Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Local rugby league royalty met again at the Ayr Anzac Memorial Club last weekend for the latest instalment of Burdekin Roosters’ Old Boys Day. More than 80 former Roosters across multiple eras reconnected over beers, fond memories, and a full itinerary of presentations. This year saw the 1979 Colts premiership side honoured for their heroics that brought silverware to the town almost 30 years ago. John Reid and Troy Great were also officially recognised as life members of the club. Colts, Hornets, Devils and Brothers memorabilia was also on display throughout the event, offering a glimpse into the past of the historic organisation. At the event’s conclusion, attendees made their way down to Bendigo Bank Park to support the new generation of Roosters as they triumphed over Brothers 22 - 12. Event organiser Garren Arroita said he was “very happy” with how the afternoon panned out. “It was an unreal day,” he said. “This is the only time we all get to catch up with each other, so it was very important.” Established in 2008, Burdekin Roosters Old Boys supports current and ex-players of Burdekin Rugby League. Funds raised at the annual Old Boys Day support past and future players, families and community members in need, while assisting the next generation of young local sporting talent. Most recently, the group donated to 13-year-old speedway rider Ky Mitchell as he competes in Europe.
Read the full story
Before a huge crowd of Old Boys and supporters at Bendigo Bank Park last Saturday night, the Burdekin Roosters A grade side posted their fourth win on end, beating Brothers 22 to 12 to join Centrals, Herbert River and Western Lions in third place on the ladder. Earlier, the second placed Roosters joined Brothers at the top of the Under 19 ladder, posting a 28 to 26 win in a thriller. Unfortunately, the reserves could not add to the celebration, going down 26 to 18. At the conclusion, an auction of 15 pieces of memorabilia and local business donations was conducted, with all proceeds going to the Davenport appeal. The auction raised just under $25,000. Burdekin Brothers games are usually exciting clashes and this A grade match was no exception. Although the Roosters won the match 22 to 12, the result was in doubt till the final whistle. Coach Steve Lansley was a happy man afterwards, saying the Roosters continued their impressive form on the weekend, securing a fourth consecutive victory with a hard-fought 22 to 12 win over powerhouse Brothers. Defence laid the foundation for the Roosters’ success, with the side producing a spirited first half performance that frustrated Brothers and limited attacking opportunities. The Roosters carried that momentum into the second half, building pressure through disciplined defence and capitalising on their chances with the ball. Their dominance was rewarded when they raced to a commanding 20–0 lead midway through the second half, putting one of the competition’s strongest clubs firmly on the back foot. However, the Roosters briefly switched off late in the contest, allowing Brothers to claw back some points and create a tense finish. Despite the late surge from the visitors, Burdekin remained composed when it mattered most, holding on to a deserved 22–12 victory and extending their winning streak to four straight games. Best players were Jye Olsen, Lachlan Sheppard and Joseph Doyle. For Burdekin, tries came from Lachlan Shepherd, Jones Munro, Jye Olsen, Jake O’Brien. Jake kicked three goals. In other A grade matches, Souths beat Charters Towers 28–18, Centrals beat Western Lions 8 nil and Herbert River beat Norths 30–16. In a match that was dominated by some strange whistle blowing decisions, Brothers took the reserve grade over the Roosters 26–18. The Roosters had their chances but bad handling cost them dearly, as they were down 14 to 12 at the break after scoring the first try. Ron Geia was outstanding for the locals, scoring two tries and not deserving to be on a beaten team. Curtis Cox received the players’ player award for a solid match, with Dylan Doak not far behind, along with Kane Dyne. Doak became frustrated with some of the calls, receiving a bin sentence with two minutes to go. Ron Geia scored two tries, with Dylan Doak scoring a try and kicking 3 goals. In other reserve grade matches, Souths beat Charters Towers 44–10, Western Lions beat Centrals 21–12 and Norths beat Herbert River 32–14. In a top of the table clash, the Brothers Roosters game lived up to what it was supposed to be — smart attack and punishing defence. Burdekin scored the first of two tries in the first half to lead 10 nil and looked good, but Brothers were not perturbed and, by scoring the next three tries, went to lemons leading 16–10. Both sides crossed the stripe