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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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Following the success of last year’s event, which saw 260 players raise $17,000 for CORES (Community Response to Eliminate Suicide), the End of Harvest Golf Classic is returning in December.
The Golf Classic is a local Burdekin community event welcoming anyone in the region to put together a team and join in the fun whilst raising money for a local charity.
Proceeds from this year’s event will again be generously donated to CORES, a community-based program which educates the local community on how to intervene when they encounter a person they believe may be suicidal.
As a direct result of the event’s fundraising, the money raised has stayed in the Burdekin region and had a direct impact, seeing 72 people complete CORES suicide intervention training, 12 people complete CORES self-care session, 129 people receive the CORES toolbox talk, 50 high school students receive the CORES choices presentation and 129 free counselling sessions delivered to people in crisis.
The golf day will comprise of a 9 hole Ambrose format and teams will consist of 4 players.
While all tee times have already been filled, proving the popularity and importance of the event, members of the public are invited to attend and enjoy the social atmosphere of the day.
For more information, visit End of Harvest Golf Classic on Facebook.
WHAT: End of Harvest Golf Classic
WHEN: Friday, December 15
WHERE: Ayr Golf Club
CORES Queensland Coordinator Ross Romeo, event organisers Kelsey Shand and Ben Smith and 2022 emcee John Furnell. Photo supplied
The final of the Club Pennants was fought out on the greens on Sunday November 19 between Mac’s team and Nipper’s team with Nipper’s team coming away with a narrow victory.
Unfortunately for Mac, he was unable to play due to being hospitalized.
We’re all hoping you are on the road to recovery and back on the course soon Mac.
Thanks went to all the sponsors for our Pennants days and to Dave Falco who has done a great job over the last six years of running the event.
The pennants player of the year deservedly went to Guy LeBlowitz.
The stableford event winner for the day was Peter Dale with 37 points from runner up John Power with 35 on a count back from Craig O’Keeffe and Stephen Doig.
Next in the run down was Simon Power with 34.
The pin shots on 4/13 went to Eric Barbagallo and Megan Barbagallo (in the hole).
On 9/18 they went to Nipper Forno, Jan Cannavan and Mark Dale and on 7/16 were won by Dave Hay, Ross Wilkie and Stephen Doig.
Last Sunday, November 26 was the Power family day sponsored by John, Simon and Shaun Power with hams on offer.
Thanks went to the family for their ongoing support.
There were 52 players in this popular event and the sausage sizzle at the end of the day was enjoyed by all.
The winners of the 4BBB event were Shane Power and Charlie Cole on a count back from Ross Wilkie and John Nash all finishing with 47 stableford points.
Pins shots went to Shane Power, Mark Dale and Tara Cesconnetto (in the hole) on 4/13 and Simon Power, Mav Dall’Osto and Megan Barbagallo on 9/18.
This Sunday is our break-up day with the format being a Mystery Stableford.
Our AGM will be held at 11:30am on Sunday before the game and the club asks everyone to please bring a plate of finger food to enjoy after the game.
Contributed by Bev Macdonald
Shaun Power, John Power, Charlie Cole, Shane Power, John Nash, Ross Wilkie and Simon Power
Dave Falco and Nipper Forno
Shane Power, Nipper Forno, Simon Davies, Craig O'Keeffe and Mary Chatfield
Photos supplied
On Tuesday November 21, primary school swimmers from throughout the district competed at the Webber Shield.
Competing schools included St Francis Catholic School, East Ayr State School, Home Hill State School, Clare State School, Giru State School, Brandon State School, St Colman’s Catholic School, Maidavale State School, Osborne State School, Jarvisfield State School and Burdekin Christian College.
The overall winner of the Webber Shield was East Ayr State School presented by Alyson Robinson.
The Max Tavasci Trophy for the highest average points was St Colman’s Catholic School.
Thank you to the Burdekin Swimming Club for assisting the Burdekin Sports Association with the running and set up of the carnival.
Thank you to Sage and Vicki from the Ayr Swimming Pool for their assistance also.
