Wickets were hard to come by in a low scoring Under 13 game last Friday, with all batters very watchful and not throwing their wickets away. Only two bowlers were good enough to take any, these were Mark Wilkie, 1 for 5 and Nate Elphinstone with 1 for 12. Top scorer with the bat with 12 runs was Marshall Parker, followed by Nate Elphinstone on 11 not out, then Oscar Mahoney 10 runs. Nate Quagliata bowled very economically without getting a wicket and had only two runs scored off the bat from his overs.

There are such good numbers in the Challenger Blasters that we have split them into two groups. Kye Quinlan scored 17 runs which included a four, Tate Parker was next on 14, closely followed by Jamie Goldsworthy who hit a six on his way to 13. Tate and Jamie took wickets when they were bowling as did Billy Muilwyk.

In the other Challengers game Tyler Smith smashed his way to 18 runs with 3 fours. This was enough for him and Levi Trail to take out the highest partnership for the day. The next highest was Anna Muilwyk and Delta Burrell then Paige Elphinstone and Evelyn Mahoney.

Last weekend Thomas Cardillo travelled to Mackay to play with the North Queensland Team in the Under 15 Boys Northern Hub Championships. Thomas helped his team win all their games and bring home the Under 15 Boys Northern Hub Championship for NQ.

This weekend the Home Hill Cricket Association will be hosting the Boys Under 13 North Queensland Trials at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex. The best Under 13 players will come from Herbert River, Charters Towers, Townsville and the Burdekin to try and make the North Queensland Under 13 Team to play in their Zone Championship in December.

Contributed by Scott Heidke

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Kye Quinlan and Evelyn Mahoney

Parker Oar and Nate Quagliata

Thomas Cardillo

As the final whistle echoes through the fields, concluding an exhilarating 2023 Rugby Union season, the Burdekin Rugby Union Club would like to take this moment to convey our deep gratitude to the sponsors whose unwavering support brought this unforgettable season to life. Their steadfast commitment enabled our teams to achieve remarkable success both on and off the field, and we eagerly anticipate the prospect of continuing this fruitful partnership into the forthcoming 2024 season.

Rugby Union, a sport that thrives on the collective efforts of players, coaches, supporters, and sponsors, came alive in the 2023 season, with sponsors playing a pivotal role in shaping our success story. Their invaluable contributions have not only nurtured young talent but have also fostered a positive culture within our team and community.

As we bid farewell to the remarkable 2023 season, our sights are already set on the 2024 Rugby Union season. We extend a warm invitation to potential sponsors to join our club on this exciting journey. Your support will not only fuel the growth of our club but will also elevate your brand's visibility and reputation.

We are proud to offer a range of sponsorship packages, starting at just $500, designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes and provide numerous benefits, including enhanced brand exposure, prominent logo placement, and exclusive access to our events. To explore the possibilities of sponsoring our club in the upcoming 2024 season, please do not hesitate to contact us at brucsecretary@outlook.com.  Your involvement will be highly valued and will undoubtedly leave a significant imprint on the success of the forthcoming season.

As we draw the curtains on this exceptional year of rugby, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our current sponsors, dedicated players, loyal supporters, and every individual who has contributed to the success of the 2023 season. We are eagerly looking ahead to the 2024 season, where we aspire to achieve even greater milestones with your continued support.  

Once more, we thank our community for your generous support, and we eagerly anticipate the thrills and triumphs that 2024 will bring.  

Contributed by Burdekin Rugby Union

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 SPONSORS

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Round 2 of the Home Hill Cricket Association senior competition was the first opportunity of the season for Crowned Mongrels to come up against Peto’s Marine, with Peto’s Marine winning the toss and electing to bat first.

Openers Simon Vickers and Brad Parravicini got the batting side off to a great start, falling for 46 off 29 and 32 off 37 respectively.

The rest of the order struggled to find runs, however, with Shaun Goldsworthy the only other batsman to reach double figures with 12 runs of 22 balls and a handy 9 off 24 from Darcy Walters, seeing Peto’s Marine to a total of 134 runs.

