By Sam Gillespie

Eli Thomsett entered the Twin Track Mud Racing Queensland Titles as an underdog.

The 12-year-old was one of five Sarina junior drivers to travel to Kabra near Rockhampton to compete in the titles.

After an unfortunate ending to his Mud Trials campaign in Sarina in May and mechanical hiccup after mechanical hiccup since, he had a point to prove.

“We were all shattered,” said Eli’s mother Nell Thomsett, reflecting on the moment Eli’s motor blew up in the first heat of Queensland Mud Trials in May.

With the Twin Track State Titles months away, the family hooked straight into building another car.

“We did countless late nights, so many people from the club came and helped,” said Ms Thomsett.

With only days until the Titles, the family discovered the car’s CV joints were too short and the car was undriveable.

Phone calls were made throughout the club looking for another car until the Gutschlag family offered one that had been sitting in their garage since last May.

“We literally pulled it out of the garage and got it to turn over Wednesday night,” Ms Thomsett said.

“It had no brakes, it needed a better roll cage … she was in pretty bad shape.

“It’s a manual and Eli hadn’t actually raced a manual car, he’d barely even driven a manual car.

“We got it on the trailer, took it down to Kabra and he learnt how to drive a manual in the pits on Friday night ready to race Saturday morning.”

With odds against him, Eli raced like he’d never raced before, finishing in third in the junior drag.

“He was absolutely over the moon, just beside himself excited,” said Ms Thomsett.

Ms Thomsett said Eli’s results can also be attributed to the culture amongst the racing community.

“There’s competition but everyone still wants everyone to race so they’ll help each other and get everyone’s cars together, it’s an amazing community,” she said.

Focus now turns to Twin Track races in Kabra in October and in Sarina in November, and Ms Thomsett hopes for a smoother preparation.

“It’s a really good spectator sport because it’s fast racing, there’s two cars on the track, so anyone who’s interested, definitely come down and check it out,” she said.

RESULTS

Drags Junior

1st - Mud Hunter-Hunter Weir- Mackay

2nd -  A Problem – Brydie Eames- Mackay

3rd – Tezza’s Jeep – Taeya Simonsen- Mackay

Drags Standard

1st – Falconstein – Paten Kees -Mackay

2nd – Swamp Donkey – Kelvin Schuh (Gracemere)

3rd – Abalong – Kyle Otto (Gracemere)

Drags Buggy

1st – Muddy Mad – Joe Gauci- Mackay

2nd – Mud Blaster – Mark Tomlinson- Mackay

3rd – Kamikaze – Nicholas Brownsey- Mackay

Drags Top Gun

1st Dolly – Tim Granshaw (Glenlee/Rton)

2nd – Awesome – Luke Gravino (Mackay)

3rd – Clone – Darren Ettles- Mackay

Twin Track Junior

1st – Son of a Devil – Hugo Vukovich (Goondiwindi)

2nd – Mud Hunter – Hunter Weir- Mackay

3rd – Spider Pig – Zoe Schuh (Gracemere) and Back Chat – Eli Thomsett - Mackay

Twin Track Standard

1st – Falconstein – Paten Kees- Mackay

2nd – Abalong – Kyle Otto (Gracemere)

3rd – Bush Pig – Jack Muscat- Mackay

Twin Track Buggy

1st Balls Deep – Adam Sweeney- Mackay

2nd Muddy Mad – Joe Gauci- Mackay

3rd Mud Blaster – Mark Tomlinson- Mackay

Twin Track Top Gun

1st Clone – Darren Ettles- Mackay

2nd Bad Company – Ash Janson- Mackay

3rd – Dolly – Tim Granshaw (Glenlee/Rton)

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Eli Thomsett

Eli and his dad, Russell Thomsett

Mackay racers featured heavily across all podiums at the Mud Racing State Titles in Kabra earlier this month

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Two Mackay athletes have returned from Germany proudly bearing bronze medals after a successful campaign at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.

Chloe Hosa and TJ Straw both represented Australia in basketball, playing in different teams but achieving the same amazing result.

The pair were selected in their teams following a series of local, state and national titles.

“It was really good to be picked,” said Ms Hosa.

