On Saturday May 4th and Sunday 5th Airlie Beach will host one of the largest outrigger regattas in the North Queensland Zone. Some 300 competitors will be in town to race across a two day program.
Saturday will commence with the VA-A Moana Shute Harbour to Airlie Beach Marathon, an 18km OC6 event sponsored by Tassal Seafood.
This event is likely to challenge the fitness of all competitors. The first of the crews will leave Shute Harbour at 11am and are expected at the Lagoon Beach from 1.30pm onwards.
Sunday will be an action packed program, conducted from the Lagoon Beach, commencing at 6.45am and running all day.
A significant highlight of the day will be the junior events commencing at 8.15am, with races including sprints and longer distances.
Junior presentations will take place on the beach at approximately 2.15pm. Spectators are encouraged to come along and enjoy the fun.
Food will be available on site and the racing is always exciting and entertaining.
Senior presentations will take place at Banjo’s Bar and Bistro commencing at 7pm and will include music and entertainment.

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A strong fleet of 21 yachts participated in last Wednesday’s Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race, conducted in an 18 knot south easterly breeze. Although the breeze was shifting in direction, the course selected by the race committee suited the majority of boats.
 
First away were Division 2, and while the fleet was jostling for position, a gap appeared that allowed Wide Load (Shannan Hart) to charge through to take the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize.  Once clear of the starting line, Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) held a slender lead over Black Jack (Michel Van Der Zwaard) and QMS Ponyo (John Galloway), with Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) also in the picture.  By lap 2, Black Jack had hit the lead, while Smooth Criminal moved into 3rd place.  Behind them, Reignition (Charles Wallis) and Houdini (Robert Meizer) swapped places several times before Reignition finally took control.  After 3 laps, the positions had settled, with Black Jack winning comfortably by 2 minutes over Bobby’s Girl.  On corrected time, Wide Load took the honours by 3 seconds over QMS Ponyo, with Black Jack a further 15 seconds back.
 
Division 3 saw Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) lead the fleet away before being overtaken by Good Vibes (Robert Holm).  As the leader sprinted away, a three-way battle ensued between Masquerade, Rossgo (Greg Hammon) and Symbiosis (Anne Ross), with little to separate these three throughout the two lap race.  Behind them, there was a steady gap back to Shiraz (John Cable), Riff Raff (Dan White) and Lighthorse (Di Forster).  On corrected time, Symbiosis took the honours over Masquerade and Good Vibes.
 
Division 1 saw three trimarans competing, with G’nome (David Chittleborough) leading throughout.  Frankie (Joanne Norbury) was second throughout the race, while It’s All Good (Ric Burnup) completed the trio.  The results were unchanged after handicaps were applied.

The Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight series continues every Wednesday with racing commencing at 4:30pm. Limited crewing positions may be available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30pm (limited spots available). Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results.

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Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

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The annual Warri Cup race, also known as the Chris Taylor Memorial race, was sailed in near perfect conditions on Sunday 14 April, with a strong fleet of 21 boats competing.  The race course involved a 30 nautical mile race from Pioneer Bay around Langford Reef, which is located just to the south of Hayman Island.  With the wind from the south-east, this allowed for a competitive but enjoyable race for all types of yachts.
 
The fleet was split into 3 divisions, with the non-spinnaker division first away.  10 boats competed in this division, ranging from a 47-foot cruiser, Mon Jouet, through to a 20-foot trailable yacht, Norbert G, with the majority of the fleet around 40 feet in length.  The race out and back was largely uneventful, with the breeze hovering around 18 – 20 knots, which encouraged many in the fleet to reduce sail by reefing.  First home was Mon Jouet (Michael Butler), with Twister (Kevin Fogarty) and Riff Raff (Dan White) not far behind.  It was great to see Symbiosis (Anne Ross) mixing it mid fleet as they got to learn about competing in their first boat. Although the first boats home completed the course in three and a half hours, it took the last boats over 5 hours to complete the course.  On corrected time, Riff Raff took the honours, with Norbert G (Ghigo Gasalini) second and Mon Jouet just 1 second back in third.
 
