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The Burdekin’s premier running event saw a record-breaking turnout on Sunday, 26 April, as nearly 400 athletes laced up in Ayr for what was a Sugar Rush for the books. The 24th edition of the Burdekin Road Runners and Walkers Club’s signature running event saw its previous participation record of 320 smashed, with around 392 runners taking part. Club president Patrick Shannon hailed the event as a success for both the organisation and the wider North Queensland running community. “We’re chuffed with the turnout,” Mr Shannon said. “It was a bit unfortunate—we actually had to cut off entries a little bit early simply because we ran out of bibs. It just means we have to plan bigger and better next year.” Continued on page 28 Massive Field Powers Sugar Rush To New Record In Ayr Continued from cover The event attracted competitors from as far north as Cairns and south as Mackay, alongside families and first-time runners in shorter distance fun runs. Jeff Rubach of the Townsville Road Runners won the men’s half marathon in 1:15:08, while Vanessa Kennedy of Hungry Runners took out the women’s title in 1:27:15. Matt Hutchinson led the men’s 10km field in 35:51, with Brittany Hutchinson winning the women’s race in 40:26. Miles Kerr claimed the men’s 5km title in 20:18, while Mia Brunker of the PACE Project won the women’s event in 20:46. Each runner received a complimentary barbecue breakfast courtesy of the Ayr Rotary Club, while MC John Furnell entertained supporters at the finish line at the Ayr War Memorial. Mr Shannon said the memorial backdrop capped off the morning, the culmination of months of preparation. “There was a lot of work put in over the last three to five months… But to see the community coming out, the amazing weather, and the day after Anzac Day, having the monument behind us, was a really good feeling.” FULL RESULTS Half Marathon—Men Jeff Rubach (Townsville Road Runners) — 1:15:08 Grant Breadsell Aaron Bathis Half Marathon—Women Vanessa Kennedy (Hungry Runners) — 1:27:15 Liv Compton (Whitsunday Running Club) Elizabeth Maguire (Hungry Runners) 10km—Men Matt Hutchinson — 35:51 Sonny O’Rourke Brendan Maltby 10km—Women Brittany Hutchinson — 40:26 Anwen Mackay Isla Chapman 5km—Men Miles Kerr — 20:18 Nathan Barrett Brad Patti 5km—Women Mia Brunker (PACE Project) — 20:46 Bec Stedman Skye Claussen CAPTIONS: Back—The 24th edition of the Burdekin Road Runners and Walkers Club’s signature running event saw its previous participation record of 320 smashed, with around 392 runners taking part. 2—Jeff Rubach of the Townsville Road Runners won the men’s half marathon in 1:15:08. 3—Vanessa Kennedy of Hungry Runners took out the women’s title in 1:27:15. Photo credit: Jacob Casha
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Seniors A better weekend for the Burdekin Panthers. The Club had only four senior games winning three and losing one. The Premiers and Reserve, away to Riverway JCU, won 2-1 and the Reserves, also away to JCU also won 2-1, The Division 1, at home to rebels lost 3-6 but the Division 2, also at home to Rebels won 3-0. The Colts and Ladies both had byes. This week only four teams are in action as both Ladies and Colts have byes. On Friday, the Division 1 and Division 2 are away to Olympic, at 8.30 and 6.30 and on Saturday the Premiers and Reserves are away to Warriors at 7.00 and 3.00. The Colts and Ladies do not have games this week. Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club An away trip to JCU is never easy, and after dropping points the previous week, there was added motivation to respond. JCU started strongly, limiting the Panthers time on the ball and making it difficult to find any rhythm early. The first half produced few clear chances, with JCU capitalising late to take a 1–0 lead into the break. The second half saw a renewed energy from the Panthers, while JCU looked to sit deeper and protect their advantage. This shift allowed Burdekin to dominate possession and build pressure in dangerous areas. The Panthers came close on many occasions, including a strike off the crossbar, before Elliott Dal Santo found the breakthrough with a well-taken finish following strong defensive work in the lead-up. Pushing for a winner, Kyle Taylor earned a penalty in the 87th minute, and Jake Siandri stepped up to calmly convert and give the Panthers a 2–1 lead which they held onto in the closing stages to secure a hard-fought result. That’s three wins from their opening four rounds. Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service Another week and another changed side saw the Reserves debut opportunity for young players Charlie Predebon & Nyasha Gwarada. It was a very warm afternoon game and developed into a good contest with both teams working hard but neither finding any dominance in possession or field position. It took until the last five minutes of the first half for a goal to come from a longer range freekick and JCU went into the break one up. The second half for the Panthers was much better with senior players able to influence the game and keep better possession of the ball. With improved possession and control Burdekin were able to score two goals from Jonte Grazioli and Dom Arrate. It was a gritty game that in previous seasons the Panthers may have let slip, so very pleasing to turn it around and notch up another win. Division 1 – Austral Masonry Against Rebel, both teams and goals started fast, with two goals from Julen Arrate being answered by two from Rebels in the first eighteen minutes. At half time it was 2-2. After that Burdekin got stuck into the grind with tackles flying everywhere. Then a penalty to Rebels and second yellow card for Brad Wright tipped the balance, with Rebels side scoring two goals in quick succession. Cody Scalia headed in a beautiful Charlie Shears corner to give the Burdekin a chance, but with only ten men, it was too much of a struggle The game ended 6-3 to Rebels. Division 2 – RG Customs RG Customs 2nd division defeated Rebels 3-0 in a match they dominated from start to finish. Chris Achille gave Burdekin the lead early in the first half, but despite lots of possession and repeatedly attacking Rebels goal, the Funkies were unable to extend their lead in the first half. Burdekin added further goals through Simon Scuderi after 68 minutes and Fengil after 84 minutes in the second half to see the Funkies rewarded for their efforts and deserving winners in a match they controlled very much from start to finish. Next up is MA Olympic this Friday night away in Townsville. Masters The Masters had another good turnout and, augmented by the Ladies Squad had a replay of the World Cup Qualifier, Italy v Bosnia Herzegovina. A tight match ended in a 2-2 draw with a replay next Monday. Best players on the night were Charley Ruskin and Riley Granshaw. 