Mackay Cutters women’s rugby league team have taken a giant step towards claiming the 2024 BMD Women's Premiership.

The well-drilled Cutters are the competition’s newly crowned minor premiers after toppling second-placed Norths Devils 26-22 in a cracking contest last Sunday at Brisbane’s Bishop Park.

Marco Peters’ Mackay warriors went into the match with the minor title in the bag, but tuned up for the finals series with an impressive victory over the depleted Devils in an absorbing tussle.

The Cutters are expected to play host to the fourth-placed Western Clydesdales in finals action this weekend while the Devils will square off with third-ranked Burleigh Bears.

Mackay jumped to an early 10-0 lead following tries by hooker Alisha Foord and star centre Jasmine Peters plus a Kayla Shepherd conversion before the Devils hit back with tries to five-eighth Georgia Hannaway and centre Rebecca Davidson and an Emily Vievers goal to lock the scores 10-all at the interval.

The Cutters drew first blood after the break when interchange prop and North Queensland product Sareka Mooka crashed over to nab a converted try and give the minor premiers a six-point advantage.

When prop Lyrech Mara and number nine Foord crossed for further tries in the space of nine minutes, the Mackay girls had established a handy 26-14 lead.
Norths rallied in the second half with flying winger Denyce Perham scooting over for a try double before Davidson claimed a second with two minutes left on the clock.
Mackay staved off the late challenge and got into the finals series brimming with confidence.

A delighted Peters quipped post-match, “That was really important to get a win and a bit of momentum for the finals.”

“We want to hold the momentum as long as we can” he declared.

MEANWHILE there was no joy for the Cutters in Hostplus Cup action after suffering a 28-12 loss to the Burleigh Bears at Whitsundays Sports Park at Airlie Beach.
The table-topping Bears proved they are a genuine force by securing their seventh win from nine fixtures with a powerhouse second-half performance.

Burleigh led 8-6 at the break after a gripping first stanza.

They stunned Mackay with early tries to wingers Mitch Watson and Josiah Karapani after seven minutes before Cutters winger Josh Smith crossed on the brink of halftime with five-eighth Riley Dean adding the extras.

Karapani nabbed a second try straight after lemons that was converted by half-back Guy Hamilton for a 14-6 lead – only for Cutters’ livewire fullback Raydan Burns to bridge the gap with a fine try soon after.

Burleigh centre Kea Pere posted four-pointers in the 54th and 75th minutes and forward Nick O’Meley in the dying moments to seal a resounding victory.

The sixth-ranked Cutters face another tough test this Saturday when they host fourth-placed Northern Pride at BB Print Stadium at 6pm.

‍

The Mackay Cutters lost to the Burleigh Bears 28-12 in the Hostplus Cup. Photo source: Mackay Cutters

‍

Mackay Brothers have preserved their unbeaten status in the 2024 Northern Region Mackay & District Rugby League A Grade competition.

The high-flying Leprechauns recorded their fourth successive victory in as many rounds after edging out the tenacious Souths Sharks 18-10 last Saturday at Shark Park.

Dashing fullback Tyrese Parter, clever halfback Brad Campbell and wily hooker Daniel Kelly posted tries for Brothers with centre Rydge Smith potting three conversions in a hard-fought contest.

Sharks prop Tyler O’Brien and talented number seven Henri Stocks kept their side in the mix with determined tries.

Parter, a gifted custodian who is a development player in Michael Comerford’s extended Mackay Cutters first-grade squad, sparked the Leprechauns with his sharp running and tricky step.

Brothers remain the only undefeated side on eight points in front of Mackay Magpies and Moranbah Miners, both on six points ahead of Souths, Sarina Crocodiles and Wests Tigers on four points.

MACKAY Magpies trounced Whitsunday Brahmans 50-12 last Saturday at Sologinkin Oval with fullback Andrew Borg and crack centre Maika Tudravu the standouts.

Borg compiled a personal tally of 14 points with two tries and three goals while the power running Tudravu crossed for three of the Magpies’ eleven tries with his pace and strength.

Smart hooker Kyle Barnwell (2), winger Sebastyan Jack, five-eighth Corey Shepherd and centre Joshua Kilpatrick also nabbed four-pointers in the Magpies rout.
Moranbah Miners skittled Wests Tigers 36-12 last Sunday at Darryl Bourke Oval to move into a share of second spot on the competition table.

