The Sarina Spartans under 12s team at the 2025 Premiership. Photo supplied

‍

Preparations are underway for Sarina Cricket Association’s 2026 season, with the club planning to expand their juniors and women’s programs.

‍

Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank’s Community Engagement Program supported the sponsorship of the second grade team, as well as new equipment, training area shade and a team marquee which have made a significant positive impact to club facilities and staying cool during games and training sessions.

‍

With last season’s 88 registered members and dozens more volunteers, parents and supporters, the Sarina Spartans pride themselves on being a family-friendly club and championing community connection.

‍

The club thrived last season, with their Under 13s and fourth-grade teams both making it to their respective grand finals and the latter taking the Premiership win.

Community Bank Sarina’s platinum sponsorship has enabled the club to grow from a single team to ten.

‍

This year, the Spartans plan to add an 8-a-side women’s social team as well as a fourth junior mixed team, growing the game and ensuring more people can have a bat.

One of the club’s key priorities has been creating initiatives that inspire young people to stay active and competitive while making friends.

‍

Sarina Spartans will also run their exclusive Under 8s and Under 10s program in Term 4 of this school year, spanning eight weeks and educating young people about the intricacies of the game and good sportsmanship.  

‍

“Whether your child is picking up a bat for the first time or already loves the game, we’d love to have them involved,” Mason Procak, Sarina Cricket Association President said.

‍

Registration and expressions of interest are now open for Sarina Cricket Association’s Under 18s, Seniors and Women’s teams at www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/register/4fd7b1, with their respective seasons beginning in October.

‍

Gary Pearce Brandon presenting the trophy to Wangaratta President Graeme Read. Photo supplied: Penny Warren

‍

Contributed with thanks by Penny Warren

‍

Wangaratta was buzzing on Saturday as Ayr, Brandon, Bowen and the home club contested the Country Pennant. Wangaratta claimed the trophy with two match wins and five rink wins. Thank you to all the helpers who made it a great day!

‍

Tuesday’s social winners were Dale Chin and Kevin Jewell, defeating Ray Muir and Greg Colquhoun. Neale Chittenden, Pat Tracey and Stuart Jeal also defeated Skin Querro, Deb Retchless and Laurie Land. The jackpot stayed put.

‍

Following Saturday’s action, Sunday attracted a smaller field, but the jackpot went off! Bill Myers, Isobel Wheeler and Greg Colquhoun narrowly defeated Toni Bowen, G Hudson and Alby Vigar, while Gavin Charles and Kevin Jewell beat Sue Shearing and Pat Tracey.

‍

Proserpine Players Share the Spoils

Contributed with thanks by Proserpine Bowls Club

‍

Proserpine’s Wednesday bowls saw Alen Sanderson, Trevor Parsons and Philip Brown’s side take the opening game 10–8 against Graham Thropp, Bruce Uhe and Heather Brown’s team.  

The tables turned in game two, with Graham, Bruce and Heather’s side winning 9–4.

Sunday’s social bowls brought more friendly competition. Alen Sanderson, Henny Tattam and Philip Brown defeated John Anderson, Arthur Griffith and Sandy Daffara 18–7. Josh Wilson, Trevor Parsons, Kendall Watts and Gavin Noonan’s side won their game 15–12.

‍

In the second round, Graham Thropp, Henny Tattam and Trevor Parsons defeated John Anderson, Bruce Uhe and Philip Brown 12–5, while Arthur Griffith and Heather Brown finished with a 15–8 win over Alen Sanderson and Sandy Daffara to round out the afternoon’s results.

‍

Maggie and Summer at club night. Photo supplied: Raylene Rusmussen

‍

Contributed with thanks by Raylene Rusmussen.

‍

Cannonvale Cannons swimmers celebrated personal bests, wins and milestones across national competition, a Mackay meet and local club racing.

‍

Tora Delac made coach Mark Erickson proud at the Australian Short Course Championships in Sydney, clocking 30.66 seconds in the 50m Backstroke and a 0.93-second personal best of 1:06.44 in the 100m Individual Medley.

‍

Meanwhile, 26 Cannons competed at Pioneer’s Long Course Transition Meet in Mackay.