“I felt really honoured and I couldn’t wait to tell everyone.”

After a quick sightseeing stop in Potsdam, the teams competed in the World Games from June 17 to 25.

“At the opening ceremony, it just hit me, like I’m actually playing against these other countries,” said Ms Hosa.

“The whole thing was incredible, I’m very lucky that I got picked to go.”

In her first World Games, Ms Hosa’s team played five matches, resulting in a bronze medal.

“We worked really hard to get that,” she said.

“To be able to beat those other teams and work together as a team was really good.

“We didn’t know each other and how we played, we had one camp for two days and that was it basically then we had to go and play as a team, and we did a really good job.

“We worked really well together and supported each other as we went.”

Ms Hosa had been fundraising for the trip since being selected, raising her funds both here in Mackay and in her hometown of Lithgow, NSW, while Mr Straw fundraised throughout the community.

With help from Special Olympics Mackay, Mr Straw fundraised through Wests Leagues Club, containers for change, Mackay Regional Council, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and his dad’s employer.

“I want to thank mum and dad for raising the money,” he said.

A humble basketballer his whole life, Mr Straw has a simple philosophy, but that didn’t stop him from getting excited about his bronze medal, adding to his collection of many medals.

“It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about having fun,” he said.

“He came back to basketball on Saturday and his game, just from being part of Worlds, he was dropping threes like there was no tomorrow,” added Mentor Kimberly Doyle.

“We all know that being part of the Special Olympics does build people’s social capacity, literacy, numeracy.

“It’s great having the weekly training, but it’s all about the pathways.”

Fundraising efforts will now turn to state games late next year where Queensland teams will be selected.

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TJ Straw and Chloe Hosa. Photo supplied

The search is on for our sporting heroes, both on and off the field, with nominations now open for the North Queensland Sportstar Awards.

From athletes and coaches to administrators and club members, the awards recognise the achievements of those individuals and volunteers who symbolise the very best in sport.

North Queensland Sports Foundation director and Mackay Regional Council councillor, Laurence Bonaventura, said this year was the 40th anniversary since the foundation was established and the 32nd annual awards ceremony.

“The North Queensland Sportstar Awards are the longest running dedicated sporting awards in Queensland and Mackay Regional Council is very proud to be hosting this special celebration of the foundation at the awards this year,” Cr Bonaventura said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our local sporting heroes to be recognised in their hometown, so I encourage everyone to take the time to nominate Mackay region individuals and teams who have performed exceptionally at their sport,” he said.

There are 11 categories available for nomination:

• NQ Sportstar of the Year.

• NQ Rural and Remote Sportstar of the Year.

• Junior Sportstar of the Year.

• NQ Junior Rural and Remote Sportstar of the Year.

• Athlete with Disability Sportstar of the Year.

• Sports Team of the Year.

• Junior Sports Team of the Year.

• Masters Sportstar of the Year.

• Volunteer of the Year.

• NQ Service to Sport.

• Sporting Excellence Award.

The NQ Hall of Fame inductee for 2023 will also be announced on the night and added to the list that includes Cathy Freeman, Pat Rafter and Lawrie Lawrence.

This year the awards will be held on Saturday, November 4, at the MECC. Special guest keynote speaker is Olympic champion swimmer Brooke Hansen OAM.

Nominations for the awards close at midnight on Friday, September 1.

For more information and judging criteria, visit North Queensland Sports Foundation online.

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Local BMX star Connor Parish won the Sporting Excellence Award at last year’s NQ Sportstar Awards

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The Mackay Club will be hosting the Championship Men’s District Fours on the weekend of July 22. Spectators and club members are invited to watch some top games of bowls.

The ladies section contested the Johnson Shield at Sarina Club last weekend, winning games against Sarina and Northern Beaches to advance to the semifinals, only going down to City. Well done ladies.

CLUB RESULTS

Tuesday Social Play was washed out.

Thursday Scroungers with (15) players on the rinks playing some good close bowls.

Open Singles:  Steve Cassidy Def Chris Molloy 25-11

Open Fours: Justin Strong, Antony Shepherd, Doug Wootton, Bruce Bridger Def Dereck Currey, Mike Irving, Mick Coll, Steve Cassidy 25-15

B Pairs: Peter Nelson, Col Stevens Def L Dargin T om Casey 22-18

Ladies Snr Singles July 14

D McNamara v M Townsend

U/65 Singles: K Dunn v K Robinson.