Contributed by Jarvisfield State School Principal Lisa Bello
Age Champions
Age Boys
9yrs Lewis Bonato East Ayr State School
10yrs Harris Flanigan East Ayr State School
11yrs Nate Giddy East Ayr State School
12yrs Eli Wilkie Home Hill State School
Age Girls
9yrs Taylor Chapman St Colmans
10yrs Mia Wicks East Ayr State School
11yrs Arabella Sangiuliano Home Hill State School
12yrs Milla Chapman (Home Hill) & Asha Licciardello (St Francis)
New Records
Boys 11yrs 50 Freestyle – Nate Giddy (St Francis) – 32.05
Girls 9yrs 50 Breaststroke – Taylor Chapman (St Colman’s) – 51.30
Boys 9yrs 50 Breaststroke – Lewis Bonato (EASS) – 49.92
Boys 9yrs 50 Backstroke – Lewis Bonato (EASS) – 46.48
Girls 9yrs 50 Butterfly – Taylor Chapman (EASS) – 44.47
East Ayr State School won the Webber Shield presented by Alyson Robinson
St Colman’s Catholic School won the Max Tavasci Trophy presented by Max Tavasci
Age champions L-R Taylor Chapman, Lewis Bonato, Mia Wicks, Harris Flanigan, Arabella Sangiuliano, Nate Giddy, Milla Chapman and Eli Wilkie (Asha Licciardello not pictured)
Photos supplied
Home Hill Cricket Association hosted Bowen Cricket last Sunday, November 26 for an inter-town representative match with bragging rights coming down to the final wicket.
Home Hill’s Andrew Cardillo, Alex Stillhard, Ross Parker, Simon Vickers and Darcy Walters did the damage with the ball while Hugh Smith, Ross Parker and Ayden Marano shone with the bat in hand.
The match reignited a rivalry between the two towns, with hopes for further representative fixtures involving towns like Bowen, Charters Towers and Ingham to continue into the future.
The Sunday fixture between Home Hill and Bowen saw the visitors win the toss and elect to bat.
Bowen’s top order got the work done early with high scorers Dylan Pettingill scoring 33 runs, Michael Pettiford scoring 31, Lachlan Altmann scoring 18, Mark Coventry scoring 13 and Daniel Borgh scoring 11, helping the team to a total of 153 all out after 38 overs.
Some fine bowling from Home Hill’s Andrew Cardillo saw him take four wickets for 37 runs from seven overs, supported by Alex Stillhard’s 2/27 from five, Darcy Walters’ 1/15 from five, Ross Parker’s 1/16 from five and Simon Vickers’ 1/27 from eight, with a run out helping clean up the visiting batsmen.
Chasing 154 runs for victory, Home Hill were off to a shaky start at 4/29 before the middle order steadied the ship thanks to Hugh Smith’s 48 not out, Ross Parker’s 34, Ayden Marano’s 18 and Andrew Cardillo’s 11.
Home Hill lost their ninth wicket with just four runs to make, the winning runs coming from fortuitous byes in the 38th over.
Bowen bowlers Dylan Pettingill (4/24), Seth McIntosh (3/17), Mark Coventry (1/12) and Lachlan Altmann (1/25) took the game right down to the wire, with Home Hill ultimately winning by one wicket.
Back row: Darcy Walters, Andrew Wallwork, Simon Vickers, Alex Stillhard, Ross Parker, Isaac Cardillo, Alex Romeo and Greg Flanagan. Front row: Hugh Smith, Ayden Marano, Andrew Cardillo. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Ross Parker took 1/16 from five overs for Home Hill
Hugh Smith scored 48 runs not out
Tuesday November 14 Ladies Social
R Moore, K Page and S Stidston defeated I Cislowski, B Cornford and D Cutting
K Stuckler, H Jorgensen and P Power defeated D Soper, B Schultz and I Wilson
Wednesday November 15 Mixed Social
J Murry, J Hall and L Stidston defeated A Jones, M Chapman and R Hall
R Aplin, P Marsden and M Power defeated B Walson, S Darwen and C Berkerly
Red, Joe and Col defeated Green Mick and Henry
H Horan and W Coonan defeated T Battagia and R Soper
Wednesday November 15 Night Mixed Social
1st place - Les Andersen, Joe Grabbi and Heather Jorgensen
2nd place - Katharina Stuckler, and Ross McLaughlin, with a consolation prize to Bill Walker.