in the second session, with this time the Roosters three to the opposition two. The difference between the two teams came down to a goal kick. In the forwards, Joey Southwell had a big hard game, getting plenty of punishment but still coming back with support from Leylan Lampton, Mason Kiehne and Tyce Cursio. The standout forward and team player though was Jack Power, who twice sliced through for tries when needed. Pint sized Power is also a tiger in defence. The backs played as a team, but half Chad Fraser stood out, as did Kaddy Zaro and Tyreece Trindle. Last week in Ingham it took the team till the second half to get the feed to Kirk Viero, and when they did he crossed three times. This time again it was not till late he received good ball, and again the centre made mince meat of the opposition centres to score. For the Roosters, Jack Power scored 2 tries with Riley Smith, Tyreece Trindle, Kirk Viero. Chad Fraser 3 goals. In other Under 19 matches, Centrals beat Western Lions 80 nil and Herbert River drew with Norths 28 all. Only one women’s match was played, with Western Lions beating Centrals 20 nil. Martina Monday scored a try for the Lions. This Saturday the Roosters are on the road for the last time for a few weeks of home games. The A grade will meet the undefeated Souths at the old Binda Grounds at 6, with the reserves to play Souths at 3. The Under 19 team has a bye this week as Souths do not have a team. At 4.30, Souths will meet Charters Towers in the women’s grade. In A grade, Souths are undefeated on top of the ladder, with the Roosters now tied with Centrals, Western Lions and Herbert River for third place, with Brothers second. In reserve grade, Souths have lost only one game this season — to Burdekin early in the season in Ayr. Souths are on top with the Roosters now tied for sixth after some indifferent performances. With Caleb Noah expected back, they could be a different team. Supplied by Brian Carnes
Read the full story
Seniors Not a good weekend for the Panthers. They played just three games, winning only one match. The Premiers and Reserves were at home to JCU Riverway with the Premiers losing 0-3 and the Reserves winning 11-0. The Division 1 and Division 2 teams were away to Estates with the Division 1 forfeiting and the Division 2 losing 3-5. The Colts had a bye. This week just three teams are in action. On Friday, the Division 1 and Division 2 teams both have a bye and the Colts are at home to Warriors at 6.30. On Saturday the Premiers and Reserves are away to Warriors at 7.15 and 5.15. Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club Against JCU, the Panthers knew they were facing a quality opponent and that it would be a tough challenge from the opening whistle. Unfortunately, JCU started the stronger of the two sides, putting Burdekin under pressure early and preventing them from finding any real rhythm. A turnover in possession proved costly, with JCU capitalising through a well-taken finish to open the scoring. Not long afterwards, another poor passage of play allowed them to double their advantage and take a 2–0 lead. While the opening stages were disappointing, the Panthers responded well in the latter part of the first half, enjoying more possession and spending longer periods in attacking areas. Despite the improvement, the Panthers were 0-2 at half time. The second half followed a similar pattern, with Burdekin showing greater intent and competing much more strongly. They created some promising moments and looked more threatening going forward, but we couldn't convert their chances. JCU, meanwhile, remained clinical and added a third goal to put the result beyond doubt. To the Panthers credit, they continued to push until the final whistle and never stopped working. While the 3–0 scoreline was disappointing, there were positive signs in the way they responded after a difficult start, and those improvements will be important looking ahead to the next fixture. Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service A rare Saturday home game and Burdekin were fielding a very good line-up brimming with confidence. The home side started very strongly and completely dominated all aspects of the game. The scoring started early with a goal from Oscar Licciardello after three minutes and continued until the 83rd minute with Charlie Predebon scoring the teams eleventh goal. Three goals were scored by Oscar Licciardell with Cooper Kross netting 4, Jonte Grazioli 2 and 1 each for Kyle Taylor and Charlie Predebon. Defensively the team was also strong keeping a clean sheet with keeper Haydn Grazioli only having one touch in the second half. A very good performance that keeps the Panthers in second place on the table and looking to make a run for a string of good results. Division 2 - RG Customs