Ian Schifilitti was renowned for his dedication and work ethic as a professional rugby league journeyman.

The industrious forward – who represented Italy at the Rugby League World Cup – was highly regarded during his playing career in the Townsville region and English Super League for his tenacity, courage, ball play and copybook defence.

Those admirable traits have rubbed off on his St Patrick’s College Mackay team that has just secured the minor premiership in the Aaron Payne Cup.

The all-conquering Mackay colts edged out Kirwan State High 22-16 to extend their winning streak and set up a semi-final showdown this week with St Augustine’s Cairns.

While proud of his charges’ efforts during a crippling injury crisis, the respected mentor faces a selection headache in the finals with ten key players returning to bolster the team.

“Reducing my 30-man squad to 17 remains a difficult proposition with so many of our fringe players stepping up in recent weeks to push their claims,” coach Schifilitti revealed.

St Patrick’s College can now claim to be the powerbase of northern Queensland school rugby league after wrapping up both the Aaron Payne Cup and Year 10 Cowboys Challenge minor premierships and the Girls team finishing runners up at the QISSRL Confraternity Shield Carnival.

The College is on track to secure a championship double with both sides preserving their undefeated records after rousing victories over Kirwan State High in Townsville.

Boosted by the return of Queensland Schoolboys reps Xavier Kerrisk and Jaxon Purdue and a slick display by centre Will Shears, the Mackay giants grabbed a psychological edge over their rivals.

It has been a tremendous team effort by the senior Mackay colts who have all contributed to the minor title with courageous performances.

Promising fullback Hayden Cumming, wingers Bailey Anderson and Hunter Harris, centres Tenzin Contor, Will Whippy and Reuben Saron, five eighth Bailey Venz and forwards Darcy Clark, Tyler Shandiman, Diesel Costigan, Jake Bryan, Kayne Smith, Hudson Clark and Cohen Jackson, Darcy Daly, utility Nelson Fenlon, Javan Ramsamy, Harrison Considine, Mikey Hinchy, Lachlan Starr and Jack Townsend have also shown dedication to training and a will to win despite the College fielding depleted line-ups.

“We even had to blood 15-year-old forward prospect Mark Morrow in the top grade and he rose to the challenge,” said Schifilitti.

“I am just so proud of their commitment and the energy they take into each game,” he added.

Morrow, who has signed a three-year contract with the Canberra Raiders, is one of the big guns in a powerful and hungry St Patrick’s Year 10 team that is on the prowl for another Cowboys Challenge Shield title.

Coach Tom Gaviglio has the side in tip-top form.

Having conceded only three tries in this campaign, the St Patrick’s outfit are warm favourites to sink Mackay State High in this week’s semi-final and book a berth in this year’s Grand Final.

Talented half back Adam McSherry, centre Norm Campbell, lock Caleb O’Brien, Queensland Under 15s prop Sam Anderson and hooker Cooper Deguara led the way in a 28-0 victory over Kirwan High.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College senior rugby league coach Ian Schifilitti is proud of his squad’s efforts in claiming the Aaron Payne Cup minor premiership

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A Mackay junior made his National Rugby League debut on the weekend, scoring the opening try for the Parramatta Eels in their round 23 win against the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Taking the field on the wing, Arthur Miller-Stephen scored in the left-hand corner just nine minutes into his first NRL game as the Eels went on to win 26-20 at CommBank Stadium, Sydney.

The 19-year-old, who played for Brothers Bulldogs Junior Rugby League and Mackay Cutters and attended Mackay State High School, has represented Queensland at both Under 16s and Under 18s levels.

Primarily a fullback, Miller-Stephen has been climbing the Parramatta ranks, spending most of last season in the NSW Under 21 competition, the Jersey Flegg Cup.

He made his NSW Cup debut in round 3 of the 2023 season and has appeared in seven NSW Cup games for the Eels, scoring three tries and contributing three try assists, 15 tackle busts and one line break, alongside an average of 134 running metres per game.

His junior club shared their elation on Facebook ahead of the young gun’s debut.

“We are all so very proud of him,” Brothers Bulldogs Junior Rugby League posted on social media.

“He has always been such a great kid, and was always an excellent ambassador for our club.

“Congratulations Arthur!”

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Arthur Miller-Stephen scored a try nine minutes into his debut for the Parramatta Eels. Photo supplied: Parramatta Eels

Miller-Stephen played his junior footy for Brothers Bulldogs Junior Rugby League. Photo supplied: Brothers Bulldogs Junior Rugby League Mackay QLD

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles travelled to Bakers Creek on Saturday to take on the Tigers with some great results.

