Results of the Ladies club competition: B singles Jocelyn Defranciscis defeated Pat Tracey, A singles Jocelyn Defranciscis defeated Gwenda Lydom, Fely Duncan defeated Teresa Willshire, Denise Wallace defeated Robyn Stitt.

Winners for Sunday afternoon social bowls were Denise Wallace, Greg Colquhoun defeated Robyn Stitt, Pat Tracey. Jim Quod, Mark Drummond defeated Laurie Land Graeme Read, Teresa Willshire, Merle Elphinstone  Deb Retchless, A Vigar defeated Bill Myers, Isobel Wheeler, Allan Rolfe.

Barefoot Bowls are on this Friday night.
WRC Come and Try event is on Sunday morning at 10am at Bowen Foreshore.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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U13 Division 1 were keen to get their season underway, taking on Wanderers Rubies. The WUFC shifted it up a gear at the end to win 6-4.

A hat-trick of goals for Tyson, two for Charley and one for Alex rounded out the scoring.

A fantastic team effort, showing great commitment to the final whistle.

Buoyed by their round 1 result, the U13 Prem team were quietly confident of a positive result against Rangers, but the visitors had other ideas.

WUFC found themselves 2 - 0 down early and had to dig deep to stay in the game.

Goals from Nick M and Shannon got WUFC back into the game by early in the second half, only to concede again. With WUFC pushing hard and creating chances, Bayden popped up to draw level again.

With the full-time whistle approaching, the game seemed destined for a draw, but Rangers rode their luck to score a winner against the run of play. A highly entertaining and tense affair, 4-3 to Rangers.

U15 Div 1 side came up against Dolphins Blue in the first home fixture of the season. The local side had many debutantes, and it was quickly apparent that the opposition was a lot more experienced, Dolphins scored 11 goals to take the win 11-1.

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The Whitsunday Ladies clashed with Mackay Lions in what is traditionally a tough match up.

The U23 Ladies was a tight affair with both teams determined to assert their dominance.

The first half saw Whitsunday controlling possession and creating several scoring opportunities with Nicole finding the back of the net, putting Whitsunday ahead 1-0 as they headed into halftime with a well-deserved lead.

The second half Whitsunday increase their lead to 2-0.

The Lions fought back to narrow the gap. A brilliant goal by Ellyse from outside the 18 yard box sealed the game for the home side 3-2.

The Whitsunday Premier ladies took on Lions who were last years Premiership winners and the team Whitsunday defeated in the grand final.

In a game full of passion and determination with neither side willing to back down, saw a 0-0 draw at half time.

Throughout the match the defence stood strong making it difficult for either team to make a break through.

Though the second half saw Lions finding the back of the net after several remarkable saves from GK Chloe Baker. The match ended 3-0.

The Men U23s had a tough contest with several cards being handed to both sides. Jack Robertson had a brilliant performance in goals thwarting many attempts to keep Whitsunday in the game.

Zac Kelley successfully scored from a penalty kick to level scores at 1 all, the match ended 1-1.

The Premier boys went in full of confidence against second place Lions. Whitsunday dominated possession for most of the first half and created several half chances but couldn't convert.
The score ended up 3-0 to the visitors.

Considering the number of regular premier players that were missing, it showed the depth the club is beginning to have in Seniors with many younger players starting to show their form.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

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Photos supplied

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On Wednesday at Bowen Golf Club, we played a single stableford for a club trophy. Ladies’ winner on a countback was Morag Parker 37pts, runner up Julie May 37pts. Men’s winner on a countback Greg Carlyon 38pts, runner up John Martin 38pts.
 
On Saturday we played a single stableford and 110 players took to the course for this popular event. 

Ladies’ winner Kim Bennion 42pts, 2nd Linda Vincent 36pts, 3rd Elona Lynch. Men’s winner on a countback Isaac Fellows 38pts, 2nd Paul Burgis 38pts, 3rd Paul Martin 37pts. Pinshots to Elona Lynch, Di Fox, Kim Bennion, Leanne Swan, Vince Hargraves, Matthe Ruff, Geoff Fellows, Greg Fairs, James Miller won the car wash with an OBP. Jeremy had an Eagle on #8. 
 
This weekend is a single stableford.
 
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Levi Holmes had 40 points to beat Corey Stroud by a shot in Tuesday's stableford event. Penny Wardroper had 35 points to beat Ann Gardel by a shot in the ladies' division. Pins went to Scott Mason, Aaron Prosser, Heather Luvis and Ann Gardel.

Wednesday's four-shot winner over Lyn Muller was Diane Chard with a fine 37. Pins went to Lyn Muller, Paula McQuat, Melanie Patullo and Robyn Whitham.

