Cannons at Gardens July. Photo supplied

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Eleven Cannonvale Cannons swimmers delivered outstanding performances at the Gardens Short Course Transition Meet in Townsville at the weekend, with every swimmer achieving at least one personal best time.    

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Coaches Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden were delighted with the team’s efforts. Tora Delac, Indigo Harland, Koa Harland, Ruby Harland, Andie Reynolds, Zavier Woolston and Caleb Woolston all raced extremely well, earning top placings across their events.  

Harris Delac produced two of the meet’s standout performances, recording huge PBs in the 400m and 800m Freestyle and claiming first place in both events.  

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The Cannons were particularly impressive in the backstroke events. Charlie Doherty shaved an incredible 9.94 seconds from his 200m Backstroke time to finish second.  

Alex Trefz powered through the 50m Backstroke in an excellent time of 37.55 seconds, securing second place. Caleb Woolston, Evie Doherty, Harris Delac, Indigo Harland, Koa Harland, and Zavier Woolston also smashed their 100m Backstroke personal bests while earning top placings.  

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The meet’s leading PB performers were Zavier Woolston, Harris Delac and Alex Trefz. Congratulations to all 11 Cannons on a fantastic weekend of racing!  

Closer to home, club members also proudly participated in the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, competing in the Junior Triathlon, Enticer Triathlon, and ocean swims.    

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Roxy Groom won the 750m swim in an impressive 9:28. Michael Mulliss completed the 750m in 12:45, finishing as the fourth male overall and second in his age group.  

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In the 300m swim, Lucas Korosec claimed first place in 5:01. Eric Mulliss finished in 6:24 to place second in his age group, while River Shields recorded 6:59 to finish third.  

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Men's Singles Champions, Manny Isgro , Arthur McManus, and Russell Jackson. Photo Supplied: Mark Mawson.

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Another week at our little bowls club in Paradise began on Monday afternoon, with four students from Whitsunday Christian College continuing their preparations for the school championships at Pine Rivers Bowls Club in Brisbane next month. Eliana Langshore and Miranda Jackson, along with Ollie Webb and Pazel Davis, continue to develop their skills and confidence as they prepare to represent the club.

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Tuesday afternoon social bowls welcomed both members and visitors, while the Ladies' Triples final was won by skipper Joan McGrath, lead Vicki Spann and second Ladda Purdie, who will soon return to Thailand after six years as a valued club member.

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The Ladies B Pairs also took shape, with Mandy O'Brien and Sue Dakin earning a place in the final against Di Jackson and Maureen Barnard.

Thirty-four bowlers took to the green for Wednesday afternoon social bowls, with Al Detrey from Goolwa Bowls Club in South Australia, together with Janet Jacometti and Alan Stewart from Victoria, taking first place.

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Friday featured the Men's Singles Grand Finals. Manny Isgro claimed the A Grade title, Arthur McManus won the B Grade final, and Russell Jackson defeated Bobby Spees in the Senior Singles final.

Round 2 of Scroungers was played on Saturday morning, with Russell Jackson and John Matterson winning A Grade, while Dennis Donadelli and Warren Mills took out B Division.

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Sunday afternoon social bowls attracted 24 members, with Tony Whitehorn, Mandy O'Brien and Dawn Dowell finishing as the day's highest points winners. Ruby Butler also helped run the afternoon with refreshments.

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

1993-1996 players. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville

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Friendships forged through four consecutive premierships were rekindled as the Whitsundays Sea Eagles' 1993 to 1996 teams gathered for their 30-year reunion, sharing stories and memories from the club's golden era.  

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Spanning the club's transition from the Whitsundays Bloods to the Whitsundays Sea Eagles, the 1993 to 1996 seasons produced a remarkable four consecutive premierships that cemented them in club history.  

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"Winning one premiership is difficult, winning two is special, winning three consecutive premierships is great,” said Nathan ‘Patto’ Marsh.  