Sea Eagles Senior Men have hit their straps at the right time of year with five wins in a row after smashing Bakers Creek Tigers 111 – 15.

Sea Eagles had more polish going forward with Leigh Sartori and Brayden Wall continuing to give options, take marks and kick goals.

Sea Eagles back line was superb with Mitchell Healey in dominating form across half back. Sea Eagles Senior Men take on Swans this Saturday for a challenge leading into finals.

Sea Eagles Senior Women worked hard against the Tigers however the scoreboard could not reflect the effort and skill put in by the entire team losing 18 – 61.

Sea Eagles and Bakers Creek Under 17s clashed for the fourth time this season with Sea Eagles keen to put in a solid performance after their last close encounter.

From opening bounce to final siren, the Sea Eagles group ran and linked up with some outstanding passages of footy winning 67 – 7 (adj).

Sea Eagles Under 14s bounced back to play a great game against the Tigers this week running different players through the midfield and taking the opportunity to mix it up with a convincing win 66 – 6 (adj).

Sea Eagles Under 12s took on North Mackay Saints in damp and swirling conditions at Bakers Creek coming away victorious 59 – 7.

Holding off a Saints resurgence in the second term a healthy margin was intact at half time enabling Sea Eagles to take out the game in the wet.

This Saturday 12th August sees the closing round of the home and away season before a week off prior to finals.

Sea Eagles Senior Men take on Swans in Mackay at 1:50pm whilst Senior Women and Junior teams trek out to Moranbah with games from 9:15am.

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Blake Tissington U17s

Tayla Oliver Senior Women. Photo Credit: Cody Fowler

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Although we are still in the middle of our winter sport season, Proserpine Junior Cricket is busy planning and preparing for the start of Australia’s sport season.

Proserpine Cricket is excited to announce the popular, free All Girls Program is back on 14th August 2023, running over 4 weeks.

Open to girls aged 4-12 years of all abilities, learn skills and Australia's game in a supportive and friendly environment, with qualified and experienced female coaches.

Proserpine Junior Cricket is passionate about the participation of girls in cricket.

Cricket is quickly becoming a popular sport for women and girls with mountains of opportunities, and over the last 5 years, our female membership has increased from 2 to over 30.

Proserpine Junior Cricket's girls have been invited each year to help open the Women's Big Bash in Mackay and meet their cricketing idols and have appeared on TV each time (including Kayo Sports).

To register for the free Girls Program head to: http://bit.ly/3Yp6zPq

The Proserpine Junior Cricket Association’s Annual General Meeting was held last month with a great turn out of members.

The AGM reflected on a successful previous season and saw the welcome of new members. The meeting also saw the voting in of the new committee for the 2023-24 season welcoming Mark Valmadre (President), Michael Hope (Vice President), Sharon Valmadre (Secretary) and Jess Hope (Treasurer).

The Club thanks the previous committee, coaches, and volunteers for their hard work throughout last season.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Junior Cricket Association.

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Proserpine Junior Cricket Girls with Brisbane Heat

Join the Junior Cricket league now for the summer season. Photos supplied

It was a do or die scenario for both teams on Saturday, as the Kuttabul Camel Boks travelled to Whitsunday Sportspark to take on the Whitsunday Raiders.

This was going to be a battle of the titans to see who progressed into the Grand final of the MRU competition.

Kuttabul are renowned for their strength in their forward pack and the Raiders were going to have to fight hard for the win.

The scoreboard changed a few times during the first half with Kuttabul having the wind behind them, they kept forging forward, but the Raiders defence had its usual solid form and the men in green repelled numerous attacks.

The half time score being 11-10 to the visitors, thanks to a try by winger Rhys Ward and a penalty goal, as well as the conversion to Niall Clancy keeping the game tight.

With the wind at their back for the second half, the Raiders used this advantage to turn the Boks around and put pressure on their defensive line.

Niall Clancy managed to slot another penalty through the sticks around the 60-minute mark and the backs throwing the ball around with confidence, it was Rhys Ward again going over in the corner after a kick and chase that saw the Raiders take a 20-11 lead going into the last 15 minutes of the preliminary final.

With a bit of frustration coming from this pressure the Raiders were putting on the Kuttabul men, it was Niall Clancy again who put the Raiders further in front with another penalty to end the game 23 -11 victors.

