Friday 21 June saw the Brandon Bowls Club celebrate their players at their Trophy Bowls Evening proudly sponsored by Cignall.

60 bowlers took to the green, once again, having lots of laughs.

The winners of the evening were June Zanella, John Hall, and Pancho.

The Runners Up were Dave Bycroft, Norm Storrie, Lyn Storrie, and Joe Ypinazar.

Third place winners were Steve, Amy, Simon and Jacob.

On Sunday 23 June, the Brandon Bowls Club hosted a day filled with competitiveness and sportsmanship, producing plenty of great wins across the board.

The Competition A Grade Singles match saw Mich McClosky and Glen Woodford go head-to-head with Glen coming out on top.

Social Bowls numbers took a hit due to the Canefire Fours held in Ayr, however 20 bowlers ventured onto the green to have a laugh and a bowl.

The Rink winners of the day are as follows:
   • Ken Ferguson, Dough Kiehne, and Hugh Montgomery
   • Neville Dickinson, Trevor Elton, and Richi Mau
   • Norm Storrie, Vince Beitia, and Joe Ypinazar

This week, the Brandon Bowls Club will play in the prestigious Dunn Cup, a competition beginning on Thursday 27 June, and concluding on Sunday 30 June. Held at the Jubilee Bowls Club in Townsville, the club’s representatives, Lloyd Shepherd, Dough Robins, Chris Pearce and skip Gary Pearce will play in the four-day competition, with the finals scheduled for Sunday.

The Brandon Bowls Club wishes its representatives the best of luck!

Contributed with thanks to Lloyd Shepherd.

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On Saturday 22 June, Rugby Park was buzzing with a fantastic evening of football.

Roosters A Grade were unfortunately beaten 34 – 16 with A Grade Coach Steve Lansley, believing despite the loss the team held the Souths pretty will considering they are the only undefeated team in the A Grade competition.

“Our defence is effectively good, but what we have to learn to do now, is finish off movements resulting in tries,” explained Lansley.

Roosters A Grade experienced a range of disruptions in the lead up to Saturday’s showdown. Firstly, the team were not allocated Cowboys’ Jeremian Manuatu and Henry Teuteu, and secondly lost both Kali Nauque and Ratu Kikau to suspension. Lastly, winger Nemia Nawave withdrew due to a knee complaint ahead of the game on Saturday morning. Lansley explained he took his hat off to the young team he had to field, congratulating them on doing a great job.

However, the boys were not out of the woods yet as more trouble followed with half, and playmaker, Hayde Munro forced off with a leg complaint, like what was experienced by forward, Hayden Lammon. Hayden’s performance has been outstanding in all areas, and he was sorely missed.

Under 18 Captain, Jye Olsen made his debut and was positioned on the wing. For his first game, he handled himself exceptionally, and elevated his performance when moved in close, replacing Haye.

Second-rower, Michael Kennedy was one of the best on the ground, tackling himself to a stand-still, as did hooker Colby Thomson who scored a great try.

Lansley was also impressed with the efforts of young five eight, Rhett Williams.  

In consideration of Souths make up encompassing stars like former NRL player Shaun Nona, and Foley Shield representative Jordan Renfrey, Michael Carroll, Marcus Nona, Curtis Dempsey, Braither Knox and Declan Dowson, the young Roosters team performed well.

Tries were scored by Dudley Dotoi, Iowani Cavuilati and Colby Thompson, and two goals were kicked by Joel Mason.

In other A grade matches Western Lions beat Centrals 22 – 16, Charters Towers beat Herbert River 10 nil and Brothers beat Norths 44 – 12

Reserves coach Chris Perry believes his team should have put up a better effort despite being down on players following a 40 – 6 loss.

Perry said although Souths are the top team, Roosters have beaten them this season and expected a better result.

“We needed that loss I think as our training has not been as intense, and the bots have been getting a little lack in their attitude,” said Perry.

