The Mackay Cutters have kicked off their 2024 Hostplus Cup season with an emphatic win on the road against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

The Falcons were flying high after a round one win over Brisbane Tigers but the Cutters, coming off a bye in the opening round, proved too strong at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Saturday.

It was an error from Falcons winger and former Cutter Flynn Camilleri that led to the visitors’ opening try, with opposing winger Semi Valemei crossing in the sixth minute to open the Cutters’ account.

Jamal Shibasaki scored 20 minutes later before the Falcons hit back in the 29th minute with a try to Camilleri, seeing the teams hit the sheds at half time with the Cutters leading the Falcons 12-4.

The home side narrowed the deficit in the 50th minute when Camilleri crossed for his second try of the evening before the Cutters finished things off with three unanswered tries to Rayden Burns in the 56th minute, Kauri Aupouri-Puketapu in 60th and a second to Shibasaki in the 67th.

Riley Dean slotted four conversions and one penalty goal to see the final score 30-10 in favour of the Cutters.

Earlier in the day, the BMD Premiership Cutters notched their second win of the season, defeating the Falcons 26-18.

A try to the home side in the opening minute did little to deter the Cutters, with first half tries to Kayla Shepherd, Tiana Raftstrand-Smith and Sareka Mooka seeing the visitors with a narrow 14-12 lead at half time.

Second half tries to Krystal Blackwell and Bree Chester saw the Mackay side run away with it in the end, with three conversions helping the Cutters to a 26-18 victory.

The Cutters will look to extend their undefeated start to the season when the take on the Capras at home this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Mal Meninga Cup, Harvey Norman U19s and Cyril Connell Cup squads travelled to Cairns to take on the Northern Pride at Barlow Park.

The Mal Meninga Cup side finished strong to run away with a narrow 18-14 victory while the Harvey Norman U19s girls cruised to a 34-10 win and the Cyril Connell Cup side took down the Pride 46-10.

All five sides will take to BB Print Stadium this weekend to take on the Central Queensland Capras on Saturday, March 23.

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Caption: Photo credit: Mitchell Sansby

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Masters Swimming is for all adults over the age of eighteen. There are no age limits to be a member of Masters Swimming Queensland (MSQ). In fact, many members started their adult swimming in masters several decades ago and continue to enjoy the many benefits of swimming and club life.

Masters Swimming Australia aims to provide an environment that encourages all adults, at a club, state and national level, regardless of ability, to swim regularly or compete to promote fitness and improve their general wellbeing.

The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club has been going strong for over 30 years providing training sessions, pool and open water swimming events, travel opportunities as well as social events.

A number of non-competitive programs are available for all members and include the Endurance 1000, Vorgee Million Metres, Lane Warriors and the MSX program. All these programs are generally self-paced and keep the motivation levels up.

All are welcome to come and try group sessions.

Mondays: Memorial Swim Centre, Milton St. Mackay, be there at 5.30pm for a 5.45pm start.

Wednesdays: North Mackay State High School, Valley St. North Mackay, be there at 5.30pm for a 5.45pm start. This is a coached session led by the club’s coach, until April 10th

Saturdays: Memorial Swim Centre, Milton St. Mackay, starting at 8am to 9am followed by a social on site for members to mingle.

For further information, visit North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club, email nthmkysinkers@gmail.com or phone 0413 805 156

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Contributed by Dan Stampa

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North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club members cooling off in the pool across three different classes. Photos supplied

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Over this weekend, Toby Tule has been competing at the Queensland Athletics State Championships and won a silver medal in the Steeplechase and an 11-second PB on Thursday night in the 1500-metre to place 4th. He also came 4th in the 800-metre with a 2-second PB.

Next weekend, he will compete back in Brisbane at his last Little Athletics Championships, which are in the 800-metre and the 1500-metre.

In April, Toby will be attending the 2024 Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics Championships, which are from the 15th to the 19th of April 2024. He qualified for the 1500-metre, Steeplechase, and 3000-metre last year at the NQ Championships.

