Sports

North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club Hosts Goosepond Triples Carnival

North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club Hosts Goosepond Triples Carnival

North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club Hosts Goosepond Triples Carnival North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club recently hosted its annual Goosepond Triples Carnival at the Goosies Club, attracting 60 players from clubs across the Mackay district. Ladies President Hilary Jones-Rowan welcomed competitors along with sponsors Gardian, Mortgage Choice and Goosepond Sport and Recreational Club before the day’s competition got underway. Players contested three games throughout the carnival, with lunch and afternoon tea provided by Goosies staff during the breaks in play. North Mackay’s team of L. Bowers, L. Deguara and L. Lemke claimed first place after a strong day on the greens. Second place went to South Suburban’s L. Howland, V. Dempsey and J. Rogers, while fellow Suburban bowlers L. Coad, H. Ray and J. Lewis finished third. North Mackay representatives D. Mackenzie, C. Corbett and D. Gordon secured fourth place. Three round one winners and two lucky card winners were also recognised during presentations. President Hilary Jones-Rowan thanked all players and supporters for attending and wished everyone well for future competitions. Winners today (L) Lorna Bowers,Lorraine Lemke and Lois Deguara and David Fisher and Ben Phillips from Gardian and Mortgage Choice. Third place winners today ( L) H. Ray and J.Lewis and Lorna Coad (absent) Second place winners (L) L. Howland, V. Dempsey and J. Rogers. Photo supplied DESIGNER NOTE: **2ND ARTICLE** North Mackay Men’s Bowls Club Crowns A Grade Singles Champion North Mackay Men’s Bowls Club recently held its A Grade Singles final, with Chris Banney and Geoff Ollett facing off in a highly anticipated championship decider. Both players produced quality bowling throughout the match, with several tightly contested heads keeping spectators engaged across the final. After a strong performance under pressure, Geoff Ollett secured the club’s A Grade Singles title for this year. Congratulations were extended to both bowlers on an excellent contest and sportsmanlike display. Contributed by Sue Hazledine A grade finals winner Geoff Ollett and runner up Chris Banney. Photo supplied

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Mackay Cyclones Duo Qualify For Australian Trials

Mackay Cyclones Duo Qualify For Australian Trials

Two talented swimmers from the Mackay Cyclones Swimming Club are set to represent Mackay on the national stage after qualifying for the 2026 Australian Swimming Trials in Sydney from June 8th–13th. Ehsan Helou and Audrey Bryan have both achieved qualifying times in the highly competitive 50-metre breaststroke event and will take to the pool on Day Three of the meet, June 10th, against many of Australia’s top swimmers. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the pair and reflects years of dedication, perseverance and hard work in the pool. Cyclones coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier praised the swimmers for the resilience they have shown throughout their journeys to reach the elite level. “These athletes understand better than most the highs and lows that come with elite sport — the setbacks, challenges and moments of disappointment,” she said. “But their qualification is proof that persistence, resilience and hard work do pay off when everything finally comes together.” The success of Helou and Bryan also reflects the commitment of Pokarier, whose passion for developing young swimmers has helped build a strong culture of resilience, discipline and belief within the Cyclones squad. The club described the qualification as a significant milestone and said the entire Cyclones community was proud of both athletes. The Australian Swimming Trials are among the country’s premier events, with swimmers competing for national selection and representative honours. For Helou and Bryan, qualifying alone places them among the nation’s best breaststroke swimmers and caps off a strong long-course season for the Mackay Cyclones squad. Their success is also proving an inspiration for younger swimmers within the club, demonstrating what can be achieved through resilience, commitment and belief. As the countdown to Sydney begins, the Mackay swimming community will be proudly cheering on two of its own.

