The Ayr Lady Golfers launched the 2026 Wednesday Competitions earlier this month with an action-packed opening day, highlighted by strong performances, camaraderie, and the support of a new sponsor.

Paul from Dingle Smash Repairs attended the event to personally present prizes to the day’s winners, including first- through fourth-place finishers, pin shot winners, and the “lucky loser” prize, much to the delight of the members.

The day also marked the start of the club’s nine-hole social competition for beginner members, giving newcomers a chance to build confidence as they progress toward playing the full 18-hole competition. Experienced members, including those currently sidelined with injury, provided encouragement and support throughout the day.

Opening Day Results:

• 4th Place: Kat Fensom – 31 points (her very first 18 holes)
• 3rd Place: Rhonda Martin – 31 points
• 2nd Place: Sandra Wight – 32 points
• Winner: Angie Baxter – 36 points

Pin Shot Winners:

• Hole 9: Debbie Searle
• Hole 5: Sandra Wight
  With no one finding the green on Hole 3, the Wheel of Fortune awarded the prize to Sonya O’Shea.

The Ayr Lady Golfers thanked Paul and Dingle Smash Repairs for their generous support, which helped make Opening Day a memorable start to the 2026 season.

Twenty players turned out on Thursday afternoon in hot and steamy conditions. Two games of triples and two games of pairs were contested.

On Rink 3, Judy and Trevor Elton clinched victory on the last end over Bob Pickard and Alex Bojack. Margaret Chapman and Mick McClosky defeated Paul Vass and Hugh Montgomery on Rink 4. On Rink 5, Bob Young, Michael Young and Glen “Bones” Berryman proved too strong for Norm Bethell, Les Hoey and Joe Linton. Meanwhile, Janet Arthur, Cisco and Wayne Newton held on to win against Scotty Taylor, Ron “the BBQ KING” Smith and Bruce McCallum on Rink 6.

The meat tray raffle was won by Mick McClosky, while Bones Berryman took home the bottle of wine.

Looking ahead, the club’s weekly activities continue with the Monday morning fitness group, Tuesday Trimmers and Tuesday Funday – a chance for anyone wanting to get out, meet people, enjoy a cuppa and a chat – starting at 10am. Wednesday features Kraft morning and barefoot bowls, along with Ron “the BBQ KING’s” gastronomical sausage sizzle in the evening. Thursday brings morning Bingo and Social Bowls in the afternoon from 2pm, with names in by 1pm to help with the draw. Wednesday night is also Darts night, while Friday night hosts the weekly pool competition. Saturday afternoon rounds out the week with Social Bowls at 2pm, with names in by 1pm.

Until next week, good bowling!

Photo and report by Stephen Doig

The day’s winners, Judy and Trevor Elton

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Burdekin Touch is hitting the ground running, with a fresh crop of coaches and teams ready to make their mark this season.

A recent Foundation Touch Football coaching course in Ayr saw 16 local members sharpen their skills, setting the stage for strong performances on and off the field.

Those who successfully finished the course were Neil Inman, Julie, Riley and Kasey Dobe, Angela and Mia Robertson, Lawrence Lampton, Allyce Becke, Brooke Cavanagh, Heather Desbois, Brendan Ford, Peter Murray, Ian Kerr, Bob Clerke, Bruce Johnson, and Peter Knapton.

With the Northern Junior Touch State Cup set for Townsville from 16 to 18 June, the Burdekin Touch Association plans to send teams in U10, U12, U14, U16, and U18 divisions. Juniors interested in representing Burdekin will be advised of upcoming selection dates.

Meanwhile, the Coutt’ Commercial Tavern Men’s and Women’s Open Touch pre-season competition saw One Touch IT and BAYWatch finish on top of the men’s standings, while Eathorne’s Princesses and First in Physio lead the women’s competition. These teams will now contest the pre-season finals.

