On Saturday, May 18, 22 people ran, jogged and walked the Plantation parkrun course, of whom four were first timers and another four recorded new Personal Bests.
The event was made possible by volunteers Terry Brennan, Ronda Downs, Rhonda Martin, Flo De Brueys, Stephen Hervey, Harper Anderson and Steve Crouther.
Visit the the Plantation parkrun Results Page for the full results and a complete event history.
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Photos supplied: Plantation parkrun

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One of Australian tennis’ rising stars and Home Hill Tennis Association alumni is competing in Paris after being awarded a main-draw singles wildcard into Roland Garros.
The announcement came before Adam made his top-100 debut in the latest ATP Tour singles rankings after winning an ATP Challenger title in Chinese Taipei, rising 16 places to a career-high world number 95.
The 25-year-old from Home Hill has tallied 32 match wins and contested four ATP Challenger finals so far in 2024, boosting his ranking up more than 70 places since the start of the year.
The in-form young gun has won 14 of his past 18 matches and can’t wait to compete at Roland Garros for the first time.
“This will be my first time at Roland Garros and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to play main draw,” he said.  
Adam’s season highlights include scoring two top-100 victories to qualify at an ATP 250 tournament in Adelaide and making his ATP Masters 1000 main-draw debut at Miami as a qualifier.
He was awarded a main-draw singles wildcards alongside former world No.32 and three-time Grand Slam singles quarterfinalist Ajla Tomljanovic and is set to compete alongside fellow Aussies Alex de Minaur, Jordan Thompson, Alexei Popyrin, Chris O’Connell, Aleksandar Vukic, Rinky Hijikata, Max Purcell and Thanasi Kokkinakis.
The Roland Garros 2024 qualifying competition began on May 20, with main-draw action commencing from May 26.
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Former Home Hill tennis player was awarded main-draw singles wildcards into Roland Garros. Photo supplied

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Local

Last weekend the Burdekin Panthers had just three games. On Friday the Division 1 met Ingham in Townsville and lost 0-4. On Sunday the Premiers and Under 23s were both away to Brothers with the Under 23s winning 3-0 and the Premiers doing very well to draw 1-1. This weekend the Funkies are away to SES in Townsville on Friday night and the Premiers, Under 23s and Ladies are all at home to Warriors on Saturday.

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers having played Brothers twice this year already, with a win and a loss, knew that this game was going to be a close one. Both teams settled into the game well and had decent patches of possession with neither goalkeeper having to do much. With five minutes to go in the first half, Brothers scored to lead 1-0 at half time. The Panthers were determined to cut down on some of their errors and push for an equaliser in the second half, having the better of the chances. As the game started to get physical, Burdekin lifted another level but to no avail. With a last ditch effort from a corner, Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro went up for a header and was fouled in the box giving Burdekin a penalty. Matthew Kolb stepped up with nerves of steel to make it 1-1 with the last kick of the game. A well deserved point on the road as the Panthers look ahead to two home games. 

The Burdekin Tyre Service Under 23s travelled to Brothers with another changed squad due to injury and illness but still a capable side on paper. The Panthers opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when a ball was won at halfway and a good through pass played for Elliot Dal Santo to split the defence and score a good one on one goal. A lead preserved to half time that was certainly against the run of play. The second half started with a wounded Brothers side that came out from the break with some very good passing and movement, but again the Panthers defence was resolute and just kept stopping the attack. Burdekin’s second goal came from a good move involving Ryan Taylor and Jhett Jones with Dal Santo scoring his second goal and his third, and hat trick, came five minutes from a setpiece.

The Austral Masonry Funkies travelled to Townsville to play Ingham on Friday night. Burdekin spent the first ten minutes pinned in their own half as Ingham moved the ball around quickly. Ingham then opened the scoring and doubled their lead after 23 minutes when they were first to a loose ball after a corner. Ingham scored their third almost straight from the kickoff, two minutes later. Burdekin did manage to have some good possession for the rest of the half but couldn’t muster any meaningful attempts on goal. The second half was more even with both teams having periods of control. Unfortunately, Ingham extended their lead in the 68th minute. Burdekin managed to get a few balls in behind the Ingham defence but couldn’t finish any of the chances off. The final score was 4-0 to Ingham. Burdekin play SES in Townsville next Friday night.

The Under13 Panthers went down 6-1 to second place MAO on Saturday at Honeycombe's Park. A solid first half saw the Panthers go into the break 1-0 down. 
Will Shears tapped in a goal mouth scramble early in the second half, but, unfortunately in a recurring theme, the boys couldn’t match it with MAO for the second half and the game got away from them.

The Under 14/15 Panthers came up against Warriors, who are top of the table, on Saturday. Down 0-1at halftime, they had a disappointing 0-6 loss at full time. Special mention to Kashton Ferguson and Cale Bryan both working hard.  Hoping the team can get rid of injury and sickness for a better performance against Brothers this Saturday 25th May.  

Juniors

Another Saturday of fixtures for juniors were played in good conditions but with the sun still making us know it’s there!  A variety of Townsville clubs made their way down for the Under 8’s up. Our club appreciates you all coming down for the Saturday mornings and improving our local competition.  I can see from all the games, training, academy and JDS going on, that there is a marked improvement in our players skills and fitness.  

