Emerging junior cricketers Jack Law and Ishaan Rana stole the show with extraordinary batting achievements at the Mackay 2023 Street Smarts Secondary Schools Twenty20 Challenge at Harrup Park.

Hot shot Law underlined his batting skills to help St Patrick’s College Mackay clean-sweep district titles in the Junior Male, Senior Male and Female categories.

The 14-year-old young gun smashed an unbeaten 113 off only 45 deliveries in St Patrick’s victory over Whitsunday Anglican School to confirm his status as one of the region’s most promising batsmen.

Law, an accomplished Mackay-Whitsunday junior representative and Brothers Mackay product, followed up his century with a whirlwind score of 40 against the St Patrick’s College No 2 X1.

He is one of eight Mackay juniors drafted for the Brisbane Premier League Junior Twenty20 series.

While top prospect Law was piling on the runs, the gifted Rana was emulating those deeds with a magnificent 109 off sixty balls against St Patrick’s and a quickfire 72 off only 27 deliveries against Holy Spirit College.

Rana’s stylish ton featured an incredible 15 sixes and two boundaries and entertained those lucky enough to witness the masterclass display before he was run out.

Law and Rana are undoubtedly two of the finest cricketers from the Mackay junior nursery with bright futures in the sport.

Other players to shine were Holy Spirit batsman Jacob Whitby, who cracked an impressive 58 off 48 balls against Whitsunday Anglican; St Patrick’s seamer Connor Muller (3-7) and spinners Nic Beardmore (3-22) and Cameron Tomerini (3-20 and 2-16); Darcy Sanderson (44); Hayden Melifont (35 not out); Etienne Pretorius (34 not out); Fletcher Russell (33 not out) and premiership-winning Magpies first grade all-rounder Liam Zurvas (25 & 15 not out) and Holy Spirit’s Bennett Reginato (29 and 23 not out).

By Chris Karas

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Jack Law

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In the adrenaline-charged circuit of the UCI BMX World Championships, the spotlight found its mark on Mackay rider Dylan Secher, a name now etched in the annals of BMX greatness. Amongst the hard work in preparation and the intensity of competition in Scotland, Dylan's journey shows that regional athletes can mix it with the best on the world stage.

Dylan's World Championship campaign launched with a spectacular performance that set the tone for his achievements. In the Cruiser class 8-12 Boys race, he clinched an astonishing 2nd in the world.

Following this impressive feat, Dylan sustained his momentum in the 20' class racing. His finesse on the track translated into winning three motos followed by 1st place in the 1/8th final, which he backed up with an unrelenting spirit to secure an impressive 7th position in the 1/4 final. Amidst a competitive field of 106 riders, his determination stood out, positioning him in 25th overall.

While Dylan seized the spotlight, his brother Beau's journey was equally significant. Beau's courageous decision to abstain from racing due to an injury from a broken foot showcased a different facet of sportsmanship – one defined by wisdom and consideration for his own well-being. After giving his all in practice, Beau realised his foot hadn’t healed as much as he had hoped, however the keen rider already has his sights set on future challenges.

Together with Dylan's feat, the broader Australian BMX contingent left an impressive mark on the championships. Seven 'W' plates were secured on the opening day, highlighted by Cameron Gatt's win in the Cruiser Boys 15-16 category.

Mackay and District BMX Club were immensely proud of the Secher brothers who represented Mackay with class on the world stage.

The club said in a statement, “Well done Dylan and Beau, we are all incredibly proud of you.”

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Dylan Secher clinched second place in the Cruiser class 8-12 Boys at the UCI BMX World Championships in Scotland. Photos supplied

Beau and Dylan Secher in Glasgow, Scotland

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Close to fifty runners and spectators enjoyed the cool morning sunshine for the racing of the annual Tri-ActiV8 Bonson’s Scrub Rd 6km and 12km mountainous challenge. Race Sponsor, Nikki Giles from Tri-ActiV8 has been on board as sponsor for this epic event for several years now as well as her day job of encouraging athletes in a multitude of activities including cycling, running, swimming, and paddling.

