Looking for a sport that's social, exciting, and perfect for all ages and fitness levels? Pickleball is the game for you! Whether you’re new to racquet sports or a seasoned player, Pickleball offers both social and competitive play in a fun and welcoming environment. Join the fun at the Home Hill Tennis Association, in the middle of the Home Hill Race Track where you can enjoy the energy, laughter, and action that comes with every game. No need to be a super athlete - just show up, grab a paddle, and start playing!

The Association is offering FREE come and try sessions and invites the community to come along on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 8:15pm, and Saturday morning from 7:15am to 8:15am for a swing!

Contributed with thanks to Kate Casswell.

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A game for all skill levels, many locals have picked up a racket for a match of pickleball at the Home Hill Tennis Association!

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Several perpetual awards were presented at the Burdekin Roosters Awards Night last week with the Prestigious Norm Dee Award for the player showing all aspects of club sprit on and off the field went to A grade player, Tate Brombal. Tate devotes his spare time coaching the Clubs under 7 team which means Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning whilst also attending working bees and Goose Clubs.

Jye Olsen was the most outstanding Junior with Frenchman Paul the Rookie of the year.

Fullback James Munro was the most improved, Joel Mason the most diligent and Nemia Nawavw the most tries with 12, the record held by Damien Quinn in 2001 with 29.

In the Hens, Coach Aniya Hagarty named her players to win awards as;
   • Best Back - Martina Monday
   • Best Forward - Abby King
   • Most Improved - Margie Orourke
   • Most Consistent - Libby Campbell
   • Coaches Award - Tiana Krujefdt
   • Players Player - Toni Daisy
   • Most Diligent - Stephanie Monday
   • Player of the Year - Abby King

In the reserve grade Coach Chris Perry named his award winners as;
   • Best Back - Kyle Ferguson
   • Best Forward - Zac Campbell
   • Most Consistent - Dominic Augostis
   • Coaches Award - Brodie Smith
   • Player Showing Grit - Brody Ferguson
   • Most Diligent Reserve Grader - Dom Arrate
   • Player with Spirit on and Off the Field - Caleb Noah
   • Player of the Year - Jayden Sgarbossa

A grade coach Steve Lindley named his A grade award winners as;
   • Best Back - Nemia Nawave
   • Best Forward - Henry Teutai
   • Most Consistent - Lachlan Shepherd
   • Coaches Award - Hayden Lanmon
   • Players Player - Rhett Williams

To complete the wonderful night, several volunteers were given gifts of appreciation.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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With the conclusion of the school holidays registrations have now opened for the Burdekin Touch Football Association’s Junior League. The Junior season runs over the next ten weeks as part of the school term with games played each Friday evening.

Young players of all skill levels are invited to attend the Junior Touch Sign On this Friday, 4 October, at the Burdekin Touch Association Clubhouse from 5pm to 5:30pm.

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Students of all skill levels are invited to register for the next season this Friday at the Burdekin Touch Association Clubhouse. Photo supplied

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Sponsored by Eathorne’s Intersport, the Ayr Golf Club held their September Monthly Medal on Wednesday 18 September which saw some outstanding performances! In A Grade, Wendy Baker took the top spot, while Shirley Jones claimed victory in B Grade, followed closely by runner-up Gabby Cahill. C Grade was won by Donna Boccalatte, with Bev Andrews as the runner-up. There's still one more opportunity to qualify for the monthly medal final - congratulations to all the ladies!

In a tribute to Ken Peagham, 74 players participated in this Honour Board event held over the weekend at the Ayr Golf Club. The day began with a shotgun start, and the competition was fierce. The Club shared a special thanks to Colleen Peagham, who travelled from Charters Towers to present the awards. With an incredible score of 49 stableford points, Karen and Kelvin McIntosh secured their names on the Honour Board. Congratulations! Runners-up, after a countback, were Shirley and Trevor Jones with a score of 46, narrowly edging out Shane Saxby and Darryl Schlieff. The Ayr Golf Club also wised a big thank you to the Peagham family for their generous prize contributions, ensuring many players went home winners. The Club shared their gratefulness to have this cherished event continue year after year.

Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Golf Club.

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September Monthly Medal victors, Wendy Baker, Shirley Jones and Donna Bccolatte.
74 players participated in the Ken Peagham Memorial Day Honour Board event at the Ayr Golf Club over the weekend.