Aaron Prosser had 42 points to win Thursday's A division by 3 shots from Steve Westley, while Ken Lovett had 34 points to win the B division by a shot from Vic Feldman. Pins went to Steve Westley, Adam Maggs, George Steen and Jason Bourke.

The Friday Met run winner in Nathan Sothman had a two-under-par 20 points to beat Nathan Boys by a shot. Pins went to Adam Maggs and Ryan Wilkes.

Saturday's Allenbuild stableford one-shot winner Corey Stroud, found his new clubs working well for his 40 points as he nudged out Joshua Norris. Heather Luvis Luvis had 39 points to beat Kathryn Borer by two shots in the ladies' division. Two pins went to Simon Della Santa and one each to Sam Deicke, Lyn Muller, Melanie Patullo and Heather Luvis.

Nick Watson edged out Cory O'Shea with 40 points to win Sunday's competition while the pins went to Ryan Wilkes, Pauline Redpath, Cory O'Shea and Clay Coles.

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Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.

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In a rematch of the 2023 Grand Final, the Raiders emerged victorious over the Moranbah Bulls in Round 2 of the 2024 Limitless MRU Competition, with a final score of 20-14.

As a birthday present to himself, the first Raiders try came from Connor Spence in the 15th minute, built off phases in the oppositions 22, solid teamwork around the rucks and precise passing.

The halftime score line painted a tense picture, with the Raiders trailing behind the Bulls at 5-7.

Raiders quickly turned the tide in the 2nd half with 2 quick tries as Captain Waikato Nepia-Katipa capitalised on a set-piece lineout play, receiving quick ball from Brody Elson to score out wide. This was followed by a brilliant solo effort from Luke Rae-Howard in the 45th minute, seizing loose ball to sprint down the sideline and score under the posts, converted by Landry Bezombes, who sealed the victory for the Raiders with a penalty goal in the 60th minute.

Individual performances recognised, with Brody Elson earning 3 points, Simione Nasavuilagi receiving 2 points, and Shakane Costello securing 1 point. Another solid game by Loris De Carlo. Coach Rota praised the team's defensive efforts, emphasising that their solid defence ultimately secured the win.

"We are a young new team that is still growing together as a coach and squad," said Rota. He expressed gratitude to the local crowd and supporters for their unwavering encouragement throughout the match.
 
Contributed: Karla Houston

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Luke Rae-Howard scoring
Image: Hanny Spence Photography

NEXT GAME:
Slade Point, April 20

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Round 1 fixtures for Whitsunday Brahmans against Souths Sharks in Mackay Saturday afternoon.

Not a great result overall but plenty to build on. Unfortunately, the reserve grade side were unable to field a team for the round 1 clash but are looking to put a strong side in for Round 2.

First grade should be near full strength in this weekend when they host their first home game of the year against Wests Tigers.

This also coincides with the club’s annual sponsors day where sponsors are thanked for their contribution to the club.
 
First game of the season saw U20's come in with a lot of fresh faces and old, as the team debut 9 players in their first taste of senior football.

Full time score for the U20’s was 24-6 to Souths, but as the coach, did not have a lot of time, he couldn't fault the effort and maturity that came from the experienced senior players and debutants.

In first grade errors and lack of discipline saw a saw a strong South outfit take the lead early and never look back. A 30 - 0 half time score line ended in a 54 - 4 final result.

Plenty will be taken away from the game by the young Brahmans for sure. There is enough talent in the side to turn things around quickly this week against Wests.

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Contributed with thanks to Bryce Fraser

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Whitsunday Touch Football is committed to giving our Junior Touch Members the opportunity to compete at representative levels.

Whilst we are building our own rep teams, we have supported players who have had the opportunity to join rep teams from other clubs.

At the recent Junior State Cup North held in Townsville a record number of our players were able to participate.

Lanie joined Townsville Saints U14, Charlee, Emily and Leshara played with Moranbah U14, along with Jai Townsville U16, Xavier and Tane Townsville U18.

Lanie’s team had a wonderful carnival progressing to the Grand Final. Their opponent in the final was Thuringowa who were undefeated through the rounds and Semi Final.

However, the tables were turned in the Final with Lanie’s Saints Team coming out on top.  

Round Eight Results

Mixed A
In the Crear 11 d Raiders A  6
Vipers 16 d  G.E.T. Touch  5

Mixed B
Stingers 7 d Full Boar 5
Flame Tree Flames 5 drew Ray White 5
Raiders B 8 d Whitmonday Eagles 7

Mixed C
Sheds N Homes 11 d Untouchables 9
Mighty Mustangs 8 d Bulls 4

Mixed Juniors
Raiders Green 4 d  Raiders Purple  2
Hamo Rent 6 d  Raiders Blue  4

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After a couple of week’s break, the players returned to Premier League action on Sunday morning at the Airlie Bowls Club.

