Contributed with thanks by Stephen Doig

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Eighteen players turned out on a very warm spring afternoon that felt more like summer.

Three games of triples were played.

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Rink 3: Bob Young, Roslyn DeFranciscus and Trevor Elton defeated Maureen Marsden, Sandra Darwin and Bruce McCallum.

Rink 4: Paul Vass, Judy Elton and Tony Eadie accounted for Janet Arthur, Les Hoey and Gary Nosworthy.

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Rink 5: Des Chapman, Ron Smith and Glen Bones Berryman had a big win over Belinda McConville, Steve Doig and Phil Marsden.

It was noted that Belinda, a newcomer to bowls, had a toucher and held three shots over Des, a seasoned bowler, on the penultimate end. Good one, Belinda!

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The meat tray raffle was won by Judy Elton, with Mick Olsen taking home a bottle of wine.

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What's on at the club:

Monday morning fitness; Tuesday Trimmers and Tuesday Funday; Wednesday Kraft group, evening barefoot bowls and Wednesday night darts.

Thursday morning bingo, followed by social bowls at 1.30pm. Names in by 1pm.

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Friday night is pool club night, starting at 6pm.

Saturday afternoon social bowls starts at 1.30pm, with names in by 1pm.

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Until next week, good bowling.

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Smash Series standouts Lincoln McDowell and Nicholas Marrinan. Photos supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Troy Patti

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Junior cricket fixtures were on again at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Home Hill Cricket Complex last Friday with good numbers across all age groups.

The Smash Series Cricketers were split into two teams with the “Chicken Nuggets” taking on the “Brisbane Heat”.

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The Nuggets batted first with Nicholas Marrinan top scoring with 17, Reuben Armstrong scoring 10 and Lincoln McDowell and Dylan Bryant scoring 8 runs a-piece.

Cooper Amos struck with an early wicket while Allegra Parker and Kirby Brett were lightning in the field, each effecting a run out.

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The Heat’s innings started solidly with Aria Bryant and Everly Nicholas scoring 7 and 9 runs respectively.

Lincoln took a superb catch while he, Harvey, Dylan and Reuben also caught the batters short of their ground.

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Arthur Cohen and Cooper anchored the innings with a 22-run partnership but the Chicken Nuggets were the victors 79 – 66.

In the Blue Group, the fielders were on fire with 7 runouts shared between Georgia Vasta, Doug Cohen, Nate Ryder and Will Searle as well as a catch a-piece to Royce Cohen and Georgia.

Doug was a standout with the bat, scoring 13 runs, while Corbett Cross (12) and Nate (9) swung the willow well.

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Notable bowling performances included Logan who took 1/10, Jai (1/7), Royce (3/12), Doug (1/13) and Hugh Armstrong who bowled a wicket maiden.

The stage was set for an epic battle and fierce rivalries in the Gold Group.

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Marshall Parker opened the batting before being caught and bowled by Ben Watkins for 8, a favour Marshall later returned when he caught and bowled Ben for 4 runs.

Xavier Cross, compiled runs quickly on his way to the top score of 11.

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After Henry Cohen’s powerful 8 runs, the bowlers took control.

Ben, Flynn Levitt, Mazlyn Smith, Jude Shannon and Jake Cullen each claimed one wicket.

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Billy Muilwyk finished a devastating spell with 2 wickets for no runs and Xavier continued his dominance with an impressive 3/7.

Til next week, “that’s stumps”

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Home Hill Cricket Club celebrated a successful weekend of senior cricket, with impressive victories in both Second and Third Grade. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Home Hill Cricket Club

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Home Hill Cricket Club celebrated a successful weekend of senior cricket, with impressive victories in both Second and Third Grade, while wet weather unfortunately put a stop to Fourth Grade action.

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Second Grade: Pengelly Cabinets Dominate Charters Towers

Home Hill Pengelly Cabinets produced a complete team performance to record a crushing 191-run victory over Charters Towers at Mosman Park.

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After being sent into bat, Home Hill faced early challenges, slipping to 4/81 as the Charters Towers bowlers applied pressure. Valuable contributions from Darren O’Keeffe (25), Sameer Korgaonkar (17) and Tristan Richards (31) helped steady the innings and rebuild the scoreboard.

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The highlight of the day came from Alex Stillhard, whose explosive unbeaten 68 from just 29 balls transformed the contest. Stillhard launched seven sixes and two fours in a breathtaking display of power hitting, propelling Home Hill to an imposing 9/219 from their 40 overs.

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Home Hill’s bowlers then took complete control. Al Wilkins delivered a sensational spell, claiming 4/5 from six overs, including three maidens, while Mark Nosworthy provided excellent support with 3/12 from six overs. Leo Olditch (2/5) and Tristan Richards (1/6) finished the job as Charters Towers were bundled out for just 28.

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Third Grade: Evergreen Sheds Hold Their Nerve

Home Hill Evergreen Sheds edged out Wests in a thrilling low-scoring encounter at Cutheringa Park, securing a hard-fought three-run win.

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After electing to bat, Wests struggled against a disciplined Home Hill bowling attack and were dismissed for 95 in 32.1 overs.

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John Licciardello was the chief destroyer, producing outstanding figures of 5/16 from seven overs. Guy Stevenson also impressed with the ball, taking 2/3 from four overs, including three maidens. Bala Bandlamudi, Mitchell Price-Wilson and Sameer Korgaonkar each chipped in with a wicket as Home Hill maintained constant pressure.

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In reply, Home Hill's chase got off to a shaky start as they slumped to 3/21. Guy Stevenson then played a crucial innings, anchoring the chase with a patient 38 from 62 deliveries. Bala Bandlamudi added a valuable 22, while Sameer Korgaonkarcontributed 15 as the visitors gradually worked their way towards the target.

Despite a determined effort from the Wests bowlers, Home Hill managed to reach 98 and secure victory in a tense finish.

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Fourth Grade Washed Out

Unfortunately, the Fourth Grade fixture between Home Hill ML Partners and Northern Beaches was abandoned without a ball being bowled after wet weather left the grounds unplayable.

While the washout was disappointing for players and supporters, Home Hill still enjoyed a highly successful weekend, with two strong victories helping maintain momentum across the club.

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After rehabbing with team physio Rob, Tramayne was back to a full sprint and fit to compete within days. Photos supplied

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A Burdekin touch footballer has helped bring the Australian Emus Women’s 40s side to Asia Pacific glory, overcoming an injury which threatened to end her tournament before it began.

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Tramayne Horan made her international debut at the Asia Pacific Seniors Touch Cup in Japan last month, appearing in two group-stage clashes before contributing to a 3-1 grand final victory over trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand.

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Representing the nation marked the realisation of a decades-long dream for the touch footy veteran, who called the experience “amazing.”

“My heart was racing,” she said, recalling the moments before her debut.

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“My adrenaline was skyrocketing, and I knew if I wanted to perform at my best, I had to definitely bring it down.

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“We had exceptional ladies … who were so supportive. They trusted me and my skills, and that made me trust my skills and know that I was more than capable to step out onto the field and wear the jersey.”

A training injury sustained before the tournament opener kept Tramayne out of the side’s first two days of competition.

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Confirmed as a grade one ligament tear in her ankle, she feared she might not see the pitch at all.

“I was completely devastated. I've never rolled my ankle inward like that in my life,” Tramayne said.

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“The physio told me to just stay positive. In my head, I had to reinforce that as well because I hadn't even made it on the field yet.

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“I just kept telling myself, ‘I'm going to come back from this. I'm going to come back from this.’”

After extensive rehabbing with team physios, Tramayne was back to a full sprint and fit to compete within days.

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She said the injury scare made her debut all the more emotional.

“As soon as I got my got my ankle strapped and did my warm-up, I basically cried. I was just shaking,” she said.

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“I turned and looked at my coach, and I think I scared him—he didn't know if it was good crying or bad crying. I just ran up and gave him a hug.

“Everything came to fruition. I was finally getting on the paddock with my teammates and finally represent Australia.”

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Tramayne's maiden Australian call-up is the latest chapter of a 33-year touch football career. The Brothers A Grade player began playing at just 13 years old, representing Queensland a number of times since.

She hopes to don maroon again for next year’s State of Origin series, where she expects to face some of her New South Wales-based national team peers.

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Her attention will then turn to the 2028 World Cup in New Zealand, where she aims for back-to-back national team selections.

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Karrie Webb sits with competitors at the Karrie Webb Junior Masters at Ayr Golf Course, which attracted a record 120 young golfers over the weekend. Photo: Rhonda Martin

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The Karrie Webb Junior Masters hit a new high over the weekend, drawing a record 120 young golfers to Ayr as the tournament nearly doubled in size since 2023. The Australian golf great returned to see rising talent from across Queensland compete for the titles, with Burdekin golfers among the placegetters.

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Read more here: www.burdekinlife.com/article/karrie-webb-junior-masters-draws-record-field-as-familiar-face-claims-title

Fun Teams event winners (L - R): 2nd place: Mark’s Minions—Tilly, Holly and Joel Hanson, Sophie (absent) and Mark Barbagallo. First Place: The Pivottos—Toni and Michele. Third Place: Tennis Townsville—Lachie Hutcherson and Rachael. Photos supplied

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Players of all ages tried their hand at a range of racquet sports during the Home Hill Tennis Association’s Fun Teams event, with competitors taking on everything from beach tennis to pickleball.

The afternoon brought together tennis and pickleball players for a series of activities, including jumbo tennis, mini tennis, table tennis and real tennis.

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Four players also travelled from Townsville to take part.

The event featured an Australian Open One Point Slam competition, where players rolled the dice and competed in single-point matches.

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The format kept the competition light-hearted, with one participant pointing out that even tennis great Roger Federer won only 51 per cent of the points he played.

Toni Pivotto won the pickleball division of the One Point Slam, while Daniel Walsh took out the tennis division.

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The Fun Teams competition saw The Pivottos, comprising Toni and Michele, finish first, ahead of Mark’s Minions in second place. The team included Tilly, Holly and Joel Hanson, Sophie, and Mark Barbagallo.

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Lachie Hutcherson and Rachael, from Tennis Townsville, finished third.

Home Hill Tennis Association secretary Kate Casswell thanked participants and local businesses for supporting the event.

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“It was great to see both the pickleball and tennis players and people of all ages come down to enjoy the afternoon,” she said.

“Thanks also to the businesses who donated prizes ensuring the afternoon was a great success.”

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Husband-and-wife duo Laurence and Carla Dal Santo were awarded Life Membership. Photos supplied

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Burdekin FC celebrated the end of the 2026 season with a well-attended Presentation Night last Saturday, recognising the achievements of its teams and players.

The club fielded five men’s teams this season, although its women’s team was forced to withdraw early in the campaign.

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The standout performers were the Astute Finance Colts, who went undefeated to claim the premiership, Grand Final and Crad Evans Trophy.

Cooper Kross was named Colts Player of the Year, while Jhett Jones took home the Best and Fairest award.

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The Ayr Anzac Club Premiers finished third before falling to Brothers in the Grand Final. Ryan Scodellaro was named Player of the Year, with Jarrod Camer receiving the Best and Fairest award.

The Burdekin Tyre Service Reserves also lost their Grand Final to Brothers after finishing second during the season. Jonte Grazioli was named the team’s Best and Fairest.

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In the lower divisions, Cody Scalia won Best and Fairest for the Austral Masonry Division 1 side, while Jared Giardina claimed the award for the RG Customs Division 2 team.

With an undefeated Colts campaign and several strong team and individual performances across the club, Burdekin FC had plenty to celebrate as it brought its 2026 season to a close.

18-hole boys winner Rico Avolio, Karrie Webb, and 18-hole girls winner Lily McGuinness Photos: Rhonda Martin

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Yeppoon golfer Lily McGuinness claimed her third Karrie Webb Junior Masters title last weekend as the tournament attracted a record field, with Burdekin competitors also among winners.

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Roughly 120 young golfers contested the tournament at Ayr Golf Course on Saturday, 24th October and Sunday, 25th October. The tournament was the final Greg Norman Junior Masters qualifier of this year’s junior calendar.

McGuinness reclaimed the 18-hole girls gross title after finishing second last year, winning the event for the third time in four years. Her score of 139 was the lowest among all 18-hole competitors.

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Rowes Bay golfer Rico Avolio took out the boys division with a gross score of 151.

Meanwhile, Ayr golfers ran rampant in both six-hole competitions, with Adelle Morello and Austin Mann winning the girls and boys divisions respectively.

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Burdekin locals Ara Oakes, Tyler Smith, Royce Cohen, River Oar, Andi Perry and Reid Statham also finished in the top three of their divisions.

Karrie Webb, who was in attendance across the weekend, said she was impressed by the talent of this year’s field, which almost doubled in participation since 2023.

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“It's great to see so many young kids playing. I played in all these junior tournaments when I was younger, so it just reminds me all about it,” she said.

“The competition was great—we had kids from Brisbane, Caloundra, all the way up to Atherton and Cairns. It just shows this region that it's an important event for the kids who aspire to continue going from three holes, to six holes all the way up to 18 holes."

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The weekend also included the Golf North Queensland (GNQ) Junior Golfer of the Year presentation on Saturday night, which recognised the best-performing junior golfers in GNQ over the season.

Another presentation on Sunday capped off the weekend’s competition, with winners across the two days taking home impressive prizes courtesy of Mizuno Australia.

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“When you have such great prizes, I think it excites the kids. At a lot of the junior golf tournaments around the district don't usually see prizes like that,” Webb said.

She added that the tournament attracted business to the town.

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"A lot of people travelled a long way, spending a lot of money in the community—hotel rooms, caravan parks. I was out on Friday night, and there was a lot of people out having dinner. A lot of money was spent in town, which is great,” she said.

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Webb thanked sponsors Raine & Horne and Mizuno Australia, as well as her mother, Evelyn, and the volunteers who contributed to tournament preparations.

“They've worked really hard to build this event up to be bigger and better every year. I think our goal is to continue to make it bigger and for more and more people to come and play,” she said.

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Full results available online

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Cooper received the Smash Group’s "McDonalds Sports Award" for his batting efforts. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Home Hill Junior Cricket

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The showers on Friday weren't enough to stop play going ahead at the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex.

The "Smash Group" was again a wicket drought for the bowlers with Kirby the only one to take a wicket, he also was involved in a runout.

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Other runouts were made by Reuben, Jai, Nicholas, Kash and two from Lincoln.

Hugh top scored with the bat, smashing 19 runs not out.  Next was Jaxon, 18 and Cooper on 17 both also not out. Cooper received the "McDonalds Sports Award" for his great batting.

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No Stats were available for the "Blue Group" this week, but Lane took home the McDonalds Sports Award" by getting 2 wickets in his bowling spell and making 8 runs when batting.

Alex hit 3 fours in his innings of 22 runs in his first week back this season, he also had a great game with the gloves behind the stumps which earned him the "McDonalds Sports Award”.

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There was a big gap back to the next best on nine runs by Jude and Ben. Mazlyn clean bowled two batters and Xavier also took two wickets, Kip chimed in with a wicket and Jardii got a caught and bowled.

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In a rain affected match reduced to 25 overs, the Home Hill ML Partners Fourth Grade side took on Suburban Parks at Riverway Oval on Sunday morning. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Home Hill Cricket Association

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The weather played a disruptive hand in the weekends CNQ Townsville cricket matches. The Home Hill Pengelly Cabinets Second Grade match against Suburban Parks was abandoned on Saturday due to wet conditions.

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In a rain affected match reduced to 25 overs, the Home Hill ML Partners Fourth Grade side took on Suburban Parks at Riverway Oval on Sunday morning.  

Mitchell Price-Wilson starred with the bat making 67 runs, including 3 fours and 4 sixes. Salvatore Cardillo provided valuable support with 22, while Yaveen Fernando finished unbeaten on 54 as Home Hill posted an impressive total of 5/162.

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In reply, Redbacks were restricted to 4/122 thanks to a disciplined bowling effort. Mitchell Price-Wilson capped off an excellent all-round performanc, taking 2/19 from five overs, while Roopesh Krishnan claimed 1/16.

A solid team effort with bat, ball and in the field secured another strong win for the Home Hill ML Partners.

Sunday afternoon saw the Home Hill Evergreen Sheds Third Grade side produce a disciplined bowling performance to dismiss Brothers for 112 in 33.5 overs.

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Captain Brad Parravicini starred with the ball, claiming 3/8 from five overs, while Alex Stillhard took 2/28. Mark Nosworthy, Keagan Carter, Leo Olditch and Greg Flanagan all chipped in with a wicket apiece.

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In reply, Home Hill successfully chased down the target, finishing on 9/138 from 35 overs. Ryan Rickards top-scored with a patient 32, while Greg Flanagan played a crucial unbeaten knock of 27 to help steer the side home.

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It was a complete team performance from Home Hill, with strong contributions in the field and a composed batting effort securing a comfortable victory.

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Contributed with thanks by Burdekin Touch Association

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The Burdekin Touch Association is gearing up for an exciting day of fast-paced action, with the upcoming Fast Four Touch Football Carnival set to take place at Ayr Touch Fields on Saturday, 14th November.

The carnival will bring together boys, girls and open-age players for a day of competitive touch football, offering an opportunity for local players and visiting teams to get involved, display their skills and enjoy the sport.

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Teams will compete in six divisions: Under 10s, Under 12s, Under 14s, Under 16s, Open Men and Open Women.

With teams made up of six players, the Fast Four format promises plenty of action, with speed, teamwork and skill expected throughout the day.

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Team nominations are $20 per team, with an additional player nomination fee of $20 per player. Cash prizes will also be up for grabs.

Teams interested in taking part can register by emailing burdekintouch4807@gmail.com.

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For further information, contact the association by texting 0437 710 500.

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With junior and senior divisions on offer and cash prizes up for grabs, the Fast Four Touch Football Carnival is shaping up to be a great day of touch football in Ayr.

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Robyn Perry, Lisa Furnell, Suzette Wallace List & Mark Rossato. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Ayr Surf Life Saving Club

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The Ayr Surf Life Saving Club and wider community came together last Saturday to celebrate the culmination of their 100 Years festivities with the official book launch of their '100 Summers' - The Story of the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club.

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The book, written by Martin Grandelis, has been a labour of love for the last 2 years working with the 100 Year & Executive Committees to collate a visual and written history of the club's extensive involvement in the Burdekin and wider SLSQ and SLSA communities.

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The evening was a wonderful success with members of the club, life members, family, friends and community members coming together to reminisce and celebrate such an integral part of the Burdekin.

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This event, culminating a series of functions including a Meet and Greet, The Gala Ball and a Community Day which were all held in May, was hosted to celebrate the official 100 years anniversary on Monday 26^th October, 2026.

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For anybody wishing to purchase a copy, the book '100 Summers' is still available for purchase an can be found in store at Home Hill News and Glen Dell Boutique or by contacting the Ayr Surf Life Saving Club.

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Contributed with thanks by Brian Carnes

The Burdekin Roosters will wind down their season this Friday night with the Annual Presentation of Trophies and Dinner.

The function, beginning at 6pm, will be held in the forecourt of the Burdekin Theatre.

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Apart from the players receiving awards, the club will be honouring all its sponsors, including gold, silver and bronze sponsors.

On the thank-you list will be the various volunteers who have made the year a success with Ladies Day, the Home Hill reunion, Colts reunion, Sponsors Day and Old Boys Day.

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Without those volunteers, along with the work done by the Old Boys Club, the club would not be as healthy as it is.

The club had two teams in the semi-finals, with A Grade going down in its semi-final and the under-19s going all the way to the grand final.

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That is the best the club has done for a few years, and things are looking very positive for the coming season.

The club had three players recognised at the annual RLTD awards night: Chad Fraser in under-19s, Dylan Doak in reserve grade and Jake O'Brien in A Grade.

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Chad Fraser would be favourite for the Jim Eatiorne Memorial Shield as the best local player in under-19s, but he could have some problems with the likes of Jack Power, Kirk Viero, Kaddy Zaro and Leylan Lampton.

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Dylan Doak gets better with age, and he should be a shoo-in for the Mike Horan Reserve Grade Player of the Year.

Doak could have some opposition from Kane Dyne, Adam Prior, Keon Noah, Luca Lago and Kurtis Cox.

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The A Grade Player of the Year will be an interesting choice, with several players having days when they stood out.

Jake O'Brien was judged the best back in the RLTD, but he would have some opposition locally from Jones Munro and Jye Olsen, who both had outstanding days.

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In the forwards, Lachlan Shepherd was a standout all season, but Nemia Nawave had some good games at hooker. Cooper Fletcher was also a standout on the wing, and at only 18 years of age, he has a bright future.

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Nick Brown came into the team late after recovering from injury and took out four of five best-player awards, so he could be a possibility.

Two awards honouring former life members are the Norm Dee Memorial and the Norm Bohl Memorial.

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The Norm Dee award is for a player showing all aspects of club spirit on and off the field, while the Norm Bohl award is for the Club Person of the Year.

The club this year resurrected the Club of Origin concept, and it was a great success, with Colts the day's winners.

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This year, that day will again be held, and it is expected to be bigger and better than last year, with a real carnival atmosphere.

The Clash of the Clubs between Colts, Hornets, Brothers and Home Hill Devils will be held on Saturday, 6th December.

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Contributed with thanks by Stephen Doig

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There were 24 players at social bowls on Thursday afternoon, with four games of triples played.

Rink 3 saw Terry Feakes, Les Hoey and Phil Marsden narrowly beat Maureen Marsden, Judy Elton and Trevor Elton.

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On Rink 4, Glenys Jones, Margaret Linton and Hugh Montgomery won another close game against Dino Poli, Ron Smith and Gary Nosworthy.

On Rink 5, Chris Holden, Robb Darr and Woody defeated Janet Arthur, Meryl Smith and Bruce McCallum.

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Rink 6 saw Paul Vass, Katerina and Mick McClosky record a big win over Betty Webb, Steve Doig and Joe Linton.

Gary Nosworthy is celebrating his 79th birthday on Saturday, so it was fitting that he won the raffle, taking home a bottle of Dimple Scotch whisky. Second prize, a bottle of wine, went to Chris Holden.

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Monday morning fitness, Tuesday Trimmers, Tuesday Funday, the Wednesday Kraft group and Wednesday evening barefoot bowls with the Darts Club starting at 6pm are all on weekly.

Thursday morning is Bingo, followed by social bowls in the afternoon, with names in by 1pm.

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Friday night is pool competition, with limited spots available. Get in early and see Scotty Taylor.

Saturday afternoon social bowls starts at 1.30pm, with names in from 1pm.

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Until next week, good bowling.

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Ivy Land, Lyla Land, Ella Croatto, Harper Trembath, Aaliyah Trembath, Kailey Rowe, Quinn Burrows, Lexi Colls with coach Amy Cranitch. Photos supplied

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Contributed with thanks by The Burdekin Academy

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The Burdekin Academy Competition Team, the Diamonds, have returned home from an incredible experience at the Pan Pacific International Cheerleading Competition on the Gold Coast, proudly representing the Burdekin community on an international stage.

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Competing from the 20nd to 23rd of August, the team took on competitors from across Australia and internationally, including teams from New Zealand and Japan. The girls competed in the Cheer Youth Junior Novice division, as well as a Poms routine.

For the eight local girls, the competition was about much more than simply taking to the floor. It was an opportunity to experience what it is like to compete at an international level, meet athletes from other countries, watch some of the best cheerleaders compete and create lifelong memories together.

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The girls also had the opportunity to watch the best of the best battle it out for top honours and places in the competition's international pathway to Japan.

After months of training, the Diamonds' preparation came together when they stepped onto the competition floor, proudly taking home an international fifth-place medal for their Poms routine.

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It was a fantastic result and a very proud moment for the team, showcasing the effort the girls had put into their routines throughout the season.

Coach Amy Cranitch said she was extremely proud of the team's performance.

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Amy was supported by fellow coaches Libby Eggins, who helped coach and prepare the girls' cheer routine, and Rory Jorgensen, who worked with the team on their Poms routine. Their guidance and expertise played an important role in preparing the Diamonds for the international competition.

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Away from the competition floor, the Gold Coast trip was also about friendship, fun and making memories. For the girls, it was an experience they will look back on for years to come, having had the opportunity to represent their hometown and compete alongside teams from around the world.

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The Burdekin Academy is already looking ahead, with the Diamonds now setting their sights on AASCF and Nationals next year.

