12pm-1.30pm on Saturday 10, with a ticket purchased gaining entry for two people for drinks and lunch and the chance to win $3,000 or $1,000. There are still some numbers available, so if you're interested, please head to the Ayr Surf Club's Facebook page, or contact Kellie Lawry.
The club has organised buses to and from Alva Beach to assist with transportation for the event. The bus will be leaving The Kalamia Hotel in town at 11.30am and 12.30pm and heading back in from the beach at both 8.30pm and 9.30pm.
This is sure to be a great day out for all ages, so get your teams together and come and join in the fun.
Contributed by Kellie Lawry
The Burdekin Clay Target Club held their monthly shoot on Sunday January 14 with 39 competitors.
It was cloudy throughout the day with a consistent breeze which made it very comfortable for this time of the year.
Burdekin Clay Target Club would like to thank our sponsor for event 3 Nicolaides Contracting.
Also thank you to Lui Populin for donating the meat tray which was raffled off and won by Alan Lord.
The next shoot is our 100 Target Double Barrel on Sunday February 11.
Results
Event 1 15 Target Medley 15m
AA Grade 1st Lindsey Groat, Ray Collinson, Glen Rea and Joe Caruso 25/25
A Grade 1st Wine Cislowski, 25/25 2nd Annette Vassalini, Bruce McBow and Benji Micallef 24/25
B Grade 1st Aidan Sebastiani, Sylvia Rossato and John Cerqui 25/25
C Grade 1st Tim Ewens 24/25 2nd Ian Kriesel
Event 2 20 Target Pointscore 15m
AA 1st Ray Collinson 117/117 A Grade 1st Annette Vassalini 59/60 B Grade John Cerqui 58/60 C Grade Ian Kriesel 53/60
Event 3 30 Target Burdekin Single Barrel Championship 15m
Sponsored by Nicolaides Contracting
Open Joe Sebastiani (Jnr) 29/30
AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso 32/35
A Grade 1st Joe Sebastiani (Jnr) 29/30
B Grade 1st Aidan Sebastiani 26/30
C Grade 1st Chantelle Morelli 24/30
Event 4 25 Target Double Barrel Handicap
1st Tim Ewan 25/25
2nd Aidan Sebastiani 28/30
3rd Benji Micallef 27/30
Event 5 15 Pair Double Rise
AA Grade 1st Aaron Lemphers and Ron Gough 27/30
A Grade 1st Benji Micallef 26/30, 2nd Bruce Murphy 24/30
B Grade 1st Glenn McHenry, 27/30, 2nd Annette Vassalini and Joe Sebastiani (Snr) 22/30
C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 24/30, 2nd Mark Simpson, 23/30, 3rd Ian Kriesel 22/30
Contributed by Sylvia Rossato
Event 2 winners Ray Collinson, Ian Kriesel, John Cerqui and Annette Vassalini
Event 3 winners Joe Sebastiani (Jnr), Joe Caruso, Aiden Sebastiani and Chantelle Moreli
Event 4 winners Benji Micallef, Aiden Sebastiani and Tim Ewens
Photos supplied
Inclement weather brought a premature end to the Watts Shield intertown cricket competition in Bowen over the weekend where two teams featuring players from the Burdekin were vying for the 2024 B Grade title.
Teams from the Burdekin, Bowen, Proserpine and further afield competed in the two-day tournament, which was scheduled to take place from Saturday, January 13 to Sunday, January 14.
Horny Bulls A got their weekend off to a flying start in their first game, scoring 4/231 thanks to unbeaten half centuries from Dan Olditch (53) and Aaron Elphinstone (50), before bowling out opponents Raiders Old Boys for 117.
In the team’s second game, an unbeaten 51 from Ross Wilkie and 46 from Alex Scalia helped the team to 5/246, bowling out opponents Wet n Wobbly for just 89 to secure their second win of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Horny Bulls Z made a total of 190 in their first game, ultimately going down against Wet n Wobbly.
They made 131 in their second game, with contributions from George McLees (50 not out), Joey Southwell (31) and Scott Richards (20), falling short of opponents On the Pull who were bowled out for 201.
Both teams were scheduled to play their third and final games before finals on Sunday morning, with the heavens opening up 12 overs into the morning games.
With two wins, Horny Bulls A found themselves in contention for a finals berth, however all remaining games for the weekend were washed out after heavy rain.