Round 3 Open Competition Results

Men

• BAYWatch 6 def Creampuffs 0
• One Touch IT 2 def Slush Puppies 1
• BAYWatch 5 def Teamo Supremo 1
• One Touch IT 4 def Petrol Heads 0
• Feelers 3 drew Touch n Go 3
• Teamo Supremo 2 def Creampuffs 1
• Teamo Supremo 3 def Ball Grabbers 0
• Blue Murder 2 def Ball Grabbers 0
• Slush Puppies 3 def Petrol Heads 1
• His Haas 1 drew Tha Murries 1
• Tha Murries 4 def Way to Go 1
• Way to Go 4 def His Haas 1
• Renegades 6 def Blue Murder 0
• Renegades 3 def Ball Grabbers 1
• Crocs 5 def Feelers 1
• Crocs 3 def Alliance Pharmacy 0
• Alliance Pharmacy 5 def Touch n Go 0
• Wires Down 4 def Royal Touch 3
• Wires Down 5 def Royal Touch 2

Women

• Eathorne’s Princesses 6 def Lasers 0
• Eathorne’s Princesses 3 def Lasers 2
• First in Physio 5 def Chick Flicks 2
• Salty Sirens 3 def Chick Flicks 0
• First in Physio 4 def Salty Sirens 1

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Home Hill Tennis has kicked off the 2026 season with four teams of seven players competing in Monday night fixtures from 7.00–8.30 pm. Players are enjoying both the strong competition and the social atmosphere the season brings.

After two rounds, Team Bendigo leads the ladder with two wins. Next Gen and HH Surgery are tied for second, with Bowen Pipeline close behind in third place. Scott currently tops the leaderboard with an impressive four wins from four matches.

It’s been great to welcome several new faces this season, and the club is always happy to hear from prospective players. With occasional absences creating opportunities to fill in, and a couple of team spots still available, anyone interested in playing weekly or fortnightly is encouraged to get in touch at homehilltennis@gmail.com.

The club is also gearing up for its most important date on the calendar — the AGM on 9 March. All members and supporters are invited to attend, hear about the past year’s activities, and vote in the new committee for the 2026/27 season.

Preparations are well underway for the much-anticipated Sugar Bowl from 2–4 May. The district will welcome a large number of visitors, with matches set to be played across Ayr, Giru and Home Hill.

Sugar Bowl preparations are underway, and the club is excited already for the 2nd-4th of May. The district will be packed out with visitors with matches taking place in Ayr, Giru and Home Hill.

Contributed with thanks to the Home Hill Tennis Association

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Burdekin Roosters under-19 coach Alfie Cantarella knows his team like the back of his hand, as Alf has been associated with these boys for a number of years.

Last season, Alf, assisted by John Nash and Thomas Lammon, took the under-18 team to the preliminary final of the Under-18 RLTD, only to be beaten by a lack of numbers due to important injuries.

The same coaching staff will again look after the boys, and even though they will face stiff opposition from powerhouse clubs Brothers, Centrals, and Western Lions, they would still be considered one of the favourites of the competition.

Players like Jett Castello, returning from injury, Joey Southwell, Mason Kiehne, Laylon Lampton, Brodie Scrivener, and Brodie Escriva are expected to shine in the forwards, given good service from number nine Harrison Lammon.

K.J. Zaro has returned after trialling with a southern club, and he, at five-eighth, and his halves partner Jack Power could dominate, with Jacob Drain and Chad Fraser chiming in.

Coach Cantarella said the numbers at training have been good, but he would like other boys to come and join the group on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Bendigo Bank Park at 6 pm.

Last season, Burdekin and Herbert River combined to form the Burdekin River in the ladies’ competition under coach Anita Hagarty.

This season, the club will be trying to go it alone, and with Anita unavailable due to work pressures, Chris Perry has taken over as the leader.

Perry said he is slowly putting together what looks like a strong squad, which should have plenty of speed, led by the Monday twins, Stephanie and Martina, and Toni Daisy, a Queensland Country representative from 2024, with Chloe Taiters.

Perry said they still have a few Townsville-based girls like Lily Chappell, Tiana Krutzfeldt, Tanley Rowe, Talisha Bulgarelli, and Abby King, with a couple of others they are hoping will join.

Abby, a smart utility who sets up and scores tries, will be back after recovering from a knee operation, and she is a very handy player.

Perry said the numbers are starting to grow, and he likes the look of Jo Morgan, Demi Smith, Jessica Capper, Cadence Alexander, and Charlie Pott as players who are not that big in stature but big in heart.

The girls are currently only training on Thursdays, with the Townsville-based girls coming down, but locals can also train on Tuesdays with the Burdekin-based men at 6 pm.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

New and returning players have kicked off another successful season. Photo source: Burdekin Roosters

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Saturday 21/2 (1pm to 5pm) Group I - Sage Hisatake PC, Ben Hisatake, Luke Hisatake and Austin Dewar.