Some of our local club and JDS teams travel to Townsville this coming Saturday afternoon and Sunday for the Warriors carnival.  Good luck to all teams, do our club proud by playing in the best spirit but also go for those wins!

Masters

The colder weather brought a few more Masters into action and in a preview of the FA Cup Final, ManU beat Manchester City 4-1! Player of the Night was Jonty Davis. The Masters welcome old and new players, Monday nights at International Park, 6.30 kick off.

National and International

On the Socceroos front, there are two games coming up in the Asian World Cup qualifiers. They are away to Bangladesh on 6th June and home to Palestine on 11th June.
The Matildas have two matches against China in the lead up to the Paris Olympics. The first is at home on 31st May in Adelaide and the second, in Sydney on 3rd June. In the Paris Olympics, in their group Games, The Matildas play Germany on 26th July followed by Zambia on 29th July and USA on 1st August.
In the A League, it was the 2nd Leg of the semi-finals. Central Coast Mariners were held to a 0-0 draw at home but qualified, on aggregate, for this week’s Grand Final. They will meet Melbourne Victory who beat Wellington Phoenix 2-1 to win 2-1 on aggregate. The Final will be held at Central Coast’s stadium on Saturday at 7.45.
The EPL wound up on Sunday with both Arsenal and Manchester City winning but with City having won their game in hand it meant that they were Champions again, the fourth time in a row. Arsenal were runners up with Liverpool third, Aston Villa fourth and Angie’s Spurs fifth. At the foot of the table, Burnley, Luton and Sheffield Utd are all relegated.

Germany’s Bundesliga has also wound up with Bayer Leverkusen, champions seventeen points clear of Stuttgart. Bayern drop to third place and Leipzig finish fourth with Dortmund fifth. Leverkusen won twenty eight and drew six of their thirty four games. Darmstadt, Cologne and Bochum are all relegated.

In Italy’s Serie A, with one round left, Inter are already champions, nineteen points ahead of AC Milan who are assured of second place. Bologna and Juventus are contesting third place with Atlanta looking likely to finish fifth. Relegation is a battle with Salernitana and Sassuolo already down plus, possibly Udinese or, Empoli, Frosinone,Verona.

Spain’s La Liga also has one round left. Real Madrid are already champions, twelve points ahead of Barcelona with Girona, four points away in third place. Atletico will finish fourth and Bilbao fifth. At the foot of the table Almeria, Granada and Cadiz ate all relegated.

Finally in France, Ligue 1 has also wound up. PSG are champions nine points clear of Monaco. Brest finished third with Lille fourth and Nice fifth. In the relegation stakes, Clermont and Metz are both relegated.

A big couple of weeks starts on Thursday with the Europa League Final between Atalanta and Leverkusen and on Saturday it is the FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester Utd, plus the Scottish FA Cup Final between the two auld enemies Celtic and Rangers. Then, on Sunday Leeds Utd meet Southampton in the Championship pay off to see who gets promoted to the EPL.

This week’s quote is from Manchester Utd and Northern Ireland Star George Best “In 1969, I gave up women and alcohol – it was the worst 20 minutes of my life”.

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After a bye for all three grades last weekend, the Roosters and Hens will be back on the paddock on Saturday playing Centrals in three grades at Rugby Park.
The Tigers come to Ayr just above the Roosters in A grade with one win, three losses and two byes to the Roosters one win, four losses and one bye.
Last Saturday, the Tigers were well beaten by the high flying Souths at the sports reserve 64 – 16.
In comparison, the Roosters have met Souths twice in the draw going down on both occasions 40 – 22 in Townsville and 46 – 20 at home.
On both occasions, the Roosters have held handy leads only to be run down twice.
Coach Steve Lansley said his team is not concentrating enough on the task at hand and that is why the drop off.
“We know we can do it as we did against Brothers, pay attention for the 80 minutes and the game is ours,” the coach said.
Lansley is looking at putting out the smallest half combination in the league with Rhett Williams going to half and Hayde Munro to five eight.
Hayde was one of the better players in the Towers and I have watched Rhett and I think he could give good service as he has a good pass, is fairly quick and defends well.
This week will see the return of Hayden Lammon after six weeks suspension.
The coach saw Lammon play Brothers in Airlie Beach and was impressed with him at both centre and in the forwards.
The coach has to wait on the allocation of Hawks and Cowboys players before he can name his team.
Chris Perry from the Reserves will also be seeing who he has from A Grade this week in an important match with the Tigers.
Centrals have been the high flyers in this grade this year but were belted by Souths in Townsville 42 – 6 last Saturday.
They come to Ayr with four wins, a loss and a bye to meet the Roosters with three wins, a draw, a loss and a bye.
The Roosters beat Souths in Townsville 26 – 24.
Mark Cervoni should be back this week from injury, and he adds plenty to the pack while Jerome Lacco will stop anybody near him.
Brody Horan, Kyle Ferguson, John Zaro, Beau Crowdey, Jared Thorley, Dom Arrate and Wassime Nauwali are all players who could turn the tide.
On top of that, Riley Horan could be back in the centres and he is a match winner.
Perry will also want to have another look at Paul Bunyungun who looked good in the Towers.
The Hens will have a top of the table clash with Centrals who come to Ayr having won three from three with three byes thrown in as well.
Their three wins have been a 74 nil romp over Norths, 20 – 12 over Brothers and 18 – 16 over Western Lions.
They have a fairly big side with some experienced players.
The Hens, under experienced Australian Touch coach Anita Hagarty, are letting the ball do the work and as a result have scored a 60 – 6 win over the Miners and a 40 – 10 win over Brothers.
Their only loss coupled with three byes has been the first game with Western Lions when they went down 44 – 12.
Since then, they have added some extra players with size and ability in Theo Mosby Nona, Anna Mari Bin Awel, Taleisha Bulgarelli, Abby King and Toni Daisy.
If they can get a fair share of the ball then the Monday twins, Stephanie and Martina, with Toni Daisy, Logan Roncato and Kezziah Lammon could score tries.
There will be a short break before the A grade when the Roosters Old Boys will be honoured, especially the 1994 under 19 and reserve grade premiers, the first in the RLTD – flick to page 27 for more.
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Contributed by Brian Carnes