Indigo Harland, Zavier Woolston, Joshua Ketchup and Miranda Palmero achieved personal bests in every race, while Harry Chegwidden, Lily Woolston and Jax Clayworth won all their events. Miller Eaves and Andie Reynolds each recorded five personal bests.

‍

Leo Mulliss slashed 124.07 seconds from his 200m Individual Medley. Roxy Groom recorded six personal bests and three wins, while 11-year-old Eloise Chegwidden won the 100m Butterfly with a 6.72-second improvement.

‍

Charlie Doherty won the 800m Freestyle in 10:06.89, improving by 22.54 seconds. Evie Doherty won her 200m Backstroke with a 13.26-second personal best, and Zane Clayworth claimed the 50m Breaststroke.

‍

Stella Mulliss earned a special award for her four-second improvement in the 50m Freestyle.

‍

Wednesday’s Club Night welcomed 45 swimmers. Upgrade certificates went to Summer Papa, Joshua Ketchup, Dusty Papa, Finn Temple, Stella Mulliss, Eric Mulliss, Koa Harland, Zane Clayworth and Jake Temple. J

‍

Joshua received the Coaches’ Award, while Koa earned the Chocolate Award for best personal best.

‍

Manny Isgro , Bob Spence , Clinton Vassie and Paul Foot. Photo supplied: Mark Mawson.

‍

Contributed with thanks by Mark Mawson

‍

Another huge week at our little club in paradise culminated with the prestigious Exodus Transport Men’s Classic Fours, where 16 teams battled for the 2026 title.

‍

Wednesday’s social bowls attracted 26 players. Newly elected board member Glen O’Brien skipped little Ronnie W and John Askew to the highest winning score, a resounding 25–9 victory.

Free bowling lessons continue Monday and Thursday afternoons, 4–5pm, with three able coaches ready to assist. All welcome!

‍

Saturday and Sunday belonged to the Men’s Classic, with three teams finishing on six wins and just one loss.

For the second time, skipper Manny Isgro from ABBC claimed victory alongside South Suburban’s Rob Spence and Clinton Vassie, and Northern Beaches lead Paul Foot, sealing the title with a commanding final-game win.

‍

Second went to Bowen skipper John Trembath, ABBC’s Luke Kinnear, Proserpine’s Michael Kinnear and ABBC lead Noel Crosbie.

Third were Northern Beaches’ Jason Little and Bob Menzies, Bowen’s Ash Warland and South Suburban lead Sam Lurton.

‍

Teams travelled from the Gold Coast, Tully, Longreach, Helensvale and Emerald, among others.

Terry Clarke and Bob McMahon ran the tournament, with Jill Spencer once again meticulous in tallying scores.

‍

Thanks to Jane Isgro for refreshments, Kyla, Mervyn, Eric Barnard and our wonderful assistants for breakfast, and tireless national umpires John Askew, Carol Crosbie and Betty Whitehorn.

A great weekend enjoyed by guests and players alike. We look forward to seeing what 2027 brings to our little club!

‍

North Mackay Sinkers

‍

Calm waters and sunshine welcomed more than 100 swimmers to Whitehaven Beach on Sunday, with the North Mackay Sinkers celebrating a day of friendly competition and the simple pleasure of a swim in beautiful surroundings.

‍

Swimming enthusiasts from across Queensland headed to the Whitsundays this past Sunday for the Whitehaven Open Water Swim. The three-legged swimming event of a 500m, 1k or 2km swim gives everyone a shot at making the podium, but the real take away is just having fun.  

‍

“It was magic, the weather was stunning, the sun was out, it was a beautiful day on Sunday,” said North Mackay Sinkers Secretary Megan Taylor.  

“People across the state came to compete, but I guess our focus is not really who wins or loses.

‍

“It's just having a good day together and enjoying the beach, enjoying the swim.”

‍

There was plenty to celebrate in the water too, with Cameron Turnbull taking the men’s 2km honours in 28:07, just six seconds ahead of Jason Selman. Pierre Craven rounded out the top three in 29:37.

‍

Kat Baker claimed the women’s 2km title in 30:44, followed by Jabe Eggins and Lisa Hanenberg.

