Inclement weather brought a premature end to the Watts Shield intertown cricket competition in Bowen over the weekend where two teams featuring players from the Burdekin were vying for the 2024 B Grade title.

Teams from the Burdekin, Bowen, Proserpine and further afield competed in the two-day tournament, which was scheduled to take place from Saturday, January 13 to Sunday, January 14.

Horny Bulls A got their weekend off to a flying start in their first game, scoring 4/231 thanks to unbeaten half centuries from Dan Olditch (53) and Aaron Elphinstone (50), before bowling out opponents Raiders Old Boys for 117.

In the team’s second game, an unbeaten 51 from Ross Wilkie and 46 from Alex Scalia helped the team to 5/246, bowling out opponents Wet n Wobbly for just 89 to secure their second win of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Horny Bulls Z made a total of 190 in their first game, ultimately going down against Wet n Wobbly.

They made 131 in their second game, with contributions from George McLees (50 not out), Joey Southwell (31) and Scott Richards (20), falling short of opponents On the Pull who were bowled out for 201.

Both teams were scheduled to play their third and final games before finals on Sunday morning, with the heavens opening up 12 overs into the morning games.

With two wins, Horny Bulls A found themselves in contention for a finals berth, however all remaining games for the weekend were washed out after heavy rain.

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Horny Bulls A

Horny Bulls Z batting against On the Pull

Photo credit: Tiffany Olditch

Queensland Cricket hosted the Burdekin's first Girls-Only Wet'n'Wild Cricket School Holiday Program last Friday, January 12, providing girls aged five to 12 with the perfect opportunity to learn about cricket in a fun environment.

Held at Burdekin Aquatic Centre, the program invited 16 participants to take part in activities and games including classic catches in the pool, hitting water balloons with cricket bats and red light, green light.

“This encourages girls to come down and play because we’ve got water balloons, we’ve got a pool and the water park, so it encourages girls to play cricket and hopefully they fall in love with it,” said Casual Cricket Coach Taylah Rix.

“The game’s growing, more girls are getting into cricket and as you see on the TV, the WBBL and women’s international teams have come so far, so it’s all about getting girls involved in cricket and building the game even bigger.

“When I was growing up, I didn’t have anything like this.

“I started when I was in grade 6, just playing the game, but with these events, you get to come down and get a little taste of what it’s like to play cricket which is really good.”

Ms Rix and Participation Officer Antony Stewart also held a Girls-Only Wet'n'Wild Cricket session in Charters Towers on Monday.

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16 local girls took part in Queensland Cricket’s Girls-Only Wet'n'Wild Cricket School Holiday Program last Friday. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The ML Partners Burdekin Sprint meet was hosted at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre on Saturday January 13 and saw 167 swimmers from 15 clubs across North Queensland participating in the event, including teams from as far as Mackay and Charters Towers.

The event was well supported by local sponsors who made it possible to put on a seamless showing and showcased some amazing swimmers and some very exciting Dash for Cash swims at the end of the evening.

The Burdekin Torpedoes had a team of 17 swimmers ageing from 8-54 years, with some enjoying their first official swim meet and learning from the more experienced swimmers including John McKaig who brought along his Masters World Championship Swimming medals he won last year in Japan.

Led by coaches Kim and Mick McConnachie, the Burdekin Torpedoes had a great meet with the younger brigade putting up some great personal best times.

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Back Row L-R: Brax Wright, Blake Jorgensen, Maddison Searle, Arabella Sangiuliano, John McKaig, Makayla Pirrone, Mick McConnachie (Coach) and Kim McConnachie (Coach). Front row L-R: Kryssa Mial, Ellanah Searle, Maddie Populin, Evie Totorica, Miley Totorica, Koa Wright, Millie Lyne, Parker Bonato and Lewis Bonato. Absent: Nash Christie. Photo credit: Rina Totorica

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Burdekin Sprint 2024

Results From Local Swimmers

Lewis Bonato (9yo Men) - 2nd 50m Freestyle, 1st 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 3rd 50m Butterfly

Parker Bonato (12yo Men) - 3rd 50m Freestyle, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke

Millie Lyne (13yo Women) - 3rd 50m Freestyle, 3rd 50m Backstroke, 1st 50m Breaststroke, 3rd 50m Butterfly

John McKaig (open Men) - 2nd 50m Freestyle, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 1st 50m Butterfly

Makayla Pirrone (14yo Women) - 1st 50m Freestyle, 1st 50m Backstroke, 1st 50m Breaststroke, 1st 50m Butterfly

Arabella Sangiuliano (11yo Women) - 2nd 50m Freestyle

Ellanah Searle (8yo Women) - 1st 50m Freestyle, 1st 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Butterfly

Maddison Searle (9yo Women) - 1st 50m Freestyle, 1st 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 1st 50m Butterfly

Evie Totorica (8yo Women) - 3rd 50m Freestyle, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 3rd 50m Breaststroke, 1st 50m Butterfly

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Continued from page 32

At the ML Partners Burdekin Sprint, Burdekin Torpedoes President Ned Bonato thanked all attending clubs who travelled near and far and gave a huge thank you to our amazing sponsors who made it possible to put on such a wonderful event.