“Hopefully that will wake us up.”

Perry drew on a couple of Under 18 players who performed well, in particular, Llama Ghee who made some good runs.

Brody Ferguson was celebrated as Players Player for a full-time effort coming off the bench. Dylan Doak was also commended for scoring the try, and converting giving him seven from seven in two games.

In other reserve matches Centrals defeated Western Lions  26 – 18, Bowen defea5ed Norths 16 – 6 and Charters Towers beat Herbert River 20 – 14 with Brothers on a bye.

The Hens did not play as they had a bye. Herbert River beat Charters Towers 30 – 8 and Brothers beat Norths 36 nil with the Western Lions versus Centrals game not played.

All R L T D  clubs have a bye this week in a contingency round with games to recommence on Saturday 6 July with the Roosters meeting Western Lions at Rugby Park. The Ladies, A grade and the Reserves however, have a bye.

Contributed with thanks to Brian Carnes.
 
 

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On 21 June, three members of the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club were lucky enough to attend Bonnie Hancock’s Women in Lifesaving Roadshow.

Record breaking athlete, Bonnie Hancock circumnavigated Australia in a 2022 surf ski over a period of 254 days. Now a celebrated speaker and author, Bonnie embarked on a Women in Lifesaving Roadshow, travelling the coast of Queensland running practical training sessions encompassing 1.5hrs of professional Ironwoman coaching. In her motivational speaking session, Bonnie spoke on her paddle around Australia, and her move into leadership roles.

Kellie, Bella, and Charlotte Lawry received a personally signed copy of Bonnie’s new book, “The Girl Who Touched the Stars” to conclude what was an extremely inspiring experience.

Contributed with thanks to Kellie Lawry.

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Michael Littlefield will set off to England this July for the 2024 Touch World Cup where he will referee the world’s best touch football players.

Michael will stand as one of 200 referees from 20 nations at Nottingham’s week-long tournament with 39 nations set to compete in the World Cup.

Engineering Superintendent at Inkerman Mill, Michael has played touch football in the Burdekin since he was a kid and decided to become a referee in Year 12.

“I was playing with Burdekin Touch Football, and they needed more referees, so I thought I’d give it a try,” said Michael.

Michael progressed to Level 1 in the refereeing sector, and continued to play regularly, however it was under the guidance of Level 6 referee Tanya Findlay where he began his professional career.

“She said I could either be a good referee or an average player,” explained Michael.

Michael eventually gained the highest accreditation level under Touch Football Australia and became a Level 6 referee, where he has since taken his career to new heights. Michael has refereed at Touch Football State of Origin, Indigenous All Stars, National Touch Championships, and is currently a member of the National Referee Squad (NRS), a team of the top 20 referees in the country.

“I still enjoy playing touch football at home, but I love refereeing the game at a national or international level – the pace of the game is so fast, and you get a much better view on the field.”

Michael explained he finds some difficulty in refereeing games involving language barriers, however, finds the players are always respectful, and are understanding of basic terminology, overall making the game flow nicely.

“It’s always hard to referee teams whose players don’t speak English – you have to ref it the same as you would any game, and it’s on the players to work out what’s going on.”

With training underway in preparation for next month’s adventure aboard, Michael’s routine over the past six months was developed in observance of his usual referring statistics of running approximately 5km distance per game.

At the upcoming 2024 Touch World Cup, its expected that Australia will field majority of both players and referees, with Australia and New Zealand holding the top players and referees world-wide.

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Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads Sunday Sum Up
On Sunday 23 June, the Burdekin Rugby Union held an eventful few games at Casalegno Fields.

The females took to the field first, sporting their new jerseys in solidarity with the Support the Girls Australia Charity. Although the results did not go in the Pink Toads favor with 31 – 0 showing on the scoreboard at full time, the girls had an enjoyable game for a great cause.