Hayde Munro, Jones Munro and Hayden Lammon in replica jerseys marking the 30th year Burdekin has played competitive football in Townsville as a club side
Hayde Munro, Chris Perry and Jones Munro (great uncle and nephews)
Photos supplied

The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club celebrated another season of success on Saturday night at their annual club presentation night. This year the club had a joined event where both the Junior and Senior members came together to recognise the contribution of members to the club in all areas of service including surf sports, volunteering/community service and patrolling. The club would like to thank all sponsors for the evening, perpetual and memorial trophy families and life members for their continued support. The patrolling season has come to an end over the May Day long weekend and the Ayr Surf Club will return to volunteer patrols in September. They are looking at conducting a Bronze Medallion and training Course over the next couple of months, so if you are interested, please contact the administrator ayrslsc@gmail.com or Kellie Lawry.

Junior Age Champions L-R: Parker Bonato, Isla Chapman, Emma Jones, Billie Gibson, Lewis Bonato, Lola Gibson, Briella Wassmuth, Torah Giddy, Toby Hatherell, Eliza Hayllor, Charlotte Dale and Mia Wicks. Absent: Jude Lawry, Ryan Irvine and Nate Giddy. Photo supplied

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Ayr Surf Life Saving Club
Presentation Night

Junior Presentations
Age Champions:
U6 - Eliza Hayllor, U7 - Torah Giddy & Jude Lawry, U8 - Toby Hatherell, U9 - Lola Gibson & Ryan Irvine, U10 - Charlotte Dale & Lewis Bonato, U11 - Mia Wicks, U12 - Emma Jones & Nate Giddy, U13 - Briella Wassmuth & Parker Bonato, U14 - Isla Chapman & Billy Gibson
The Bill Blakey Memorial Trophy for Junior Male & Female Best Trier - Harrison Sartori & Lola Gibson
Open Male & Female Best Trier - Zachary Dale & Milla Chapman
Encouragement Awards - Oscar Hayllor & Jake Sartori
The Burdekin Swim School Best Male & Female Open Water Swimmer (Sponsored by John & Lisa Furnell) - Parker Bonato & Isla Chapman
The Bevan and Treena List Perpetual Trophy Open Ironman & Ironmaiden - Zachary Dale & Isla Chapman
The Bennett Family Memorial Trophy for The Junior Champions: Lewis Bonato & Taylor Chapman
Senior Champions - Parker Bonato & Isla Chapman
The JR Benvenuti Memorial Trophy Most Improved Junior - Alexandra Moloney
The Roy & Bev Young Perpetual Trophy Most Improved Open - Cole Pontifex
Robbie & Joyce Great Perpetual Trophy Most Points at Carnivals - Milla Chapman
Bob & Bev Andrews Perpetual Trophy Most Promising Junior - Taylor Chapman & Charlotte Dale
Junior Long Service Award - Bella Lawry
Jack Satori Memorial Trophy Most Consistent All Rounder - Isla Chapman
Margaret Webber Memorial Trophy Junior Life Saver of the Year - Bella Lawry

Senior Presentations
Age Champions:
U15 – Ryley Sartori, U17 – Sophia Moloney, Female Master Champion (Donated by Robin Bennett) – Kristy Wassmuth, Male Master Champion (Donated By Bevan & Treena List) – John Moloney & Jimmy Hayllor, Winn Family Trophy for Female Open Champion (Donated by John and Rosemarie Winn) – Kristy Wassmuth, Mr & Mrs Jack Vernon Memorial for Male Open Champion (Donated by Hockey & Carol Vernon) – Josh Furnell
Open Ironwoman - Kristy Wassmuth & Open Ironman - John Moloney
Don Johnson Memorial Official of the Year (Donated by the Johnson Family) – Steph Dale
Contribution to Surf Rescue (Donated by Furnell Family) – Ben & Kellie Lawry
Jim Great Memorial for Most Efficient Patrol Member (Donated by Robbie & Joyce Great) – Bella Lawry (152hrs)
Patrol Group of the Year – Group D – Ben Lawry, Kellie Lawry, Kristy Wassmuth, Danica Archibald, Sharlie Archibald, Lisa Vivian, Mia Vivian & Bella Lawry
Kevin (Keg) Helander Memorial for Club Member for Outstanding Services – (Donated by the Helander Family) – Kellie Lawry
Sam Johnson Memorial for Most Active Club Member (Donated by the Johnson Family) – Jimmy Hayllor
June Galbraith Memorial Encouragement Award (Donated by the Galbraith Family) – Sophia Moloney
Lifesaver of the Year (Donated by Chappell Family) – Ben Lawry
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Contributed by Kellie Lawry