Sunday 22/2 (9am to 1pm) Group F - Lisa Furnell PC, Jen Morgan PC, John and Josh Furnell, Jo Morgan, Jan and Gabriel Hatherell.

Sunday 22/2 (1pm to 5pm) Group H - Dave Satori PC, Katherine Satori PC, Riley and Jake Satori, Cole Pontifex, Alyssia Gibson, Billy Gibson and Halle Gibson.

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Local

In the 1st Round of the Kappa Cup, where the Premiers are away to Saints Eagles Souths in Townsville, the game was postponed yet again. The match, weather permitting, will now take place this Saturday at Aitkenvale Park at 7.00pm. This will be the fourth attempt. Perhaps scheduling these games in February is not a good idea in North Queensland.

Seniors

Men train on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.15 and the Ladies are in action on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5.30 to 7.00. Fixtures start on the weekend of 20- 22 March. The Division 1 and Funkies teams play Estates at home on the Friday, and the Ladies are away to MA Olympic. On the Sunday the Premiers and Reserves are away to Rebels. The Premiers first home game of the season is against Estates on Saturday 28 March.

Juniors

Registrations are now open and will close on Sunday 1st March. Teams will be hopefully getting sorted out in the next few weeks. Pre-season games will Kick Off on Saturday 21st March. Please head to Facebook for registration information. If you have any questions, please email the club at burdekinfc@hotmail.com. Potential Coaches must also register by 1 March, together with their preferred age group.

Masters

The Masters will be on again next Monday Night. The Magic (or Mayhem) kicks off on 23 February. All are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick off.

National and International

The Matildas are now only two weeks away from their first match in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup which is being hosted by Australia. The Matildas are in Group A with Iran, South Korea, and the Philippines. The current FIFA Rankings of the Group A teams are Australia 15th, South Korea 21st, Philippines 41st and Iran 68th. The Matildas first match is against the Philippines in Perth on 1st March. They then meet Iran on 5th March and South Korea on 8th March.

The Oakland Roots/Soul Training Facility has been selected as the Socceroos’ official Base Camp training site for their seventh FIFA World Cup appearance. Located on Bay Farm Island in Alameda, California, the Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Soccer Club’s first-class training facility will host the Socceroos squad.

The Socceroos have two friendlies lined up. They play Cameroon on 27 March and Curacao on 31 March and very soon after that, Socceroos fans will not know their first opponents in the 2026 FIFA World Cup until 1st April. They know that Australia will meet USA and Paraguay but will not know their third opponents until 1st April. It could be any of four countries, Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo. The play offs start on 27 March and finish four days later. In the meantime,

In the A League, after seventeen rounds Newcastle are still the League leaders. They won 3-1 in Perth and have now won their last seven games. Second placed Auckland has yet to play, and Adelaide moves into third place after beating Sydney FC 2-1. Sydney drops to fourth, level on points with Macarthur. Brisbane drew away to Melbourne Victory and stays in eighth place. Western Sydney continue to hold up the league two points adrift of Central Coast

In the A League Women, Melbourne City are still top despite drawing 0-0 in the local derby. Wellington lost 1-2 away to Central Coast but stays in second place on goal difference from Canberra who lost 0-1 away to Perth. Fourth placed Adelaide has yet to play, and Brisbane lost 0-4 away to Sydney but hangs onto sixth place. Sydney and Western Sydney are holding up the League.

Europe

In England it was the FA Cup 4th Round and one of shocks so far was Burnley losing at home 1-2 to Mansfield Town from the third tier. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, West Ham, Leeds, Wolves and Newcastle are all through to the next round. The EPL resumes next week with Arsenal away to Wolverhampton, Manchester City at home to Newcastle and Chelsea at home to Burnley.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, with twelve rounds left to play, all four top teams won with Bayern winning 3-0 at Werder Bremen to maintain their six point lead over Dortmund. Hoffenheim is a further six points behind, and fourth placed Stuttgart is a further three points adrift. Heidenheim and St Pauli both lost hold up the table and Mainz, who won again, are almost out of the relegation zone.

In Italy’s Serie A, only two of the top five teams won and Inter is still eight points clear of AC Milan who have a game in hand. Napoli who drew at home to Roma is a further three points behind and Juventus who lost to Inter drops to fifth place one point behind Roma. The two bottom teams, Pisa and Verona both lost and look Serie B bound.