The spinnaker division started 5 minutes later with 5 regular WSC boats competing for bragging rights.  While the wind was perfect for a fast spinnaker run, the direction made it unsuitable to fly a spinnaker, although Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) did have a brief attempt before abandoning the idea.  This meant that the boats were all on equal terms, with Smooth Criminal (Iyas Shaheen) first home, with Bobby’s Girl two minutes after.  The corrected time results were the same as the line honours results, with Smooth Criminal first, Bobby’s Girl second and Reignition (Charles Wallis) third.
 
The multi hull division saw 5 boats on the starting line, however Endless Summer (Tony Mahood) retired soon after with equipment damage.  The fastest boat around the course was G’nome (Terry Archer), with Incognito (Brent Ireland) second and It’s All Good (Rick Burnup) third.  The smallest boat in the fleet, Malfunction (Mal Ward), completed the course with a few equipment issues, but managed to take the corrected time win by just 1 second over G’nome after almost 4 hours of racing.
 
Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results.
 
Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

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Over the weekend, 130 swimmers participated at the Cannonvale Cannons SC Transition Meet.  The 50 Cannons who competed had a very successful and fun weekend.  All the coaching team – Mark Erickson, Ken Crittenden, Rylee Erickson, Jarrod Keys, Kate Thomson, and Shay Wilmot enjoyed watching all the Cannons race and were very impressed with the swimmers and their achievements.  

The highlight of the carnival was the SKINS events.  Swimmers were very excited to be selected for the SKINS and the chance to win cash prizes.  

On Sunday morning, the Cannons celebrated the birthdays of Indi Smith, Addie Sanders, and Eloise Chegwidden with a very delicious cake.  

There were so many fantastic achievements – swimmers who swam PBs, achieved A grade times, won ribbons/ribbons or swimmers in the SKINS events.  

Highlights:  Don Algie (11 years) won 11 events and achieved a massive 61 second PB in his 400m IM.  Jacob Bell (17 years) won 9 events and swam 11PBs.  Eloise Chegwidden, Anisa Helou, Ehsan Helou, Tora Delac, Zach Trefz and Jax Clayworth won most of their events and swam PBs throughout the meet.  Harry Chegwidden (6 yrs), Miranda Palmero (7yrs), Holly Perrin (16yrs), Isabella Pisaniello (13yrs) and Jax Eaves (7 yrs) achieved top placings in all their events. Isabella swam the biggest PB which was 99.83 second in her 200m Backstroke. Declan Dichiera’s best swim was his 200m Freestyle which he swam in a time of 2.50.19 which was a 26.09 secomd PB.  Charlie Doherty, Addie Sanders, Levi Smith, and Miller Eaves smashed all their events, swimming PBs in every event.  One of Charlie’s best swims was his 200m Breaststroke which he won in a time of 3.30.32, a 17.44 second PB.  Thomas Ganter swam massive PBs in his 200m Breaststroke(1st), 200m Backstroke (1st) , 400m Freestyle and 200m Freestyle (1st).  Millie Groom (14 yrs) swam a brilliant 400m Freestyle in a time of 5.44.57 to earn 2nd place and a huge 33.49 second PB.  

Congratulations to all the Cannons for a successful weekend of swimming!  A big thank you to all the wonderful parents and volunteers.  

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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An almost perfect round for Whitsunday United FC with 9 or 10 teams winning on the weekend.
The Divisional men’s run of good form continues with Div 1 running out comfortable winners against Sarina. Goals to Cy Taylor, Aaron and an own goal gave them a 3-0 win but with the chances created it could have been more. Div 2 won a tight game as both teams battled it out. Two goals from James and one from Tim secured the 3 points.

