With the aid of supportive fundraisers, the Starlight Children’s Foundation creates moments of joy and happiness for children of all ages facing illness, brightening the lives of those in hospital.

Throughout the past month of February, Masters Swimming Queensland clubs have dived on board to support the Starlight Super Swim, raising an impressive amount of funds for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

A fantastic first time total of $2,827 was raised by the participating members of the event, whilst also achieving some impressive distances. One dedicated swimmer logged 81km for the month, a total of 1620 laps of a 50-meter pool!

This year the North Mackay Sinkers along with the Bunna-barra and Belgravia Masters Swimming Clubs participated in the event.  Each of the clubs had five registered members, providing a total of 15 members and raised a collective grand total of $7,952 which will be going directly to benefit young children in hospital!

The main aim is to raise valuable funds but awareness and participation are also great aims for Masters clubs and their networks. A handy app even logs swims and donations on the go.

The club has entered a second Fundraiser for March with “Laps for Life” offering another opportunity to participate in swimming whilst raising much needed funds for Youth Mental Health.

For those who are interested in joining, you can swim as an individual or form a team to participate, all while staying active and raising funds for youth mental health.

The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming club offer group sessions, events in the pool or open water and cater to all abilities in a supportive and social environment.

While the swim has concluded, the donations portal is open until the end of March. If you wish to donate you can search Starlight Super swim and Sinkers Masters Starlight Team

For further enquiries, please call 0413 805 156 or visit our public page North Mackay Sinkers – Masters Swimming Club.

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Contributed by Dan Stampa

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Caption: Sinkers enjoying a rest and a chat in the Coffee Hub

Caption: Excited swimmers, as happy as ducks in the water

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Young guns Trent Day and Ollie Hamelink played a close match on Tuesday night, Trent up 10, 9, -8, -11, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results February 27, 2024:

Division 1:

Lexus (Barry Patterson, Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent) d Mercedes (Steven Whiting, Graham Brake, Graeme Walker) 6-5. Steven d Andrew -8, 11, -6, 10, 8.

Ferrari (Geoff Denman, Goncalo Serra, Mark Sleeman) d Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan, Vince Boeske) 7-4. Vince d Mark 12, 11, -10, 9.

Andro (Tony Bowman, Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake) d BMW (Terry Morato, Ishan Rana, Ian McKay) 6-5. Terry d Mick -4, 5, -5, 7, 8.

Division 2:

Hyuandi (Noreen Fredericksen, Donna Abbott, Delma Knight) d Kia (Geoff Cowan, Peter Goodson, Matt West) 6-5. Donna d Peter 8, -9, -10,

Isuzu (George Camilleri, Steve Mathieson, Mark Stam) d Mazda (Judy Zahn, Doug Dungavell, Niro) 8-3. George d Doug 10, -8, 7, -10, 5.

Nissan (Duncan Treloar, Simon Hogan, Will VanDeKaa) d Honda (Jye Callander, Leo Gilbert, Jason Hodda) 9-2. Simon d Jason 7, -11,-8, 6,10.

Division 3:

Fiat (Trent Day, YiLin Jiang, Aarnav Reelh) d Ford (Ollie Hamelink, Misha Palod, Tiffany Camilleri) 10-1. Trent d Ollie 10, 9, -8, -11, 8.

Alfa (Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhaliwal, Craig VanDeKaa) d Holden (Anaya Reelh, Saisha Palod) 8-3. Kade d Saisha 9, 7, -10, -8, 4.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures February 27, 2022:

Division 1:

Cheetahs (Donna Abbott, Doug Dungavell, Val Austin) d Pumas (George Camilleri, Coral Morgan) 8-4. Donna d George -6, 7, 9, 5.

Jaguar (Branko Vucurovic, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) d Tigers (Delma Knight, Noreen Fredericksen, John McGee) 7-5. Peter d Noreen -9, 7, -4, 4, 7.

Lions (Tony Bowman, Pam Joyce, Bryan Marshall) d Leopards (Steve Mathieson, Judy Zahn) 8-4. Steve d Pam 2, -10, 8, -8, 7.

Division 2:

Cyan (Robyn Bushell, Marie Taylor, Louise Gould) d Lime (Helen Ware, Fred Saliba, Tiffany Camilleri) 9-3. Tiffany d Marie -8, 6, 9, -11, 4.