Suzannah Smith and Paul Arvidson won the women’s and men’s 1km events, while Lindy Lawrence and Reece Ede took the 500m honours.

‍

After a day in the water, swimmers headed to Northerlies for a Kings and Queens fancy dress night, sharing stories and celebrating another successful Whitehaven swim.  

‍

Sponsors Abbot Point operations. Photos supplied: Colin Edgerton

‍

Port Denison Gun Club welcomed 71 shooters for its annual two-day shoot on 22–23 August, with competitors travelling from across Queensland and Victoria for a weekend of close competition and friendly rivalry.

‍

Visitors arrived from Wednesday, with caravan parking nearly full by Friday. Shooters from Blackall, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Normanton, Townsville, Mornington and Wonthaggi were among those joining local competitors in Bowen.

Clear skies and unusually light winds greeted Saturday’s events, although just ten perfect scores were recorded across the day.

‍

C Edgerton claimed overall honours in the opening 30-target Medley with 50/50, while Joseph Rossato recorded the only perfect score in the 30-target Pointscore Port Denison Championship to secure the overall title.

The 30-target Double Barrel Championship produced a five-way contest for overall honours, with Joe Caruso emerging victorious after shooting 55/55.

‍

‍

Fine conditions continued on Sunday, when R Hunter won the 30-target Double Barrel Continental with 35/35. W Roberts took first place in the 50-target Double Barrel Handicap with 47/51, ahead of G McHenry and D Stitt. C Robertson and R Mikkelsen rounded out the top five.

M Pain secured the overall High Gun award with 247/262. Graded honours went to R Hunter in AA, A Lord in A, G Clarke in B and S Raleigh in C.

‍

W Rossato claimed Junior High Gun with 202/250, R Mikkelsen won Ladies High Gun with 228/250, and L Groat took Veterans High Gun with 233/250.

Off the range, Kerry and Cheryl kept competitors well fed throughout the weekend, supported by breakfast cooks Bruce and Colin and donated morning teas.

‍

The club congratulated all winners and thanked its volunteers and sponsors, including Whitsunday Regional Council, Abbot Point Operations, Maltby Family Memorial, Hall’s Firearms, the Populin families, ABC Heavy Engineering, Tincone P/L and Grant Cox.

‍

Contributed with thanks to Colin Edgerton.

‍

Summer Sixes
When: Thursday 8th October, 4.30pm–8.30pm
Where: Club Whitsundays Sportspark

‍

Rugby Juniors Training
When: Friday 9th October, 4.30pm–6.30pm
Where: Fields 1 and 2

Dob In A Dashie – Dachshund Racing Qualifying Finals

When: Saturday 10th October, time tbc

Where: Club Whitsundays sportspark

‍

Touch Rookies
When: Monday 12th October, 4.30pm–5.30pm
Where: Club Whitsundays Sportspark

‍

Rugby Juniors Training
When: Wednesday 14th October, 4.30pm–6.30pm
Where: Fields 1 and 2

AFL Bald Eagles Training
When: Wednesday 14th October, 5.30pm–7pm
Where: Oval

‍

Summer Sixes
When: Thursday 15th October, 4.30pm–8.30pm
Where: Club Whitsundays Sportspark

‍

Rugby Juniors Training
When: Friday 16th October, 4.30pm–6.30pm
Where: Fields 1 and 2

‍

Dob In A Dashie – Dachshund Racing Finals
When: Saturday 17th October, time to be confirmed
Where: Club Whitsundays Sportspark

‍

Photos supplied

‍

The Whitsunday Brahmans came together at Les Stagg Oval on Saturday night to celebrate the club’s 2026 season and recognise the players, volunteers and supporters who helped make it a memorable year.

‍

The annual presentation night provided an opportunity for the club to reflect on the season, with individual awards presented across the various teams.

A highlight of the evening was the first two inductions into the Whitsunday Brahmans Hall of Fame, with Luchie Gardel and Michael Newman recognised for their contributions to the club and the legacy they have helped build.

‍

‍

The club also celebrated strong performances across its teams, including the Reserve Grade side, which finished the season in third place.