The U13 Div1 played Magpies in Mackay. Charlie scored 4 goals and Eli G outstanding in defense, leading to a score of 4-2.

The Under-13 WUFC Prem won against the Dolphins 2-1. The entire team, demonstrated remarkable teamwork, and a special mention to Eli G who played 2 full matches!

U15 Div 1 came up against Lions Green side in an exciting game played in a fantastic spirit.
The first half was very even with Cody and Sarah scoring goals for WUFC. The Lions also scored two goals to send the teams in at 2-2 at half time. The second half was a physical affair with Lions Dominant in possession and scoring 3 unanswered goals to finish the game with a 2-5 loss.

A well-deserved win for our u15 prem this week against Country United. They attacked confidently from the start and played with determination and heart throughout. A much-needed goal from Luka Miller in the second half found us the momentum we needed. Solid performances from Logan Burke and Byron Goodin in defence kept the final score to 2-1.

The Women’s U23 side cemented their place at the summit of the table with a hard fought 2-0 win over Country with goals from Mabel and Lauren backed by solid defence from Lahni. The side is now 2 points clear on the table with a game in hand!.
Premier ladies also came out on top against Country this weekend. The ladies were in control for much of the game however goals were elusive. Eventually Steph opened the scoring, finishing a cross put in by Alice. The ladies went into the second half 1-0 up and determined to get ahead by a few more. Finals score was 3-0 win to Whitsunday ladies.

Our Men's Premiers and Reserve travelled to Wanderers in what proved to be a crazy two games.
Our premiers ended up winning 8-4 after going 2-0 early in the first half showing great determination not only to come from behind but to slot a massive 8 goals. Our Men's Reserves started the game very slowly but an opening goal from Zac Kelley sparked the game into life with Wanderers scoring twice to lead 2-1. The team rallied and the quality began to shine with Zac completing a hat trick and Sam Blake slotting from the penalty spot to bring home 3 points.

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Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

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U15 Prems happy with a well deserved win.

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Proserpine Whitsunday Junior Rugby League has started the season strong, showcasing remarkable skill and determination amongst their players. The club has already reached 300 registrations this year with a focus on creating a positive environment for everyone. The visiting team for the first home game, North Devils stated “the friendly people and welcoming environment left a positive impact; games played with good sportsmanship and in good spirit”.
The Under 6s played their first game for the season. With 25 kids registered this is a huge task for Coach, Zach Hoffman, and Manager, Ashlyn Valmadre. Luckily they were supported by plenty of willing volunteers to assist. All players travelled to Mackay for their second game; smiles were beaming, laughs were heard and spectators have the beginning of their rugby league journey etched in their memories.
Whilst the Under 14 girls had a bye last weekend, they did have a great first win against Brothers. They were relentless in their attacking prowess, dominating possession and pressuring their opponents. The girls team will play their 2nd home game this Saturday May 4th.
International grades have emerged with some victories amongst them through precise passing, defence and asserting their authority. Other games unfolded leaving disappointment on the field, yet determination to improve and learn in training and games. The season has just begun!!
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Contributed with thanks Wendy Henshaw.

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Under 6 Brahmans team
Under 14 girls at first home game. Photos supplied

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Saturday witnessed Proserpine Whitsunday Rugby Men and Women converging in Moranbah for the MRU ANZAC Round, a day dedicated to honouring the ANZAC spirit. A testament to the unity within the rugby community as all MRU Clubs paid tribute together to the valiant soldiers who served their nations.

A challenge to head so far logistically, with a big thank you to sponsors Whitsunday Transit who transported all teams safely over the hill and back.

Raiders Women set the tone as the 1st game of the day facing Bowen Jennies in an intense encounter that culminated in a hard-fought draw at 17 all. Captain Maddy Spruce commended her team's camaraderie and determination, emphasizing the growth of new players and their contributions to the squad's cohesion.

