The first week of the Whitsunday Touch Association's (WTA) Final Series featured exciting and closely contested games. Remarkably, four out of the eight games were decided by just one try. Four teams have now progressed to the Grand Finals, set for Friday, June 7.
Teams Advancing to the Grand Finals
   • Mixed A Grade: In the Crear
   • Mixed B Grade: Whitsunday Eagles
   • Mixed C Grade: Untouchables
   • Mixed Juniors: Hamo Rent
Teams with a Second Chance to Contest the Grand Finals
   • Mixed A Grade: Vipers and Raiders A
   • Mixed B Grade: Raiders B and Ray White
   • Mixed C Grade: Sheds N Homes and Mighty Mustangs
   • Mixed Juniors: Raiders Purple and Raiders Blue
Round Semi-Finals Results - Monday, May 27
   • Mixed A Grade
       ◦ In the Crear 8 defeated Vipers 7
       ◦ Raiders A 9 defeated G.E.T. Touch 3
   • Mixed B Grade
       ◦ Ray White 6 defeated Flametree Flames 5
       ◦ Whitsunday Eagles 12 defeated Raiders B 3
   • Mixed C Grade
       ◦ Mighty Mustangs 13 defeated Bulls 3
       ◦ Untouchables 12 defeated Sheds N Homes 6
   • Mixed Juniors
       ◦ Hamo Rent 5 defeated Raiders Blue 4
       ◦ Raiders Purple 3 defeated Raiders Green 2
The community eagerly awaits the Grand Finals, expecting more thrilling and competitive matches.

Contributed with thanks to Alite De Brincat.

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The Whitsunday Sea Eagles returned to winning form on Saturday, taking on the Bakers Creek Tigers on the road. While the Under 12s and Under 14s had a bye, the Seniors and Under 17s delivered standout performances.

Senior Men Secure 45-37 Victory
The Senior Men's team edged out the Bakers Creek Tigers in a thrilling 45-37 contest, marking their second win of the season. Defensive stalwarts Jake Smith, Alex Rodgers, and Ryan Mansfield anchored the team, with Xander Hall excelling in the ruck. Midfielders Billy Galpin and Billy Gardner were pivotal in advancing the ball. Brent Downie’s spectacular mark was a highlight, likely earning the mark of the year.

Best Players: Jake Smith, Alex Rodgers, Billy Galpin, Ryan Mansfield, Xander Hall, Billy Gardner

Goals: Jake Turner, Adam McKelvie, Billy Galpin, Jared Jones, Jacob Dewis, Ryan Mansfield, Ryan McMillan

Senior Women Fall 6-95
The Senior Women's team faced a tough challenge, falling 6-95 to a strong Bakers Creek side. Despite the loss, commendable efforts came from Kylie Thompson, Kirra Sheppard, Lana Rademeyer, Georgia Whitton, Cleo Dickie, and Chloe Bennett. Molly Bennett scored the team's sole goal.

Best Players: Kylie Thompson, Kirra Sheppard, Lana Rademeyer, Georgia Whitton, Cleo Dickie, Chloe Bennett

Goal: Molly Bennett

Under 17s Dominate with 60-0 Win
The Under 17s team delivered a dominant 60-0 victory. Standout players included Foxx LaMonica, Brodan Cornwall, Nate Nicholls, Reeve Marshall, and Liam Fuller. Brodan Cornwall led with five goals, supported by Cody Love, Zack Mitchell, Liam Fuller, Bon Withyman, Kohan Mau, Callum Edmondson, and Zavier Goswell.

Best Players: Foxx LaMonica, Brodan Cornwall, Nate Nicholls, Reeve Marshall, Liam Fuller

Goals: Brodan Cornwall (5), Cody Love (2), Zack Mitchell (2), Liam Fuller, Bon Withyman, Kohan Mau, Callum Edmondson, Zavier Goswell

Upcoming Matches
This week, the Sea Eagles’ Seniors and Under 17s will compete in the Mackay City vs. Country sides, with games scheduled in Mackay. The community anticipates strong performances and continued success.