Funkies lost 5-3 to Estates at Victoria Park. In a game where both teams started very well, Burdekin was disappointed not to find the net after several great chances early on. Estates soon led 2-0 but Burdekin responded through Jared Giardina and Cody Scalia to see the score level at 2-2 at half time. Half time was the worst part of the game for Burdekin halting all the momentum and dominance the side had created. Estates settled back into the game and scored another three goals before Jarrod Dal Santo scored a late goal for the Funkies. In a game that had everything, Estates had two players sent off but there was very little time for Burdekin to try and capitalise and final score was 3-5. Jake Lacey was Burdekin’s best player and Jared Giardina and Cody Scalia looked dangerous going forward especially in the first half. Masters The Masters were well up in numbers and in cool conditions featured a re-play of the recent Australia v Switzerland. The game ended with the Toblerones winning 7-1 after leading 5-0 at half time. Best players on the night were Mick Lequerica and Jack Moustoukas. The Magic Moment was another Riley Granshaw header straight at the Red goalkeeper from one meter, saved. 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 Another great weekend of Junior soccer saw our young players take to the field against local opposition. Across all age groups, teams displayed plenty of enthusiasm, teamwork and determination as they continued to develop their skills and enjoy the game. It was fantastic to see strong support from families and supporters on the sidelines, creating a positive atmosphere throughout the day. There were no matches involving Townsville clubs. National The Matildas have had two friendlies against Mexico. In the first on 6th June in Newcastle, they lost 0-1 but in the second, last Saturday, they won 3-1. International In the World Cup the Socceroos have got off to a great start, beating Turkey 2-0 in their first Group D game in Vancouver. Their next match is against the USA in Seattle on 20th June and their final group game is against Paraguay in San Francisco on 26th June. Quote the of the Week is from ex Everton manager Gordon Lee “I don’t drink, I don’t smoke and I’m getting fed up with gardening. I’ve no interests at all apart from football and family”.
Read the full story
The Burdekin Touch Association's Under 14 competition wrapped up last week with four grand finals showcasing the region's emerging talent. The A-grade decider between BAYWatch and Silly Soft Serves produced an entertaining contest, with both teams displaying strong attacking play and determined defence. BAYWatch proved too quick across the park, running in eight tries to secure an 8-2 victory and claim the premiership. Adea, Elias and Fantasia each crossed for two tries. The B-grade grand final saw Chicken Burgers defeat Red Dogs B 6-3 thanks to Oliver and Kaesy doubles, while BAYWatch Cowboys edged out Rockies 1-0 in a hard-fought C-grade final. Logan Pickup scored twice as Red Dogs A completed the grand final action with a convincing 6-2 win over BAYWatch Broncos in the D-grade decider. Burdekin Touch Association president Peter Knapton praised the efforts of coaches and referees throughout the season. Mr Knapton thanked volunteers for the time and commitment they devoted to developing players and ensuring the competition's success. Season awards were also presented, recognising standout performances and improvement throughout the year. Best and most improved players were Hazeman Mundraby and Elias Douglas (BAYWatch), Marcel Smallwood and Azual Taiters (BAYWatch Broncos), Abbie Daniels and Daushay (Silly Soft Serves), MJ Russo and Apo Ghee (Red Dogs A), Logan Pickup and Emmett Bonato (Red Dogs B), Connor Linton and Flynn Levitt (Rockies), and Lillie Levitt and Audrey (Chicken Burgers). The Under 14 competition will resume following the school holiday break. Meanwhile, in Round 14 of the Coutts Commercial Hotel Open Men's and Women's competitions, Alliance Pharmacy defeated One Touch 7-1, Nrgize beat BAYWatch 6-3, and Teamo Supremo accounted for Royal Touch 7-1. Burdekin PCYC recorded the biggest win of the round, defeating Blue Murder 14-5, while Slush Puppies overcame Petrol Heads 9-1. Touch N Go defeated Creampuffs 5-2 and Renegades defeated Ball Grabbers 11-0. Way To Go and Crocs collected competition points via forfeits. In the women's competition, Eathorne's Princesses defeated Silly Soft Serves 8-1. Supplied by Burdekin Touch Association CAPTIONS: 1—The Under 14 competition’s Most Improved Players 2—The Under 14 competition’s Best Players Photos supplied
Read the full story
Social Tuesday February 27 Winners were Katharina Stuckler, Beryl Cornford and Irene Wilson defeating Isabel Cislowski, Joy Comollatti & Mary Poli.