Thursday November 16 Ladies Competition
Parkside Triples
R Moore, K Page and I Wilson defeated M Nixon, S Stidston (sub) and D Cutting
I Cislowski, D Lindridge and P Power defeated T Achille, D Soper and H Jorgensen.
Winners will play off on Thursday 23rd 8am.
Saturday November 18 Mixed Social Bowls
R Hall, L Stidston and M Power defeated V Edwards, S Darwen and C Olditch
C Berkerly, J Grabbi and T Klopper defeated J Murry, M Chapman and R Soper
J Papale, B Hewson and P Power defeated M Murison, J Hall and S Stidston
Merle, A Jones and Dot defeated P Vass, W Coonan and H Hazel
Sunday November 19 Club Mixed Pairs Finals
Winners S Darwen and M Parravicini defeated D Soper and R Soper
Contributed by Michael Parravicini
Clubs from around Queensland travelled to Burdekin BMX Club over the weekend for the Burdekin Open.
The same event five years ago had seven competitors which grew to a massive 48 last weekend.
200 riders travelled from Atherton, Cairns, Dysart, Mackay and districts, Maryborough, Moranbah, Proserpine, Rockhampton, Sarina, and Townsville, enjoying what the region has to offer throughout the weekend.
33 out of 36 riders aged over 8 years came away with personal bests.
“I just want to thank our committee and members,” said Burdekin BMX Club President Lisa Purssell.
“We pulled together and what a team we have,”
Feature Results
13 years Burdekin Cup
Deon Mcintosh 2nd
Keatan Jarvis 8th
William Wiseman
Cruiser 30+ Men
Bradley Mcintosh 2nd
Ben Mills 7th
Semi finals
Brad Callcott
Eric Besterman
Motos
Shaun Goldsworthy
David Sartori
Cruiser 30+ Women
Rhonda Callcott
8 Boys
James Besterman 2nd
Jamie Goldsworthy 3rd
Toby Hatheral 7th
Odin Gort
Oscar Hayllor
8 Girls
Caley Callcott 3rd
9 Boys
Harrison Sartori
Oliver Woods
10 Boys
Cooper Stokes 2nd
10 Girls
Isabelle Besterman
Zandrea Swart
11 Boys
Cody Bryen 5th
Rhiley Brennan
Adrian Abreu
11 Girls
Holly Mcintosh 3rd
12 Boys
Gabriel Hatheral 5th
Jake Sartori 6th
12 Girls
Annelsie Calligaro 2nd
13 Boys
Deon McIntosh 2nd
Keatan Jarvis 8th
William Wiseman
14 Boys
Boden O'Keeffe 4th
16 Girls
Ryley Sartori 3rd
Callie Mills
16 Boys
Mayson Oats 3rd
17-24 Men
Kyle Hanlon 3rd
45-49 Men
Darryl Kelly 2nd
8-10 Cruiser Boys
Cooper Stokes 3rd
13-14 Cruiser Boys
Deon Mcintosh 2nd
Sprockets and Minis Under 8s
Mackenzie Sartori
Liandri Swart
Dylan Callcott
Connor Gort
Sebastian Belke
Tayte Ellston
Isla Brown
Eliza Hayllor
Paityn Stokes
Malakye Bull
Louis Henderson
Andi Brown
Photos supplied: Burdekin BMX Club
15 players turned up to do battle on the fantastic new green on Thursday November 16.
Rinks 2, 3 and 4 on the east/west direction were used for two games of pairs and one game of triples.
Rink 2 saw Joe and Henry defeat Terry and Stephen 26 to 9, 13 ends to 5.
On rink 3, Des and Glen were too good for Karl/Margaret and Mick 27 to 8, 15 ends to 3.
In the triples match on Rink 4, Tony B, Alex and Trevor beat Peter, Curly and Tony E, 22 to 14, 12 ends to 6.
The winning Rink was rink 3 - well played Des and Glen – while the winner of the raffle was Tony Eadie.
The naming of the green has had to be postponed until a later date to be advised due to lack of teams of four nominating.
Anyone wanting to attend Karl's 100th birthday celebrations please ring the club phone and get your names in for the catering purposes.