“But winning four is the sort of achievement that becomes part of club folklore."  

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This achievement remains the benchmark for today's Sea Eagles, whose players continue to chase the success achieved by the club's golden generation.  

“Stories about you blokes still get spoken about within our club,” said current Sea Eagle coach Jack Turner.  

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“Hopefully we can provide a brand today that is suited to the way you guys used to play your footy.”

The reunion also featured a cheeky Q&A hosted by Patto, with former players and coaches taking turns to relive hilarious stories about how they found their way to the club, the characters who made the team special, and the unforgettable moments that shaped four premiership-winning seasons.

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“We see each other after 30 years and it’s like no time has passed,” said former player Dean Kercher.  

“I still think it’s the best season the sea eagles have ever had,” said Peter Hickey referring to the 1995 season.

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“One of my favourite achievements in my life,” said Matty Wight, member of the 1993, 94 and 95 seasons.  

“Those memories come flooding back every time we see each other.”

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After a few more beers, the group made its way to the oval, where they formed a guard of honour for the current Sea Eagles senior side before cheering them on from the sidelines.  

The celebrations then continued well into the evening at the local pub, where old teammates picked up right where they left off, reliving the stories, laughter and friendships that had brought them back together three decades later.

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Race Directors Michael and Val Kimpton.

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The 26th Airlie Beach Triathlon yet again earned its place as a treasured highlight of the Whitsunday calendar, drawing athletes to the shores of the Coral Sea for a weekend of pure grit, celebration and community entertainment.  

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From first-time competitors to experienced triathletes, 512 athletes took to the water, roads and foreshore across the weekend, with competitors ranging from five-year-old juniors to age-group veterans aged over 70.  

“Well, it was just a dream come true,” said Race Director Michael Kimpton.  

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“We put so much planning, so much preparation into the event and it just turned out gold.”  

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“It looked like everyone was having a blast out there.”  

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While plenty were chasing personal bests, for many the event was simply about crossing the finish line, with every participant receiving a commemorative finisher's medal in recognition of their achievement.

The elite field delivered a fitting spectacle on Sunday, with Josh Ferris claiming his second Airlie Beach Standard Triathlon title in a blistering 1:49:14, narrowly holding off Olympian Jake Birtwhistle in a thrilling finish. In the women's standard triathlon, Jasmine Brown crossed the line in 2:02:47 to take victory ahead of perennial IRONMAN contender Penny Slater.

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While the elite competitors impressed, some of the weekend's most memorable moments came elsewhere. Cairns' Julian Visintin completed his first triathlon after losing 90 kilograms in 18 months, while a blind athlete Peter Edwards completed the swim, bike and runalongside his carer, Fiona Millar. Their achievements were a reminder that the Airlie Beach Triathlon is about far more than podium finishes.

Of the 512 competitors, 122 were juniors, making up almost a quarter of the field and highlighting the bright future of the event.

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“They were just kids going the hardest,” Michael said.  

“The smiles on their faces were amazing- that's what we wanted to see.”

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The weekend was capped off with a Banquet at the Coral Sea Resort, where athletes, sponsors and the town’s unmissable faces gathered to celebrate another successful Airlie Beach Triathlon.  

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Event organisers thanked the many sponsors and volunteers who made the 26th Airlie Beach Triathlon possible, with special recognition given to the Whitsunday Regional Council, the Queensland Government, Tourism and Events Queensland, naming sponsors Airlie Smile Care and McDonald's, and the volunteers from Whitsunday Suicide Prevention and Plants Whitsunday Landscapes for their invaluable support.

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Runners get ready for the start of Jo’s 61 steps in very cool but sunny conditions. Photo supplied

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Local runners took on the Mackay Road Runners Jo's 61 Steps event on Sunday morning, tackling challenging 5km and 10km courses through the steep streets of Mt Pleasant.

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Despite the event's name, organisers joked it had since been confirmed there were actually 70 steps, with good-natured blame placed on the absent club president for the earlier miscount.