To help make these opportunities possible, the Diamonds are currently seeking community sponsorship from local businesses and supporters to assist with the costs associated with travelling to and competing at next year's events.

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The team hopes local businesses will get behind the Diamonds as they work towards their next season and continue to make their community proud. Local businesses interested in sponsoring the team are encouraged to contact the Burdekin Academy to discuss how they can support the girls.

Coach Amy will also be holding competition team try-outs for next year's season, giving aspiring cheerleaders the opportunity to become part of the next Diamonds team.

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Anyone interested in joining the Burdekin Academy, whether through the recreational program or the competitive pathway, or a local business interested in supporting the Diamonds, can contact Amy Cranitch through the Burdekin Academy's email or social media pages.

The Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads have claimed the Townsville Festival of 7s Men’s Cup after defeating the Monsoons Deutsch Minions 28-7 in a heated grand final.

The Burdekin side dominated the decider, flexing its offensive muscle to score four unanswered tries before the Minions crossed late in the match.

The Canetoads survived an early scare after an error from the kick-off handed the Minions an attacking opportunity, but twice held firm under pressure to keep their opponents scoreless.

Burdekin made the most of its chances at the other end, scoring two quick tries before half-time to establish a 14-0 lead.

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Tempers flared early in the second half as the Canetoads added a long-range try before extending their advantage to 28-0 late in the contest.

The side finished the match with only four players on the field after two yellow cards for offside infringements were followed by a red card for a high tackle.

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The Minions eventually broke through for a consolation try in the dying stages, but the result was already beyond doubt.

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Overall October High Gun Winners Sponsored by Ray Collinson Ray Collinson, Lidsay Groat, Wayne Cislowski, Giovanni Celona, Murray Gavan Photos supplied

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Contributed by the Burdekin Clay Target Club

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Burdekin Clay Target Club had 40 shooters attend on Sunday the 11^th October. We definitely are noticing a change in the weather—summer is on it's way.

Thank you to our sponsors, Michael & Susy Populin, Lui & Inez Populin & Ray Collinson.

Thank you Lui Populin for the continued support in donating the meat trays for the raffle.

Our next shoot will be on Sunday 8^th November, following the conclusion of all the events there will be our AGM meeting.

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RESULTS

Event 1-30 Target Medley 15m

AA Grade 1^st Lindsay Groat & Marius Venter 48/50

A Grade 1^st Greg Maltby 47/50, 2^nd Joe Scalia & Wayne Cislowski 45/50

B Grade 1^st Giovanni Celona 45/50 2^nd David Parker, 3rd Peter Wade & David Russell 43/50

C Grade 1^st Murray Gavin 40/50, 2^nd Peter Delle Baite & Allan Parker 39/50

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Event 2-30 Target Burdekin Double Barel Championship 15m Sponsored by Micael & Susy Populin

OPEN 1^st Joe Scalia 58/58

AA Grade 1^st Aaron Lemphers 57/58 2^nd Brad Farry 35/36

A Grade 1^st Joe Scalia 58/58, 2^nd Wayne Cislowski 49/50

B Grade 1^st Peter Wade 29/31, 2^nd David Parker 28/31

C Grade 1^st Brian Bonanno 29/30, 2^nd Murray Gavan 27/30

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Event 3-25 Target Single Barrel 15m Patrons Trophy Sponsored by Lui & Inez Populin

AA Grade 1^st Lindsay Groat 24/25, 2^nd Aaron Lemphers 24/28

A Grade 1^st Alexnader Parker 30/34, 2^nd Wayne Cislowski 29/34

B Grade 1^st Bruce McBow 22/25, 2^nd Giovanni Celona 20/25

C Garde 1^st Murray Gavin 19/26, 2^nd Brett Paton 18/26

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Event 4-25 Target Double Barrel Handicap

OPEN 1^st Wayne Cislowski 24/25

2^nd Peter Scott 27/31

3^rd Brad Farry 26/30

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Overall October High Gun Winners Sponsored by Ray Collinson

AA 1^st Lindsay Groat 122/130

A Grade 1^st Wayne Cislowski 120/130

B Grade 1^st Giovanni Celona 113/130

C Grade 1^st Murray Gavin 107/130

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Saturday PM- 1-5pm - Group C2 - Lauren Chapman PC,  Evan Chapman, Isla Chapman and Milla Chapman 

Sunday AM 9am-1pm- Group H - Kathryn Sartori PC,  Dave Sartori PC, Riley Satori, Jake Satori, Shaize Christie and Cole Pontifex 

Sunday PM 1-5PM - Group G - Kristy Wassmuth PC, Briella Wassmuth, Emilee Wassmuth, Chris Wicks PC, Jane Olsen and Mia Wicks 

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Emily Patti took home the Smash Series “McDonalds Sports Award” for her great batting and accurate bowling with a straight arm. Photos supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Home Hill Junior Cricket

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All three groups were playing at the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex on Friday, with some fine cricket skills on show.

In the first week of their season, the “Smash Series” game was a one-sided batting affair, with only one wicket falling throughout the match.

Hugh Armstrong took the only wicket, finishing with figures of 1/5. Olivia Patti bowled economically, conceding just four runs in her spell.

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Jai Baxter smashed a six on his way to the top score of 17 not out, while Reuben Armstrong also batted smartly with 13 not out. Jaxon Watkins and Everly Nicholas were not far behind, finishing unbeaten on 10 runs each.

Emily Patti took home the “McDonalds Sports Award” for her great batting and accurate bowling with a straight arm.

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Wickets fell throughout the “Blue Group” game, but Henry Cohen remained unbeaten, smashing three fours on his way to 16 runs.

Mitchell Patti was next on 13 runs, including two fours, before being dismissed by Henry’s brother Royce, who claimed two more wickets and took a catch.

Nate Ryder also showed promise with the bat, hitting a four on his way to 10 not out.

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The bowling was economical, with seven maidens bowled. Mitchell Patti delivered three of them and took a wicket for figures of 1/0. William (1/1), Henry Cohen (1/3) and Stirling Williams (0/2) also bowled well.

Henry received the “McDonalds Sport Award” for his efforts.

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In the “Gold Group”, the bowlers shared the wickets, with two each for Mazlyn Smith, Xavier Cross, Tait and Marshall Parker.

Marshall had a great over, taking two wickets for three runs, while Mazlyn was on a hat-trick in one of her overs. Jude Shannon, Jake Cullen and Jardii Russell also took one wicket each.

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Marshall enjoyed success with the bat, smashing four boundaries, including two sixes, on his way to 38 not out. Jake Cullen was next on 14, closely followed by Jude Shannon on 13.

Xavier Cross and Jake took catches off their own bowling, while Jardii Russell and Kip Nicholas also took catches.

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Jake received the “McDonalds Sports Award” for his great batting, bowling and fielding.

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Burdekin FC’s Presentation Night will take place at Populin’s Hall on Saturday night. This promises to be a very big night, especially for the Colts who won everything in sight.

Meanwhile, Night Soccer is well into its forty eighth season and Junior Social Soccer kicked off last week. The Juniors have twenty-four teams ranging in age from Under 5 to Under 13/14. Also, the Escriva Cup, based on Night Soccer takes place on Friday 30 October.

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Night Soccer – Delta Cleaners

Night Soccer’s fourth week of competition was played in good conditions and there were no forfeits. The twenty games produced seventy-four goals.

Top scorers in the Men’s competition were Bennetts Old Grumpies with eight goals and UDS, Rocky Pond Warriors and Hardly Normal with five goals. In the Ladies competition Bodytune Bombers scored nine goals and DILLIGAF four. Individually, Khrisneel Singh was top scorer with four goals for Bennetts Old Grumpies.

There was just one draw, and only two games were won by one goal. This year initially the Men are split into three tables of eight teams and after four rounds there are now only two teams with maximum points, UDS and Nutrien Ag Solutions. In the Ladies only Bodytune Bombers and Scoregasms have won all four games.

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National

The A League Men kicked off the new season on Friday night with Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers drawing 0-0. Last year’s champions Auckland beat Melbourne City 3-1 and top the table on three points together with Macarthur and Wellington Phoenix. Brisbane Roar do not play until next Friday when they are at home to Perth Glory.

The A League Women kicked off on Saturday with Brisbane Roar losing 2-4 at home to Central Coast Mariners. Melbourne City beat Wellington Phoenix 2-1 and Victory win 1-0 at Western Sydney Wanderers. Mariners top the table and Roar hold it all up.

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International

The Socceroos have another couple of friendlies against Qatar and Jordan lined up in November, as they get ready for the AFC Asian Cup. In the Cup’s Group D they play Singapore on 9th January, Iraq on 14th January and Tajikistan on 19th January.

The Matildas played Germany, in a friendly in Germany last week and lost 2-4. They then played Haiti, again in Germany and won 7-1. The Matildas have another friendly lined up on 28th November, at home to Colombia.

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Around the World

In England and the EPL Manchester City beat Ipswich and still has maximum points from seven games, which gives them a three-point lead over Arsenal. Brighton stays in third place and Chelsea has moved up to fourth. At the foot of the table Spurs. Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Fulham all look to be in for a difficult season.

In Germany’s Bundesliga, after six rounds, Bayern and Dortmund are a point clear of Freiburg and Leverkusen. At the bottom of the league Monchengladbach has lost all their games and look due for relegation already. Paderborn, Schalke and Union Berlin could also be in trouble.

In Italy, the top five teams all won and after seven rounds, Inter and Lazio are still joint leaders with a two-point lead over Roma. Como has moved up to fourth place and Juventus has dropped to eighth. At the foot of the table Venezia were the only one of the bottom seven teams to win.

In Spain’s la Liga, Barcelona now has maximum points from nine games and is still five points clear of Atletico and Real Madrid with Real Betis dropping to fourth place. None of the bottom ten teams won and Malaga and Valencia look to be in trouble.

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Quote the of the Week is another from England Star David Beckham “My parents have been there for me, ever since I was about seven.”

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Home Hill enjoyed a successful weekend on the cricket fields, with all three teams securing victories. Photos supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Home Hill Cricket Association

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Home Hill enjoyed a successful weekend on the cricket fields, with all three teams securing victories.

Home Hill Pengelly Cabinets produced a strong all-round Second Grade performance to claim a thrilling three-wicket win over Norths.

After electing to bowl, Home Hill restricted Norths to 6/177 from 40 overs, with Tristan Richards (2/21) leading the attack. Mark Nosworthy (1/9 from six overs) was outstanding, while Al Wilkins (1/19) and Brad Parravicini (1/23) also bowled tightly.

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Chasing 178, Home Hill lost early wickets before Mark Coventry took the attack to the bowlers with a quick-fire 45.

Darcy Walters then anchored the innings, remaining unbeaten on 55, while Lachlan Altmann provided the perfect support with 39 not out.

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The pair guided Home Hill from a precarious 7/125 to victory, finishing on 7/180 in the 38th over.

Home Hill Evergreen Sheds followed suit in Third Grade, defeating Northern Beaches after chasing down a target of 162.

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Northern Beaches elected to bat first but were restricted to 8/161 from 35 overs. Lachlan Altmann starred with 3/9 from five overs, while Salvatore Cardillo (2/34) and Greg Flanagan (2/26) also played key roles.

In reply, Home Hill made light work of the chase, finishing on 5/215. Ryan Rickards anchored the innings with 62, while Darcy Walters guided the side home with an unbeaten 71. Simon Vickers provided an aggressive start with 26 from 21 balls, and Greg Flanagan added 21.

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Home Hill ML Partners completed the clean sweep with a convincing 107-run win over Wanderers in Fourth Grade.

After being sent in to bat, Home Hill posted a formidable 7/257 from 30 overs. Mitchell Price-Wilson set the tone with 55, Jay Leckenby blasted 40, and Sameer Korgaonkar stole the show with 63 from just 35 balls, including five fours and five sixes. Cameron Butterworth added an unbeaten 23 in the closing overs.

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Defending the total, Home Hill shared the wickets around as Wanderers were bowled out for 150 in 28.3 overs. Travis Butler and Mitchell Price-Wilson led the attack with 3/12 each, while Cameron Butterworth, Roopesh Krishnan, Jay Leckenby and Kiriti Sanga also contributed.

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All three Home Hill teams will play in Townsville next weekend. For match-day details, visit the Home Hill Cricket Association Facebook page.

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Home Hill's cricket sides recorded mixed results across Second, Third and Fourth Grade last weekend, with Third Grade claiming the club's only win of the round. Photo supplied

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Home Hill's cricket sides recorded mixed results across Second, Third and Fourth Grade last weekend, with Third Grade claiming the club's only win of the round.

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The Home Hill Pengelly Cabinets Second Grade team set a competitive target of 124 after solid contributions from Mark Coventry (32), Ayden Marano (28) and Simon Vickers (22). The top order laid a strong foundation, with Home Hill reaching 4/93 before a late Saints fightback restricted the total.

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Defending 124, Home Hill's bowlers made Saints work for every run. Captain Ayden Marano led from the front with a superb 4/16 from eight overs, while Mark Nosworthy (2/31) and Lachlan Altmann (1/10) provided excellent support.

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The Saints chase went right down to the wire, with Home Hill applying pressure throughout the innings and keeping the result in doubt until the final stages. Despite the spirited effort in the field, Saints AC edged home at 7/125, securing a narrow three-wicket victory.

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A strong all-round performance from the Home Hill side, with plenty of positives to take from a match that could have gone either way.

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Home Hill Evergreen Sheds posted a formidable 4/230 from 35 overs in Third Grade after being sent in, with Callum Boland blasting 68 from 41 balls and skipper Brad Parravicini finishing unbeaten on 67. Guy Stevenson also contributed 46 as Home Hill built a match-winning total.

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In reply, Wanderers were bowled out for 178 in 33.2 overs. Home Hill's bowling attack shared the workload impressively. Darcy Walters was the standout performer, claiming 4/23 from 4.2 overs to clean up the tail and seal the result. Brad Parravicini backed up his batting heroics with 2/19, while Rohit Kumar Kondeti chipped in with 2/37. Roopesh Krishnan and Ross Parker also picked up a wicket each.

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The 52-run victory capped off an excellent all-round performance from Home Hill, with the big first-innings total proving beyond Wanderers' reach.

Home Hill ML Partners fought hard in Fourth Grade but came up against a strong Saints Higgins Coatings outfit, going down by 152 runs after Saints posted 8/227 from their 30 overs.

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After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Home Hill had contributors across the board. Travis Butler, Leo Olditch and John Licciardello each claimed two wickets, with Licciardello producing an outstanding spell of 2/10 from three overs. Casey Forrester and Andrew Newman also chipped in with a wicket each.

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Chasing a challenging target, Home Hill showed plenty of determination. Cameron Butterworth top-scored with an entertaining knock of 16 from just 13 balls, including four boundaries, while Leo Olditch contributed 14 and Casey Forrester added nine.

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While the result didn't go Home Hill's way, there were positives to take from the match, particularly from the bowling and fielding efforts.

Ayr nippers and cadets representing at Forrest Beach. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Ayr SLSC

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Twenty-eight Ayr SLSC competitors, from U8s to Masters, took on members from across the North Barrier Branch over the weekend at the Forrest Beach SLSC carnival. The crew took on all the usual events as well as skis, tube races and R&R.

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There were strong individual performances by all members, and everyone stepped it up another level to put 110% into team events with some extremely exciting and fun relays taking place. Ayr ended up taking out 2nd place overall at the end of the carnival, which was a great result for a small contingent of competitors.

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The entire branch also honoured the memory of Forrest Beach much-loved Patrol and Life Member, Kauko Kaurila following the Colour Party March Past. Patrolling members and competitors formed a guard of honour and cadet members from all clubs paddled out to lay a wreath to honour his remarkable life and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. The morning was a beautiful tribute to a man who has left a lasting contribution to the entire surf lifesaving community.

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The club is now looking forward to their official "100 Summers" Book launch on Saturday 24th October from 5pm at the Ayr SLSC Clubhouse where members and the wider community can come together to wrap up their official 100 year celebrations.

Saturday PM - 17/10 - 1-5pm - Group A - Tramayne Horan PC, Jarrod Rossato PC, Zachary Dale, Stephanie Dale and Warne McShane

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Sunday 18/10 - 9am-5pm - Group D - Ben Lawry PC, Kellie Lawry PC, Bella Lawry, Charoltte Lawry, Lisa Vivian and Alyssa Irvine

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The local season got off to an unexpected start last Saturday when South Melbourne won the Australia Cup. Photo: South Melbourne FC

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With the 2026 season finished, all that is left now is this year’s Burdekin FC ‘s Presentation Night. This will take place at Populin’s Hall on Saturday 24^th October. This promises to be a very big night, especially for the Colts who won everything in sight.

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Meanwhile, Night Soccer is well into it’s forty eighth season and Junior Social Soccer kicks off shortly. Also, the Escriva Cup takes place on Friday 30 October.

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Night Soccer – Delta Cleaners

Night Soccer’s 3rd week of competition was played in prefect conditions; there were two forfeits and the eighteen games produced eighty-two goals.

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Top scorers in the Men’s competition were FJV with eight goals and Rocky Pond Warriors and UDS with seven goals. In the Ladies competition Kicken Goals scored five goals and Chicks and Chooks four. Individually, Jay Leckenby was top scorer with a hat-trick for UDS. The first Sin Bin of the season went to the Old Grumpies’ Khrisneel Singh.  

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There were five draws, and just one game was won by just one goal. This year initially the Men are split into three tables of eight teams and after three matches there are only three teams with maximum points, Mottin Earthmoving, UDS and Nutrien Ag Solutions. In the Ladiesonly Bodytune Bombers and Scoregasms have won all three games.

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National

The local season got off to an unexpected start last Saturday when South Melbourne won the Australia Cup. They beat Melbourne Victory on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time. This is the first time a non-A Leagues club has won the cup. The Burdekin Panthers played in the early Cup rounds back in March!

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The A Leagues kick off shortly. The men’s Division of twelve teams is in action this weekend with Sydney FC at home to Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday night. Brisbane Roar does not kick off until next Friday when they are at home to Perth Glory. Each Club will play twenty-eight matches before the finals begin in May.

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The A League Women also kick off this week with two games on Saturday, Brisbane Roar is at home to Central Coast Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers at home to Melbourne Victory. This season the League will have eleven teams and then next season, should have twelve.

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International

The Socceroos have another couple of friendlies against Qatar and Jordan lined up in November, as they get ready for the AFC Asian Cup. In the Cup’s Group D they play Singapore on 9^th January, Iraq on 14ht January and Tajikistan on 19^th January.

The Matildas played Germany, in a friendly in Germany on last week and lost 2-4. They now have a couple more friendlies lined up, the first one is away to Haiti on 14 October then on 28^th November, at home to Colombia. The Matildas have qualified for the 2027 World Cup to be held in Brazil in June - July next year.

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International

Meanwhile in the rest of the world, the Nations Cup is on hold until the middle of November. The fifty-four countries involved then spend another couple of weeks disrupting the various European leagues! At this stage, France, Holland, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Northern Ireland, Austria and Sweden all head their groups.

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Normal Service was resumed in Europe last weekend and in England Manchester City celebrated with a 3-0 win at Liverpool, and still has maximum points from six games, which gives them a three point lead over Arsenal with Brighton third and Brentford fourth. In Germany, Freiburg and Dortmund jointly head the Bundesliga with Bayern in third place and Leverkusen fourth.

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In Italy after six rounds, Inter and Lazio are joint leaders with a two point lead over Roma. Cagliari are fourth and Juventus are in sixth place. In Spain’s la Liga, Barcelona with maximum points from eight games, is five points clear of Atletico and Real Betis with Real Madrid languishing in fourth place.

Finally, in France after six Rounds Monaco leads Lille and Rennes by one point with Lyon in fourth place. PSG is presently sixth.

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Quote the of the Week is from Limerick and Ireland Manager Eoin Hand, “There are only two certainties in this life. People die and football managers get the sack.”

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Nate Ryder received the “MacDonald Sports Award” for his incredible bowling spell in the Blue Group Photos supplied

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Contributed with thanks by HHCA

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Last Friday afternoon, the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex was again filled with excited children playing cricket.

This was the first week of the 2026/27 season for the “Hardball” cricketers after the winter break. The younger players will start their season this week. The “Blasters”, for 5–8-year-olds, will play at East Ayr State School at 3.30pm on Thursday, 15th October, while the “Junior Smash Series”, for 8–10-year-olds, will be held at 5pm on Friday, 16th October, at the Nutrien Ag. Solutions Cricket Complex.

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The “Blue Group” has a few new players joining them this season, with some moving up from last season’s Challengers and others new to cricket. Lane Nicolson, one of the new players, was the top scorer with 23 runs, followed by another newcomer, Broly Colls, with 19 runs. Stirling Williams also scored 19, while Mitchell Patti was unbeaten on 15 runs.

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Last season’s Challenger, Nate Ryder, made “Hardball” bowling look easy with four wickets for seven runs, including a wicket maiden. The other wicket-takers were Logan McKeough (2/13), Stirling Williams and Mitchell Patti, who took one wicket each. Nate received the “MacDonald Sports Award” for his incredible bowling spell.

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The “Gold Group” had a couple of players trialling from the “Blue Group”, and they were not at all outplayed. Jardii Russell looked at home in the group, finishing unbeaten on 14 runs, taking two wickets for four runs and bowling a maiden. This all-round performance earned him the “MacDonalds Sports Award”.

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Jude Shannon was another trialling player and snared two wickets for just two runs, including two maidens. Other bowlers to take maidens were Kip Nicholas, Jardii Russell, Tait Parker and Ben Watkins. Xavier Cross took two wickets for 12 runs, which was a little expensive compared with the other bowlers.

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Tait Parker bowled well (1/7) and took two catches. Marshall Parker and Mazlyn Smith also took catches and combined to get a run-out.

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Contributed by the Home Hill Tennis Association

There’s plenty happening at Home Hill Tennis this term, with exciting competitions, social events and opportunities for everyone to get involved. We look forward to seeing plenty of familiar faces and welcoming new players to the club!

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Monday Night Tennis

Our popular Night Tennis fixture competition continues every Monday from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm. This mixed competition caters for all abilities, with players competing in regular teams against others of a similar standard. Whether you’re an experienced player or looking to get back into tennis, new players are always welcome!

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Pickleball Is Booming!

Pickleball continues to attract new players, and there are plenty of opportunities to give this fun and fast-growing sport a try.

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Tuesday Introduction to Pickleball: 6.00 pm – 6.40 pm. A great starting point to learn the rules and basic strokes.

Tuesday Night Social Competition: Sign-on from 6.30 pm, with matches starting at 7.00 pm. With regularly more than 32 players attending, it’s a fantastic mix of social fun and competitive play. Whether you want to meet new people, improve your skillsor enjoy some serious competition, there’s something for everyone!

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Saturday Morning Pickleball: 7.30 am, followed by coffee and a chat.

Come along, give pickleball a go and discover what all the excitement is about!

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Harvest Festival – Support Our Own!

As we head into Harvest Festival season, Home Hill Tennis is proud to support our entrant, Sarah Shepherd, a valued member of our Management Committee and an active club volunteer.

We have some fantastic events planned, and we encourage all members, especially our juniors, to get involved, show their support for Sarah and help put Home Hill Tennis in the spotlight!

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Save these dates:

Saturday 17th October – Trivia Night, commencing at 6.30 pm. Teams of six are welcome, at $15 per person. Entries are now open! Contact Sarah on 0466 024 747 for more information.

Sunday 25th October – Fun Teams Event, with AO One point Slam commencing at 4.00 pm.

Saturday 7th November – Harvest Festival Ball and Parade. We look forward to getting behind Sarah and supporting the festival celebrations.

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AO One Point Slam Comes to Home Hill!

Our Fun Teams afternoon on Sunday 25th October will feature the exciting AO One Point Slam, giving local tennis and pickleball players the chance to compete for prizes and potentially progress towards the Australian Open!

Home Hill’s winning tennis and pickleball participants will take home cash and gift vouchers, with the opportunity to progress to the State Championships.

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The pathway leads towards the ultimate prize: a chance to compete at the Australian Open for a share of the incredible $1 million One Point Slam prize. The last man and last woman standing at the State Championships will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Australian Open Opening Week to compete in the national qualifiers. Four men and four women from the state champions will then earn a place in the One Point Slam main draw.