All Men’s Competition Matches Are Now Play, Sub or Forfeit.

Ian Truscott, Barry Paskins v Doug Wootton, Bruce Bridger

Sunday 16: Men’S Open Singles: Winner Wallace / Carter v Ross Dunstan.

Men’s Open Pairs: Winner Taaffe/Roberts v W Herewini / R Blanchard.

Open Fours (final): E Wynd, R Fry (sub) D Wootton, B Bridger v K Tranberg, B Robertson, (sub) G Edmonds, N Wilson.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles Pride Match This Saturday

By Bronte Hodge

Get ready for the upcoming Pride Round for Whitsunday Sea Eagles, with all five Sea Eagles team’s competing.

Celebrating the LGBTIQA+ community, the pride match has become a staple for regional AFL with the 2023 Pride Round being hosted at the Sea Eagle’s home ground, Whitsunday Sportspark.

The Senior Women’s Sea Eagles team celebrated the day by organising special pride guernseys.

The Mackay AFL Pride Round is coming up and the Whitsunday Senior Women’s Sea Eagles are marking the match with special pride guernseys and celebrations at their homeground.

The cause is close to the team’s heart, with some of the members identifying with the LGBTIQA+ community, and eager to wear the team pride guernseys with pride, advocating for acceptance and inclusion.

2023 will be the second year the Women’s Sea Eagles have donned the pride guernseys and is a memento to the message they wish to send out into the community.

“I think it's important to note that wearing these jerseys, being in the paper and things like that shows the community that this is a safe space,” said team president, Sheridan Callcott.

“This is no prejudice or anything like that and you're not going to be discriminated against. This is a place where you'll absolutely be accepted.”

"After centuries of social taboos that made people afraid to be who they are, it's not good enough to just give tacit acceptance to people of different sexual persuasions: we've got to make an overt statement that lets them know it is safe to be who they truly are, so they know we're a safe and welcoming club,” said team mate, Julia Bates.

“I play alongside my daughter for whom anything less than a clear commitment to welcoming and valuing the LGBTIQA+ community will no longer be acceptable.”

Georgie Carland was president for the team in 2022 and oversaw the first inclusion of the pride guernseys for the team.

“Last year, it was a great way to promote awareness within the community,” she explained.

“It's quite important. Even though we are progressing as a society, not enough is being done.

“There's still a lot of stigma around it and discomfort and that sort of thing, so, it's just trying to educate everyone.”

Over the season, the team has become a family for the players, where the older players coach and mentor the younger players and they each give a helping hand when they can.

“We're just here to have fun, be social and make friends, you know, and be around supportive people,” explained Sheridan.

In particular, due to the Whitsundays rural location, the Whitsunday Senior Women’s Sea Eagles team is made up of women aged 16 and upwards.

“We don’t have an under 17s team, so girls join our team.”

However, the Whitsunday Sea Eagles continue to support their 14- and 15-year-old players, including them in training and in the sport as much as they can.

Everyone is welcome to be in the grandstand at this weekend Pride Round, with the Whitsunday Senior Women’s Sea Eagles up against the North Mackay Saints, at the Whitsunday Sports Park AFL field, at 1.50pm.

Senior Men’s will play at 1.50pm as well, with the Junior teams competing at 9.15am.

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Julia Bates, Sheridan Callcott, Georgie Carland and Lana Rademeyer of the Whitsunday Senior Women’s Sea Eagles repping their pride guernseys ahead of this weekend’s Pride Match. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Lana Rademeyer, Julia Bates, Sheridan Callcott, and Georgie Carland are excited for the upcoming pride match, with their special guernseys to match

Sheridan Callcott, president of the Senior Women’s Sea Eagles team is eager to advocate for the LGBTIQA+ community with this speciality match

Being a part of the team, Julia Bates welcomes the advocacy and inclusion of diversity in the sport. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Recently I have seen a new "type" of depression which I found fascinating that it had a name - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It is a type of depression that can come and go with seasons.