So, for the third year in a row the Whitsunday Raiders find themselves in another grand final, kicking off at BB print stadium Mackay 4pm this Saturday.

The men in green hope to see all our loyal supporters and sponsors at the game to cheer then on.  

Caption: Rhys Ward going in for his first of a double for the day. Photo credit: Hanny Spence Photography

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We have had a great deal of rain this winter, however here at our little club the precipitation was in the form of tears as we lost one of the greats on Thursday night when our own Nik Fernbach finally succumbed to the big C and passed away sadly on Thursday night.

Nik was a true gentleman and a wonderful clubman, helping all the new players find their feet and a multiple club champion with too many titles to write about including Champion of Champions titles as well.

Nik was a former architect and came to our club in 2013 and was admired by one and all.

He never complained about his illness, and always had a big smile beaming from his fabulous heart of gold and had a fantastic ‘never give in’ attitude.

Words cannot express the huge loss and void that we all will miss without his presence at our little family club.

The district has lost a true champion with one of the club’s legends, one of nature's wonderful gentlemen gone but will never ever be forgotten by all his friends at the ABBC.

We all will be thinking about his beautiful family that he has left behind and we all will be left lamenting his absence.

Vale Nik Fernbach.

Tuesday afternoon bowls saw the team of Tony Whitehorn with Pip Heddles at lead and Alan Pershouse at second easily account for the rest of the field with an effortless victory, with Col Morris taking home the prestigious Health Hub Award.

Sunday afternoon saw Betty Whitehorn as skipper lead her team of Demika Quip at lead showing her enormous potential with Keith Bates at second comfortably account for the rest of the players with a commanding performance, whilst Dawn Dowell take home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Finally, the Champion of Champions Mens Pairs was being played at the Marian Bowls Club, with a fantastic win by our own Manny Isgro and Harry Quod with a great victory over Seaforth in the final.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Our Champion bowler Nik Fernbach. Photo supplied

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On Wednesday and Thursday Proserpine hosted the MDLBA Champion of Champion Pairs.  

The weather wasn't always kind but through the goodwill of all involved and the work done on the green in preparation, the event went through with only the one rain enforced stoppage.  

Great bowls were played throughout the two days with each and every game being played with utter commitment to the task at hand.  

Winners were the Airlie Beach team of Carol Crosbie and Betty Nicolle, backing up last year's win in this event, Runners Up were the Seaforth team of Thelma Barfield and Jean Blackburn.  

On Sunday we welcomed visitors from Airlie Beach, St George's Basin, and Swan Hill.  

John Burnett, Carol Smith and Heather Brown defeated Lee King, Philip Brown and Lindsay Flood 26 - 6;  Arthur Griffith, Bruce Uhe and Neville Smith defeated Alen Sanderson, Peter Lawton and Sandy Daffara 24 - 21;  Kayla, Martin Corr and Warren Mills defeated Juanita Matterson, Stacy Hadlow and John Matterson 15 - 9.

On Saturday Philip Brown (subbing for Isaac Elliott) and Andrew Bell played in the Champion of Champion Pairs at Marian.  

Our boys led throughout the game to be passed in the last end being defeated by Seaforth 15 - 17.  

Heather Brown will be playing in the Champion of Champion Singles being held at St Helens on Thursday and Friday this week.  

This event was rescheduled from July 25 and 26 when we had the beginnings of the heavy rain.  Let's hope that we get a reprieve from wet weather for a while.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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This week most of the jackpots went off so there were a lot of happy bowlers.

Monday’s winners were D Richards, R Agg, and S Roome defeated Merle, Izzy, and I Wheeler.

Runners Up were J Steele, R Barr-kemp, and K Armstrong defeated J Velten, P Howie, and M Ritchie.

On Tuesday winners were S Pearson, K Russo, and M Loughhead defeated B Tolcher, M Gleeson, and M Hyde.

Runners Up R Mumby, H Donoghue, L Jackson, and P Aykens defeated A Kayser, D Hallas, P Madden, and B Russo.

Winners for our Fun Friday afternoon were C Bellingham, G Yates, and K Joynes defeated J Breakwell, K S/Collins, and G Crawford.

Runners Up J Romanis, L Harris, and J Gibbs defeated R Murrell, Mark Col, and Taylor.

Friday night barefoot bowls was back on this week with a great sausage sizzle.