The ultimate winner was a very happy Lauren Connor who was two seconds off her estimated time, however, second and third placegetters, Robin Stinson and Oliver Rule, were approximately twenty seconds shy of their time. Standout performances came from Jen White who’s predicted time was tragically totally off the mark, but as always had a very positive spin on it and a good laugh.  In the lead up to his birthday the next day, Andrew Wallace had a great run over the undulating peaks as did Justin Rule, Luke Leven, Lily Leven, Tahnie Malagueno, Shane Barben, Matt Graves, Andrew Short, Carolyn Mapes, Natasha Joynson, Emily Dalglish, Carmel Mahon, Brenda Windsor, Geeta Ariani, Stuart Sprott, Alan Zamparutti, Grant Holmstrom, Michael Feenaghty and Werner VanderLinde.

Many thanks to all volunteers including Julie Whibley, Andrew Short, Tim Magoffin, Brendan Bishop, Jo Hughes and Melissa Harris as well as Helen Leven who brings along the very popular Zooper Doopers each week.  

This Sunday’s Mackay Road Runners Signature Event, the Magic Mile Club Championship, will be held at the entry of the Marina Breakwater at 7am.  All members of the general public are most welcome to enter, have some fun, then enjoy the day cruising around the cafes and parklands of the beautiful Mackay Marina precinct.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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L-R Mackay Road Runners Vice President Brendan Bishop, President Tim Magoffin, race day timekeeper Melissa Harris with race day sponsor TriActiV8’s Nikki Giles

L-R Proud Mackay Road Runners supporters Helen Leven, Club Secretary Julie Whibley and Belinda Rule.

Champion runners Justin Rule and Matt Graves tackle the challenging 12km Bonson’s Scrub Road/Ian Reddacliff Drive course

Tri-ActiV8 Garmin watch winner Lauren Connor (right) with Carmel Mahon enjoyed the serious ascents/descents of Bonson’s Scrub Road and Ian Reddacliff Drive. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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Congratulations to Karina Dunn who played in the Champion of Champions Ladies Singles at St Helens Club and reached the semi-final.

The Champion of Champion Fours were also played with Karli Burns, Carol Savage, Karina Dunn and Denise Mezzen also making it to the semi-finals.

Alan Summerville and Gerard Black competed in the Multi Disability Championships last week and won a number of games.

This weekend Ross Dunstan will compete in the Men's Championship of Championship Singles at North Mackay.

The Men's senior singles were decided on Sunday after Steve Cassidy def Barry Jenner and Trevor Mayfield def Peter Molloy in the semi-finals on Saturday.

On Sunday Steve Cassidy def Trevor Mayfield in the Final.

Close games were witnessed with Steve going on to play in the Senior Champion of Champion in September.

Ladies 3 Bowl Triples Final was played on Sunday Afternoon with Erin Clements, Janice Nelson, Robyn Schatkowski def Denise Mezzen, Marie Mayfield, Dot McNamara in a very close game that went down to the wire.

Mackay Club will be holding Ladies Champion of Champion Triples on September 14 and 15.

Tuesday Social was enjoyed by 18 Bowlers.

Winners of Winners: Albert Wicks, Gary Williamson, Mick D'Alessio.

Winners of Losers: Alan Bartlett, Robyn Schatkowski, Barry Jenner.

Thursday Scroungers: Brian Williams def Kevin Tranberg.

Friday Social Play Winners: Kerrie Catanzariti, Denise Mezzen, Val Edwards.

Ladies Senior Singles will be on this afternoon (Friday) with Carol Savage v Julie Caban.

Saturday afternoon will see Ladies Consistency Singles, Mixed Pairs and Men’s B Singles being played.