Adam Camer, Scott Hazard and Alex Stillhard all shone with the ball for Crowned Mongrels, all taking three wickets each while Nicholas Pengelly took one.

Crowned Mongrels’ run chase was off to a rocky start with an early wicket, but opener Jaidyn Lambie-Fabbro and number three batsman Alex Stillhard steadied the ship with a respective 19 off 12 and 15 off 17 before Andrew Wallwork contributed a mighty 48 from 45 balls.

Casper Licciardello and Adam Camer also contributed with 17 from 36 and 11 from 10, steering the Mongrels to a match winning 9/171 from their 35 overs.

Simon Vickers, Brad Parravicini and Mark Nosworthy all took two wickets each for Peto's Marine and Leon Franklin, Salvatore Cardillo and Daniel Olditch took one.

Crowned Mongrels will take on round one victors Guardian Pharmacy in this weekend’s clash at Barry Richards Field.

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A bowler’s day out - Scott Hazard took 3 wickets for 7 runs off 2 overs and Alex Stillhard took 3 wickets for 8 runs off 2 overs. Photo supplied

The Ayr Ladies Golf Club is cheering after completing their annual Baxter Family Day 4bbb Stableford  Medley.

“Many thanks to Peter Baxter for your ongoing support each year,” said a representative from the club.

In a fantastic day of golf, there of course had to be one winning team.

“And the winning score was mind blowing,” said the representative.

“A pairing of ladies Marion Chappell and Kim Manty scored a massive 50 points. Well done ladies.”

Second place was secured by Dennis Mondin and Kevin Campbell with 46 points.

“And in third place was Joy Cornford and John Kapeechkin with 45 points.”

The Ayr Ladies Golf Club would also like to invite members and community members to the Ayr Golf Club end of year presentation dinner and Christmas party.

Scheduled for December 1, the presentation will include welcome nibbles and a two course meal, a

Tickets are $50 per person and will be available for purchase from the clubhouse in early November.

“Also a big thank you to all the members who helped with the big event of Karrie Webb Junior Masters. This takes a lot of work and to those that helped in any way - a big thank you.”

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Happy winners of the Baxter Family Day at Ayr Ladies Golf Club. Photo supplied

Plantation parkrun, hosted at Ayr’s Plantation Park, celebrated 250 runs on Saturday, October 14.

16 runners and walkers celebrated by completing the course, one joining for the first time and two smashing their personal bests, as well as plenty of furry friends joining in on the fun.

Plantation parkrun thanked their volunteers, including Holly Alford, Donna Howard, Jody Lindley, Carol O'connor, Robert Tama, Nicholas Wiseman, for making the event possible.

Plantation parkrun takes place every Saturday from 7:00am at Plantation Park, Bruce Highway, Ayr.

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16 runners completed Plantation parkrun’s 250th run on Saturday, October 14. Photos supplied: Plantation parkrun

Thursday October 19 saw 24 players at the new Home Hill rink.

Rink 5 saw a great game between Judy, John and Glen running out as eventual winners over Hugh, Alex and Peter 17 to 13.  

Rink 6 saw a pairs game with Happy and Mick winning over Lee and Henry 28 to 7.  

Rink 7 saw what turned out to be the match of the day with Dino, Bob and Trevor winning on the last end against Karl, Paul and Des 18 to 17.

Rink 8 pitted Jimmy, Dave and Gary eventually winning against Natasha, Joe and Stephen.  

Winning the lucky Rink and the day on Rink 6 was Mick and Happy while the weekly raffle was won by Jimmy Murray; thanks to Dino Poli for donating the prize.

Don't forget next Thursday October 26 is the Burdekin Motors sponsor day with cash prizes up for grabs.

Names in by 1pm for a 1.30pm start, $12 a head, teams of triples will be done in the lucky mixed format.

Friday night bowls has also been moved to Wednesday night barefoot bowls; family and children are welcome.

Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Last week’s winners Mick and Happy

The Burdekin community came together for a fun day of festivities at Burdekin Netball’s A Spring Day on the Lawn. The event, a part of the Harvest Festival’s Dayna Linton's journey, celebrated the spirit of togetherness.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the "Battle of the Balls," which brought forth spirited competition and good-natured rivalry. Participants from various local sports clubs, including the Burdekin Roosters, Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads, and Burdekin FC Inc, joined forces with the BNA Old Boys and Young Guns to create a lively atmosphere. In a thrilling finale, the Burdekin Panthers emerged as the victors of the day, competing closely against the Old Boys.

The event wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the Burdekin Netball Association (BNA) committee and numerous volunteers who lent a helping hand in various aspects of the event. From the initial setup to food preparation, BBQ cooking, service, and post-event cleanup, the collective effort of these individuals was truly commendable.

The excitement didn't end with the sports activities. The "Buy a Netballer" raffle drew substantial attention, and the lucky winner, the Woods family, walked away with a generous prize of $10,000 in cash.

Entertainment was not in short supply, thanks to the musical talents of Brendan Ford, who kept the crowd grooving throughout the day. Additionally, the little ones were treated to some amazing face painting by Dene, adding an extra layer of fun to the event.

It was a day filled with joy, camaraderie, and spirited competition, and it wouldn't have been such a tremendous success without the enthusiastic participation of the local sports clubs, volunteers, and attendees. The event not only brought smiles to many faces but also supported a worthy cause.

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Photo credit: Burdekin Netball Association

Celebrating the fantastic achievements of sports stars across the region, the 2023 MM Electrical North Queensland Sportstar Awards will be the place to be.

And from the Burdekin, the region will be sending three local sporting legends.

None other than Ky Mitchell, Kiera Wiseman and Lisa Furnell have been nominated.

For their impressive excellence in sporting, Ky Mitchell and Kiera Wiseman have been nominated for the NQ Junior Sportstar of the Year, sponsored by Anything Environmental. Both of these youths’ performances were excellent and outstanding, so exceptional that their achievements have been identified to be exceptional.

Due to this nomination, the pair have also been considered for the NQ Rural And Remote Sportstar of the Year, sponsored by Fitzroy.

Living outside Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay, Ky and Kiera have shown exceptional sporting achievement while living in a regional or remote area.

The third Burdekin local heading to the awards is Lisa Furnell.

Lisa has been nominated for NQ Sport Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Queensland Hydro, due to her excellent service, commitment, and dedication to her club.

The NQ Sportstar Awards recognise athletes from across the region, and we wish them all the best.

WHAT: North Queensland Sportstar Awards

WHERE: Mackay Entertainment Centre Plenary Halls

WHEN: Saturday November 4, from 6pm

TICKETS: themecc.com.au

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The U14 Burdekin Wildcat Girls basketball team were runner up for the 2022 NQ Sportstar Team of the Year Award. Photo supplied

In a thrilling night of high-octane action, Pioneer Park Speedway played host to the 2023 Queensland Sidecar Championships, showcasing the skills of some of the best riders in the state. The track was on fire, and the crowd was treated to some heart-stopping moments as the sidecar teams battled it out for supremacy.

Taking the top step of the podium was the formidable duo of Brodie Cohen and Josh Murray, who displayed their prowess on the dirt with a stellar performance. Their lightning-quick manoeuvres and unwavering determination secured them the well-deserved gold medal, making them the 2023 Queensland Sidecar Champions.

Not far behind, Stuart Firth and Jason Martin claimed the second spot with an impressive showing, demonstrating their skill and teamwork.

In third place, Trent Headland and April Cottrell showcased their mettle, earning themselves the bronze medal and a spot on the podium. Their tenacity and skill were evident throughout the championship, solidifying their place among Queensland's top sidecar riders.

Tyler Moon and Adam Lovell also put up a commendable performance, finishing in fourth place. While they narrowly missed the podium, their racing spirit and camaraderie were evident to all in attendance.