Register online at Tennis Australia – One Point Slam, or contact Kate or email homehilltennis@gmail.com for more information.

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Home Hill Tennis is about more than just sport – it’s about community, friendship, fun and giving everyone a chance to participate. We hope to see plenty of members, families and supporters at the club over the coming weeks. Thank you to our sponsors and donors who have contributed to make these events successful. Your support makes a real difference to our club and to Sarah as we celebrate another exciting Harvest Festival season!

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Young golfers across the state are gearing up for one of the junior golf calendar’s premier events, the Karrie Webb Junior Masters, which will grace Ayr Golf Club later this month. Photo: Melanie Napier Memories and Photography

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Young golfers across the state are gearing up for one of the junior golf calendar’s premier events, the Karrie Webb Junior Masters, which will grace Ayr Golf Club later this month.

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Named after the Burdekin's own international golfing legend, Karrie Webb—who will be in attendance—the tournament will see juniors go head-to-head across 18-hole, nine-hole, six-hole and three-hole events on the 24th and 25th October.

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The competition will serve as a Greg Norman Junior Masters Open qualifier and an Ayr Golf Club honour board event, already garnering interest from as far as Brisbane.

Last year’s competition saw a field of 90 juniors take to the course, with Dallas Douglas and Jazarah Kamu emerging as 18-hole boys and girls champions from a talent pool spanning North Queensland.

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Organisers are hoping for another strong field of competitors this year, with nominations remaining open until 22nd October.

Juniors can nominate for any of the four formats, with two-day entry fees ranging from $15 to $35.

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A presentation dinner will be held at Ayr Golf Club on Saturday, 24th October, from 6pm, with tickets costing $30 for adults and $15 for children.

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Nominations and dinner bookings can be made by emailing juniorcaptain@ayrgc.com.au.

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The three-day event brought junior and senior anglers together for a weekend of fishing, competitions, raffles and prizes, with the main catch weighed in on Sunday, 4th October. Photos: Giru International Hotel

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A 4.915kg barramundi earned Kyla Turnbull the Roy’s Biggest Barra Trophy at the Giru International Hotel’s annual October Long Weekend Fishing Classic last.

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The three-day event brought junior and senior anglers together for a weekend of fishing, competitions, raffles and prizes, with the main catch weighed in on Sunday 4th October.

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Saturday night’s cast net throwing competition was won by Nathan Zabel, while junior angler Rory Widderick impressed by showing some of the senior competitors how it was done.

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Sunday’s weigh-in ran from noon to 3pm, followed by presentations from 4pm, with junior and senior anglers competing for prizes.

‘Swampy’ took home the event’s major prize package, valued at $2800, while minor prize winners received Bundaberg fishing shirts and Great Northern fishing hats.

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The weekend also featured a Friday meet-and-greet, raffles, a barbecue and a Sunday lunch, with proceeds from a raffle supporting the Rural Fire Service.

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Organisers thanked the anglers, patrons, local supporters and hotel staff who helped make the annual competition another success.

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The final of the club singles competition was played on Rink 3 between Scotty Taylor and Jeff Taylor, with Scotty taking the win. Photo: Stephen Doig

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Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Twenty-two players enjoyed another perfect spring afternoon, with a light breeze.

Three games of triples and one game of pairs were contested.

Rink 4 – Triples: Margaret Chapman, Robb Darr and Glen Bones Berryman (pictured, the day’s lucky rink winners) outlasted Nev Webb, Dino Poli and Joe Linton.

Rink 5 – Triples: Meryl, Des Chapman and Mick McClosky won convincingly over Paul Vass, Katerina and Gary Nosworthy.

Rink 6 – Triples: Betty Webb, Les Hoey and Hugh Montgomery recorded a good win against Maureen Marsden, Ron Smith and Alex Bojack.

Rink 7 – Pairs: Steve Doig and Bruce McCallum claimed a convincing victory over Janet Arthur and Phil Marsden.

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Earlier in the day, the final of the club singles competition was played on Rink 3 between Scotty Taylor and Jeff Taylor, with Scotty taking the win. Congratulations, Scotty!

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The meat tray raffle was won by Steve Doig, with Mick Olsen taking second prize.

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What’s on at the club?

Monday fitness, Tuesday Trimmers and Tuesday Funday, Wednesday morning Kraft group and barefoot bowls in the evening with darts, Thursday morning BINGO and social bowls in the afternoon, Friday night pool competition, and Saturday afternoon social bowls.

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Come along and support your club.

Until next week, good bowling.

The Under 15s were named Team of the Year after a fantastic season. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Burdekin Junior Rugby League

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Burdekin Junior Rugby League celebrated the end of another successful season with our Under 13 to Under 16 Presentation Night at the Burdekin Theatre.

The night brought together players, families, coaches and volunteers to celebrate the 2026 season and recognise the achievements of our older junior teams.

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The Helen Viero Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Kurt Olsen, an exceptional helper and valued volunteer who is always willing to lend a hand around the club.

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Awards were presented across each age group, recognising the efforts and achievements of our players throughout the season.

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The Under 15s were named Team of the Year after a fantastic season which saw them finish the year as Tier 2 Premiers.

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BJRL would like to congratulate all of our award recipients and thank our coaches, managers, trainers, volunteers, sponsors and families for their support throughout the season.

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It was a great night to celebrate our older juniors and wrap up another year of junior rugby league in the Burdekin.

See more photos here: www.burdekinlife.com/social-pics/junior-league-wraps-up-successful-season

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Burdekin’s U12 Wildcats have returned from the Queensland Basketball State Championships with three wins from six games. Photo: Basketball Queensland

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Burdekin’s U12 Wildcats have returned from the Queensland Basketball State Championships with three wins from six games, finishing seventh in Division 3 after a series of closely fought matches.

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The championships were held in Brisbane during the recent school holidays, with the Wildcats recording wins over South West Metro, Eastside Knights and Townsville.

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They opened with a narrow 30-27 loss to Northside Wizards before bouncing back with a 49-22 win over South West Metro and a 66-26 victory against Eastside Knights.

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A 50-42 loss to RedCity Roar followed, before the Wildcats went down 32-28 to North Gold Coast Seahawks.

They finished their campaign with a one-point win over Townsville, 29-28.

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The result capped a strong season for the young side, which won 10 of 12 games across three NQJBC carnivals in Townsville to claim the competition’s U12 gold medal in August.

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The club thanked families and supporters who travelled south for the tournament, as well as coaches Amy, Deb, Addy and Courtney for their work throughout the season.

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The team was also supported by sponsors Marathon Mangoes, D & C Pennisi Pty Ltd, Landy’s Mangoes & Produce, Burdekin Chiropractic and Broadie’s Airconditioning & Refrigeration.

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Saturday PM 10/10 - 1-5pm - Group F - Lisa Furnell, John Furnell,  Josh Furnell, Jen Morgan, Jo Morgan,  Jan Hatherell and Gabriel Hatherell 

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Sunday AM 11/10 - 9am-1pm- Group C1 - Jane Jones, Gavin Jones and Emma Jones 

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Sunday PM 11/10 - 1-5pm- Group B - Terry Lund, Anita Giddy, Heather Scott, James Kennedy, Shane Morgan and Ross Blakey 

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Mount Inkerman will once again test the legs of runners and walkers when the King and Queen of the Hill returns on Saturday 24th October. Photos: Melanie Napier Memories & Photography

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Mount Inkerman will once again test the legs of runners and walkers when the King and Queen of the Hill returns on Saturday 24th October.

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Part of the Home Hill Harvest Festival calendar, the annual event will get underway at 6am, with participants racing from the base of the mountain to the lookout before making the return journey.

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Competitors will be split into multiple age categories, with cash prizes up for grabs for those who can conquer the course fastest.

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Last year’s event saw a strong early-morning turnout, with Aaron Bathis setting the fastest time overall at 14 minutes and 46 seconds, while Jennifer Fotinos was the fastest female in 20 minutes and 58 seconds.

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This year’s event will run until 8am, with a coffee van and food available for competitors and spectators.

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Registrations can be completed on the day at Mount Inkerman.

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Seniors

The 2026 season wound up last week when the Burdekin Colts travelled to Cairns to contest the Crad Evans Trophy against Edge Hill Utd. The Colts, already minor premiers and Grand Final winners, won 2-1, a fitting way to wind up a very goodseason.  

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The Burdekin Panthers Presentation Night will be held on Saturday 24^th October.

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Colts – Astute Finance

The Burdekin Colts capped off an extraordinary season in style, defeating Edge Hill United 2-1 in the Crad Evans Trophy Final on Sunday 27 September. The victory completed a remarkable treble for the Colts, who finished the year as Minor Premiers, Grand Final Champions, and Crad Evans Champions, while also earning the title of Invincibles after going undefeated throughout the entire season. The final was a dominant display from the Colts. Edge Hill started brightly, pressing hard and fast, but Burdekin maintained their composure and controlled much of the possession throughout the match. Midway through the first half, a long throw from Caleb Formalin found Jhett Jones, who quickly slipped a pass through to Cooper Kross. Kross made no mistake, forcing the ball home to give Burdekin a deserved 1-0 lead. The Colts carried that advantage into the halftime break.  

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The second half began much the same way, with Burdekin continuing to dominate proceedings. The midfield controlled the game and consistently created opportunities. Following some strong defensive work, the ball fell to Charlie Predabon, who delivered a superb pass through to Ryley Siandri. The league's Golden Boot winner remained calm under pressure and slotted home his 16th goal of the season to extend the lead to 2-0. Edge Hill managed a late consolation goal, but the result was never seriously in doubt as the Colts saw out the match to secure the championship. This triumph crowns Burdekin as the undisputed Under 18 Champions of North Queensland and is a testament to the hard work, commitment, and team spirit shown by the players and coaching staff throughout an unforgettable season.

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Night Soccer – Delta Cleaners

Night Soccer’s 2nd week of competition saw the sixteen games produce sixty-three goals. There were four forfeits, probably mostly due to school holidays. Top scorers were Willy Wackers with eleven goals and ladies’ team Rocky Pond Wonderswith eight goals. There were three draws, and just three games were won by one goal. This year there are twenty-four Man’s teams initially split up into three group of eight teams. The Ladies have sixteen teams in two groups of eight.

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National and International

The Socceroos did rather well in their two-match series against Brazil. After drawing 1-1 in Townsville, they then lost 2-4 in Brisbane, after leading 2-1. The Socceroos next fixtures are in the AFC Asian Cup in January next year. They play Singapore, Iraq and Tajikistan in their group games.

The Matildas have three “friendly” games coming up. They are away to Germany on 9^th October and then on 13^th October meet Haiti in France. On 28^th November they are at home to Colombia in Canberra.

Meanwhile in the rest of the world, it is an international couple of weeks. In Europe fifty-four teams are competing in the Nations League! Groups A, B and C each have four groups of four teams and group D has two lots of three teams. After three, or four games, depending on the Draw, in League A only Spain and Portugal have maximum points. In League B only Switzerland has maximum points and in League C, Montenegro has three wins.

Notable results this week include England winning 7-0 away to Croatia, Iceland beating Bulgaria 3-0, Portugal, without Ronaldo, winning 4-2 away to Denmark and Poland thumping Romania 6-0.

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Quote the of the Week is from Brian Clough “There are more hooligans in the House of Commons than at a football match”.

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The winning rink on the day was Rink 5: Gary, Judy and Steve Muto Photos supplied

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Contributed by Stephen Doig

26 participants were here on another breezy spring afternoon.

Three games of triples and two games of pairs were contested over 18 ends.

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Rink 3. Triples. Margaret Chapman, Bruce McCallum and Trevor Elton defeated Chris Holden, Ron Smith and Jeff Taylor.

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Rink 4. Triples. Paul Vass, Robb Darr and Wayne Newton were on song and outclassed Marlene Marsden, Dino Poli and Glen ‘Bones’ Berryman.

Rink 5. Triples. Judy Elton, Steve Muto and Gary Nosworthy won on countback by ends from Des Chapman, Katarina Stuckler and Richie Mou.

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Rink 6. Pairs. Stephen Doig and Mick McClosky accounted for Nev Webb and Hugh Montgomery.

Rink 7. Pairs. Betty Webb and Phil Marsden triumphed over Janet Arthur and Steve Fuller, a visitor from Mossman FNQ.

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The winning rink on the day was Rink 5: Gary, Judy and Steve Muto.

Winning the Seafood Tray raffle was Steve Doig. Paul Vass won the second prize, some nice barra fillets.

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Monday morning fitness and Tuesday Trimmers and Tuesday Funday, Wednesday morning Kraft group, with Wednesday night barefoot bowls and Darts night. Thursday morning BINGO and social bowls, names in by 1pm and start time is 1.30pm. Friday night is Pool Competition at 6pm. Saturday afternoon social bowls, 1 for 1.30pm start.

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Until next week, good bowling.

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Sibson, currently playing off scratch, said he heads into the events without any major expectations but with plenty of national pride. Photos supplied

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Burdekin golfer Scott Sibson has been selected to represent both Queensland and Australia at a series of tournaments across October and November this year.

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Sibson, 56, will pull on Queensland’s maroon at the Australian Senior Amateur at Bribie Island Golf Club from 14th-16th October.

He will then represent Australia in a biennial Senior Trans-Tasman Match against New Zealand in Brisbane on 19th-20th October, before travelling to Macau for the Asia Pacific Golf Championship from 25th-27th November.

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One of the Asia’s premier team and individual events for senior male golfers, the Asia Pacific Golf Championship will pit Sibson against some of the best senior golfers in the region, with the winner earning an exemption into The R&A Senior Amateur Championship.

He admitted the achievement came quicker than expected.

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“It has been a goal of mine to play for Australia since last year when I started playing the state events. I never realised it would happen so quickly though,” he said.

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“I have had a few mates who have been involved in these tournaments, and I thought if I played well then I would be a chance to maybe make the Australia v New Zealand team—but to be able to play in the Asia Pacific Championship is a real highlight.”

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Sibson’s selection follows a stellar two years on the links, winning domestic tournaments in Townsville and on the Gold Coast in 2025 before making his Australian debut at the BMW Golf Cup World Final in South Africa earlier this year.

Further success in senior amateur events across the country has culminated in a second-place Golf Australia senior amateur ranking for the full-time accountant, ultimately earning him state and national team selection.

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Sibson, currently playing off scratch, said he heads into the events with no expectations but plenty of national pride.

“I really have no idea how we will go in any of these team events as it is the first time,” he said.

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“I just hope I can perform well as I am very proud to be able to say that I have represented Australia. I feel I am a very patriotic Aussie.”

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With the achievement comes gratitude for those who have supported Sibson along the way.

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“I would like to thank my wife Donna because without her support, none of this would ever have happened. She has given me the confidence to have a go,” he said.

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“I also must thank my staff for their support, as I do tend to spend a considerable amount of time away from the office.”

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Happy youngster with a nice Spanish Mackerel

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Due to take place 22-25th October from the Whitsunday Marine Club, the Tackle World Airlie Beach Light Tackle Game Fish Tournament has evolved to be one of the biggest events of its kind on the Queensland Coast.

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Hosted by the Whitsunday Game Fish Club, it’s shaping up to be another fantastic event.

The lively competition is fished to GFAA (Game Fishing Association of Australia) rules and regulations using 10kg monofilament line only. The contest covers two divisions; boats over seven meters and boats under seven meters, with teams consisting of a minimum of two and a maximum of five anglers who are financial members of a Club affiliated with GFAA.

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The Tournament point scoring is based mainly around tag & release.

Billfish (Sailfish and Marlin) are awarded 1000 points, and competitors receive 100 points each for all other Gamefish including Mackerel, Tuna, Cobia, Mahi-Mahi, GT's, Wahoo, Queenfish and more.

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Gamefish to be weighed for extra points must exceed a weight of 10kg.

The formula is, Fish Weight × 100 ÷ 10 = points, fish less than 10kg may be tagged for points. GT's, Queenfish and Barracuda must exceed 60 centimetres in length to be eligible for tag & Release.

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On Friday 16th October from 6pm, the Club will host an informative workshop night conducted by Committee member Gareth Trevz.

He will outline all the skills needed to be a serious contender in Tournaments, demonstrate bait and lure rigging techniques and offer tips for presentation to tempt any Gamefish.

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Everybody's welcome to come along to this event and it is free of charge. New memberships and Tournament nominations will be gladly received on the night.

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The Airlie Beach Light Tackle Game Fish Tournament kicks off on Thursday October 22nd at 6pm with a meet and greet, some tasty food followed a compulsory briefing for competitors where all information will be explained in full.

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After this, it's time for a fun Calcutta auction of all competing Teams, mixed in with a little bit of friendly banter, which always generates a few laughs.

The following morning, the action begins in earnest with a compulsory Sail-past of all competing vessels at 7am, adjacent to the Club, which is a real spectacle.

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Fishing then commences at 8am, ceasing at 5pm.

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On Saturday the competition resumes at 7am and finishes at 5pm, while the Sunday contest starts at 7am, coming to a close at 2pm.

Boats have the option of staying at sea on Friday and Saturday night in a designated safe anchorage for a social get-together if they choose to do so.

The Presentation Dinner starts at 6pm on Sunday with delicious food and a fantastic array of prizes and cash to be given away in the Men’s, Ladies’, Junior (11-16yo) and Smallfry (under 11-year-old) sections. Plus lots more, thanks to the continuing support of generous sponsors.

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This Tournament is an opportunity for fishers of all ages to learn new angling skills and techniques, embrace the sport of Game Fishing while competing as a team against others for the loads of prizes on offer.

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The Tournament organisers would prefer to have all team nominations in by 4pm Monday the19th of October for catering purposes and to finalise Shirts etc.

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Organisers would like to thank their event sponsors and encourage all competitors to think of local small businesses first, supporting the sponsors that support them.

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For more information go to whitsundaygfc.com.au, or email tournament nominations or memberships to Club Secretary Steve at Whitsundaygamefishclub@gmail.com.

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Contributed by Ashley Moore.

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WHAT: Airlie Beach Light Tackle Game Fish Tournament

WHEN: 22-25 October

WHERE: Whitsunday Marine Club

Saturday 3/10 1-5pm - Group E - John Moloney PC, Anne Moloney PC, Sophia Moloney, Tony Felisina, Jimmy Hayllor, Carl List and Eva Rickards

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Sunday 4/10 9am-5pm - Group H - Dave Sartori PC, Kathryn Sartori PC, Ryley Sartori, Jake Sartori, Shaize Christie and Cole Pontifex 

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Monday 5/10 (King's Birthday) - 9am-5pm - Group D - Ben Lawry PC, Kellie Lawry PC, Bella Lawry, Charlotte Lawry, Lisa Vivian and Alyssa Irvine

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Alyssa Irvine, Eva Rickards & Mia Wicks - SRC. Photos supplied

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Ayr Surf Life Saving Club is celebrating a landmark double triumph, sweeping major honours at the Surf Life Saving Queensland Awards of Excellence while deploying a fresh wave of seven qualified youth lifesavers to protect local beaches.

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Charlotte Lawry led the club’s stellar weekend by taking out the prestigious Queensland U14 Junior Lifesaver of the Year award, while fellow member Bella Lawry earned a High Commendation for Young Volunteer of the Year. The statewide ceremony brought a fitting end to a successful 2025–26 season, recognising exceptional volunteer contributions, heroic efforts, and leadership.

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These high-profile honours capped off an intensive week of training at the North Barrier Branch Camp during the first week of the school holidays. Seven young Ayr members dedicated their break to bolstering the town's patrolling ranks, with Under-14 members Alyssa Irvine, Eva Rickards, and Mia Wicks earning their Surf Rescue Certificates to officially join the red-and-yellow patrol family.

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At the same time, existing patrolling members Briella Wassmuth, Jake Sartori, Gabriel Hatherell, and Zachary Dale upgraded their capabilities, qualifying for their Bronze Medallions, First Aid Certificates, and Advanced Resuscitation Techniques certifications to strengthen beach safety heading into the new season.

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The Colts travelled to Cairns on Sunday to play Edge Hill Utd in the Crad Evans Trophy, winning 2-1. Photo supplied

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A very good final weekend of the season for the Panthers. The Colts, already minor premiers and Grand Final winners, travelled to Cairns on Sunday to play Edge Hill Utd in the Crad Evans Trophy. The Colts won 2-1, a fitting way to wind up a very good season.

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Night Soccer – Delta Cleaners

Night Soccer’s first week of competition saw the eighteen games produce 64 goals. There were two forfeits, probably due to school holidays. Top scorers were Scoregasms with seven goals and Mt Alma Produce and DILLIGAF with six goals. There were just two draws, and six games were won by one goal. Top goalscorers were George Karagkiozis from RG Customs NQ and Hannah Bradley from DILLIGAF. A reminder, all players must be registered with Squadi.

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National and International

The Socceroos played Brazil in Townsville last Friday and a full house saw Australia put on a good performance and looked to have won 1-0 until Brazil scored in the last minute to equalise. A second match in the series was played in Brisbane on Tuesday. The Socceroos next fixtures are in the AFC Asian Cup in January next year.

The Matildas have three “friendly” games coming up. They are away to Germany on 9th October and then on 13th October meet Haiti in France. The on 28th November they are at home to Colombi in Canberra.

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Meanwhile in the rest of the world, it is an international couple of weeks. In Europe fifty-four teams are competing in the Nations League! Groups A, B and C each have four groups of four teams and group D has two lots of three teams. Confused? You are not the only one.

Notable results so far include Greece winning 1-0 away to Germany and England losing 2-3 home to Spain. Luxemburg won away to Bulgaria and Italy lost at home to Belgium.

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Quote the of the Week is from comedian Billy Connolly “For years I thought the club’s name was Partick Thistle Nil”.

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Mark Coventry blasted 64 from 61 deliveries in Second Grade, including five fours and five sixes. Photos supplied

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Home Hill enjoyed a successful weekend on the cricket field, claiming victories in both Second Grade and Fourth Grade action, while the Third Grade side were unable to halt a dominant Norths batting performance.

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In Second Grade, Home Hill Pengelly Cabinets defeated Brothers by 51 runs after posting a competitive 9/200. After electing to bat, Home Hill faced a disciplined Brothers bowling attack, with Tristan Richards anchoring the innings superbly with 32 from 61 balls. The momentum shifted when Mark Coventry launched a powerful counterattack, blasting 64 from 61 deliveries, including five fours and five sixes. Greg Flanagan added 16, while Al Wilkins contributed a valuable 25 late in the innings.

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Home Hill’s bowlers ensured Brothers never threatened the target. Wilkins led the way with an excellent 2/23 from eight overs, while Flanagan claimed 2/18 from six overs. Mark Coventry and Brad Parravicini also impressed with miserly spells, each taking a wicket as Brothers were restricted to 9/149.

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In the Fourth Grade competition, Home Hill ML Partners defeated Wests by 35 runs. Home Hill first limited Wests to 9/122, with Troy Patti striking twice early before Yaveen Fernando produced the standout spell, claiming 4/6 from just two overs. Laurence Zappa, Leo Olditch and Mitchell Price-Wilson also took wickets, while Alexander Romeo was outstanding behind the stumps and in the field with four catches.

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Chasing a winning score, Home Hill reached 7/157 from 30 overs. Leo Olditch contributed 20 at the top of the order before Yaveen Fernando anchored the innings with a classy 43 from 46 balls, featuring six boundaries. Andrew Wallwork then finished strongly with an unbeaten 29 from just 17 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes, helping seal an impressive victory.

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Meanwhile, Home Hill Evergreen Sheds were defeated by Norths despite posting a fighting total of 8/143. Captain Darren O’Keeffe led the batting with 33, while Ryan Rickards added a patient 32 and Darcy Walters contributed 26. However, Norths produced a dominant run chase, reaching 4/219 from 35 overs to secure a comfortable win.

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All teams will enjoy the long weekend off, but keep an eye on the Home Hill Cricket Association facebook page for future games and updates. Junior Cricket will also return to the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex from Friday, 9th October.

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Friday Junior Touch for boys and girls aged four to 12 will commence next week, with sign-on taking place on 9th October at the Touch fields from 5.30pm.

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Players will take part in skills, drills and games throughout the six-week season.

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The season will conclude with a Fast Four carnival on 14th November, featuring boys’ and girls’ U10, U12, U14 and U16 divisions.