Sunday Afternoon sees Men's Open Triples being played.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Karina Dunn playing Ladies Single Champion of Champions. Photo credit: Mike Irving

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The 2023 Australian National Championships (ANC) was played at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from 9th to 21st July. Mackay Bridge Club member Lauren Morgan and her partner Paddy Taylor came 1st in the interstate pairs youth category. The Queensland team finished 3rd in the youth team’s event. The full Queensland team was K. Macdonald, L. Morgan, S. Langdon Macmillan, P. Taylor, A. Wu, Z. Ros.

Weekly Club Results

Monday 7 August 2023 – ANNE HIRD MEMORIAL TROPHY Week 1 of 3

N/S E/W

1st Diane Stokes / Joyce Deguara 1st Antonia Tarradas / Kitty Ranson

2nd Lynne O’Neill / Terrence Sheedy 2nd Peter Cowling / Helen Van Den Broek

3rd Elrae Trueman / Monica Darley 3rd Bob Ranson / Jewel Schmidt

4th Susan Ross / Jan Harris 4th Joy Robinson / Sandy Patterson

5th Anne Lutz / Janelle Conroy 4th Joy Block / Edward Kleise

Tuesday 8 August 2023 Evening - 3 Table One Winner Mitchell Green Pts

1st Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan 2nd Terrence Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek

3rd Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley 4th Mick Robins / Marilin Robins

Wednesday 9 August 2023 NWP 15 of 23 - 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild 1st Kitty Ranson / Bob Ranson

2nd Eric Leivesley / Terrence Sheedy 2nd Geoff Taylor / Ted Cullinan

3rd Janet Hansen / Janelle Conroy 3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 4th Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

Thursday Evening 10 August 2023 - 4 Table One Winner

1st Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Janine Rodgers

3rd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

4th Mick King / Patricia Garner

Friday 11 August 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix 1st Eric Leivesley / Max Holewa

2nd Joyce Deguara / Toni Large 2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

3rd Frances Brown / Alan Brown 3rd Kitty Ranson / Bob Ranson

4th Margaret Jennings / Marilin Robins 4th Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson

Saturday 12 August 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Christine Nice / Terrence Sheedy 1st Mick King / Patricia Garner

2nd Janet Hanson / Diane Morgan 2nd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

3rd Geoff Taylor / Julie O’Neill 3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Joy Brunette

4th Anne Lutz / Ken Seaniger 4th Simon Barnes / Faith Hutchinson

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Lauren Morgan came first in the interstate pairs youth category at the Australian National Bridge Championships in Perth

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The days are getting longer and warmer and most of our visitors have departed as spring is not far away, so Tuesday afternoon we welcomed John Langley from Rich River in Victoria whom with Betty Nicole were runaway winners and Lane Telford a great little bowler herself was proud as punch to receive the prestigious Health Hub award.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls expertly organised by Merve Stewart saw 27 bowlers vying for the prize money on offer where we said goodbye to Greg and Glenys Pepyat and Leon Wilson with Ken McAllister having their last game before beginning their journey home to Victoria and we look forward to seeing them again next year. Steve Cameron was the big winner of the day with his wife Alice delighted to take home the Health Hub award to end a wonderful visit to our tropical paradise.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw first round winners Tony Whitehorn, Gary Kiff, Mark Mawson and John Askew play the semifinal with Gary and Tony playing out the final with

Gary Kiff the winner of the day with the vivacious Karen Jenson taking home the B Grade award.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls organised by Lyn Graham saw 24 bowlers vying for the winners prize and it was skipper Col Morris with young 14 year old Proserpine High School playing well beyond his years at lead with Maureen Barnard whom had just returned from a whirlwind tour of England with her husband Eric saying a quick farewell to Charlie and Camilla to perform brilliantly at second to take home the spoils , whilst Tony Whitehorn was delighted with winning the prestigious honour of the Health Hub award.

Finally, the 2023 Multi Disability Championships were played in Mackay and Russell Jackson won Gold in the pairs with Barry Lynne in the hearing impaired and Russell also won the hearing-impaired Singles Gold Medal whilst Col Morris and Noel Crosbie took home the bronze medals for the same pairs event.