The action-packed night didn't stop with the sidecars, as the 125cc Solos and Stockbikes also added to the excitement. Ky Mitchell took the top spot in the 125cc Solos, demonstrating exceptional talent and speed. Beau Baker and Kai Moran claimed the second and third positions, respectively, making it a hard-fought competition.

In the Stockbikes category, the battles were fierce, with multiple riders taking the lead at different points in the event. Shane Oats, Lucas Quinn, Lachy Moody, and Jesse Tuffin all showcased their skills and claimed victories on various occasions. The competition was so intense that every race seemed up for grabs, keeping the audience at the edge of their seats.

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Pioneer Park Speedway hosted the 2023 Queensland Sidecar Championships. Photo source: Pioneer Park Speedway on FacebooK

Burdekin FC Celebrates Half a Century

Football's roots in the Burdekin region trace back to the early 1900s when passionate individuals would engage in informal matches in Ayr and Home Hill. Most of these early players were migrants hailing from countries such as Scotland, Ireland, England, and various parts of Europe. In those days, there was no structured club or competition – the focus was on fostering camaraderie and shared love for the beautiful game.

The early 1970s witnessed the emergence of a more organized senior soccer competition as a group of men from Ayr began to lay the foundations for formal gameplay. Sunday afternoons became synonymous with thrilling matches. Over the years, teams would ebb and flow, with typically four teams participating at any given time. The teams included Centrals, Comets, Crusaders, Easts, Grenadiers, Juventus, and Parkside Rangers.

In 1971, the North Queensland Soccer Federation (NQSF), based in Townsville, extended an invitation to Ayr players to compete in their first division, filling in to play teams on their bye weeks. Ayr embraced this opportunity, leading to periodic journeys to Townsville for matches and reciprocal visits from Townsville teams. Although many players were content with this arrangement, some aspired to compete more regularly in the more elite NQSF competition.

During the 1972 season, the idea of joining the NQSF officially took root. By 1973, the Ayr Senior Soccer Association played its inaugural season, eventually evolving into the Burdekin Soccer Club in 1987, now fondly known as Burdekin FC.

Meanwhile, in the early days of junior football, clubs were formed by local schools for players in U8 to U16 age groups, including Comets from Brandon, Centrals from Ayr, AK United from Airdmillan and Kalamia, Rangers from Home Hill and Easts United from East Ayr. Both junior and senior competitions were played at fields on MacMillan Street behind the Ayr Pool, where junior games were played as curtain raisers to the senior matches. In 1974, the Burdekin Football Senior competition was relocated to its current home at International Park on Beach Road.  

With an increase in the number of children enrolled in the local small schools, these schools joined forces to form Crusaders. By the 1980s there were four clubs in the local competition; Home Hill Rangers, Easts United, Saint Francis Saints and Crusaders, later joined by the Bowen Football Association. In 2010, Burdekin Junior Football also relocated to Beach Road.

It was decided that in 2016 the existing juniors’ clubs would unite and the Burdekin Junior Soccer body would run the competition, providing a local non-competitive fixture for U5-U12 and the U12-U16 players playing in the FQ Northern Football Competition in Townsville. The Senior players also compete in the FQ Northern Competition in Premier League Men, Reserve Men, 1st Division Men, 2nd Division Men, Premier League Women and Reserve Women divisions, playing in both Townsville and at home. In 2021, the senior and junior football bodies amalgamated to form Burdekin FC, providing new opportunities for the club and its members while maintaining club values and culture.

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Burdekin FC’s 50 year celebrations started the night before the Gala Dinner at the Annual Escriva Cup and meet and greet, held at International Park on Friday, October 13.

12 teams battled it out in the social 6-a-side tournament, with Class of 13 defeating Mad Punts 3-1 in the men’s final and Pink Panthers triumphing over Fireball with a convincing 6-0 win in the Ladies final.

The Escriva Cup was established in recognition of past player and mate of the club, Eddie Escriva who served as the First Division goalkeeper for many years.

Eddie played his junior soccer in the Burdekin and went on to play for Ayr, Burdekin, and North Queensland.