Second Grade faced off against North Ward in honor of the Joe Acton Memorial Shield. The Canetoads dominated the match, swiftly executing precise passes, and scoring tries down the sideline. The Canetoads maintained a strong defense, preventing North Ward from scoring, ultimately securing an outstanding 80 – 0 victory.

First Grade displayed exceptional skill and teamworking, leading to a well-deserved win over North Ward. During the game, the lads kept the energy levels high, and their heads cool while showcasing top-notch rugby to spectator’s delight. The Canetoads secured another bonus point for the season, defeating North Ward 55 – 0.

Contributed with thanks to Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads.

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1. Where were you born?
Home Hill Hospital

   2. Main Occupation?
General Farmer

   3. QLD or NSW?
I bleed maroon

   4. Who is the one person you would like to meet?
Kevin Cosher

   5. Do you make your bed in the morning or get up and go?
Get up and go!!

   6. Do you play other sports?
Gym fitness

   7. How many grandkids do you have?
Seven

   8. What is your pet hate?
Playing a bad bowl

   9. Favorite car?
Isuzu!

   10. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what would you bring?
A beautiful blonde

Image caption: Dino Poli

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Mondays
10am – Exercise Group
A morning of low impact exercise for all
ages and abilities.
Tuesdays
9am - Tuesday Trimmers
This weekly ‘weight watchers’ group meets
at the clubhouse every Tuesday.
Wednesdays
9am - Friends and Neighbours Craft
Group
Arts and crafts are just the beginning on
Wednesday mornings, when the Friends
and Neighbours Craft Group gathers to
work on their current craft projects while
catching up with friends over morning tea.
5:30pm – Social Bowls
Celebrate hump day with an evening of Bare
foot social lawn bowls. Come down and
enjoy a fresh beverage at the Bar and BBQ.
12:30pm – Bowls
The Rummeny Green is a setting for Thursday
afternoon bowls action with smoko
provided and bar available.
Home Hill Community Sports Club
Phone number: 0468 313 115
Home Hill Community Bowls club wishes
to thank all club sponsors.

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In a remarkable milestone for the Home Hill Bowls Club, Carl Rummeny, the club's first-ever centenarian bowler, continues to compete actively and inspire many within the community.

Carl has been participating in competitive bowls for many years, competing with and against his extended family and other players from the district. His dedication to the sport is evident as he consistently demonstrates skill and sportsmanship on the green.

Known for his enduring passion and energy, Carl has become an inspirational figure to many. His presence on the field serves as a testament to the longevity and enjoyment that sports can bring, regardless of age. Members of the community often describe meeting and talking to Carl as an absolute privilege. His experiences and stories resonate with many, offering insights and motivation to both young and old. 

The Home Hill Bowls Club encourages travellers and new players to join in social club bowls meets, where they have the unique opportunity to compete against Carl on the newly laid 'Rummeny Green'. This invitation is part of the club's efforts to promote the sport and celebrate Carl's remarkable journey. 

Carl's athletic prowess is not limited to lawn bowls. Since his youth, he has engaged in multiple sports, including tennis and wood chopping. His talent and dedication have earned him numerous medals and trophies in both tennis and wood chopping tournaments, showcasing his versatility and commitment to sportsmanship.

Carl’s ongoing participation in lawn bowls at the age of 100 is a source of pride for the Home Hill Bowls Club and an inspiration to all who know him. His story is a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of sports and the joy it can bring throughout one's life.

Contributed with thanks to Amy Newton.

Carl is 100 years young and still playing bowls

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On Friday 21 June, the Burdekin Touch Association held the 2024 season Grand Final, with nail-biting games, close calls, and celebratory results scored across the board.

Both the A Grade Men’s and Women’s games were the ones to watch, with high intensity and energy carried throughout.

The Burdekin Touch Association thanks the community for their loud cheers of support and encouragement throughout the Grand Final, and for taking part in the rivalry for what was a fantastic Friday night of touch football.