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Junior co-ordinators are seeking assistance from senior Touch players to help conduct the sessions from 5.30pm to 6pm each Friday.

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Anyone who can help is asked to contact Rebecca on 0400 705 205 or Peter on 0437 710 500.

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Event 3- 20 Target Pointscore Club Trophy Sponsored by Suds Automotive: Sponsor Klyde Turner, Tony Caruso, David Stitt, Toni Scott, Blake Heffernan, Sponsor Ashton Turner & there 3 beautiful children.

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Burdekin Clay Target Club held a monthly shoot on Sunday 13^th September, with 39 shooters attending. The day was beautiful; the sun was shining with a slight breeze in the air, which made conditions perfect. Thank you to our sponsors for the day Suds Automotive & Home Hill Engineering. Thank you to Lui Populin for the donating the meat trays for the raffle. Our next shoot will be on Sunday 11^th October. 

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Event 1-20 Target Double Barrel Continental 15m

AA Grade 1^st Aaron Lemphers & Michael Zabala 20/20, 3^rd Lindsay Groat 19/20

A Grade 1^st Joe (Jnr) Sebastiani & David Stitt 19/20

B Grade 1^st Glenn Clarke 19/20, 2^nd Alexnader Parker, John Kinnomonth & Giovanni Celona 18/20

C Grade 1^st Murray Gavan & Brett Paton 18/20, 3^rd Blake Heffernan 17/20

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Event 2- 20 Target Single Barrel Club Trophy

AA Grade 1^st Marius Venter 23/24

A Grade 1^st Glen Rea 23/23

B Grade 1^st Giovanni Cerlona 16/20

C Grade 1^st Allan Parker 17/24

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Event 3- 20 Target Pointscore Club Trophy Sponsored by Suds Automotive

AA Grade 1^st Tony Caruso 87/93

A Grade 1^st Davis Stitt 60/60

B Grade 1^st Toni Scott 57/60

C Grade 1^st Blake Heffernan 52/60

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Event 4- 25 Target Double Barrel Handicap

Open 1^st Wayne Cislowski 36/39

2^nd Aaron Lemphers 35/39

3^rd Michael Zabala 38/41

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Event 5- 25 Target Mixed Target Championship 15m Sponsored by Home Hill Engineering

Open 1^st Aaron Lemphers 34/35

AA Grade 1^st Aaron Lemphers 34/35

A Grade 1^st Wayne Cislowski 31/35

B Grade 1^st Alexander Parker 32/35

C Grade 1^st Blake Heffernan 32/35

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Contributed by the Burdekin Clay Target Club

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Rink 4 was drawn as the lucky rink, with Katerina, Robb Darr and Joe Linton taking home the prize money. Photo supplied

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Contributed by Stephen Doig

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Home Hill Bowls Club welcomed visitors from across North Queensland and the Burdekin for Thursday afternoon’s social bowls.

Among the visitors were Steve and Menna Fuller from Mossman Bowls Club in Far North Queensland, along with Janette and John McDonald from Ayr and Rino Lazzarini from Brandon.

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A total of 23 players took to the greens on a breezy but beautiful spring afternoon, with three games of triples and one game of pairs played.

On Rink 4, Katerina, Robb Darr and Joe Linton defeated Bob Young, Mick Olsen, Ron Smith and Steve Fuller.

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Rink 5 saw Rino Lazzarini, Les Hoey and Mick McClosky claim a narrow win over Jeanette McDonald, Gary Nosworthy and Bones Berryman.

On Rink 6, Steve Doig, Bruce McCallum and Alex Bojack recorded a convincing win over Janet Arthur, Dino Poli and Hugh Montgomery.

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Terry Feakes and John McDonald defeated Paul Vass and Trevor Elton on Rink 7.

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Rink 4 was drawn as the lucky rink, with Katerina, Robb Darr and Joe Linton taking home the prize money.

The meat tray raffle was won by Ron Smith, while Robb Darr claimed the second prize of a bottle of wine.

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The club's weekly activities include the fitness group on Monday morning, Trimmers on Tuesday, the Kraft group and barefoot bowls at 6pm on Wednesday, and bingo and social bowls on Thursday.

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Social bowls are also held on Saturday.

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Bella Lawry, Briella Wassmuth & Ryley Sartori at YEP Photos supplied

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Contributed by Ayr SLSC

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Ayr lifesavers have hit the ground running, with the official patrolling season kicking off across Queensland on Saturday and 30 club competitors heading to Magnetic Island for a weekend carnival.

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The raising of the iconic red and yellow flags marked the start of the season, with Ayr SLSC’s patrolling members returning to Alva Beach to protect the community through to May.

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The club also had three youth members—Ryley Sartori, Bella Lawry and Briella Wassmuth—travel to Brisbane to attend the SLSQ Youth Excellence Program (YEP).

YEP provides an opportunity for youth members to experience the many different elements of lifesaving and is designed to build confidence and leadership skills in an enjoyable and stimulating environment.

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It also aims to introduce participants to the more formal and responsible roles within Surf Life Saving, including patrol captaincy, the responsibilities of various positions and future pathways.

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The three young women had an amazing weekend interacting with their peers from across Queensland and are looking forward to bringing their new knowledge back to the club and community.

The weekend also saw 30 competitors head to Magnetic Island to attend the Arcadian SLSC carnival at Alma Bay.

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Ayr members tackled the surf and sand over two days, competing in individual and team events against more than 200 competitors from across the Branch.

Competitors, both young and experienced, demonstrated determination and skill across all events, bringing home excellent results and numerous podium finishes.

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The team camaraderie was heartwarming, with senior members cheering on the juniors and fostering enthusiasm and encouragement. The younger members also enjoyed seeing experienced competitors continuing to be part of the close-knit team.

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The carnival culminates in a Branch-run camp for youth members to gain their Surf Rescue Certificates and Bronze Medallions, with Ayr SLSC looking forward to boosting its patrolling ranks with seven members attending over the next week.

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Not a good final weekend of the season for the Panthers. The Premier and Reserves both played Brothers in Grand Finals and unfortunately lost both of them. In the afternoon match the Reserves lost 0-2 and in the evening the Premiers lost 1-3. And that is effectively the end of the season, except for the Colts who play Edge Hill Utd in the Crad Evans Trophy in Cairns on Sunday.  

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Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club

After an incredible finals run, the Panthers headed into the Grand Final against a Brothers side we had been unable to beat throughout the season. The opening half was an even affair, with both sides battling for control in what was always going to be a physical contest. Neither team was able to find the breakthrough, sending the game into half time locked at 0–0.

Brothers struck early in the second half to take a 1–0 lead and leave Burdekin chasing the game. The Panthers continued to fight and were eventually rewarded when, with ten minutes remaining, Antoine scored an equaliser to set up a huge finish.

With the game looking destined for extra time, Brothers found a decisive goal with just two minutes remaining to regain the lead and then quickly added a third goal.

Despite pushing until the final whistle, there was no way back, with Brothers claiming the Grand Final 3–1. A heartbreaking way to finish the season, but a huge effort from the group to fight their way through the finals and come within minutes of taking the Grand Final to extra time.

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Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service

A special day for the Burdekin with both Reserves and Premiers contesting Grand Finals. The Reserve game was always going to be a good contest as previous encounters this year with Brothers had shown that the Panthers could match them.

It was quite a windy start slightly favouring Brothers. A large portion of the first half was spent defensively but despite that there were several good chances created that didn’t result in goals. Both teams had opportunities, but it remained nil all at half time.

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Despite the even score the Panthers were confident of victory and resumed the second half with renewed effort. Burdekin went through a good patch of dominance and had more chances to score and really should have had a lead by halfway through the second half, but the first goal could just not be found.

The pace and energy of the game was taking its toll on both sides, and the contest was destined to go to extra time. As an additional challenge the Panthers were reduced to ten men with a Red After an incredible finals run, the Panthers headed into the Grand Final against a Brothers side we had been unable to beat throughout the season.

The opening half was an even affair, with both sides battling for control in what was always going to be a physical contest. Neither team was able to find the breakthrough, sending the game into half time locked at 0–0.

Brothers struck early in the second half to take a 1–0 lead and leave Burdekin chasing the game. A heartbreaking way to finish the season, but a huge effort from the group to fight their way through to the finals and come within minutes of taking the Grand Final to extra time. Despite this the team kept fighting and making chances.

Extra time had about five minutes left before Brothers with a quick counter that created a one-on-one with the keeper and scored. This didn’t stop the effort and determination of Burdekin and they pushed harder.

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An altercation resulted in another Red Card, and the Panthers were playing the last few minutes with nine men. Even with this, the team pushed and in the last minute of extra time Oscar Licciardello scored with a header in a goal mouth scramble.

The Burdekin supporters went into a frenzy, but it was ended with the linesman raising the flag for a dubious offside call. Ecstasy was replaced with despair and the game was lost.

Then with the game going into injury time Brothers broke away and scored a second goal. The Reserves team gave their all and should be rightly proud of their performance and their season. It was a mighty effort without the final reward.

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Colts – Astute Finance

The Burdekin Colts, as Minor Premiers now travel to Cairns on Sunday to play Edge Hill Utd  in the Crad Evans Trophy.

Quote the of the Week is from Dutch Star Yohan Cruyff on signing for Barcelona “For the next three years I am not a man, I am not a footballer, I am an Industry”.

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Saturday 26/9 - 1pm-5pm - Group E - John Moloney PC, Anne Moloney PC, Sophia Moloney, Tony Felisina, Jimmy Hayllor and Carl List

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Sunday AM 27/9 - 9am-1pm - Group A - Tramayne Horan PC,  Jarrod Rossato PC, Zachary Dale, Stephanie Dale and Warne McShane 

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Sunday PM 27/9 1-5pm - Group G - Kristy Wassmuth PC, Briella Wassmuth, Emilee Wassmuth, Chris Wicks PC, Jane Olsen and Mia Wicks

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Local supporters also had plenty to cheer about in the ATV Open, with Burdekin rider Len Quagliata (pictured) claiming the Australian championship Photo credit: Peter Campbell and Epic Pics

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Contributed with thanks by Ayr Motorcycle Club

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Ayr Motorcycle Club has celebrated a hugely successful weekend after thousands of spectators flocked to Brandon Sports Reserve for the 2026 JR’s Motorcycle & Suspension Specialists Australian Track Championships.

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Held over Saturday and Sunday, the championships attracted riders and supporters from across Australia, with competitors travelling from as far away as Victoria to battle for national honours.

The two-day event delivered plenty of high-speed racing and close competition, while the large crowds created an electric atmosphere around the track.

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One of the standout performances of the weekend came from Neiko Donovan (#177), who took an impressive three Australian championship titles.

Donovan dominated the Pro 250, MX Open and Pro 450 classes, establishing himself as one of the stars of the championships.

In Pro 250, Donovan finished ahead of Paolo-D’Amato Barbaro (#728) and Dan Garard (#964).

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He then claimed the MX Open title ahead of Brayden Bradford and Cooper Andersen (#61).

Donovan completed his championship treble in Pro 450, with Lucas Quinn (#144) taking second and Damien Koppe (#560) third.

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The Pro Open Women championship was won by Latiya Hyde (#207), with Mia Blackford (#309) second and Burdekin local Claire Day (#48) taking an impressive third place.

Local supporters also had plenty to cheer about in the ATV Open, with Burdekin rider Len Quagliata (#25) claiming the Australian championship.

Quagliata finished ahead of Peter Ready (#88) and Gerard Land (#68) to take the national title on home soil.

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The Sidecar championship was won by Matthew Davies and Wayne O’Meley (#414), followed by Cameron O’Meley and Seth Horrocks (#341) in second and Darren Fien and Shaun Fien (#49) in third.

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The action wasn't limited to the championship classes, with the support classes also producing some impressive racing and plenty of local success.

A number of Burdekin riders took to the podium across the support categories, giving the home crowd plenty more to cheer about throughout the weekend.

Away from the racing, the Ayr Motorcycle Club created a full weekend of entertainment for competitors, families and spectators.

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The club canteen opened early, serving breakfast and food throughout the weekend, while JR’s Bar and live music on Saturday afternoon added to the atmosphere.

The event also provided a significant boost to the wider Burdekin, with visitors travelling into the region for the championships and local businesses and organisations getting behind the major sporting event.

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Behind the scenes, the weekend was the result of months of preparation and a huge effort from Ayr Motorcycle Club members and volunteers, who worked to prepare the track, facilities and event operations.

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The support of local sponsors, businesses and the wider community was also an important part of bringing a national championship to Ayr.

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Ayr Motorcycle Club President Karl Vass said the success of the championships was a credit to everyone involved.

“We couldn’t have put on an event of this size without the incredible support we received," he said.

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“A huge thank you to all of our sponsors, particularly our major sponsor, JR’s Motorcycles, for their incredible support of the championships. We also want to acknowledge our committee for the countless hours they put in behind the scenes, and every club member and volunteer who gave up their time to help make the weekend such a success.

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“There is a massive amount of work that goes into hosting an Australian Championship, and it really is a team effort. To see thousands of people through the gates, riders travelling from all over Australia and so many people enjoying the weekend made all the hard work worthwhile.”

With thousands of spectators attending across the two days, riders travelling from interstate, national titles going to local competitors and numerous Burdekin riders reaching the podium in the support classes, the weekend proved a significant success for Ayr Motorcycle Club.

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For the Burdekin, it was a chance to showcase the region on a national stage—and for the Ayr Motorcycle Club, a weekend that demonstrated what can be achieved when a club and its community come together.

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Dan Olditch produced a match-winning 60 off 49*, striking six fours and a six Photos supplied

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Contributed by Home Hill Cricket Association

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Home Hill’s senior sides enjoyed a strong weekend, with Second and Fourth Grade recording convincing wins while Third Grade fell just short against Suburban Parks.

Home Hill Pengelly Cabinets cruised to a dominant Second Grade win at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex, rolling Wests for 48 before calmly chasing the target for a 2/49 victory.

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Relentless bowling set the tone from ball one. Aaron Mckeown removed both openers to have Wests 2/1, and the pressure never let up. Wickets were shared around—Lachlan Altmann, Mark Nosworthy and Alex Stillhard all struck—before Al Wilkins finished the innings with three late scalps. Tight lines, steady maidens and sharp catching made it a complete team effort.

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The chase was straightforward. Brad Parravicini anchored with 24*, Nosworthy added 11*, and Home Hill wrapped it up clinically with only two wickets down to reach the total.

Home Hill ML Partners chased down Northern Beaches’ Fourth Grade total of 6/188 with six wickets in hand—and the story of the day was composure, depth and a captain’s spell that ripped the heart out of Northern Beaches’ innings.

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Northern Beaches got off to a flyer thanks to a brutal top-order stand of 123 runs before the first wicket fell. Home Hill needed a breakthrough—and they got it. Travis Butler delivered a captain’s spell for the ages: six overs, one maiden, 34 runs and four wickets, triggering a collapse from 1/181 to 6/187.

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Home Hill approached the chase with patience, building partnerships and refusing to panic. Alexander Romeo started with a brisk 38 before Andrew Wallwork smashed 57 off 60, and Dan Olditch produced a match-winning 60 off 49*, striking six fours and a six. The chase was sealed with overs to spare, with Home Hill winning the match 4/197.

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Home Hill Evergreen Sheds fought hard in Third Grade but couldn’t quite defend their total, with Suburban Parks finishing strongly to claim the points.

Home Hill posted 111 from 29.5 overs, built around a sharp, positive start from Simon Vickers, who cracked 31 from 19 balls. Contributions from Laurence Zappa (23) and Bharath Velpula (14) helped steady things, but regular wickets kept Home Hill from pushing the total higher.

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Suburban Parks began their chase confidently, reaching 75 before the first breakthrough. Home Hill’s bowlers worked hard, with Rohit Kondeti, Simon Vickers, Roopesh Krishnan and Darren O’Keeffe all taking wickets as the innings progressed. Fielders backed them up with some sharp catching.

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Despite the pressure, Suburban Parks kept the scoreboard moving and passed the target with wickets in hand, then continued batting on to finish at 7/161, securing a three-wicket win.

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CAPTIONS:

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2—Travis Butler delivered a captain’s spell for the ages: six overs, one maiden, 34 runs and four wickets, triggering a collapse from 1/181 to 6/187. Photos supplied

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Home Hill junior cricketer Mazlyn Smith has capped off a busy off-season, earning selection in the North Queensland Schoolgirls Under‑12 team Photos: Kristy Smith

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Contributed by Home Hill Cricket Association

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Home Hill junior cricketer Mazlyn Smith has capped off a busy off-season, earning selection in the North Queensland Schoolgirls Under‑12 team after impressing at regional trials to make the squad of 12 players. The team was selected from around 30 girls from across North Queensland, from Cairns and Atherton down to Proserpine.

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Mazlyn travelled to the 10–12 Years Schoolgirls Cricket State Championships on the Sunshine Coast last week, where she took part in a demanding schedule of seven T20 matches. Despite the tough competition, NQ secured two wins, and Mazlyn made her mark with a standout bowling performance.

She claimed six wickets across the carnival—four bowled, one lbw, and one caught—finishing as the third‑best bowler in her NQ side and 33rd overall out of 119 players. Her personal highlight came against the team that ultimately won the championship, when she snared two wickets in two balls, a moment she’ll remember for a long time.

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Mazlyn’s impact wasn’t limited to the ball. Her energy, athleticism and commitment in the field earned her special recognition from the NQ coaching staff, who presented her with the Best Fielder Award. Coaches praised her ability to cut off boundaries, her safe hands, strong throwing arm, and her constant positive talk that lifted teammates throughout the tournament.

Off the field, Mazlyn made new friends from across Queensland, adding to the experience of her first ever cricket carnival—a milestone she embraced with enthusiasm and maturity.

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With a successful debut at state level now behind her, Mazlyn is already eager for the next opportunity. Her selection and performances signal a bright future for one of Home Hill’s rising cricket talents.

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Burdekin local Jorja Ahern was one of 33 young motorsport enthusiasts chosen to partake in Motorsport Australia’s ‘Girls on Track Pathways Program’ in Melbourne earlier this month. Photos supplied: Tracey Ahern

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Burdekin local Jorja Ahern was one of 33 young motorsport enthusiasts chosen to partake in Motorsport Australia’s ‘Girls on Track Pathways Program’ in Melbourne earlier this month.

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The single-day event on 3rd September gave participants—aged between 15 and 22—an inside look at Walkinshaw TWG Racing’s headquarters, lifting the roller door on the career opportunities available within the motorsport industry.

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With limited spots in the program and an explicit preference for Victorian-based applicants, Jorja said she was “surprised” yet “excited” when her acceptance email came through during class.

“I was so excited and I was emailing my mum to tell her that I got in. She was as surprised as I was,” she said.

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“But overall I was very excited and grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program.”

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Jorja travelled with family down to the Victorian capital, where she and her program peers took part in interactive workshops led by Walkinshaw TWG Racing staff across departments including Corporate Hospitality and Events, Commercial (Partnerships and Media), Engineering, Driving, and Mechanics and Preparation.

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Jorja took particular interest in the engineering department, where she said she learnt about elements of the role that she “didn't know about before.”

“It opened my eyes to the different opportunities and possibilities that are available in the industry and really helped me to nail down the type of engineering that I dream of doing when I am older,” she said.

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“I also got some insight into what each of the different engineers in the team do, so that also helped me to see where my interests lie and what career path would be best suited to me.”

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Jorja said meeting the women who had done it before her was perhaps the most meaningful aspect of the experience.

She pointed to a particular Walkinshaw fabricator hailing from rural Queensland as the most inspiring.

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“She just proves that girls in small towns can chase their dreams and achieve them too,” Jorja said, also relishing the opportunity to interact with her program peers.

“Being around likeminded girls who have the same dream of working in the industry was so cool and I made a lot of new friends from the program,” she said.

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“It was so good to talk to them as well because they have the same interests in Supercars and F1 so we all really connected and got on well.”

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Jorja’s Melbourne visit comes months after a once-in-a-lifetime Supercars paddock experience, serving as a scrutineer at the Townsville 500 in July.

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The long-time motorsport enthusiast hopes to eventually study mechanical engineering at university before pursuing an engineering role at “any motorsport team—whether Supercars or F1.”

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After three decades trying, Tramayne has earned her first Australian Emus Touch Football call-up. Photo supplied

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“When I saw that my coach was calling, I knew I had to sit down for either the good news or the bad news,” recalls touch football stalwart Tramayne Horan.

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The mother of two had been lacing up the boots for 33 years before that phone call in July—yet a national call-up had always eluded her.

By the time she hung up the phone, she had broken the duck.

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Tramayne will don green and gold for the first time at next month’s Asia Pacific Seniors Touch Cup (APSTC) in Japan, where she’ll represent the Australian Emus Touch Football Women’s 40s squad.

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The Ayr State High School teacher was named in a squad of 16—selected from a broader pool of 30—that will take on teams from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Tramayne, one of 63 debutants across Australian teams, said it was “pure elation and gratitude” upon learning of her selection to the squad.

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“I felt fit and I felt fast but I didn’t have the game knowledge and the experience that some of the other women had, so it was 50-50,” she said.

“I just never really thought [my call-up] would happen this late in life.”

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Tramayne was just 13 when she first took up the sport. Two years later, she was already a shadow member of the Queensland state team.

She went on to represent the Wide Bay district, Central Queensland Bulls and North Queensland Cyclones before playing for clubs in Brisbane and the Gold Coast while studying.

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The experienced utility has since landed at Brothers A Grade Women’s in Townsville, earning selection in the Queensland Women’s 40s State of Origin team last year.

Now set to go one better, Tramayne said she heads to Japan with a “clear mind,” eager to showcase her trademark agility, acceleration and communication skills.

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She said "playing brave” will give her and her team the best chance of success.

“I know it might seem cliché—saying to be brave,” she said.

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“But it’s for tactical reason that if our players make brave decisions and commit to them in both attack and defence, it allows the rest of the team time to make early decisions or moves off the back of that.”

With the women’s regular season done and dusted, Tramayne plans to work out at home and play in local competitions in preparation for the tournament.

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She admitted that finding the motivation to train individually was challenging, with two active sons another element to juggle.

While she said it was “tricky” playing football away from them multiple times a year—often interstate—her supportive family and partner Jarrod help to “balance out” her commitments.

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Tramayne hopes her athletic achievements can help inspire her boys and other young aspirants.

“No matter your geographical location, anyone with enough determination can make it,” she said.

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U15 Roosters, sponsored by Laser Electrical Ayr. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by BJRL

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The Burdekin Roosters Under 15s have finished their 2026 season as Tier 2 Premiers after defeating the Herbert River Crushers 22-16 in Saturday’s Grand Final.

Coached by Mark Watson, the Under 15s have had a monumental season, with Saturday’s Grand Final win “the perfect reward for the hard work the team has put in throughout the year,” according to a club spokesperson.

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The Grand Final was a tight contest from start to finish, with both sides crossing for four tries each. In the end, it was the Roosters’ conversions that proved the difference, with Perry Munro slotting three from four to help Burdekin secure the victory.

Colten Lyne, Mason Pavone, Riley Piva and Kashdyn Nash all crossed the line for the Roosters.

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Mason Pavone capped off a big performance by being named Player of the Grand Final.

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The spokesperson called the 22-16 victory a “great reward for a team that has shown plenty throughout the season.”

“The Burdekin Roosters are incredibly proud of this playing group and everything they have achieved throughout the 2026 season,” a club spokesperson said.

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“To finish the year as Tier 2 Premiers is a fantastic achievement and a credit to the players, Coach Mark Watson and everyone who has supported the team along the way. What a way to finish the season!”

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Contributed with thanks by Brian Carnes

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The Burdekin Roosters had a mixed weekend in Grand Finals, with the Under 15s winning their Grand Final on Saturday over Herbert River by 22 to 16.

Coached by Mark Watson, the team scored four tries through Colten Lynne, Mason Pavone, Riley Piva and Kashydn Nash, with Perry Munro kicking three from four.

The River actually score four tries, but their kicker was off-line, missing all four conversions.

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For the River, Johmanly Bann scored three tries.

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The Little Roosters finished fourth on the ladder behind Herbert River, Charters Towers and Brothers Blue.

The Roosters Under 19 team on Sunday gave their supporters plenty of hope when they went out to score two early tries and lead 12-nil.