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On the afternoon of Wednesday 18 September, twelve bowlers took to the green at the Brandon Bowls Club in challenging conditions. The first game of triples saw Sandra Darwen, Vanda Ballao, and Helen Collins claim victory over Ann Newton, Lyn Farr, and Allan Garioch. In the second game, Joy Woods, Lyn Storrie, and Colleen Olsen triumphed against Bev Garioch, Darelle Pearce, and Margaret Chapman.

Friday 20 September hosted a quiet evening at the club, with many die-hard Cowboys fans staying home to watch the game. Despite the smaller turnout, eight bowlers played two rinks of pairs. In the first game, Peter Lejarraga and Joe Yipnazar defeated Ben Mill and Ray Paneccasio, while in the second game, Margaret McLaughlan and Gary "Mr Bowls" Pearce took the win over Rob Jorgensen and Ross McLaughlin. Congratulations to Ben Mills and Ray Paneccasio for winning the jackpot!

Sunday 22 September saw spectators treated to a thrilling semi-final clash between back-to-back champions Gary Pearce (skip), Len Feeney, Jamie Woods, and Chris Pearce, and their challengers Kevin Collins (skip), Doug Robins, Brett Wilshere, and Lloyd Shepherd. Kevin Collins' team applied pressure from start to finish, delivering a high-quality game of lawn bowls. Kevin Collins’ side emerged victorious, securing their place in the upcoming final. Congratulations to both teams for a superb display of skill!

Sunday afternoon saw 26 bowlers play three games of triples and two games of pairs with the results as follows; Ken Ferguson, Mick McCloskey, and Allan Garioch defeated Henry Hazel, Neville Dickinson, and Peter Jorgensen. Norm Storrie, Doug Kiehne, and Richie Mau triumphed over Glenn Woodford, Trevor Elton, and Jeff Taylor. Gary Nosworthy, Ross McLaughlin, and Vince Beitia bested Jim Murray. Lyn Storrie and Peter Henderson, along with Helen Collins and Joe Yipnazar, took the win against Con Sexton and Leo Kenny. Judy Elton and Ray Paneccasio overcame Rob Jorgensen and Hugh Montgomery.

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

The Brandon Bowls Club hosted a week of high stakes and big wins.

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The club is blessed with a team of dedicated women who tirelessly work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. They organise weekly events like bingo and Trimmers (light exercise), and they’re always on hand to help when the club hall is hired out. These women are loyal, passionate, and always wearing a smile, making the club a welcoming place for all. While they prefer to remain humble and avoid recognition, their efforts deserve a heartfelt thank you.

Newbie Bowling Questions:
   1. How do I bowl a bowl? First, get a bowl that suits the size of your hand as they come in various sizes.
   2. Where do I bowl it to? To the smaller, white bowl (jack) at the other end where your skip will be standing to help you.
   3. What is a skip? That’s the leader of your team from the start of play.
   4. How long does a game take? It varies, between an hour and a half to two hours, approximately.
   5. Are you playing singles, pairs, triples, or fours? That’s decided by how many people have turned up on the day.
   6. What is an end? An end determines which way you’re bowling to and the length of each game.
   7. Who wins? The closest bowl to the jack from each team. i.e a team bowl closest decides who wins the end.
   8. What happens if I hit the jack? If you hit the jack, your bowl becomes a toucher, which is marked by chalk by your skip. It’s still alive when it’s in the ditch.
   9. What is a ditch? A ditch is the outlines of the end of a rink. Any bowl in the rink that’s not a toucher is not counted, or left in the ditch.
   10. What clothing do I wear? Comfortable clothing and flat soled shoes.

Contributed with thanks to Stormin’ Norman

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A new and exciting tournament is set to hit the greens every Saturday in October, offering bowlers a chance to showcase their skills. This inaugural event, marking the club's amalgamation with Queensland Bowls, features a fresh 3-bowl pairs format, with each Saturday functioning as an individual and independent competition.
The dates for the tournament are as follows:

   • 5th October 2024
   • 12th October 2024
   • 19th October 2024
   • 26th October 2024

The format ensures that winners play winners and losers face off against other losers in the second game, keeping the competition dynamic. Both the winners and the winners of the losing matches will take home $100 each, with additional lucky prawn prizes at the end of play, generously sponsored by The Prawn Stop.
As this is a mixed open event, male and female bowlers alike are encouraged to participate and enjoy the friendly competition.