The A Grade Women were also recognised for their efforts after showing resilience throughout the season and finishing strongly.

‍

‍

Mayor Ry Collins congratulated everyone involved with the Brahmans, particularly those working behind the scenes to keep the club running.

He acknowledged club president Lisa, Sarah, Doug, Bryce, the committee and volunteers, as well as Trevor, who served as MC for the evening.

‍

‍

The presentation night marked the end of another season for the Whitsunday Brahmans, while celebrating the people and achievements that continue to shape the local rugby league club.

‍

‍

The club congratulated all of its individual award recipients and everyone involved in the 2026 season.

‍

Happy youngster with a nice Spanish Mackerel

‍

Due to take place 22-25^th 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.

‍

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.  

‍

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.

‍

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.

‍

‍

On Friday 16^th 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.  

‍

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.

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.

‍

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.

Cash is preferred in the Calcutta bidding so it can be shared amongst the top 5 Teams on presentation Night.

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.   

‍

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

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.

‍

‍

Fully completed team's score sheets and Tag Cards need be back at the Club no later than 3pm on Sunday so winners in all categories can be determined.

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.  

‍

This is then followed by a night of celebration with new and old friends.

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.

‍

“The WGFC Committee consists of volunteer club members who pride themselves in having developed a very successful, family friendly tournament over many years and seeing many anglers, young and old, enjoying themselves and fulfilling their fishing dreams in the exciting Sport of Light Tackle Game Fishing,” said a Club spokesperson.

“This is rich reward for their dedication to the Club and the sport, and we thank them wholeheartedly.”

‍

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.

“It's never too early to get your nomination in, if necessary join the Club, organise your team, prepare all your tackle, check your boat, safety gear and radio and be part of this exciting event,” they said.

‍

“Don't miss out as Boat numbers are capped at 35!”

“Light Tackle Game Fishing is a great sport for Fishers of all ages and levels of experience to enjoy and indulge in their passion with others. There is no better place to do it than in the Whitsundays!”

“There's no such thing as an "expert" Game Fisherperson, you just improve the more you do it and the more you share experiences and knowledge with other like-minded Club Members.”

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

Contributed by Ashley Moore.

‍

WHAT: Airlie Beach Light Tackle Game Fish Tournament

WHEN: 22-25 October

WHERE: Whitsunday Marine Club

The Whitsunday Game Fish was born after a meeting, over coffee, between two local businessmen, Gerry Hell and Trevor Jones back in 1979.

‍

Their aim, among others, was to form a club, introduce Whitsunday Anglers to the rules and ethics of Game Fishing and promote the region as a Game Fishing Destination.

After all the formalities were completed and the Club became affiliated with national and international bodies, it was soon up and running with an energetic committee and sponsors eager to get on board.

‍

With fingers crossed, the 1st Whitsunday Game Fish Tournament was organised for December 1980. This date was decided to coincide with a fleet of Game Boats returning south from the Heavy Tackle Marlin Season in Cairns, who joined afleet of eager locals.  

‍

The inaugural five-day tournament was an outstanding success with competitors from interstate and New Zealand vowing to return for the great fishing and fantastic Whitsunday hospitality. 

“The first night's Weigh-in at The Whitsunday Village Resort, now Magnums, next to the Airlie Creek, attracted a huge crowd of onlookers that blocked off the main street resulting in police arriving to let traffic flow through,” shared a club spokesperson.

‍

“What a sight!”

‍

The Club hasn't looked back since those early days, eventually acquiring its own Building to call home in partnership with the then Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsundays. This represented a watershed moment in the history of WGFC and VMRand today the building is known as the Whitsunday Marine Club.

‍

There were many successful years and tournaments to follow with good membership numbers, together with many dedicated committee members.  

There were many outstanding catches, well attended rallies and events, lifelong friendships formed and memories made that will last forever.

‍

The Whitsunday Game Fish Club has evolved to become one of the biggest and friendliest Game Fish Clubs in Queensland. It also conducts arguably the best Annual Light Tackle Tournament of its kind on the coast, which is held every October.

‍

The Tournament this year is on the 22-25 October.