Desley Olsen, Heather Jorgensen and Pam Power defeated Donna Soper, Karen Page and Sandra Stidston.
Competition on Thursday's 1:30pm in March Championship Rinks starting.
Ayr lady bowlers, see the bowls club noticeboard or contact your skips - good bowling.
Men's Championship Four's 8:30am Sunday March 17.
1. G. Papale, J Grabbi, S. Caltabiano, L. Stidston vs A. Bull, C. Essex, M. Power, R. Soper.
2. H. Horan, J. Hall, W. Coonan, M. Parravicini vs D. Poli, M. Olsen, R. Young, M. Milan.
Contributed by Michael Parravicini
18 players fronted up for Wednesday night barefoot bowls.
Rink 2: Wayne, Carol and Nev were too good for Jocelyn, Merle and Mark winning 14 to 12.
Rink 3: Kate, Paul and Joe put the cleaners through Maisie, Betty and Ron 17 to 5.
Rink 4: Kita, Sam and Stephen were way too strong for Yogi, Gladys and Judy winning 20 to 8.
22 Players fronted on it seems the first dry Thursday afternoon bowls in weeks.
Rink 3 Triples: Karl/Mick O, Mick and Glen won the day in a close one over Ray, Terry and Henry 15 to 13.
Rink 4 Pairs: Alex and Trevor were much too strong for Paul and Bob to the tune of 33 to 22.
Rink 5: After Norm had to pull out for health reasons Stephen skipped for two teams. Jim and Stephen just lasted to defeat Dino and Stephen to the tune of 15 to 13.
Rink 6: John and Joe won a nail-biting contest over Tony and Hugh 25 to 24.
And finally on rink 7, Judy and Wayne were convincing winners over Yogi and Des 28 to 18.
Thanks again to sponsor Rocky Ponds produce.
Supplied by Stephen Doig
Caption 1: Wednesday night’s barefoot bowls winners were Nev, Carol and Wayne
Caption 2: The winners of Thursday were Alex and Trevor
Photos supplied: Stephen Doig
The blue skies late last week dried out the grounds and pitches enough at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex for the Junior Cricket and Challenger Blasters’ games to go ahead. The slow outfield in the Junior Cricket “Hardball” game meant only one four was scored in the whole match. Xavier Cross was quite proud of this shot as it was his first ever four scored in a game. Marshall Parker was top scorer with 17 runs followed by Mark Wilkie on 12. The weeks of net sessions and batting drills are starting to show in the nice shots that some of the batters are now playing. It is good to know that the coaching is working and that they are putting what they are being shown into practice in the games to score runs.
If it was hard to score runs, then it was even harder to take wickets as only five fell for the entire game over both innings. William Chandler came out on top with the ball getting 2 for 15. Oliver Calligaro and Jacques Gardner snared one each, and Marshall Parker combined with Oscar Mahoney to affect a run out. ‘Players of the Week Award’ winners for this game were Harrison Smyth and Spyridonas Spyrou. No stats were available for the Challenger Blaster game, but Kyle Wilkie was the top scorer, and the award winners were Levi Trail and Morgan Burrell.
Caption 1: Harrison Smyth and Spyridonas Spyrou
Caption 2: Levi Trail and Morgan Burrell
Photos supplied
.jpg)
After two weeks of rain and cancelled coaching sessions, the sun finally came out to let our Juniors out on the golf course this Saturday morning. Many thanks to Darryl for coming down to coach our young golfers, with everyone’s swing being recorded for analysis and future work. Darryl will be down again in a forthright and then monthly, working on different aspects of the game each time.