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Margaret Linton: The Silent Achiever
Margaret Linton, the club’s highly respected secretary, has been a dedicated member of the bowling community for two years. Here’s a glimpse into her life:

   1. Where were you born? Brisbane
   2. What did you first play bowls? About 2 years ago at night bowls
   3. You’re the club’s highly respected secretary. What inspired this? Like most clubs, I accepted the nomination as no one else was nominated
   4. What’s your favourite car? The Subaru. 1999 model I had for many years, it was a great car.
   5. What’s your favourite TV show? NCIS
   6. Who is the person you would most like to meet? Kylie Minogue
   7. What’s your favourite food? Home cooked lasagna. Yuuuum!
   8. How many in your family? Two children, four grandchildren
   9. How would you like to help attract more female bowlers to the club? I would like to see more schoolgirls to play the game as it’s suitable for all fitness levels and is a non-contact sport.
   10. If you were stuck on a desert island, what’s the one item you would like to have? Cocktails and wine

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Local

Although the Burdekin Panthers Premiers did not finish the 2024 season with any silverware, they were still one of the more successful teams. Individual honours went to Jay Leckenby, Golden Boot Winner with twenty goals, Jarrod Camer, Goalkeeper of the Year and Leighton Gallagher, Coach of the Year.

In addition, in the FQPL Men’s Team of the Year, the Panthers had four players. Jarrod Camer, goalkeeper, Josh Valle, centre back and Ryan Scodellaro, midfield and Jay Leckenby, striker.

The Panthers Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 12 October. Tickets are now available.

Masters

Monday Night Masters has finished for the year and will recommence in January 2025.

Night Soccer

Delta Cleaners Night Soccer’s Week 3 kicked off the competition proper after the usual two trial weeks. The twenty three games featured seventy-two goals with UDS top scoring in the Men’s Leagues with six goals and Shin Kickers with five goals in the Women’s League. Individual top scorers were Tahlia Lawson with four goals and Logan Guglielmana with three.

Juniors

The Junior season has finished but the Junior social soccer season will start on Tuesday 15th October, next term!

National and International

The Big News is that Socceroos Coach Graham Arnold has resigned and been replaced by Tony Popovic. The new Coach has just two weeks to get himself and the Socceroos sorted out as they play China, in the Asian World Cup Qualifying Group C, in Adelaide on 10 October. They are then away to Japan, five days later. The China match is a ‘must win’ and a draw in Japan would be a good result.

The Matildas are booked for a friendly against Germany on Monday 28th October in Duisburg. Their next games are not until December when they play Chinese Taipei twice, in Melbourne and then Geelong. The Matildas have a new coach. Tom Sermanni
has been appointed on an interim basis after Toni Gustavson was sacked. Sermanni previously coached the Matildas in 1994-97 and 2005-12.

Only three weeks now before the A League kicks off its 2024-25 season. The first round will be played over the weekend of 18 - 20 October. The A League Women will kick off on 1st November.

In the Australia Cup semi-finals Melbourne Victory beat Adelaide Utd 1-0 and now play Macarthur who accounted for South Melbourne 1-0 in the Final.

In the EPL, after five rounds Manchester City, who were lucky to draw at home with Arsenal, still top the table, one point clear of Liverpool and Aston Villa, with Arsenal in fourth place and Chelsea fifth. At the foot of the table, Wolves, Southampton, and Everton all have a single point from five games.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, Bayern are still the only team with maximum points and sixteen goals from four games. They are three points clear of Leverkusen, Freiburg and Frankfurt. The three bottom clubs, Bochum, St Pauli and Holstein Kiel all managed to draw.

In Italy, champions Inter lost and drop to sixth place. In fact, only two of the top six teams won. Torino is top of the ladder one point clear of Napoli and Udinese with Juventus fourth and Empoli fifth. Cagliari and Como prop up the league.

In Spain, after six Rounds only Barcelona has maximum points and is now four points clear of Real Madrid with Bilbao and Atletico in third and fourth place. Real and Atletico are still unbeaten. At the bottom of the league only Getafe and Las Palmas are yet to win a game.

And in France, only two of the top six teams won. PSG drew and with Marseille and Monaco both winning all three teams are level on thirteen points after five Rounds. Lens is in fourth place four points below them. At the foot of the table only one of seven teams won, and one drew with Angers now  holding up the league.