In the Fitness Industry, it is well known that during Winter, motivation can wain, the bed seems warmer, and all of a sudden you are completely out of your exercising rhythm.

This can then be a "merry go round" of consequences and a decline in your mental and physical health.  

An example would be, “I`ll wait until the warmer months to get ‘fit’ again.”  

The consequences for many people during this period can have quite long-lasting effects, year on year. Like weight gain. Poor choices of "comfort food" or replacing exercise with lack of movement.  Following this, for many, it is then much, much harder to get back into your old routine, especially if you have put on weight and convinced yourself it's ok to stop exercising or moving daily.

Thankfully, there are many solutions in our area;

* Keep track of your steps daily as it`s beautiful to walk around this area

* Reassess your fitness goals where simply "moving" may be better for your mindset, than simply training to lose weight

* Find a group of health focused people like a group fitness facility, who is "constant" all year around, rain, hail, or shine.

* Turn to the natural solutions available like sunlight, drinking lots of water, breathing fresh air, good quality sleep, and eating wholesome foods

Remember.......Movement is Medicine.

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One of the world’s most renowned marathon runners is coming through the Whitsundays this week as part of his 14,000-kilometre, six-month solo expedition around Australia to raise awareness for The Voice.

Pat Farmer is former MP who is combining his skills for advocating for important causes with his ability to run for long distances.

“It’s about having purpose in my life, and I am committed to making my life matter,” said Pat.

“I’ve been given this God-given gift to run long distances faster than most other people in the world, so I want to use it for good.

“This is the most important thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

Pat left Tasmania in April and, after appearing at several locations, he flew to Western Australia where he embarked on a mammoth trek up the coast to Darwin, over to Townsville and down to the Whitsundays.

Along the way, he has interacted with everyone, including Indigenous people and many other curious individuals who want to understand more about The Voice.

The Voice is a proposed law to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

It came about following a gathering in May 2017, where over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates came together in Mutitjulu in the shadow of Uluru and put their signatures on a historic statement.

Later this year, Australia will be asked to vote in a referendum to decide on whether to bring The Voice into the constitution.

So far, it has proven to be a contentious issue in politics, with the two many parties holding vastly different opinions about how successful it will be.

Pat believes The Voice will allow Indigenous people to be heard and express exactly what they need.

“The Voice will take on issues that are directly effecting indigenous people,” said Pat.

“It will allow them to control their own destiny and, if we get this through, it will become part of the constitution so politicians will be held accountable.”

With the Indigenous population representing just three per cent of the overall population, Pat believes that previously their needs were ignored.

“Australians so often support causes that are going on overseas, but they turn a blind eye to what’s happening here in their doorstep,” explained Pat.

Running through Bowen earlier this week, Pat is scheduled to arrive in Airlie Beach today with plans to join the Airlie Beach parkrun this Saturday morning before heading down to Mackay.

He will then continue down the coast, through Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, and Adelaide before fishing up in Alice Springs in time for The Voice referendum.

This is not the first time Pat has run for a cause, previously running across America three times and many parts of Asia, raising awareness for issues such as clean water, girls’ education, and cancer.

Pat says this is his most significant run yet, however, as “it’s important for everyone to help set up a future for Indigenous people.”

If you want to find out more about Pat and his cause, head down to Coral Sea Marina tomorrow morning at 7am, and he would love to have a chat.

You can even join him for a run!

Pat Farmer Stats:

Journey: 14,000 kilometres

Duration: 194 days

Time: 10 hours per day

Scale: Equivalent to two marathons per day

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Marathon runner, Pat Farmer, completes two marathons a day to raise awareness for The Voice. Photos supplied

Pat talks to Indigenous Elders about The Voice. Photo supplied

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Champion Australian triathlete Caleb Noble has given a ringing endorsement of the Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon, happening on July 29 and 30 saying, "If I could pick my dream location anywhere in the world to race and spend a week recovering it would have to be Airlie Beach, Heart of the Great Barrier Reef!"

Noble is a professional triathlete who races all around the world and has multiple top 10 finishes at ITU Triathlon World Cup races to his name and fittingly he will be defending his crown at this year's event.