Aqua (Don Boettcher, Gloria Vella, Gerry Synnott) d Teal (Ken Best, Kim Daffy, Kim Challender) Kim d Gerry -9, 10, 3, -10, 10.

Division 3:

Sapphires (Carnel Cristaldi, Madge Saunders, Darryl Ross) d Diamonds (Frank Caruana, Bill Hey) 8-4. Darryl d Bill 8, -9, 3, -7, 2.

Emeralds (Charles Hamlett, Thelma Caruana) drew Rubies (Sharon Muller, Allison Day) 5-all. Sharon d Charles -8, -8, 6, 3, 11.

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Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Caption: Kim Daffy in action in Tuesday morning fixtures

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Players at the Gold Coast Congress (GCC) had a fantastic week of cards, friends, laughter, and food. Players had mixed results, with Diane and Max Holewa taking out third place in the Iva Dahler Butler Swiss Pairs Intermediate category. Annie Lynch and Sandra Morris came fifth in the Bobby Richmond Novice Pairs Championship, while taking out the Qld Novice Pairs.

Weekly Results

Monday 26 February 2024 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Geoffrey Patterson / Terrence Sheedy

1st

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd

Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

2nd

Marilin Robins / Mick Robins

3rd

Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes

3rd

Victor Mason / Antonia Taradas

Tuesday Evening 27 February 2024 – 3 Table One Winner Green Points

1st

Janelle Conroy / Eric Lievesley

2nd

Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

3rd

Susan Gibson / Karen Cadwell

4th

Terry Sheedy / Mick King

Wednesday 28 February 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

1st

Sandy Patterson / Geoff Patterson

2nd

Thomas Block / Ellrae Trueman

2nd

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

3rd

Noel Saunders / Mary Rose Ramsden

3rd

Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th

Ming Ting / Debra Goodchild

4th

Terry Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

Thursday Evening 29 February 2024 – 5 Table One Winner

1st

Annie Lynch / Geoff Taylor

2nd

Susan Gibson / Karen Cadwell

3rd

Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy

4th

Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

Friday 1 March 2024 – Week 5 of 24 Week NWP - 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Ming Ting / David Ting

1st

Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

2nd

Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2nd

Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild

3rd

Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild

3rd

Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th

Edward Kleise / Nancy Wix

4th

Geoff Cowan / Geoffrey Patterson

5th

Anne Lutz / Diane Cox

5th

Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill

Saturday 2 March 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

1st

Geoff Cowen / Sandy Patterson

2nd

Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

2nd

Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

3rd

Ian Gaskell / Terry Sheedy

3rd

David Ting / Ming Ting

4th

Patricia Garner / Julie O’Neill

4th

Monica Darley / Kath Poole

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Contributed by Joy Block

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Captions

Faye Wright and Christine Nice at GCC

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Sunday morning saw the return of the Premier League for 2024 at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club. We’ve had a few new faces join the ranks this season, and a few stalwarts who decided to call it a day. 

We have 9 players, and 18 rounds of league action this year, with the top 6 players advancing to the finals series in September.

First up saw a debutant in Naomi Mitchell, who’s only our second ever female contestant in the league. Naomi started her campaign off with a bang, casually dispatching Hawkeye Rick by a score of 7 legs to 3. It’s a great start to the season for Naomi, getting 2 valuable points on the board early is never a bad thing.

Next up was the current Xmas Open champion Joe Wilson taking on Jamie Maher, runner up in the league from two seasons ago. 

This match in truth was closer than it should have been. Joe was in total control in the scoring department, but struggled on the outer ring. Jamie had to take full advantage of Joe’s inability to finish legs, and did so by knocking 3 legs on the bounce to go from 5/2 down to 5 all, much to the annoyance of his counterpart.

In the end however, Joe was a different class, and showed it by going up a gear when he needed too, and in the end he managed to just about getting over the line in a tough hard fought win by 7 legs to 5.

In the final game of the round we saw Kameron Reason taken on Art McMinn. Both men have come into this season off the back of an improved second half of the year last year, and both would be expecting to kick on this year.

No doubt they see each other as rivals for a finals berth this season, and nothing separated them in their first meeting of the year. 

