Ayr Junior Golf held its last day of the season last Saturday, with a fun morning where players chose a friend, parent, brother or uncle to play with. The mix-up pairs played a two person Ambrose with their chosen partner. All in the name of fun!

Afterwards there was a lunch served and the club’s annual end of year presentations and certificates were handed out, rewarding the juniors for all their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

On behalf of the Ayr Junior Golf Club, we would like to thank the Ayr Anzac Social Golf Club for their continued support of the juniors, and also our thanks to both Evelyn Webb and Callan Oar for all their hard work behind the scenes throughout the year.

2023 Award Results

Putting Champion Award

3 holes - Hunter Oar

6 holes - Gabe Hatherell

9 holes - Byron Sutcliffe

Most Monthly Medals

3 holes - Ivy Land

6 holes - Parker Oar

9 holes - joint winners, Oscar Mahoney, Byron Sutcliffe and Wendall Jennings

Most Improved Golf, in their first year of playing - Kyle Wilkie

Most Improved Golfer Overall - Lyla Land

Golfer of the Year - Nett winner - Oscar Mahoney

Golfer of the Year - Gross winner - Amaya Mahoney

Junior golf has now finished for the year, with it starting up again in March, where the club will have some come and try mornings.

Contributed by Laura Mahoney

On Sunday, the final of the Monthly Medal was played in conjunction with the Cannavan Memorial.

Thanks went to the Cannavan family who have sponsored this Honour Board event for the last 50 years. Three generations of the Cannavan family are still playing.

The men’s winner was Eric Barbagallo who had an exceptional game to score 65 nett and 72 off the stick. Runner up was Guy LeBlowitz with 68 nett. Not to be out done by her husband, Megan Barbagallo won the ladies with 71 nett from runner up Bev Macdonald with 74 nett. Megan and Eric also won the finals of the monthly medal with Ross Wilkie taking out the B Grade final.

The pin shots on 4/13 went to Eric Barbagallo, James Johnson and Ruth Cooper (in the hole). On 9/18 the pins shots went to Doug McCubben (in the hole) and Mary Chatfield (in the hole). This Sunday is the Club pennants final.

Wednesday’s golf was a Mystery Stableford sponsored by Ayr Anzac Club. Thanks for your support throughout the year. The winners were Bev Macdonald and Judy Elton with a combined score of 69 points. Runners up were Judi Sheahan and Ann Naughton with 65 points. Pin shots went to Ruth Cooper on 4/13 and David Hay on 9/18. The chip shot on 7/16 went to Bev Macdonald (in the hole).

33 players turned out for the Friday Club. Least putts went to Guy LeBlowitz on a count back with 13. Pin shots went to Tim Branch, Merv Soper and Megan Barbagallo. The daily winner was Merv Soper. The lucky ticket went to Gordon Schultz but the money didn’t go off so has jackpotted to $300 this week.

Contributed by Bev MacDonald

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Eric Barbagallo, Murray, Liam, Jan and Chris Cannavan and Megan Barbagallo

By Hwa Rang Do Grand Master

Giru HwaRangdo recently held a day of training and grading, inviting Grand Master Myung Man Kim to the region.

Students gathered in Giru on Sunday, November 12 for a day involving the grading of students in front of Grand Master Kim, Head Instructor Zoe Hughes and two senior instructors, Jay and Jack.

A 3-hour training session then followed for all students and instructors.

Students ranged from ages five to 70+ years old.

Two students, Nakita and Robin, were presented with 1st Dan black belts and certificates.

“Congratulations Robin and Nakita, excellent achievement,” said Ms Hughes, who is Head Instructor for Giru, Woodstock and Cungulla students.

Grand Master Kim, based in Sydney, brought Hwa Rang Do to Australia 49 years ago from Korea.

Hwa Rang Do is a Korean Martial Art System with modern style and ancient roots built on the foundations of Chang Moo Kwan, Taekwondo and the spirit of the Hwarang Warrior.

“He (Grand Master Kim) is an amazing person, that teaches us wisdom, encouragement and determination,” said Ms Hughes.

“A picture of wisdom, strength and never quitting at any age.

“You are never too old and it's never too late.

“You can achieve anything with the right mind set.”

Giru HwaRangdo train in Giru on Mondays and Woodstock on Tuesdays.