In Spain’s, La Liga both Barcelona and Real Madrid won and Real leads Barca by one point, but Barca has a game in hand. Third placed Villareal lost and is now thirteen points off the pace ahead of fourth placed Atletico on goal difference. At the bottom of the league, none of the last three teams won and Levante and Oviedo are still in deep trouble.

In France, PSG lost 1-3 at sixth placed Rennes and drops to second place, one point behind behind Lens who beat Paris FC 5-0. Lyon is a further six points behind but five points ahead of fourth placed Marseille, who drew at home to Strasbourg. Only Auxerre of the bottom five teams won, and Metz, Auxerre and Nantes are in severe trouble.

The Quote of the Week is from ex- Nottingham Forest Manager Sean Dyche “Life's not a dress-rehearsal. So, if you want to do it; do it.”

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Clay target shooters from across North Queensland are set to converge on Ayr next month, with the Burdekin Clay Target Club Inc. hosting a major two-day shooting event packed with prize money, trophies and community spirit.

The event will take place on Saturday, 7 March and Sunday, 8 March, at the club’s grounds on Ayr Dalbeg Road, Mount Kelly, with shooting getting underway from 9am on Saturday and 8.30am on Sunday.

The weekend features seven competitive events, including pointscore, medley, single barrel, double barrel and handicap shoots across graded categories AA, A, B and C. Juniors are also encouraged to take part, with free nominations available.

Saturday’s program includes four events, with highlights such as a 30-target medley and a double barrel trophy shoot, while Sunday will see shooters compete in continental and handicap events. Event seven, the 25-target Double Barrel Handicap, offers the weekend’s largest prize pool, with $1,000 for first place, followed by $500 for second and $250 for third.

Across the weekend, competitors will be shooting for more than $8,500 in cash and prizes, with additional giveaways including two .22 rifles. Sashes will be awarded for overall winners, with badges presented to first place in each grade.

The competition also includes Shooter of the Year points, with Events 2 and 7 counting toward the annual tally. The Kirknie Station High Guns title will be contested across Events 1 to 7, covering multiple categories including Ladies, Junior and Veteran.

Beyond the competition, organisers say the weekend is about bringing people together. Free basic camping is available on site, meals will be served throughout the weekend, and a Saturday night dinner will be followed by a Mini Calcutta.

With strong local sponsorship backing the event and a full weekend of shooting on offer, the Burdekin Clay Target Club is encouraging shooters of all experience levels to get involved.

For more information, shooters can contact the club via email at burdekinclaytargetclub@outlook.com or follow the club on Facebook.

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Registrations are now open for the Burdekin Sugar Rush 2026, with locals encouraged to start training early for one of the region’s most popular and inclusive running events.

Set to take place on Sunday, 26 April 2026 in Ayr, the Burdekin Sugar Rush offers something for everyone, with race distances including a Half Marathon (21km), 10km and 5km, welcoming runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.

As the signature event of the Burdekin Road Runners and Walkers Club, the Sugar Rush has become a much-loved fixture on the local sporting calendar, celebrating not only personal achievement but also community connection, health and fun.

Organisers say the event attracts participants from across North Queensland, including Townsville, Ingham, Cairns, Mackay and the Whitsundays, while maintaining a strong focus on first-time competitors and families through its shorter distances and pram-friendly options.

With training season now underway, locals looking to build fitness ahead of the event are encouraged to join Plantation parkrun, a free, weekly, timed 5km walk, jog or run held every Saturday at 7am. Open to all ages and abilities, Plantation parkrun provides an accessible and supportive way for beginners and experienced runners alike to train consistently and connect with others in the community.

The mental health benefits of regular exercise were highlighted in recent research led by Neil Munro from James Cook University, which reviewed more than 1,000 clinical trials examining the impact of exercise on depression and anxiety.

“There have been more than a thousand studies on this subject, we wanted to synthesise this vast body of evidence, cut through conflicting findings and provide the clearest picture yet of exercise’s impact on mental health,” said Mr Munro.

The study found aerobic activities such as walking and running were particularly effective, with supervised and group-based exercise delivering the strongest benefits — reinforcing the value of community events like parkrun and the Burdekin Sugar Rush in supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.

“For those facing barriers to traditional care, the message is clear: moving your body, especially with others, can be a powerful step toward better mental health,” Mr Munro said.

An early bird bonus is currently available for the Burdekin Sugar Rush, with early registrants receiving a free personalised race bib featuring their name.