The Quote of the Week is from West Ham and Chelsea star Frank Lampard “When you take a lot of stick you want to ram it down people's throats…”

Ryan Scodellaro, Josh Valle, Jay Leckenby, Jarrod Camer, and coach, Leighton Gallagher.
Burdekin Panthers Grand Final Runners up.
Burdekin FC President Lawrence Dal Santo accepted the Football Queensland Protect our Game Service Award.

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Saturday 28th - 1pm-5pm
Sunday 29th - 9am-5pm

Patrol (Group E) 
PC John Moloney
PC Ann Moloney
Tony Felesina
Bella Moloney
Jane Jones
Gavin Jones
Sophia Moloney
Alissia Gibson
Billy Gibson
Danni Cughlin

Contributed with thanks to Hockey Vernon.

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On 20 September, the Burdekin Roosters celebrated the conclusion of their 2024 season with a prestigious Presentation Night at Populins Hall. Many Roosters and Hens from juniors to seasoned players were recognised and congratulated for their efforts both on and off the field over the course of the evening, with many exceptional players highlighted for their commendable talents.

Roosters A-grade forwards Henry Teutau and Lachlan Shepherd shared the prestigious Ayr Anzac Memorial Club Best and Fairest award at the Burdekin Roosters' Annual Presentation of Trophies last Friday night.

Lachlan, who joined the club a few years ago from Townsville as an Under-18 player, has risen through the ranks, establishing himself as a key player. Henry, a Cowboys-contracted player with Northern Pride, represents the Roosters when not engaged with the Cowboys. While Lachlan was present to receive his award, Henry was in Redcliffe, preparing for the Queensland Country vs. City match on Sunday, where Queensland Country claimed victory.

In the Reserve Grade category, fullback Jayden Sgarbossa was awarded the Mike Horan Shield for Reserve Grade Player of the Year. The RLTD Best Lady Forward award went to Abby King, who was also honoured with the True North Services Women's Player of the Year trophy.

Club stalwart Paul Horan was recognized for his dedication and hard work, being named the Burdekin Tyre Service Club Person of the Year.

Throughout the year, five Roosters players achieved higher representative honours. Abby King was named the Rugby League Townsville and District Women’s Best Back, while Toni Daisy was selected for the Queensland Country Ladies and Townsville Foley Shield Women’s teams. Kazzia Lammon also earned a spot on the Townsville Foley Shield Women’s team. In the men's category, both Henry Teutau and Jeremiah Matautia were selected for the Queensland Country and Townsville Foley Shield Men’s teams.

The night was a proud celebration of the club’s talent and community spirit.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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The Ayr Golf Club hosted the annual Clive & Olive Williams Honour Board event on Saturday 31 August, with 68 players competing for the chance to have their names added to the prestigious board. The competition followed a Stableford format, producing some remarkable scores. The club was thrilled to have the Williams family join in the clubhouse to present prizes to the winners, and the continued sponsorship of this special day is deeply appreciated.

In the Ladies' division, the top three performers played in the same group, delivering excellent golf. Kerry Mann topped the field with 40 points, earning her name on the Honour Board. Mavis Zanetti secured runner-up position with 38 points, narrowly beating Ann Phelan on a countback, who also finished with 38 points.

In the Men's division, Trevor Jones delivered a stellar round, scoring 42 points to take the win. Joe Henaway was runner-up with 40 points, followed by Ricky Vettovalli in third place with 38 points. Congratulations to all the winners!

On Tuesday 4 September, Betty McLaughlin Day saw another fantastic competition at the Ayr Golf Club. This year, Betty's daughter, Kerry Heuir, participated in the event, and Ross and Margaret McLaughlin were present for the prize presentations. Despite challenging windy conditions, the top three players excelled.

Ann Phelan finished in third place with 39 points, while Heather Desbois claimed second place with 41 points. The winner of the day was Donna Boccolatte, who delivered an incredible 42-point performance. In the run-down, Wendy Baker scored 36 points, and Cecily Lena finished with 35 points. A fantastic turnout of 26 ladies played through the tough conditions - well done to all!

Held over the weekend, Gunnadoo Day 2024 was another exciting event at the Ayr Golf Club, with a secret partner twist. At the end of the day, players returned to the clubhouse to discover who their partner had been.

In third place were Janet and Heather with a combined score of 66. Karen and Kerry also scored 66, securing second place on a countback. The day’s winners were Pat and Betty, with a combined score of 67.