Contact Zoe on 0419 535 908 for more information or visit Giru HwaRangdo on Facebook.

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Students aged between five and over 70 were graded on Sunday

Two 1st Dan black belts Nakita and Robin were presented with their certificates and belts

Robin and Grand Master Kim

Grand Master Kim and Head Instructor Zoe

Photos supplied

The ‘Players of the Week’ award winners last Friday in the Under 13s were Xavier Cross and Oscar Mahoney. Xavier scored 9 runs with the bat and in the field, he ran out a batter and clean bowled another. Oscar, who has been very consistent each week, scored 19 runs, also effected a run out and snared two wickets when bowling, one of which was a caught and bowled. The highest run scorer was Marshall Parker with 24 and an honourable mention must go to Michael Finn who was unbeaten on 17 runs. The best bowler was Ashton Shields with great figures of 2 for 9 off three overs, both of these wickets were clean bowled.    

Over at the Challenger Blasters game, two teams were formed and while the batting team were waiting to bat, fathers Troy and Andrew were doing some fun drills and skills with them to keep them “warmed up”. This week, Mitchell Patti and Delta Burrell were the recipients of the ‘Players of the Week’ awards for their exceptional batting, bowling and fielding for their team.  Kip Nicholas and Evelyn Mahoney were also standouts while all the children played with great enthusiasm.

Every Tuesday at East Ayr State School we have the Rookies Blaster program for children from 5 to 7 years old, with all equipment supplied. This is a program designed for players who are just starting to play cricket, so it teaches them the fundamentals of the game. This includes catching, throwing, batting and bowling with a straight arm, all done in a fun way with soft balls for safety. The Cricket Blast Summer Program runs during the school terms until April next year and all participants receive a choice of one of three Blast Cricket packs which includes shirts, bats, balls, caps, training gear, a Brisbane Heat membership and much more. Search for PlayHq, Home Hill Cricket Association and Cricket Blast to register.

Contributed by Scott Heidke

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Oscar Mahoney and Xavier Cross

Mitchell Patti and Delta Burrell

Under 13s

Rookies

Photos supplied

Cricket action returned to Barry Richards Field in Home Hill last weekend with Peto’s Marine taking on Crowned Mongrels.

Crowned Mongrels won the toss and elected to bowl, sending Peto’s Marine openers Simon Vickers and Daniel Olditch to the crease.

Olditch was back in the sheds before too long, falling for a golden duck to William Bolton, while Vickers and number three Mark Nosworthy kept the run rate ticking along nicely.

The pair ultimately high scored for Peto's Marine, with Olditch finishing on 31 runs from 20 balls and Nosworthy 48 runs from 44 balls.

Darren O’Keeffe scored 25 runs from 31 balls batting at number five and Jack Gimson scored 29 runs from 26 balls at number six, helping the batting side to a total of 7/171 from 25 overs.

All 11 players had a bowl for Crowned Mongrels with Casper Licciardello and Rhys Knapton taking two wickets each and William Bolton, Jack Oborne and Scott Hazard all taking one.

In reply, opener Andrew Wallwork and number three batsman Travis Butler got things off to a good start for Crowned Mongrels scoring 29 from 35 and 43 from 59 respectively.

Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro also contributed a handy 34 from 28, but the run rate just wasn’t high enough, Crowned Mongrels finishing their 25 overs on 5/132.

Tight bowling from all 11 Peto's Marine players kept Crowned Mongrels under control with Leo Olditch, Darren O’Keeffe, Mark Nosworthy and Darcy Walters all taking wickets while crafty fielding from Walters also led to a run out.

The win was Peto’s Marine’s first for the season as they head into a bye this weekend.

Ladder leaders Crowned Mongrels will back it up on Saturday against second-placed Guardian Pharmacy.

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Simon Vickers out bowled by Jack Oborne

Mark Nosworthy teeing off for Peto’s Marine, scoring 48 runs

Travis Butler scored 43 runs for Crowned Mongrels

Photo credit: Tiffany Olditch

On Thursday November 9, the St Francis students from Years 3 - 6 dove into the pool to compete in their annual school swimming carnival.

There was a lot of fierce competition in and out of the pool as students competed for individual points, house points and spirit points.