The A Grade Men’s Competition was taken out by Antiskeptics scoring 12 tries overall by Jesse Ballin (5), D. Doak (2), Josiah Ballin (2), J. McLvor (2), Jack Gimson (1). Runners Up were Nrgize scoring 4 tries by KJ Zaro (2), J. Sgarbossa (1), and M. Littlefield (1). Dylan Doak was crowned the Player of the Final.

Murries dominated the B Grade Men’s Compeition scoring 11 tries overall by T. Trindle (4), T. Brombal (3), M. Ogameni (2), M. Billy (1), and T. Connors (1). Runners Up were Torres scoring 7 tries by D. Bero (2), B. Heron (2), T. Doolah (1), T. Bero (1), and L. Ghee Snr (1). Tyrece Trindle was announced Player of the Final.

The C Grade Men’s Competition saw His Haas defeat Teamo Supremo with His Hass scoring 4 tries overall by J. Pennisi (1), R. Haller (1), L. Carrett (1), and R. Horan (1). Teamo Supremo scored 2 tries overall by H. Horan (1), and J. Thomassen (1). Joel Pennisi was announced Player of the Final.

The C Grade Plane Men’s Competition was won by Wires Down scoring 7 tries by A. Washbourne (3), C. Kross (2), D. Walters (1), K. Parravicini (1). The Runners Up, Creampuffs, scored 6 tries overall by B. Cavanagh (2), P. Knapton (1), I. Kerr (1), J. Lacey (1), and B. Clerke (1). The Player of the Final was Andrew Washbourne.

The D Grade Men’s Competition was taken out by Feelers scoring 7 tries by D. Arrate, N. Prior, H. Munro, and K. Drain defeating Relics who scored 5 tries by A. Mottin (2), E. Dal Santo (1), J. Goodman (1), and R. Taylor (1). Hayde Munro was announced Player of the Final.

Blue Murder won the E Grade Men’s Competition scoring 7 tries overall by Dom (3), R. Siandri (2), C. McGrath (1), and D. Walsh (1). Runners Up were Osborne CBD scoring 6 tries by D. Schneider (3), L. Dobe (1), T. Shields (1), and D. Augostis (1). Cooper McGrath was crowned Player of the Final.

The F Grade Men’s Competition was won by Renegades scoring 3 tries by B. Johnson (2), and B. Ford, defeating Ayr PCYC 3 – 0. Brad Johnson was announced Player of the Final.

The E / F Plate Men’s Competition saw Grad23 dominate The Predators with Grad23 scoring 5 tries by R. Peaterson (2), A. Innes (1), B. Ellwood (1), and C. Formilan. The Predators scored 4 tries overall by D. Post, A. Prior, and D. Pacey. The Player of the Final was Rowen Petersen.

The A Grade Women’s Competition saw Princesses come out on top against First in Physio 5 – 2. Princesses scored 5 tries by A. Becke (1), K. Neal (1), A Cornford (1), L. Trindle (1), and K. Lennox (1). First in Physio scored 2 tries both by M. Monday. The Player of the Final was Kate Neal.

The Season’s Best and Fairest were also celebrated on Friday with Tremayne Horan commended for scoring 15 tries, Ala Naque congratulated for scoring 13 tries, and Steph Monday for scoring 10 tries for the women’s season. In the Men’s season, Dominic Arrate was congratulated for scoring 23 tries, Ben Cavanagh for scoring 19 tries, and Logan Guglielmana for scoring 17 tries.

Contributed with thanks to Amity Cornford.