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AT THE TABLE   MACKAY TABLE TENNIS RESULTS 26th May 2026

AT THE TABLE MACKAY TABLE TENNIS RESULTS 26th May 2026

AT THE TABLE MACKAY TABLE TENNIS RESULTS 26th May 2026 Tuesday Evening Fixtures Division 1: Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Mark Sleeman, Neil Brown) won 7-4 over Curlews (Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan, Geoff Cowan), Geoff was to strong for Mark (5,-8,-7,6,6). Canaries (Yilin Jiang, Josh Brown) defeated Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graham Drury) 6-3, Yilin and Josh got home against Emma and Graham in close 5 sets (-6,-5,7,10,9). Geese (Steve Whiting, Lee Brake, Janice Kent) came back to win 7-4 over Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards), Trent made a great come back against Lee to win (-12,-6,7,6,14) Division 2: Parrots (Delma Knight, George Camilleri, Liz Burton) defeated Owls (Rod Mahumas, Ricky Zhan, Peter Goodson) 8-3, Liz got the better of Peter in 5 sets (6,8,-8,-8,10). Doves (Will VanDeKaa, Daniel Warfield, Noreen Frederickson) just got home 6-5 over Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta), Ollie and Rachel won a massive marathon against Noreen and Daniel (-9,14,-14,13,9). Galahs (Remy Zhan, Donna Abbott, Mark Stem) were to strong for Kites (Ian McKay, Matt West, Daryl Ross) 9-2, Ian won close battle against Mark (-5,6,8,-7,7). Division 3: Great wins by Logan Brown, Craig VanDeKaa, Tiffany Camilleri and it is very close battle for the top positions. Tuesday Morning Fixtures Division 1: Orion Orbiters (Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd, John McGee) overcome Eclipse Spin (Cheryl Pearson, Kevin Abbott, Daryl Ross) 8-4, Daryl come home strong against Veronica (4,11,-5,-10,4). Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Ross DeBoer, Judy Zahn) beat Astro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir) 7-5, Doug outlasted George in close 5 sets (-6,6,11,-6,6). Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Gloria Vella, Helen Ware) defeated Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Thelma Caruana, Coral Morgan) 10-2, Ian battled to get home against Coral (9,-8,7,-6,8). Ninja Strikes (Frank Caruana, Pam Keune, Chris Collins) drew 6-6 with Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise, Gould, Josie Davis), Kim came back to win over Pam (11,-11,-4,8,8). Division 3:Celtic Smash (David Muir, Trish Zamparutti, Myles Dutton) outlasted Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Laurie Bradshaw, Glenda Dutton) 7-5, Trish and Myles just beat Glenda and Laurie in 5 sets (-7,8,7,-8,6). Aztec Warriors (Kim Challendar, Janelle Keune, Glenda Brookes) won close battle over Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Iris Grasso, Madge Saunders) 7-5, with Kim getting home in 5 sets against Iris (10,9,-6,-10,8). Liz Burton Peter Goodson. Photos supplied

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Mackay Contract Bridge Results

Mackay Contract Bridge Results

Mackay Contract Bridge Results The Mackay Novice players competed in the 2026 Australian Wide Novice Pairs Competition on Tuesday. Sixteen Mackay pairs competed against other players all over Australia. The Mackay Winners were Annette Howe & Jewel Schmidt N/S and Janice Mansfield & Joy Block E/W. Many new players who finished beginner’s lessons in March participated with excellent results. Well done to all it, was an extremely close finish. Weekly Results Monday 25 May 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 2nd Ming Ting / Diane Stokes 2nd Joy Hold / Rodney Miles 3rd Lorna Shuttlewood / Geoff Taylor 3rd Sandra Wallace / Pamela Armstrong Tuesday 26 May 2026 – 2026 Australian Wide Novice Pairs 8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Jewel Schmidt / Annette Howe 1st Janice Mansfield / Joy Block 2nd Jennifer Cameron / Errol Morris 2nd Susan Ross / Laura Howland 3rd Lynne O’Neill / Christine Fitzpatrick 3rd Jean Penridge / Helen Goldston Tuesday Evening 26 May 2026 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy 2nd Faye Wright / Janine Rodgers 3rd Vicki Howard / Richard Wix 4th Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott Wednesday 27 May 2026 –10 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Monica Darley / Frances Brown 1st Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood 2nd Janine Rodgers /Schmidt 2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown 3rd David Ting / Eric Goodchild 3rd Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz Thursday Evening 28 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points N/S E/W 1st Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st Griffin Bancroft / Mick King 2nd Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott 2nd Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore Friday 29 May 2026 –- 11 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix 1st Ming Ting / David Ting 2nd Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy 1st Debbie Ludkin / Diane Cox 3rd Patricia Garner / Christine Nice 3rd Lynne O’Neill / Annette Howe Saturday 30 May 2026 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown 1st Janet Hansen / Diane Stokes 2nd Marilin Robins / Janine Rodgers 2nd Vicki Howard / Geoffr Cowan 3rd Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood 3rd Patricia Garner / Martin Pearce Sunday 31 May 2026 – Novice and Mentors 7 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Joy Hold / Terry Sheedy 1st Martin Pearce / Jennifer Cameron 2nd Griffin Bancroft / Debbie Ludkin 2nd Debra Goodchild / Annette Howe 3rd Faith Hutchinson / Geoff Cowan 3rd Rodney Miles / Geoffrey Patterson 1 - Winners - Annette, Jewel, Joy & Janice