Horny Bulls A
Horny Bulls Z batting against On the Pull
Photo credit: Tiffany Olditch
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Queensland Cricket hosted the Burdekin's first Girls-Only Wet'n'Wild Cricket School Holiday Program last Friday, January 12, providing girls aged five to 12 with the perfect opportunity to learn about cricket in a fun environment.
Held at Burdekin Aquatic Centre, the program invited 16 participants to take part in activities and games including classic catches in the pool, hitting water balloons with cricket bats and red light, green light.
“This encourages girls to come down and play because we’ve got water balloons, we’ve got a pool and the water park, so it encourages girls to play cricket and hopefully they fall in love with it,” said Casual Cricket Coach Taylah Rix.
“The game’s growing, more girls are getting into cricket and as you see on the TV, the WBBL and women’s international teams have come so far, so it’s all about getting girls involved in cricket and building the game even bigger.
“When I was growing up, I didn’t have anything like this.
“I started when I was in grade 6, just playing the game, but with these events, you get to come down and get a little taste of what it’s like to play cricket which is really good.”
Ms Rix and Participation Officer Antony Stewart also held a Girls-Only Wet'n'Wild Cricket session in Charters Towers on Monday.
16 local girls took part in Queensland Cricket’s Girls-Only Wet'n'Wild Cricket School Holiday Program last Friday. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
The ML Partners Burdekin Sprint meet was hosted at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre on Saturday January 13 and saw 167 swimmers from 15 clubs across North Queensland participating in the event, including teams from as far as Mackay and Charters Towers.
The event was well supported by local sponsors who made it possible to put on a seamless showing and showcased some amazing swimmers and some very exciting Dash for Cash swims at the end of the evening.
The Burdekin Torpedoes had a team of 17 swimmers ageing from 8-54 years, with some enjoying their first official swim meet and learning from the more experienced swimmers including John McKaig who brought along his Masters World Championship Swimming medals he won last year in Japan.
Led by coaches Kim and Mick McConnachie, the Burdekin Torpedoes had a great meet with the younger brigade putting up some great personal best times.
Back Row L-R: Brax Wright, Blake Jorgensen, Maddison Searle, Arabella Sangiuliano, John McKaig, Makayla Pirrone, Mick McConnachie (Coach) and Kim McConnachie (Coach). Front row L-R: Kryssa Mial, Ellanah Searle, Maddie Populin, Evie Totorica, Miley Totorica, Koa Wright, Millie Lyne, Parker Bonato and Lewis Bonato. Absent: Nash Christie. Photo credit: Rina Totorica
Results From Local Swimmers
Lewis Bonato (9yo Men) - 2nd 50m Freestyle, 1st 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 3rd 50m Butterfly
Parker Bonato (12yo Men) - 3rd 50m Freestyle, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke
Millie Lyne (13yo Women) - 3rd 50m Freestyle, 3rd 50m Backstroke, 1st 50m Breaststroke, 3rd 50m Butterfly
John McKaig (open Men) - 2nd 50m Freestyle, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 1st 50m Butterfly
Makayla Pirrone (14yo Women) - 1st 50m Freestyle, 1st 50m Backstroke, 1st 50m Breaststroke, 1st 50m Butterfly
Arabella Sangiuliano (11yo Women) - 2nd 50m Freestyle
Ellanah Searle (8yo Women) - 1st 50m Freestyle, 1st 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Butterfly
Maddison Searle (9yo Women) - 1st 50m Freestyle, 1st 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 1st 50m Butterfly
Evie Totorica (8yo Women) - 3rd 50m Freestyle, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 3rd 50m Breaststroke, 1st 50m Butterfly
Continued from page 32
At the ML Partners Burdekin Sprint, Burdekin Torpedoes President Ned Bonato thanked all attending clubs who travelled near and far and gave a huge thank you to our amazing sponsors who made it possible to put on such a wonderful event.
Ned also thanked the work of the Club members and their families who worked tirelessly all afternoon to ensure the attending clubs, swimmers and officials were well fed and had smiles on their faces all afternoon.
The Torpedoes will be back in the pool for their first Club night on Wednesday January 24.
Contributed by Kate Lyne
The Burdekin Torpedoes competed at the ML Partners Burdekin Sprint meet, hosted at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre on Saturday. Photos supplied
Photos supplied: Dallan Garvey
Photo supplied: John Chandler
Photo supplied: Tommy Ingram
Photo supplied: Jason Taylor
Photo supplied: Matt Maguire
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