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 Junior soccer returned in great spirit over the Anzac Day weekend, marking the first round of games following the school holiday break. Our youngest players in the U5–U7 age groups took to the field on Saturday afternoon, enjoying local matches filled with enthusiasm, teamwork and plenty of smiles. It was fantastic to see so many familiar faces back and eager to play. Sunday saw an exciting milestone for the U8–U12 teams, who travelled to Townsville for their first games of the season. The step up in competition didn’t deter our players, with all teams showing determination and great sportsmanship throughout the day. It was a wonderful way to kick off the return to soccer, with strong participation across all age groups and a positive start to the term ahead. The U15's had their first game at the weekend against Wulguru. A new coach, a few new players and whole lot of enthusiasm. A bit of nervous energy to start with the first goal being scored by the opposition, but the team went in at half time with a 2-1 lead. Goals for the Panthers scored by Annan Power and Nathan Casella. The team lost Linc Innes due to a nasty clash with their keeper which depleted the bench with only one sub. The second half saw the team digging deep to secure three more goals. One of the new Panthers, Cecil Badza Gwarda scoring two and Emmanuel Mio banging in the final goal for the Panthers to secure a convincing win 5-2. Unfortunately, there is a bit of a break before their next round on the 16 May. An excited U13 Burdekin Panthers team took the field for the first time this season again MA Olympic. The Panthers came away with a very good 3-0 win with two goals from. 2 Caelan Farrell and one from Jazz Chung. All players played outstanding football!! National The A League Men’s season has reached the final stages. Newcastle have won the Premiership; five points clear of Adelaide with Auckland third and Melbourne Victory fourth. The Elimination Finals start on Saturday with Auckland playing Melbourne City and Victory playing Sydney FC. The A League Women are at the Semi-finals stage. At the end of regular fixtures Melbourne City were Premiers six points clear of Wellington, with Canberra third and Brisbane fourth. In the semi-finals this Saturday, Melbourne City face Victory and Brisbane play Wellington.
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Round 7 of the Coutt’s Commercial Tavern Burdekin Touch open competition produced a string of competitive results across all divisions. In the men’s draw, Way To Go defeated BAYWatch 8–4, while His Haas and Slush Puppies played out a 5–all draw. Alliance Pharmacy proved too strong for Wires Down 9–3, and Petrol Heads accounted for Touch n Go 8–5. Blue Murder continued their good form with an 8–4 win over Ball Grabbers, while Burdekin PCYC and Feelers finished locked at 4–all. Renegades edged a tight contest against Royal Touch 7–6, and Teamo Supremo claimed a narrow 3–2 victory over Creampuffs. In the women’s competition, Eathorne’s Princesses defeated Lasers 5–2, while First in Physio delivered the most dominant performance of the round, overpowering Salty Sirens 12–1. Chick Flicks also secured a solid 6–4 win over Can’t Catch. Junior action in the under-14 division saw Chicken Burgers and Cowboys share the points in a 6–all draw. Rockies defeated Broncos 8–3, BAYWatch A accounted for Red Dogs A 8–2, and Silly Soft Serves rounded out the round with a 10–5 win over Red Dogs B. Meanwhile, junior touch football sign-on will be held on Friday, May 1 at 5.30pm at the Burdekin Touch Football clubhouse. The program is open to boys and girls aged 4 to 12, with six weeks of skills, drills and games to follow. Returning Term 1 players can register for free, while new sign-ons cost $20. For more information, contact Rebecca on 0400 705 205 or Peter on 0437 710 500.
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As this is the final patrol weekend for the season, the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club would would like to thank all our patrolling members for the countless volunteer hours that were undertaken on the beach for our community, your time is appreciated and we thank you for keeping Alva Beach safe. Beach patrols will resume again in the September School Holidays. Beach patrols will resume again in the September school holidays. Saturday, 2/5/26 (1pm–5pm)[Text Wrapping Break]Group I – Sage Hisatake (PC), Ben Hisatake, Luke Hisatake, Austin Dewar Sunday, 3/5/26 (9am–1pm)[Text Wrapping Break]Group G – Carl List (PC), James Kennedy (PC), Shane Morgan, Ross Rickards, Ross Blakey, Jedd Giddy, Nate Giddy Sunday, 3/5/26 (1pm–5pm)[Text Wrapping Break]Group E – John Moloney (PC), Anne Moloney (PC), Sophia Moloney, Tony Felisina, Tramayne Horan, Jarrod Rossato Monday, 4/5/26 (9am–5pm)[Text Wrapping Break]Group A – Chris Wicks (PC), Richard Dale (PC), Jane Olsen, Zackary Dale, Stephanie Dale, Warne McShane, Nico Ortner, Wil Holt
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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
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
Eric Barbagallo, Murray, Liam, Jan and Chris Cannavan and Megan Barbagallo
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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