James took home a bronze medal in the U20 Discus

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By James Galea

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Photo Credit: Jo Harlow Photography

Caption: Toby competing at the Queensland Athletics State Championships

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Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club’s U15 competitors Nate McKinnon and Zara Richardson recently travelled to Broadbeach on the Gold Coast to compete in the State Rescue Championships. The event involves lifesavers being assessed on their surf sports fitness, patient assessment and CPR skills and a detailed theory paper, at a state level.

Nate McKinnon took out 1st place, with Zara Richardson achieving a 4th place.  

“The club is extremely proud of Nate & Zara for representing Mackay and showing that our lifesaving skills are some of the best in the state,” said Josh Grant, Director of Surf Sports.

“They have been training for months, under experienced coaches to achieve this result.

“It is very reassuring for the club and community to have our youth not only take an interest in surf lifesaving but also excel in this at an elite level.  

“Both Nate and Zara will be heading off to the Australian titles, with Nate being the current national champion in Surf Rescue.  

“The whole club is behind them and wish them the best of luck.”

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By Josh Grant

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Photos Supplied

Caption 1: Nate McKinnon receiving his Gold State Recuse Championships medal.

Caption 2: Nate & Zara after taking out the qualifying event to get into States, hosted at Alva Beach, Ayr.

Caption 3: Nate & Zara with club stalwart & experienced official Reg Butler after taking them through their final training and assessment session.

Caption 4: Club pride - Nate displays his Mackay SLSC noddy cap and state rescue championships gold medal.

Caption 5: Nate completing his CPR skills assessment on a mannequin.

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results March 12, 2024:

Division 1:

Ferrari (Geoff Denman, Goncalo Serra, Ishan Rana) d Lexus (Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent, Barry Patterson. Geoff d Barry -12, 8, 2, -11, 9.

Mercedes (Steven Whiting, Graham Brake, Graeme Walker) d BMW (Ian McKay, Allan Edwards) 9-2. Allan d Graeme -8, 12, -6, 9, 9.

Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan, Vince Boeske) d Audi (Jason Hodda, Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake) 7-4. Tim d Lee 3, -1, -9, 9, 4.

Division 2:

Mazda (Mark Sleeman, Niro) d Hyuandi (Donna Abbott, Noreen Fredericksen) 6-3. Mark d Donna 9, 5, -8, 10.

Nissan (Will VanDeKaa, Duncan Treloar, Simon Hogan) d Kia (Doug Dungavell, Peter Goodson, Matt West) 7-4. Duncan d Matt -7, 5, 6, -7, 13.

Isuzu (George Camilleri, Steve Mathieson, Mark Stam) d Honda (Jye Callander, Leo Gilbert, Andrea Nicholson) 6-5. Andrea d George 2, 9, -6, -6, 10.

Division 3:

Ford (Misha Palod, Ollie Hamelink) d Alfa (Craig VanDeKaa, Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhaliwal) 6-5. Craig d Ollie 13, -10, 9, -5, 9.

Fiat (Aarnav Reelh, Trent Day, YiLin Jiang) d Holden (Saisha Palod, Rohit Bansod, Anaya Reelh) 6-5. Saisha d Aarnav -8, 7, 11, -5, 7.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures March 12, 2024:

Division 1:

Pumas (George Camilleri, Coral Morgan) d Leopards (Steve Mathieson, Judy Zahn) 5-4. Coral d Judy 9, -10, -7, 8, 8.

Cheetahs (Donna Abbott, Doug Dungavell, Val Austin) drew Tigers (Andrea Nicholson, Noreen Fredericksen, John McGee) 6-all. Doug d Noreen 8, -7, -8, 12, 7.

Jaguar (Branko Vucurovic, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) d Lions (Don Boettcher, Pam Joyce, Bryan Marshall) 9-3. Kev d Bryan 10, 6, -11, -9, 9.

Division 2:

Cyan (Robyn Bushell, Marie Taylor, Louise Gould) d Teal (Ken Best, Kim Challender) 8-4. Robyn d Kim 8, 10, -4, -9, 10.