Contributed by Stephen Doig
Rink 3 winners Des and Glen. Photo credit: Stephen Doig
Kyle Wilkie and Kye Quinlan top scored in the Challenger Blasters with a partnership of 21 runs and Jamie Goldsworthy and Morgan Burrell were next best with 13. Kye was the only bowler to get a wicket this game with 11 run outs filling the scoresheet. Tait Parker and Levi Trail hit a four each when batting and were the “Players of the Week Award” winners this time.
There were four runouts in the Under 13s last week with Nate Elphinstone, Tyler Schultz, Mark Wilkie and Marshall Parker all getting one each. Marshall also top scored with 17 runs and Mark second on 12 runs who also bowled well with figures of 2 for 6. Parker Oar finished with 2 for 6 as well, but Xavier Cross snared 3 for 11 and took the honours for the best bowler.
Our combined Under 17 team travelled to Townsville on Saturday afternoon to play the unbeaten ladder leaders Wests. We lost the toss and was sent into the field first. Salvatore Cardillo got the breakthrough early when he clean bowled their opener in the third over for 9 runs. It wasn’t until the 12th over that Leo Olditch got the other opener caught in the deep when Wests were 48. We thought we might have been in with a chance when Corey Heidke took a catch at Mid On to dismiss their fourth just after drinks and they were only scoring at just over 3 an over. We fell away a bit in the middle overs and let the batters get the upper hand, John Southwell took a wicket in the 32nd and we got a couple in the 40th but Wests ended their 40 overs at 7 for 268.
Wests showed why they are unbeaten in the Under 17 competition when their bowlers dominated our upper and middle order batters with smart field placements and accurate pace bowling. That left the spinners to clean up the tail which they did by the 27th over. Chase Harrington top scored for us this week with a very patient 26, Salvatore Cardillo was looking threatening until he was runout on 12 off 11 balls. Thomas Cardillo scored 11 which included a six when he got a rare bad delivery from the Wests’ bowler.
Contributed by Scott Heidke
Tait Parker and Levi Trail. Photo supplied
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The high adrenaline action of the Queensland Solo Championships is returning to Brandon’s Pioneer Park Speedway this weekend.
Friday, November 24 will see 500cc under 21 and 125cc under 16 classes battle it out before 500cc senior and 250cc junior divisions battle it out on Saturday.
Local rider Ky Mitchell will be returning to the speedway after taking out the Australian 125cc Champion in Tamworth last weekend.
Other locals Robert Gottardi and Jacob Samwell will take to the track as well as riders from Townsville, Brisbane, Proserpine and across the state.
The Queensland Solo Championships will also be supported by stock bikes, sidecars and 50cc racers.
With plenty of action on all weekend, Pioneer Park Speedway Owner George Ward is looking forward to a massive crowd of locals coming through to enjoy the spectacle.
“It’s about time it came to north Queensland, it’s been a while, and Pioneer Park’s one of the best tracks in Australia,” he said.
“It puts a massive input into the region.”
Gates open at 4:00pm on Friday and 3:30pm Saturday.
Find Pioneer Park Speedway on Facebook for more information.
WHAT: Queensland Solo Championships
WHEN: Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25
WHERE: Pioneer Park Speedway, Brandon
TICKETS: Available at the gate
North Queensland speedway racer Josh Grajczonek will be in action in the Senior Solos on Saturday. Photo supplied
Guardian Pharmacy and Crowned Mongrels took to Barry Richards Field on the weekend, with Crowned Mongrels winning the toss and electing to bat.
High scores of 34 runs from 28 balls to Bryce Stockdale, 18 from 27 to Joel Hanson, 18 from 32 to opener Callan Sunderland and 17 from 17 not out to Alex Stillhard helped the batting side to 8/160 from their 25 overs.
Lee Watts and Ross Parker took two wickets each for Guardian Pharmacy with Joey Southwell, Kane Batchelor, Matthew Gardner and Kent Batchelor each taking one.
In reply, Hugh Smith scored 46 runs from 45 balls, Mark Nicolaides 19 from 19 and Ross Parker 19 from 23 had Guardian Pharmacy on their way, but they fell short of the target in their 25 overs, finishing on 8/145.
Crowned Mongrels bowlers Bryce Stockdale, Callan Sunderland and Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro took two wickets each with Liam Cannavan and Jay Leckenby taking one each.
Guardian Pharmacy will take on Peto’s Marine this weekend.