But he will be facing stiff opposition in 2023 from two-time lronman winner Tim Berkel, last year's runner-up Sam Betten, and local star triathlete Dan McDonnell who finished third in 2022.

The female field is equally strong and includes Radka Kahlefeldt who placed second at the Cairns lronman recently, Kate Bevilaqua, Jasmine Brown, Cassie Healslip, Penny Slater, who placed third in Cairns lronman, Chloe Hartnett, and Kaitlyn lllingworth.

Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon race director Mick Kimpton said the 2023 event signalled a new era for the race with ambitious plans to expand it to be one of the feature races on the Australian triathlon calendar.

"There are not many places in the world where endurance meets the reef and our small committee is working hard to grow the race into a hallmark event for Whitsundays which would deliver a major boost for the regional economy benefitting local businesses," he said.

"l recently returned from Europe, after racing in several events and took time to meet with the European based Challenge Family who currently stage 35 races in 27 countries around the world.

"It is early days in talks, but the Challenge Family core values of vitality, passion and inclusiveness perfectly align with our club, so it is a match made in heaven.

"It is imperative we expand our local event, and our committee are determined to leave no stone unturned to make the race a premier event on the Australian circuit," Mr Kimpton said.

"This year we have introduced a new course which is safer and more scenic, and the weekend will culminate in our first Champions Dinner on Sunday night to recognise all the athletes and sponsors."

The Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival will kick off on Saturday July 29 with the junior events before moving to the corporate teams event, Enticer, Sprint and Olympic distance races on Sunday.

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams headed for Harrup Park on Saturday to take on Mackay City Hawks and Swarks.

Sea Eagles Senior Men were back on the winners board defeating Mackay City Hawks 88 – 18 in a contest that was tight until half time. Inaccuracy in front of goal and turnovers kept Hawks in the game until Sea Eagles kicked into gear for the second half to run away with the win. Acting Captain Jake Turner led from the front in his 50th game for Sea Eagles while Hudson McGregor kicked a bag in the forward line to cap off some good work from the midfield.

Even with the return of Captain Sheridan Callcott from injury the Sea Eagles Senior Women lost 15 – 60 to the experience and skill of Mackay City Hawks at their home ground.

Sea Eagles Under 17s put on a clinic including controlled ball use and plenty of inside 50m pressure to win 77 – 17 (adj) against the Swarks and steal the top spot on the ladder. The second half put the finishing touch on the most complete game of football the team has put together all year with every player making meaningful contributions.

Sea Eagles Under 14s game was always promised to be a closely fought encounter with the Hawks eventually seeing Sea Eagles lose 46 – 59. The match was a battle of the midfield with Hawks unfortunately finishing stronger on the day.

This Saturday 15th July sees all five Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams celebrate Pride Round at home from 9:15am Juniors, 1:50pm Seniors.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles.

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Photo credit: Kylie Allen

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After a small break, we were back into the darting action on Sunday morning at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club.

Round 13 got underway with Joe Wilson in action against Jamie Maher. Joe, trying out his new darts for the first time, got out to a 3-nil lead, before Jamie managed to shake the rust off, to get a leg on the board himself.

Joe went on to win the next two legs to take a 5/1 lead, before Jamie went on a decent run of 4 legs in a row to square the match at 5 all.

Joe took the next leg to guarantee himself at least a point, which meant Jamie needed the final leg to come away with a draw in this one, but unfortunately for him, Joe wasn’t in a sharing mood, and took the final leg to win an entertaining match by 7 legs to 5.

League leader Jamie Woods had a 7/1 win over Jayden Lloyd which puts him 2 points clear of Joe at the top of the league. Jayden claimed a point in his second match of the day with a 6 all draw with Gary Robbie.

Gary backed that draw up with a 7/5 win over Andy Peel, that win elevated Gaz into the top 4 for the first time this year.

It didn’t get much better for Andy in the final match of the day, suffering another loss, this this time at the hands of Kameron Reason by a 7/3 scoreline. That win for Kam is his 4th of the year, sitting in 7th place on 9 points.