Kameron found himself 3 nil down, but dug deep and rallied to claw himself back into the match. From then until the end nothing could separated the boys, each claiming an opening day point with the match finishing in a 6 all stalemate.

Thanks to our sponsors Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing and Master Butchers Whitsundays for coming on board with us again in 2024. To keep up to date with the club and competitions, follow us on Facebook.

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Naomi Mitchell in action claiming a win in her first appearance at the club. Photo supplied

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The first 3 days of March 2024 saw 8 swimmers head to Mackay for the Swimming North Queensland Championships.

First up on Friday night were team relays. Our swimmers swam in an impressive 9 relays and had loads of fun. This was a great team building exercise for all swimmers, with mixed and same gender relays being swum.

First up on Day 2, was the traditional team March Past. A huge thank you to Emma Alexander for her creative organising and making of costumes for our swimmers. We had a great little coral reef system marching.

Day 2 was the biggest day in the pool with Hayden Alexander achieving a whooping PB of 4.35sec in the 12 years 50m Fly and 4.82sec PB in 100m Breaststroke. Leyton Alexander smashed his 11years Backstroke time with 43.31 (1.19sec PB). Sister Jayde Alexander absolutely blitzed the 100m 10 years Breaststroke with an 8.76sec PB, showing us why Breaststroke is her favourite stroke.

Chloe Eldridge swam her heart out in the 100m 10 years Freestyle and rewarded herself with an impressive 8.51sec PB. Maddison Watson had her biggest PB of the weekend in the 13 years 100m Freestyle, taking 10.30sec off her time. Despite having an injured knee, Maddie kept pushing herself all the way. Axel Yuskan achieved PB’s in all 5 of his swims over the weekend, his biggest being 3.39 sec in 11years 50m Backstroke.

This year saw 13 years and over 50m & 100m races have Final heats at the end of the sessions. Our 2 senior swimmers, Mae Carter-Attwood, and Alex Yuskan both had podium finishes throughout the weekend.

Alex - 3rd, 16-years boys 50m backstroke

3rd, 16-years boys 50m butterfly

2nd,16-years boys 100m breaststroke

1st, 16-years boys 50m breaststroke – Nth Queensland 50m Breaststroke Champion Men’s 16-year-old

2nd, 16-years boys 100m breaststroke

Mae - 3rd, 16-years girls 50m backstroke

2nd, 16-years girls 50m breaststroke

2nd, 16 years girls 50m freestyle

This weekend was a weekend of fast racing, amazing swimming, numerous, incredible PB’s by every, single swimmer & sensational new memories being made.

The Whitsunday Swimming Club would like to thank all the parents who make these weekends happen by supporting our swimmers every step of the way. Thank you also goes to, Swimming North Queensland, for organising a terrific championship event for 2024.

Our biggest thanks must go to Coach Jenny Rush for all her efforts, patience, and training with our swimmers. Our swimmers are going places and achieving big because of Jenny & her brilliant coaching and dedication.  

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Contributed with thanks to Amanda Yuskan.

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All photos – Photos supplied

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Ahead of the upcoming season for the regions’ rugby league, the Whitsunday Sportspark are eager to host a titular preseason match of the stalwart sides of the Townsville Rugby League.

This one off game perfectly coincides with a bye for the Whitsundays Brahams, so why not fill in that time with witnessing this match not to be missed!

Between the likely competitors of the Burdekin Rooster and the Townsville Brothers, this A grade Men’s trial match is set to set the field on fire with great plays, fast foot work and unbelievable rugby league.

Kick off is 5.30pm, with gates open from 4.30pm. With a full bar available, with some of the best roast rolls and chips in the area, check it out next weekend.

WHAT: TRL Preseason Rugby League

WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark
WHEN: Saturday March 16, from 4.30pm
TICKETS: $5 entry for adults at the gate. Under 18 and pension card holder free entry 

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Saturday was the first round of the Men’s Local Pennants with BBC v Wangaratta B.C. with Wangaratta winning the first round.

Friday night bowls are still going strong.

Monday and Tuesday it is the Ladies Four Competition with 64 ladies from different towns participating. A busy week for our club.