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New PB’s and Club Records at Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club

March 21, 2024

The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club hosted a very successful Club Championships with 48 swimmers participating. The coaches Ken Crittenden, Rylee Erickson, Shay Wilmot, and Mark Erickson were very impressed with all the swimmers.  Three swimmers set new club records and just about every swimmer achieved at least one personal best time.  Some age groups were very competitive, so it wasn’t easy to win a ribbon. The coaches would like to commend all the swimmers on their team spirit and sportsmanship.  

Congratulations to Eloise Chegwidden (8 years), Lucas Korosec (7 years) and Jacob Bell (17 years) for setting new Club Records!

Top performers winning 4 or 5 of their 5 individual events:  Jacob Bell, Tiana Bell, Eloise Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, Tora Delac, Charlie Doherty, Miller Eaves, Thomas Ganter, Indigo Harland, Remy Hedges, Ehsan Helou, Lucas Korosec, Isabella Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds, and Levi Smith.  

Top performers achieving PBs in 4 or 5 of their events: Harris Delac, Don Algie, Zane Clayworth, Declan Dichiera, Evie Doherty, Koa Harland, Ruby Harland, Jasper Korosec, Gracie Laguna, Pippa Laguna, Lily Maher, Noah Maltby, Abi Maher, Matilda Nicholes, Celeste Orenshaw, Isaac Pisaniello, Dylan Reynolds, Isabella Pisaniello, Lincoln Russell, Addie Sanders, Indi Smith, Levi Smith, Alex Trefz and Zach Trefz.  

Massive PBs achieved in medleys: In the 200m IM, Addie Sanders swam 33 second PB, Harris Delac swam 28.51 second PB and Jasper Korosec swam a 18.43 second PB. In the 100m IM, Indigo Harland swam a massive 45.75 second PB and her sister Koa swam a 13.92 second PB.  Lily Maher swam an incredible 100m Butterfly in 1.43.93, a 22.49 second PB.  

Young Cannons swam very well in the 7 years and under:  Harry Chegwidden, Bonnie Crichton, Gracie Crichton, Leo Mulliss, Jax Eaves, Indigo Harland, and Lucas Korosec.  

Congratulations to all the Cannons on their outstanding achievements this week!  Thank you very much to all the wonderful parents for their continued support!

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen. Photos supplied

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Whitsunday Touch Football

March 21, 2024

Round Five Results

 

Mixed A

Vipers 5 defeated In The Crear 3

Raiders A 5 defeated G.E.T. Touch 3

                                                

Mixed B

Whitmonday Eagles 10 defeated Full Boar 5

Raiders B 14 defeated Ray White 5

Stingers defeated Flame Tree Flames (forfeit)

 

Mixed C

Sheds N Homes 7 drew Bulls 7

Mighty Mustangs 8 defeated Untouchables 6

 

Mixed Juniors

Raiders Purple 7 defeated Raiders Blue 3

Hamo Rent 8 defeated Raiders Green 5

 

Whitsunday Touch Football is thrilled to have a dedicated Junior Mixed Touch Competition this year.

 

Available to girls and boys aged 6 to 12 years, the competition is where Junior Touch Players learn the rules of the game, develop individual touch skills and team patterns of attack and defence.

The Juniors are an important part of the Club’s Footy for Fun culture.

 

All Junior games are held from 6.00pm to 6.50pm.