The Miners’ gun centre pairing of Mark Rosendale and Steven Stafford engineered the victory with strong games, both collecting crucial tries along with prop Raiden Fonoti and winger Dylan Womal.

Sarina Crocodiles thumped the Carltons Devils 66-10 last Sunday in a try fest at Ray Edwards Oval.

The Crocodiles overpowered the Devils – running in thirteen tries with Quintel Wailu (3) and fullback Zane McKellar (2) scoring five between themselves in a dazzling display.

Twenty-four-year-old Wailu is a talented hooker in the Cutters Development system with the guile and passing skills to play Hostplus Cup.

‍

Another fantastic weekend of bowls was had at Mackay City Bowls Club on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May. The ladies’ club once again made both days highly enjoyable starting with Cath’s scones and finishing with an array of sweet tastes. All teams ‘laboured’ on the green in great camaraderie with the following teams being successful.

‍

First place winners on day 1: Pauline Turchet, Jean Campbell, Janette Dark, Cath Davis
First place winners on day 2: Monique Pershouse, Bruce Eaton, Anna Knight, Pauline Turchet. Images supplied

‍

Things are now back to normal at the club, after the Barrier Reef Congress last weekend.
We would like to thank all our sponsors who supported us to put on the Barrier Reef Congress - Mackay Regional Council, Dalrymple Bay, TBIB, Paul Lavings, North Marine, SH Tait & Co, Officeworks, Mackay and Whitsunday Life newspaper and Mackay Tourism.
Friend of the club, Maria Setiyawan headed back to Brisbane after lots of bridge, laughter and catching up with old friends at the bridge table on her trip.
Despite adversaries at the table, many great friendships can be made playing bridge. The club is friendly and encouraging of players new to the game and the Mackay area.

Weekly Results
Tuesday Evening 7 May 2024 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Faith Hutchinson / Shirley Casey
1st
Terrence Sheedy / Maria Setiyawan

2nd
Mick King / Richard Wix
2nd
Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris

3rd
Annette Howe / Vicki Howard
3rd
Errol Morris / Lyn O’Neill

Wednesday 8 May 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia
1st
David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd
Peter Karol / Joanne Crockford
2nd
Diane Stokes / Geoff Cowan

3rd
Joy Brunette / Don Poole
3rd
Terrence Sheedy / Griffin Bancroft

4th
Frances Brown / Maria Setiyawan
4th
Shelley Lewis / Karen Cadwell

Thursday 9 May 2024 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
2nd
Mick King / Patricia Garner
3rd
Marilyn Wilson-Nicol / Griffin Bancroft
4th
Ann Whitmore / Richard Wix
Friday 10 May 2024 – Week 9 of 24 Nation Wide Pairs – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Joy Brunette / Don Poole
1st
Richard Wix / Janine Rodgers

2nd
Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd
Christine Nice / Maria Setiyawan

3rd
Griffin Bancroft / Mick King
3rd
Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore

4th
Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix
4th
Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

Saturday 11 May 2024 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Ming Ting / David Ting
1st
Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

2nd
Alan Brown / Frances Brown
2nd
Mick King / Julie O’Neill

3rd
Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore
3rd
Margaret Lane / Anne Lutz

4th
Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix
4th
Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

‍

Mackay Bridge players relaxing after a competitive day of bridge. Image supplied

‍

Mackay Rowing Club is basking in the glow of success as its members make waves at the National Rowing Championships in Tasmania. With a display of skill and determination, four of the club's athletes have given it their all at the prestigious Lake Barrington International Rowing Course. Richard McGrath, Therese Clancy, Jane Deguara, and Michael Wolhfahrt demonstrated exceptional teamwork and prowess as they powered through the waters.
Teaming up with Pinerivers Rowing Club, Mackay's rowers secured a victory in the Ladies G quad event, claiming the coveted gold medal.
In the Ladies G Double event, they clinched the silver medal, showcasing their versatility and skill, and in the Women's F Double event, they seized another gold medal with Riverway Rowing Club, the ladies reaffirming their dominance on the water.
But the accolades don't end there. Mackay Rowing Club had another reason to celebrate, as Therese Clancy emerged as a National Masters Rowing Champion. With a stellar performance in the Ladies Lightweight G Single event, Clancy clinched the gold medal, further solidifying her status as a formidable force in masters rowing.
This triumphant journey follows the club's remarkable success at the State Masters Championships at Lake Wyaralong, where the quartet amassed an impressive tally of 18 medals. With each stroke and each race, Mackay Rowing Club continues to raise the bar and showcase the strength and talent of its athletes.