The Burdekin’s superstar speedway racer Ky Mitchell has returned from Tamworth as an Australian Speedway Champion.
The 11-year-old has added to his already impressive trophy cabinet, winning the under 16 125cc solo championship at Tamworth’s Oakburn Park Speedway before combining with South Burnett rider Corey Van Elswyk to win the under 16 125cc teams championship.
Excited to have raced against the best in Australia, Ky said he feels “on top of the world” after his wins.
Ky was one of 16 of the best riders aged 9-16 from around Australia who were chosen by Motorcycling Australia to compete in the championship.
He raced in five heats and scored 13 points, allowing him to go into the finals in second gate pick and coming away with the win.
Ky thanked Terry Keyse who helped him build his skills and confidence from the beginning.
Regular practices at Pioneer Park Speedway and many trips away to compete and gain experience helped him prepare for the championship.
The win will give Ky the opportunity to choose to travel to Sweden in 2024 to compete at the SGP4 World Titles.
Before then, he is excited to race in front of family and friends when he returns to Pioneer Park Speedway to compete in the 2023 Queensland Solo Championships this weekend.
Ky and his family would like to thank all their sponsors for their support this year.
Ky Mitchell won the under 16 125cc solo championship at Tamworth last weekend. Photo supplied: NQ Speedway Riders & Supporters Club Inc.
Three boxers from Home Hill’s Rock Solid Boxing Club have travelled to Hobart, Tasmania, representing the Burdekin and the state at the Australian Amateur Boxing League Titles.
Jerry Southwell, Callan Taiters and Kane Lowis have weighed in this morning, Thursday, October 23, with competition to get underway across the next three nights.
Rock Solid Boxing Club Trainer Scott McLean said four Australian titles and 15 Queensland titles have come out of the club in its 14-year history.
“This is a big one this year because we’re taking three guys from such a small club,” he said.
“They’ve been training hard, they’re fit, they’re ready to go.”
From pulling trucks and flipping tyres to repeated sprints up Mount Inkerman, Jerry Southwell, Callan Taiters and Kane Lowis have been training hard ahead of this week’s Australian Amateur Boxing League Titles.
The three boxers are competing in Hobart, Tasmania from Thursday to Saturday and while Rock Solid Boxing Club Trainer Scott McLean would love to see their hard work rewarded with national titles, he’s proud of their efforts no matter the result.
“If we were to come away with three Australian titles down there, it’d be huge, but I’m not too worried about the results,” he said.
“As long as their performances are at their best, that’s all we really care about.”
Rock Solid Boxing Club has had a storied history, with state, national and Golden Glove titles coming out of the club.
18-year-old Kane is responsible for a number of those, with two state titles and one Golden Gloves title to his name.
Kane has been boxing for five years and competing in senior divisions since he was 16 with this being his first Australian titles, although he was selected last year and was unable to attend.
“It’s been a long training camp, but it’s been good,” he said.
“We’ve been training hard, lots of running, lots of sparring, I’m feeling fit, feeling ready.”
Kane said he loves the feeling of the fight and the satisfaction of the training, saying nerves don’t consume him as much as they did earlier in his career.
“When it gets hard, a lot of people want to quit, a lot of people don’t have what it takes to commit to a sport like this, it’s a lot of hard work,” he said.
“Even if you don’t win the fight, just pushing through and being there and giving it your all, it’s an amazing feeling.
“The more experience you have, you just learn to harness the nerves and use them to the best of your ability.”
Callan and Jerry may be earlier in their careers but are equally prepared to give national titles a red hot crack after taking out their respective divisions at Golden Gloves and being selected to represent Queensland.
Callan, 15 years old, has only been boxing for the last five months.
“It’s crazy to think that I’ve gotten here so fast, but it’s good to put the hard work in,” he said.
“I think I just love the fighting part, but the training part’s always worth it.
“You feel good afterwards and while you’re in the ring.”
13-year-old Jerry, who has been boxing for three years, said consistency got him this far at such a young age.
“Just showing up every day and putting in the work,” he said.
“I love the feeling of getting out of the ring, win or loss; it feels amazing.”
Scott said the three boys exemplify the culture of the club and the community.
“I’m always proud of all my boxers,” he said.