The Gold Rubber Duckies (Xavier), The Red Rescuers (Champagnat) and The Samaritan Sand Crabs (Samaritan) all showed great sportsmanship as they cheered for their winners and encouraged those students trying their very best in the pool.

The overall winners of the day were The Red Rescuers (Champagnat), winning by only 55 points, while The Samaritan Sand Crabs took out the Spirit Trophy for their enthusiasm and cheering for their house throughout the day.

The day ended with some fun novelty events for those students who were not yet waterlogged.

It was a lovely day out at the pool for everyone involved.

Contributed by PE Teacher Cate Eathorne

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House Captains Chase, Talea, Asha, Robbie, Brax and Summer. Photo supplied

On Friday November 10, St Colman's held their Annual Swimming Carnival.  

Leichhardt and Wickham houses battled it out in the pool.  

Some great swimming and close finishes made for lots of cheering from the students.

Kayden Fabbro set a new record in the Boys 50m Backstroke by 1 second in which the old record was set in 2013 by Ryan Kaminski.

The Mighty Yellow Wickham house came out on top for the day taking out the Champion house.  

A big thank you to all the parents, family and friends who came along and helped with timekeeping, tuckshop and cheering the students.

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Age Champions

12 Years - Lily Lowis and Sam Heatley

11 years - Will Stanton-Cook and Miley Totorica

10 Years - Lincoln Bonanno and Kate Michielin and Lilly Land

9 Years - Archie Sgroi and Taylor Chapman

8 Years - Evie Totorica and Jardii Russell

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Leichhardt and Wickham houses battled it out as St Colman's Catholic School held their swimming carnival last Friday. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

L-R Age Champions Lily Lowis, Sam Heatley, Will Stanton-Cook, Miley Totorica, Lincoln Bonanno, Kate Michielin, Lilly Land, Archie Sgroi, Taylor Chapman, Evie Totorica and Jardii Russell

Kayden Fabbro set a new record in the Boys 50m Backstroke

Photos supplied: St Colman's Catholic School

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

This weekend, Saturday November 11, will see clubs from across the North Barrier Branch converge on the Ayr Surf Club for the annual Surf Rescue Championships.

Competitors will showcase their Lifesaving skills for Champion Lifesaver testing their rescue skills, lifesaving knowledge and resuscitation; Champion Patrol Team and First Aid Teams being exposed to various scenarios.

The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club has 11 members putting their skills to the test this weekend.  

Winners of these competitions will gain themselves the opportunity to represent the North Barrier Branch at State Titles in the new year.

Following on from the day's competition, from 5pm that evening the club will be hosting Steve Ward for a live acoustic music session, with dinner and drinks available for purchase, and all are welcome.

Contributed by Kellie Lawry

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Bella Lawry practising her CPR skills. Photo supplied

Tuesday October 31. Ladies Social.

K Stuckler, I Cislowski and B Schultz defeated K Stuckler, K Page and H Jorgensen.  

D Soper and I Wilson defeated R Moore and S Stidston.

Wednesday November 1

Afternoon Social Bowls was well supported with 3 rinks of triples and one pairs game.

Pairs Winners:

Dean and Chris defeated Joe and Tony

Triples Winners:

Jimmy, George and Wayne defeated John, Arthur and Hugh

Phil, Mick and Col defeated Happy, Tony B and Ron Soper

C. Power, Vince and M. Power defeated M. Chapman, S. Darwin and H. Hazel

Afternoon Winners were C. Power, Vince and M. Power - well done.

The winners for Wednesday night Social Bowls are:

1st - Katharina Stuckler and Joe Grabbi

2nd - Tricia Achille and Robyn McAllister

Thursday November 2. Final 3 Bowl Pairs. Competition Ladies Bowls.

M Nixon and P Power defeated I Cislowski and I Wilson.

Saturday November 4. Social Bowls play with 3 Rinks of Triples.

B. Hewson, C. Berkerly and R. Soper defeated J. Murrry, J. Hall, H. Hazel

M. Murison, D. Solend and W. Coonan defeated R. Kelly, D. Gauvin and C. Olditch

P. Vass, M. Chapman, T. Klopper defeated V. Edwards, J. Papali and R. Hall

Afternoon Winners going to P. Vass, M. Chapman and T. Klopper - well done.