Thanks to our sponsors Mika Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, and Master Butchers Whitsunday.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

Scores

1. J Woods 18pts, 2. J Wilson 16pts, 3. J Maher 13pts, 4. G Robbie 12pts, 5. D Friend 11pts, 6. A McMinn 11pts, 7. K Reason 9pts, 8. A Peel 5pts, 9. J Lloyd 5pts, 10. H Rick 0pts.

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Gary Robbie jumping into the top 4 for the first time this year. Photo supplied

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A huge entry list of 128 riders from up and down the East Coast, including 40 from Queensland, made their way to the Australian Junior Track Championships last weekend.

With the event being held in the NSW Hunter Region at the Barleigh Ranch track, Whitsunday Dirt Riders members left on Wednesday to compete with the best in the country.

Ky Mitchell had an outstanding performance all weekend with consistent top placings through the heats in the 85cc 9 – U13 years. Some fantastic racing saw Ky come away with 3rd place in the finals - a great achievement from the young Whitsunday Dirt Rider.

Cannonvale's Tate Lambie and Kai Moran had a great weekend qualifying straight through to the finals and finishing in 5th in their respective classes the 50cc 7-U9 years and 65cc 9-U13 years.

Paolo Damato-Barbaro looked good all weekend in the 125cc 13-U16 years qualifying for the finals in 3rd position after 4 rounds of heats, however an unfortunate crash in the final ended his chances for a podium finish.

Some other great results from our junior riders included:

50cc Auto 7 – U9 years: Steele Beak 9th

65cc 7 –U9 years: Steele Beak 9th and Tate Lambie 11th

85cc 9-U13 years: Kai Moran 8th

85cc girls 11-U16 years: Mia Blackford

125cc 13 – U16 years: Nate Hicks 7th

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Dart Riders.

127 - Ky Mitchell

K23 - Kai Moran

T88 - Tate Lambie

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Photo credit: Broomsticks and Methanol Photography

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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club is holding a free Workshop on Mackerel fishing on Friday, July 21 from 6.30pm at the Whitsunday Marine Club in Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale (opposite the Police Station).

The Workshop is open to all interested anglers and will cover the catching and rigging of ribbon fish, garfish, and other species of Mackerel we love to eat.  

The session will also include a lure presentation and demonstrate the correct way to tie single strand wire trace.

You will also discover where and when to target Mackerel and the methods and the type of tackle used to catch them.

The evening is excellent preparation for the Club’s upcoming Club's "Mackerel Rally", which is due to be held from 28 - 30 July.

This year, the rally's scoring system has changed (due to the Queensland Government's new rules for Mackerel fishing).  

As of 1 July 2023, anglers are only allowed one mackerel per person and two per boat.  

Subsequently a point system of fish weight, multiplied by 100, divided by the line class the fish was caught on, will be used.  

For example, a 20kg Mackerel caught on 10kg line equals 200 points.

Also, 10 points will be awarded for every Mackerel released, adding to the anglers point score. Major prizes will be awarded to the highest point scoring anglers.

A full briefing on the Mackerel Rally rules will be given on Friday, July 28 from 6pm at the Whitsunday Marine Club.  

All competitors must register on that night.

“We hope to see lots of new and familiar faces on both these evenings,” said Ashley Moore from Whitsunday Game Fishing Club.

“There have been good numbers of Spanish Mackerel arounds the islands and the reefs, so there should be some successful fishing.

“Life is short - fish hard!”

WHAT: Mackerel Fishing Workshop

WHEN: Friday, July 21 from 6.30pm

WHERE: VMR Whitsundays

WHAT: Mackerel Rally

WHEN: July 28-30

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The Raiders travelled to Mackay on Saturday to take on Brothers at Cathy Freeman oval in Slade Point, with several players away and injured, it was a chance for the fringe players to stand up and shine.

With a game plan of moving the ball around and taking if up through the forwards the men in green started off well with Aden Spence scoring the first try after a break down the side by Hone Casey-Bloomer.

The men in green played like a well-oiled machine, stuck to the set plays, and managed to have a 52-0 lead at half time thanks to tries from Aden Spence (2), Niall Clancy, Brodie Stillman, Jack Briskey, Darragh Lynch, Dylan Hoffmann and Waikato Nepia-Katipa.