It was our own Di Jackson who came fourth for our club in the Physically Impaired singles division and we are just so very proud of her efforts.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Noel Crosbie, Russell Jackson, and Col Morris whom brilliantly played for our little club. Photo supplied

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It’s been a very full week this week.  

On Wednesday, Carol and Nev Smith played their last game with us until they return on holidays next year.  

John Anderson, Bruce Uhe, and Peter Lawton defeated Arthur Griffith, Carol Smith and Nev Smith 26 - 16; Allen Sanderson, Pat Bownds and Philip Brown drew 14 all with Jim Bownds, Pat Bownds and Sandy Daffara.

On Thursday, Heather Brown competed in the Champion of Champion Singles at St Helens defeating Joy Manning from St Helens 25 - 11 before being defeated by Di Faulkner from Mackay City 25 - 20.  

This past weekend we held the Under 200s Carnival a Men's Fours Carnival.  

This year's winners were Ron Horsfall, Cooper Whitestyles, Grahame Kinnear, and Peter Blackburn from Souths Suburban and Proserpine with 5 Wins plus a Margin of plus 82.  

Second and third place were determined by a countback on ends with both teams scoring 4 Wins plus 17.

Round winner prizes went to teams skipped by Wade Cranston, Shane Kinnear, Chubby Leather, Grant Dalton and a tied round win to Ash Warland and Scott Hamilton.

Many thanks to everyone who made this event such a wonderful carnival again this year.

Competition for Sunday August 20 with a 9.30am start is the Semi Finals of the 3 Bowl Triples.  

Bruce Uhe, Barry Zillmann, and Philip Brown (sub for Warren Wilson) versus Jonathan Bye, Scott Hamilton (sub for Isaac Elliott and Harry Craig; Dale Haack, Shane Kinnear and Wayne Handley versus Kendall Watts, Gavin Noonan and Luchie Gardel.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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2023 Winners Under 200s (left to right) Ron Horsfall, Gavin Milne (representing sponsor NQAS), Peter Blackburn, Scott Hamilton (President Proserpine Bowls Club), Grahame Kinnear and Cooper Whitestyles front. Photo supplied

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Our Mondays self-selected triples is still being keenly contested.

Winners for the afternoon were Ken Wallace, Roone Barr-kemp, and Keith Armstrong who narrowly defeated Alby Vigar, Ron Boskma, and Peter Madden.

On Tuesday winners were Alan Pearso,n Austin Maxwell, Dianne Harris, and John Hallas defeated Diane Hallas, Mag Cole, Col Parker, and David Harvey

Winners for our Fun Friday afternoon were C Bellingham, Karon McKenzie, and J Gibbs defeating H Donoghue, M Fullwood, and M McKenzie.

The jackpot didn’t go off.

Friday Barefoot bowls winners were Grant, Lori and Teresa who defeated Lawrence, Kerri, and Max.

Other games Deb, Joan, and Penny defeating Leigh, Warren, and Denis.

Our visitors are starting to make their way back home. Thanks for your company and safe travels. Hope to see you all next year.

Best of luck to Denise Wallace and Penny Warren playing in the Nth Qld District Championships this week.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Winners from Sunday 13th August : Left President Mark Drummond, Isobel Wheeler, Anne Kalyser, Jason Wright, Mike Kilkenny.

Winners from Tuesday 8th August:  Left Austin Maxwell, John Hallas, Dianne Harris, Alan Pearson. Photos supplied

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Round 18, the penultimate round of darts, took place at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club on Sunday morning with fixtures and opportunities running out fast for some players.

Jamie Maher cemented his top 4 status with a commanding 7/1 victory over Gary Robbie.

His main threat for that 4th spot, Kameron Reason suffered a 7/3 loss at the hands of Joe Wilson despite slotting home a lovely 180 in that match.