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Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles, Photos supplied

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The annual Masters competition at the bowls club saw ten players compete for the Masters Jug on Sunday morning. Jamie Maher emerged victorious, securing his first major title at the club.
Group Stages
Jamie Maher and Reef Peel topped their respective groups, both advancing to the semi-finals undefeated.
Qualifying Finals
Joe Wilson defeated Denise Hujboom, who impressively hit a 180, and then beat Arthur McMinn to face Reef Peel in the semi-final. On the other side, Zak Jaggard beat Jodie Collins but lost to his son, Dave Jaggard, who advanced to the semi-finals.
Semi-Finals
Joe Wilson's experience helped him overcome Reef Peel 4-2. Jamie Maher secured his spot in the final by defeating Dave Jaggard 4-0.
The Final Showdown
In a best-of-nine legs match, Jamie broke Joe’s throw early and took a 3-1 lead. Despite Joe holding his throw to make it 3-2, Jamie held his own throw and broke Joe’s again, winning 5-2. This victory marked Jamie’s first piece of silverware at the club, achieved after four years.
Looking Ahead
The club thanks all participants for a successful event. The next tournament, The Players Club Championship, is on July 14th, with limited spots available. Sign up early to ensure participation.
Congratulations to Jamie Maher for his well-deserved win!

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Jamie Maher lifting the Jug after claiming The Masters Title for 2024, Photo supplied

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With an active career in the military for almost 30 years, Di Jackson was discharged in 2017 due to a disability, but she has not let this stop her from continuing to pursue an active life within the local sporting community.

Di is living with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP), a rare condition that causes slow progressive neuromuscular degeneration in the lower limbs.

Determined to remain as active as possible, she has found much joy in becoming a member of the Airlie Beach Bowls Club and thoroughly enjoys playing bowls.

“It actually gives me great enjoyment to do it. It's also I believe, delaying the progress of my disease,” said Di.

“It's all about being able to physically get in there and do something, compete in sports.”

Last month, one of Di’s dreams came true when she was selected to participate in the Warrior Games in Florida.

After an intensive interview process, with over 200 applicants, Di was one of the 45 people to be selected to attend the first training camp.

Of those 45, 30 were selected for the Warrior Games, and di was among them.

Di’s most preferred sport is powerlifting and she will be competing in that sport at the Warrior Games, she is also competing in cycling, rowing, shotput and discuss.

All games are adapted to enable people living with disabilities to compete safely.

The games are also adapted to let all participants compete regardless of their disability or illness.

Di will be completing the 10km cycle as handcycling, an event she is particularly looking forward to.

“It doesn't really matter what injury or illness you've got,” said Di

“They've adapted it to suit each individual which is fantastic.”

The Warrior Games are on the 21-30 of June and Di is extremely eager to get there and compete.

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Di Jackson, Photos supplied

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This past weekend, Whitsunday Dirt Riders hosted a thrilling Round 2 of the JR's Tropical North Queensland MX Series, drawing an impressive turnout with 230 riders and 300 bikes from across the region, including Mackay, Cairns, and Mareeba.
The competition was fierce as local talent faced off against visitors on the Whitsunday track, building on the excitement that began with Round 1 in Charters Towers. The series will continue with upcoming rounds in Townsville, Mareeba, and Tully.
Therese Moran, Club Secretary, expressed her enthusiasm for the series: "We love being part of the TNQ Series, which gives our local riders the opportunity to race on their home track. We have a lot of support from local businesses which is fantastic and helped us to once again bring this event to the Whitsundays."
Local riders showcased strong performances despite the tough competition:
Local Junior Results:
   • Ben O’Neill clinched 1st place in the Junior Lites 125cc 2-stroke category and secured 2nd place in the Junior Lites 250cc 4-stroke.
Local Senior Results:
   • Thomas O'Neill took 4th place in both the MX1 and MX2 Championships.
   • Andrew Parkinson finished 4th in the Veterans category.
   • Nate Harrison achieved 3rd place in the MX2 Clubman Support and 4th place in the MX1 Clubman Support.
Looking ahead, Whitsunday Dirt Riders is gearing up to host the Whitsunday Cup Dirt Track event on June 22, 2024. This upcoming event promises to continue the excitement and competitive spirit that the TNQ Series has brought to the region.