The annual event is run by the SLoBs (Soccer Legends of the Burdekin) to raise funds for the Burdekin Ex-Players Benevolent Association.

Results

Men’s Final

Class of 13 3 (goals to Kyle Taylor, Patrick Puddlefoot and Jake Perry) def Mad Punts 1 (goal to Mark Grasso)

Women’s Final

Pink Panthers 6 (goals to Sian Reardon (2), Charlotte Dal Santo (2), Maygen Valle (2)) def Fireball 0

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Class of 13

Pink Panthers

Bill and Helen Taylor

Maureen Perry, Chris Perry, and Jerome Lacco

Hope Perry and Jobe Oar

Felix Gabiola, Jessie Escriva, Ann Escriva, Elena Sesma, and Tracey Gabiola

Marty Pierce, Shane Feeney, and Raymon Oar

Laurence Dal Santo, Michael Taylor, and Clinton Southern

Rick Romeo and Nick Predebon

Piggy the Bendigo Bank mascot

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Name: Catherine West (Roncato)

Years with Burdekin FC: 1993 – 2019

Position: Centre Midfield

It’s a career that began in the Burdekin, led to captaining Australia, and resulted in legendary status in north Queensland football, but Catherine West will never forget her roots.

Catherine embarked on her football journey at a time that she says was a rocky one for the women’s team at Burdekin FC, but it didn’t stop her from going on to join the U16 North Queensland women’s team in 1992 before representing Australia in 1993, 1994 and 1995.

In 1995, she even captained the Junior Matildas side to a three-nil victory against New Zealand in a test match while on tour.

They are all fond memories, but Catherine holds her time in the Burdekin dearest.

It was a time of hard work and rebuilding, but she said the players around her made the journey worthwhile.

“We’d gone through a period where other teams had dominated the competition,” Catherine said.

“We were bottom of the ladder for a long, long time.”

It wasn’t until 2006 that she won her first grand final with the club, and it remains one of her most cherished memories.

Catherine went on to play for and coach multiple clubs in Townsville but will never forget her roots.

“Nothing ever beats playing for Burdekin,” she said.

“There’s something great about playing club football.

“You’ll maintain those memories forever because it’s something that you work for the whole year round.”

As her career progressed into coaching the beautiful game, Catherine’s piece of advice to young players is a simple message: “Remember to have fun and don’t get caught up in the pressure of what jersey you’re wearing but focus on what you love doing and that’s playing the game.”

Catherine returned to the Burdekin for Burdekin FC’s 50 year celebrations where she and fellow guest speaker Felix Gabiola guided the audience through the 1993-2002 era of the club.

“You can take the girl out of the Burdekin, but you can’t take the Burdekin out of the girl,” she said.

“That’s something I genuinely believe in.”

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Catherine, her sister Monica and Monica’s daughter Amaia playing for Burdekin FC in 2014

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Name: Kate Southern (Castelanelli)

Years with Burdekin FC: 2002 – present

Position: Centre Midfield

Since starting football at the age of five and joining the Burdekin FC Senior Women’s team at the age of 14, Kate Southern has gone on to become an absolute club stalwart.

She felt her pride for the Panthers when she joined Burdekin FC’s 50 Year Gala Ball organising committee, which allowed her to reflect on her last 20 years with the club.

“I felt very privileged to be a part of that committee,” Kate said.

“It was nice to relive those memories as we were organising the event.”

Kate’s football career started young and saw her move to Brisbane to pursue a scholarship with the Queensland Academy of Sport at age 17.

She played in Queensland representative teams for four years and was even selected in the U19 Matildas Development Squad ahead of the U19 Women's World Championship in 2004, but a viral infection meant she was unable to travel to Thailand for the tournament.

Kate returned Burdekin FC where she’s since won six premierships.

“In the years that I played, we had quite a strong team and won quite a few premierships,” she said.

“They were some of the best years of my life.

“Most of my weekends were spent at soccer so besides playing the game there was such good camaraderie off the field.

“Some of the players I played with will be lifelong friends.”

