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

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North Queensland speedway racer Josh Grajczonek will be in action in the Senior Solos on Saturday. Photo supplied

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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.

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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.

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Ky Mitchell won the under 16 125cc solo championship at Tamworth last weekend. Photo supplied: NQ Speedway Riders & Supporters Club Inc.

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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.”

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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