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The course wound through Annie Wood Avenue, Pollock and High streets, and Norris Road, starting from Gordon White Library.

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Fresh from the Gold Coast Marathon, Alana Knezevic was the first runner across the finish line after opting for the 5km course as she prepares for the Sydney Marathon in five weeks' time.

Congratulations were also extended to local athletes who competed in the Airlie Running Festival, where ideal conditions greeted runners in the Whitsundays.

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Sunday 26^th July

Make this your must-do event next weekend, with all participants welcome—there's no need to be a member of the Mackay Road Runners or Mackay Cycling Club.

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Events include the M-Test Open King & Queen of the Mountain (6.4km), the Podiatry Mackay/Laura Pettifer Inspirational Under 18 Junior King & Queen of the Mountain (3km), and the Torque Tyres & Trailers Cycle Race(6.4km).

All events begin at 7am, following a one-minute silence in memory of talented triathlete Laura Pettifer, who tragically passed away in 2008 following a downhill cycling training ride.

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The course starts at Netherdale and finishes at the Eungella Chalet. Runners must register online by 6pm on Saturday 25^th July, while cyclists should refer to the registration link for contact details.

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Organisers look forward to welcoming participants to the challenging but rewarding annual event, with post-race celebrations at the Eungella Chalet, where breakfast will be available for purchase. A special thank you was also extended to Tess and the team for their hospitality.

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Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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The all-day Novice X Imp Pairs Competition was played last Saturday with players attending from Townsville, Bowen and Airlie Beach, with 16 pairs competing. Outright winners were local partnership and lifelong friends Susan Ross and Vicki Howard. Susan and Vicki have known each other for over 40 years and began their Bridge life together six years ago. This was a popular win, which was celebrated by President Frances Brown, Convener Anne Lutz and all in attendance. Susan and Vicki are great contributors to the club and also bring laughter and joy along with their wonderful culinary skills. Congratulations Susan and Vicki, Well Done!

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Weekly Results

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Monday 13^th July 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points NWP

N/S

E/W

1^st

Ming Ting / David Ting

1^st

Mary Rose Ramsden / Patrick Rasmussen

2^nd

Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes

2^nd

Joy Hold / Rodney Miles

3^rd

Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris

3^rd

Karen Caldwell / Sue Mayer-Miller

Tuesday Evening 14^th July 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points  

1^st

Martin Pearce / Glen Cocup

2^nd

Mick King / John McGee

3^rd

Ann Whitmore / Frances Brown

4^th

Susan Gibson / Karen Caldwell

Wednesday 15^th July 2026 – Founders Teams Week 1 of 3 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

Team

Players

1^st

Sheedy

Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood

2^nd

Poole

Kath Poole, Josie Crowley, Monica Darley, Barbara Taite

3^rd

Rasmussen

Patrick Rasmussen, Mary Rose Ramsden, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa

4^th

Ting

Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild

Thursday Evening 16^th July 2026 –- 3 Table One Winner Green Points

1^st

Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2^nd

Julie O’Neill / Jan Harris

3^rd

Martin Pearce / Adrian Westcott

Friday 17^th July 2026 –- 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

1^st

Helen Van Den Breok / Christine Nice

1st

Richard Wix / Geoff Taylor

2^nd

Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2^nd

John McGee / Mick King

3^rd

Ming Ting / David Ting

3^rd

Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

4^th

Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild

4^th

Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell

Saturday 18^th July 2026 – Novice X Imps Pairs 8 Tables 16 Pairs Red Points

1^st

Vicki Howard / Susan Ross

2^nd

Glen Cocup / Ian Vary

3^rd

Rod Miles / Joy Hold

4^th

Toni Barrel / Mary Overall

5^th

Linda Priday / Jill Brabon

6^th

Christine Fitzpatrick / Colleen Riddel

Saturday 18^th July 2026 –- 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1^st