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In about May 1932, Home Hill decided that they wanted a Golf Club instead of visiting the Ayr Golf Club. In September 22 1932, a public meeting was convened in the Central Theatre (8th Avenue where Tudge Haller once had a material and clothing store) in conjunction to forming a Golf Club. Messrs. F Murphy was patron, T A Villiers was President, Vice Presidents were E Peapell and G F Jones, L Lister was Secretary, W F Franberg was Treasurer, and Mr. Rowe was Auditor. A committee was formed with the officers, including 6 other members, Messrs. C Beames, G Chappell, C Gander, J Fielding, C Bapty, and B McPherson.  Mr. C Beames appointed captain of the Club. Messrs.  G F Jones, E Peapell, and C Beams as Handicappers. Mr. S McConnel was appointed honorary Solicitor. The subscriptions were set for associates to be one guinea (£1.1 shilling) and members at £2 guineas. A letter was read where George Mills of Townsville, offering to lay out the course for £5 and return fare to Townsville. Mr. Henry Swanborough had made available a piece of land for £20 and the committee was to consider a lease (more about this later HHO 22/9/1932).
Come June 1933 and the Home Hill Golf Club held a Jazz night at Watsons Theatre with Frank Leach’s Orchestra, bridge and jig-saw competitions to raise finance for the Club. The Home Hill Golf Links were officially opened Sunday 2 July, by Chairman of Ayr Shire Mr. Fred J Woods. There was a fair proportion of ladies present when President Mr. T A Villiers welcomed all visitors. In his opening speech, Mr. F J Woods believed it to be a game in which the golfers walked all day and talked all night. Mr. Villiers expressed the club’s appreciation to Messrs. M. Cannavan, J Hurney, F Evans, J Ferguson, H V Hanson and F J Woods for providing implements to put the ground in order. Without their assistance the club would have found it extremely difficult to carry out the work. Throughout the rest of 1930s, members came and went and there were the stalwarts who remained. The committee alternated their positions. In 1935, a Caretaker had been appointed and T A Villier was elected as a life member of the club for his hard work in getting the Home Hill Golf Club established (TB Friday 8 March 1935p 3)
In 1938, W Heydon was re-elected as president, R O’Kane was secretary, Treasure was G F Jones, and John Ferguson became Patron. The Golf Links were like a huge park playground, once Swanborough’s Cow paddock.  All this had been achieved by grubbing and mowing the nine fairways in two days.  The Club had recently bought a tractor and 3 gang mowers to reduce labour. Couch grass was taking place of the rougher grasses on the fairways. In 1941 the Golf Club elected President G Tomlins, Secretary T Austin, D Watt, and A S Dunn, and treasurer W H Graham, and Captain N S Schurbert. War was now on and the Club was virtually in recess.
In February 1946, there was a meeting held at Malpass Hotel to reform the Home Hill Golf Club. By 1947 the Golf Club officially re-opened after the war recess. Mr. T A Villiers was President once again. In 1948 T A Villiers during his report stated that the membership comprised of 33 members and 21 associates. Early in 1948, the opportunity arose for the club to purchase the property on which the Golf Links was situated. The property comprised 160 acres of freehold and 10 acres of leasehold land and it is the committee’s intention to subdivide the property to retain approximately 100 acres of freehold land and sell the remainder on which a wooden dwelling and outbuildings are erected. Mr. Villier was re-elected has President, Patron D Watt, Secretary L J Thomas, Treasurer J O O’Brian, Captain T C Austin, Vice-Captain C J Deller and auditor Mr. W J Blackburn. The Associates-Captain Mrs. D Watt, Vice-Captain Mrs. W Whittaker, secretary- Mrs. L L Lee, and committee Mesdames L Bell, W Klaka, T L Walton, A S Dunn and F Ferguson.
In October 1950 Mr. T A Villiers was farewelled as he was leaving the district. He was a foundation member when the Golf Club first opened in 1932. Opportunity was also taken to say farewell to Mrs. Whittaker, the Associate Captain.
In 1965, Home Hill Golf Club opened a new Club House 63 feet wide by 40 feet deep, mainly of concrete brick, sealed with asbestolux, section of parquetry floor 20 feet square. The builder was Alan Harris, and Vince Sorbello was the President (HHO 14/5/1965). By 1971 after a barren stretch for over 40 years was transformed by recent installation of modern watering system which would automatically water the fairways. It was installed by Southern Cross Machinery of Townsville for $9,000. This area in the 1920 was Swanborough’s Cow Paddock (HHO 16/7/1971).
In 1972, Home Hill Golf Club conferred Life Membership to President Jack Trace, Bill Malpass and Bill Cannavan. It was Bill Cannavan’s horse and mower used to mow the course. He was also Patron.
I have deliberately left out many names for the list is too long to print and also many names would most probably be left out.
Now about the land that became the Golf Links. Mr. Henry Herbert Swanborough came to live in Brandon in 1901. His trade was a butcher working for A A Paine who had butcher shops in Ayr and Brandon. In 1914 H H Swanborough acquired land in Parish of Inkerman County Salisbury Lots 199 consisting of 160 acres and Lot 203 consisting of 185 Acres.  This land was not suitable for farming sugar cane and H H Swanborough took up his old trade of Butchering for John Ferguson who arrived in Home Hill in the early 1920’s. Lot 199 was Swanborough’s Cow Paddock and the Slaughter yards were Lot 203. He worked for John Ferguson for 40 years, and I suspect he was the slaughterman for John. Ferguson and Son had the butcher shop on the Corner of 9th Avenue and 10th Street Home Hill. This butcher shop was eventually owned by S W Gibson. Somewhere along the way Swanborough’s Cow Paddock became S W Gibson’s Paddock. There was Cattle Dip on the land. Anyone with cattle also used the dip. Swanborough’s left the district and retired to Aitkenvale Townsville where he died in October 1951. He and his wife had four daughters – Ada, Bertha, Doris and Ethel and One son Victor who predeceased him.
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Contributed by Glenis Cislowski