Lime (Helen Ware, Fred Saliba, John Hamelink) d Aqua (Iris Grasso, Gloria Vella, Gerry Synnott) 8-4. John d Iris -8, 4, 7, -7, 8.

Division 3:

Sapphires (Pam Keune, Madge Saunders, Darryl Ross) d Emeralds (Ian Dodds, Glenda Brookes, Trish Zamparuti) 9-3. Madge d Ian -6, -6, 3, 6, 11.

Diamonds (Frank Caruana, Bill Hey, Thelma Caruana) d Rubies (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Carmel Crishaldi) 10-2. Sharon d Bill 2, -6, -5, 9, 5.

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Photo Credit: Charlie Payne

Saisha Palod in action in Tuesday night fixtures

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Saturday saw cracking AFL matches return to Airlie Beach with 2024 AFLQ Mackay Senior Preseason Carnival hosted by Whitsunday Sea Eagles at home. AFL players from across Mackay, Townsville, Moranbah and Whitsundays put on a show in the competition for the Preseason Carnival Shields.

Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Men took out the Men’s Preseason Carnival Shield in their first hit out of the year after some tight contests throughout the day saw them finish in the final.

Sea Eagles were looking forward to a tight contest with Mackay Magpies in the final however they took their bags home in a forfeit leaving Whitsunday Sea Eagles home crowd disappointed. Sea Eagles Senior Men hope to go all the way this year to take out the 2024 Premiership with history showing their Preseason Carnival success has odds in their favour.

Senior Women played out for the perpetual Barb Adamson Preseason Carnival Shield with Hermit Park Tigers going back-to-back taking out the 2024 Shield against Bakers Creek Tigers in a close and entertaining match up. Sea Eagles Senior Women had a challenging day slogging it out in wet conditions making it hard to get a run forward. Hitting the main stage for their final match they put on a show for the appreciative home crowd finishing with a win.

Sea Eagles first home game is 27th April at Whitsunday Sportspark. Whitsunday Sea Eagles train at the AFL oval in Jubilee Pocket Tuesday and Thursday nights with all welcome.

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Contributed with thanks to Kaz Morrison ; photo supplied

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Caption:

1: Hermit Park Senior Women 2024 Preseason Carnival Winners. Photo supplied

2: Sea Eagles Senior Men’s Coach Luke Sommerville with Preseason Carnival Shield

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This largely depends on the duration and intensity of the session, however there are some general guidelines to help. The longer your child is training and the higher the intensity, then the greater the energy requirement. If the session is longer than 75 minutes (again, depending on the individual child and the intensity of the session), intra-session fuelling may be necessary.

Before exercise, children should focus on fast-digesting carbohydrates such as a piece of fruit, low-fibre cereal with low-fat milk and fruit, a fruit smoothie, low-fibre bread with jam or honey, a bowl of pasta with a tomato-based sauce, crumpets or rice cakes with sliced banana and honey or raisin toast.

Limit high protein, high fat and high fibre foods that are slow digesting and are better off consumed 3 - 4 hours before exercise and post-exercise. A small snack should be encouraged if your child exercises early in the morning, approximately 30 - 60 minutes before training, followed by a full breakfast after training. High-fibre foods may cause stomach upset. Children should always practise their meal choices, timing, and exercise to ensure no stomach upset. Never introduce new foods on the day of a competition. Fuelling strategies should be practised as part of training. Furthermore, children should avoid energy drinks and prioritise water for hydration.

Contributed with thanks to Next Stars Sports Academy and EmpowerMe Nutrition & Fitness.

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The Proserpine Whitsunday Rugby Union Club is gearing up for an action-packed 2024 Season, fresh off the heels of the Women's 2023 Grand Finalists appearance and the Men's 2023 MRU Premiership win. The club is buzzing with anticipation as they welcome back both teams to the field.