Bree Mackay's debuted as a Raiders Senior, marked by a stellar try in their subsequent match against Slade Point. Raiders Women showcased but fell short by a narrow margin 10-15. Despite the defeat, Coach Nathan Sainsbury noted the team's steady progress, particularly in defensive strategies and communication and connection on field.

Tries across the 2 games by Maddy Spruce, Deakoda Costello, Lily Sainsbury, Adeline Poid and Bree Mackay, conversion by Shirley Luke. Player Points = 3 Shirley Luke, 2 Jasmin Costello, 1 Lily Sainsbury.

Meanwhile, Raiders Men took on CityBok Barbarians in a spirited clash marked by outstanding displays of sportsmanship as fellow MRU Clubs and players assisted the Barbarians on field. Leading 19-5 at halftime, the Raiders maintained momentum to clinch a convincing 32-10 triumph.

Notable performances included Joel Hoffmann's commanding presence at number 8, playing strong and making great decisions on field, Waikato Nepia-Katipa's influential leadership continuing to play big minutes upfront, and Rhys Ward's defensive prowess in the mid-field. Making their mark in the team were debuts by Harry Moore and Simi Namaralevu.

Joel Hoffmann, Waikato Nepia-Katipa and Rhys Ward crossed in the first half, 2 tries converted by Landy Bezombes. Second half tries by Luke Rae-Howard and Nepia-Katipa bagging his 2nd in the 78th minute. Player Points = 3 Rhys Ward, 2 Simi Namaralevu, 1 Luke Rae-Howard.

Reflecting on the match, Coach Rota acknowledged the challenges faced by some players due to limited training during the week which showed in the game but expressed satisfaction with the team's collective effort in securing the win.

Raiders Men and Women enjoy a well-deserved rest this weekend, as attention shifts to the Mackay Stingers Representative Teams, where numerous Raiders were selected for higher honours in the CQ Championships held at Quarry Hill, Mackay Sat 4 - Mon 7 May.

Looking ahead, the Raiders will resume their campaign facing Mackay Brothers at Leprechaun Park, Mackay on May 11, kick-off 3:30pm.

Contributed with thanks to Karla Houston.

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Hanny Spence Photography - Raiders Women
Hanny Spence Photography - Joel Hoffman

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The Whitsunday Cup is an exciting opportunity for our local Association to welcome Touch Teams from far and wide to join us and “Play Touch In Paradise”.
 
Teams may nominate for five divisions and the Club is pleased with the early responses from throughout the state.
 
Nominations so far:
 
Mixed Open   – seven teams First Prize $2000.00
Aged Mixed   - three teams First Prize $2000
U12 Mixed     - three teams
U14 Mixed     - four teams
U17 Mixed     - five teams
 
Keep up to date at whitsundaytouch.com.au, search “EVENTS”.
 
Round Ten Results
 
Mixed A
In the Crear 5  d  G.E.T. 2
Vipers TBC  d  Raiders A TBC
 
Mixed B
Raiders B 8  d  Stingers 5
Whitmonday Eagles 9  d  Ray White 8
Flame Tree Flames 13  d  Full Boar 2
 
Mixed C
Mighty Mustangs  8 d  Shed N Homes 7
Untouchables 9  d  Bulls 5
 
Mixed Juniors
Hamo Rent  5 d  Raiders Purple  3
Raiders Blue 10  d  Raiders Green 3

Contributed with thanks to Alita De Brincat.

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Results for social play on Tuesday. The jackpot was won in the game between Merle Elphinstone Isobel Wheeler Denise Wallace Linda Smith who defeated Irene Laird Maureen Hyde Albert Bison Penny Warren. Other games Deb Retchless Gail Bison Lyn Danvers Greg Colquhoun drew with Stumpy Adams Sue Shearing Ron Hyde Geoff Danvers.