Kameron Reason made it 2 wins from 2 after dispatching Jayden Lloyd in fine fashion by a 7/1 scoreline. That win places Kam nicely in 4th spot on the league table.

On the other end of the spectrum Jayden is still searching for his 1st win of the year, with tough matches against Jamie Maher and Joe Wilson next to come.

The ladder made for better reading for Jamie Maher after his two matches on Sunday morning, recording back-to-back victories over Hawkeye Rick 7/4 and Arthur McMinn 7/1. 

Those wins gave Jamie his first points of the year, leaving him in 5th place on 4 points. He also slotted home a beautiful 171 in that match against Hawkeye, who is the only other player besides Jayden yet to score league points.

Arthur McMinn bounced back from that defeat to Jamie, with a win of his own, a fine 7/4 victory over Naomi Mitchell. That win leaves Arthur beautifully positioned in 2nd place on the league table, just a point behind Joe Wilson who has played a game less than Arthur. 

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing and Master Butchers Whitsundays. 

Don’t forget to enter our Anzac Plate competition. We are now taking entries. To enter, simply find us on Facebook or message Jamie on 0405411865.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

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Arthur McMinn with his best start to a league campaign at the Airlie Bowls Club. Photo supplied

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Mackay Indoor Pickleball club held a very successful inaugural Pickleball Competition throughout the Easter Weekend. It was held at McDonald's Multi-sports Stadium nd welcomed players from near and far. The event consisted of both local players, as well as visitors from across Townsville, Home Hill, Bowen, Whitsundays, Rockhampton, Brisbane and even California.
The competition was friendly and social but undoubtedly very intense, with a focus solely on competitions with men’s and women’s doubles which played out on Saturday, followed by mixed doubles on Sunday.  
On each day the entrants competed in one of three categories: Advanced, Intermediate or Serious Social, a category included to welcome new or inexperienced players to their first competition.
The atmosphere throughout was very positive and friendly with players supporting one another and applauding good play.  At the same time, there was intense competition and hard-fought battles, however, as a result, a good time was had by all.  
Mackay Indoor Pickleball club would like to give a special thanks to Mackay Basketball Association for the use of the stadium and for keeping the players nourished from the canteen over the weekend.  With gratitude also, to Mackay Tennis club for the loan of Pickleball nets and for all those who contributed to prizes and the raffle.
Mackay Indoor Pickleball welcomes new players at McDonalds Multi-sports Stadium on Mondays 9.30am to 11.30am. Main games take place at Mackay PCYC on Tuesdays 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm, Thursdays 12-2 pm and Sundays 9am – 11am.  
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Results:
Women’s Doubles
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Advanced:

1st Lucy Brown and Kim Presland
2nd Sue Kenniff and Rebecca Moore
3rd Heather Hayes and Karyl Young

Intermediate:

1st Joyce Morris and Hayley Mawhirt
2nd Asia Cossley and Jackie Burling
3rd Jacky Hardman and Heather Barnes

Social:

1st Kelly Edwards and Anne-Louise Stewart
2nd Tahnee Armstrong and Jamie Macklin
3rd Cherie Craig and Lesley Rowe
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Men’s Doubles
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Advanced:

1st Gerard Howard and Brett Walz
2nd Rob Vella and Jamie Duncan
3rd Damon Hardmon and Brendan Rae
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Intermediate:

1st Trevor Gregory and Peter Hughes
2nd Leo Gilbert and Craig Neilson
3rd David Selvage and Eamon McGovern

Mixed Doubles:

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Advanced:

1st Rob Vella and sue Kenniff
2nd Brendan Rae and Rebecca Moore
3rd Yoko Stimson and Frank Clayton

Intermediate:

1st Craig Nielson and Heather Barnes
2nd Graham Scott and Heather Hayes
3rd Neil McNee and Lou Battersby

Social:

1st Debbie Barbagallo and Ben Barbagallo
2nd Jamie Macklin and Peter Hutching
3rd Tahnee Armstrong and Craig Armstrong

Contributed by Monica Stewart-McLean

Advanced Women’s Doubles
Intermediate Men’s Doubles
Advanced Men’s Doubles
Intermediate Mixed Doubles
Advanced Mixed Doubles
Social Women’s Doubles
Intermediate Women’s Doubles
Images supplied