Mary Rose Ramsden / Chris Nice

1^st

Alan Brown / Frances Brown

2^nd

Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

2^nd

Geoffrey Patterson / Patrick Rasmussen

3^rd

Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor

3^rd

Ken Seaniger / Diane Morgan

4^th

Barbara Tait / Patricia Garner

4^th

Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood

Contributed by Joy Block

Anne with Winners Vicki, Susan and President Frances. Photo supplied

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Play On! Sports Vouchers are helping Mackay and Whitsunday children overcome cost barriers, get active and discover the benefits of sport, with the next round opening July 27^th. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton visited Mackay Pony Club on Monday 20^th July, to highlight the upcoming second round of the Queensland Government’s Play On vouchers, which provide financial support to help children aged five to 17 participate in sport and recreational activities.

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The $200 vouchers can help families cover costs such as registration and membership fees, uniforms, equipment and personal sporting gear. According to Mr Dalton, more than 9,300 children across the Mackay and Whitsunday region have already benefited from the program, with the next round opening on Monday, 27^th July.

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The initiative aims to make sport more accessible for families facing rising costs, while encouraging children to step away from screens, get active, socialise and build friendships.

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“It’s a really great opportunity,” Mr Dalton said, encouraging parents to get involved in the next round as soon as possible.

He said the program could help children access a wide range of activities, from pony club and golf to cadets and football.

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“We want to be able to give every child as much support as possible – especially in sport - because we know how beneficial it can be,” he said.

Play On! Sports Vouchers have also made an impact across Queensland, with more than 293,800 children supported through the program in its first year. More than 3,750 sporting clubs across the state now accept the vouchers, with almost 2,500 also offering disability programs.

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Soccer, rugby league and netball were the most popular sports among participating children, while 13,917 vouchers were provided to children and young people with a disability, representing a 33 per cent increase compared with the previous voucher program. Girls also accounted for 129,050 vouchers, which has seen an increase of 30 per cent.

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For Mackay Pony Club Chief Instructor Tracey Camilleri, the vouchers can make a significant difference, particularly for families with more than one child involved in sport.

“Sometimes it can be the difference between kids participating or not,” she said.

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Ms Camilleri said equestrian sport provides children with lessons in responsibility, as caring for a horse requires daily commitment and care.

“There’s a deeper level of responsibility when kids are looking after an animal, and from what we’ve seen – that connection to the horse – can be really great for them,” she said.

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She said the benefits extended beyond competition, with children able to enjoy the outdoors, develop partnerships with their horses and find an outlet from the pressures of school and everyday life.

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Ms Camilleri, who has been passionate about horse-riding since she was a young girl, said:

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“Just being out in the fresh air, and dealing with an animal and getting a great response to learning how to build a partnership is something quite special.”

The vouchers can also help young riders progress further, allowing families to put funding towards coaching, equipment and competition opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.

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“Without these vouchers, some parents are sort of limited to how much they can do for their child in a sport, especially amongst the cost-of-living pressures,” Ms Camilleri said.

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For families interested in taking advantage of the next round, Play On vouchers offer an opportunity to help children get involved, stay active and discover a sport they can enjoy and grow with.

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Last Sunday saw six bushwalkers driving about 80 km north of Mackay to access the Cathu State Forest, and then to climb to the prominent feature known as Castle Rock. The leader of the group was Ken Fihelly, who spends half of each year participating in the Mackay Bushwalkers’ Club activities before escaping south to avoid the summer heat. 

The walk started steadily, but soon large rocks and thick vegetation on a moderately steep slope made progress difficult. Once the ridge was reached the climb became less steep and the vegetation changed to open forest. Attractive cycads were plentiful, and the morning tea spot afforded great views looking westwards towards the top of the range.

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On this walk, lunch is usually enjoyed on an impressive sloping slab close to the big ‘thumb’, and this tradition was continued, with great views across the valley being presented. The descent chosen offered some steep rocky terrain, but was easier than the alternative, and after emerging from the bush the hikers had a short easy walk back to the cars.