Winners for the night were Bamby, Deb, Helen, and Ally defeated Bruce, Bob, Evan, Ian Martin, and Gus defeated Frank, James, and Dennis.

Some of our ladies played in the Ayr Classic Triples this week and played extremely well with Penny Warren’s team of Jacinta Wallace and Denise Wallace winning the event.

Fely Duncan’s team of Robyn Stitt and Lyn Danvers coming in second.  Well done ladies.    

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Winners of Ayr Classic Triples: Penny Warren Denise Wallace Jacinta Wallace

Sunday's Winners Tracey Trophy: (Sponsor) Pat Tracey Glen Harvey Carol Bellingham Keith Aykens  Neil Tracey (Sponsor). Photos supplied

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With only 3 rounds remaining in the regular season, points were at a premium on Sunday at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club. Every player was looking to jockey into position for a final push towards this year’s finals series.

Only 4 of Sundays matches were from round 17, the remaining 5 were rescheduled fixtures from earlier in the season.

In round 17, Jamie Maher defeated a very spirited Hawkeye Rick 7/5, Hawkeye lead for much of that match, and Gary Robbie defeated Art McMinn by the same 7/5 scoreline.

Joe Wilson and Jamie Woods both had 7/0 wins over Jayden Lloyd and Andy Peel respectively.

In the catch-up games from previous rounds, Joe Wilson defeated Hawkeye Rick 7/1, Kameron Reason beat Jayden Lloyd by 7/1, and Andy Peel won his contest against Gary Robbie 7/3.

Joe Wilson beat Jayden Lloyd for the second time on the day, this time by 7/2, and Jamie Woods had it a little bit tougher against Andy Peel in their second bout of the afternoon, same result just a different scoreline, Woodsy winning this one 7/3.

Both Jayden Lloyd and Joe Wilson hit a 180 apiece, and the highest checkout of the day went to Gary Robbie for his very nice 120.

Thank you to our sponsors Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, and a special thanks to Master Butchers Whitsunday & MBW On the Barbie for donating a meat tray to raffle off on the day, thank you very much!

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

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Andy Peel in action staring down the board on Sunday morning at the Bowls Club. Photo supplied

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stroke event for the August midweek monthly medals sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Joy Hose 67 nett, runner up Debbie Cantwell 67 nett.

Men’s winner Peter May 66 nett, runner up on a countback Benny Bon 68 nett.

Sunday's competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Men’s winner Glenn Bianco 40pts, runner up Robert Byles 39pts.  

Ladies’ winner Chris Heinrich 41pts, runner up Leanne Swan 40pts.

COMING UP

This weekend's competitions begin on Saturday with a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Home Hardware.  

Sunday is the 27-hole mixed foursomes’ event, sponsored by Refrigerated Technologies.  

Joker is worth $4100.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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More wet and trying conditions at golf this week but this didn't stop the players though!

The Proserpine Open Weekend was very busy with the weather finally clearing by Sunday.

The Women's Open was won by Nudgee player Sheree Hasson, with Trish McNeill of Proserpine runner up.

The Mixed Open was won by Mary Ann Harrigan and Mitch Thomas of Mackay Golf Club, with Leanne Alexander and Darren Reynolds claiming second place.

The Men's Open was won by Ryan Wilkes of Proserpine Golf Club with Jon Miller, also Proserpine Golf Club winning runner up.

Congratulations to the winners of all grades.

Thank you to all who contributed over the weekend and especially to our sponsors, Whitsunday Food Service, Beaumont Tiles and Reef Gateway Hotel.

Lyn Muller won the August PD Law Monthly Medal on Wednesday, ahead of Pauline Redpath and Ann Gardel.

NTP Winners: Rehab Hull, Trish McNeill and Pauline Redpath.

The Venue Smart Thursday Monthly Medal Division one winner was John Roser on a countback from Ryan Wilkes.

Paul Nicol was the Division two winner from Jim Cochrane.

NTP Winners: Brendan Spann, Gary Scotford, Ryan Wilkes and Sam Deicke.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.

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What a cracking day out there today with 73 Veteran Golfers taking part in the Whitsunday Group competition hosted by Proserpine Golf Course.  

The Ladies’ winner today was Elspeth Scotford on a countback from Mandy Patterson, each with a very commendable 31 points.

Jacqui Wall, Heather Luvis, and Helen Deighton took the next 3 places with 30 points each with Julie Williams next with 29 points on a countback from Robyn Whitham.