Contributed with thanks to Therese Moran

Photos supplied

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On Monday evenings kids in the region participate in PCYC’s Basketball After Dark program, to learn new skills and spend time with friends.

Brett Slaughter coaches the session and he brings a heap of expertise and techniques to teach the kids.

Brett played in the Australia team as a junior and then went to Saint Leo University where he was inducted into the Hall Of Fame.

After University Brett came back to Australia and started a career in the NBL 1 league, the tier below NBL.

At the time, basketball did not have the finances it currently has so he retired from basketball at 25, but he has not lost his touch and says he now loves sharing his knowledge with the Whitsunday youth.

Brett believes it’s important that he passes his knowledge on to the next generation.

“I've had a lot of people give up a lot of time for me over the years and it's never really sat right with me to not try and give that back,” said Brett.

“Purely for the fact that so many people did for me, I feel like it's a responsibility to do the same thing and pass on what I know.”

PCYC Branch Manager Sergeant Billy Li, runs the program with Brett and says he is thoroughly enjoying it.

“I like the program because it brings young people together to engage in a sport that they like, especially basketball,” he said.

“I like the engagement, it’s an opportunity for them to just do something together.”

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Basketball After Dark

Brett Slaughter and PCYC Branch Manager Sergeant Billy Li

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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As autumn draws to a close and winter looms, Airlie Beach Bowls Club finds itself amidst the pennants competition, encountering varied outcomes across its teams. Hopes are high for improvement in the matches ahead.
In Men's Pennants Division One, victories were hard-fought, with one narrow win against South Suburban and a loss to Proserpine. Warren Mills's team, featuring Peter Barrett, Andrew Butler, and Bob McMahon, displayed exceptional form, contributing significantly. Division Three saw similar results, with Tony Whitehorn showcasing impressive skill. Division 5 secured only one victory but discovered promising newcomer Wayne Tippett, supported by John Brown's stellar performance. However, losses to RSL Mackay and Proserpine tempered their progress, although newcomer Luke Fenney showed potential.
The Ladies' Pennants Teams mirrored these performances, with stalwarts like Ladda Purdie, Joan McGrath, Betty Nicole, Carol Crosbie, and Margo Stanley upholding high standards against tough opposition.
In Tuesday's Social Bowls, new players Kathy Remmerswaal, Dolph Lossberg, and Mark Mawson clinched the winning prize, while Lyn Hodder and Dawn Watson showed significant improvement.
Wednesday's event saw Mervyn Stewart's team securing victory among over 21 participants, despite the jackpot remaining unclaimed.
Wednesday night's Business House Bowls showcased new teams, with Rock Plumb leading, followed closely by The Burrows Girls, PRD, Battery Warehouse, and Hadlow Racing.
Friday mornings witnessed the Endeavour Foundation and Christian College competing to represent their school in the state competition, with fine players progressing well.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Men's Division 1 Team after their thrilling victory against South Suburban

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Competition Games:
Club Pairs: John Trembath, Shane Spann defeated Aileen Fordham, Helen Jacobsen.

Ladies Singles: Robyn Stitt defeated Wendy Coles.

Sunday Social (19th May): MaryEllen Pratten, Gavin Charles defeated Peter Bruce, Ron Gould. Keith Kirk, Daryl Tuttle defeated Marion Tuttle, Jane Gilbert.

Wednesday Social: Tracey Roach, Jane Gilbert, Gus Munro defeated Anna, Marilyn, Daryl Tuttle. Maryellen, Phil, Dave defeated Ray, John, Ron.

Sue Fox, Wendy Cole, Steve Roome defeated Marion Tuttle, Ross Scanlon, Gavin Charles.

Robyn Stitt, Glen Doyle defeated Eddy Neylon, Bob Lindsay, emerging as the winners for the afternoon.