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Before the break, though, Brothers started to use their much bigger pack to advantage, scoring three tries to have the scores level at half-time, 14-all.

The second half was level pegging, with Brothers using their giant forwards to advantage.

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The young Burdekin boys tried to match the Brethren up the middle.

This did not work, with the home team scoring a converted try to lead 20-14.

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The Roosters went close to scoring on a couple of occasions, but last-minute panic passing let them down.

Brothers added another try in the last minute to win by 24-14.

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Jacob Drain, the captain and fullback, was safe in defence and brought the ball back well, while centre Kobe Geia was one of the better players on the ground.

Halfback Chad Fraser had a good one and showed why he was voted RLT D Under 19 Player of the Year.

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In the forwards, Laylan Lampton was well rewarded with a try for his efforts, with hooker Jack Power trying his heart out.

Tyce Cursio was another who gave his all, as did Mason Kiehne.

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For the Roosters, Leylan Lampton and Kobe Geia scored tries, with Kobe kicking three goals.

Coach Alf Cantarella said it was a tough game.

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“Even though the whole team gave it their all and did the Burdekin Roosters proud, the two players who stood out for me were Tyce Cursio and Kobe Geia.”

Souths scored their third A Grade Grand Final win in a row when they fought back from 16-nil down to beat Centrals 23 to 16.

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Centrals were first into the Grand Final, beating Souths in the major semi, with the Redmen having to beat Western Lions last week to be at the big dance.

The match was tough from the outset, with one from each team binned after 24 minutes of the second session.

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Souths scored four tries to three, with half Kyle Laybutt kicking three from four plus a field goal.

Isreal Osae, Jordan Remfrey, Bruce Baudu and Patrick Gallon scored tries for Souths, with Centrals’ tries coming from Brodie Pritchard (2) and Joseph Currie.

Riley Carbone kicked two from four for the Tigers, who are coached by former Burdekin boy Matt Bonanno.

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When Burdekin could not field a ladies team, several players went to other clubs this season.

That paid off for the Monday twins, Stephanie and Martina, who went to Western Lions.

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The Lions beat Centrals in the Final by 26 to 12, with Martina and Stephanie both scoring tries.

Charnelle Aokupu, Kaionto Ross and Theofilia Mosby also scored tries, with Angela Solomon kicking 3/5.

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For Centrals, tries came from Rasharne Prior, Jordi Mahandarah and Mia Pashley, with no goals kicked.

It was a big week for Martina Monday, winning her second Grand Final in seven days, previously taking on the Premier League title in Townsville as a member of the Neptunes netball team.

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Western Lions scored seven tries to four to win by 38 to 20.

Jack Nosworthy scored a try and kicked five from seven for the Lions, helped by Aaron Obrien, Daniel Downer, Silas Bourke and Dylan Newton with tries.

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Jason Mosby had a big one for Souths, scoring three tries and kicking 2 from 4.

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Joel Tiaaga also scored.

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Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club volunteers will return to the beach this weekend. Photo supplied.

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Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club volunteers will return to the beach this weekend, with the official patrolling season beginning on Saturday 19th of September.

With a long, hot summer predicted, lifesavers across Queensland are preparing for another busy season.

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The club is reminding swimmers to use patrolled beaches, swim between the flags and speak to a surf lifesaver if they are uncertain about conditions.

Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club has also partnered with First in Physio to recognise the efforts of its patrolling members, with the new ‘First in Physio Patrol Member of the Month’ award to recognise one hard-working member each month.

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The club thanked Pat and the First in Physio team for their generous sponsorship of the award.

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This weekend’s patrol roster:

Saturday 19/9 1pm-5pm - Group B - Terry Lund PC, Heather Scott PC, Anita Giddy, James Kennedy, Shane Morgan and Ross Blakey

Sunday 20-9 9am-5pm - Group F - Lisa Furnell PC, Jen Morgan PC, John Furnell, Josh Furnell, Jo Morgan, Jan Hatherell and Gabriel Hatherell

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The Burdekin Colts Under 18s capped off an extraordinary season in dramatic fashion, overcoming the Warriors in a thrilling Grand Final to claim the premiership and complete an undefeated campaign. Photo supplied

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The Panthers had three matches over the weekend as part of the Finals series. The Premiers and Reserves both played in Preliminary Finals, and the Colts played in their Grand Final. In a very good weekend, all three teams won. On Friday night, the Colts beat Warriors on penalties after a 1-1 draw to add the Grand Final to their Minor Premiership. On Saturday, the Reserves beat Saints Eagles Souths 3-2 to advance to the Grand Final, and the Premiers beat MA Olympic 5-1 to also advance to their Grand Final.

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This Saturday, the Premiers and Reserves are both involved in Grand Finals, and both are against Minor Premiers Brothers. The Premiers kick off at 8.00 pm and the Reserves at 3.00 pm.

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Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club

Having not beaten MA Olympic all season, with each previous meeting decided by a single goal, the Panthers knew progressing to the Grand Final was going to require a big performance. Things couldn’t have started much worse, with Olympic finding the back of the net inside the opening minute. Burdekin slowly grew into the contest, beginning to create chances and causing problems with balls in behind the Olympic defence. Their persistence finally paid off just before half-time when Matthew Walker found the equaliser to send the teams into the break at 1–1.

The Panthers came out firing in the second half. Twenty minutes in, Jay Leckenby put the Burdekin ahead before Elliott Dal Santo doubled the advantage ten minutes later. From there, the floodgates opened. Just two minutes later, Sean Young made it 4–1 before Jeremy Dal Santo capped off an incredible second-half performance with a fifth goal. A 5–1 victory when it mattered most sends the Panthers into the Grand Final and sets up a huge clash against Brothers, a rematch of the 2024 Grand Final.

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Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service

A place in the Grand Final awaited the victor of the Reserves clash with Saints. Burdekin started well and had good possession, asserting their dominance after six minutes with a well-taken goal from Jonte Grazioli.

The game settled into a back-and-forth affair, and whilst the Panthers were playing well, the goals didn’t come. At the fortieth-minute mark, Saints made a successful raid and scored to even the game.

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Despite the even score, the Panthers were confident of victory and resumed in the second half with the same dominance. In the fifty-sixth minute, Jonte Grazioli scored again to restore the Burdekin’s lead. As had been the case in the first half, Burdekin again created chances without reward.

From there, it took the effort of all to keep Saints at bay, and confidence was high. By the eightieth minute, the Panthers should have had a comfortable lead, but Saints scored a good goal to bring the score back to 2-2.

For the last ten minutes, pressure was building on both sides, and the chance of extra time was looming large. It took until the second minute of injury time before Jonte Grazioli created a chance and crossed for Jack Gimson to steer in the winner from the back post at short range. A great result that now sees Burdekin Reserves into their first Grand Final for many years.

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Colts – Astute Finance

The Burdekin Colts Under 18s capped off an extraordinary season in dramatic fashion, overcoming the Warriors in a thrilling Grand Final to claim the premiership and complete an undefeated campaign.

The match got off to the worst possible start for the Colts, with the Warriors finding the net in just the fifth minute. Despite this setback, the Colts responded with determination, controlling large periods of the contest and creating multiple opportunities, but the Warriors' defence stood firm.

As the game wore on, the Colts continued to push for an equaliser, knowing their perfect season was hanging by a thread. The challenge became even greater in the 82nd minute when the Colts were reduced to 10 men following a sending-off, leaving the side facing an uphill battle with time running out.

Showing the resilience that had defined their season, the Colts refused to surrender and, deep into stoppage time, in the 93rd minute, their persistence was finally rewarded.

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Jhett Jones produced a moment of brilliance, getting on the end of a good pass from Dylan O’Shea and finishing superbly to fire home the equaliser and send the travelling Colts supporters into celebration.

With the scores locked at 1-1, the match headed into extra time. Despite being a man down, the Colts dug deep and displayed incredible character, organisation and defensive discipline to withstand thirty gruelling minutes against a full-strength Warriors side.

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Unable to be separated after extra time, the Grand Final would be decided by penalties. The Colts held their nerve from the spot, converting four penalties and limiting the Warriors to just two, securing a 4-2 shootout victory.

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Penalty scorers were Ryley Siandri, Jhett Jones, Brayden Card and Charlie Predabon. The result crowned the Burdekin Colts Under 18s as Grand Final champions and completed an unbeaten season, a remarkable achievement that reflects the hard work, commitment and spirit shown by the players and coaching staff throughout the year.

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From falling behind early, to playing with ten men, to finding a stoppage-time equaliser and prevailing in a penalty shootout, this Grand Final victory will be remembered as one of the most courageous performances of the season.

The last game this team will play together is on 27th September in Cairns for the Crad Evans Trophy against Edge Hill United.

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Home Hill’s Second Grade bowlers kept control throughout. Photos supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Home Hill Cricket Association

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Home Hill Pengelly Cabinets sealed a composed six-wicket win in a Second Grade CNQ thriller, chasing down Wanderers’ 7/157 to finish 4/158 thanks to a match-defining innings from Kris Wright.

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Wanderers’ total was built on Reece Power’s steady 40, but Home Hill’s bowlers kept control throughout. Greg Flanagan and Tristan Richards claimed two wickets each, while Ayden Marano and Aaron Mckeown took singles. Five clean catches backed up the attack.

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The chase wobbled early at 1-1, 2-18, 3-45 and 4-85 before Wright took charge. His unbeaten 84 off 68 balls, featuring six fours and four sixes, shifted the momentum decisively. Al Wilkins offered calm support with 25 off 41 balls, guiding Home Hill home in the final overs.

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Third Grade saw Home Hill Evergreen Sheds show plenty of fight, though Saints proved too strong after posting 7/158.

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Home Hill’s bowlers delivered a solid collective effort. Alex Stillhard was outstanding, sending down six overs for just four runs, including four maidens and two wickets. Rohit Kondeti, Dan Olditch and Salvatore Cardillo added tidy spells, supported by five catches in the field.

The chase never fully settled. Early wickets halted momentum, and despite Leo Olditch’s 27 runs, Jay Leckenby’s 15 and several promising starts, Home Hill were bowled out for 94, falling short by 64 runs.

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In Fourth Grade CNQ, Home Hill ML Partners fought hard but fell short as Suburban Parks secured a five-wicket victory.

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Sent in to bat, Home Hill faced immediate pressure from a disciplined Redbacks attack. Andrew Wallwork provided the spark with a brisk 20 from 16 balls, including four boundaries, while Mick Richards added 11. The side reached 72 from 19.4 overs.

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Defending a modest total, Home Hill needed early breakthroughs and found moments of promise. Wickets were shared across the attack, and Andrew Newman impressed with two sharp catches. But the Redbacks’ depth proved telling as they reached 5-126 to claim the win.

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Next weekend will see the Second and Third Grade sides playing at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex against Wests and Suburban Parks, while the Fourth Grade team will travel to Townsville to take on Northern Beaches.

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Will Chandler and Chuck Vidler with Will winning the Arthur Morcom trophy. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by Home Hill Tennis Club

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The Home Hill Tennis Club’s 2026 Closed Championships produced two competitive finals, with Will Chandler and Justin claiming the junior and A Grade men’s titles.

Will Chandler and Chuck Vidler contested the final of the 2026 Junior Club Championship, with the Arthur Morcom Memorial Trophy up for grabs.

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With previous winners including Callan Sunderland, Andrew Casswell, Ryan Davies, Robert Bartlett and Josh Norris, it was a trophy every young Burdekin tennis player would want to have their name etched on.

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Arthur coached juniors on Saturday mornings for many years.

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Will and Chuck did not disappoint, playing for more than two hours. Chuck took the first set 6-2, but Will fought back to win the final two sets 6-4, 6-4.

It was great to see the boys going for their shots and playing with determination.

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The A Grade Men were looking to win the Ian Anderson Memorial Trophy.

Ian was the club champion for quite a few years and a great tennis player. Sadly, he died at a young age from melanoma while still at the top of his game.

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The semi-finals were played between John Chandler and Andrew Wallwork, with Andrew winning 6-2. Aiden and Justin played in the other semi-final, with Justin winning 6-3.

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Justin then played Andrew in the final. Clearly, John had worn Andrew down in the previous set, and Justin took advantage to win the Closed Championship 6-0, which was not as one-sided as the score suggested.

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Justin last won the Closed Championship in 2003, 2004 and 2006, so it was not a bad effort to come back and win it again after 20 years.

The members stayed much later than usual to cheer their clubmates on.

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Thanks to everyone who played in the championship and throughout the term. We look forward to getting more players back to tennis, as the crushing looks like finishing early.

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Fixtures now take a three-week break due to the school holidays and the King’s Birthday.

The Ayr Motorcycle Track is set to roar this weekend as riders from across Australia converge on Ayr for the JR Motorcycles Australian Track Championships on September 19 and 20. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks by the Ayr Motorcycle Club

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The Ayr Motorcycle Track is set to roar when riders from across Australia converge for the JR Motorcycles Australian Track Championships on 19th and 20th September.

The Ayr Motorcycle Club is proud to host the Australian Senior Track Titles, bringing some of the country's best riders to the Burdekin for a weekend of high-speed racing and national championship competition.

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Riders will battle it out for Australian Championship honours across Pro 250, Pro 450, MX Open, Pro Open Women, Sidecar and ATV classes, with significant prize money up for grabs. The championship racing will be supported by Junior and Veterans classes, ensuring plenty of action on the track across the weekend.

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Saturday gets underway when gates open at 7am, with the canteen serving breakfast. Riders will then take part in their briefing at 10am, with practice getting underway at 10.15am before the racing begins.

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The racing will continue throughout the day, with plenty of opportunity for spectators to get trackside and watch the riders battle it out for national championship honours.

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Once the racing wraps up, the atmosphere will continue into the afternoon and evening with live music. The canteen will be serving dinner, while JR’s Bar will be open for refreshments, giving spectators and competitors the chance to relax and enjoy the evening. 

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Sunday brings another full day of competition, with gates opening at 8am. The National Anthem and rider parade will take place at 9.15am, with racing getting underway following the parade lap. 

Entry is just $10 for adults, with Under 16s FREE, making it an affordable weekend for families to come along and experience Australian championship motorcycle racing right here in Ayr.

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The Ayr Motorcycle Club would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the local businesses who have supported the JR Motorcycles Australian Track Titles and helped make the event possible.

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The club extends its appreciation to JR Motorcycle’s, Durrants, I&J Mechanical, Knapton Engineering Service, Delle Baite Earth Moving, Tracpower, Ayrcrete Concrete Pumping, Beric Constructions, Fallons Construction, Cutlers Diesel Performance, Rural Quip, Bendigo Bank, Power Constructions, Burdekin Touch Association and Burdekin Council for getting behind the event.

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The club also acknowledges the countless hours put in by its members, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare the club and track for what promises to be a huge weekend of racing. 

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With Australia's top senior riders competing for national titles, along with Junior and Veterans support racing, JR Motorcycles Australian Track Titles promises a big weekend of racing and entertainment for the Ayr and wider Burdekin community.

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Emilee, Cole & Briella (1km podium) Photos supplied

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It might have been a small team, but Ayr Surf Life Saving Club made plenty of noise at the Sarina Classic and Cruise the Coast last weekend.

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The Ayr contingent travelled south for the weekend and came home with a string of podium finishes across the water and beach events.

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The highlight came in Sunday’s 1km ocean swim, where Cole Pontifex, Emilee Wassmuth and Briella Wassmuth completed an Ayr clean sweep of the podium.

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Burdekin local kids who competed over the weekend. Photo supplied: Cassandra Clark

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The Ayr Pony and Hack Club hosted a competitive field of almost 100 nominations across its Open Showjumping and Open Gymkhana events on 12th and 13th September.

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The two-day event drew competitors from as far as Port Douglas, Ingham, Charters Towers, Proserpine and Bowen, with riders ranging in age from four to 65-plus.

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Saturday’s Open Showjumping attracted 49 competitors, with classes beginning at cross rails before progressing to jumps of up to one metre.

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The gymkhana attracted 45 nominations across a range of age groups and events, from under-seven and led riders through to older children and adults.

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Lacey Maitland was crowned Overall Champion at the end of Sunday’s competition, with Archer Carr finishing as Runner-Up.

April Tanner and Alexis Lydom received Best Presented honours for their respective horses, Rosie and Rayner Park Piping Hot.

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Competitors, families and supporters gathered for a dinner following Saturday’s competition, with visitors who travelled for the event also camping locally.

The club will now look towards its 2027 program, with new members and further events on the horizon.

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Local families and riders interested in learning more about the Ayr Pony and Hack Club or considering joining are encouraged to get in touch with the club.

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See more photos here: www.burdekinlife.com/social-pics/a-great-success-large-field-turns-out-for-ayr-pony-club-competitions

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Aaron completes two sessions a day from Monday to Saturday alongside running his own building company. Photo: Jacob Casha

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You may not have heard of HYROX. Aaron Bathis hadn’t either a couple of years ago.

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Yet next year, he’ll be rubbing shoulders with the best HYROX athletes in the world—and the Burdekin athlete fancies his chances of bringing home gold.

Aaron secured his spot at the 2027 HYROX World Championships in Hong Kong after winning the Mixed Doubles 35-39 age group in Perth with teammate Stephanie Wighton last month.

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The race saw duos complete eight one-kilometre runs in between eight functional workout stations—including sled pushes, rowing and sandbag lunges—on their way to the finish line.

The Ayr resident and his South Australian counterpart topped a field of more than 1,000 duos with a time of 53 minutes and 15 seconds.

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Aaron said the result capped off a turbulent few days, pulling through a below-par individual performance the day before to help claim the doubles victory.

“It was a good feeling,” Aaron said.

“I had a s****y race the night before and got in my own head—but I was just like, ‘I can’t let Steph down.’”

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Aaron said he and Stephanie found their stride early, setting the pace for most of the race.

“It was probably at the halfway point that we overtook everyone, and then we just kept on track,” he said.

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The victory leaves the pair as the No. 1-ranked duo in Australia and the No. 4-ranked duo in the world in their age group, with Aaron optimistic about their chances at the World Championships next June.

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“I’m feeling pretty confident [going into it],” he said.

“If we went to the [World Championships] this year with the time we just got in Perth, we would’ve won. But everyone’s getting faster. We’re getting faster. So we’ll just have to see what we can do in Hong Kong.”

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It hasn't taken Aaron long to reach the sport's apex.

Inspired by videos on his Instagram feed, he completed his first race in April 2025, clocking an hour and 19 minutes at the Brisbane event. After a year competing across Australia—including in Melbourne and Sydney—he was posting sub-60 times.

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“I've always been a really good runner, which helps a lot because it’s 70 per cent running,” Aaron said.

Now training remotely under esteemed trainer James Kelly—the fastest HYROX athlete in Australia—Aaron completes two sessions a day from Monday to Saturday alongside running his own building company.

Most of his sessions are done individually, which he said can require manufactured motivation.

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“I’m always watching the fellas down in Brisbane that all train together, pushing each other. Here, I just talk to myself. Manifesting is a big thing,” he said.

“The biggest thing is staying consistent. Consistency will win every time. Just keep going and see what happens.”

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With his World Championship Mixed Doubles berth already secured, Aaron will now turn his attention to the Pro Men 30–34 division, with qualification races in Melbourne in December, Hong Kong in early January and Osaka later that month.

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A run to the third round of the Cincinnati Masters last month means Adam heads into the weekend with momentum

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Adam Walton’s remarkable rise from the Burdekin to the world’s biggest tennis stage has reached a new milestone, with the 27-year-old named in Australia’s Davis Cup squad for this weekend’s clash with Poland.

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WALTON SET FOR DAVIS CUP DEBUT

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Home Hill tennis star Adam Walton is set for his senior debut in Green and Gold after being named in Australia’s five-man Davis Cup team.

The 27-year-old will join world No.7 Alex de Minaur, James Duckworth, Rinky Hijikata and Max Purcell as Lleyton Hewitt’s men head to the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane for their World Group I tie against Poland this month.

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Walton’s selection follows a strong year for the world No.93, peaking when he defeated former world No.1 Daniil Medvedev in the French Open in May.

A run to the third round of the Cincinnati Masters last month means he heads into the weekend with momentum.

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Australia will enter the tie as favourites against a Polish side without its highest-ranked singles player, Hubert Hurkacz, who is managing his schedule following injury.

The two nations will go head-to-head in two singles matches on Saturday 19th September, before doubles and two reverse singles matches on Sunday 20th September, with the first to claim three wins progressing to next year’s Davis Cup Qualifiers.

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Whether Walton will feature remains uncertain, with team captains to select players for each match closer to the tie.

Former coach, Home Hill Tennis Association Secretary Kate Casswell said the selection was a feather in his cap regardless.

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“I’d like to hope he sees the court—it often depends on how the others have gone in the singles to start with, and then who they pick for the doubles,” Mrs Casswell said.

“[But] his journey is a great example of what regional tennis can achieve.”

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Mrs Casswell said Walton’s selection caps a remarkable rise to the world stage, typified by traits she had seen in him early on.

“You could always see his stubbornness, determination, and his ‘never give up’ attitude,” she said.

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“Adam would go out and play kids that you would expect to beat him, but would just be there grinding and grinding. That takes you a very long way in the sport.”

While unable to attend due to family commitments, Mrs Casswell said that she, like many others in Home Hill, will be glued to the TV this weekend.

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The Under 15s booked their spot in emphatic fashion, smashing Charters Towers 44-4 in Saturday’s preliminary final. Photo supplied.

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The Burdekin Roosters are chasing a premiership double this weekend, with both their Under 15 and Under 19 sides charging into grand finals.

The Under 15s booked their spot in emphatic fashion, smashing Charters Towers 44-4 in Saturday’s preliminary final.

Their older teammates had already secured their place in the Under 19 decider with a stirring 28-24 win over Brothers in the major semi-final.

For the Under 19s, Sunday’s clash with Brothers carries extra weight. The Roosters have not appeared in an Under 19 grand final for 25 years, with their last coming in 2001.

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There is a strong link between the two generations, with brothers and family members spread across both squads.

The Under 19s have also been pushed hard by Brothers all season, with the Roosters winning two of their three meetings by just two and four points.

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Now, with the biggest games of the season looming, the Roosters have a chance to bring two trophies back to Burdekin.

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Burdekin school students will have a new sport to try, with free flag football kits being distributed to schools across Queensland.

The National Football League (NFL) is providing a kit to every Queensland school, meaning schools in the Burdekin will also have access to equipment and resources to introduce students to the sport.

Each kit contains 12 flag belts, three footballs and NFL Flag curriculum and teaching resources for schools.

Flag football is a short-form, non-contact version of American football. Instead of tackling the ball carrier, players stop them by pulling a flag from a belt.

The sport is played by more than 20 million people across more than 100 countries and will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

It is also an eligible activity under the Queensland Government’s Play On! Sports Vouchers program.

Queensland Sport and Racing Minister Tim Mander said the kits would give students an opportunity to try a sport that is growing internationally.

“This is a wonderful initiative by the NFL and will encourage more young Queenslanders to get out and be active,” Mr Mander said.

“It’s great that our kids will now become more and more familiar with Flag Football before it makes its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in two years’ time.”

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the kits would give schools another option for getting students involved in sport.

“Sport plays an important role in supporting student wellbeing, engagement and development,” Mr Langbroek said.

“The NFL's provision of these kits gives Queensland schools another opportunity to get students active and introduce them to a new sport.”

Flag football is already being played at several Queensland schools, including Burleigh Heads State School, Varsity College and Benowa State High School.

NFL Australia and New Zealand general manager Charlotte Offord said the program was aimed at making the sport more accessible to students.

“Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and Australia is helping to lead the movement—especially across Queensland,” Ms Offord said.

“These kits will provide more young people with pathways to learn the game.”

The NFL said providing equipment free to schools would help reduce barriers for students wanting to try the sport.

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Seniors

The Panther had two matches last Saturday as part of the Finals series. The Premiers played fourth placed Riverside JCU in Townsville, winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw and going into the Preliminary Final. The Reserves played minor premiers Brothers and lost 0-3. However, they will get another chance next week.

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The Colts play Warriors in their Grand Final at 6.30 on Friday night and then on Saturday the Premiers and Reserves are both involved in Preliminary Finals. The Premiers play MA Olympic at 7.00, and the Reserves play Saints Eagles Souths at 3.00pm

Night Soccer kicked off for the 48^th season on Tuesday. Late Nominations can still be accepted. Nomination Forms are at Delta Cleaners, Intersport and Sportfirst.