 

Queensland Touch Football will be running a Touch Skills Program during the June/July school holidays.  The program is targeted to girls and boys aged 6 to 11 years.

 

This program will be a fantastic development opportunity for all the present players.  It will also be a great initiation for new players who can then join the new Junior Competition that starts immediately after the June/July holidays.

 

Details of the Queensland Touch Football Skills Program will be available soon.

 

A huge thank you to all the referees who joined us for a pre-game meeting this week. Your participation is greatly appreciated as we work on improving and refining our referee team. We're grateful to have you as part of our club!


Contributed with thanks to Alita DeBrincat ; photo supplied

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Whitsunday United Weekly Football Report Rain stops, football starts

March 21, 2024

After three rounds of washed out games, finally Whitsunday United hit the fields with some great results over the weekend.

On Friday night, the Divisional Men hosted Dolphins at Whitsunday Sports Park. While WUFC Divison 2 men scored in the first half and had other chances, the youth of the Dolphins team began to take its toll Dolphins scored late in the second half, ending in a 1-1 draw.

With the Whitsunday Division 1 team one of the strongest ever fielded, the end score was 20-2 to the Whitsundays, with the Dolphins commendably fighting hard all the way to the end.

On Saturday the U15 Division 1 was an entertaining game. Whitsundays scored first with a goal to Oliver Shulz. Wanderers equalised early in the second half. Good defence kept the score locked at    1-1. Cody Hocking won Man of the match.

The Women also enjoyed a great weekend with both securing victory over Mackay Wanderers. The Premier Reserves squad ground out a well deserved 2-0 win, whilst the Premier Women took control early and took a 10-0 win. In that match Akema bagged a hat-trick.

The Premier Men’s Squads didn’t fare so well against the bolstered Magpie’s Squads who were dominant in both games. The Premier Men lost 5-0 with some great saves from Luke Nightingale keeping the score in check. In Reserves: Magpies won 8 nil.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic ; Photo supplied

U15 Div 1’s Cody Williams taking the ball forward.

Whitsunday Women in action against Wanderers

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Sailing Regatta Over Easter Weekend

March 21, 2024

Abell Point Yacht Club’s next monthly sail is this Easter Weekend.

Departing from the Abell Point Yacht Club this Good Friday, join the crew.

Once departed, you will travel towards Cid Harbour, when there, gather on the beach with your fellow sailors.

Enjoy a barbecue, games, chats, adventures or lounging on the beach.

After Cid Harbour, you’ll be travelling to more of the beautiful islands the Whitsundays has to offer.

Long Island or South Molle Island are next up, the island of choice will be dependent on the weather.

There is no cost, and everyone is welcome to join, yachts, power boats and young and old.

Register now by using the email that follows: abellpointyc@gmail.com 

For further information or questions please visit: abellpointyc.com.au

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School Holiday Bowls

March 21, 2024

A special new initiative is about to begin for women and girls, commencing on Tuesday 2 April and running for five weeks. 

The hours 10am to 12pm, were selected to enable women to manage family commitments and school hours.

During school holidays students are welcome to join in too. Bowls are available at the club.

Very young children will be given soft rubber bowls to play with. The club has a good supply of bowls suitable for all ages and capabilities.

Tuesday winners were Lyn Graham and Dawn Dowell.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls, where the jackpot wasn’t won, saw Shane Spann and his team playing awesome and easily won on the day. Betty Whitehorn won the prestigious Health Hub award.

Sunday afternoon saw Peter Barrett’s team of Paul Osborne and Keith Bates close winners over the rest of the field, whilst Rick Galea won the Health Hub award well deserved to our groundskeeper.

The Airlie Beach bowls club conducts coaching every Monday and Thursday afternoon between 4pm and 5pm for anyone interested in learning to play lawn bowls.

Watch this space for further details about the school students' competition. The final winners have the chance of going to Brisbane to play off.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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64 Compete in Ladies Fours Tournament

March 21, 2024

Results of Club Rinks Competition: Andy Peebles, Lee Welsted, Jason Wright and Mitch Wright defeated Lou Fordham, Helen Jacobsen, John Trembath and Shane Spann.

Sunday Social: I. Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle, Gavin Charles defeated A.Delic, Allen Williams, Jane Gilbert. L.Kruger, Peter Bruce, Ron Gould.