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In a gripping round of rugby league action, the Mackay Cutters faced formidable challenges across divisions. The Hostplus Cup clash against the Townsville Blackhawks showcased a fiercely contested battle at Jack Manski Oval. With an early lead courtesy of Ross Bella's third-minute try, the Cutters traded blows with the Blackhawks throughout the first half. Townsville responded with a four-pointer in the 15th minute, and John Radal crossed for the Cutters in the 25th minute to keep the match level. Christian Gale's try for the Blackhawks just before halftime added to the intensity, with the teams tied at 12-all at the halfway point.
In the second half, Semi Valemei's spectacular intercept try in the 54th minute gave the Cutters a brief lead. However, the Blackhawks struck back with another try ten minutes later to even the score once again. With only five minutes remaining, Townsville sealed the match with a match-winning field goal, clinching a narrow victory of 19-18. Despite the loss, the Cutters showcased resilience and determination, making it a thrilling encounter for fans and players alike.
Meanwhile, in the BMD Premiership ladies' division, the Mackay Cutters continued their dominant form, securing yet another win over the Souths Logan Magpies with a commanding 26-16 triumph. The ladies displayed exceptional skill and teamwork, maintaining their unbeaten streak and further establishing themselves as a force in the competition.
In the Harvey Norman U19s category, the Cutters' girls delivered a standout performance, booking their ticket to the Grand Final after a hard-fought victory over the Western Clydesdales in Brisbane. With a final score of 18-10, the young Cutters displayed resilience and determination, setting the stage for an exciting finale as they vie for championship glory.

The Harvey Norman U19s undergo their Captain's Run ahead of their Semi-Final clash in Brisbane. Photos courtesy of Mackay Cutters

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The North Mackay Bowls Club recently hosted the Mackay Ladies District Master Pairs event, spanning over two weeks of spirited competition. Generously sponsored by Carlyle Gardens, this tournament attracted 22 teams hailing from Airlie Beach to Sarina, with the majority of participants representing the host club. It was no surprise as the competition narrowed down to the final four teams that three of whom were from North Mackay.

Last year's winners, Joan McGrath and Larda Purdie from Airlie Beach, put up a valiant performance against Lorna Bowers and Val De Pinto in the final, resulting in a draw at 21 ends. Lorna and Val were declared the winners after another end had them one ahead. Third and fourth places were taken out by Chris Woo and Chris Hall who defeated Cheryle Corbett and Pat O'Neill.

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Lorraine Silman with Snr Vice President of the District.

Lorraine Silman, Snr Vice President of the District, with the four teams who played off in the finals. Lorraine presented the trophies.
Images supplied

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As the countdown begins for the much-anticipated start of the NBL1 competition, basketball fever is reaching its peak in Mackay. This Friday night marks the commencement of an electrifying journey for the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes as they kick off their NBL1 campaigns with a home advantage at the iconic Crater.
This season's opener holds an extra special significance, as Mackay welcomes back one of its own legends – Australian Boomer Todd Blanchfield.
Blanchfield's return to the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors after his stellar stint with the Illawarra Hawks is a cause for celebration among fans. With 15 seasons and 385 games under his belt, Blanchfield's presence promises to inject unparalleled productivity and versatility into the Meteors' NBL1 North lineup.
But it's not just about the thrill of the game; it's also about making a difference off the court. For the Meteorettes, the evening holds a poignant touch as they participate in the annual 'night in pink'. Donning special pink singlets, the players aim to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation in support of breast cancer awareness.
The schedule for the evening is packed with excitement:
   • 6:30 PM: McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes take on the Townsville Flames
   • 8:30 PM: McDonald’s Mackay Meteors face off against the Townsville Heat
It's a showdown you won't want to miss! So, grab your tickets, rally your friends, and head to the Crater for an unforgettable night of basketball action.
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Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/CQUVL

Meteor and Meteorette uniform presentations for the 2024 NBL1 Season Launch at Souths Suburban Bowls Club. Photos supplied: Mackay Basketball

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Nearly one hundred runners and supporters met Sunday afternoon for the running of the annual five and ten-kilometre, Tilse Toddle handicap start event. The five-kilometre loop course took runners through the West Mackay streets towards Archibald Street and return. The steamy conditions put ten-kilometre runners to the test as they headed out for their second lap.
 
The events had runners in clusters at the start line based on their formal club handicap.  This enables the faster runners to start their race from the back of the pack in a bid to chase down the lower handicapped runners.  The concept is a great way for all runners to experience a different position in the field as opposed to a scratch start.
 