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Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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With the weather being unkind to us this past week, we weren't able to play Social Bowls on either Wednesday or Sunday. Weather permitting we will be back this week.

Draw for Men's Competition Singles, Pairs, Fours and B Singles has been released. There will be an amendment to the Singles Draw as a couple of players who had nominated, were on another sheet of paper. Their games have been drawn against some of the players who had been allocated a bye in the original draw.

Competition begins on Saturday March 9 and 10.

Saturday 9th March at 9.30am

Club Championship Singles:

Todd Leys vs Wayne Handley                      Marker: Steve Summers

Brett Saroglia vs Scott Hamilton                 Marker: Harry Craig

Barry Saroglia vs Vince Olsen                      Marker: David Ling

Gavin Noonan vs Peter Lawton                  Marker Michael Kinnear

Luchie Gardel vs Jonathan Bye                   Marker: Gavin Milne

Saturday Afternoon at 12.30 to 1.00pm

Club Championship Fours

Dale Haack, Vince Olsen, Barry Zillmann, Bruce Uhe (Brett Saroglia will be subbing for Bruce)  vs Shane Kinnear, Todd Leys, Scott Hamilton, Gavin Milne (Gavin will be getting a sub for Shane Kinnear in this game)

Michael Kinnear, Luchie Gardel, Graeme Kinnear, Barry Saroglia vs Harry Craig, Toby Craig, Marcus Craig, Nathan Harriott

Club Championship Pairs

Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley vs Geoff Hunter and Phil Brown

Sunday Morning 10th March at 9.30am

Club Championship Singles

Andrew Bell vs Marcus Craig                        Marker: TBA

Phil Brown vs Dave Ling                                 Marker: TBA ( this game will be played by mutual consent at a later date)

Gavin Milne vs Michael Kinnear                 Marker: TBA

Sunday afternoon 1.00pm

Club Championship Pairs

Toby Craig and Marcus Craig vs Vince Olsen and Todd Leys

Friday Night there was a Barefoot Bowls Event held at the club.  Sounds like everyone had a fabulous time.   Thank you to all who helped on the night.

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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club.

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There was some really great plays and close games on Tuesday afternoon.

Winners were Bron Tolcher, Lyn Danvers, and Greg Colquhoun defeated Deb Retchless, Irene Laird, and Geoff Danvers. Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Penny Warren defeated Robyn Stitt, Laurie Land, and Kevin Jewell. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Don’t forget barefoot bowls and sausage sizzle is again on this Friday so if you can be at the club by 5.30-5.45pm. Everyone is welcome.

Congratulations to our men’s local pennant teams who played at BBC on Saturday. Our boys showed their style and came up with three match wins. Next match is against Collinsville next Saturday at Wangaratta.

The heat is still sticking around so there were a few less playing on Sunday. Winners for the afternoon were Deb Retchless, Sue Shearing, and Pat Tracey defeated Jim Quod, Albi Vigar, and Allan Rolfe

Lindy Suann, Fely Duncan, and Penny Warren defeated Gwenda Lydom, Jocelyn Defranciscis, and Robyn Stitt. The jackpot didn’t go off.  

Ladie’s and Men’s Competition games have been called for the next few weeks. So please make yourself familiar when you are playing. Good luck to all.

Zonta will be hosting International Women’s Day afternoon tea at the club on Sunday 10th therefore the hall will be utilised all afternoon. However, normal social bowls is still on. Entry via the side gate.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Winners on Sunday, Sue Shearing, Deb Retchless, and Pat Tracey. Photo supplied

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This week saw very little golf. Fortunately, the sun shone for Saturday and Sunday morning meaning we could hold our March Monthly Medals.

78 players contested Saturday event, Clay Coles with the overall and B Grade win with a very tidy 67 Nett. Jason Bourke won A grade with a 67 Nett, closely followed by Fraser Simpson on 68. John Clark was the Runner up of B Grade on 72 Nett. C grade winner was Louis Leo on 71, getting the win from Adam Brewster on 73 Nett. Pin Shots went to John Clarke and Marcus Heathcote, with 4 players contesting the 2 shot club.

Renae Maxwell won the Ladies Monthly Medal with a 75 nett, from Penny Wardroper and Noelene Spurway on 76. Pin Shots went to Tiina Randmae and Penny Wardroper.

