Hard-fought matches under perfect skies resulted in medals for some of the 30 Whitsunday picklers who competed in the Qld Pickleball Tour series of events in Townsville last weekend.

This relatively new sport in Australia, which is a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis, has grown so quickly in the past few years.

It now has 4,000 registered players in Queensland alone and many more social players.

Bowen, Cannonvale and Mackay all contributed strong teams that didn’t exist a few years ago.

Kudos go out to the PAQ for developing the QPT series of competitive events played in the regional Qld towns of Townsville, Yeppoon, Hervey Bay and Redcliffe.

With over 100 competitors it was a great way of catching up with picklers from around the state and challenging one’s pickleball skills.

Contributed with thanks to Lorraine Christiansen.

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Photos contributed

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Sailing conditions on Pioneer Bay are now at their premium, as seen at last Wednesday’s twilight race conducted by Whitsunday Sailing Club. A fleet of 18 boat carrying a total of 133 crew sailed in a 12 – 15 knot south easterly breeze as they competed for bragging rights at the aprez-sail event back at the club.
In the first race of the day, Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) timed the run to the starting line to perfection, initially leading the fleet away, but Black Jack (Blair Mitchell) soon took the lead and were never headed.  
While Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) held on for a while, they were unable to keep up and settled instead for second place, finishing 3 minutes after the leader. There was a similar gap back to Smooth Criminal, Reignition (Charles Wallis) and QMS Ponyo (John Galloway), while it was a lonely race for Wide Load (Shannan Hart), followed by Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli), Twister (Kevin Fogarty) and Matchless (Terry Stevens). On corrected time, Black Jack held on to the win, with Wide Load second and Bobby’s Girl third.
In the Division 3 fleet, Rossgo (Greg Hammon) felt that he had won the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize, but a fast-starting Good Vibes (Robert Holm) took the honours, before sailing away to a start to finish lead. Rossgo managed to sit comfortably in second place on the water, with a clear gap back to the trio of Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic), Lighthorse (Di Forster) and Shiraz (Nicholas Lee), and a similar gap to another trio of Riff Raff (Dan White), Lama (Maz Weatherburn) and Symbiosis (Anne Ross).  After handicaps were applied to each boat, Rossgo came out on top, with Lighthorse and Lama filling the minor placings.
The Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight series continues every Wednesday with racing commencing at 4:30. Limited crewing positions may be available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:3 pm (limited spots available).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

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On Sunday, 25 swimmers travelled to Mackay to compete at the Pioneer Swim Carnival while two Cannons competed in the first Townsville open water swim for the season. The Cannons swam very well on Sunday despite the very chilly conditions in Mackay. The pool water was warmer than the air temperature. The Cannonvale Cannons would like to thank Coach Ken Crittenden and his Apprentice Coach, Tiana Bell.  A big thank you to Kristin Pisaniello and Theresa Manning for officiating.  
7 years and Under: Harry Chegwidden, Miranda Palmero and Jax Eaves achieved top placings for all their swims. Indigo Harland’s best swim was her 25m Breaststroke which she did a 3.53 seconds PB and came 2nd.  Leo Mulliss’s best swim was his 25m Backstroke which he swam in 29.73 seconds ( 0.4 second  PB).  
Top performers: Miller Eaves, Zach Trefz and Celeste Orenshaw all swam extremely well, achieving PBs for most of their swims. Miller swam a massive 26.88 second PB in his 100m Backstroke. Celeste Orenshaw came 1st in her 50m Butterfly and 50m Freestyle. Zach achieved top placings for the majority of his swims and achieved 5PBs.
Don Algie and Alex Trefz loved the 50m events. They came 1st in all their 50m swims. Eloise Chegwidden and Maeve Dichiera swam super times in their 100m Freestyle achieving PBs. Charlie Doherty, Jack Ganter, and Thomas Ganter swam top placings in many of their events. Evie Doherty’s best swims include her silver medals in 50m Butterfly and 50m Freestyle. Koa Harland’s best swims included her 50m Breaststroke (2nd) and 50m Butterfly(3rd).  Ruby Harland, Isaac Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds swam fantastic times in their 100m IM and 100m Freestyle. Eric Mulliss swam his best times in 50m Breaststroke and 100m Freestyle.  Sophie Palmero, Isabella Pisaniello, and Millie Groom all swam impressive Breaststroke.  
Meanwhile in Townsville, Jacob Bell came 2nd in the 2km TOWSA swim in a time of 29.44 and Nelson Malady completed the 1km ocean swim in a time of 26.12 and came third in his age group.  
Congratulations to all the swimmers and a big thank you to all the wonderful parents for their support.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannonvale Cannons at Pioneer Carnival May 2024
Evie and Eloise rugged up in Mackay
Isaac, Zach and Thomas on the podium at the Pioneer Carnival

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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

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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

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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.
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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

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

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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

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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.

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

Photo supplied

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Deeray Fo’ou lining up his shot. Photo supplied

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