Whether participants are chasing a personal best, training with friends, walking for fun or taking on their first-ever event, organisers say the Burdekin Sugar Rush offers a welcoming environment that showcases the region’s scenery while promoting an active, healthy lifestyle.

Registrations and event updates are available via the Burdekin Road Runners and Walkers Club website, with locals encouraged to sign up early and make the most of the months ahead by getting moving at Plantation parkrun.

1. Hundreds of runners will hit the streets for the Burdekin Sugar Rush this April! Photo source: Burdekin Life
2. Runners are encouraged to lace up and train at Plantation parkrun each week. Photo source: Visit Burdekin

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Locals gathered at the Burdekin Race Club on Valentines Day to witness five local races in what was one of the Club’s four racing events of the calendar year.

1. Christine Woodward, Jill Barbagallo, Glenda Johnson

2. Adam Russo, David Jones, Sharon Pease

3. Anne Kerr, Gloria Vass, Sandra Danzinger

4. Tony and Juanita Chandler

5. Horses thunder down the final stretch as spectators cheer on their favourites at Burdekin Race Club.

6. Smiles, cheers, and high-fives as owners, trainers, and fans celebrate the day’s races.

7. Horses line up, ready for another exciting race.

8. Neck and neck: the race heats up toward the finish.

Photo credit: Jacob Casha

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The Burdekin is no stranger to producing global sporting talent, and the latest to carry the banner abroad is local teenage motorcycle racer Ky Mitchell, set to take on the world after being selected to compete in the prestigious World 250 Speedway Solo Title in Europe later this year.

The 13-year-old secured his place after impressing at the Australian Championships in Albury in December last year, one of only three Australian riders aged 13 to 16 invited to compete internationally.

Ky will first contest the semi-finals in Pardubice, Czech Republic, on 16 and 17 June. If successful, he will advance to the finals in Wrocław, Poland.

For Ky and his family, the selection marks a moment of pride, achieved on the back of countless hours of training, travel and sacrifice.

“He’s been preparing for this opportunity for the past 12 months,” his father Julian said.

“That’s meant travelling all over Australia to compete, including New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. We even leave bikes set up in Adelaide because sometimes it’s easier to fly than drive long distances.”

This is not Ky’s first taste of international recognition. In 2024, he earned selection for the SGP4 series after winning an Australian Championship, but was unable to travel at the time and missed the opportunity.

This time, the family is doing everything in its power to make sure he gets there.

“For speedway, we’re a little disadvantaged in North Queensland,” Julian said.

“Most of the competition for his age group is down south, and Ky is currently the only active 250cc speedway rider in Queensland.

“As a family, we work hard to put in the travel hours. We’re also very lucky to have support from many North Queensland locals who help him get training and track time where possible.

“Ky’s a ‘go-with-the-flow kid’. He’ll drive, fly and sleep anywhere if it means he gets to race.”

Once on track, the budding star’s talent speaks for itself.

“Ky always puts in 110 per cent at practice and race meetings,” Julian said.

“He’s very consistent and always turns heads. We’re extremely proud to see his hard work paying off.”

For Ky, the moment he found out about his selection was unforgettable.

“I was shocked with excitement,” he said.

“It’s been a dream of mine to represent Australia riding speedway.”

Having raced from the tender age of just four, the selection represents a significant lunge toward the teenager’s long-time goal of riding internationally as a profession.

He is eager to test himself against the world’s best, race at new tracks, meet new people from other countries, and watch the SGP live in Poland.

Julian is also hopeful the trip will broaden his horizons beyond racing, eager for him to “experience new countries, new tracks and what it’s like to race at an international level.”

In the coming months, the Mitchell family will be running fundraisers to help cover the significant costs of travelling and competing overseas.

Supporters can follow Ky’s journey and find updates through the Ky Mitchell Racing Facebook page.

Photos:

1. Local teenage motorcycle racer Ky Mitchell, set to take on the world after being selected to compete in the prestigious World 250 Speedway Solo Title in Europe later this year.

2. He’s very consistent and always turns heads. We’re extremely proud to see his hard work paying off,” said father, Julian Mitchell.

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14 Ayr Surf Club nippers have descended to Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast this week for the SLSQ Youth State Championships, with competition commencing on Thursday 19 February and going through until Sunday 22nd.

From iconic surf and beach races to team events and relays, it’s the ultimate celebration of surf sport and lifesaving skill on one of Queensland’s most beautiful beaches. With last year's event cancelled due to Cyclone Alfred the kids are all excited to get to put their hard work and training to the test this year.