This Saturday we will be holding the February Monthly Medal, with a 3, 6 and 9 hole competition being held, with the Nett winner in each group receiving a monthly medal. Please follow the Junior Golf Ayr Facebook page for more details.
Contributed by Laura Mahoney
Caption: Ayr Junior Golf returned on Saturday morning. Photo supplied
The Burdekin Roosters will have their first hit out of the season when they host the Mackay Magpies at Rugby Park this Saturday.
Two grades will be played: A grade and Reserve grade with the reserves scheduled to start at 3:30pm.
The two clubs play a trial match each year on a rotating basis.
The Roosters will be out to silence the birds from Mackay after they were the victors last year.
Rooster coach Daniel Beazley said his team could be a little underdone after recent rain had severely curtailed training.
“I expect they would be in the same boat as well,” Beazley said.
The coach said he wanted to have a look at a couple of players in different positions and that is what trials are all about.
It is not expected the two players each allocated from the Cowboys and Blackhawks will be playing.
“We have a keen bunch of boys and I expect them to give a good account of themselves,” Beazley said.
The coach added he particularly wanted to see three players in action.
“Adam Stephens appears to be a very good player, very professional and athletic and as he is only new, I want to see him on the field while Rhett Williams will play at hooker and I expect him to add a touch of class out there,” he said.
Beazley went on to say that he was glad to see Nemia Nawave at training and going hard.
He added, “Nemia will start on the wing where he is very quick but I have been told he played at hooker in Fiji so I will give him a go there to see what he offers in the middle.”
“Tate Brombal has been putting in the hard yards at training and is welcome back home after a year away playing in the Toowoomba League.
“Riley Horan is another I want to see after having a year off with former Queensland schoolboy representative Terry Connors who could be the X Factor as he appears quick.”
Reserves coach Chris Perry has named a squad with plenty of youth on one hand plus experience on another.
Former Marlins representative Mitchell Guy says he has finished playing A Grade but still wants to put the boots on and help out Chris and his reggies.
His experience will be invaluable to the coach who will have a number of last years under 19 players making the step up.
The canteen will be open with the bar and doubles sold on the gate.
Contributed by Brian Carnes
Last weekend saw the successful return of the Burdekin Boars & Barras Competition, hosted by the Clare State School P&C, with hundreds of people showing up for the weigh in on Sunday, March 3.
There was something for everyone at the event including facepainting, kids’ corner run by Lillies Cubby House, a bar, delicious food, and live music by Tammy Moxon.
The Crab races and auction kept everyone entertained with a total of $1100 prize money up for grabs for the winner, while the Yeti toss proved to be very popular with lots of kids lining up for their chance to win a Yeti Water bottle.
“A massive thank you to all of the event sponsors,” said Emma Bethel of the Clare State School P&C.
“Without their generous support this event would not have been possible.
“The Clare State School P&C are very grateful to everyone who supported this event.”
Caption: Heaviest Junior Barra Winner Josh Patterson (left) and Heaviest Boar Winner Shane Cavanagh (right). Photos supplied
OPEN DIVISION
HEAVIEST BOAR- 118 Kg Shane Cavanagh
HEAVIEST SOW - 62.55 Kg Mat Corradi
HEAVIEST CRAB - 1.47 Kg Mathew Lynch-Harlow
JUNIOR
BARRA - 8.38Kg - Josh Patterson
MANGROVE JACK - 1.26Kg - Jace Klaka
CATFISH - 5.32Kg - Joshua Brett
FLATHEAD - 0.94 kg - Keatan Jarvis
SECRET BARRA WEIGHT – 3.14Kg - Alex Wright
SENIOR
BARRA - 8.56 Kg - Joel Bethel
MANGROVE JACK - 1.76Kg - Jack Malas
CATFISH - 3.56Kg - Tiffany Jones
FLATHEAD - 1.72Kg - Mathew Lynch-Harlow
SECRET BARRA WEIGHT – 8.46Kg - Mark Zunker
JUNIOR LUCKY DRAW - Angus Galvin
SENIOR LUCKY DRAW - Melissa Hyne
Caption 1: Heaviest junior flathead winner Keatan Jarvis with Clare State School Principal Troy Patti
Caption 2: Heaviest junior catfish winner Joshua Brett with Troy Patti
Caption 3: Heaviest mangrove jack winner Jack Malas with Troy Patti
Caption 4: Heaviest senior catfish winner Tiffany Jones with Troy Patti
Social Bowls were played Tuesday February 20 where the winners were Ruth Moore, Elaine Young, Beryl Cornford and Pam Power defeating Desley Olsen, Donna Soper, Sandra Stidston and Irene Wilson.