Wednesday Social: B.Neal, Allen Williams and Doc Fordham defeated MaryEllen Pratten, R.Rodda, Jane Gilbert. Ray Muir, Robyn Stitt and Wendy Coles defeated I Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle, Glen.

Friday March 22 is the last night of Corporate Bowls for this round.

Results of Club Singles: Wayne Crowhurst defeated Helen Jacobsen. Jason Wright defeated Wayne Crowhurst. Steve Roome defeated Lou Fordham. Kevin Daniels defeated Doc Fordham. Kevin Daniels defeated Brett Lampard. Gavin Charles defeated Jason Wright. Steve Roome defeated Andy Peebles. Wendy Coles defeated Tracy Roach. Gus Munro defeated Steve Roome. Gus Munro defeated Kevin Daniel’s.

Club Pairs: J.Trembath, Shane Spann defeated Doc Fordham, Lloyd White.

Sunday Social: W.Jones, Gavin Charles defeated L.Kruger, Corrine Dibnah. Keith Kirk, Kevin G, Gus Munro defeated Gordo, Jane Gilbert, K. Leverton. Ron Gould, Wendy Coles defeated Ron Muir, Jodie G.


Wednesday Social: I Thatcher, Jane Gilbert, Ron Gould defeated MaryEllen Pratten, Ray Muir, Gordo.

The Ladies Fours Tournament annual event was a great success with 16 teams of 4 competing. A big thankyou to Industry Fire Services, Precise Plumbing, S&W Crane Hire who were the Sponsors for the event.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

1: The 16 teams that participated in the Ladies Fours Tournament

2: 1st place Winners were Michele Stockton, Leanne Lewis, Carmel Kirwan, Jo Inch with Peter Bruce for Precise Plumbing

3: 2nd place winners were Lee Shears, Wanda Goodwin, Donna Ware, Kaos with Helen Jacobsen for Industry Fire Services

4: 3rd place winners were Ladda Purdie, Margo Stanley, Betty Whitehorn, Betty Nicolle with Lee Welsted from S&W Crane Hire

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Competition Games Kick Off At Proserpine Bowls

March 21, 2024

Players were lucky to get a break in the weather for Wednesday's Social Bowls and Saturday for the beginning of the Men's Competition for 2024. 

On Wednesday with all the rain prior, we had 5 players for Social Bowls. Heather Brown played double lead.  Heather, Dale Haack and Sandy Daffara defeated Heather, Philip Brown and Peter Lawton 22 - 14.  There were no Social Bowls played on Sunday due to heavy rain on Sunday morning.

On Saturday in Club Championship Singles Luchie Gardel defeated Jonathan Bye 25 – 14. Shane Kinnear defeated Stephen Summers 25-1. Peter Lawton defeated Gavin Noonan 27-18. Barry Saroglia defeated Vince Olsen 25-16.  In Club Championship Fours, Shane Kinnear, Todd Leys, Scott Hamilton and Gavin Milne defeated Bruce Uhe, Vince Olsen, Barry Zillmann and Dale Haack 25 - 11.  In "B" Singles, Peter Lawton defeated Kendall Watts 25 - 15.  The game of Club Championship Singles between David Ling and Andrew Bell against Bryan Davy and Luchie Gardel was suspended after one end played when one of the players got an urgent recall to work. That game will be completed by mutual agreement at the earliest opportunity.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club.

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Wangaratta Bowls

March 21, 2024

Social play on Tuesday resulted in Gwenda Lydom, Linda Smith and Penny Warren defeating Lindy Suann, Irene Laird, Geoff Danvers and B Reddcliff, Lyn Danvers and Greg Colquhoun defeated Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing and Kevin Daniels. The jackpot didn’t go off.

In the ladies club competition Deb Retchless defeated Bron Tolcher and Jocelyn Defranciscis defeated Tiarna Winter. The first round of the fours was played on Sunday morning. Congratulations to the winning teams of Irene Laird, Merle Elphinstone, Margaret Wilson and Linda Smith who defeated Gwenda Lydom, Sue Shearing, Lyn Danvers and Pat Tracey. Robyn Stitt, Deb Retchless, Tiarna Winter and Fely Duncan defeated S Denise Wallace, Teresa Willshire, Linda Scells and Penny Warren. They will play each other in the final on Saturday morning 23 March. More games have been called on the board so please check.