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Home Hill Golf Club

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Caitlin Kross has been celebrated for her refereeing excellence after returning from Basketball Queensland’s State Referee Program’s (SRP) Camp on Monday 17 June.

Caitlin was prestigiously selected for the six-week program after refereeing at the U16 States Competition in April and has since been selected as 1 of 4 referees to represent Queensland at the School Sport Australia Nationals in July later this year.

Caitlin made the decision to progress into the referring sphere four years ago following a lack of opportunities to compete in rep basketball championships within her age group.

“Referring is a lot faster; the games are a lot more interesting, and it’s a different aspect not many people consider taking up,” explained Caitlin.

Continuing to play for the Burdekin Wildcats whilst pursuing refereeing, Caitlin has persevered to reach new heights.

“It’s taken a long time to get to this stage, and you receive feedback and education when you go away for carnivals, but overall, it’s taken a lot of work to get to this point,” said Caitlin.

Over the six weeks, Caitlin underwent numerous online meetings covering a range of educational topics, including breaking down real game footage to explore and analyse various aspects. In conclusion of the program, Caitlin attended the SRP’s in-person camp in Brisbane from 14 – 16 June. The weekend hosted classroom sessions as hosted by NBL referees, along with the opportunities to sit in on NBL1 games, along with NBL1 pregame preparations and postgame wrap-ups.

Caitlin’s parents are beyond proud of their daughter’s achievements and are overjoyed with how far Caitlin has come in achieving her goals.

“Over the past year, she set herself a goal, that has required travelling many thousands of kilometres around the state, juggling senior study, work, as well as study and development as a Referee, and her determination and persistence are now paying off,” explained Caitlin’s mother, Helen Kross.

“Refereeing in any sport these days whether recreational or professional is extremely challenging due to continual scrutiny, so watching her development and growth in confidence over the past few years has been a pleasure.”