The Bennett Family Memorial Trophy for Junior Champions - Lewis Bonato and Taylor Chapman presented by John Winn and Ben Lawry
Senior Champions - Parker Bonato and Isla Chapman with Ben Lawry
Margaret Webber Memorial Trophy for Junior Life Saver of the Year - Bella Lawry presented by Paul Webber
Don Johnson Memorial Official of the Year - Steph Dale presented by James Kennedy
Lifesaver of the Year (donated by the Chappell Family) - Ben Lawry presented by Mr Chappell
Life Members back L-R: Lisa Furnell, Roy Young, Terry Lund and James Kennedy. Front L-R Linda Scott, Treena List, Robbie Great, Hockey Vernon (patron) and John Winn
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Photos supplied

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Things are certainly heating up at Ayr Bowling with both social and competition bowls featuring this week.  
Monday saw a competition B Singles game.  It was a good contest with Heather Jorgensen def Lorraine Wolffe. On Tuesday, Social Ladies had a great day with Triples played. Isabel Cislowski, Beryl Cornford and Pam Power def Karen Shepherd, Linda Guimelli and Mary Poli. Raylene Hervey, Joy Comollatti and Heather Jorgensen def Katharina Stuckler, Betty Schultz and Irene Wilson.  
On Wednesday, Mixed Social Bowls was held during the day. There were three games of Triples and one game of Pairs. Winners were Jimmy Murray, Dino Poli and Ron Soper def Mick Murison, Vince Beitia and Barry Shepherd.  
On Wednesday, some of our ladies went to play at Brandon Bowls Club, sponsored by Queensland Country Bank, celebrating the ladies’ 69th birthday. Congratulations to Ruth Moore, Sandra Darwen and Pam Power who won overall on the day.
The Ladies had a great competition day on Thursday. We had a close game in the final of the Open Singles with Pam Power just defeating Dot Cutting. Congratulations to Pam. In the B Singles, Robyn McAllister def Katharina Stuckler. 
Saturday saw five games of triples with Rob Garner, Bob Young and Ron Soper coming out the winners. Runners Up were Lorraine Wolffe, Margaret Chapman and Maurice Power.
Results of competition games – B Grade Singles - V. Beitia def J. Hall and in the B Grade Pairs Bob Young/Col Essex def Rob Garner/Wayne Coonan.
Upcoming Championship games – Sunday May 26 – Championship Singles – M. Power v J. Grabbi (marker – L. Stidson).  Championship Pairs – C. Pearce/G.Pearce v D. Poli/M. Milan (pending NQ Singles).  B Grade Singles – J. Hall v J. Pirrone (marker – V. Beitia).
Contact Ayr Bowling Club for more information. Location: 101 Young Street, Ayr, Queensland 4807; Phone Number: (07) 4783 1336; Facebook Page: Ayr Bowling Club.
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Contributed by Anthony Bull

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A Grade Ladies' Winner and Runner Up Pam Power and Dot Cutting

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The Cross Fire Youth Group from Burdekin Christian Church decided to have a fun night of playing bocce on Friday night at the Burdekin Bocce Club and they had a blast of a time.
There was a little bit of friendly banter going on and lots of laughs.  
The group showed great teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the night with a lot of clutch moments.
It was a first time for many in the group.  
They are thankful to the Bocce Committee for this opportunity to engage in an Italian traditional sport, especially for some who have Italian heritage.
The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and they are keen to do it again!
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Contributed by Regina Lequerica

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The Cross Fire Youth Group from Burdekin Christian Church took part in Bocce last week.
Joshua Fowler in action
Photo credit: Rick Angelo

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Local

Last weekend the Burdekin Panthers had just three games. On Friday the Division 1 were at home to Estates and lost 2-3 and on Saturday the Panthers had two home games against Olympic.  The Under 23s drew 2-2 the Premiers lost 1-3 and the Ladies forfeited their match against Olympic. This week the Panthers have four away matches. On Friday night The Division 1 Funkies play Ingham in Townsville then, on Sunday the Premiers, Under 23s and Ladies meet Brothers, also in Townsville.

The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers had not played MAO yet this season and the Panthers were keen to test themselves against the top of the table team. The game got off to the worst possible start when after only two minutes MAO found the back of the net with a venomous volley. Olympic doubled their lead on the 30th minute and scored again in the 40th to make it 3-0. Right on the stroke of half time, after a well placed ball from Kai Goodman, Jay Leckenby found the back of the net with a thunderous strike to make it 3-1 at half time. The second half was much improved for the Panthers, reducing the number of long balls, Burdekin dominated for long periods and could well have scored another goal but couldn’t find the back of the net to set up a tense finish. With no goals in the second half the game ended with a 3-1win to Olympic.