Zachary Dale, Briella Wassmuth, Warne McShane, Cole Pontifex, Milla Chapman, Emma Jones, Emilee Wassmuth, Charlotte Lawry, Alyssa Irvine, Luca Lawry, Charlotte Dale, Taylor Chapman, Audrey Rickards & Mahli McShane will compete as part of the North Barrier Branch Youth State Team along with fellow members from across our region under the NBB white & blue cap.

All the action kicks off with R&R events and long beach runs and progresses over the next few days with individual and team events and concludes on Sunday with March Past and finals. Some of the action will be live-streamed and you can watch it on the Surf Life Saving Queensland Facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club.

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Local
In the 1st Round of the Kappa Cup, where the Premiers are away to Saints Eagles Souths in Townsville, the game was postponed again and, weather permitting, will now take place this Saturday at Aitkenvale Park at 7.00pm. Meanwhile, training continues.

Seniors
Men train on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.15 and the Ladies are in action on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5.30 to 7.00. The Fixtures start on the weekend of 20- 22 March. The Division 1 and Funkies teams play Estates at home on the Friday, and the Ladies are away to MA Olympic. On the Sunday the Premiers and Reserves are away to Rebels.

Juniors
Registrations are now open and will close on Sunday 1st March. Teams will be hopefully getting sorted out in the next few weeks. Pre-season games will Kick Off on Saturday 21st March. Please head to Facebook for registration information. If you have any questions, please email the club at burdekinfc@hotmail.com.

Masters
The Masters will be on again soon. Monday Night Magic (or Mayhem) kicks off on 23 February. All are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick off.

National and International
The Matildas are only a couple of weeks away from their first match in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Fortunately, it looks as if both Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler will be fit! The Matildas are in Group A with Iran, South Korea, and the Philippines and their first match is against the Philippines in Perth on 1st March. They then meet Iran on 5th March and South Korea on 8th March. The Asian Cup is being hosted by Australia.

Socceroos fans will not know their first opponents in the 2026 FIFA World Cup until 1st April. They know that Australia will meet USA and Paraguay but will not know their third opponents until 1st April. It could be any of four countries, Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo. The play offs start on 27 March and finish four days later. In the meantime, the Socceroos have two friendlies lined up. They play Cameroon on 27 March and Curacao on 31 March.

In the A League, after sixteen rounds Newcastle are still the League leaders after winning 3-2 in Adelaide. Auckland beat Sydney FC 1-0 to move to second place with Sydney dropping to third. Macarthur stays fourth after a draw against Perth and Brisbane is now eighth after losing 1-2 at home to Central Coast. Western Sydney continue to hold up the league despite a 1-1 draw with Melbourne City.

In the A League Women, Brisbane were the only one of the top six teams to lose, going down 2-5 to leaders Melbourne City. The Roar drop to fifth place. Wellington stay in second place with a 1-0 defeat of Perth. Canberra beat Sydney to move up to third place and Adelaide is fourth after winning against Western Sydney. Sydney and Western Sydney are holding up the League. Oh Dear!

Europe

In the EPL, Arsenal beat Sunderland 3-0 and stays six points clear of Manchester City who won 2-1 at Liverpool. Aston Villa drew but is still third a further three points behind and ManU continue their good run winning again to stay in fourth place. At the foot of the table West Ham and Leeds both won and Burnley and Wolverhampton look relegation bound.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, three of the top four teams won and Bayern thumped third placed Hoffenheim 5-1 to stay six points clear of Dortmund, with Hoffenheim now a further six points behind. Leipzig has moved up to fourth place. Heidenheim lost, St Pauli won but still hold up the table and Mainz, who won again, are almost out of the relegation zone.

In Italy’s Serie A, three of the top four teams won and Inter is still eight points clear of AC Milan who have a game in hand. Napoli is a further point behind and Juventus who drew 2-2 at home to Lazio stays in fourth place a further three points behind. The three bottom teams all drew, and Pisa and Verona still look Serie B bound.

In Spain’s, La Liga both Barcelona and Real Madrid won and Barca still leads Real by one point. Third placed Atletico lost and is now twelve points off the pace. Fourth placed Villarreal is another three points behind. At the bottom of the league, Oviedo was the only team to win but along with Levante is still in deep trouble.