The latest initiative of the committee is the Junior "REEFIES " educational Program designed for girls and boys to organise and conduct their own events.

Workshops are run to teach the skills needed for successful and ethical fishing practices, respect for the sea and its inhabitants, boating rules and safety and more, along with fun outings and good camaraderie, under a little adult supervision of course!

‍

Among the Club’s many yearly events, the Sweeties and Squire's Rally is for Lady and Junior Anglers only and is a very relaxed, fun weekend. Any legal fish counts in this comp, and dads and partners can only act as crew, drive the boat, bait hooks, serve refreshments etc.

‍

“The Youth of today is the future of most things, and with the our group of enthusiastic kids, the future of the Whitsunday Game Fish Club and Game Fishing in general is in good hands,” expressed the spokesperson.

‍

“The Committee has some big plans for the Club moving forward and new members are always welcome to join us in the exciting Sport of Light Tackle Game Fishing in this magnificent part of the world.”

‍

Find out more at www. whitsundaygfc.com.au. or email club Secretary at Whitsundaygamefishclub@gmail.com.

‍

Whitsunday Swimming Club made waves at the Pioneer LC Swim Meet. Photo supplied: Amanda Yuskan

‍

Contributed with thanks to Amanda Yuskan.

Whitsunday Swimming Club’s small but mighty team began its 2026/27 season with medals, personal bests and determined performances at last weekend’s Pioneer Long Course Swim Meet.

‍

Hayden, Leyton, Jayde and Chloe represented the club at the A and B Grade meet, competing against swimmers from across the region.

‍

Hayden opened with a 0.38-second personal best in the 50m Freestyle, then improved his 50m Butterfly by 0.04 seconds to claim silver. A 1.5-second improvement earned him gold in the 100m Breaststroke, while bronze in the 50m Breaststroke completed his medal collection.

‍

Brother Leyton also impressed, shaving 0.13 seconds from his 50m Freestyle and 2.38 seconds from his 100m Freestyle. He collected silver in the 200m Individual Medley and 50m Breaststroke, plus bronze in the 50m Backstroke.

‍

Jayde enjoyed a solid meet, racing close to her personal bests and improving her 100m Freestyle time by 0.06 seconds.

‍

Chloe began with a 3.32-second personal best and bronze in the 200m Breaststroke. She won the 200m Backstroke, 200m Freestyle and 100m Freestyle, adding silver in the 50m Butterfly and bronze in the 200m Individual Medley.

‍

She also improved her 50m Breaststroke by 0.10 seconds and her 100m Breaststroke by 3.21 seconds.

It was an encouraging start to the season for all four swimmers, with plenty to celebrate across the weekend.

‍

George Rush. Photo supplied: Amanda Yuskan

‍

Whitsunday Swimming Club’s George Rush returned from the Australian Short Course Championships in Sydney with a personal best, a finals appearance and the honour of representing Queensland.

‍

Competing against some of Australia’s fastest junior and senior swimmers, George began his campaign with a strong performance in his favoured event, the 400m Multi-Class Freestyle.

He shaved two seconds from his personal best, setting an encouraging tone for the rest of his national campaign.

‍

George carried that momentum into the 200m Multi-Class Freestyle, progressing through the heats to earn a place in the B Final. The appearance gave him another opportunity to test himself against a competitive field and build experience at nationallevel.

‍

Adding to a memorable week, George was selected to represent Queensland in the 4 × 50m relay, joining three teammates for the sprint event.

His selection capped a busy championship campaign, combining individual achievements with the pride of swimming for his state.

‍

For Whitsunday Swimming Club and the wider North Queensland swimming community, George’s Sydney results provided plenty to celebrate. His personal best and progression to a final marked another encouraging step in his development as a freestyle swimmer.

‍

George returns home with valuable racing experience and renewed confidence after competing on one of Australia’s biggest short course stages.

‍

Contributed with thanks to Amanda Yuskan.

‍

Whitsunday Raiders U-16 team. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville

‍

The 15th annual Viking Cup brought a footy frenzy to the Whitsundays, with around 900 young players from more than 70 teams taking to the field at Whitsunday Sports Park for three days of rugby union.  