Isabel Cislowski, Heather Jorgensen and Mary Poli defeated Katharina Stuckler, Joy Comollatti amd Dot Cutting.
Eighteen bowlers enjoyed playing lawn bowls under the stars at Wednesday Night Bowls on February 21.
Coming in first place were Katharina Stuckler, Anthony Bull and Robyn McAllister.
In second place were Carolyn Jones, Rob Jorgensen and Heather Jorgensen.
Men's Championship Fours 8:30am Sunday March 10 - 1. G. Papale, J. Grabbe, S. Caltabiano, L. Stidston vs D. Poli, M. Olsen, ? , M. Milan. 2. H. Horan, J. Hall, W. Coonan, M. Parravicini vs A. Bull, C. Essex, M. Power, R. Soper.
Nominations for championship pairs and triples close March 3.
Wednesday February 21 winners were Bob Young and Col Essex who defeated Vince Beitia and Chris Berkery.
Other results were John Hall, Barry Hewson and Maurie Power defeated John Pirrone, Sandra Darwen and Wayne Coonan.
Mick Olsen, Joe Papale and Lew Stidston defeated Jim Murray, Dino Poli and Ron Soper.
Contributed by Michael Parravicini
Wednesday February 20
Ladies results: only four ladies turned up and conditions still not favourable however those who turned up certainly had a good time.
Kaye Garner and Lyn Storrie beat Ann Newton and Vanda Ballao.
Ladies, please have your names in by 1:00pm for 1:30pm start.
Sunday February 25
A grade singles: Gary Pearce defeated Henry Hazel.
And the other A grade singles game went down to the wire with Doug Koehne defeating Jamie Woods.
A Pairs: Vince Beitia and Allan Garioch defeated Joe Ypinazar and Peter Jorgensen.
Social Bowls
Triples game: Norm Storrie, Rob Garner and Peter Henderson defeated Kaye Garner, Bob Jorgensen and Ray Panacassio.
And final game of was Rinks with Neville Dickinson, Helen Collins, Lloyd Shepherd and Doug Robins defeating Glen Woodward, Ken Ferguson, Lyn Storrie and Leo Kenny.
Sunday March 3 Jackpot will be drawn until we get a winner.
Names in by 1.00pm for 1.30pm start.
Contributed by Lloyd Shepherd
Caption: Winners of Sunday’s Championship events. Photo supplied
Burdekin FC will work towards upgrading its women’s changerooms and facilities at International Park after winning a grant from the 2024 Ergon-Energex Community Fund.
The $10,000 grant will enable renovation of the women’s changerooms to provide a safer, more inclusive, and accessible space for players to feel comfortable and confident in their environment and increase participation.
Burdekin FC Senior Secretary Sian Reardon said the women’s facilities currently has two toilets, one of which often malfunctions, a women-only shower that is used as storage and a communal shower that is shared with the men’s facilities and doesn’t have a lock on the door.
The club plans to upgrade all facilities including a third toilet, new shower area and new basin and mirror.
“At the moment, it’s just not a nice place to be in,” Ms Reardon said.
“The facilities are our foundation.
“If we don’t foster a positive, clean environment, it’s not a welcoming environment for those girls to come into.
“If they see that we take pride and responsibility and put that money in to make the facilities clean and welcoming, we get more people through the door.”