“We have a real bond in the whole club and there’s a culture in the club that’s been carried on.
“Everywhere I’ve taken these boys, their manners, their respect, their sportsmanship has been second to none.
“It’s not all about the boxing, it’s so much more about what we can do for these kids in the community and making them champion people.”
Local boxers Jerry Southwell, Callan Taiters and Kane Lowis are in Hobart competing for Australian Titles. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Jerry Southwell, Rock Solid Boxing Club Trainer Scott McLean, Callan Taiters and Kane Lowis. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
The Ayr Surf Club was the host for the annual North Barrier Branch Surf Rescue Championships over the weekend where competitors from across the region came together to test their lifesaving skills.
The Ayr SLSC had 11 members showcasing their lifesaving knowledge and rescue skills and put in a great day of competition with some amazing results for the local crew:
Champion Lifesaver Events:
U12 Female: 1st Milla Chapman, 2nd Emma Jones, 3rd Charlotte Lawry & 4th Emilee Wassmuth
U13 Female: 2nd Briella Wassmuth
U13 Male: 1st Zachary Dale, 2nd Parker Bonato
U14 Female: 1st Isa Chapman, 3rd Bella Lawry
U15 Female: 2nd Ryley Sartori
Masters Male: 1st Ben Lawry
The junior members of the club will return to Alva Beach this coming Sunday for their second Club Champion Points Day and continue training in preparation for Branch Titles in December.
Contributed by Kellie Lawry
Ryley Sartori, U15 Tube Race
U14 Tube Race Start - Bella Lawry and Isla Chapman
Some U13s & U14s celebrating after completing their water events - (L-R) Isla Chapman (Ayr), Isobelle Gibride (Arcadian), Briella Wassmuth (Ayr), Macy Stone (Arcadian), Bella Lawry (Ayr)
The Ayr Team
Briella Wassmuth practicing patient assessment on Charlotte Lawry
Charlotte Lawry - U12 Live Patient Assessment
Isla Chapman - U14 CPR Assessment
Ryley Sartori - U15 Live Patient Assessment
Bella Lawry - U14 Live Patient Assessment
Emma Jones - U12 Board Race
Thursday, November 9 saw 19 players ready to do battle.
Three games of triples were the way to go.
Hugh had to go early and so Trevor took up the mantle after the smoko break.
Rink 3 saw a one-sided match with Jimmy, Des and Stephen defeating Dino, John and Hugh/Trevor 38 to 5.
On Rink 4, Judy, Gary and Glen outplayed Joe, David and Wayne 29 to 16.
Rink 5 saw a much closer match with the team of Tony B, Mick and Tony E holding on to win vs Paul, Alex and Henry 15 to 12.
The lucky Rink went to Rink 4 and Alex won the weekly raffle.
During last week, the club’s garden shed received a coat of much needed paint with the paint supplied by Gurgos Inspiration Paint.
On Saturday afternoon five club members climbed onto the float for the Harvest Festival parade.: Wayne and Stephen from Bowls and Sheila and Rosealee from the exercise and craft groups with the float being towed by Alex on his refurbished 1958 tractor.
Contributed by Stephen Doig
Lucky Rink Winners Gary, Judy and Glen
Caption 2: The club’s garden shed was recently repainted
Photos supplied: Stephen Doig
After a rain delayed start, 16 bowlers took to the green and played bowls until lunch time. A delicious lunch was served, we watched the Melbourne Cup race and then continued our game of bowls.
Winners for the day were:
1st place - Wayne Coonan, Isabel Cislowski and Katharine Stuckler
2nd place - Heather Jorgensen and Robyn McAllister
Wednesday night 8th November
1st place - Margaret McLaughlin, Lyn Storrie, Robyn McAllister
2nd place - Mick Murison, Norm Storrie, Bill Walker
Saturday Social Bowls
Triples Winners
B.Hewson, M.Chapman, H.Hazel defeated J.Hall, M.Murison, W.Coonan
Jim, Sandra, Joe Cary defeated Val, Alan, Dot
Pairs Winner
P.Vass, R.Soper defeated D.Soper, A.Gaven
Sunday Competition
Semi Finals Club Mixed Pairs
S.Darwin, M.Parravicini defeated D.Burt, D.Lindridge
Contributed by Michael Parravicini
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