‍

Teams travelled from Mount Isa, Rockhampton, Townsville and Mackay, with President of the Whitsunday Sportspark Tim Oberg saying about 55 came from outside the region.  

‍

“The guys who came down from Mount Isa, none of them had ever been here before,” Tim said.

“The feedback has been phenomenal and people are already signing up to come back next year.”

‍

“The sports park is just such a good venue now, so to have that facility, it just makes the whole thing look so much more impressive and professional.”

‍

The carnival’s growth was on full display this year, expanding to three days for the first time and giving younger players their own day on the field, while older juniors stepped up to help referee their games.

‍

“It was really cool to see a good community vibe,” said Whitsunday Junior Rugby League Treasurer Amber Smithson.  

“I feel like now we're definitely ready for the international teams, whereas last year, we were ready for the next part but we weren't ready to take that kind of leap.  

‍

“But now it definitely feels ready for four days and to expand out to international teams.”

‍

The Whitsunday Raiders enjoyed the chance to play hosts, welcoming visiting teams for some end-of-season rugby and friendly banter between games.

‍

“It’s good to actually bring people from all around the state, well, almost all around the state to come and have a crack up here,” Whitsunday Raiders Under-16 Coach Jay Robinson said.  

‍

Over twenty runners bolted from the gun in the Quota Park Myster 5k & 10k social run.

‍

Mackay Road Runners Race Director Andrew Short planned a unique course for the Quota Park Mystery 5km and 10km social run, with runners facing an unusual challenge before they even hit the track.

‍

In a very un-Andrew-like move, the course was not marked. However, this was all part of the plan, with Andrew verbally briefing runners on the technical course description before the start. A copy of the course map was also available for participants to view.

More than 20 participants were instructed to review the maps before the race began, which they diligently and successfully did, with everyone making it home.

‍

It was great to welcome talented junior running sensation Aria Tobin and senior marathon runner David Wood, who both completed the 10km with ease.

Carolyn Mapes also made a welcome return to running after several weeks away due to injury, steadily pacing herself through the 5km.

‍

‍

There were also excellent performances in the 5km event, with legendary veterans Judy Zahn and David Isbister making light work of their outing alongside Jo Skinner, Kim Saron, Leanne Connor, Jo Hughes, Fran March, Natasha Joynson, Craig Malcolm and Bec Malcolm.

‍

Despite next Sunday being the NRL Grand Final, Mackay Road Runners will host a warm-up event for the big game with a morning trail run from the Eungella Chalet.

As usual, all members and non-members are welcome to enjoy the scenic vistas, social camaraderie, fitness challenge and post-run refreshments available for purchase at the beautiful Eungella Chalet.

‍

Runners can check the Mackay Road Runners website calendar at mackayroadrunners.com to confirm the 6km and 19km course distances, commencing at 7am, as well as the Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10km Handicap Trophy and 5km event on October 11th from the Bluewater Lagoon.

‍

Contributed with thanks by Janelle Tilse

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

Kim Ellis, Val Pilcher, Robyn Deveraux and Karina Dunn were crowned winners of the Marian Master 4’s, with runners-up Debbie Ellis, Sue Hunter, Betty Petersen and Charmayne Sleeman. Photos supplied

‍

Marian Ladies Bowls Club recently held its Marian Master 4’s, a popular bowling event that has been running for more than 20 years.

This year’s event was sponsored by Glen Kelly, who unfortunately was unable to attend due to prior commitments.

‍

On Monday, 64 ladies lined up to get the event underway, with the format consisting of three games played on the first day. The winners of each section of four then progressed through to the final day on Wednesday.

‍

‍

The final was played between the two winners of the morning’s games, with Kim Ellis, Val Pilcher, Robyn Deveraux and Karina Dunn taking the honours.

‍

The runners-up were Debbie Ellis, Sue Hunter, Betty Petersen and Charmayne Sleeman.

All games were played with great sportsmanship, with plenty of laughter shared on the green throughout the event.

‍

Marian Ladies Bowls Club greatly appreciates the sponsorship of Glen Kelly, with the club noting that as a small country club, the profit from the event helps to keep the wheels turning.

‍

Contributed with thanks by Lyn Jackson

‍