The Burdekin Tyre Service Under 23s came to this game on the back of a good training week and the strongest squad yet assembled this season. Confidence was high in putting in a good showing against the competition leaders. This confidence was well founded with an excellent start to the match, constant possession and goal scoring chances were being created. By the 36th minute Burdekin was 2-0 up with goals from Kai Goodman and Jack Shears. Half time talk was positive and the second half resumed with a continuance of the good football already played. MAO applied more pressure and for a disappointing ten minutes the Panthers lost control of the game and allowed Olympic to score two quick goals. Burdekin rallied in the last fifteen minutes and created more chances to score but just could not get the result any better than the draw. The reality is, the Panthers had a good result by drawing against the ladder leaders, but there was definite disappointment that they had not got the win they deserved.

The Austral Masonry Funkies played Estates FC Navy on Friday night at International Park, losing 2-3. Burdekin were the better team for most of the first half but couldn’t turn this pressure into goals. Estates did manage to get in behind the Burdekin defence a couple of times but some excellent cover defence by James Dwyer snuffed out any chance of a goal. The score remained 0-0 at the half time break. The second half was more even with both teams having chances. Estates took the lead in the 74th minutes with a long range shot dipping in over the keeper. The Funkies struck back with Chris Achille scoring from inside the box. Burdekin took the lead in the 82nd minute when Chris Achille scored his second. However, the lead was very short lived as Estates scored directly after the kickoff to make it 2-2. The Funkies had a chance to take the lead again but failed to score from a penalty. The game looked to be headed for a draw, but Estates scored in the 3rd minute of extra time to regain the lead.

The Under13 Panthers had a day to forget at Honeycombes Park going down 12-1 to Warriors on Saturday. The team failed to’ turn up’ and the score reflected that. The goal scorer for Panthers was Will Shears. On Sunday the Under 13 Panthers travelled to Townsville to take on Brothers going down 6-1. Burdekin dug deep in the first half to stay in it but a lack of fitness saw the Panthers effort fade late in the second half and brothers made them pay. The Panthers goal scorer was Lincoln Innes

The Under 14/15 played MAO Maroon on Saturday and after being a goal down at half time lost momentum in the second half, and disappointingly lost 0-8.  On Sunday they played MAO Blue and in a much better performance lost 0-1 when they conceded a goal in the final seconds of the match. They play top of the table Osmac Warriors Green on Saturday in Townsville at 2:45pm.  Shoutout to Zack Durrant, Max Kelly & Angus Innes who refereed the Schoolboys/Schoolgirls games after their Sunday game and to Shaize Christie for helping in the Canteen.  

Juniors

It was another great morning on Saturday for Juniors with teams from Warriors, Estates and Wulguru coming down from Townsville.  It is great to hear the positive feedback from Townsville teams of how our Saturdays are going.  Did you all see the new Burdekin Pink Panthers banners outside the clubhouse? How good!

The junior girls had fun during Female Football week, with bowls and dinner on Tuesday night, training Wednesday night and a three way game on Saturday afternoon, all including the senior women.  Not enough thanks can be given to Sian Reardon for organising it all!

Ayr also held the Burdekin schoolboys and schoolgirls soccer trials on Sunday and Monday.  The weather was great and so was the level of play.  The Burdekin teams played amazingly well and really held their own and were often better against all the opposition.

Masters

Had a better turnout and in match full of action, and dodgy refereeing, Arsenal beat Manchester City 5-2. Bryce Davis was the Player of the Night. Now that it is cooler the Masters are hoping for a few more players escaping domesticity.

National and International

On the Socceroos front, there are two games coming up in the Asian World Cup qualifiers. They are away to Bangladesh on 6th June and home to Palestine on 11th June.

The Matildas have two matches against China in the lead up to the Paris Olympics. The first is at home on 31st May in Adelaide and the second, in Sydney on 3rd June. In the Paris Olympics, in their group Games, The Matildas play Germany on 26th July followed by Zambia on 29th July and USA on 1st August.

In the A League, Central Coast had a good week. On Wednesday they beat Adelaide 2-0 at home, to secure the minor premiership and then, on Saturday in the 1st leg of the semi-finals they travelled to Sydney FC and won 2-1. In the other semi-final Wellington Phoenix did well to draw 0-0 away to Melbourne Victory. The 2nd leg of the semi-finals will be played on Saturday.

In the EPL, with two rounds left Arsenal lead Manchester City by one point, although they have only one match left. Man City is away to Spurs and home to West Ham and Arsenal is at home to Everton. Liverpool is now out of contention. Aston Villa and Spurs stay in fourth and fifth place. At the foot of the table, Burnley and Luton will accompany Sheffield Utd down into the Championship.

In Germany’s Bundesliga with just one round left Leverkusen are already champions. Second placed Bayern need one point from their last game to secure second place from Stuttgart. Leipzig and Dortmund are assured of fourth and fifth places. At the foot of the table, Darmstadt and Cologne are already relegated together with either Union Berlin, Mainz or Bochum.

In Italy’s Serie A, with two rounds left, Inter are already champions with AC Milan assured of second place. Bologna and Juventus are contesting third place with Atlanta looking likely to finish fifth. Relegation is a battle with Salernitana already gone together with two others from Udinese, Empoli, Sassuolo, Frosinone and Cagliari.