Returning to the Presidency after a season away, Trent Elson is back at the helm of the Club, and alongside the Club Committee, they are excited to welcome new faces and talent into the Raiders family.

At the forefront of these exciting developments is the appointment of the new Men's Coach, Howie Rota. Bringing 20 years of coaching experience spanning from U9's to Premier Men's Rugby, Coach Rota is ready to make his mark. Having relocated from New Zealand to Airlie Beach to take up the position as Head Coach. Howie is no stranger to success, having previously coached at Waihou Rugby Club NZ and most recently with the Hamilton Suburbs Development Team, NZ.

The Raiders are thrilled to welcome Coach Rota and new talent from the Gold Coast, international recruits from France and Canada, all enhancing the team's dynamic gameplay, adding depth and diversity. The club's commitment to nurturing local talent is evident as they welcome enthusiastic young players from the Juniors, showcasing a strong community connection. Alongside returning players from last year's squad bringing invaluable experience, leadership, and continuity to the team.

A special welcome back to Nathan Sainsbury, returning as the Raiders Women's Coach. Sainsbury's influence as a key driver for Women in Rugby in MRU and Central Queensland is invaluable.

The Club extends a thank you to Matthew Twomey and Madison French for their dedication as interim co-ordinators of the Raiders Men while the Club awaited the arrival of Howie Rota.

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Next Game: 6 April in Bowen

Caption: Proserpine Whitsunday Rugby Union Club Men's Coach, Howie Rota. Photo supplied

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The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club hosted a very successful Club Championships with 48 swimmers participating. The coaches Ken Crittenden, Rylee Erickson, Shay Wilmot, and Mark Erickson were very impressed with all the swimmers.  Three swimmers set new club records and just about every swimmer achieved at least one personal best time.  Some age groups were very competitive, so it wasn’t easy to win a ribbon. The coaches would like to commend all the swimmers on their team spirit and sportsmanship.  

Congratulations to Eloise Chegwidden (8 years), Lucas Korosec (7 years) and Jacob Bell (17 years) for setting new Club Records!

Top performers winning 4 or 5 of their 5 individual events:  Jacob Bell, Tiana Bell, Eloise Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, Tora Delac, Charlie Doherty, Miller Eaves, Thomas Ganter, Indigo Harland, Remy Hedges, Ehsan Helou, Lucas Korosec, Isabella Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds, and Levi Smith.  

Top performers achieving PBs in 4 or 5 of their events: Harris Delac, Don Algie, Zane Clayworth, Declan Dichiera, Evie Doherty, Koa Harland, Ruby Harland, Jasper Korosec, Gracie Laguna, Pippa Laguna, Lily Maher, Noah Maltby, Abi Maher, Matilda Nicholes, Celeste Orenshaw, Isaac Pisaniello, Dylan Reynolds, Isabella Pisaniello, Lincoln Russell, Addie Sanders, Indi Smith, Levi Smith, Alex Trefz and Zach Trefz.  

Massive PBs achieved in medleys: In the 200m IM, Addie Sanders swam 33 second PB, Harris Delac swam 28.51 second PB and Jasper Korosec swam a 18.43 second PB. In the 100m IM, Indigo Harland swam a massive 45.75 second PB and her sister Koa swam a 13.92 second PB.  Lily Maher swam an incredible 100m Butterfly in 1.43.93, a 22.49 second PB.  

Young Cannons swam very well in the 7 years and under:  Harry Chegwidden, Bonnie Crichton, Gracie Crichton, Leo Mulliss, Jax Eaves, Indigo Harland, and Lucas Korosec.  

Congratulations to all the Cannons on their outstanding achievements this week!  Thank you very much to all the wonderful parents for their continued support!

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen. Photos supplied

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Round Five Results

Mixed A

Vipers 5 defeated In The Crear 3

Raiders A 5 defeated G.E.T. Touch 3

Mixed B

Whitmonday Eagles 10 defeated Full Boar 5

Raiders B 14 defeated Ray White 5

Stingers defeated Flame Tree Flames (forfeit)

Mixed C

Sheds N Homes 7 drew Bulls 7

Mighty Mustangs 8 defeated Untouchables 6

Mixed Juniors

Raiders Purple 7 defeated Raiders Blue 3

Hamo Rent 8 defeated Raiders Green 5

Whitsunday Touch Football is thrilled to have a dedicated Junior Mixed Touch Competition this year.