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Sunday 26th Winners: Dave McDonald, Wayne Crowhurst, Gus Munro. Photo supplied

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This past weekend was filled with tense moments for the Proserpine Bowling Club during their Division 1 and Division 5 Pennants matches, resulting in crucial wins that fortified their standings in the district pennants table.
Division 1 Triumphs in Nail-Biting Matches
In Division 1, Proserpine faced tough competition at Airlie Beach on Saturday. In a series of extremely close games, Proserpine managed to eke out a win with a final score of 58-57. They secured victory by winning one rink by 4 shots, losing another by 4, and clinching the third rink by a mere 1 shot.
Continuing their away games on Sunday, the team faced off against North Mackay. Toby Craig, Grahame Kinnear, Scott Hamilton, and Gavin Milne faced a setback with a 19-24 loss. However, Shane Kinnear, David Ling, Andrew Bell, and Wayne Handley narrowly won their match 21-20, while Michael Kinnear, Marcus Craig, Barry Saroglia, and Nathan Harriott secured a convincing 24-11 win. Proserpine triumphed overall with a score of 64-55, claiming 5 of the 6 available match points and a margin of +9.
Division 5 Faces Mixed Results
In Division 5, the weekend started off challenging with an away game at Souths Suburban. Despite a loss with a score of 59-28, Kendall Watts, Gavin Noonan, Dale Haack, and Brett Saroglia managed a 19-18 win. The team earned 1 of the 5 match points available.
On Sunday, the team rallied, with Brett Saroglia's team overcoming an early deficit to win 23-16. The reshuffled team of John Matterson, Mike Harrison, Harry Craig, and Todd Leys led throughout most of their game, securing a 19-14 victory. This strong comeback resulted in Proserpine taking all 5 available match points plus a margin of 12, marking a successful recovery for the weekend.
Social Bowls Draws Competitive Play
Amid the competitive pennants play, the club also hosted social bowls. On Wednesday, 11 players participated in tightly contested matches, including a 4s game that ended 23-21 and a pairs game with a score of 30-27.
The enthusiasm carried into Sunday, where despite lower attendance due to pennant commitments, Catherine Batchelor, Arthur Griffith, Sandy Daffara, and Heather Brown claimed a 20-16 victory, demonstrating the spirit and skill of Proserpine's bowlers.
The Proserpine Bowling Club continues to show its prowess and teamwork, both in official pennant matches and friendly social games, as it moves forward in the series.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Alligator Creek Ladies' President's Day concluded with triumphant wins for Jocelyn DeFranciscis, Lyn Danvers, and Penny Warren, marking a celebratory event for the club. The club also welcomed an influx of bowlers from the south, adding to the competitive spirit during the weekly games.
In Tuesday's social bowls, intense competition led to Glen Doyle, Denis Madeley, and Jim Steel clinching the top spot as they outplayed Hun Jack Stamp, Keith Armstrong, and others. Runners-up Heidi Reif, Terrie Crozier, and Michael Loughhead showcased their skills against opponents Merle Elphinstone and Lorraine Knight. Other notable games included victories by Leon Fox and Greg Colquhoun over Ron Hyde and Mark Drummond, while Sue Shearing, Robyn Stitt, and Penny Warren defeated Albi Vigar, Lyn Danvers, and Geoff Danvers. Despite the fierce competition, the jackpot remained unclaimed.
Sunday's games echoed the tight contests of the week, with John Hayson, Sue Shearing, and Allan Rolfe defeating B Sing, Brian Bellingham, and Ron Hyde. Additional wins were recorded by Carole, Jim, and Denis over Jenny, Peter, and Mark. M Collins, J Stamp, and P Tracey over J Dawson, C Frew, and K Whitton. M Nesbit, L Land, and M Loughhead over L Scells, M Hyde, and K Armstrong. L Fox, G Cornell, and J Steele over M Elphinstone, H Reif, and G Colquhoun. The team of K Baxter, A Vigar, and B Beel triumphed over P Mullins, L Knight, and N Dawson, yet the jackpot remained elusive once more.
Looking ahead, Alligator Creek's Ladies are set to compete in the prestigious Blue Pennant this week in Townsville. They will face teams from Suburban, Thuringowa, South Townsville, Ayr, and Macknade/Noorla in a challenging series of 10 games over four days. Representing the club in Team 1 are Robyn Stitt, Lyn Danvers, Terrie Crozier, and Tiarna Winter, with Team 2 comprising Denise Wallace, Teresa Willshire, Marg Wilson, and Penny Warren.
The community sends their best wishes to these skilled bowlers as they prepare to showcase their prowess and teamwork in one of the region's most anticipated lawn bowling tournaments.