Ms Reardon, who also plays for the senior women’s team and coaches junior teams, said the investment proves the growth of the women’s game in the Burdekin.
She said the club currently has enough junior girls for two teams in U9s, U10/11s and U12/13s age groups this year.
“The numbers have grown incredibly this year,” she said.
“We’ve seen more girls interested in coming down to our women’s training as well.
“We’ve got a few 15-year-olds floating around who are really eager and want to get involved, which is awesome.”
The club has also recently purchased new goal posts using a previous grant which are due for installation soon.
“We would not be able to function without grants and community support,” Ms Reardon said.
“Whenever Louise (Nicholas, Grants Officer) sees a grant that could towards the club, the entire club comes together to discuss what’s most important.”
Caption: Burdekin FC Senior Secretary Sian Reardon is excited to see upgrades to the women’s changerooms after securing a grant. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
18 players arrived to do battle in the barefoot bowls night onWednesday, February 21.
3 games oftriples were played.
Rinks 5,6 and 7were used running east/west.
Rink 5: Gladys,Meryl and Joe were much too strong for Betty, Judy and John winning14 to 5.
Rink 6: Ashley,Tony and Amy had a good win over Lyn, Nev and Ron to the tune of 12points to 3.
Rink 7: Conner,Margaret and Stephen won on the final end after being all squareafter 11 ends over Wayne, Mark and Torrie 11 to 7.
Trevor's morningtea is weekly on Monday morning, Tuesday Trimmers on Tuesday, Wednesday Kraft group and barefoot bowls at 6pm on Wednesday.
Thursday morning bingo and bowls in the arvo, names in between 12 and 1pm.
There was no bowls on Thursday.
Good bowling.
Contributed by Stephen Doig
We weather put a dampener on preseason training for Burdekin FC’s youth teams, with the U13 and U14/15 teams instead taking things indoors for a night of “non- competitive” ten pin bowling.
Captions: Burdekin FC’s U13 and U14/15 teams spent a night at Burdekin Bowl after preseason training was rained out. Photos supplied: Burdekin FC Inc
The Burdekin Roosters received a setback last week with the announcement 2024 appointed senior coach Daniel Beazley would be leaving the club.
Beazley told the players at training on Thursday he had received an offer from a family member to join a business on the Gold Coast.
Beazley said he knew his cousin was beginning a new business and he wanted his input but he thought that would not be till towards the end of the year.
“For my cousin the business has gone really well, and I have been offered a partnership in something I have been looking at for a long time,” Beazley said.
The coach said he was sad to be leaving the club as he had enjoyed the people he has been associated with and he felt the club was getting back on the right track.
He said training before Christmas was a little slow, but it had really picked up in the New Year and he believes the players had been enjoying it as much as he had.
The former Blackhawk captain said he thought the club had the players to go all the way this year and with a few more coming in they are going to be hard to beat.
“If I didn't think that I wouldn't have suggested a trial match with Brothers who are always strong,” Beazley said.
He said he would not be leaving for a couple of weeks and would help prepare the boys for the trial with Mackay Magpies in a fortnight and then Brothers.
Roosters President Mick Brombal said he would be sad to see ‘Beaz’ go but people must think of their future, and this appears too good for him to refuse.
“Beaz is a good bloke, and he will help us find a replacement as well as coach the boys for the next couple of weeks,” Brombal said.
Contributed by Brian Carnes
Caption: Departing Roosters Coach Daniel Beazley
The much-anticipated Rugby League carnival, the Annual Bowen Tens, will be played at Denison Park in Bowen on Saturday.
Sponsored mainly by Whitsunday Civil, the day brings much needed funds to the Bowen Seagulls Junior League with various charities also benefitting.
A number of Bowen charities have been the recipients of money from the Bowen Tens.
This year, the main recipient will be Kids Connecting Parents.
Burdekin teams have supported the day since it was first introduced in 2012 with the Charity that year Cancer Research.
The Burdekin Old Boys made themselves a popular team by donating half the prize money they received for winning that year to the charity and it continued on with several other Burdekin teams doing the same thing.