In Spain’s La Liga, with three rounds left Real Madrid are already champions with second placed Girona two points ahead of Barcelona. Atletico is a further three points away in fourth place with Bilbao certain to finish in fifth place. At the foot of the table Almeria and Granada are already relegated and Cadiz will probably accompany them.

Finally in France, PSG are champions with two rounds left.  Monaco will finish second while Lille and Brest battle it out for third place. Nice looks likely to finish fifth. In the relegation stakes, Clermont and Lorient are already down and Metz looks most like to join them.

In the Europe Champions League, the second leg of the semi-finals were played last week. Real Madrid beat Bayern 2-1 to win 4-3 on aggregate and Dortmund won 1- 0 away to PSGs to go through 2-0 on aggregate. The final will be played at Wembley on Sunday 2nd June.

This week’s quote is from Dutch Maestro Johan Cruyff. “ Soccer is simple, but it is difficult to play simple.”

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Ayr Junior Golf had 16 juniors turn up last weekend for the May Monthly Medal. Winners for the 3, 6 and 9 holes were Gabriella Cahill, Logan McKeough and Celine Baine. A special thanks to Dave for coming out and helping the juniors with their putting. Opie McKeough took out Dave's Putt Challenge which was kindly donated by Dave himself. A special mention goes to Ethan Pengally with a cracking drive down fairway 7.

Contributed by Kristina Land

Gabriella Cahill, Logan McKeough and Celine Bain
Logan Mckeough, Kyle Wilkie and Riley Dobe
Photos supplied

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The Burdekin Roosters went close to raining on the Miners’ big day in Charters Towers on Saturday when they won two of the three games contested in the RLTD.
Saturday was Ladies Day for the Miners and was a huge day for the Towers club with well over 150 ladies enjoying themselves for their annual day.
The visiting Roosters had the Ladies looking for more champers when the coastal Hens showed the Lady Miners how to play the game scoring 11 tries and kicking 8 goals in a 60 – 6 romp.
If that wasn’t enough, more bubbles were added to the champers when the Roosters reserve graders put the shovel through the Miners to win the reserve grade by 32 – 18.
They say good things come in threes but unfortunately for the Roosters that wasn’t to be with the Miners A Graders giving some joy to their supporters by taking A Grade 30 – 10.
The Roosters had the western city supporters wondering though when they scored a try early through winger Patrick Krause to lead 4 nil and hold that till the break with both teams playing some good footy with slick passing and good defence.
Two high up and unders early first session had the Burdekin boys scrambling for the ball with the Miners taking advantage of their jumping ability to score and for the first time lead the match at 12 to 4.
That seemed to slow the visitors down and give the locals more confidence to score three more tries and lead 30 – 4 before the Roosters came back to score a late try through Nelson Kennedy converted by Dylan Doak to have the final score 30 – 10 to the Miners.
Coach Steve Lansley said his team did the same as they have been doing and that is concentrate for the first half and then let the second half slip.
The coach said we have the players, but we have to concentrate the whole period and not go off to sleep mid match.
Lansley said the Miners are a good side and have been bolstered by a few returning young Blackhawks who are pretty fit.
“I thought Nemia Nawave had a good game on the wing and was unlucky not no cross with Rhett Williams playing well above his weight,” the coach said.
Lansley though thought Hayde Munro was outstanding at half coming back from the Under 19 Hawks and Tate Brombal gave of his best with an 80 minute effort.
“We know we can play good footy for the entire match as we did in defeating Brothers but we have to be consistent for the whole period,” the coach added.
Patrick Krause was the lone try scorer.
Although they went west and Terry Connors scored tries with only 17 players, the reserves played good full period footy to down a much bigger Miners team by 32 – 18.
Coach Chris Perry said his boys had played good footy despite being down a couple of troops defending their line well for long periods with at times brutal defence.
Perry added that one tackle by Jerome Lacco had the Ladies taking an extra sip of champagne was so hard it could be heard around the ground.
The coach said that Brady Horan was his best player, and it was agreed by his team as they voted him players’ player.
Perry added we did not have a bad player with Jared Thorley again a standout and John Zaro while Wassime Mauhli took it up all day and Beau Crowdey and Dom Arratte played their honest games.
The coach added he also like new player Paul Bunnenjan.
Braithen Heron, Dom Arrate, Beau Crowdey, Brady Horan and Terry Connors scored tries with Dim Arrate kicking 4 goals.
The Burdekin Hens started off the day well beating the Lady Miners 60 – 6 in a totally one-sided affair.
In total the Burdekin girls crossed for 11 tries while converting 8 of them.
In their last two matches they have scored 100 points giving away 16 after previously beating Brothers 40 – 10.
The Miners were a bigger side but the fleet footed Hens threw the ball around to have them groping at mid-air most of the time.
Theo Mosby Nona and Anna Maria Bin Awel made the ground up the middle given good ball by Logan Roncato with the Monday twins far too quick outside, Martina scoring 4 tries and Stephanie 2.
There were a number of girls who had good games and they will have to repeat that when they meet the strong Centrals Tigers at Rugby Park on Sat May 25.
Those to cross for tries were Martina Monday 4, Stephanie Monday 2, Logan Roncato 2, Abby King, Theo Mosby Nona, Anna Maria Bin Awel ... Soleil Heron kicked 4 goals with two each to Logan Roncato and Stephanie Monday,
There will be no Club football for the Roosters and Hens next weekend  with all three teams having byes.