Photos supplied

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Wednesday Results: In the men's competition, John Lawson emerged as the winner on a countback with 39 points, with Don Williams as the runner-up, also on a countback with 39 points. In the ladies' competition, Leanne Swan secured the win with 39 points, and Grace Nott was the runner-up with 38 points.

Pin shots were awarded to Kim Bennion, Claire Garrod, Janice Bates, Viv Clark, Brett Richards, Dan Windridge, Greg Carlyon, Ken Groves, and John Lawson, who received a Suntan Snack Bar voucher. Choccy chip-ins were awarded to Jane Seaborn (two times), Claire Garrod (two times), Janice Bates, and Lisa Raisbeck.

Saturday Results: A single stableford competition sponsored by LiveLife Pharmacy Bowen was held on Saturday. In the ladies' category, Bonnie Kohlhase won with 41 points, Kim Bennion was the runner-up with 39 points, and Marg Need secured third place with 37 points. In the men's category, Graham Smith won on a countback with 41 points, Coady Bell was the runner-up with 41 points, and John Turner took third place with 40 points.

Claire Garrod achieved an eagle shot on Hole 2. Pin shots were awarded to Raewyn Glover, Claire Garrod, Marg Tilbrook, Bonnie Kohlhase, Brendan Malone, Max Mahoney, Dan Windridge, and Graham Smith, who received a car wash. Choccy chip-ins were awarded to Penny Stewart and Pauline Martin (two times). We extend our gratitude to LiveLife Pharmacy for their continued support.

Upcoming Events: This Saturday, there will be a single stroke event for the June Monthly Medals.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Winners of the Live Life Pharmacy Single Stableford. Photo supplied

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In a stunning display of skill, Barry Mortimer clinched victory in Tuesday's stableford competition, amassing a remarkable 44 points and outpacing his nearest rival, Jonny Brooks, by six shots. Notable performances in the pins category included John Oates, Ryan Wilkes, Craig McLean, and Mortimer himself.
The golfing action continued into Thursday with a four-ball event where David Scott-Smith and John Clark emerged victorious, scoring 47 points and edging out John Oates and David Woods by two points. Pin accolades were awarded to Lewis Tuck, Allen Roberts, Trevor Paroz, and Aaron Watts.
On Friday, Finbar O'Flynn led the Met run with 20 points, holding a two-point lead over Jason Ford. Pin winners for the day were Elise Hodgson and Christopher Bartlett, adding a competitive edge to the event.
The weekend featured the highlight of the week with Saturday's CQ RESCUE Charity Ambrose event, which successfully raised over $20,000. The team of Rob Smith, David Scott-Smith, and Ash Law took the top spot, with Andrew Mau, Justin Butler, and Matthew Goldman close behind.
The week concluded with Sunday's competition, where Michael Ward won with a solid 38 points. Christopher Bartlett followed as the runner-up with 36 points. Michael Ward, John Dodds, and Nathan Boys excelled in the pins category, each making significant contributions to the day's success.
This week of golf not only showcased impressive individual performances but also demonstrated the community's spirit through its successful charity event.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop

CQ Rescue Charity Ambrose event, Photo supplied

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This week's 9-hole weekly stableford competition was a tightly contested affair with Keith McNicol clinching first place with 20 points on a countback. Justin Gibbs also scored 20 points to secure second place on a countback, while Jayden Parata finished third with 20 points.
On Friday, the 9-hole stableford continued to showcase local talent with Rob Lodders taking the top spot with 22 points. Nicola McKenzie followed closely with 21 points, and Lenny Morris rounded out the top three, securing third place with 20 points on a countback.
Sunday's monthly medal competition highlighted some impressive performances. Ryan Kenny led the pack with a net score of 45, claiming first place. Glenn Rees was hot on his heels with a net score of 49 for second place, while Eric Gruszczynski took third place with a net score of 54 on a countback. Jayden Parata and Billy O’Connor were recognized for being nearest the pin during the competition.
Looking ahead, this Sunday promises more excitement with the Medal of Medalists Championship round scheduled. Participants are set to tee off between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM, promising another day of competitive golf and community engagement.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.