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Phone 0429 363 929 for information about how to join the organisation, and upcoming walks which include Sydney Heads, Red Cliff Island and St Helen’s Creek.

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Contributed with thanks by Carole Weekes

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Linda Scells B Grade District Champion of Champion with Nth Qld Vice President Anita Brroker. Photo supplied: Penny Warren.  

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Wangaratta Ladies enjoyed an outstanding week at the District Club Champion of Champions events in Townsville.

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Linda Scells was crowned B Grade Singles champion after defeating opponents from Suburban, South Townsville and Thuringowa. In the A Grade Singles, Penny Warren was narrowly beaten in the final by Thuringowa's Wendy Jones. Penny and Denise Wallace bounced back on Saturday to win the A Grade Pairs final over Wendy and Kate from Thuringowa. They now progress to the Zone 8 playoffs at Silkwood on August 8.

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Back at the club, Wangaratta edged out All States by just one shot in the annual challenge. The winning rink was Toni Bowen, Robyn Stitt, Jocelynn Defranciscis and Graeme Read, while runners-up were Sue Symonns, Peter Nesbitt, Sandra Snow and Max Ritchie.

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Monday's self-selected triples were won by Peter Nesbitt, Peter Howie and Max Ritchie, with Lorraine Knight, Greg Colquhoun and Fely Duncan runners-up. The jackpot remained unclaimed.

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Tuesday winners were Shirley McSwain, L Jackson and Kevin Jewell, while Sharon Coleman, John Harding and France Willmann finished runners-up. Again, the jackpot did not go off.

Thursday's winners were Graham McSwain, Dave Madden and Viv Ritchie, with Terry, Bill and Lorraine runners-up. Resting touchers went to Carole and Paul.

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Sunday winners on Rink 5 were Ron Hyde, Jill Gillies and Jan Harvey, while the +13 jackpot was claimed by Maureen Hyde, Brian Bellingham and John Williams.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Runners in their element. Photo source: Airlie Beach Marathon Festival.

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The 13th annual Airlie Beach Marathon Festival has broken records across the board, with sold-out events and course records tumbling during a bumper weekend of racing.  

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The festival attracted almost 1,000 runners from across Australia and overseas, showcasing world-class performances while also welcoming plenty of first-time runners and kids determined simply to cross the finish line.  

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“We had a record number of runners," said event manager and president of the Whitsundays running club, Tim McCoy Mason.  

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“They came from all over the place.  

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“I had a lady from Hong Kong who came to run our race, even came in first in her age group.”  

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Demand for this year's festival was so strong that entries across the program sold out, with organisers forced to close registrations after record fields entered the marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km and 2km events.  

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Not only did they have a record number of runs, but some record finishes.  

UK runner Katie Goodge completed the women’s half marathon in 1 hour, 22 minutes and 15 seconds. Mackay’s Riley Rogers also set a new 10km record of 35 minutes and 18 seconds, before backing it up with a record 4-minute, 38-second run in the McDonald’s Magic Mile.

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The marathon was won by returning champions Thomas Baker and Liv Compton, with Baker finishing in 2 hours, 47 minutes and 12 seconds and Compton crossing the line in 3 hours, 10 minutes and 13 seconds.

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Kane Bird's winning Trevally before being tagged and released.

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Nearly 40 Whitsunday Game Fishing Club members enjoyed a great weekend on the water for the club's Combined Species Rally on July 11 and 12, with good conditions and plenty of quality fish reeled in across the Whitsundays.

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Kane Bird took out the longest trevally with a fish measuring 102cm, while Frenchy had a weekend to remember, winning the heaviest mackerel with a hefty 25kg fish as well as runner-up in the trevally section with a 91cm catch. This body most certainly will be sore from battling these giant fish.  

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Ray Cook's 3.4kg coral trout was enough to top that division, while Tamaryn Day claimed the nannygai honours with a matching 6.32kg fish. Eric Redmond also enjoyed a successful weekend, taking home two category wins with a 6.32kg red emperor and a 4.9kg spangled emperor.