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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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Round 2 week 1- 09/05:
Nat II v Nat I at the National 8-2
Crushers v Cougars at the Ayr 7-3
Falcons v Ants at the Anzac 6-4
Bombers had the bye 10 points

Points:
Nat II - 61, Crushers - 57, Falcons - 50, Nat I - 46, Cougars - 41, Ants - 40 and Bombers 25

Games for Thursday 16/05
Falcons v Nat I at Anzac, Bombers v Ants at Queens, Nat II v Cougars at National and Crushers have the bye
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Contributed by Kerry Davison

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National I

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Sugar Bowl famous defending champions Dallan and Kurtis Gavey have been training to top A Grade once again in their team, the Teabags, and 2023 B Grade champions, Ian Gould’s Golden Aces, competed to defend their title in the A2 Grade for 2024’s event. However, across all divisions, each team was out to take home the legendary Woods Team Spirit Award, named after David Woods, the inaugural captain of the Teaspoons.

Matches kicked off from 8am on Saturday and concluded around 2pm Monday afternoon and in anticipation of the competition, members had been busily tending to their facilities to ensure they’re in first class condition. Numerous working bees were scheduled to prepare the tennis courts across Giru, Home Hill, and Ayr months in advance with fresh coats of paint, and general repairs carried out by volunteers.

The weekend brought over 300 visitors to the region, and the 2024 Sugar Bowl saw a coffee stall stationed at the entrance of the Home Hill Tennis Courts as well as the annually celebrated array of delicious foods including home baked cakes and slices generously donated by members of the community.

After matches concluded on Sunday evening, the community was invited to come along to enjoy dinner and live music with the talents of Tammy Moxom on show from 5pm, and the Teaspoons’ preparations of roast pork rolls on sale along with other tasty treats.

Life members, event sponsors, past and present members, and the Burdekin community attended the competition over the weekend as well as the Monday afternoon presentations to conclude the spectacular weekend. Event organiser, Kate Caswell, believes the event holds a special place in the Burdekin community, with many players participating each year for both the social and competitive appeal.

“Some of the teams that started off as Home Hill teams often have only one or two people in the team who live in Home Hill today but are full of their mates that live all over Queensland,” expressed Kate.

“Some teams are full of siblings, cousins, second cousins and even father and sons or mothers and daughters, and this is what is special about the Sugar Bowl.

“One of my favourite memories was playing in A grade side with daughter Hannah when she was just 12 playing another mother and daughter team Joan Baillie and Lyn Campbell. That special moment has stayed with me for all these years. It was on Saturday afternoon on Court 6 in Ayr.”

The Ayr, Home Hill and Giru Tennis Associations would like to extend their gratitude and warm thanks to all its volunteers, sponsors, and donors for their generous contributions to the 2024 Sugar Bowl.

"The fact that this event has kept on going for 43 year tells me that we have the format right and what's most important is the camaraderie, friendship and sportsmanship," explained Kate.

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100-year-old Life Member Karl Rummeny came down to say hi to his former team members and family the Bojack clan Scott, Alec, Byrin and Archie 

James Casswell Shoeys and Joel Hanson Duece Bags had a competition within the Sugar Bowl for the Shoe Bags Cup with the Shoeys having a win this year.

Kate and Hannah Caswell with Michael Kern from Col's Crew

Sophie Rickards Ace Ace Babies

Photos supplied

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Kylie Newman has held a racquet at the Burdekin Sugar Bowl since she was 14 years old, an event she has always admired since being coached by the competition’s founders, Lex and Pat Anderson. With a family love for the sport, Kylie reminisces on watching her parents play in the annual Sugar Bowl event, eagerly waiting on the sidelines until she was old enough to join a team herself.

“My whole family plays tennis, and both my parents were in a Sugar Bowl team each year, and I always knew it was a great weekend that I always wanted to play in,” expressed Kylie.

Once Kylie turned 14, she joined a B Grade Sugar Bowl team captained by Rosie Hanson. Running a full circle, Kylie stands as the current captain of 20 years of Rosie’s team, with many of the original players still making the trip back to the Burdekin each year from as far as Brisbane to join in on the Sugar Bowl event.

“Rosie would always give the younger players a go in her team and that’s where we’d get our start, and then as we’d become better players, we would graduate on to join a different team,” explained Kylie.

“The original team was handed to a number of different ladies, and one of them was Tanya Bartlet, and when she moved away, she passed the team to me, and I’ve had it ever since.”

The team has become a family affair with Kylie’s sister and cousins continuing the Stockdale and Davies’ passion for tennis. Like many participants in the Burdekin Sugar Bowl, Kylie looks forward to the event each year for the social aspects more so than the competition.

“Our team is made up of a lovely group of ladies, and we don’t see each other any other time of the year than the Sugar Bowl, and we always have a great catch up over the 3 days.

“I love that you can play a session, be terrible, and it doesn’t matter because every session you start fresh, and the Sugar Bowl is all played in great spirits, and Lex and Pat were always great advocates for good sportsmanship and the friendships that are developed in playing tennis, and the Sugar Bowl is such a wonderful representation of their legacy.”