Everyone took home prizes, with bags of fresh squash straight from the paddock, thanks to the generous sponsorship from Gunnadoo. The Club expressed a special thanks to Loretta for the continued support, sharing it's greatly appreciated by all.

Contributed with thanks to the Ayr Golf Club.

68 players competed in the Clive & Olive Williams Honour Board at the Ayr Golf Club.
26 ladies played exceptionally well in windy conditions at the Club’s Betty McLaughlin Day.
Ayr Golf Club hosted an exciting Gunnadoo Day 2024 on the weekend.

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A strong turnout of 28 players took to the green at the Home Hill Golf Club last Friday 13 September. Tim Branch took out the title for least putts with an impressive 11, and pin shots were taken by Carol Betteridge, Ray Preisig, and Greg MacElroy. The daily winner was Megan Barbagallo, while the lucky ticket was drawn by Carol Betteridge, but with no win, the jackpot rolls over to $800 for next week!

In Sunday’s QCCU Foursome Championship, the ladies division saw Megan and Amy emerge as champions after a thrilling playoff against Carol and Beth. Net winners were Margo and Val, with Mary and Shirley finishing as net runners-up.

For the Men’s 2024 Champions, Craig and Greg secured the title, closely followed by Tim and Simon. Net winners were John Power and Gary Pappalardo, with Doigy and Barry finishing as net runners-up.

The Home Hill Golf Club has also begun gearing up for the 2024 Harvest Festival Ambrose set for Sunday 3 November. Bookings can be made by contacting Doug McCubben at dtjrmccubben@bigpond.com.

Contributed with thanks to Greg MacElroy and Megan Barbagallo.

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It’s time to mark your calendars for the 2024 Harvest Festival Ambrose!

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On Saturday 14 September, the Home Hill Golf Club welcomed an amazing turnout for their third Sip ‘n Putt session! Despite a few regulars being unable to attend, the day saw 12 ladies take to the green, the Club’s largest Sip ‘n Putt group yet!

PGA professional Tara Jenkins once again led the session, guiding the ladies through driving drills. Tara also demonstrated a perfect drive, sending the ball down the fairway with ease, much to everyone’s admiration.

The group seems to be developing a growing appreciation for the game, and many of the drives during the session were highly impressive.

Megan Barbagallo, the organiser of the fabulous Sip ‘n Putt event series, strongly encourages any ladies interested to come along for an afternoon of socialisation and golf, especially those looking to have a swing for the very first time.

The next Sip ‘n Putt session is scheduled for Saturday 12 October, and excitement is already building.

Contributed with thanks to Megan Barbagallo.

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The Home Hill Golf Club hosted their largest Sip ‘n Putt group yet last Saturday.
PGA Professional, Tara Jenkins continues to wow the ladies with her skills and guidance over the sessions.
12 ladies attended the third Sip ‘n Putt event, with excitement already building for next month’s session.

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Three Burdekin Roosters rugby league teams competed in Townsville’s Grand Finals on Saturday 7 September – the Under 13s, Under 18s, and Reserve Grade teams. While only one team brought home the trophy, it was the Under 13s who triumphed, taking out the Blackhawks Trophy as Under 13 premiers.

Coached by former Burdekin five-eighth Mark Watson, the team had a challenging path to the final. After losing to Charters Towers in the major semi-final, they bounced back in spectacular fashion, defeating Western Lions 60-0 in the preliminary final to set up a Grand Final rematch with the Towers Miners.

In front of a large and passionate crowd, the Under 13s led from start to finish, scoring three tries to one and securing a 14-6 victory. Watson credited the team’s hard-fought defence, noting the Junior Miners were physically stronger, but the Roosters played with heart.

Second-rower Colten Lynne was named player of the final for his outstanding effort, while front-rower Cooper Webster scored two crucial tries in the first half to help set up the win. The team’s other try came from Parker Bonato, with Perry Munro kicking a goal.

Watson was assisted during the season by former Burdekin players Simon Power (fullback) and Jeffrey Searle (centre), who both contributed to the team’s success.

In the Under 18 final, the Roosters faced a formidable Brothers team and, despite their efforts, fell 28-4. Winger Kane Batchelor scored the only try for the Roosters, while coach Peter Horan praised his team’s determination, noting that they gave their all but were simply outmatched on the day.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.

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The Burdekin Roosters U13s team put on a spectacular show, scoring a Grand Final victory over the Blackhawks!

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