Available to girls and boys aged 6 to 12 years, the competition is where Junior Touch Players learn the rules of the game, develop individual touch skills and team patterns of attack and defence.

The Juniors are an important part of the Club’s Footy for Fun culture.

All Junior games are held from 6.00pm to 6.50pm.

Queensland Touch Football will be running a Touch Skills Program during the June/July school holidays.  The program is targeted to girls and boys aged 6 to 11 years.

This program will be a fantastic development opportunity for all the present players.  It will also be a great initiation for new players who can then join the new Junior Competition that starts immediately after the June/July holidays.

Details of the Queensland Touch Football Skills Program will be available soon.

A huge thank you to all the referees who joined us for a pre-game meeting this week. Your participation is greatly appreciated as we work on improving and refining our referee team. We're grateful to have you as part of our club!

Contributed with thanks to Alita DeBrincat ; photo supplied

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After three rounds of washed out games, finally Whitsunday United hit the fields with some great results over the weekend.

On Friday night, the Divisional Men hosted Dolphins at Whitsunday Sports Park. While WUFC Divison 2 men scored in the first half and had other chances, the youth of the Dolphins team began to take its toll Dolphins scored late in the second half, ending in a 1-1 draw.

With the Whitsunday Division 1 team one of the strongest ever fielded, the end score was 20-2 to the Whitsundays, with the Dolphins commendably fighting hard all the way to the end.

On Saturday the U15 Division 1 was an entertaining game. Whitsundays scored first with a goal to Oliver Shulz. Wanderers equalised early in the second half. Good defence kept the score locked at    1-1. Cody Hocking won Man of the match.

The Women also enjoyed a great weekend with both securing victory over Mackay Wanderers. The Premier Reserves squad ground out a well deserved 2-0 win, whilst the Premier Women took control early and took a 10-0 win. In that match Akema bagged a hat-trick.

The Premier Men’s Squads didn’t fare so well against the bolstered Magpie’s Squads who were dominant in both games. The Premier Men lost 5-0 with some great saves from Luke Nightingale keeping the score in check. In Reserves: Magpies won 8 nil.

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Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic ; Photo supplied

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U15 Div 1’s Cody Williams taking the ball forward.

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Whitsunday Women in action against Wanderers

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Abell Point Yacht Club’s next monthly sail is this Easter Weekend.

Departing from the Abell Point Yacht Club this Good Friday, join the crew.

Once departed, you will travel towards Cid Harbour, when there, gather on the beach with your fellow sailors.

Enjoy a barbecue, games, chats, adventures or lounging on the beach.

After Cid Harbour, you’ll be travelling to more of the beautiful islands the Whitsundays has to offer.

Long Island or South Molle Island are next up, the island of choice will be dependent on the weather.

There is no cost, and everyone is welcome to join, yachts, power boats and young and old.

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Register now by using the email that follows: abellpointyc@gmail.com 

For further information or questions please visit: abellpointyc.com.au

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A special new initiative is about to begin for women and girls, commencing on Tuesday 2 April and running for five weeks. 

The hours 10am to 12pm, were selected to enable women to manage family commitments and school hours.

During school holidays students are welcome to join in too. Bowls are available at the club.

Very young children will be given soft rubber bowls to play with. The club has a good supply of bowls suitable for all ages and capabilities.

Tuesday winners were Lyn Graham and Dawn Dowell.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls, where the jackpot wasn’t won, saw Shane Spann and his team playing awesome and easily won on the day. Betty Whitehorn won the prestigious Health Hub award.

Sunday afternoon saw Peter Barrett’s team of Paul Osborne and Keith Bates close winners over the rest of the field, whilst Rick Galea won the Health Hub award well deserved to our groundskeeper.