Ned also thanked the work of the Club members and their families who worked tirelessly all afternoon to ensure the attending clubs, swimmers and officials were well fed and had smiles on their faces all afternoon.

The Torpedoes will be back in the pool for their first Club night on Wednesday January 24.

Contributed by Kate Lyne

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The Burdekin Torpedoes competed at the ML Partners Burdekin Sprint meet, hosted at the Burdekin Aquatic Centre on Saturday. Photos supplied

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Photos supplied: Dallan Garvey

Photo supplied: John Chandler

Photo supplied: Tommy Ingram

Photo supplied: Jason Taylor

Photo supplied: Matt Maguire

There were only 12 players who fronted on a very hot Thursday afternoon for the first game of 2024.

Two games of triples were contested.

The first game John, Joe and Mick were just too strong defeating Keith, Des and Gary 21 to 9.

In game two, the combination of Judy, Jim and Paul, who are normally all lead bowlers, combined very well to defeat Ray, Bob and Henry 21 to 11.

See you all on Thursday – names in by 1:00pm for 1:30 start. Good bowling.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Winners of the day Mick, Joe and John. Photo credit: Trevor Elton

Representing Australia at the Sol2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, North Queensland javelin champion Nash Lowis clinched gold in the men’s javelin throw in November 2023.

The grandson of Home Hill residents Bill and Trish Lowis, the 24-year-old emerged victorious with his final throw of 74.40 metres.

Sitting on a distance of 64.28m after four rounds, Nash started to find his feet in the fifth round with a 69.45m effort to sit in third, before improving again on his last attempt to be crowned the 2023 Pacific Games champion and open Australia’s medal account in athletics for the tournament.

“I started off a bit rocky in the beginning but managed to pull out something reasonable, well enough to win gold,” Nash said after the event.

"My coach at the end of my fifth throw told me to stop thinking about it and just go out there and throw.

“On the sixth one I was able to pluck it out when it counted.”

Nash grew up in Charters Towers and has since developed his javelin career in Townsville.

The former under 20 world champion said he was proud to represent his country and is looking towards his next challenge.

“I was very pleased I was able to chuck on the green and gold,” he said.

“I am trying to qualify for Paris (2024 Olympic Games), but I am working full-time at the moment so am trying to juggle this and that.”

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North Queensland javelin thrower Nash Lowis (left) clinched gold at the Sol2023 Pacific Games last year. Photo supplied: Athletics Australia

Photo supplied: Getty Images

With the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament back on the calendar, thousands of tennis fans poured into Pat Rafter Arena with the hope of catching a match with Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray or Naomi Osaka. The early rounds did not disappoint with many of the matches going deep into the third set. Despite the rain, there were many sell out sessions. In addition to the international event, Tennis Queensland also ran sessions for clubs, coaches and government agencies. The 2023 Queensland Champions were honoured with a lap around Pat Rafter Arena and photo with Rafael Nadal. Some of those honoured included Lily Shepherd from Mackay, Rohan Hazratwala from Townsville, the Queensland School Sport Tennis Team and World Champion Athlete with an Intellectual Impairment Archie Graham. Primary School Teams also had the chance to compete in the Red, Orange and Green Ball Competitions.

I was fortunate enough to attend a Women Leaders in Tennis Breakfast where Olympic Swimmer and Medalist Brooke Hansen was the guest speaker. She was very inspirational telling us about her road to Gold and the barriers that defined who she is as a person and how she never gave up until she reached her goal. She put this message out to everyone, whether you a champion of your chosen sport or a club volunteer. The message was simple DO IT, DON’T QUIT.

Recently appointed CEO of Tennis Queensland Kim Kachel took the opportunity to present the Advantage Queensland Action Plan update and to talk about how Tennis Queensland is embracing complementary racquet sports of Padel, Pickleball, POP and Beach Tennis.

Brisbane International, you were a ripper! I’ll be back.