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The Mooney Cup ignited the Burdekin Football Club from 3 pm on Saturday, June 15, delivering extraordinary results and plenty of good times across the board.
continued on page 43

Anna and Brandon Mooney
Players with Anna and Brandon Mooney

The Memories Continue
continued from back page
The Mooney Cup, an annual event in honour of ex-player Michael Mooney, who sadly lost his battle with brain cancer in 2019, brought International Park to life. Both players and onlookers gathered as the U23 Men and FQPL Ladies and Men showcased their skills in a jam-packed two days of exhilarating matches. Crowds eagerly enjoyed the action of the infamous Blue Balls and Rainbows Charity Match.
Played in great spirit, The Mooney Cup saw some friendly banter on Saturday night under perfect conditions. Rainbows took an early lead in the first half with a great goal from Chilli, boosting the team's morale as they enjoyed halftime beers in memory of Michael Mooney. The second half started slowly, with fatigue setting in.
About 15 minutes into the second half, a left-foot screamer from Puchy tied the game, leading to sudden-death shootouts at the end. Unfortunately, Rainbows succumbed to pressure when Weeksy missed his shot, handing the cup back to the Blue Balls.
The idea for The Mooney Cup originated after a Masters comp grand final night in 2016, where Hally jokingly remarked to Moon that even if he combined all three teams in the competition, they still couldn't beat the might of the Blue Balls. Combining three team colours led to the name Rainbows. Moon agreed to the concept on the condition that the event would raise funds for the Cairns bike ride for children's cancer, a cause he passionately supported. After Moon's diagnosis and passing, the event evolved into an actual cup and presentation in his honour, continuing the legacy of a great man and his dedication to fundraising for cancer research.
“All cancer is cruel, but if we can make a difference, hopefully one day it will be gone," said one of the organizers.
A heartfelt shout-out was extended to all the organizers, officials, bike riders, and the Mooney family. Good luck was wished to all riders participating in the challenging Cairns bike ride.

Contributed with thanks to Russell Hall.

Players of both teams with Anna and Brandon Mooney

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With a frosty start to the day turning into a beautifully warm morning, the Ayr Golf Course was filled with dedicated junior golfers ready to take out a win.

The 9-hole gross winner of the day was Oscar with a score of 44, along with the day’s nett winner, Riley with a nett score of 29.

The 6-hole victor was Jett with a gross score of 47, on a count back from Kyle, also with a great score of 47. The nett winner was Ivy with a nett score of 17.

The 3-hole gross winner with Heath, with a score of 21, and the nett winner being Hudson, with a nett score of 5.

The Ayr Golf Course congratulates all its players, and thanks Tracpower for kindly sponsoring the competition for the week, and for the great prizes.

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Local
Last weekend the Burdekin Panthers had three home games against Riverway JCU on Saturday, winning all of them. The Premiers won 2-1, the Under 23s won 2-0 and the Women Premiers won 2-1. The Division 1 team had a bye.

This week the Panthers have four games starting with the Ladies away to Warriors on Wednesday night. The Funkies are at home to Rebels on Friday night and the Premiers and Under 23s are away to Rebels on Saturday.

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers were looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss last week. On top of this, James Cook University (JCU) were only one point behind Burdekin in 4th place. The Panthers started the game focussing on possession but couldn't turn it into goals. JCU looked to catch Burdekin on the counter when right on the stroke of halftime JCU scored one of the better goals you'll see with a first-time volley from outside the 18-yard box. The Panthers came out in the second half determined to get on level terms and within two minutes of the restart Elliot Dal Santo fired in a low, curling cross which the keeper fumbled, and Jay Leckenby pounced on the loose ball to score. The Panthers were now right in the game and Ryan Scodellaro forced a great save from the goalkeeper. With ten minutes to go, JCU couldn't clear the ball from their penalty area and Jay Leckenby scored his second goal to make it 2-1 and the Panthers survived a nervy final minute to hold on for a much-needed win.  

The Burdekin Tyre Service Under 23s had a good team on paper for this home game and were able to follow through with a well-earned win to match the pre-game potential. The Panthers dominated the first half creating enough goal chances to be confident, but for the most part these chances were spurned. It wasn’t until the 36th minute, and again in the 43rd, that Adam Mottin scored what proved to be the match winning goals. In the second half the Panthers were less dominant but were in the box seat and their goal was rarely threatened. It was an important win that hopefully will be the catalyst for a good run into the final third of the season.