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In the junior ranks, Kyle Matthews put together one of the standout performances of the rally, weighing the heaviest mackerel at 14.6kg before backing it up with the top coral trout at 1.7kg. Benson Smith also featured strongly, taking out the other species category with a 1.6kg red throat emperor and finishing runner-up in the coral trout section.

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Under Queensland Game Fishing Association rules, Kyle Matthews also collected the highest point-scoring mackerel with 146 points. Scott Mason claimed top honours in the tag-and-release section with 400 points, while Jeff Baker, Harvey Mason and Kyle Matthews shared the runners-up points.

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The club thanked its sponsors, volunteers and competitors for another successful weekend and now turns its attention to the Billfish and Tuna Rally on September 19 and 20, ahead of the club's annual Light Tackle Tournament in October.

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Contributed with thanks to Ashley Moore.

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The U13 Squad. Photo supplied: Joscelyn O’Keefe.  

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After a determined team performance, the Under 13 Division 1 side earned a confidence-boosting 3-3 draw with Country United. Goals from Elaina Hanns, Charlie Purvis, and Camden Carlson capped one of the team's strongest performances of the season.

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The Under 13 Premier side mounted a spirited second-half comeback against ladder leaders Magpies, with goals from Connor Miller, Mayson McDowall, and Jack Reynolds in a narrow 5-3 defeat.

The Under 14/15 Division 1 side produced a dominant 7-2 win over Wanderers Red, with Kobe Marjoram scoring five goals and Alex Draper adding two in a commanding attacking display.

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Whitsunday United's Division 2 men suffered a 4-0 defeat against Mackay Lions after conceding early goals, while Division 1 capitalized on a second-half red card to secure a convincing 3-0 win over Mackay Lions, with Sam Reynolds scoring twice and Darren Reynolds adding another.

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With no substitutes, the Whitsunday Women’s Premier side produced a resilient performance against Wanderers. Goalkeeper Robyn Dean was outstanding, making several crucial saves as the team battled tirelessly until the final whistle, conceding a 6-0 loss.

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Whitsunday's U23 Men suffered their first loss of the season, going down 4-0 to Mackay Lions in a top-of-the-table clash. The Premier Men responded with a determined 2-1 comeback victory against Lions, with Allan O'Donnell equalizing before Ethan Rose netted the late winner to seal the victory.

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Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe.

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Mark Erickson, Joanne Ladd, Robin Arndale and Ken Crittenden. Photo supplied: Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannonvale Cannons swimmers delivered outstanding performances at the Rockhampton Short Course Winter Meet last weekend, with all 10 competitors achieving excellent results.

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Koa and Ruby Harland impressed in the 400m freestyle, with both swimmers taking an incredible 19 seconds off their previous best times. Ruby also produced a superb 800m freestyle swim, finishing in 10:27.18.

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Seven-year-old Blaire Harland achieved top placings in all four of her events, while Indigo Harland recorded three personal bests, including breaking 45 seconds in the 50m freestyle.

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Hamilton Anflous and Andie Reynolds enjoyed very successful meets, each achieving five PBs. Hamilton earned third place in the 100m breaststroke after improving his time by 9.75 seconds.  

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Andie completed the 200m backstroke in an impressive 2:44.74, recording a 5.20-second PB. Her sister, Dylan, thoroughly enjoyed competing in the 50m and 100m backstroke events.

Charlie Doherty produced an excellent 100m backstroke time of 1:06.67, while Evie Doherty recorded a PB of 1:20.06 in the 100m freestyle.

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Eloise Chegwidden also had a fantastic meet, achieving PBs in the 100m individual medley, freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke.

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Meanwhile, Cannons’ coaches were making waves at the Masters Swimming Queensland Championships in Townsville. Robin Arndale, Ken Crittenden, Mark Erickson and Joanne Ladd proudly represented the Cannonvale Masters Swimming Club.