National Masters Rowing Champion 2024 Ladies Light Weight G Single, Therese Clancy

Therese (Mackay) and Jackie (Riverway) win gold in the Women’s F Double

Therese and Jane from Mackay win silver in the Ladies G Double

Mackay and Pinerivers joined forces to win gold in the Ladies G Quad

State Championships silver medal, Men's Master E Quad, Mackay and Tablelands, Locklan, Mick, Richard, Doug

The Mackay rowing squad at the State Championships, winning 18 medals between them. Photos supplied

‍

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results May 7, 2024:

Division 1:

Orange (Donna Abbott, Janice Kent, Geoff Denman) d Green (Lily Boland, Robbie Richards) 7-4. Donna d Robbie -9, 6, -10, 10, 9.

Brown (Andrea Nicholson, Barry Patterson, Vince Boeske) d Purple (Emma Widdup, Tony Bowman, Duncan Treloar) 8-3. Barry d Emma -9, 8, -5, 10, 8.

White (Andrew McHugh, Neil Brown, Mark Sleeman) d Blue (Will VanDeKaa, Steven Whiting, Lee Brake) 7-4. Steven d Neil 13, 5, -7, -3, 10.

Black (Goncalo Serra, Ishan Rana, Allan Robins) d Red (George Camilleri, Jason Hodda, Graeme Walker) 9-2. Ishan d George -13, -10, 7, 9, 9.

Division 2:

Gold (Geoff Cowan, Rohit Bansod, Ollie Hamelink) d Rose (Nehmat Dhaliwal, Niro, David Symons) d 6-5. Nehmat d Ollie -8, -5, 10, 13, 8.

Cyan (Matt West, Trent Day, Leonie Patroni) d Tan (Ishara, Jye Callander, Rymer Tabulo) 7-4. Trent d Jye 9, -6, -7, 8, 7.

Aqua (Delma Knight, YiLin Jiang, Tiffany Camilleri) d Lime (Anaya Reelh, Simon Hogan, Daniel Warfield) 7-4. Tiffany d Anaya 10, -10, 2, -8, 9.

Grey (Doug Dungavell, Adrian Marsh, Kade Wright) d Teal (Craig VanDeKaa, Peter Goodson, Aarnav Reelh) 7-4. Aarnav d Kade 9, -9, -7, 9, 4.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures May 7, 2024:

Division 1:

Owls (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Coral Morgan) d Egrets (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) 7-5. Donna d Steve -9, 4, 7, -12, 7.

Ibis (Tony Bowman, Andrea Nicholson, Judy Zahn) d Plovers (Delma Knight, Doug Dungavell, Bryan Marshall) 10-2. Andrea d Doug -9, -9, 8, 7, 9.

Hawks (George Camilleri, Pam Joyce, John McGee) d Parrots (Janice Kent, Charlie Payne, Marie Taylor) 8-4. George d Charlie -4, 8, -6, 9, 9.

Division 2:

Cockatoos (Kim Challender, Veronica Shepherd, Gloria Vella) drew Pelicans (Judi Hicks, Robyn Bushell, Frank Caruana) 6-all. Judi d Veronica -11, 8, 11, 13, 11.

Doves (Louise Gould, Iris Grasso, Fred Saliba) d Magpies (Ken Best, John Hamelink, Kim Daffy) 8-4. Fred d Kim -12, -7, 10, 5, 5.

Division 3:

Lobster (Cheryl Pearson, Bill Hey, Thelma Caruana) d Prawn (Madge Saunders, Glenda Brookes, Glenda Dutton) 7-5. Glenda d Bill 7, -4, 5, -6, 10.