Contributed by Kate Casswell

Home Hill Tennis Association

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Tennis Queensland CEO Kim Kachel and Home Hill Tennis Association’s Kate Casswell. Photo supplied

Shim Jang Taekwondo has been running strongly in the Burdekin for nearly 15 years, hitting a milestone last year with it being the fifth year operating a second centre in Home Hill.

At the end of training each year, students and instructors celebrate the year that was and award the students who performed exceptionally throughout the year.

“All our students put in an amazing effort last year and we look forward to growing our art in the Burdekin this year,” said Branch Instructor Cliff Mann.

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End Of Year Awards

With Shim Jang Taekwondo

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At the end of training each year, Shim Jang Taekwondo’s students and instructors celebrate the year that was and award the students who performed exceptionally throughout the year.

2023’s Students of the Year for each centre worked tirelessly throughout the year to achieve their well earned reward.

It was also the year we saw two members become the first ladies in the Burdekin to achieve their 1st Dan Black Belts in the art of Shim Jang Taekwondo since its humble beginnings.

They’re a shining example of our core tenets of loyalty, integrity and respect.

If you’ve ever thought that you’d like to improve your fitness or build up your confidence by learning some powerful self-defense that we tailor to all ages, then check out the website www.shimjang.com and book a free trial as we start back to training on the January 15 and 16 in Ayr and Home Hill respectively.

Contributed by Cliff Mann

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Shim Jang Taekwondo has been running in the Burdekin for nearly 15 years. Photo supplied

2024 Students of the Year receiving their trophies and certificates from Master Instructor Ian Holmes and Branch Instructor Cliff Mann

Two local women achieved 1st Dan Black Belts in the art of Shim Jang Taekwondo last year

Photos supplied

Youth netballers looking to test and develop your skills, get ready for one of the best netball development squads around.

Run and organised by North Queensland’s Netball Academy, netballers of Ayr and Home Hill are able to sign up for the Talent Development Squads, which consist of six-weeks of tailor-made strength, conditioning and technique coaching.

There are two distinct squads: the 11 to 13 Development Squad, and the 13 Plus Development Squad, with speciality coaching and resources for the different age groups.

Beginning February 17, these squads include weekly sessions, expert elite coaching, mindset and goal setting resources, nutrition and recovery resources, and training singlet, with specialty strength and conditioning classes and sports science and fitness testing offered separately.

These squads are offered to all strengths of netball players, with the opportunity to learn and grow with players at a similar skill level, with a focus on fundamental skill development, teamwork, and building a strong foundation for players futures in netball.

To register, visit nqna.com.au

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Test your skills with these development squads. Image: Shutterstock

Nine Burdekin locals attended a Pool Lifeguard course and update on Sunday, December 10 and Monday, December 11.

The course was facilitated by Royal Life Saving Society Queensland (RLSSQ) instructor Lee Smith.

“With great pleasure I was invited to conduct a lifeguard course at your pool in Ayr,” Lee said.

“RLSSQ cares about water safety and so do I.

“We had a wonderful two days discussing the pros and cons of oxygen therapy, spinal boards, CPR, and a multitude of water related scenarios.

“The outcome was very positive with seven newly qualified pool lifeguards and two reaccredited lifeguards.

“The water slides at Ayr pool were also a lot of fun … so I have been told.”

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L-R John Furnell, Sophie Parker, Lee Smith (RLSSQ instructor), Luke Isatake, Judith Ferguson, Logan Flanagan, Ben Isatake, Isabella Moloney, and Sophia Moloney  

Photos supplied

Some made it to the Christmas table while others were released to fight another day. Photos supplied: Burdekin Blokes and Boats

Ben Hovell and Ethan Bell were happy with landing a 58cm Red Throat, a PB for Ben.

Jodie Dingwall’s sons brought home a nice dinner fishing with their dad

Paul Quagliata shared a couple of nice fish caught at Groper Creek

Queensland Grouper caught by John Chandler

Stephen Gort caught this Mangrove Jack in a cast net while chasing bait

On Christmas Eve, the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club announced the winners for their Christmas Raffle for 2023.

Anne Pheland won the first prize which was accepted by her granddaughter, Ashlyn Pearce, and second prize was awarded to Viv Haller.

Ayr Surf Lifesaving members were stationed outside Woolworths all December long selling raffle tickets to go into the draw to win one of two amazing prizes comprised of generous donations from local businesses.

The Club thanks the whole community for their fantastic support and invites locals to come and visit Alva Beach these holidays.