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Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club

With the season on the line, the Panthers knew their elimination final against JCU was always going to be a tough contest. Burdekin started brightly and were rewarded inside the opening eight minutes when Oliver Gabiola found the back of the net to give the Panthers the perfect start. From there, however, the momentum began to shift as JCU worked their way into the game and applied plenty of pressure. Jarrod Camer was excellent in goal, producing a crucial penalty save before pulling off another very good savefrom a dangerous free kick to keep the Panthers in front. With just ten minutes remaining, JCU finally found the equaliser to make it 1–1 and send the elimination final into extra time.  

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Neither side could find the decisive goal during the additional period, meaning the season would come down to a penalty shootout. In a tense finish, the Panthers held their nerve from the spot and Camer again played his part as Burdekin prevailed 5–4 on penalties. It certainly wasn’t the easy way to do it, but finals football rarely is. The Panthers survive and advance, keeping the season alive for at least another week.

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Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service

A team with confidence and capability travelled to Townsville for a semi-final showdown with Brothers. In warm conditions the game was played at a good pace and end to end, both teams creating half chances. A slow start was an issue when Brothers scored from a corner after nine minutes. From there the Panthers created opportunities and the goalkeeper provided several good saves. On balance the game could have been 3-3 all at halftime rather than Brothers leading 1-0.

The Panthers came out in the second half and were the dominant side. A few very good chances could have seen them in front but for some unlucky bounces, desperate scrambling by Brothers and a day where some shots were just off target.  At the hour markand against the run of play Brothers made a run into the penalty box and a soft foul resulted in a second goal from the penalty. Despite being down, the Panthers were still creating opportunities and Brothers were hanging on for the final whistle. With fifteenminutes to go the referee took away any chances of a positive result with a flurry of dubious yellow cards handed out for ‘dissent’. Despite whether it was right or wrong, the end result was Cooper Kross getting two yellow cards in a minute and being sent off.From there the result was inevitable, Brothers move to the Grand Final, and Burdekin will play against Saints next week to book the other grand final placing.

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Masters

The Masters numbers were good again and in cool conditions featured a tussle between Albania and Lichtenstein. This was the final match of the 2026 season. Best players on the night were the Georges, Karagkiozis and Koukouris. Now, it’s Night Soccer time…

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Juniors

The Juniors are officially into the final stretch of the junior soccer season, with just one week to go! Saturday saw the teams back on home turf for another round of local games. With the season coming to a close, it’s been great to see the players continue to get out there, enjoy their football and make the most of every game. One more weekend to go — let’s finish the season on a high! 

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International

The Socceroos have two friendlies against Brazil lined up. The first, on 25 September is in Townsville! And the second in Brisbane. Meanwhile in Europe the new season has started and in the EPL Manchester City and Arsenal are the only teams with maximum points after three games. In Italy’s Serie A, Roma and Inter also have maximum points and in Spain’s La Liga Barcelona are the only team with maximum points after four games.

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Quote the of the Week is from Newcastle and England star Len Shakleton after scoring six goals on a 13-0 defeat of Newport “And they were lucky to get nil.”

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Chad Fraser was named RLTD Under-19 Player of the Year after leading his team to the grand final. Photo supplied.

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At the RLTD Dr Rod Ward Presentation Night at Brothers in Townsville last Friday night, Burdekin Roosters under-19 half Chad Fraser was named RLTD Under-19 Player of the Year.

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Chad has had a great season, leading his team to the under-19 grand final while also playing three A-grade games.

Chad was also captain and half of the Burdekin Catholic High School Confraternity team, which played at Marist Brothers Ashgrove in Brisbane.

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Evergreen utility back Dylan Doak was named the RLTD Best Back in Reserve Grade.

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Even though his team finished well out of the finals race, Dylan was a standout player, scoring many tries as well as kicking some great goals.

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Jake O’Brien has played several positions in the backline for the A-grade Roosters and has stood out in all of them, so much so that he was named on the shortlist of three for the Best A-Grade Player in Townsville.

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Jake was then named the Best Back in A Grade for 2026.

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Roosters A-grade captain and forward Lachlan Shepherd must also have come into calculations, having recently been named by Radio SSS among the top 10 Townsville A-grade players.

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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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It was a winning weekend for Home Hill cricket, with the fourth-grade side edging Wanderers by two wickets before the third-grade outfit recorded a dominant 153-run victory over Brothers. Photo supplied.

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It was a winning weekend for Home Hill cricket, with the fourth-grade side edging Wanderers by two wickets before the third-grade outfit recorded a dominant 153-run victory over Brothers.

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The Home Hill ML Partners fourth-grade side built their victory on disciplined bowling, sharp fielding and a calm batting effort, reeling in Wanderers’ total with time to spare.

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Wanderers chose to bat first but lost wickets regularly, finishing at 7/91. Daniel Olditch was the standout of the bowling attack, taking 2/7 from four overs, including two maidens, while Kiriti Sanga claimed 2/16 from three overs.

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Travis Butler and Lachlan Brown applied further pressure through the middle overs, taking a wicket apiece, while Leo Olditch and Christopher Penna were both extremely economical, conceding just 1.66 runs per over.

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Chasing 91, Home Hill did not blast their way to victory, instead absorbing the pressure and steadily ticking off the target with composure. Lachlan Brown top-scored with 25, while Travis Butler contributed 19 and Dan Olditch, Kiriti Sanga and Laurence Zappa all added important runs.

Home Hill finished at 8/132, comfortably passing Wanderers’ total and securing the win with two wickets in hand.

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Home Hill Evergreen Sheds then produced a commanding all-round performance to claim a 153-run victory in third-grade CNQ, dismantling Brothers Resilient Projects with disciplined batting, relentless bowling and sharp fielding.

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A strong and balanced batting display laid the foundations for the win, highlighted by crucial knocks from Callum Boland, who made 49 from 44 balls including seven fours, Simon Vickers with 47 from 53 balls including six fours, and Alex Stillhard, who finished unbeaten on 39 from 25 balls with three fours and two sixes.

Lower-order contributions and substantial extras pushed Home Hill's total to a commanding 9/197.

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The Home Hill bowlers were ruthless, sharing the wickets across the attack and never allowing Brothers to settle. Keagan Carter hit an excellent length throughout his six-over spell, taking 3/22, while Aaron McKeown produced a short but devastating spell of 2/2 from two overs.

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Sharp fielding, including catches from McKeown, Brad Parravicini and Scott Richards, further compounded Brothers’ struggles as they were restricted to 8/44.

Home Hill will have three big home games at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex this coming weekend.

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At 12.20pm on Saturday, 12 September, Home Hill Pengelly Cabinets will take on Wanderers in Second Grade, before Home Hill ML Partners face Sub Parks in Fourth Grade at 8am on Sunday, 13 September.

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Home Hill Evergreen Sheds will then take on Saints in Third Grade at 12.45pm on Sunday.

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Come down and support your team!

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Contributed by Home Hill Cricket Association

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Third prize raffle winner Les Hoey & Judy Elton. Photo supplied.

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This week, Home Hill CSC had the pleasure of welcoming the Burdekin Scouts to their Wednesday night social bowls. Seeing the club used in this capacity demonstrates how valuable the clubhouse has become to several organisations. Who knows, given time, some of these youngsters might just decide to give the sport of lawn bowls a try.

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Thursday saw the return of Tony Caruso, who has been unable to play for some time. Welcome back, Tony — great to see you on board.

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Home Hill also had the pleasure of welcoming back, at the recently held Members Invitational, Leon Thoms. Leon was raised in the Burdekin, learnt the game of bowls at 14 years of age and went on to great heights in the sport.

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This Saturday will see another singles game played between Trevor Elton and Wayne Newton, the result of which will be covered in next week’s article.

Wednesday night social bowls saw three games of triples played, along with the Scout group, which made for a very interactive evening of bowls.

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Thursday club day saw four games of triples played. On Rink Three, Phil Marsden, Dino Poli and Margaret Chapman had a close win over Hugh Montgomery, Tery Feakes and Bob Pickard, a game that could have gone either way as it got to the pointy end of the day.

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On Rink Four, Glenn Berryman, Sandra Darwin and Maureen Marsden had a comfortable win over Alex Bojack, Judy Elton and Janet Arthur.

On Rink Five, Joe Linton, Katerina Stuckler and Paul Vass took a marginal win over Trevor Elton, Bruce McCallum and Bob Young.

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On Rink Six, Mick McCloskey, Les Hoey and Laura Webber had a marginal win over Gary Nosworthy, Ron Smith and Tony Caruso.

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Random Rink winners for the afternoon were on Rink Five: Joe Linton, Katarina Stuckler and Paul Vass. Congratulations!

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Raffles for the day: First prize of seafood went to Glenn Berryman, with second prize of a bottle of wine going to Bruce McCallum. The third raffle, kindly donated by Les Hoey, was a ladies' hamper that Les won at a recent tournament. It went to Judy Elton (pictured).

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Les, being a bachelor and a very generous supporter of club raffles, just does not seem to be able to win a prize that best suits his needs. Les, just keep trying, mate—you will crack it one good day.

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Tuesday Fun Day: a morning to meet and greet, which has become a popular outing to enjoy. Just come along around 9.00am.

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Contributed by Bob Pickard

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More than 100 young touch footballers have wrapped up the Friday Junior Touch Football season for the term. Photo supplied.

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More than 100 young touch footballers have wrapped up the Friday Junior Touch Football season for the term, with boys and girls aged up to 12 years taking part in weekly skills, drills and games.

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Burdekin Touch Football president Peter Knapton congratulated the players for their enthusiasm and cooperation throughout the season, while also thanking the coaches who conducted the weekly sessions.

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Friday Junior Touch Football will resume after the school holidays, with sign-on taking place on October 9.

Meanwhile, Round Six of the Coutts Commercial Tavern Mixed Touch competition produced plenty of action across the senior and Under 14 grades.

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Alliance Pharmacy recorded a 13-2 victory over Astute, led by six tries from J Power and three from L Lampton, while Slush Puppies defeated Touch Potatoes 11-5, with L Marshall crossing four times.

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The Predators edged East Ayr 7-6, with L Potter-Geitz scoring three, while One Touch IT and Way To Go B played out a 5-all draw.

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SSS recorded a comprehensive 15-5 victory over Renegades, with D Ludwick scoring four tries and N Walker and W Ghee three apiece.

QMN Petrol Heads narrowly defeated Jigsaw 5-4, while Can't Touch This accounted for Way To Go A 8-4.

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Untouchable produced the highest score of the round with a 17-3 win over Blue Murder. G Dau and K Vitty both scored five tries, while L Saxby added three.

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Redskins received a win on forfeit.

In the Under 14 competition, Chicken Burgers defeated The Divas 5-1, with K Quinlan scoring three tries, while BAYWatch A defeated Red Dogs B 8-2, led by five tries from Adea.

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BAYWatch B recorded a 6-2 win over Blue Blizzards, with Kaylee and Danielle scoring three tries each.

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Silly Soft Serves rounded out the results with a narrow 4-3 victory over Red Dogs A.

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The Burdekin Roosters will feature in two Grand Finals this weekend, with the Under 15s joining the Under 19s after a great 44-4 win over Charters Towers in their preliminary final last Saturday.

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The Roosters Under 19s made their way to the Grand Final on Sunday after a stirring 28-24 win over Brothers in the major semi-final two weeks ago.

Coached by Mark Watson, the Under 15 team has a close connection with the Under 19 team, with a number of brothers playing.

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Chase Power in the Under 15s has a brother, Jack, a leading forward in the Under 19s, while Under 15 Jax Lammon will watch his brother Harrison, the Under 19s lock, with their father Thomas the FAO for both teams.

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Kasdyn Nash is a key player in the Under 15s, being a goal-kicker as well as a leading try-scorer.

Kasdyn's cousin Kobe Geia is a try-scoring centre for the Under 19s, with dad John an assistant coach of the older team.

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The Roosters have not featured in the Under 19 TDRL Grand Final for 25 years, with their last appearance coming in 2001 when the club had three teams in the GF — the Under 19s, reserves and A Grade.

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They were successful in two of them, with the Under 19s defeating Centrals and the A Grade remaining undefeated for the year, defeating the Dale Shearer-led Centrals.

Unfortunately, the reserves went down to an A Grade-stacked Brothers team.

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Current Under 19 officials John Nash and Thomas Lammon were players in that 2001 team, Thomas at centre and John coming off the bench.

That team, coached by Shane Power, contained a number of players who went on to feature in A Grade matches in later years.

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Phillip Dennis was prominent in the Queensland Cup after transferring to Souths Logan, with Kurt Olsen and Craig Snell playing several years for Burdekin, Townsville and North Queensland.

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Michael Skipper transferred to Ingham, where he coached and played, with Mackenzie Nesbit, Brad Ferguson, Evan Chapman, Mark Watson, Gavin Cave, Drew Donovan, Paul Hudson and Jared Zollner all playing many A Grade games for the Roosters.

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It is also interesting to note the 2001 team was sponsored by Eathornes Sportscene, while the 2026 team is sponsored by Eathornes Sportsfirst.

The team that day, coached by Shane Power, was Brad Ferguson, Michael Skipper, Mackenzie Nesbit, Thomas Lammon, Myran Seeto, Evan Chapman, Mark Watson, Gavin Cave, Philip Dennis, Drew Donovan, Mark Lowis, Kurt Olsen, Craig Snell, John Nash, Paul Hudson, Jared Zollner, Daniel Floriani, Joel Norway and Ashley Wright.

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Minor premiers Brothers flexed their muscles in the preliminary final last Sunday, defeating Centrals 40-6.

Sunday's Grand Final, now to be played at Brothers at 10.30am, will be the fourth time the two teams have met this season.

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Brothers won the first back in April at Brothers by two, 16-14, with the Roosters winning in Ayr in June by two, 28-26, and then the semi-final at Brothers two weeks ago 28-24.

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Roosters Under 19 head coach Alf Cantarella is very proud of his team, saying the early trial win over Norths was encouraging as the numbers increased to 24 registered players.

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Alf said his team has had its fair share of injuries during the season, from a broken nose, hands, an arm and even a vertebrae.

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Thankfully, most have come through okay and we are ready to go.

“We have built up a strong side with several of the boys having played alongside each other for many years.

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“Our halves Kaddy Zaro and Chad Fraser have been playing together since Under 7.

“Chad, KJ, Chekayne Taiters and Tyce Cursio have all played A Grade this year, acquitting themselves well.

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“Our hooker Jack Power would have to be the best number nine in the competition and he has a great future.

“Kirk Viero and Kobe Geia in the centres are strong and fast scoring machines, Kirk a multiple try-scorer many times.

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“We are lucky to have Kobe as he has a contract with the Cowboys and a bright future.

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“Tyce Cursio leads the forwards with passion, helped by Mason Kiehne, Harrison Lammon, Joey Southwell, Leylan Lampton, Dylan Rushton, Brodie and Romeo Waem.

“They are all big, strong, athletic lads who are willing to put in each week.

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“Our wingers are the deadly Taiters boys, Callen and Chekayne, who love sideline tries.

“Calen is a great vocal player driving the team forward, while Chekayne's height gives the advantage under the high ball.

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“Chekayne played for the Artie Beetson team against the Maoris early this year.

“We have utility players Riley Smith and Logan Guglielmania on the interchange who are skilled, experienced players who can fill any role.

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“Alf says he has been coaching for 22 years and he has never seen a team with so much talent, not just in the players but the support staff as well.

“FAO Thomas Lammon, League Safe John Nash and Simon Power are second to none.

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“John is an ex-NRL international player and his knowledge and input to assist me is invaluable.

“Chris Perry is a great help on training days and he, with John, Simon and Thomas, have all helped in getting us to the GF.

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“We also thank Alex Lennox and the committee who have helped us to get to the GF from behind the scenes.

“Up the Roosters.”

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While the Roosters meet Brothers in the Under 19 GF, Centrals will tackle Western Lions in the women's game after Centrals beat Brothers 16-6 for the right to tackle the Lions.

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Western Lions defeated Norths 32-20 in the reserve grade final and will now play Souths in the GF.

In the A Grade, Souths will be attempting to win their third premiership in a row after beating Western Lions last Sunday 46-28.

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Souths will play Centrals, who progressed to the GF after beating the defending premiers two weeks ago in the major semi-final 30-28.

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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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Taylor Stockdale was crowned Deb of the Year, with Amaya Caspanello named runner-up, Elora Taylor receiving a Special Mention and Chloe Bugeja taking out the Girls’ Choice award. Photo supplied.

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More than 400 people packed the Burdekin Memorial Hall last Friday night to celebrate 33 young women and their partners at this year’s Burdekin Deb of the Year.

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Hosted by Burdekin Netball on 4th of September, the event celebrated the personal growth and work of each debutant throughout the year.

Taylor Stockdale was crowned Deb of the Year, with Amaya Caspanello named runner-up, Elora Taylor receiving a Special Mention and Chloe Bugeja taking out the Girls’ Choice award.

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Burdekin Netball Publicity Officer Kellie Loizou said a bigger debutant pool than last year “created a wonderful atmosphere.”

“This year saw a larger number of debs take part than the previous year, which … made the event feel reminiscent of the Deb of the Year events of years gone by,” she said.

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“There was a wonderful sense of camaraderie throughout the entire experience.”

Ms Loizou said the event was the end of a “special” period of growth for the debutants.

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“It was particularly special to see the friendships, support and encouragement that developed within the group and carried through to the event itself,” she said.

This year marked the second straight iteration hosted by Burdekin Netball.

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“As a community sporting organisation, it is incredibly rewarding to be able to provide an event that extends beyond netball and creates an opportunity for members of the wider community to come together,” Ms Loizou said.

She said the organisation was grateful to the participants, families, volunteers, organisers, sponsors and wider Burdekin community whose support helped deliver the event.

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“With more than 400 people attending and 33 debs participating, it was wonderful to see such strong support for the event,” Ms Loizou said.

“Burdekin Netball is very proud to play a part in continuing this important community tradition, and we hope this year’s participants look back on the experience with many happy memories.”

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The Burdekin Roosters’ under 19 side has stormed into the RLTD grand final after a heart-stopping 28-24 win over Brothers in Sunday’s major semi-final. Photo supplied.

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The Burdekin Roosters’ under 19 side has stormed into the RLTD grand final after a heart-stopping 28-24 win over Brothers in Sunday’s major semi-final.

Kirk Viero was the star of the show, scoring three tries and producing a standout performance in attack and defence, while Jack Power and Logan Guglielmania also crossed.

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The result sends the Roosters straight into the grand final on September 13 at the Sports Reserve.

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There was heartbreak in A grade, however, with the Roosters falling just short against Western Lions, 28-26, despite scoring six tries to five.

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The event, held on Wednesday, 19th of August, attracted 23 players despite strong winds. Photo: Ayr Golf Club.

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Heather Desbois has claimed the annual Betty McLaughlin Memorial Ladies Day at Ayr Golf Club, carding 40 points to finish one point clear of Sonya O’Shea.

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The event, held on Wednesday, 19th of August, attracted 23 players despite strong winds, with Desbois’ winning round also earning her a place in Ayr Ladies A Grade.

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Rhonda O’Brien finished third on 38 points, while O’Shea took second on 39.

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The annual event is sponsored by the McLaughlin family in memory of the late Betty McLaughlin, with her daughter Kerry Heuir and son and daughter-in-law Ross and Margaret McLaughlin attending to present the winners.

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Nearest-the-pin prizes went to Tuk Williams and Desbois.

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The iconic Tinaroo Barra Bash will return to Lake Tinaroo next month after a two-year hiatus, promising fishing action, family entertainment and a $10,000 cash prize. Photo supplied.

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The iconic Tinaroo Barra Bash will return to Lake Tinaroo next month after a two-year hiatus, promising fishing action, family entertainment and a $10,000 cash prize.

The competition will run from 25th–27th September, with anglers and spectators expected from across the region for the first staging of the event since 2023.

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Hosted by the Tablelands Fish Stocking Society and backed by Platinum Sponsor Tableland Hardware, the 2026 competition will feature new Live-Scope and Non-Live-Scope divisions, reflecting advances in fishing technology.

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But competitors don’t necessarily need to land a barramundi to walk away $10,000 richer.

The returning Lucky Entry prize is open to any adult competition entrant who is present at Sunday’s foreshore draw.

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Sunday’s foreshore celebration will kick off at 8.30am, expected to attract more than 1,000 people.

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Families can enjoy face painting, arcade games, market stalls, food vendors, Lake Tinaroo cruises, live entertainment, red claw races and live fish displays.

Hodgie the Barefoot Fisherman will also make an appearance, sharing his casting and barramundi-fishing skills before hosting the Kids Casting Competition.

Mr Luscombe said the event’s return would be a celebration of the Tablelands community.

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“After two years away, we want to make 2026 a celebration of everything that makes the Tablelands special—fishing, families, businesses and our community,” he said.

“Whether you’re competing on the water or coming along for the Sunday foreshore event, there will be something for everyone.”

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Seniors

The Panther had just the one match last weekend as the finals series begins. The Colts played second placed Warriors in Townsville, winning 2-0 and going straight into the Grand Final.

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This week, both the Premiers and Reserves are playing in the semi-finals. The Premiers who finished in third place play Riverway JCU who finished fourth and the Reserves who finished in second place meet minor premiers Brothers. The Premiers kick off at 7.00 pm and the Reserves at 3.00pm.

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Night Soccer kicks off for the 48^th season on Tuesday 8^th September. Late Nominations will still be accepted. Nomination Forms are at Delta Cleaners, Intersport and Sportfirst.

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Colts – Astute Finance

Burdekin started strongly, moving the ball around the park with confidence and ease.  Warriors flooded the midfield early on, creating space out wide and allowing the Colts wide players to push forward and attack down both flanks. The breakthrough came after just ten minutes. Charlie Shears beat his defender and drove towards the near post before delivering a dangerous ball across the face of goal. Landyon Chatfield was on hand to force it over the line and give Burdekin a deserved 1-0 lead. Despite continued pressure from the opposition, goalkeeper Zack Durrant produced a couple of outstanding saves to preserve the advantage, helping the team head into halftime with a 1-0 lead. The second half could not have started any better. Within sixty seconds of the restart, Charlie Shears found himself in space once again and threaded a pinpoint pass through to Max Kelly. Max then fed the ball to Ryely Siandri, who unleashed a strike from around twenty yards out. The shot sailed over the goalkeeper and into the net, extending Burdekin’s lead to 2-0.This is where the scored stayed, with desperate defence and great team play, the Colts secured their spot in the Grand Final. The Club is very proud of them they’ve worked hard for each other all year and now are reaping the rewards.

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Masters

The Masters numbers were good again and in cool conditions featured Australia v Brazil, a pre-play of the 25^th September Townsville match. The Socceroos lost 1-5 after a goalless first half. Man of the Match was PH Smith who actually scored a goal. The Masters 2026 season winds up next Monday. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick Off.  

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Juniors

Another weekend of junior soccer is in the books, and the season is quickly coming to an end! Burdekin Under 5–Under 7 teams enjoyed their local games at home, while the Under 8–Under 12 teams made their final trip to Townsville for the season. It’s been a big year of travelling for the older age groups, and we’re sure everyone is looking forward to a few less early starts! With just two more weeks of the season remaining, there’s still plenty of soccer to come. Let’s finish the season a high note! 

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In the Under 15s semi-final  Burdekin FC were up against MA Olympic. It wasn’t the  minor premier’s day on Saturday with Burdekin losing 2-6. The goals were scored by Rohan Kelly and Emmanuel Mio. The Panthers get another chance to make the Grand Final this weekend with a sudden death semi against Rebels.  Wishing them all the best for the weekend.

The Under 13 Burdekin Panthers took to the field in a must win semi-final match against Estates. In a well fought match, unfortunately, the Panthers went down 4-2.  The U13 Panthers have now completed their season. Well done to all the players on a fantastic year.   

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International

The Socceroos have two friendlies against Brazil lined up. The first, on 25 September is in Townsville! And the second in Brisbane. Meanwhile the new season has started in Europe and after two or three matches, it looks like the same old same old. Except for France where PSG have drawn their first two games.

Quote the of the Week is from then Northern Ireland Manager Billy Bingham “The proof of the pudding is when you get down to the nitty-gritty.”