Crab (Pam Keune, Myles Dutton, Josie Davis) d Squid (Sharon Muller, Cheryl Aprato) 9-3. Pam/Josie d Sharon/Cheryl -6, 8, 13, 5.
………………………………………………………………………………….
Looping Lily Wins Trio Of Titles In Townsville
Mackay players came home with outstanding results from the Townsville Open table tennis championships.
Emma Widdup and her daughter Lily Boland led the way with five titles between them, while young Remy Zhan won a title in his first tournament.
Emma won the women's open singles and the over 50 women's, while Lily won the 1100 singles, U19 and U17 girls.
Contributed by Charlie Payne

‍

Mackay’s Lily Boland in action at Townsville, where she won three titles

‍

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls saw a good roll up with some great games being played with Tony Whitehorn’s team leading Lu Rogan and second Rick Galea run away winners from the rest of the field, however the Jackpot never went off . 

Friday Morning the Endeavour Foundation disabled group came for their bowls lesson and showed that with practice they could represent our area in the disability games October 2025.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw Russell Jackson, Eric Barnard and Arthur McManus first round winners, with Eric Barnard in hot form and the big winner of the day.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

‍

Sunday Social: Ray, Ross and Kirky defeated Marion, Rob and Jane. Sue, Andy and Gavin defeated Allen, Dave and Steve. Jack, Wendy and Lloyd drew with Ron, Daryl and Jeff. Team Gus defeated Team Lloyd.

Wednesday Social: Eddy, Gordo and Jeff defeated Brit, Sue and Jason. I.Thatcher, R.Muir and K.Jewell drew with M.Tuttle, J.Gilbert and M.Wright. Dave and Gus defeated Ron and Steve.

Ladies B Singles: Tiarna Winter defeated Tracey Roach.

Ladies A Singles: Lou Fordham defeated Helen Jacobsen.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

‍

Helen J. Tracey, Jo, Wendy, Jane, Gloria, Merlene, Margaret, Marion, Bev, Joan, Eddy. Seated are Helen.O, Sue, Fay.

Photo supplied

‍

Competition results: Fely Duncan defeated Teresa Willshire. In Men’s A Singles Kevin Jewell defeated Herb Dalton.

Mother’s Day winners Kevin Daniel, Marg Wilson and Greg Colquhoun defeated Toni Bowen, Graeme Read and Kennedy Whitton.

Teresa Willshire, Maureen Hyde and Keith Armstrong defeated Bill Myers, Alby Vigar and D Maddingley.

Robyn Stitt, Laurie Land and Allan Rolfe defeated Deb Retchless, Sue Shearing and Mark Drummond.

Alf, Kevin Jewell and Pat Tracey defeated Bron, Ron Hyde and Barry Beel. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Congratulations to Penny Warren and Denise Wallace who as team members of the North Qld Ladies District Side won the Division 5 Pennant at Paradise Point on Saturday.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

‍

On Wednesday, Ladies winner was Elona Lynch with 37 points, runner up was Anne McGowan with 33 points. Men’s winner was Alix Webb with 41 points, runner up Ross Petersen on 37 points.
 
On Friday, the ladies hosted the Bowen ladies open with 82 players taking to the course. Congratulations to Sheree Hasson from Nudgee who was the winner on the day with 71 gross score.
 
Saturday was the Men’s B & C grade open. Frank Bidgood was the B Grade gross winner after a 3-hole playoff, Gross runner up Carlo Manno, Nett winner Tate McGrath, Nett runner up Greg Carlyon. 

Sunday was the Men’s A & A1 Grade open. A Grade winner Scott Sibson with a great score of 4 under for 27 holes. Gross runner up Adam McGrath, Nett winner Jason Scott, Nett runner up Brendan Nott. A1 grade winner Bradley Fleet, Gross runner up Ryley Malone, Nett winner Colin Carvolth, Nett runner up Justyn Durbin.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

‍

The drizzle stayed away long enough on the Labour Day Monday to allow Ryan Wilkes to notch up three bogeys, one eagle and seven birdies for a fantastic forty stableford points after his plus two handicap was applied. Two adrift was Levi Holmes. Pins went to Toni Clauss, Brent Franke, and Ryan Wilkes got the other two.

Nathan Holohan won Thursday's competition in very damp conditions with a creditable 39 points: two ahead of Ash Morley-Hart.