Competition results: Ladies Triples Robyn Stitt Tiarna Winter Fely Duncan defeated Merle Elphinstone Isobel Wheeler Linda Smith. The final will be played on Saturday 4 May. A Pairs Denise Wallace Penny Warren defeated  Merle Elphinstone Isobel Wheeler with the final being played on Sunday morning resulting in Denise Wallace Penny Warren defeating Robyn Stitt Fely Duncan.

Sunday afternoon winners were Toni Bowen Deb Retchless Ron Hyde defeated Bill Myers Maureen Hyde Alby Vigar, Robyn Stitt Trevor Elton Pat Tracey defeated Judy Elton Merle Elphinstone Penny Warren and Jim Quod Kennedy Whitton defeated Irene Laird Kevin Jewel. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Our Winter Bingo is starting this Friday 3 May at the club at 9.30am sharp and Barefoot bowls is on again on Friday night.   Hope to see you there.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Caption: Ladies A Pairs winners: Penny Warren and Denise Wallace. Photo supplied

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A week of April showers didn’t prevent some exciting bowls being played. 
Starting on Tuesday with Ladda Purdie’s team of Dawn Dowel and Rhonda Lloyd the biggest winners of the day.

Wednesday Jackpot Bowls arranged by Rick Galea and Merve Stewart saw Shane Spann’s team of Billy Gordon picking up his stick like a seasoned performer after losing a leg and terrible injuries but showed just what a champion man he is and with Ladda Purdie they were the biggest winners of the day.

Wednesday night Business House Bowls continued and Friday afternoon 30 Christian College students to see whom will represent their school for the Queensland school championships and have a month of games to decide.

Saturday and Sunday saw the three bowls Men’s triples being played with Manny Isgro’s team of Peter Barrett and Andrew Butler far too superior for the rest of the teams with Manny showing all and sundry why he’s one of the very best bowlers in Queensland with an effortless and awesome display never missing with a fantastic performance for all comers to see.

Sunday afternoon social bowls had a great roll up with Jill Spencer welcoming Chris and Peter Lawson from Broadbeach with new bowlers Greg and Mel Fennell as well as Rob Turner visiting and Josh Sinclair all having an excellent day.

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Peter Barrett , Manny Isgro and Andrew Butler winning the Men’s 3 bowl triples. Photo supplied

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A singles: Tracey Roach defeated Mary Ellen Pratten.

B singles: Wendy Coles defeated Mary Ellen Pratten.

Fours: Andrew Peebles, Gavin Charles, Tiarna Winters and Steve Roome defeated Robyn Stitt, Daryl Tuttle, Kevin Jewell and Faely Duncan. Gordo, Mark, Crowy and Kev defeated Lee, Andy, Mitch and Jason. 

Sunday Social: R.Rodda and Tracey Roach defeated Keith Kirk and Jane Gilbert. Marion Tuttle, Ron Gould and Gus Munro defeated A.Higgins, Wendy Coles and Lloyd White.  

There was one game of Scroungers: Ray Muir defeated Tracey Roach and Paula Welsted.

Wednesday Social: Ian Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle and Steve Roome defeated B.Neil, Jane Gilbert and D. McDonald. Joan Edwards/ Eddy Neylon, Helen Jacobsen and Gus Munro defeated Gail Bison, Ray Muir and Gavin Charles. P.Bison, Bev Smith/ Lloyd White and Ron Gould defeated Marion Tuttle, Gordo and A. Higgins.

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Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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Photo supplied

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On Wednesday we had 13 players enjoy games of bowls.  Jim Bownds and Heather Brown defeated John Anderson and Mike Harrison 31 -17 in a game of 3 Bowl Pairs.

Alen Sanderson and Peter Lawton defeated Pat Bownds and Sandy Daffaran 30 - 15  in a game of 2-4-2 Pairs.

Arthur Griffith, Barry Zillmann and Bruce Uhe defeated Mary Hedgelong, Barry Zillmann and Philip Brown 28 - 19 in a game of Triples.

