Sport
9 October, 2026
Summer season in full swing
Netball THE road to representing Cairns on the representative netball stage begins this month, with the Cairns Pythons calling on the region’s emerging talent to put themselves forward for the 2027 senior representative program.
Players in the U15, U16 and U18 age groups, as well as umpires of any age, are being encouraged to register and take their opportunity to challenge themselves against some of the best young talent in the state.
The 2027 trials will be held across three sessions, with players required to arrive at 5pm ahead of a 5.30pm start. Each trial will run through until 8.30pm. The trial dates are Thursday 15 October, Tuesday 20 October, and Thursday 22 October.
Registrations are now open for U15, U16, U18 and senior boys players, with aspiring umpires also invited to put their names forward.
For program lead Kelly Hynes, the trials represent an important opportunity for Cairns’ junior athletes to take the next step in their development and test themselves at a higher level.
“This is the next step for our juniors who wish to challenge themselves and represent Cairns and their families,” Hynes said.
“They get to show out against some of the state’s top talent while also catching the eyes of big clubs, setting themselves up for progression to the next step of professional netball.”
The representative program provides players with the chance to compete against strong opposition while gaining valuable experience that can help shape their future in the sport.
Cricket
IT was a weekend of close finishes and dominant performances across the local cricket competition, with Atherton, Mulgrave and Rovers all featuring in memorable contests.
Atherton secured one of the round’s tightest victories, edging Barron by just one wicket in a nail-biting finish. Barron were dismissed for 91, with Atherton eventually reaching 9/92 to claim the points in a match that went down to the wire.
While Atherton were forced to work for their victory, Mulgrave produced a far more convincing result, defeating Rovers by a commanding margin.
Mulgrave posted an imposing 7/209 before restricting Rovers to just 42 all out. Aidan Beech was the standout performer with the bat, producing an impressive 82 runs, while vice-captain Matt Folpp provided excellent support with a valuable 71.
Folpp described the victory as a major “confidence booster” for the side and praised the team’s performance across the match.
“The fellas clicked today and played some very good cricket,” Folpp said.
“Vibes are high so hopefully we can continue with that form moving forward.”
The result gives Mulgrave plenty of momentum as the season continues, with the side showing plenty of firepower with the bat before backing it up with a disciplined bowling performance.
However, Rovers found redemption later in the round, with their second-grade side claiming a thrilling victory over Norths in what many described as the match of the round.
Rovers finished on 7/164 to narrowly defeat Norths, who were dismissed for 163. The one-run victory capped off an entertaining contest between the two sides, with little separating them throughout the match.
While Rovers’ top side endured a difficult outing against Mulgrave, their second-grade team ensured the club would still have plenty to celebrate, holding their nerve in a dramatic finish.
With dominant wins, one-wicket thrillers and a one-run shootout all featuring in the round, local cricket produced plenty of entertainment and set the stage for another competitive stretch of the season.
Basketball
THE Cairns U18 representative basketball squads are putting the finishing touches on their preparations ahead of the first tournament of their 2026/27 campaign, with five teams set to make the trip south to Townsville.
Cairns will field three boys’ teams and two girls’ teams at the opening regional competition, with players eager to test themselves against some of the best young basketball talent from across North Queensland.
The Townsville tournament is the first of three regional competitions on the representative calendar and will provide an early indication of where the Cairns squads sit heading into the new campaign.
Each team will play four games across the competition, facing opponents from Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Burdekin.
With plenty of work already completed on the training court, there is a strong sense of optimism surrounding the Cairns contingent as they prepare to take their preparation into a competitive environment.
For some members of the U18 squads, the tournament also marks the beginning of an important final season in their junior representative careers.
Players approaching the end of their U18 journey will soon face decisions about their next steps, whether that means pursuing opportunities in professional basketball or exploring pathways in coaching and management.
That added motivation could make this campaign particularly significant for a number of Cairns athletes, who will be looking to make the most of every opportunity to showcase their ability.
Boys division 3 head coach Richard Ketchell said the signs during preparation had been encouraging, but the upcoming tournament would provide the real test.
“Our trainings and scrimmages have been promising and shown some great signs,” Ketchell said.
“I’m keen to see how it translates against the North’s best players.”
Editor’s note: Jake Black is Cairns Basketball’s community engagement and junior development officer.