The Airlie Beach bowls club conducts coaching every Monday and Thursday afternoon between 4pm and 5pm for anyone interested in learning to play lawn bowls.

Watch this space for further details about the school students' competition. The final winners have the chance of going to Brisbane to play off.

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Results of Club Rinks Competition: Andy Peebles, Lee Welsted, Jason Wright and Mitch Wright defeated Lou Fordham, Helen Jacobsen, John Trembath and Shane Spann.

Sunday Social: I. Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle, Gavin Charles defeated A.Delic, Allen Williams, Jane Gilbert. L.Kruger, Peter Bruce, Ron Gould.

Wednesday Social: B.Neal, Allen Williams and Doc Fordham defeated MaryEllen Pratten, R.Rodda, Jane Gilbert. Ray Muir, Robyn Stitt and Wendy Coles defeated I Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle, Glen.

Friday March 22 is the last night of Corporate Bowls for this round.

Results of Club Singles: Wayne Crowhurst defeated Helen Jacobsen. Jason Wright defeated Wayne Crowhurst. Steve Roome defeated Lou Fordham. Kevin Daniels defeated Doc Fordham. Kevin Daniels defeated Brett Lampard. Gavin Charles defeated Jason Wright. Steve Roome defeated Andy Peebles. Wendy Coles defeated Tracy Roach. Gus Munro defeated Steve Roome. Gus Munro defeated Kevin Daniel’s.

Club Pairs: J.Trembath, Shane Spann defeated Doc Fordham, Lloyd White.

Sunday Social: W.Jones, Gavin Charles defeated L.Kruger, Corrine Dibnah. Keith Kirk, Kevin G, Gus Munro defeated Gordo, Jane Gilbert, K. Leverton. Ron Gould, Wendy Coles defeated Ron Muir, Jodie G.

Wednesday Social: I Thatcher, Jane Gilbert, Ron Gould defeated MaryEllen Pratten, Ray Muir, Gordo.

The Ladies Fours Tournament annual event was a great success with 16 teams of 4 competing. A big thankyou to Industry Fire Services, Precise Plumbing, S&W Crane Hire who were the Sponsors for the event.

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Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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1: The 16 teams that participated in the Ladies Fours Tournament

2: 1st place Winners were Michele Stockton, Leanne Lewis, Carmel Kirwan, Jo Inch with Peter Bruce for Precise Plumbing

3: 2nd place winners were Lee Shears, Wanda Goodwin, Donna Ware, Kaos with Helen Jacobsen for Industry Fire Services

4: 3rd place winners were Ladda Purdie, Margo Stanley, Betty Whitehorn, Betty Nicolle with Lee Welsted from S&W Crane Hire

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Players were lucky to get a break in the weather for Wednesday's Social Bowls and Saturday for the beginning of the Men's Competition for 2024. 

On Wednesday with all the rain prior, we had 5 players for Social Bowls. Heather Brown played double lead.  Heather, Dale Haack and Sandy Daffara defeated Heather, Philip Brown and Peter Lawton 22 - 14.  There were no Social Bowls played on Sunday due to heavy rain on Sunday morning.

On Saturday in Club Championship Singles Luchie Gardel defeated Jonathan Bye 25 – 14. Shane Kinnear defeated Stephen Summers 25-1. Peter Lawton defeated Gavin Noonan 27-18. Barry Saroglia defeated Vince Olsen 25-16.  In Club Championship Fours, Shane Kinnear, Todd Leys, Scott Hamilton and Gavin Milne defeated Bruce Uhe, Vince Olsen, Barry Zillmann and Dale Haack 25 - 11.  In "B" Singles, Peter Lawton defeated Kendall Watts 25 - 15.  The game of Club Championship Singles between David Ling and Andrew Bell against Bryan Davy and Luchie Gardel was suspended after one end played when one of the players got an urgent recall to work. That game will be completed by mutual agreement at the earliest opportunity.

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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club.

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