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The Ayr SLSC crew at Townsville-Picnic Bay Carnival Photos supplied

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Eighteen Ayr Surf Lifesavers headed to The Strand last Saturday to compete in the first North Barrier Branch Surf Carnival for the 2026-27 Season.

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The carnival, hosted by Townsville-Picnic Bay SLSC for Under 8 - Under 15 competitors, marks the beginning of a long and gruelling competition season for local lifesavers.

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The members took on both water and beach events in a great display of athleticism early on in the season. Competitors gave it their all and demonstrated some incredible individual and team efforts as well as fantastic sportsmanship and camaraderie between themselves and the other clubs within the branch.

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Surf Life Saving Queensland is working hard to future proof their surf sports movement by investing in their youth members and encouraging diversity in pathways in lifesaving including youth members taking on bigger roles such as officials at carnivals. Four young Ayr members have recently completed their Official accreditation to further develop their skills and assist with the successful running of Surf Sports carnivals. Three of these young members—Briella Wassmuth, Bella Lawry & Charlotte Lawry—donned the white shirt on Saturday for their first foray into officiating and represented the club to the highest standard.

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The 2026-27 Season for Nippers is underway, but it is not too late to Join the Club and become part of the Ayr Surf Life Saving family. You can reach out to admin ayrslsc@gmail.com or the Ayr Surf Life Saving Facebook Page for more information.  Our senior members will be back in the Red and Yellow uniform from the 19^th September when the patrolling season kicks off for the year.

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Contributed by Ayr Surf Lifesavers

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Home Hill produced a true team performance to claim a strong 55‑run victory over Northern Beaches in Round 1 of the Second Grade CNQ competition. Photo supplied.

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The weekend marked the return of cricket in Home Hill for the 2026/27 season. Home Hill Cricket Association is again contesting the CNQ Townsville Cricket competition with sides in Second, Third and Fourth grades.

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Home Hill produced a true team performance to claim a strong 55‑run victory over Northern Beaches in Round 1 of the Second Grade CNQ competition, defending 170 with excellent control and a match‑winning middle‑overs squeeze led by Tristan Richards (4/5) and Ayden Marano (3/9).

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Home Hill’s batting effort was built on contributions across the order rather than one dominant innings, with scores in the 20’s coming from Greg Flanagan (28), Brad Parravicini (25), Kris Wright (23), Isaac Cardillo (22), and Mark Nosworthy (21).

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Northern Beaches captain Harjit Gill fought hard with a classy 59, but once he fell at 3/100, Home Hill ripped through the remaining seven wickets for just 15 runs.

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Home Hill pulled off a gritty win in their Third Grade Round 1 clash, posting 169 to edge out Wests by seven runs in a tense finish at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex.

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After being sent in, Wests began positively but Home Hill’s bowlers chipped away regularly. A major partnership lifted Wests from 3–22 to 4–123, putting them in a strong position, but once Carter Hague fell, the innings began to wobble. Guy Stevenson took 2/19 with ball in hand, but it was a clutch performance of 3/19 from Roopesh Krishnan that stifled Wests innings, who fought hard to reach a total of 9/162.

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Home Hill pieced together a competitive 9/169 reply in their 35 overs, built almost entirely around a superb vice-captain’s knock from Guy Stevenson. Coming in early at 2/21, Stevenson anchored the innings with a commanding 85 from 79 balls*, striking 5 fours and 5 sixes and batting through to the end. His innings was the backbone of the total and combined with Dan Olditch’s rapid 33 including 6 fours, sealed a well‑earned victory.

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Next week, the Second grade team has a bye, Third grade plays Brothers in Townsville, and the Fourth grade side will play their first game against Wanderers at Fred Jacobsen Oval.

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Contributed by Home Hill Cricket Association

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The Burdekin Roosters have moved to the under 19 grand final in the RLTD after a heart-stopping 28-24 win over Brothers in the major semi-final at Brothers last Sunday.

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Coach Alf Cantarella said we were lucky to have our full-strength side back after missing five of our run-on players in the game before.

The game was nearly try for try.

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Hooker Jack Power was outstanding with his usual game, and he set the pace of the game.

Our forwards were outsized but dug in and did the job that was needed to get the win.

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The man of the match went to centre Kirk Viero with his outstanding attack and defence, scoring three tries and saving many more.

I couldn't be prouder of the boys, as they won because they had heart.

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Now we will get ready for the Grand Final on Sunday, September 13, at the Sports Reserve.

For the Roosters, Kirk Viero scored three tries, with one each to Jack Power and Logan Guglielmania. Chad Fraser kicked three goals, with one by Kobe Geia.

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Next week, minor premiers Brothers will meet Centrals for the right to play the Roosters in the grand final.

Centrals came from behind to beat Norths in the other semi-final by 32 to 24.

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The two A grade semi-finals brought close matches, with the Roosters going down to Western Lions 28-26 and Souths, premiers for the past two years, losing to Centrals 30-28.

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Goal kicking cost the Roosters dearly after they scored six tries to five but converted only one, compared to three by the opposition.

Coach Steve Lansley said the Roosters suffered a heartbreaking loss to Western Lions in a thrilling contest that could have gone either way.

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Despite the result, the Roosters can hold their heads high after scoring six tries to five and producing a huge effort to come storming home over the top of the Lions.

A slow start ultimately proved costly, with Burdekin forced to chase the game from the opening stages.

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The Roosters showed plenty of character and belief late in the match, fighting their way back into contention and giving themselves every opportunity to snatch victory.

Unfortunately, the clock ran out before they could complete the comeback.

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While the loss will hurt, there is plenty to be proud of.

After losing their opening games of the season, Burdekin have turned their season around and shown tremendous resilience to put themselves into the fight.

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The Roosters can look back on a season full of improvement, belief and plenty of memorable performances.

Lock Nick Brown was named players' player for once again putting in a 100 per cent performance.

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Nick was closely followed by fellow forward Nemia Nawave, with Jones Munro outstanding in the backs.

Dylan Doak scored two tries, with one each by Jye Olsen, Jones Munro, Jake O'Brien and Kaddy Zaro. Jake kicked a goal.

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2024 and 2025 premiers Souths will have to overcome Western Lions this Sunday for the right to defend their title in the Grand Final after going down to a fast-finishing Centrals 30-28 in the other A grade final.

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In reserve grade, Souths move to the grand final after defeating Lions 26-12, while Lions will meet Norths this week in the minor final after the Northern Beaches team beat Brothers 26-nil in the other final.

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Burdekin local Stephanie Monday scored a try in the women's major semi as Western Lions beat Centrals 18-14 to move through.

The Tigers girls will now play Brothers this Sunday to see who goes to the Grand Final after the Brethren beat Souths 30-10.

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Contributed by Brian Carnes

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Another busy week for the Home Hill Community Sports Club saw bowls being played throughout, with the main event being Saturday, August 29, when the club hosted its Members’ Invitational Tournament, welcoming visiting clubs from across the Burdekin, North and South.

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Forty-eight players took to the village green to compete in a triples event sponsored by All Rigg Townsville in what could only be described as near-perfect conditions.

Lucky winners in the winners’ category were Hugh Montgomery, supported by the Collinsville Country Yokels, with Joe Linton, Bruce McCallum and Eddy from Collinsville taking out the losers’ category. Congratulations go to all the winners.

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For an event such as this, the club acknowledges the work done by the ladies working tirelessly in the kitchen and members who took time to prepare food and supply food goods, which all contribute to making the afternoon a success.

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Home Hill extends its thanks and gratitude to all the visiting clubs and its members for supporting the event.

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Club Competition

The annual club competition continues to progress steadily, with further singles games played during the week.

Game One: Jeff Taylor v Michael Young, with Jeff taking the win.

Game Two: Jeff Taylor v Des Chapman, with Jeff taking the win.

Jeff Taylor will now progress towards his next challenge.

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Thursday Club Bowls

Four games of triples were played.

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On Rink Three, Hugh Montgomery, Terry Feakes and Chris Holden had a really comfortable win over Alex Bojack, Leanne Wallace and Gordon Braid.

On Rink Four, Trevor Elton, Bob Pickard and Maureen Marsden were too strong for Mick McCluskey, Katarina Stuckler and Betty Webb. However, whilst having a convincing win, the feature of this game was the competition between the two leads, Betty and Maureen, who demonstrated the extent to which their game has improved in a relatively short space of time.

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On Rink Six, Joe Linton, Ron Smith, Mick Olsen and Bob Young (shared) had a convincing win over Gary Nosworthy, Bruce McCallum and Paul Vass. Good to see Mick back on the green after a long spell away from it.

On Rink Seven, Glenn Berryman, Dino Poli and Janet Arthur had a win by a close margin over Phil Marsden, Margaret Chapman and Judy Elton.

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The random rink winners of the day went to Rink Three: Hugh Montgomery, Terry Feakes and Chris Holden. Congratulations, gentlemen.

The weekly raffle first prize of a bottle of whiskey went to Terry Feakes, with second prize of a bottle of wine going to Laura Webber.

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Tuesday Fun Day

A morning for all to meet and greet, which has become a popular outing to enjoy. No booking required — just come along around 9.00am.

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Weekly Activities

Monday at 9.00am — Light Exercise Class

Tuesday at 9.00am — Trimmers

Wednesday at 9.00am — Bingo

Wednesday at 5.30pm — Social Bowls, names in by 5.30pm for a 6.00pm start

Wednesday at 5.30pm — Hot Shot Darts. Ph: Scott 0480 208 335

Friday at 5.30pm — Hot Shot 8 Ball

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Contributed by Bob Pickard

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Young golfers from across the region descended on the Burdekin for a big weekend on the green, with the Home Hill and Ayr Junior Opens attracting almost 180 players across the two events.

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Around 80 junior golfers took to the course for the Home Hill Junior Open, before just under 100 players competed at the Ayr Junior Open the following day.

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The strong weekend of competition included visiting golfers from across North Queensland, while Burdekin juniors also produced some impressive performances on home soil.

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Ayr’s Evelyn Mahoney claimed the 9 Hole Girls title, while fellow local Nash Fuller took out the 6 Hole Boys division.

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Ayr juniors Andi Perry and Mav Searle completed a successful day for the local contingent, winning the 3 Hole Girls and 3 Hole Boys divisions respectively.

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Atherton siblings Cooper and Sienna O’Brian were crowned the 18 Hole Boys and Girls champions, while Mackay’s Sonny Hutchinson claimed the 9 Hole Boys title and Bowen’s Amelia won the 6 Hole Girls division.

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Organisers said the winter sunshine provided beautiful conditions for the Ayr event, although the course’s mango trees proved a challenge for some visiting competitors.

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The weekend also provided valuable competition ahead of another major event on the local junior golf calendar, with players encouraged to return to the Burdekin for the Karrie Webb Junior Masters in October.

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Organisers thanked the volunteers who helped deliver the Ayr Junior Open, as well as major sponsors KJ Mining, Mark Hudson – Cranes and Haulage, Kalamia Hotel, and Oar and Horan Dentist for supporting the event.

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Contributed with thanks to Laura Mahoney.

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The Burdekin Panthers FC Colts have capped off a dominant regular season by finishing as undefeated minor premiers. Photo supplied.

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The Burdekin Panthers FC Colts have capped off a dominant regular season by finishing as undefeated minor premiers.

The Colts sealed top spot with a convincing 4-1 win over Brothers, overcoming a second-half equaliser to finish the regular season without a loss.

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Burdekin started strongly, peppering the Brothers goal with shots from range before a strong run from Cooper Kross created the opening.

The ball fell kindly to Brayden Card following a deflection, with the striker forcing it over the line to give the Colts a 1-0 lead.

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Despite creating countless opportunities, the Colts could not extend their advantage before half-time.

Caleb Formilan was particularly dangerous down the left flank, delivering several threatening crosses as Burdekin continued to apply pressure.

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Brothers struck back early in the second half, catching the Colts out from a free kick to level the scores.

The equaliser, however, only prompted another gear from the Panthers, with the Colts responding with three unanswered goals.

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Ryley Siandri restored Burdekin’s lead before Max Kelly and Xavier Roncato found the back of the net to complete the 4-1 victory.

The Colts will face Warriors in the first-versus-second semi-final at Paradise Park this week, with a grand final berth on the line.

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Read Football Matters here: www.burdekinlife.com/article/football-matters-with-cyclops-august-27th

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Silverlink Reserves Individual Awards Photos: Burdekin Netball Association

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Burdekin Netball Association has wrapped up its 2026 season, with grand final winners and major award recipients recognised across the association’s competitions.

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11–12 YEARS

Minor Premiers: Quackpack

‍Grand Final Winners: Quackpack

‍Player of the Grand Final: Ruby Quagliata

‍Most Valuable Player: Lillea Levitt

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13–16 YEARS

Minor Premiers: Purple Reign

‍Grand Final Winners: Red Flags

‍Player of the Grand Final: Summer Pennisi

‍Most Valuable Player: Milla Chapman

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A RESERVE / B GRADE

Minor Premiers: OKOTB

‍Grand Final Winners: OKOTB

‍Player of the Grand Final: Nicola Williams

‍Most Valuable Player: Cailin Gosling

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A GRADE

Minor Premiers: Disco Diva’s

‍Grand Final Winners: Disco Diva’s

‍Player of the Grand Final: Indi MacDonald

‍Most Valuable Player: Sarah O’Shea

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SILVERLINKS PREMIER LEAGUE

Most Improved: Piper Carmichael

‍Players’ Player: Ella Logan

‍Coaches Award: Kate Wilkie

‍Silverlink of the Year: Tayah Gibson

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SILVERLINKS DIVISION 1

Most Improved: Jayel Gibson

‍Players’ Player: Ryley Sartori

‍Coaches Award: Grace Ogomeni

‍Most Valuable Player: Indi MacDonald

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OTHER AWARDS

Club Person of the Year: Shalon Gibson

‍Senior Umpire of the Year: Ryley Sartori & Indi MacDonald

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Umpire Encouragement Awards: Amaya Mahoney, Amayah Caspanello, Chloe Bowen, Indy Broadhead, Kasey Dobe, Makenna Trail, Mazlyn Smith, Paityn Coleman-Blakoe and Carlene Muilwyk.

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Umpire Dedication Awards: Eden Godfrey, Lily Ahern, Milla Chapman, Popi Loizou and Zara Scovazzi.

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A Grade Man of the Match: Jake O’Brien Photos: Burdekin Roosters.

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The Burdekin Roosters A Grade side have secured third place on the ladder and a spot in the finals after closing out the regular season with a 20-16 victory over the Lions in Round 16.

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The team produced a hard-fought win to finish the regular season on a high, with Jake O’Brien named Man of the Match for his performance.

The result means the Roosters will return to action next Sunday.

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It was a different story for the Roosters Reserves, who fell 58-28 to the Lions, bringing their 2026 campaign to an end.

Sakiusa Dreunimolea was named Reserve Grade Man of the Match.

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The Roosters thanked the Burdekin Roosters Old Boys & Supporters for presenting the weekly awards.

With the regular season now complete, attention turns to finals, with both the A Grade and Under 19s sides set to take the field on the 30th of August.

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Home Hill Golf Club’s Brennan’s Tyrepower 4BBB Championships produced a weekend of close competition, with titles decided across both the men’s and women’s fields on Sunday, 23rd of August.

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The closed championship event capped a busy weekend at Home Hill Golf Course following the Junior Open, with strong fields turning out for the annual tournament.

In the men’s competition, Simon Power and John Ross Dale prevailed from a three-way playoff, finishing ahead of runners-up David Falco and Murray Cannavan, while Scott Sibson and Clarke Grogan took third.

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The men’s nett competition was won by Jason Forno and Kieren Dawes, with Scott Sheahan and Russell Fisher finishing runners-up.

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In the women’s competition, new club member Melody Broad combined with Bev MacDonald to claim the championship title, narrowly edging Michelle Gabiola and Megan Barbagallo.

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The women’s nett title went to Shirley Jones and Tara Cesconetto, with Jan Cannavan and Judi Sheahan finishing runners-up on a countback from Jenny Fitch and Jane Cannavan.

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The club congratulated all competitors and thanked Erin Brennan of Brennan’s Tyrepower for joining the presentation of trophies.

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The Home Hill team of Hannah Casswell, Ryan Schwab, Ethan Fairley and Michelle Rodgers finished on top in A Grade. Photo: Ayr Tennis Association.

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Home Hill has retained the Col Casswell Shield after claiming the A Grade title at the annual inter-club tennis competition on Saturday, 22nd of August.

The Home Hill team of Hannah Casswell, Ryan Schwab, Ethan Fairley and Michelle Rodgers finished on top in A Grade, while Tennis Townsville claimed the B Grade title.

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The Col Casswell Shield was established in 2023 to reinvigorate inter-club tennis across North Queensland and honours the late Col Casswell, a passionate advocate for the sport who played in Proserpine, Mackay, Ayr and Home Hill.

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Col also served the Home Hill Tennis Association for many years as secretary and club and regional delegate, as well as serving as a Tennis Queensland board member, before his death from brain cancer at the age of 60.

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Home Hill's A Grade success was particularly fitting, with Col's daughter Hannah Casswell part of the winning team.

The club has also strengthened its playing ranks with the arrival of talented players who have moved to the Burdekin for work, including Fairley, who hails from Brisbane, and Rodgers, originally from Hervey Bay.

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The victory marks the second consecutive year Home Hill has claimed the shield, continuing the club's strong showing in the competition.

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Event 1-Northern Zone Pointscore Continental Championship Back Row Ben Beazley, Michael Zabala, Col Edgerton, Rob Ness, Noelle Young Front Row Col Ferguson, Glen Farmer, Jeff Taylor, Jogn Calligaro Photos supplied.

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The Burdekin Clay Target Club hosted a high-caliber weekend of shooting for the Northern Zone Continental Carnival on August 8–9, drawing 55 competitors to the local traps.

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Michael Zabala and Colin Ferguson delivered standout performances across the two-day event. Zabala claimed the top honours as Overall Carnival High Gun with a score of 243/255, while also securing Open titles in both the Medley and Combination championships. Ferguson took out the Open division in the Pointscore and Single Barrel events, as well as the A Grade High Gun title.

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The club congratulates all event winners and thanks everyone who traveled to compete. Special thanks go to Lui Populin for donating the meat trays for the raffle.

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The club's next shoot will take place on Sunday 13^th September.

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CARNIVAL RESULTS

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Event 1: Northern Zone Pointscore Continental Championship

• Overall Winner: Colin Ferguson (75/75)

• AA Grade: 1st Ben Beazley (80/84), 2nd Michael Zabala (79/84)

• A Grade: 1st Glen Farmer (72/75), 2nd Col Edgerton (73/78)

• B Grade: 1st Jeff Taylor (70/75), 2nd Rob Ness (67/75)

• C Grade: 1st John Calligaro (64/75), 2nd Noelle Young (57/75)

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Event 2: Northern Zone Double Barrel Continental Championship

• Overall Winner: Col Edgerton (33/33)

• AA Grade: 1st Ben Beazley (32/33), 2nd Michael Zabala (41/42)

• A Grade: 1st Colin Ferguson (29/30), 2nd Annette Vassalini (26/27)

• B Grade: 1st Peter Scott (24/25), 2nd Steven Pack (27/29)

• C Grade: 1st Blake Heffernan (21/25), 2nd Donna James (21/26)

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Event 3: Northern Zone Medley Continental Championship

• Overall Winner: Michael Zabala (50/50)

• AA Grade: 1st Joe Caruso (74/75), 2nd Riley Mikkelsen (73/75)

• A Grade: 1st Wayne Cislowski (49/50), 2nd Colin Ferguson (48/50)

• B Grade: 1st Barry Lansdown (67/75), 2nd Kellie Rea (89/100)

• C Grade: 1st John Calligaro (40/50), 2nd Noelle Young (37/50)

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Event 4: Northern Zone Combination Continental Championship

• Overall Winner: Michael Zabala (134/140)

• AA Grade: 1st Brontie Rea (132/140), 2nd Ben Beazley (78/80)

• A Grade: 1st Ron Clive (76/80), 2nd Col Edgerton (75/80)

• B Grade: 1st Barry Lansdown (114/120), 2nd Rob Ness (70/80)

• C Grade: 1st John Calligaro (54/60), 2nd Brian Bonanno (49/60)

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Event 5: Northern Zone Single Barrel Continental Championship

• Overall Winner: Colin Ferguson (26/29)

• AA Grade: 1st Tony Caruso (25/29), 2nd Joe Caruso (24/28)

• A Grade: 1st David Stitt (27/31), 2nd Glen Rea (26/31)

• B Grade: 1st Toni Scott (23/27), 2nd Cameron Robertson (24/28)

• C Grade: 1st Brian Bonanno (17/28), 2nd Liam Corkill (16/28)

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Overall Carnival High Gun Winners

• Overall High Gun: Michael Zabala (243/255)

• AA Grade: Joe Caruso (219/235)

• A Grade: Colin Ferguson (242/255)

• B Grade: Rob Ness (212/235)

• C Grade: John Calligaro (215/235)

• Ladies: Riley Mikkelsen (214/235)

• Veterans: Col Edgerton (215/235)

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Seniors

A good weekend for the Panthers. They played five matches, four of them at home. winning four of them. This was the last round of fixtures with the finals starting next week. On Saturday, at home to Saints Eagles Souths, the Premiers won 4- 0 to finish third and the Reserves won 3-1to finish second. On Friday night the Colts defeated Brothers 4-1 in Townsville to finish as Minor Premiers. At home The Division 2 Funkies defeated Wulguru 4-0 to finish in fifth place but the Division 1 lost 0-7 to Wulguru and finished in ninth place.

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This week, only the Colts are playing. They meet Warriors in the major Semi-Final at 6.30 in Townsville on Friday night. The Premiers and Reserves play their semi-finals next week.

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Night Soccer kicks off for the 48^th season on Tuesday 8^th September. Start getting your team organised now! Nomination Forms are now at Delta Cleaners, Intersport and Sportfirst. Forms must be returned by Friday 28 August.

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Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club

With third place already secured, there was nothing riding on the final game of the regular season other than building confidence and momentum heading into finals. After several whirlwind encounters with Saints this year, the focus was on producing a more controlled performance. Burdekin started positively, creating a number of chances but were unable to capitalise. Saints remained dangerous on the counter, ensuring the Panthers had to stay switched on defensively. Despite opportunities at both ends, the teams went into half time locked at 0–0. The second half started with a bang. Sean Young opened the scoring after getting on the end of an Elliott Dal Santo cross to give Burdekin a deserved lead. Young soon doubled the advantage with his second of the game as the Panthers began to take control. Jake Siandri then added a third before Matthew Walker rounded out the scoring to make it a 4–0 win. This was a strong way to finish the regular season, with a clean sheet and four second-half goals providing plenty of confidence heading into the finals.

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Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service

Needing a win to have an opportunity of securing second place, Burdekin hosted Saints Eagles Souths who were on a streak of wins that included league leaders Brothers. It was a tough first half that really hung in the balance. Unfortunately, the Panthers lost Lucas Gabiola early on, which brought Jesse Thomasson into the game. Although, there was plenty of effort the score remained 0-0 at half time. Saints scored early into the second half with a quality finish at the back post from a deep corner. Burdekin responded well, playing some quality football and were rewarded with a back post header by Dom Arrate levelling the scores. Mathew Kolb provided a dangerous output from the bench and scored a second with a great finish to give Burdekin the lead 2-1. Kyle Taylor made it 3-1 with a dangerous free kick that found the back corner of the net. 

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Division 1 – Austral Masonry

Up against third placed Saints, the Panthers, who had not played for two weeks, were always going to struggle. After conceding an early goal the Panthers defended well and were only two goals down at half time. The second half was more of a problem with Saints adding three more goals in the first ten minutes. The Panthers then got back in the game, but Saints added two more late goals to win 7-0. And that is it for the Division1 side.

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Division 2 - RG Customs

Burdekin 2nd Division played their final game of the season on Friday night vs Wulguru. With finals out of reach the Funkies were desperate to finish with a win. Burdekin dominated the start of the game but wasted several chances and a lot of time spending attacking Wulguru’s goal. The end of the half was very frantic with Burdekin really struggling to defend Wulguru’s breakaway attacks on goal. The second half saw the Funkies in full control and score some great goals. Eugene Burelli opened the scoring with a wonder strike from long range. Jared Giardina doubled the lead with a free kick that gave the keeper no chance. Travis Butler made it 3-0 with a left footed strike from outside the box that surprised everyone, before Luke Cathcart slotted a penalty goal to give the Funkies a 4-0 win. Burdekin finish 5th missing out on the finals by 1 point. The squad celebrated the season into the night and is already looking forward to 2027. 