The biggest news from the weekend comes from our Sunday Monthly Medal. Jon Miller holing out for a Hole in One on hole number 2. Congratulations! 

Jon had a 1 under round to get into the run down.

Winners from Sunday were Jake Murray, who beat Scott Mason and Jon Miller on Countback with a 70 Nett.

Peta Thomas took home the Ladies Monthly Medal. Pin Shots went to Tiina Randmae and Jon Miller.

Fingers crossed for some sunshine this week and more golf to follow.

Contributed with thanks to the Pro Shop Team, Proserpine Golf Course.

   1. John Miller. Photo supplied

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This week 9-hole stabelford saw Glenn Rees in first place with 23 pts c/b, second place with 23 pts was Dee Norman and third place with 22 pts was Riley Merciera. 

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Scott Macleod take first place with 25 pts, second place with 24 pts was Wayne Singleton and third place with 23 pts was Andrew Gomez. 

Sundays 18-hole stableford was a great turnout, taking first place with 42 pts was Wayne Singleton, second place with 40 pts c/b was Glenn Rees and third place with 40 pts was Tyson Flavel. Nearest the pin was Glenn Rees and Troy Pettiford. 

This Sunday 10th March will be our stroke 18 holes tee off between 8.30am and 9.30am. 

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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There was a constant flow of parents and students on and off the water at Port Denison Sailing Club in Bowen on Sunday with a full schedule of activities.  

First up ten Little Pirates went for a fun buddy sail on the Qubes with Green Fleeter Georgia and Laser sailor Luke Austin to get used to sailing further from shore and use their boat terminology.  Luke, who grew out of the Optimists and has now taken up Laser sailing, is always full of good conversation and often assists the Pirates lessons.  

Although sailing in a tiny Qube not suited to his size, 16-year-old Luke brought his sense of fun to the activity and had to sail with his legs over the side, much to the amusement of onlookers and his Little Pirate crew!  

Following them, seven Big Pirates met an amazing milestone today with each taking the helm and demonstrating sailing unassisted between points.  

Parents and volunteering club members acted as human marker buoys to which to sail, giving encouragement and assistance with tacking or gybing if necessary.  

The sense of achievement was felt by all, and Instructor Gary was very pleased with the progress of the entire group.    

Due to the location and sandy beachfront, PDSC has the unique ability to nurture young sailors to confidence in the warm and clear shallow waters and allow parents and guardians to be as up and close to the action as they like with the opportunity to assist with lessons and learn about sailing at the same time as the children.  

The activities for youth members didn’t end with the Pirates programmes however, with a big thank you to Instructor Faraday Rosenburg and her son Reid Martin for taking Green Fleeter sailors Felix and Georgia out to sharpen their tacking skills and play a game of follow the leader complete with colourful balloons tied to their sterns!  Dennis Winstanley gave lessons to Alice and Liam on the windsurfer, making the most of the calm conditions to make good progress, and the Club’s three teen sailors in Lasers, Luke, Zanda and Cooper, also had an extended session with Coach Gary in the more open waters of the bay to finish up the day’s sailing.  

The canteen did a roaring trade on sausage rolls, hot Airlie Pies and icy poles all day.  The many activities on and off the water work seamlessly together at PDSC due to the unwavering assistance of the Club volunteers, instructors, parents and the super Committee members.  Thank you to all for making another wonderful Club day at Port Denison Sailing Club.

Next Sunday is Off Beach Racing for all classes of dinghy so sailors are encouraged to revise their starting sequences and rules and be ready for some racing action!  Please see the PDSC Facebook page for further information.

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Get ready to roll this Saturday, as the Mackay Bowls Club hosts the long-awaited Australia Day Bowls event, kicking off at 1pm, March 2nd.

Come along bowlers, and enjoy an afternoon of bowls and some Aussie tucker… be sure to wear your best Aussie attire!

Sponsored by Mackay Regional Council and Karyn Shepherd from More Air, this event promises a day of fun-filled bowling action, offering two divisions, one for Bowlers and the other for non-bowlers. You’ve got to be in it to win it! There will be prize money for both divisions.

Last Friday launched the first afternoon of Cut throat bowls, where 24 bowlers enjoyed the afternoon after a blind draw.