Kate joined these lifelong friends on Saturday night not only as a member of the organising committee, but also as a guest speaker reflecting on the last decade of the club’s history alongside Angelo Licciardello, Lyndsay Gabiola and Maddison Dal Santo.

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^{Catherine West and Kate Southern with their sons in 2019}

Name: Louis Zabala

Years with Burdekin FC: 2006 – 2012

Position: Midfielder

All Louis Zabala ever wanted to do was play football.

With older brothers who loved the game just as much as he did, his childhood was spent playing in the backyard, going to football training or at the junior fields on a Saturday, waiting around all day to see if another side was short of players so he could fill in for another game.

He started with Burdekin FC at the age of five, developing his skills and fostering his passion for the game before playing in Townsville from age 11.

“That’s where I started playing and that’s where I found my love for the game,” Louis said.

“As a young kid, I loved it, it used to be the highlight of my week.

“It was all I ever wanted to do.”

After a few years playing in Townsville, Louis moved to Sydney at the age of 15 to follow his dreams of playing professional football and upon finishing school, took the next step to Spain.

Louis’ European football journey was never fully realised, however, as after a year of playing in Spain, a global pandemic hit, sending him back to the Burdekin without a clear path forward.

It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it allowed Louis to reunite with his roots and play seniors with the Panthers.

“After that, I was fortunate enough to get signed by the Brisbane Roar,” he said.

Louis made the move the Queensland capital where he made his way through the ranks of the Brisbane Roar Academy.

He played for and even captained the Youth team, leading them to achieve their greatest result in NPL by making the semi-finals for the first time in the team’s history.

A string of stellar performances led to training sessions with the first team with whom he now plays for professionally, having made several FFA cup and A-League appearances.

Having forged the path from the regions of north Queensland to the highest level of professional men's soccer in Australia, Louis said he hopes to inspire his hometown, and thanked them for their support.

“When you’re a kid, from the country especially, it’s tough to make it professionally, but that’s all I ever wanted to do,” he said.

“I’m grateful for my parents, they gave me a lot of opportunity, so I never missed out.

“It’s all I ever wanted to do, it’s all I really knew, and I’m very fortunate that I get to play football as my job now.”

Louis said the keys to his success are a love for the game and a drive to take it further and further.

“If you work at it long enough and hard enough, then you give yourself the best chance,” he said.

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Get ready for heart-stopping intercepts and swish nothing-but-net shots, a netball extravaganza is poised to launch, promising more fun than a bounce pass in the rain. It's not just any fundraiser; it's a passing parade, a contact collision, and an obstruction odyssey all rolled into one at A Spring Day on the Lawn - in aid of BNA’s Harvest Festival Queen Entrant, Dayna Linton.

This year, the event is spicing things up with a delightful twist, The Battle of the Balls. Imagine Rugby Union, Rugby League, and Football teams facing off against our local netball heroes – the old boys and the young guns, causing onlookers to barrack for their favourite ball carrier.

Be there when a lucky local will win $10K!

With two hundred club members participating, each netball player was assigned a unique number between 1 and 200. The lucky number will be drawn at the Spring Day on the Lawn netting its winner a very cool $10,000. It's a game of chance more thrilling than a perfectly timed interception.

For those looking to elevate their netball experience, the Spring Day on the Lawn Marquee awaits. Tickets to this exclusive event are a mere $40 and secure your spot at a shaded table. Expect delectable food, and DJ Brendan spinning tunes.

Tickets for the Netball Spectacular are conveniently available at the Clubhouse on Thursday and at NQIB in Young Street, Ayr. It promises to be a wonderful, laid-back day, and the organisers warmly encourage members to extend the invitation to their friends and fellow netball enthusiasts for a fantastic family day out.

The bar will be open, offering a variety of refreshing drinks, and the BBQ will be sizzling all day. As the sun sets and the netball action continues, DJ Brendan will ensure the mood remains upbeat well into the night. So why not make a plan to come along in the afternoon, stay for dinner, and enjoy a truly relaxed and entertaining day, surrounded by the spirit of camaraderie and netball passion?

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