Many of the event’s organisers commend Kylie for her sportsmanship and captaincy abilities. 30 years on from Kylie’s first Sugar Bowl match, she still rides the highs of her own wins as well as celebrating her friends and family’s achievements, however, if there’s no trophy in her hands at the end of a competition, Kylie swears it’s due to her long-standing vendetta against the Home Hill winds.

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Cousin photo Brooke Davies and Kylie Newman 
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Five members of the Davies family make up the Post Card Lifers team! Photos supplied

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One of the Burdekin Sugar Bowl’s most celebrated teams, the Teabags, have stood undefeated for over 16 years. Established in 2010, the team consists of 8 – 9 players spread across Queensland, with each member looking forward to their annual catch up in the Burdekin to reminisce on the past 12 months and make new memories.

“Our team’s success is credit to Kate Casswell, Steve Sunderland, Lex and Pat Anderson for all they have done, and it’s been great to see the Teabags boys turn from kids to fathers,” expressed Teabags’ captain, Bruce Butler.

“It’s good to see the captains each year like Scott Kittle, Andrew Casswell, Troy Debondi, and Will Fraser because it’s the teams that make the Sugar Bowl, and we’re all great friends on and off the court.”

Described as socialites within the tennis community, the Teabags stand as a team always bringing the laughs on and off the court whilst exuding exceptional A Grade tennis talent.

“When anyone gets to the high grades of any sports, players become very serious, and these fellas still take the Sugar Bowl seriously but also really make a social weekend out of the competition; they’re really good value and a top team,” explained Ayr Tennis Association president, Robert Slatcher.

One of the team’s founding members, Dallan Garvey, has been swinging his racquet with many of the Teabags since 2008.

“I’ve been playing with a lot of the guys since we were in the under 10s division, and we’re all best mates who’ve all known each other, and played tennis together for 20 years,” said Dallan.

“We all chat to each other at least once a week, and the Sugar Bowl is such a great chance to catch up, it’s what brings us all together again.”

Coming from all areas of the state, the Teabags cannot commit to team training in the lead up to the annual competition, and many of the members don’t pick up a racquet until the Sugar Bowl each year. However, they believe their continued success is owed to their comradery and friendship above all else.

“As much as it is tennis, we come back each year to have a beer with the boys and almost every year there’s a congratulations moment because someone has had a kid, and it’s just about getting all of us best mates together, and that’s really how we’ve been so successful,” expressed Dallan.

“You’re definitely there to win when you’re on the court, but it’s all just party hard, play harder.”

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The Garvey Family who make up the Teabags Team. Photo supplied

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The Burdekin Torpedoes hit the pool for the last time this season on ANZAC Day with the club championships being held at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre. It was a celebration of some great swimming over the season and on the day; with Age champions being awarded and some prestigious Club Awards.

The pool was pumping with some dance tunes and with Mick McConnachie showing the younger generations some groovin' dance moves on pool deck the stage was set for some fast, fun swimming. 

Club Records were also up for the swimmers to beat and on the day, two were broken by Millie Lyne in the 14yo Girls 50m & 100m Breaststroke. Breaking the 50m record set back in 2016 by 4.9s and breaking the 100m record set back in 1982 by 3.9s.

Club president Ned Bonato and Vice president Gavin Wight presented the swimmers with their awards and thanked the families and swimmers for a fantastic season and are looking forward to the upcoming season after a well-earned winter break.

AGE CHAMPIONS: 
7yo Girls: 1st Adele Mial, 2nd Keely Watson
8yo Girls: 1st Kryssa Mial, 2nd Adelyn Tapiolas
9yo Girls: 1st Ellanah Searle, 2nd Evie Totorica
10yo Girls: 1st Maddison Searle, 2nd Taylor Chapman
11yo Girls: 1st Arabella Sangiuliano, 2nd Harper Nucifora
12yo Girls: 1st Milla Chapman, 2nd Talea Leilua-Kava
13yo Girls: 1st Gabriella Mottin
14yo Girls: 1st Millie Lyne, 2nd Isla Chapman
16yo Girls: 1st Zoe Bonanno
17yo & over: Heather Desbois

10yo Boys: 1st Nash Christie, 2nd Lincoln Bonnano
11yo Boys: 1st Chase Nucifora
12yo Boys: 1st Nate Giddy, 2nd Brax Wight
13yo Boys: 1st Parker Bonato, 2nd Joe Pappalardo
16yo Boys: 1st David Mottin, 2nd Cruz Torkington

CLUB AWARDS: 
2024 Dick Rossiter Memorial Trophy (Highest points Female) - Madison Searle & Arabella Sangiuliano (122points)
2024 Dick Rossiter Memorial Trophy (Highest points Male) - Brax Wight (124 points)
2024 Jenney Logan Memorial Trophy (Highest overall points) - Brax Wight (124 points)
2024 John Jackson Memorial Fastest Female 100m Freestyle - Millie Lyne - 1:04.65
2024 John Jackson Memorial Fastest Male 100m Freestyle - John McKaig - 57.55
2024 Torkington Carnival Cup (Highest Points form SNQ Carnivals) - Millie Lyne (28points)
Roy Chapman Memorial Trophy - Clubman 2024 - Frank Nucifora. 

Contributed by Kate Lyne

Burdekin Torpedoes made waves and broke records at the ANZAC Day Club Championships. Images supplied

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