This year, 14 men’s teams and six women’s team will contest the games for the cash and trophies donated by Kincove for the men and Abbot Point for the women.
The Burdekin will again be represented by Runamuck in the women, a group of ladies mainly from the Burdekin Hens led by the Monday sisters whose style of play will suit this format.
They will be joined by Bowen teams Boonti Busters and Bowen Bush Chooks.
Carlton from Mackay will again be playing with Townsville team Norths Devils.
The sixth team is an unknown group called Darlz Warriors but they are expected to be strong.
Three men’s teams will represent the Burdkein: Runamuck, Runamuck 10 and Fiji Time.
Fiji Time are the defending champions and they alone will bring spectators just to see their exciting brand of football.
Matches are played over two ten-minute halves on two fields at Denison Park with a two-minute half time and thirty seconds between games.
Timing is done from a central time piece.
The first games get under way at 8am with the final of the men expected about 8pm, giving some 12 hours of non-stop footy
Food and drink will be sold on the grounds and there are some big raffles taking place all for a $5 entry fee.
The player scoring a try then attempts to convert with a drop kick before the player’s team restarts.
It all makes for speed and excitement.
Teams of no more than 20 players with ten on the field at any one time come from several centres around the north as it is not only a good bonding weekend, it is also very good for pre-season fitness.
A four-person relay is also held between teams with the referees at times having a team and they have been successful in the past.
Bowen is well represented with at least 8 teams while the Moranbah Miners and Carlton Devils play in the Mackay League.
Some Townsville teams have supported the Carnival in the past with this year the Norths Devils women making the trip.
This will be the first time the Cardwell Axemen will try their luck although Herbert River have been there before.
Contributed by Brian Carnes
Both night tennis on Monday and pickleball on Tuesday have been fortunate to dodge rain over the recent weeks, with good numbers of players at 7:00pm. At pickleball, everyone has been enjoying the challenge of learning a new game as well as the social aspect. Friday Social tennis starts up in early March.
The upcoming AGM on the March 11 is a great opportunity for everyone to come along to Home Hill Tennis to hear about all the club’s activities in 2023. It is also time to recognise and thank those who have contributed to the club whether it is through grants, sponsors, playing and the very valuable work of club volunteers. Without these, our club would not exist.
The Burdekin hosts two junior tournaments over the next couple of weeks. Ayr has the first event and Opening Day this Saturday March 2 at 8:00am. There will be guest speakers at the opening for the parents and players. Home Hill hosts the Super JDS on March 16-17 where there will be coaching clinics and teams’ events. All visitors are welcome to the clubs on these weekends.
Contributed by Home Hill Tennis Association
Caption: Home Hill Tennis Association hosts tennis on Tuesday s from 7:00pm. Photo supplied
Our North Queensland wet season again prevented any Junior Cricket to be played late last week at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex, and Charters Towers where our Under 17s were meant to play Wests.
Clear skies on Tuesday allowed the Rookies to go ahead though, with Antony Stewart from Queensland Cricket coming down from Townsville to run the session.
Antony was helped out by one of our older junior Thomas Cardillo at the East Ayr School Grounds.
This session included fun drills and games for our youngest cricket stars of the future.
Back Cover Caption: Queensland Cricket’s Antony Stewart (back left) and junior cricketer Thomas Cardillo (back right) led the junior cricket rookies session last week. Photo supplied
The Friday afternoon Challenger’s session was moved to the East Ayr State School Hall due to the weather with modified indoor skills and drills organised by our Co-Ordinator Shaun Goldsworthy.
The 14 eager children were very appreciative of Shaun’s efforts in getting this going for a second week in a row.
There was catching practice, some bowling drills, then a fun game of indoor cricket to finish up the session.
After a very disrupted start to the second half of the season we have our fingers crossed we can play some cricket in the sunshine on Friday this week.
Contributed by Scott Heidke
Caption 1-4: Clear skies on Tuesday allowed the Rookies to go ahead
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Life Publishing Group Pty Ltd.