On Sunday Brett Bauer edgede out Patrick Conen on 35 points with the pins going to Nathan Holohan and Ash Law with two.

Congratulations to Junior Members, Levi Holmes and Jack Hayes-Williams for being selected on the Queensland Representative School Team to play Golf State Championships (10-19 years) 12-15 May 2024 at Oxley Golf Club, Oxley.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Gold Pro Shop

Photo supplied

‍

The weekly 9-hole stableford saw Alan Clinch take the win with 23 points, second with 22 points was Paula Wronski.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Jayden Parata in first place with 22 points, second place with 21 points was Rhys Bartholomew.

Sundays 2 ball ambrose competition saw Brock Brindle and Troy Pettiford in first place with 43.75, second place with 45.5 was Michael Bond and Tyson Flavel.

This Sunday will be 18-hole stableford tee off anytime. 

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.

‍

Deeray Fo’ou lining up his shot. Photo supplied

‍

Whitsunday Sea Eagles hit the road to Bakers Creek on Saturday to take on the Tigers in Seniors and Under 17s while Under 12s and 14s had a bye.

Senior Men Won 45 – 37
Sea Eagles Senior Men were back on the winners list this week with a hard fought win over Bakers Creek Tigers. The high pressure contest ended with Sea Eagles surviving a late challenge to hold on for their second win of the year. Jake Smith, Alex Rodgers and Ryan Mansfield were rock solid in defence whilst Xander Hall was strong in the ruck. Billy Galpin and Billy Gardner worked hard in the midfield to get the ball forward throughout the game. Brent Downie took an absolute screamer which will no doubt win 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 Lost 6 – 95
Best Players: Kylie Thompson, Kirra Sheppard, Lana Rademeyer, Georgia Whitton, Cleo Dickie, Chloe Bennett
Goal: Molly Bennett

Under 17s Won 60 – 0
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,

This week Whitsunday Sea Eagles Seniors and Under 17s are representing in the Mackay City vs Country sides with games being played in Mackay.

‍

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

‍

Photo Credit: Submitted by Whitsunday Sea Eagles
Photo Credit: Kylie Allen

‍

11 bridge players from the Bowen Bridge Club and two from Airlie Beach Bridge Club competed over four days in Mackay in one of the premier congresses in Queensland, Barrier Reef Congress.

Two new Bowen players  were winners in the Novice section under 50 points, congratulations to Bev Lowcock and her partner Jill Brabon. 

Linda Priday from Airlie Beach Club and her partner Joy Brunette from the Mackay Bridge Club took 3rd place in the Novice section. 

‍

Contributed with thanks to Lydie Martin.

‍

Bev Lowcock and Jill Brabon

‍

Linda Priday and Joy Brunette

‍

Photos supplied

‍

Another rainy week saw Tuesday's stableford competition won by Jonny Brooks with 36 points, one ahead of Adam Maggs. Jonny Brooks, Adam Maggs and Matthew Muller won the pin shots.

Ned Davies had 36 points to win Thursday's competition by four shots from Bailey Neumann. Pascal Neunreuther won the pin shot.

Friday's Met run saw Brendan Spann score 21 points to beat Mark Thompson by two shots; and Ryan Wilkes won the pin shot.

Bailey Hayward took out Saturday's RGH monthly medal with a nett 68 and beat his C grade colleague Vic Feldman by a shot. Matthew Goldman edged out Clay Coles on 69 nett for the B grade medal. Jason Bourke had 71 nett to beat Nick Watson by a shot in the A division, and Tina Badenhorst edged out Jacqueline Wall with 77 nett in the ladies' division. Jason Bourke, Matthew Goldman and Bailey Hayward had the best gross scores in each grade. Pins went to Vic Feldman, Bailey Hayward, Jason Bourke, Brian Allen, Tina Badenhorst and Robyn Whitham.

Sunday's monthly medal winner was Brent Franke a fine 66 nett in beating Finbar O'Flynn by four shots. Robyn Whitham edged out Tiina Randmae with 77 nett for the ladies' medal. Pins went to Paul Gray, Scott Lee, Pamela Casey, Diane Chard, Penny Wardroper and Tom O'Brien.

‍

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop

‍

Photo supplied

‍