Exceptional performances were showcased by talented sportsmen, Greg Coulsen and Ryan Evetts.  Alana Knezevic continued her excellent form to sprint to the finish line alongside Michael Feenaghty. Long-term member of the club, John Searston was a welcome visitor at the club’s last two events after a brief stopover in Mackay over the Easter break.  Paul MacKenzie’s high mileage training and racing sessions are continuing to be very beneficial for local, out of town and international events despite experiencing tough competition from fellow athletes, Grant Holmstrom, Jared Mackie, Luke Leven, Michael Scholer, Shane Donnollan, George Hannaford and the Rule brothers, Oliver and Toby. 
 
Tim’s Chariots of Fire, five and ten-kilometre event this Sunday will commence from 6.30am at 16 Ocean Avenue, Slade Point. It will be an awesome start to the day, taking in beautiful scenic views and a variety of tricky terrain. Runners must be checked in with the timekeeper by 6.20am.  Runners are welcome to stay for a post run dip in the pool and refreshments.  Casual day runners are invited to participate with a $10 race day fee.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

Crystal and Mick observe Arthur and Beck (seated) who are on timekeeping duties.
Natasha Joynson sneaks across the 5km finish line via handicap start ahead of Len Haworth.
Some of Mackay Road Runners lovely ladies enjoy the post-race afternoon tea and chat (back) Millie, Jo, Jose, Bernie, Kim, Leanne and Jen. (front) Lauren, Sacha, Emily and Naomi.

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Images supplied

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Mackay’s table tennis juniors brought home four medals from the state junior championships in Brisbane.

Olie Hamelink, Trent Day, YiLin Jiang, Saisha and Misha Palod and Lily Boland competed in the state junior table tennis championships.

Lily Boland and Saisha Palod both brought home medals as part of a six-player Mackay squad, who competed against more than 100 from around the state.

Lily won silver and bronze in the U19 girls singles and doubles, while Saisha took out silver in the U15 girls’ teams and bronze in U13 girls doubles.

Trent Day, YiLin Jiang, Olie Hamelink and Misha Palod also competed, accompanied by manager Donna Abbott and supporter Simon Hamelink.

All players compete in the Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night competitions and have progressed through the junior program held on Wednesday afternoons.

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Bronze medal winner Mackay’s Lily Boland, right, on the podium with U19 state girls singles champion Tiffany Lam of the Star club, Brisbane and runner-up Telesha Gaeta of Townsville, left. Photos supplied

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Saturday saw the playing of the second qualifying GNOT Gold Point Teams event. Twelve teams vyed for Gold Points which are only available to win in certain events or if players travel away to congresses. It was pleasing to see many novice players enter the competition. Once the basics of Bridge have been taught, then the more a person plays the better they get at the game and the more they learn and the better they play. It takes years to become match fit, but it is so much fun to play and learn and improve as you go!
Team Conroy took first place in the Mackay event, with members Janelle Conroy, Terrence Sheedy, Josie Cowley and Geoff Taylor narrowly beating team Brown members, Frances Brown, Alan Brown, Thelma Caruana and Janet Hansen.

The 28th Barrier Reef Congress is being held in Mackay, Friday, 3rd May to Monday, 6th May 2024

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Monday 1 April 2024 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy
2nd
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
3rd
Mick King / Patricia Garner
4th
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
5th
Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait
6th
Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson
Tuesday Evening 2 April 2024 –5 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy
2nd
Mick King / Richard Wic
3rd
Shelley Lewis / Geoff Taylor
4th
Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
Wednesday 3 April 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Joy Robinson / Robert Carless
1st
Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

2nd
Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Susan Ross / Karen Cadwell

3rd
Ian Cruickshank / Terrence Sheedy
3rd
Geoff Taylor / Mick King

4th
Annette Howe / Noel Saunders
4th
Diane Stokes / Joy Block

Thursday Evening 4 April 2024 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Frances Brown / Israel Hall
1st
Terry Sheedy / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Patricia Garner / Mick King
2nd
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
Friday 5 April 2024 7 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Griffin Bancroft / Joy Block
2nd
Terrence Sheedy / Geoff Cowan
3rd
Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix
4th
Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor
5th
Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood
6th
Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson
Saturday 6 April 2024 Second GNOT Qualifying 10 Table Mitchell Gold Points

Team
Team Members
1st
Conroy
Josie Crowley / Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor / Terrence Sheedy
2nd
Brown
Janet Hansen / Frances Brown / Alan Brown / Thelma Caruana
3rd
Darley
Monica Darley / Ken Seaniger / Nancy Martin / Margaret Lane
4th
Shuttlewood
Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright / Christine Nice / Faye Wright
5th
Griffo
Griffin Bancroft / Julie O’Neill / Mick King / Patricia Garner

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