Andy Peel defeated Art McMinn by a 7/4 scoreline, and Jamie Woods put Hawkeye Rick to the sword with a crushing 7/0 win.

There were also 5 catch up games on the day, most of which were to Dom Friend.

Dom used the day to his advantage, by getting into a rhythm early and never letting up, recording a 7/3 win over Andy Peel, 7/0 over Kam Reason, 7/2 over Art McMinn, and perhaps the match and result of the day, a 7/4 win over Jamie Woods. Both men were outstanding in that fixture.

The days final result went in favour of Joe Wilson over Hawkeye Rick by 7/4.

Joe keeping the pressure on Woodsy in first place curtesy of leg difference going into next week’s final round of fixtures.

Highest checkout of the day and for the season went to Jamie Woods for a 157, there were 23 x 140’s on the day, and Kam Reason hit the only 180.

Thanks to our sponsors Mika Airlie Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach and Master Butchers Whitsunday & MBW On the Barbie for your support.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

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Jamie Woods in action against Dom Friend. Photo supplied

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After a busy week at the Club, competitions were back to normal.

On Wednesday, Elspeth Scotford was in good form to win the competition ahead of Jenny Hounsell and Pam Casey.

NTP winners were Jenny Hounsell x 2 and Heather Luvis x 2.

Frase Simpson was also in great form to win the Thursday Division 1 top podium position with 42 pts, followed by Geoff Harrison and Andre Gonzalez visiting from Sarina.

Laurie Dakin has been working on his chipping with impressive results, winning the Division 2 competition with 36 pts, narrowly defeating Nic Apruzzese on a countback.

Benny Ryan claimed 3rd position.

NTP winners were Andrew Albergo, Ritchie Atkins, Lloyd Kingston, and Alan Elsayed.

Jon Miller scored very well in the Friday Met Run to win with 22 pts, followed by Simon Della Santa and Brian Smith both on 20 pts. Troy Smith and Adam Maggs claimed the NTP’s.

Mandy Patterson had a fantastic round on Saturday to be a clear winner in the women’s RGH Monthly Medal on 69 nett, ahead of Jill Farinelli and Penny Wardroper.

Penny had her radar working to win both the NTP’s.

Scott Milne shot a very nice 64 nett to win the overall and B Grade RGH monthly medal.

Levi Holmes back in form to win the A Grade on 68 nett ahead of dad Nathan on 70 nett and Gavin Kerwand in 3rd place with 71 nett.

2nd place in B Grade went to Blake Lovelock and Tom MacLean in 3rd place both on 69 nett.

Wayne Fitzy Fitzgerald won a close game in C Grade defeating Barry Mortimer on a countback with Dan O’Donnell in 3rd place.

NTP winners: Rob Stanley x 2, Jason Bourke and Jett Borghero.

George Meharry was the winner of the Men’s Sunday Monthly medal, followed by Brian Allen and Karl Kirkwood. Karen Rix and Peta Thomas were the podium winners for the ladies.

NTP winners: Mark McDougal, Karl Kirkwood, Geoff Harrison, Pauline Redpath, and Penny Wardroper.

Congratulations to Trish McNeill on winning the Moranbah Ladies Open on the weekend.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Pro Shop.

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Last Monday and Tuesday 115 men and women competed in the annual 2023 Wintersun Carnival hosted by Proserpine Golf Club.

Thankfully the wet weather held off for the two days although the wind did get up.  

The course was in remarkable condition, all things considered.

Competitors came from Victoria, NSW, and North Queensland and by all accounts had a wonderful time.  

The men's 36 Hole Gross Champion was Greg Ellis from Mackay and the Ladies 36 Hole Gross Champion was our very own Leanne Alexander.

Division A Nett winner was Tony Lincoln from Tewantin/Noosa club, Nett runner up Gary Scotford from Proserpine.  

Ladies Nett winner Tina Badenhorst from Proserpine and runner up Cheryl Scown from Mackay.  

Well done to all who participated.  