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Lisa Furnell and Ashlyn Pearce

Viv Haller, Billie Nielson and Emily Nielson

Photos supplied

Local swimmer Millie Lyne, along with her coaches from the Burdekin Torpedoes, Kim and Mick McConnachie, travelled to Brisbane for the Queensland State Swimming Championships which took place at Chandler from December 9-15.

Millie represented North Queensland in the 13 and 14yo female Freestyle and Medley relay team along with Mick McConnachie as the Female Relay team head coach.

It was a great learning experience for her, and her coaches Kim and Mick McConnachie put in a huge effort in training and preparing her for the meet and making the trip down to Brisbane to be alongside her on pool deck.

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Millie Lyne (centre) with coaches Mick and Kim McConnachie. Photo supplied

Locals Shine In State Swimming Championships

Continued from page 32

Swimming at the Queensland State Swimming Championships in December, Millie Lyne represented North Queensland in the 13 and 14yo female Freestyle and Medley relay team, with Mick McConnachie as the Female Relay team head coach.

The team came 6th in the regional relay championships in the 200m Freestyle relay and 7th in the 200m Medley regional relay.

Millie then had six swims for the meet which she recorded three personal best times.

Millie met former and current Olympic champions including Jessica Schipper, Cody Simpson, Kaylee McKeown, Emma McKeon, Shayna Jack, Mollie O'Callaghan and Olympic swimming coach Dean Boxall.

Seamus Casey, a former Burdekin Torpedo who now swims for St Peters Western since transferring there at the beginning of 2023 on a Swimming Scholarship, was also at the meet and performed outstandingly after coming back from injury with a five individual swim program and achieving five personal bests and five national times.

He also made the final in the 50m boys 15yo Butterfly and was a part of the 200m Medley Club 15 and 16yo Club relay team that achieved a Gold medal.

It was great for Millie, Kim and Mick, who coached Seamus previously when he was in the Burdekin, to catch up with him at the meet and cheer one another on.

The Burdekin Swim meet is happening on Saturday January 13 with many Clubs from around North Queensland coming to the meet.

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Millie met many of her swimming heroes including Mollie O'Callaghan, Cody Simpson and Jessica Schipper. Photos supplied

Thursday December 14 saw 21 players front up for two games of triples and two games of pairs.  

Rink 2: Dino and Gary out lasted Mick and Mick 15 to 11.

Rink 3: Bob and Wayne were much too good for Ron and Stephen comfortably winning 25 to 8.

Rink 4: Paul, John and Tony proved too strong for Clinton, Ray and Joclyn 26 to 11.

Rink 6: Jim, Des and Glen proved too good in a close game vs Judy, Alex and Hugh/Trevor 22 to 19.

Thursday morning saw a good roll up for Bingo with 26 attending.

The raffle was won by Des Chapman.

See you all next Thursday.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Thursday lucky rink went to Bob and Wayne. Photocredit: Stephen Doig

On Saturday 9th December the Ayr Surf Club's nippers held their Club Championships at Alva beach to wrap up their local competitive season.

It was a lovely afternoon at the beach and the junior members put in some amazing individual performances with some great friendly rivalry on show.

They took part in several individual events, including flags, sprints, wades, board race, surf race and ironperson; to gain points towards the overall Age Champion Titles, as well as events to determine a Junior and Senior Champion and Open Ironman and Ironwoman.

The Nippers will return next year for presentation night to receive their awards.

The club then celebrated another successful year with their annual Christmas Break-up and water fight. The nippers received a gift from Santa, presented this year by club patron, Hockey Vernon, and a club dinner. Our juniors who are part of the North Barrier Branch Youth State Team will continue to train before heading to the Gold Coast in March.

There is still plenty of action at the surf club over the coming months, with patrols continuing to May, a Christmas Raffle being held at Woolworths this weekend. There is also a range of fundraising events including: Ayr SLSC Aussie Day Top 100 - Friday 26th January, The Annual Beach Golf Day - Saturday 10th February, Family Fun Day - Saturday 2nd March and Take The Floor 2024 - Saturday 20th April.

Contributed by Kellie Lawry

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Under 10 boys flags - LachlanJones, Lewis Bonato and Luca Lawry

Under 10 girls flags -Charlotte Dale and Alexandra Moloney

Sharlie Archibald,Hockey Vernon, Bella Lawry, Chris and Angus Wicks - Christmas Break-up

Emily Nielson and Hockey Vernon

Jake Sartori and Hockey Vernon

6 Mackenzie Sartori, Torah Giddy and Quinn Pontifex