The Ayr Anzac Club Ladies started strongly against JCU, and after a string of passes Sienna Lago scored the perfect first goal for the Burdekin side. The Ladies defensive and attacking pressure continued and the Panthers midfield of Charlotte Dal Santo, Charley Ruskin and Kya Quagliata blended together well. The Panthers second goal from a Charley Ruskin corner was scored by Kyla Steiner for a 2-0 lead at half time. After the break JCU attacked ceaselessly but the Panthers defence worked tirelessly to defend their two-goal lead. An unfortunate scramble in the goal box saw JCU score to add pressure to the Burdekin side. The Panthers had countless opportunities to score but unfortunately could not find the back of the net! The 2-1 win was the Ladies first win of the season.

The Under 13 Panthers had a big weekend with a double round leading into the school holiday break. On Saturday they played top of the table Donohue's Warriors, going down 5-0 at Paradise Park. This was a huge improvement on their last match up, with the young Panthers building their plays and showing resilience against the tough competition. Rohan Kelly stepped into a sweeper role and was willing to get his hands dirty to clean up the Warriors attack. Jacob Menso was under pressure in goal but was up to the task.

On Sunday the Panthers were at home against Brothers Blues and came away with a very hard fought 1-0 win. After a good passage of play Tannar Cole scored from a Lincoln Innes pass giving the Panthers a boost of energy to get them through to half time. The Panthers came out in the second half and stood solid in defence until the final whistle. Sam Heatley and William Shears were a standout in defence with Hayden Zandonadi and Tannar Cole also having good games. A well-deserved win and a much needed break for the U13 Panthers.

Juniors
The final round of games before the school holiday break, were played last Saturday with teams from Rebels, Saints, Warriors and JCU Riverway coming down from Townsville to play. We will see everyone back either 13th or 20th of July, stayed tuned to Facebook and emails.

The Burdekin Annual Carnival will be held on Sunday 14th July, so please send in your club team nominations.  If your club team is not able to get together a team and the kids want to play, teams can be combined then.

National and International
In the Asian World Cup Qualifiers, the Socceroos played Palestine in Perth last Tuesday, winning 5-0 and qualifying for the next phase of the Asian World Cup qualifiers.
The Matildas will soon be in France for the Paris Olympics. Their first match will be against Germany on 25th July in Marseille. In other news Sam Kerr has signed up for another two years at Chelsea.
Euro 2024 has kicked off and in the first game Germany thumped Scotland 5-1. There are twenty-four countries competing in six Groups of four with the top two teams in each group, and the four best third placed teams going through to the knockout phase of sixteen teams.

This week’s quote is from Manchester Utd and England Star Bobby Charlton. “It was a fair decision, the penalty, even though it was debatable whether it was inside or outside the box.”

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Putting up a good fight but sadly falling short, the Hens unfortunately took a loss to Western Lions 28 – 16.

The girls sent the ball wide, making exceptional ground with the “speedsters” of the team taking over, however, the Lions outscored the locals by two tries with all of their five tries scored from running up the centre, close to the line.

The Hens did have some setbacks, with star forward Abby King underperforming due to carrying an injury, along with losing Toni Daisy and Margie O’Rourke to injuries.

Before taking to the sidelines, Toni scored a celebrated try early on, and Margie has been commended for being one of the better forwards in recent games.

Tegan Johnson was awarded Players Player due to her outstanding defence out wide, and for diffusing several bombs. Toni, Martina, and Stephanie were also celebrated for scoring tries, along with Logan Roncarto kicking two goals.

In other ladies’ matches, Centrals dominated Brothers 38 – 6 with Charters Towers, Herbert River and Norths all having byes.

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