Next Monday and Tuesday will be Mackay's turn to host.  Good luck to those competing.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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Greg Ellis and Leanne Alexander being presented by Warren Deighton, club President. Photos supplied

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This weeks 9 hole stableford saw Jacob Nightingale take the win with 20 pts c/b, second with 20 pts was Donovan Pettiford and third with 19 pts Donna Henderson.

Fridays 9-hole competition was Josh Quin in first place with 24 pts, second Justyn Durbin with 22 pts and third with a 19 pt c/b was Scott Morrisey.

Great work gentlemen.

On Sunday we our 18-hole stableford saw Danny York take the win with an amazing 40 pt win, second with a 39 pt c/b was Dean Barnard and third place with 39 pts was Donovan Pettiford.

Nearest the pin were Dean Barnard and Deeray Fo’ou.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Green Team.

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Donovan and Edwina Pettiford. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday Running Club member Aimee Sulzberger pulled off a magnificent victory in the recent Townsville Marathon in a time of 3:11:05.

This beat her previous best time by a whooping 45 minutes!

In March this year, Aimee had been crowned the North Queensland Cross Country Champion over both the 10km and 6km distances.

Her training for a 100km trail run had been disrupted earlier in the year and she decided to enter the marathon to test her fitness.

The Whitsunday Running Club had two other representatives in the marathon with Justin Knight-Gray and Kyle Fleer both finishing strongly.

Another member, Roland Henderson, was up against a strong field in the half marathon. He was the fifth male over the line and second in his age group.

Jenna Mayhew, a Bowen member of the Whitsunday Running Club had a strong 10km run.

Club President Tim McQuoid-Mason and Chris Harvey ran in the 5km. Chris was the pacemaker and made sure that Tim completed the course ahead of the other 70+ competitors.

Tim McQuoid-Mason said “I am so pleased to see Aimee win this race. She trains so hard and a lot of the time that is behind a pram pushing two or three of her children!”

Contributed with thanks to Tim McQuoid-Mason.

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Aimee in the Hilly Half Marathon

Tim McQuoid Finish

Whitsunday Running Club members

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The Whitsunday Raiders travelled to BB Print stadium in Mackay to take on the Moranbah Bulls for the 2023 MRU Grand Final.

All season these two teams have been the strongest of the competition.

It was always going to be a tightly contested game for the coveted silver cup.

Moranbah had the confidence of the semi final win over the Raiders and the Raiders had the confidence of a tough win over Kuttabul last week.

It was the Raiders who had the first chance to put points on the board with a penalty 30 metres out from the posts, unfortunately it missed by the smallest of margins.

As the game unfolded the lead changed six times.

With neither team giving any easy ground.

It was the trifecta of tries by Luke Rae-Howard that made the difference between the two sides, two of which were skilful individual moments, an intercept as well as a kick chase off a Moranbah knock on.

Luke’s third try came off a backline movement that saw winger Jack Briskey chip over the fullback and Luke pounced on the bouncing ball to give him his third and the Raiders a 25-20 lead.

The last 5 minutes of the game saw Moranbah attack the Raiders line, the men in green stood the onslaught of the bulls the defensive pressure was too much for the bulls and a knock on at the base of a ruck saw the Raiders pounce on the loose ball and seal the win 25-20.

Two trophies in the past 3 years made it a special send off for outgoing coach Andre Houston and capped off a wonderful 5 years for the club under his tutelage.

Proserpine Whitsunday Rugby union as well as Mackay District Rugby is indebted to Andre and Karla for their dedication to the players and the game of Rugby Union.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence.

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2023 squad photo

Presentation Of The Cup. Photo Credit: Marty Strecker Photography, Mackay

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This week, on a stunning Whitsunday winter’s day, 117 impressive people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km waterfront course.

There were 33 first timers, congratulations to the 18 participants that recorded new Personal Bests. Milestones for the day included Louise for 25 weeks of volunteering and Jo for 50 weeks of volunteering.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach Park Run.

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Photos supplied

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