On Saturday Morning there was a game of 2 Bowl Triples played.

Sunday's Social bowls was cancelled due to intermittent showers.

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Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Over 2000 sports-lovers are expected to gather at the Whitsunday Sportspark next weekend when the Mackay Cutters play a home game against the Burleigh Bears.

Gates are set to open at 4.00pm and the game will kick-off at 6pm, bar closing at 9pm.

There will be General Admission tickets available for those wishing to find a spot on the grass, or for those looking to maximise their viewing experience, they can purchase a limited amount of VIP tickets.  These will provide exclusive access to the airconditioned club, terrace and grandstand along with a starter pack for food and drinks and numbers are limited.  

Full bar and food service is available throughout the event with everyone welcome to come in and enjoy the exciting sporting atmosphere.

A treat for the whole family, there will also be bouncy castles and face-painting for the children, plus food trucks.

Tickets and further info available from www.mackaycutters.com.au or the Mackay Cutters or Whitsunday Sportspark Facebook pages.

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WHAT: Mackay Cutters Vs Burleigh Bears
WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark
WHEN: Saturday 11th May from 4.00pm

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We start off this week’s Premier League action with the match between Kameron Reason and Naomi Mitchell. 

Although the 7-1 score line in favour of Kam would suggest total dominance in the tie, there were encouraging signs for Naomi who smashed her highest match average this season by almost 10 points, encouraging signs for the remainder of the year.

That win for Kameron, in which he also scored his highest match average of the season, takes him in to second place on the premier league table.

It was a good day for Dom Friend who had back to back wins, a 7-2 over Art McMinn, which dropped Art down a place to third, and a 7-4 over win over Josh Fraser, which leapfrogged Dom a place above Josh on the table in alphabetical order only, both men’s stats are identical.

Arthur McMinn had the highest checkout of the day with a 94 peg, and that was closely followed by Joe Wilson’s 92 checkout in his 7 nil demolition of Hawkeye Rick. That loss leaving Rick firmly rooted at the foot of the table, but the win keeping Joe aloft at the top.

Last of all Jamie Maher defeated Jayden Lloyd by 7 legs to nil. That win is Jamie’s 3rd in a row now, which sees him steady the ship after a rocky start to the year which seen him lose his first 3 matches. 

Jayden has work to do to pick up his first win of the year, and the assignments are not getting any easier with Joe Wilson coming to town next.

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Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

2024 Premier League players, L/R, J Fraser, J Lloyd, J Maher, J Wilson, D Friend, A McMinn, K Reason, N Mitchell and H Rick.

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Craig McLean had 40 points to win Tuesday's stableford competition by four shots from Ryan Wilkes with a sub-par round. Elspeth Scotford had 35 points to beat Jacqueline Wall by a shot in the ladies' division. Jacqueline Wall won one pin shot and Ryan Wilkes won two.

Wednesday's ladies' stableford went to Heather Luvis with 33 points; one ahead of Vickie Wallace.

Anzac Day's ambrose event saw Jon Miller and Ryan Wilkes combine to shoot 11 under par for a 59.5 nett to win by half a shot from Fraser Simpson and Lachlan Howard. Over one hundred players competed.

Brad Fleet had 18 points to win Friday's Met run by a shot from Jason Whitney while Brendan Spann won both pin shots.

Luke Nightingale had 41 points to win Saturday's MBW stableford by two shots from his B division runner up Kristian Mulholland and the leading two A division players in Brad Fleet and Rod Wecker. The leading ladies were Tiina Randmae with 35 points and Paula McQuat with 33.

Ryan Wilkes, off a handicap of plus one, shot two under par to cap off a great week of golf and win Sunday's stroke event by a shot from Aaron Prosser with a nett 70. Elise Hodgson had a nett 74 to beat Anna Winterbourn by three shots.

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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop

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