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Robin and Jo competed at their first Masters carnival and had a wonderful time, while Ken and Mark were pleasantly surprised by their times and medal-winning performances.

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Competition is building at Proserpine Golf Club as members head towards the club's Open Championships and annual Wintersun events, with another full week of golf culminating in a fundraiser that drew more than 110 players.

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Tuesday's Stableford saw Jett Borghero continue his good form, returning 38 points to edge visiting Tropics Golf Club player Shane Roughsedge by a single shot. Tina Badenhorst claimed the ladies' event on countback from Elspeth Scotford after both finished on 34 points.

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The club's veterans also teed it up on Tuesday, with Badenhorst completing a winning double in the women's field, while Gary Scotford topped the men's competition with 35 points, one clear of Colin Hounsell.

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Heather Luvis was the standout performer in Wednesday's ladies' Stableford, carding 37 points to finish ahead of Jenny Hounsell, who secured second on countback, with Leanne Alexander rounding out the placings.

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Stroke play returned on Thursday and produced some excellent scoring. Ben Harrison's nett 67 earned him A Grade honours ahead of Gavin Kerwand, while John Dodds fired the best round of the day with a superb nett 65 to comfortably win B Grade.

Friday's Metropole Hotel-sponsored nine-hole competition was another close affair, with Tim Walton claiming victory on 20 points. Brent Franke finished runner-up on countback after also posting a strong score.

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Saturday's MBW-sponsored Stableford brought another big field to the course. Vincent Collins impressed with 41 points to take A Grade, while Scott Dwyer won B Grade on countback after finishing with 40 points. Paula McQuat continued her consistent run in the ladies' competition, winning with 39 points ahead of Elspeth Scotford.

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The week finished with one of the club's biggest community events of the year, as more than 110 golfers turned out for the Whitsunday All Stars 2 Ball Ambrose fundraiser. The successful day raised valuable funds to help the All Stars cheerleaders continue their impressive season after earning three first-place finishes and a runner-up result to qualify for the next stage of competition on the Gold Coast.

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With the club's AGM approaching on August 29 and championship season just around the corner, members have plenty to look forward to.

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Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

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D Dent, G Clark, A Lord and K McBean. Photo supplied: Colin Edgerton.  

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A field of 19 shooters travelled from across Queensland and Tasmania to join Port Denison Gun Club members for the club's monthly shoot on Sunday 28^th June.

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Visitors made the trip from Hobart, Charters Towers, Mackay/Sarina, the Burdekin, Townsville and St George, with competitors taking on four events throughout the day. Conditions started out clear before a midday shower rolled through, but the weather did little to interrupt the competition.

G Maltby set the pace in the opening 25-target Point Score Cash Divide, winning AA Grade with an impressive 74/75. B Rouse took out A Grade with 65/75, G Clarke won B Grade on 68/75 and N Kirkman claimed C Grade with 60.

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K McBean shot a perfect 29/29 to win AA Grade in the 25-target Double Barrel Cash Divide. A Lord won A Grade with 25/25, G Clarke added another grade win with 23/25 in B Grade, while D Dent topped C Grade with 22/27.

The Bowen Industrial Hire-sponsored 25-target Single Barrel Port Denison Championship saw J Cerqui shoot a perfect 25/25 to claim both the Overall and AA titles. D Stitt won A Grade with 23/25, G Clarke continued his consistent day to win B Grade with 21/25, and D Dent finished first in C Grade with 18/25.

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G Clarke capped off a strong day by winning the 25-target Handicap with 23/25. K McBean finished second on 22/25, edging J Dunn into third on countback after both shooters finished on 22.

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The club thanked Bowen Industrial Hire for sponsoring the championship, along with the volunteers and travelling shooters who helped make the day another successful competition. The next monthly shoot will be held on Sunday 26^th July.

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Contributed with thanks to Colin Edgerton.

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