Finally, in France, only three of the top eight teams won and PSG still leads Lens by two points with Lyon a further seven points behind. Marseille, who lost 0-5 at PSG, is now a further three points away in fourth place. None of the bottom five teams won and Metz, Auxerre and Nantes are in severe trouble.

Quote of the Week is from ex- England Manager Sam Allardyce "I won't ever be going to a top four club because I'm not called Allardici, just Allardyce."

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The Challengers and Junior cricket games went ahead at the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex on Friday thanks to the mowing crew who kept at it when they could between the periods of rain during the week.  Low totals were scored though because of the thick grass and damp outfields slowing the balls, with only 2 fours hit in the three games.  In the Challengers game Cooper Amos and Oliver Richter, and Hugh Armstrong and Jai Baxter's partnerships were the highest.  Oliver was given one of the "McDonalds Sports Awards" for his batting and also for his great effort to bowl with a straight arm.  In her first game of Challengers Killara Russell won the other because of her great batting and fielding.  Jai also took 3 wickets and Olivia Patti, Dylan and Cooper took 2 each. 

Henry Cohen was the only batter to score double figures in the Blue Group this week with 10 runs, next were Mazlyn Smith and Jardii Russell on 8.  The bowlers and fielders dominated the scorebook in this low scoring game.  Royce Cohen was the best bowler with figures of 4 for 11 runs off his three overs and got a "McDonalds Sports Award" for his excellent bowling.  Flynn Levitt, 3 for 6 and Tait Parker, 3 for 10 were other notable mentions.  Flynn and Jardii also effected 2 run outs each and Mazlyn took a catch.  Mazlyn took home the other award in this game for her all-round batting, bowling and fielding.

Some great running between the wickets and the slow outfield enabled the Gold Group batters to post some reasonable scores, even though only one boundary was hit.  Marshall Parker retired not out on 19 with some well-run twos and threes when he hit into space in the outfield.  Oscar Mahoney, 12 was one ball off retiring when he was bowled by Tyler Schultz.  Ben Watkins was looking good on 7 runs until his stumps were rattled with another great ball from him, Tyler ended up with figures of 2 for 17.  Mark Wilkie, 11 was another batter to be doing it easy until Alex Cullen got him in a close runout decision.  Other bowlers to take a wicket each were Kyle Wilkie, Ben and Alex. Kaisen Petersen and Alex Cullen got the "McDonalds Sports Awards" for their overall batting, bowling and their game awareness in the field.

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Ben Watkins drives through the crease during Friday’s match.
Alex Cullen delivers with pace and precision.

Photos supplied

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Burdekin Roosters A Grade coach Steve Lansley is putting together an A Grade side that will have plenty of speed, even though short of a couple of big men up front.

Leading the way will be last season’s Player of the Year Hayde Munro, again scheduled to run at lock. Hayde's older brother Jones is favoured to be one of the centres; he is very handy there with plenty of pace and solid defence.

With the retirement of five-eighth and captain Joel Mason due to a recurring knee injury, Lansley has recruited a more than handy number six, Mitch Brown, who has played A Grade for Brothers. Local Luca Lago would love a chance at wearing the 6, a position he was above average at in his junior years.

Brown's brother Ash is trialing with the Blackhawks but could also be joining the local Roosters. Lansley said if he does, he would be a very welcome addition, as he is a big front-rower with plenty of experience.

At the moment, the club is a bit short up front, with Lachlan Shepherd, Braedyn Cotter, and Tate Brombal the only big men with experience, backed up by former Blackhawk Ethan Hagarty and possibly a couple of players from the Reggies and Under-19s.

New signing hooker Nash Beck comes with experience and looks tough and nuggety. Last season’s Ignatius Park second-rower and captain Cooper Fletcher has joined the club and, even though not large in size, is a tiger on defence.

The club is also waiting on the Blackhawks to complete their Under-19 campaign, with big front-rower Torm Rupena expected to join. With Hayde Munro leading the forwards, last season’s half and Blackhawks Under-19 captain Jye Olsen will be given that role locally. Olsen won several Man of the Match awards last season and pushed Munro for the top player award with his organising ability at half.

Adam Camer came into first grade late last year but is now one of the first picked, with his tigerish defence and expert chiming into attack from fullback.

Terry Connors could be one of the wingers given his finishing ability, with Nemia Nawave the other. The club also has a new recruit from Western Lions, Jake O’Brien, who is an excellent finisher with plenty of speed.

Next week, we will have a look at the Reggies, Under-19s, and the Ladies, with big plans ahead for those teams.

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