The final came down to a very close finish with umpire Hazel making the call on the winners. Eddie Roberts and Leanne Jenner won the afternoon from Carol Savage and Janice Nelson with a winning shot on the last bowl.

Results

Tuesday Men's Triples - Winner of Winners:

A. Summerville, K. Dunn, E. Roberts

Winner of Losers:

L. Jenner, B. Jenner, P. Taffee

Thursday Scroungers:

A. Shepherd def W. Herewini  in a close game, winning by one.

Club Competition Sunday 3rd March 1.00pm start.

B Singles: S. Green  vs  T. Casey

Open Pairs: S. McMillian, R. Dunstan vs  S. Makin, C. Molloy

G. Thomsen, T. Mayfield  vs  A. Lovern, N. Holt

Open Fours: T. Gibson, K. Tranberg, G. Edmonds, N. Wilson   vs   E. Wynd,  A. Shepherd,

D. Wootton, B. Bridger.

A mixed Four's and Pairs Carnival will be played over the Weekend of the 9th and on the 10th March, $1070 is up for grabs in prize money!

Saturday 9th March, mixed Four's start 1.00pm with 21 ends.

Sunday  10th March, two games of Pairs (men's and women's pairs and mixed

pairs) each game 11 ends starting 11.00am.

Selectors have picked teams for Marian Mill Shield on Saturday March

23rd, with the final on Sunday 24th.

Team 1.  P. Molloy, S. Cassidy, R. Fry, B. Bridger.

Team 2. G. Luck. A. Gibson, M. Coll, R. Blanchard.

Team 4.  K. Tranberg, C. Marks, G. Edmonds, N. Wilson.

Team 4. B. Jenner, C. Stevens, B. Robertson, B. Paskins.

Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, don't miss out on the opportunity to join in on the excitement at the Mackay Bowls Club's upcoming events.

To check out future events, draws and results, visit the Mackay Bowls Club online.

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Contributed by Mike Irving

‍Caption: Seasoned players, enjoying a game of Bowls

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There were plenty of tight scores in the northern derby clashes between the Townsville Blackhawks and Mackay Cutters.

The Mackay campaign started on a strong note with the Harvey Norman U17s coming away with a convincing 20-10 win over the Blackhawks. It was a day of impressive footy at Jack Manski Oval on Saturday, with the Harvey Norman Under 17s holding the biggest score difference, with just 10 points.

Unfortunately for Mackay, that was the first and last win for the sides against a tough northern rival.

In the Harvey Norman Under 19s, it was the home team who triumphed with another tight, low-scoring match.

Blackhawks winger Zaleah Mosby-Nona was the only player to cross in the opening stanza, scoring in the 14th minute to give her side a 4-0 lead at the break.

Mackay finally responded in the 46th minute, with halfback Mersades Lawson equalling the scores.

But the Blackhawks were not going to settle with a draw.

Backrower Hannah De Daunton stepped up with a big final 10 minutes, scoring in the 50th minute, before adding the two points and then converting a penalty goal on the buzzer to seal the deal.

The Blackhawks finished with a 12-4 victory and three out of four wins over Mackay.

In the Cyril Connell Cup, the Blackhawks finished 12-6 at full time, Mackay were unlucky in the Mal Meninga Cup, finishing 12-8 in a game that had looked at times to go either way, and it was also a close tussle in the Hostplus Cup trial, with the Blackhawks taking the win, 18-12.

Shaniah Power Joins QCCS Mackay Cutters

The QCCS Mackay Cutters proudly unveiled their latest signing last week, Shaniah Power, recipient of the prestigious 2023 BMD Player of the Year award.

With an impressive track record, Shaniah adds invaluable experience to the Mackay squad, boasting four appearances for Queensland and contributing to multiple NRLW teams. Currently under contract with the Cowboys, Shaniah's arrival promises to bolster the team's strength and competitiveness.

Cutters Care: Strengthening Minds And Bodies

The Cutters Care program made a meaningful visit to St Brendans Catholic Primary School last week, made possible by the generous support of Porters Mitre 10 Mackay and Mackay Regional Council.