The winner in the men’s competition was Geoff Harrison with 35 points, a clear winner from the runner-up, Louis Neethling on 34 points on a countback from Gary Scotford, Vic Feldman and Frank Broucek and Perry David.

Next on 33 points were Steve Mitchell and Barry Shuwalow followed by Neil Cawthorne, Larry Muller and John Roser on 32 points.

Good scoring fellas.  

Next Tue 8/8 is Day 2 of Wintersun at PGC and 15/8 is Wintersun in Mackay. Good luck to everyone playing in the carnival, let's hope for fine weather.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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Geoff Harrison, Elspeth Scotford, Mandy Patterson, and Louis Neethling. Photo supplied

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This week’s 9-hole stableford competition saw Donna Henderson take the win with 23 pts, second Glenn Rees on 21 pts and third place with 20 pts Sacha Walton.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Kerrin Taylor take a win with 22 pts, second with 20 pts was Paula Wronski and third place with 19 pts was Fred Tammist.

On Sunday we had our 18-hole stableford which Dean Barnard first place with 42 pts, second place with 41 pts was Elise Hodgson and third was Danny York with 40 pts.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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Dean Barnard. Photo supplied

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What a wonderful weekend we had celebrating 50 years at our Two Day Annual on the 22nd and 23rd July.

Record numbers of 69 shooters travelled from Burdekin, Charters Towers, Gympie, Mersey, and Spring Bay – Tasmania, Mackay and Sarina, Tamworth, and Silkwood to compete over the weekend.  

We started our weekend off with a social Friday night BBQ followed by a big breakfast Saturday morning prepared by Geoff, Andrew, Kerry, and Jeannie to get everyone ready for a big day of competition.

After the completion of Day One everyone settled in for a friendly get together.

The ladies in the kitchen did not disappoint with the amazing dinner they prepared for Saturday night, and everyone had a wonderful time being entertained by Geoff and his music.  

President Bill Gall read out the Minutes from the first meeting ever held on the 13th November, 1973 and Greg Maltby gave an informative speech regarding the history of the club.  

Alan Maltby one of the founding members of the club attended the Presentation on Sunday to present the Maltby Family Memorial trophy to the winners.

On Sunday we started all over again beginning with a hearty breakfast.  

The wind had picked up making for some challenging competition during the day.  

Lui Populin made a presentation to Lachlan Furini for the Encouragement Award and Jackson Zarb was presented with a small gift of appreciation for all his hard work over the weekend helping out with the traps etc.

All overall and first place winners were presented with an engraved Yeti celebrating our 50 Year Anniversary.

Bill and Kerry Gall, Colin and Cheryl Edgerton were both honoured and surprised to be presented with a beautifully engraved Yeti water bottle by the members of the club for all their hard and tireless work that they have dedicated to the club over the years.

The weekend was a huge success and what a way to celebrate our fifty years, it was great to see everyone pitching in and helping out from the Office, Canteen, Kitchen as well as the traps, clubhouse etc, too many to name individually but your support is very much appreciated.  

We would like to thank our Sponsors Whitsunday Regional Council, Abbot Point Operations, Greg Maltby, Lui Populin, Pilcher Industries, Corrsafe, Diamond Protective Coating, Michael and Susie Populin and Grant Cox for your support.

Our next day of competition will be held on Sunday 27 August.

Contributed with thanks to Cheryl and Colin Edgerton.

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High Guns Sponsored by Michael and Susie Populin Back L-R M Populin OA J Sebastiani, AA G Rea, A G Vassalini, B A Ford, C T Bartlett, Front L-R Jnr R Zarb, Lad B Rea, Vet A Lord

Ev 1 30T Medley sponsored by Whitsunday Regional Council Back L-R J Furini, T Caruso, B Rea, K Green, T Bartlett, A Vassalini, A Lord   Front L-R A Lemphers, B Beazley, B McBow, B Bonanno, R Zarb

Ev 2 30T PS C'ship Sponsored by Abbot Point Operations Back L-R A Ford, Presenter N Munro, A Lemphers, R Warwick, K Green, L Hopkins, T Caruso, R Mikkelsen Front L-R G Rea, K Zarb, B McBow, B Bonanno, R Zarb

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This week, the rain paused and 104 great people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course.

28 participants were first timers and 9 recorded new Personal Bests.

Milestones celebrated included; Penelope and River completed their 10th parkruns, Addison completed her 25th parkrun and Jarrod has volunteered for 25 weeks.

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Photos supplied

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