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Colts – Astute Finance

Burdekin started strongly, peppering the Brothers goal with shots from range. The breakthrough eventually came when a strong run from Cooper Kross led to the ball falling kindly to Brayden Card following a deflection, and he forced it over the line to give Burdekin a 1-0 lead. The score remained 1-0 at halftime, although it should be noted that the Colts created countless opportunities throughout the opening half. Caleb Formilan was causing havoc down the left flank, delivering several dangerous crosses, but despite their dominance they  were unable to add to the scoreline. The second half began and the Panthers were caught out off from a free kick and the Brothers striker scored to equalise. However, the Panthers picked it up a notch and ended putting three more past the Brotherskeeper. Goals from Ryley Siandri, Max Kelly, and Xavier Roncato. With the win the Panthers finished top of the table, undefeated Minor Premiers!  The Club is very proud of these boys, they’ve worked hard for each other all year and are reaping the rewards. Now thefocus shifts to the Final’s series. This week is the 1^st vs 2^nd semi-final; Burdekin take on Warriors at Paradise Park.  

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Masters

The Masters numbers were good again and in cool conditions featured Australia v Bangladesh. The Socceroos drew 4-4 after being 0-3 down at half time. Man of the Match was Two Goal Leonardo Danello. The Magic Moments were again exceedingly rare. Masters play every Monday night. All players are welcome, male, and female, useful and hopeless, halt and lame. Be there, International Park for 6.30 Kick Off.  

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Juniors

The final round of fixtures saw the young Panthers take on MA Olympic, knowing that a good result would secure the Under 15 Division 1 Minor Premiership. It was a hard-fought first half, with the game very much anyone’s to take. Unfortunately, Olympic opened the scoring just two minutes before half-time to head into the break with a 0–1 lead. The half-time chat was positive from the coaches, and the Panthers came out fired up for the second half. Annan Power put the Panthers on the scoreboard to level things up at 1–1. Then, a corner from Emmanuel Mio found his brother Xavier Mio, who rose to head the ball home and put the Panthers in front, 2–1. Olympic answered with a penalty to bring the game level once again. The Panthers had plenty of opportunities to find that winning goal but just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net. The full-time whistle 2–2 — and that was enough!

BFC Under 15 Panthers are the U15 Division 1 Minor Premiers. What an achievement from this group of boys! Their efforts during the match were outstanding.  The hard work, commitment and determination throughout the season has paid off.  Thank you to the girls who have helped through the year, especially Sari Oar and Maicey Ferguson. Now it’s time for the Final Series.  

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International

The Socceroos have two friendlies against Brazil lined up. The first, on 25 September is in Townsville! And the second in Brisbane. Meanwhile the new season has started in Europe. Shock of the week was newly promoted Hull City beating Manchester Utd 2-0.

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Quote the of the Week is from ex-England Manager Ron Greenwoo. “Football is a simple game. The hard part is making it look simple.”

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U8 Roosters: Back row - Seanne & Matt O'Shea (Coaching Staff) Middle row - Hugh, Oscar, Edee, Toby, Sonny, Mal, Tommy Front row - Reid, Dusty, Noah, Toby, Doug, Joel, Bohdi

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The Burdekin Roosters have wrapped up the 2026 regular season, bringing another big year of junior rugby league to a close.

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Across the season, Roosters teams took to the field each weekend at home and on the road, travelling to Townsville and Bowen throughout the year to play their regular fixtures.

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The final round marked the end of the season for the club’s U6 - U12 teams, who have enjoyed a strong year of footy, developing their skills and building plenty of confidence along the way.

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For the International age teams, the regular season is also complete after playing their final rounds, but their 2026 campaigns aren’t over yet. Attention now turns to finals preparations as teams get ready for the next stage of the season.

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Behind every game has been a huge effort from coaches, managers, league safes, volunteers and families, who have given up their time each week to keep the kids on the field.

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The club thanks everyone who has played a part in the 2026 regular season and congratulates all players on another year in the red, white and blue.

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Now it’s time to get behind our teams as finals footy gets underway.

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Contributed by Burdekin Junior Rugby League

The Home Hill Community Sports Club is in the throws of preparing to host its second interclub tournament for 2026 set down for Saturday 29 August. Club members are excited and looking forward to welcoming visiting clubs from Collinsville, Wangaratta, Brandon, Giru, Alligator Creek, St Townsville, and Cutheringa to compete in a triples event sponsored by All Rigg Townsville. Home Hill fully appreciates the support and interest shown in the tournament from the clubs visiting and as well the interest shown by our members.

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Club News

Thursday club bowls saw a return our regular southern visitors in Gordon Braid ( Burrum Heads), Mark Pierce ( Foster NSW), Ray Hollis (Beresfield NSW), as well as new visitors in Leane Wallace and Mike Johnson (Hervey Bay). It was also pleasing to welcome Giru President Ian Oconnell and wife Vicki. The value these visitors add to the success of our club can never be understated. We extend our thanks and appreciation to them all.  

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On the Green

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Club singles championships  

The past week has seen a combination of both Ladies and men competing with Four games played.  Game One (1) Between Trevor Elton and Joe Linton with Trevor taking the win. Game Two (2) between Gary Nosworthy and Phil Marsden with Gary taking the win. Game Three (3) between Des Chapman and Paul Vass with Des taking the win. Game Four (4) between Sandra Darwin and Maureen Marsden with Sandra taking the win. The club extends its congratulations to all winning players.

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Club Bowls

Four games of triples were played in what can only be described as perfect conditions. On Rink Two (2) Glenn Berryman, Steve Mutu, and Chris Holden had a convincing win over Jeff Taylor, Terry Feakes, and Judy Elton. On Rink Six (6) Hugh Mongomery, Ray Hollis, and Mark Pierce had a relatively sound win over Ron Smith, Meryl Smith, and Janet Arthur. On Rink Seven (7) Bruce McCallum, Dino Poli, and Katerina Stuckler had a strong win over Bruce Ross, Leanne Wallace, Robert Piva. On Rink Eight (8) Glenn Berryman, Steve Mutu, and Chris Holden were too good for Jeff Taylor, Terry Feakes, and Judy Elton. Congratulations to all the winning teams.

Random Rink winners for the day were Glenn Berryman, Steve Mutu and Chris Holden. (Congratulations gentlemen).

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The raffle for the day of a bottle of Dimple Whiskey went to Leanne Wallace with the second prize of a bottle of wine going to Mick McCloskey (Congratulations go to both winners).

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Weekly Activities; Monday at 9,00am Light Exercise Group, Tuesday at 9.00am Trimmers, Wednesday at 9.00am Craft Group, at 5.30 for 6.00pm start Social Bowls Ph 0468313115, at 5.30pm Hot Shot darts Ph Scott 0480208335. Thursday at 9.00am for heads down at 9.30am Bingo. Friday at 5.30pm Hot Shots 8 Ball.  

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Contributed by Bob Pickard

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Despite the loss, the U19s had already locked in a top-two finish and will get an immediate shot at revenge when they face Brothers again in Week One of the finals. Photo supplied.

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The Burdekin Roosters’ A-Grade finals hopes are alive and kicking after a gutsy 32-22 victory over Townsville Brothers at Jack Manski Oval on Saturday.

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In a high-stakes Round 15 clash, the Roosters dug deep to outlast a fierce Brothers outfit, keeping their season on life support heading into the final round of the regular season.

While A-Grade delivered under pressure, it was a tough afternoon across the lower grades. Reserve Grade fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to a clinical Brothers attack, falling 50-20.

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The Under 19s also fell on the day, going down 42-12 against a dominant home side. Despite the loss, the U19s had already locked in a top-two finish and will get an immediate shot at revenge when they face Brothers again in Week One of the finals.

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A strong contingent of Burdekin Old Boys and Travelling Supporters made the trip to Townsville, providing crucial vocal support in the A-Grade side’s must-win performance.

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The Roosters now turn their attention to the final regular-season fixture, where A-Grade must win again to secure a post-season berth.

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Ayr Golf Club greens provided the battleground for A, B, and C Grade action during the Golf NQ Pennant series. Photo: Ayr Golf Club.

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AYR and Home Hill have proven to be the powerhouses of North Queensland golf, with both clubs surging to division titles at the Golf NQ Men’s Pennant championships last weekend.

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The annual inter-club competition saw teams from across the region gather at host venues—including Pioneer Valley, Mystic Sands, and Ayr—to battle for division honours across A, B, and C Grades based on player handicaps.

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When the final putts dropped, Ayr’s B Grade squad took out top spot in Division 2, while Home Hill claimed victory in C Grade Division 2.

Ayr’s B Grade side produced a standout campaign, finishing ahead of runners-up Bowen to seal the Division 2 title.

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Home Hill mirrored that success in C Grade Division 2, holding off Ingham and Collinsville to secure first place.

Home Hill almost doubled its title count in C Grade Division 1, finishing as runners-up behind winners Bowen.

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Ayr also picked up top-three finishes across several divisions, including third place in A Grade Division 1 behind champions Sarina and runners-up Mackay, as well as third in C Grade Division 3. Home Hill’s A Grade team rounded out the local placings with third in Division 3.

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Golf NQ Final Standings

A Grade

• Division 1: 1st Sarina, 2nd Mackay, 3rd Ayr, 4th Townsville

• Division 2: 1st Rowes Bay, 2nd Seniors, 3rd Bowen, 4th Tropics 1

• Division 3: 1st Charters Towers, 2nd Proserpine, 3rd Home Hill, 4th Mt Isa 1

• Division 4: 1st Pioneer Valley, 2nd Tropics 2, 3rd Ingham, 4th Mt Isa 2

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B Grade

• Division 1: 1st Mackay, 2nd Sarina, 3rd Home Hill, 4th Proserpine

• Division 2: 1st Ayr, 2nd Bowen, 3rd Townsville, 4th Rowes Bay

• Division 3: 1st Pioneer Valley, 2nd Charters Towers, 3rd Ingham, 4th Mystic Sands

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C Grade

• Division 1: 1st Bowen, 2nd Home Hill, 3rd Rowes Bay, 4th Pioneer Valley

• Division 2: 1st Home Hill, 2nd Ingham, 3rd Collinsville, 4th Townsville

• Division 3: 1st Mystic Sands, 2nd Sarina, 3rd Ayr, 4th Proserpine

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Participants at last year’s She Hoops clinic at The Den. Photo: Jacob Casha.

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Australian Opals stars Cayla George and Courtney Woods will lead a series of free basketball and leadership clinics for young women in the Burdekin on Saturday, 29th of August.

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The She Hoops events, hosted at the Burdekin Basketball Stadium, will feature coaching from the current national team stars alongside former WNBL player Jess McDowell-White and FIBA referee Jacqui Dover.

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The day will begin with the Indigenous Leadership Program from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Delivered in partnership with the Aboriginal Basketball Academy, the holistic program is designed for Indigenous girls aged 12 to 17, focusing on developing physical, social, and emotional skills.

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A general basketball clinic open to all girls aged 6 to 17 will follow from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, offering court skill-building and strategy sessions to athletes of all skill levels.

Founded by three-time WNBA MVP and Olympic medallist Lauren Jackson, She Hoops is a national initiative aimed at empowering, educating, and inspiring women and girls across all levels of basketball, from players to coaches, officials, and administrators.

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The organisation stops in Ayr as part of a regional roadshow designed to promote female participation and build community connection across the North.

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Both sessions are completely free to attend, but registration is required prior to the event. Local families and players can find further details and sign-up links via the official Burdekin Basketball Facebook page.

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Burdekin footy fans are set for a front-row seat to world-class rugby as North Queensland prepares to host seven men’s international fixtures. Photo: Getty Images.

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Burdekin footy fans are set for a front-row seat to world-class rugby as North Queensland prepares to host seven men’s international fixtures alongside annual regional Queensland Reds matches over the coming six years.

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Under a major new state government deal announced this week, Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville will secure three Wallabies Tests between 2027 and 2030, adding to the four Men’s Rugby World Cup pool matches already locked in for the region in 2027.

For local Burdekin supporters, junior players, and hospitality operators just down the Bruce Highway, the blockbuster schedule puts elite rugby right on the region's doorstep.

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The international pipeline kicks off in 2027 with Australia taking on Argentina in Townsville as part of The Rugby Championship. Townsville will then host Australia against Georgia in 2029 and a return match against Argentina in 2030. Brisbane will host a 2028 clash against South Africa.

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Beyond the international calendar, the Queensland Reds have committed to playing at least one match per season in regional Queensland for the next six years, extending their regional presence through to 2032.

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The announcement comes as part of a broader push by the State Government, Rugby Australia, and the Queensland Rugby Union to bring top-tier sport closer to regional communities, driving local tourism, economic activity, and grassroots participation.

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Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander said bringing international fixtures to regional hubs like Townsville will help strengthen the game right across Queensland.

“We want Queensland to be the home of sport and the events capital of Australia and that’s why we’re bringing the best of sport to all Queenslanders,” Minister Mander said.

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“We also know when kids see the best players first-hand, they are inspired to get out and want to play the game.”

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“The additional international games from both the Wallabies, as well as more Reds games played in regional Queensland, will increase participation for grassroots clubs across the state and ensure all eyes remain on Queensland.”

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Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh highlighted the deep connections between regional Queensland and national rugby history.

“Since our first Test match 127 years ago, regional Queenslanders have proudly represented Australia on the international stage,” Mr Waugh said.

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Queensland Rugby Union CEO David Hanham noted that a stronger regional footprint will benefit local talent pathways across North Queensland.

“The Queensland Reds love playing across regional Queensland and today, we are pleased to announce the Reds will play a game in regional Queensland each season through 2032,” Mr Hanham said.

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With short travel times from the Burdekin to Townsville's stadium precinct, local businesses and sports fans alike can look forward to a massive decade of international and state rugby right here in NQ.

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2025 A Grade Winners, Mottin Earthmoving. Photo supplied.

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Burdekin footballers will once again take to the lights at International Park when Delta Cleaners Night Soccer kicks off for its 48th season next month.

The six-a-side competition will get underway on Tuesday, September 8, with Men’s and Women’s teams invited to compete.

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Players must be aged over 15, with nomination forms available from Delta Cleaners, InterSport and Sportfirst. Completed forms must be returned by Friday, August 28.

The long-running competition has its roots in Home Hill, where it began in 1979 as a way of helping players from the Burdekin Football Club, then known as Ayr Parkside, maintain fitness during the off-season.

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Eight men’s teams contested the inaugural season before the competition moved to Ayr the following year. International Park has been its home since 1981.

Now a fixture of the Burdekin sporting calendar, Night Soccer attracted 43 teams last year, including 27 Men’s and 15 Women’s teams.

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The season will begin with two trial weeks before teams progress into group games, culminating in Grand Final night on Friday, December 11.

One of the competition’s more distinctive features will again be the infamous Sin Bin.

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Players who are sin-binned are named and shamed before spending three minutes on the sidelines, leaving their team to battle on with just five players.

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Organisers are encouraging teams to get their nominations in ahead of the August 28 deadline as preparations ramp up for another summer of football under the lights.

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Not a good weekend for the Panthers. They played four matches, all of them away, and winning just one. On Sunday, away to MA Olympic the Premiers lost 0-1 and the Reserves lost 1-3. On Friday night the Colts defeated MA Olympic 2-0 and on Thursday the Division 2 lost 0-5 to Saints Eagles Souths. The Division 1 match against Saints was forfeited.

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This week, four teams are at home with just the Colts away, in the last round of fixtures. On Saturday, Ladies Day, the Premiers and Reserves play Saints Eagles Souths at 7.00 and 5.00 and on Friday, the Division1 and Division 2 play Wulguru at 8.30 and 6.30. The Colts are away to Brothers at 6.30.

Ladies Day tickets went on sale and sold out within hours. Did not get a ticket? You can still join in on all the fun at International Park on Saturday 22nd August!’

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Night Soccer kicks off for the 48th season on Tuesday 8th September. Start getting your team organised now! Nomination Forms are now at Delta Cleaners, Intersport and Sportfirst. Forms must be returned by Friday 28 August.

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Premiers – Ayr Anzac Club

With hopes of a top two finish still alive, the Panthers went into a tough clash against MA Olympic knowing how important the three points would be. Burdekin started the game well and looked the better of the two sides throughout much of the opening half. Strong winds made conditions difficult and contributed to a scrappy contest, but the Panthers were still able to create several promising opportunities. Unfortunately, they couldn’t find the finishing touch to turn the good play into a lead, with the sides going into half time locked at 0–0.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Burdekin continuing to compete well and searching for the breakthrough. However, it was Olympic who found the opening goal. A quickly taken short corner caught the Panthers switched off, with Olympic capitalising to take a 1–0 lead. From there, the Panthers pushed hard for an equaliser and continued to create opportunities but couldn’t find the back of the net. Olympic held firm to secure a 1–0 victory, a frustrating result for the Panthers after a performance where they had their chances but simply couldn’t make them count.

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Reserves – Burdekin Tyre Service

Another Sunday game away and the conditions were very, very windy. The strength of wind made it a difficult and very scrappy game. A strong squad took to the field with confidence, and the first ten minutes went well with an early goal to Jonte Grazioli. Unfortunately, from then the good patches of play were few and the standard of the game dropped. Despite making some very good chances in the first half, the Panthers wasted the opportunities and kept MA Olympic in the game. After twenty-five minutes Olympic pounced on a loss of possession to equalise. Neither team could hold sway on the game, and the ball was often out of play due to the conditions and the lack of ball control. Fifteen minutes into the second half Olympic scored again, from a quick long ball. The frustrations for the Panthers grew and despite their best efforts and intentions the result could not be changed. Putting insult to injury a late goal made the result a 1-3 defeat. A disappointing loss but at least this could help to give the players fuel to focus on their run through the finals.

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Colts – Astute Finance

Burdekin started strongly, peppering the Olympic goalkeeper with long range shots range. The breakthrough eventually came when a short corner from Charlie Shears found Oscar Licciardello on the edge of the circle who made no mistake, smashing the ball into the top right corner to give Burdekin a 1-0 lead. The score remained 1-0 at halftime, although it should be noted that the Panthers created countless opportunities throughout the opening half. Charlie Shears was causing havoc down the left flank, delivering several dangerous crosses, but despite their dominance the Panthers were unable to add to the scoreline. The second half began much the same as the first, with Burdekin continuing to control the match. A strong run from Cooper Kross led tothe ball falling to Brayden Card following a deflection, and he forced it over the line to extend the lead to 2-0. That is how the score remained at full-time, with Burdekin securing another important victory and moving one step closer to claiming the minor premiership. This week the boys take on Brothers, a draw or a win seals them as undefeated minor premiers

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Juniors

The Under 15 Panthers played Wulguru in Townsville. After coming off two losses, the young Panthers had to lift to get themselves back on top of the leader board. Annan Power opened the scoring with a very good header from an Emmanuel Mio cross in the sixth minute. Emmanuel followed up with a goal after eleven minutes and then Linc Innes found the back of the net in the seven minutes later. Wulguru got on the score board just before half time for the Panthers to be leading 3-1at half time.

Getting off to a quick start in the second half, Levi Cremona scored after two minutes to take the score to 4-1. The Panthers had many chances in the second half but could not increase their score. This win puts the Panthers back on top of the leader board going into the final round thisweekend. This weekend’s match at home will be a nail-biter as both Burdekin and Olympic will be fighting it out for the minor premiership.

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Quote the of the Week is from Terry Venables about China in the 2002 World Cup: “You would think that if any team could put up a decent wall it would be China”.

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Sport continues to be a joyful and important part of life at St Francis Catholic School, with students showing commitment, teamwork and personal growth across a wide range of disciplines this year. Their achievements reflect not only skill, but the character and resilience they bring to representing their school and community.

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Students took part in Burdekin Basketball, Soccer, Touch Football and Rugby League, with many progressing to North Queensland (NQ) and State-level opportunities.

In swimming, Mahli McShane represented NQ at the State Championships in Brisbane, placing 6th in Queensland, an outstanding achievement and a testament to her dedication.

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Soccer was a standout, with five St Francis girls (Jayda Totrica, Zola Oar, Ava Pappalardo, Kryssa Mial and Adele Mial) and five boys (Jonah Wilson, Jobe Oar, Chad Quagliata, Arlo Oar and Jace Coleman-Blakoe) selected for the Burdekin team.Both Zola Oar and Jobe Oar went on to represent NQ at State Championships. Zola received Coach’s Player and Golden Boot, while Jobe impressed as the only 10-year-old competing in a 12-year-old team.

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Basketball also saw strong representation, with Ava Pappalardo, Zola Oar and Jessica Robson selected for the Burdekin girls’ team. Ava performed exceptionally at NQ trials, making P&P and narrowly missing final selection. Mason Howie and Finn Roncato were named in the boys’ team.

In touch football, Jobe Oar and Mason Howie continued their strong seasons with Burdekin selection.

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Athletics brought home one of the school’s proudest moments. St Francis won the Aggregate Trophy at the Burdekin Athletics Carnival. With 54 students competing and four age champions (Jai Fiamingo, Sahra Towler, Jobe Oar and Will Felesina) the day reflected the encouragement and team spirit shared across the group. Eleven students will now trial for NQ.

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Cross Country success followed, with six students placing in the top three at Districts and progressing to NQ trials: Audrey Rickards, Taylor Davison, Jobe Oar, Jai Fiamingo, Sahra Towler and Katie Pucciarmati.

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Across every sport, our students continue to show what can happen when young people are supported, encouraged and given opportunities to grow. Their achievements reflect the strong partnerships between families, coaches and staff and the sense of belonging at the heart of St Francis Catholic School.

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Supplied by St Francis Catholic School

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Kirsten Loader (right) with fellow runner Julia Oner, who will be lacing up for October’s Outer Limits Adventure Paluma Ultra Trail Run, using the 52-kilometre challenge to raise awareness and funds for CORES QLD. Photo supplied

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Kirsten Loader and her team of eight runners are hoping to spread awareness, spark important conversations and raise invaluable funds for CORES QLD as they lace up for October’s Outer Limits Adventure Paluma Trail Run, taking on runs from six to 20km long.

Kirsten said the decision to combine their participation in the race with a fundraising campaign for CORES QLD; a community-driven initiative providing free one-day suicide intervention training and mental health support across regional Queensland, was deeply personal, after her partner Chris lost his father to suicide in 2022.

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“It was a completely unexpected and devastating loss, and sadly this was not the first time Chris had lost someone close to him in this way,” said Kirsten.

“I have watched firsthand how easy it is to become buried in grief and [Chris’s] reluctance to reach out and ask for help.  

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“I have wanted to do something in honour of Chad for some time to remind Chris that we know how much he mattered. He was a very loved and respected member of our community, and his loss was felt deeply by a lot of people.”

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Through their fundraising efforts, Kirsten hopes to amplify the message that it’s okay for men to speak openly about their emotions, while challenging the stereotype that men must always be strong, resilient and emotionless.

“There is help out there and it is OK to say you are not doing well and you need some help,” Kirsten said.

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“CORES is a locally run charity whose heart and soul, local man Ross Romeo, has done incredible things for our community. In raising awareness for this cause and bringing it back to the forefront of people’s minds, we hope to help erase the stigma around reaching out.”

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Kirsten will be joined by eight dedicated runners as they take on the challenge, with the group set to spend October fundraising and raising awareness for CORES QLD.  

While the group prepare to tackle their runs, Kirsten and Chris are encouraging members of the community to get behind the cause in whatever way they can, whether that means contributing to the fundraiser, spreading the word or simply starting an important conversation.  

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Ross McLaughlin, Joe Ypinazar, Danny O’Shea and David Harding have claimed the Brandon Bowls Club Championship Fours title after a hard-fought final on Sunday.

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The four defeated Kenny Ferguson, Lloyd Shepherd, Doug Robins and Kevin Collins in a closely fought contest, before edging away in the closing stages to secure the championship.

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Both teams were congratulated on a fantastic match.

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The winning four will now travel to Townsville to represent Brandon Bowls Club in the Champion of Champions Fours competition.

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