After the break the Raiders had a lapse in discipline and gave away territory and Brothers took advantage with a try next to the posts bringing the score to 52-7 at the 50-minute mark.

With that being a wake-up call to the raiders they managed to strike back off the kick off and put another converted try on the board, 59-7.

By the time the final whistle had been blown the men in green had managed to gain a 76-7 win to maintain their lead on the ladder.

With a bye this coming Saturday and an away game against Cities the following weekend the Raiders need to maintain their heads, remain focused and play as one if they are to remain at the top of the table.

With preliminary finals being held on July 29, the club is hoping to host this final at our home grounds of Whitsunday Sportspark.

Best on field for the day were Dylan Hoffman 3 points, Darragh Lynch 2 points and Hone Casey-Bloomer 1 point.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence.

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Pita Bilitaki taking the ball to the line. Photo credit: Hanny Spence

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Phoenix JX Swimming Australia’s Junior Excellence Program recognises the performances of swimmers aged 9 – 13 years to encourage and inspire the next generation of competitive swimmers.  

Within the JX program, junior swimmers strive to achieve gold, silver, bronze or blue standard times when they compete throughout the year. Swimmers in the JX program will be invited to clinics throughout the season.  

Congratulations to the following swimmers:  

Gold Tier – Don Algie and Jax Clayworth

Silver Tier – Tora Delac, Anisa Helou, Celeste Orenshaw, Isabella Pisaniello and Austin Edwards-Bland

Bronze Tier – Thomas Ganter, Ehsan Helou, Nelson Malady, Isaac Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds and Lukas Trevaskis.  

Blue Tier – James Davies, Tiana Bell, Harris Delac, Declan Dichiera, Charlie Doherty, Jack Ganter, Ruby Harland, Matilda Nicholes, Adelaide Sanders, Molly Smith, Indianna Smith, Zachary Trefz and Alexander Trefz.  

This week, Barry Prime, Head Coach of Queensland Swimming came to the Whitsundays to visit the Cannonvale Cannons. On Thursday afternoon, Barry facilitated a Parent Information Session. Barry spoke about his personal swimming journey and then provided parents with information about swimming pathways, training programs, benefits of swimming/club and tips on how to support athletes.

Barry also provided an opportunity for parents to ask questions. On Friday morning, Barry led a 200 metre Freestyle pace set with senior swimmers, Jy Parkinson and Jacob Bell while coach Mark Erickson led the other senior swimmers through a pyramid and stroke work.  

The coaches would like to commend the swimmers who have trained regularly over the school holidays:  Indigo Harland, Anton Bakx, Koa Harland, Harris Delac, Evie Doherty, Ruby Harland, Don Algie, Celeste Orenshaw, Andie Reynolds, Tora Delac, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Charlie Doherty, Ehsan Helou, Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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School holiday training. Photo supplied

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Precipitation many of us here in paradise are not used to this, however, God in his wisdom decided it was the right time therefore there was no bowls to report on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Things cleared up and by Friday afternoon the Men’s Singles was being played and as the rounds progress results will be published.

Friday night was the BPL and six teams were on hand but alas it was deemed necessary to play the five rounds in one night which meant a very late finish for all and the team that could stay awake the longest won!

So, congratulations to Shane Spann with Betty Nicole, Ash Warland and Vicki Spann on having a wonderful victory.

Friday afternoon also saw the final of the Men’s Pairs and Manny Isgro with Harry Quad became this year's champions with a superb performance against quality opponents.

Saturday and Sunday saw the Men’s 3 Bowl Triples being played and there was some absolute cliff-hangers played with the eventual winners on Sunday afternoon being crowned and again congratulations must go to Shane Spann with Harry Quad and Ash Warland coming out victorious , in a brilliant performance in every match.

Sunday afternoon also saw Social Bowls played and Lyn Graham as usual showed her organisational skills by making it a very competitive afternoon.

We welcomed visitors from Victoria Leon Wilson , Barry Hirth and Peter Loughran back for the winter period and the team of Margo Stanley with Barry Hirth were the runaway winners of the day whilst Arthur McManus went home with the prestigious Health Hub Award.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Winners of 2023 Men's Pairs : Manny Isgro and Harry Quad. Photo supplied

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