Ryan Kenny, Photo supplied

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Last Sunday, Whitsunday Golf Club hosted the second round of the three-part 3-Ball Ambrose Championship, sponsored by Whitsunday Concrete Constructions. Despite a brief early sprinkle, conditions remained perfect for the competition.
In this round, eight teams competed fervently, with Sally Little stepping in for the traveling Robyn Whitham on Team Watts. The teams vied closely, but Team Reynolds clinched the top spot with a score of 57.667, narrowly edging out Team Watts who scored 57.833. Team Atkins claimed third place with a score of 58.333.
Highlights of the day included Darren Reynolds winning an Eagles Nest for his exceptional shot on the 16th green. Nearest to the Pin (NTP) accolades went to teams Winterbourn, Butchers, Atkins, and Reynolds. The longest drives were impressively hit by Anna Winterbourn, Jo Moynihan, Darren Reynolds, and David Hoy.
Next week, the club will host the June Monthly Medal and Least Putts competitions. Participants are urged to register early between 6:30 and 7:30 AM, and to activate the putt count feature on their MiScore app.
Please note, there will be no WGC competition on Sunday, June 9, due to the PGC Ladies’ and Men’s Foursomes event. Members are encouraged to prepare for another thrilling round of golf the following week at Whitsunday Golf Club.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

Photo supplied

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STARTS :  
 
WHITSUNDAY GOLF CLUB :  
 
3 BALL AMBROSE : ROUND 2 OF 3 : 26/5/2024 
 
8 teams returned to play the 2nd round in the Whitsunday Concrete Constructions sponsored 3 ball Ambrose Championship (over 3 rounds) in the Whitsunday Golf Club comp last Sunday. The weather was very kind with only a very light sprinkle at the beginning of the day, the rest of the morning remained dry. Sally Little substituted for Robyn Whitham in Team Watts, Robyn is away for 3 months. 
 
The teams were : 
   1. Cook -Andrew Albergo, Tina Cook and Mata Browne 
   2. Atkins -Ritchie Atkins/Lewy Tuck/Mark McDougal 
   3. Watts -Aaron Watts/Sally Little/Linda Wardroper  
   4. Meharry - Brendon Meharry/George Meharry/Jo Moynihan 
   5. Winterbourn - Anna Winterbourn/Ron Jamieson/ David Hoy 
   6. Nicol - Paul Nicol/Wayne Temby/PeterFox 
   7. Reynolds - Darrren Reynolds/Wilf Herweg/Tiina Randmae  
   8. Butchers - Don Cameron/Karen Rix/Pam Casey 

RESULTS : 
The Winning team :  Team Reynolds with a score of 57.667 
Runner-Up :  Team Watts with a score of 57.833  
3rd :  Team Atkins with a score of 58.333 

NTPs : went to Team Winterbourn, Team Butchers, Team Atkins and Team Reynolds. Darren Reynolds scoresd a very impressive Eagles Nest (box of balls) with a spectacular shot onto the 16th green. 

Longest Drives : went to Anna Winterbourn, Jo Moynihan, Darren Reynolds and David Hoy.  

NEXT WEEK : will be the June MM and Least Putts. Get your names on the timesheet between 6.30 and 7.30 asap so we can play in a block. Make sure you have enabled the putt count on your MiScore app. Go to Menu > Settings > top line - putts. 

The following Sunday 9/6 is the PGC Ladies’ and Men’s Foursomes so there won’t be a WGC comp that day 

ENDS 

 L > R : Team Reynolds : Wilf Herweg, Tiina Randmae and Darren Reynolds 

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Following their successes at the Townsville tournament last week, local pickleball players sharpened their skills under the guidance of coach Gordon Watson.

Watson travelled from Yeppoon this past weekend to conduct coaching sessions for 16 players from Pickleball Whitsunday in Cannonvale. Additionally, Mackay pickleball enthusiasts joined the coaching on Saturday.

Contributed with thanks to Lorraine Christiansen.

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