Sunday November 5. Club Competition.

Two Semi Finals games played: Mixed Open Singles.

Winners G. Pearce defeated C. Olditch

M. Parravicini defeated W. Coonan.

Contributed by Michael Parravicini

21 players turned up to bowl on Thursday November 2.  

Two games of triples and two games of pairs were played.

Rink 3 pitted Karl/Margaret, Tony and Gary 23 and 11 ends against Jim, John and Henry 10 and 7 ends.

Rink 4 saw Bob, Dino and Stephen and Peter, Alex and Hugh draw 17 each and 9 ends each.

This game was decided on the toss of a coin with Hugh’s team the winners.

Rink 5 had Paul and Mick 24 and 11 ends victorious over Joe and Trevor 14 and 10 ends in a 21 end match.

Rink 6 also saw a 21 end match in which Judy and Glen 31 and 13 ends over Norm and Jocelyn 17 and 8 ends.

The random Rink draw saw the team of Karl/Margaret, Tony and Gary winning the overall day.

Hugh Montgomery won the raffle.

Coming up on Saturday November 18 is the Home Hill rink naming day.

16 teams of 4 only.

Get your teams in by ringing Trevor at the club on 0478 642 515.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

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The winning team of Tony, Karl, Margaret and Gary. Photo credit: Stephen Doig

It was the November Medal this week at Ayr Junior Golf.

An enthusiastic turn out of players enabled a great morning’s play.

For 3 holes, the monthly medal winner was Ivy Land; for 6 holes, the monthly medal winner was Lyla Land; and for 9 holes, Ethan Pengally won the monthly medal in his first 9 hole competition after moving up from 6 holes this week.

Nearest the pin, longest putt and least putts were on offer, resulting in lots of winners all around.

Next week is the last junior golf for the year, with a fun two person Ambrose on the cards. Juniors are invited to bring along a friend, parent, grandparent or other family member to join in the fun.

End of year presentation of awards will also be happening. Happy golfing!

Contributed by Laura Mahoney

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Monthly medal winners, Ethan, Lyla and Ivy

The rest of the winners from the morning. Photos supplied

Constable & Taylor 4bbb Honour Board Event

Ayr Ladies Golf Club recently hosted the Constable & Taylor 4bbb Honour Board Event, an annual event proudly sponsored by Bill and Helen Taylor which has been an honour board event for decades.  

The day is a special day where players nominate, and their partner and markers are unknown until tee off.  

44 players braved the format, and it was clear at presentation that it was a hugely successful event with most players teaming up with players they had never played with and perhaps hadn’t even met before the day.  

The runners up for the day with 46 points were Trevor Jones and Loretta Mauro and the next two names to go up on the Honour Board with 47 points were Vince Sorbello and Betty Durrant.

Distinctions Monthly Medal Final

Distinctions Monthly Medal Final C Grade winner was Angie Baxter who is well on her way to B Grade very fast.  

The B Grade winner was Sandra Wight and runner up was Donna Boccalatte.

The A Grade winner was Janet Trezise and runner up Loretta Mauro.    

All points for GOY, Eclectic and most improved for the year have now ended and our 2023 winners will be announced at break up.

Coutts Commercial Tavern Day

Long time supporters of Ayr Ladies Golf Coutts Commercial Tavern sponsored a 4bbb competition on Wednesday October 25.  

With an odd number of players one group had what they call in golf a ‘swinger’.  

For Donna Reid and Donna Boccalatte, this was Shirley Jones and what an amazing round all 3 ladies had.  

The pairing of Shirley and Donna Boccalatte were the eventual winners on a countback over Shirley and Donna Reid, both teams with 43 points.

In third place with 42 points was Wendy Baker and Ingrid Vaes and in 4th place was Vicki Adcock and Joy Cornford also with 42 points.

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Vin Sorbello, Betty Durrant, Trevor Jones and Loretta Mauro

Angie Baxter, Janet Trezise, Loretta Mauro and Sandra Wight

Donna Reid, Shirley Jones, Joy Cornford, Vicki Adcock, Wendy Baker and Ingrid Vaes. Photos supplied: Ayr Ladies Golf Club

The Burdekin BMX Club is gearing up for its annual carnival, scheduled for November 17th and 18th. In anticipation of the event, the club has been hard at work repairing and enhancing their track. Berm 1 has received a major facelift with approximately 20 buckets of dirt added, resulting in a smoother and faster track.