During the session, students engaged in activities aimed at fostering both physical and mental well-being, learning valuable lessons on building strong brains and bodies. Following the educational component, the students enjoyed a series of entertaining and footy-related games.

To book your School in for a Cutters Care session, visit the Cutters’ website.

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Emerging all-rounder Jack Law produced another masterclass to propel
Walkerston/Brothers to a premiership title in the Mackay Junior Cricket
Association Under 17s Grand Final at Great Barrier Reef Arena last weekend.

The fifteen-year-old schoolboy sensation  a regular in the Brothers first
grade X1 this summer snared 2-12 in a fiery five over spell to help his
side topple minor premiers Magpies White in the trophy decider.

It capped a successful campaign for the Mackay-Whitsunday junior
representative ace who was named Player of the North Queensland Cricket
Alliance Under 15 Carnival.

At the State Regional Championships in December, the talented colt
represented Central Queensland Infernos along with Brothers teammates
Lachie Ipson and Connor Muller.

Walkerston/Brothers (1-101) posted a resounding victory over the Magpies
(5-100) with Cameron Tomerini (31 not out), Marcus Sammut (27 not out) and
Ben Garner (18) impressing with the bat.

Magpies opener Benjamin Meng (32 off 78 balls) and skipper Myles Cochrane
(28 not out off 34 balls) led the way for the minor premiers.

The Magpies were 2-77 at one stage before Law claimed the key wicket of top
scorer Meng, who was caught by Cael Landt, with Muller and Will Sammut also
grabbing scalps.

Proserpine Cricket Club registered a comprehensive victory over Magpies
White in the Under 15A Grand Final at George Gorrie Oval.

Will Logan (25 off 31 balls), Donovan Pettiford (19 not out) and Jack
Valmadre (14 not out) produced top knocks as the Pitbulls (1-67) eclipsed
the Magpies (66) in a nine-wicket romp.

Proserpine¹s promising quartet of Joshua Geisler (3-2 off ten balls), Kai
McLoughlin (3-13 off four overs), Oliver Seamer (2-5 off four) and Lachlan
Riley (2-6 off two) made an impact with the ball.

Magpies Under 14 Black were crowned champions after rolling minor premiers
Walkerston Under 14s in the Under 15B Grand Final at Jack Lancaster Oval.
The Magpies compiled 5-128 from their 25 overs with valuable knocks from
Xander Ness (42 runs off 63) with five boundaries, Max Hughes (16), skipper
Jacob Whitby (13) and Chaise Johnston (12 not out).

Ness combined with Hughes for an opening stand of 45 and second wicket union
of 56 with Aarnov Reelh (10) with Cooper Gray-Knight (2-14) the pick of the
Roosters’ attack.

Walkerston were restricted to 6-101 with Logan Simpkin (30), skipper Tyler
Peters (29) and Ayden Loader (14) carving out spirited displays with the bat
and Magpies duo Johnston (3-20 off five) and Jack Nugent (1-18) the stand
outs with the ball.

The Roosters also collected the Under 13 premiership trophy with a
hard-fought Grand Final win over Proserpine at Park Vigoro.

Flynn Ryan (31 not out off 23 balls with five boundaries) top scored for
Walkerston (6-93) with solid contributions from Clancy Sammut (14) and Isaac
Grech (11 retired) as they eclipsed the Pitbulls tally of 7-91.

James Finn (17 not out), Oliver Dibben (17) and Emerson Baker (11) and Brock
Childs (2-7) shone for Proserpine with Roosters all-rounder Grech snaring
3-17 off four.

Souths captured the Under 12s premiership trophy with a victory over
Proserpine at Park Vigoro.

Spencer Faulkner was best on ground for the Sharks who racked up 7-108
clouting an unbeaten 24 with a boundary and six and grabbing 1-7 off three
tidy overs.

He was supported by Beau McPherson (19), Hunter Towner (18) and Leopold
Murphy (11 not out) with promising all-rounder Aiden Farley snaring 2-13 off
four.

The Pitbulls were restricted to 8-85 with fine efforts from siblings Jaxson
Farley (12) and Aiden (10 not out) and Kobi Whitty (11).

Souths trio Connor Stephens, Jack Harriott and Harry Mulherin also picked up
crucial wickets in a strong bowling display.

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