The club expressed immense gratitude to its dedicated track crew, who have spent countless hours in the past weeks to ensure the track is in top-notch condition. The track's overall improvement is the result of months of effort during various working bees, and it promises to provide an exhilarating experience for riders and spectators alike.

This year's carnival will feature the famous Burdekin March Past with a "Pool Party" theme, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to the event. BMX enthusiasts and the local community are eagerly looking forward to this fast and furious annual sporting gathering.

The PBR Grand Final in Townsville depleted the numbers in the Challengers and Under 13s last week, but Kyle Wilkie, Morgan Burrell and Tyler Smith didn’t mind having less fielders as they were top scorers with the bat in the Challengers. Paige Elphinstone and Delta Burrell were the pick of the bowlers in this game.

The Under 13s still had enough to field two teams, with the help of a stand-in wicket keeper (Aaron) for the game.  Nate Elphinstone and Logan Pickup got the ‘Players of the Week’ Awards for top scoring with 17 runs each. They also took wickets when bowling, two for Nate and one for Logan.  Not too far behind them with runs scored was Michael Finn who hit 15 runs. Parker Oar also snared two wickets with Mark Wilkie and Tyler Schultz getting one each.

Our Under 17 mixed Charters Towers/Home Hill team were playing Wanderers in Townsville on Saturday afternoon where we won the toss and chose to bat first. We lost our first wicket in the third over with only 10 runs on the board but settled in to not lose any more at the 15 over drinks break. A handy 56 run partnership between our opener Corey Heidke and first drop Harry Pickering was broken just three overs later when Harry was bowled. Corey was next out which brought Salvatore Cardillo out to the crease to join his younger brother Thomas for a partnership which produced 38 runs. The wickets fell quickly then, and we ended up all out on the last ball of the innings for 143 runs. Corey top scored with 42 runs followed by Thomas on 25 and Salvatore with 22.

We got an early breakthrough when Salvatore got one of the Wanderers openers caught in the third over. It wasn’t until the 12th and with 80 runs scored that we took our second when Corey got a finger on the ball after it was smashed straight back down the pitch for a much needed run out. A couple of missed chances and 98 runs before the next wicket, then another in the same over but it was too late as Wanderers had already passed our score. Our bowler with the best figures this week was Salvatore with 1 for 19 runs off 4 overs.

Contributed by Scott Heidke

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Morgan Burrell and Steve Wallwork

Logan Pickup and Nate Elphinstone

Photos supplied: Scott Heidke

In Inaugural Col Casswell Inter-City Shield

Western Suburbs Tennis Club were privileged to host the inaugural Col Casswell Inter-City Shield named after legendary North Queensland tennis player and supporter Col Casswell on October 21. Col died in 2021 from brain cancer leaving behind a rich legacy in the sport that will hopefully continue. Nine teams from six different clubs from Charters Towers, Ingham, Townsville and the Burdekin made their way to Wests to put their clubs’ pride on the line. It was amazing to see so many come together, sharing a common love for the game. Kate Casswell said the choice of format was a fitting tribute to her late husband, who loved interclub tennis and the Sugar Bowl above all other tennis. Col would have been chuffed to just know that more people were out there playing tennis on the weekend. For him it was all about camaraderie, sportsmanship and building lifelong friendships.  

Organiser Paula Simpson said days like this don’t just happen. Many thanks to the volunteers of Wests who helped, not only during the event but in the days leading up to it. Kate personally thanked each of the players.

“It was an amazing day that brought together so many people from across the region,” she said.

“You all played in some hot conditions but with great spirit.

“I am proud of your sportsmanship and dedication.

“You have honoured the memory of the late Col Casswell, an absolute legend of our sport.”

Well done to the winners and to all the teams who participated.  A special mention goes to Lesley Prideaux from Charters Towers who, at 72 years old, played all 10 sets. Winners: A grade Tennis Townsville, B Grade Home Hill (defeated Charters Towers by 1 game). Next year the event will be held in Charters Towers.

Contributed by Home Hill Tennis Association