Congratulations to the Wangaratta Men’s Local Pennant teams who defeated Collinsville on Saturday at Wangaratta with three match wins, which now puts Wangaratta in an unassailable lead in the local competition. Well done chaps.

Winners for Sunday afternoon social bowls were Albi Vigar and Mark Drummond defeated Graeme Read Allan Rolfe. Robyn Stitt, Merle Elphinstone and Pat Tracey defeated Toni Bowen, Bron Tolcher and Penny Warren. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Don’t forget this Friday night we are hosting our Barefoot Bowls. We had a great crowd last fortnight so we would love to see you come along and enjoy the night.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Dry Weather Allows Golf Comps

March 21, 2024

The course dried out enough to see Vic Feldman edge out Ross Hammond on 37 points in Thursday's stableford event, where Warren Deighton and Gary Scotford won the pin shots.

Friday's Met run saw Scott Mason win with 22 points, two ahead of Ryan Wilkes with a handy four under par for the nine holes. Christopher Bartlett and Karlene Lloyd took out the pins.

Joshua Norris had 41 points to dominate the Hayman Electrical Saturday competition with Brodie Slater his A Division runner up on 37 points. Bailey Hayward won the B Division with 35 points ahead of Cory O'Shea on 34. Elspeth Scotford had 26 points to win the Ladies' division by one shot from Peta Thomas. Pins went to Ryan Wilkes, Blake Lovelock, John Roser, Jason Bourke, Penny Wardroper and Ann Gardel.

Mark McDougall had 40 points to beat Mark Thompson by two shots in Sunday's competition with Peta Thomas and Elise Hodgson the leading ladies on 24 and 22 points. Pins went to Ryan Wilkes, Elise Hodgson and Jon Miller.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club. Photo supplied

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Mila Westley Sports Star Of The Week

March 14, 2024

Full name: Mila Westley

Age: 11

Name: Mila Westley

Grade/Age: Year 6 / 11 years old

Sports: Proserpine District - Soccer, Whitsunday District - Touch Football, Netball and Basketball, Capricornia Region - AFL


Who inspired you to start playing sport?

My Mum and Dad have always encouraged me to try my best at everything, including sport. Without their support there is no way I would be able to have a go at so many different things.


Can you tell us about a memorable moment or achievement in your athletic career so far?

Last year I had the honour of being named ‘Grade 5 Sportsperson of the Year’ at Cannonvale State School which was a huge thrill.


What are some challenges you've faced as a young athlete, and how have you overcome them?

I find it frustrating when I get sick and lose some of the fitness I have worked so hard for, however the only solution to this is, when I am better, to train consistently to get it back.


Who are your role models or favourite athletes, and why?

My Dad is a huge Collingwood Magpies supporter and I love them too, so my favourite athlete is Nick Daicos.


What is your favourite part about being part of the Next Stars?

I love the team environment and the variety of the training. We work hard but we always have fun too!


How do you stay motivated?

When my alarm goes off at 5.30am, I’m up and ready to go!

 

What advice would you give to other young athletes who are just starting out?

When things get hard, never give up and always try your best.


What are your goals for the future in sport?

I want to make the North Queensland team for athletics and, of course, play for the mighty Collingwood Magpies.


How has participating in sports made you a better person?

It has made me appreciate the values of hard work and sportsmanship.


To find out more about Next Stars go to www.nextstars.org of find them on Facebook / Instagram @nextstarssportsacademy.

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Airlie Bowls Report

March 14, 2024

Tuesday afternoon bowls went ahead and skipper Andy McDougall confirmed his great skills with a fantastic performance inspiring his lead Robin Brown, and Arthur McManus ably assisted his team performance.

Wednesday afternoon's Jackpot Bowls had a huge roll up under the guidance of Mervyn Stewart who saw four teams playing for the prizes on offer and once again it was skipper Warren Mills and Lu Rogan whom ably assisted and Alan Pershouse.

The Jackpot wasn't won and will rise next week. However John Anderson went home with a huge smile as he won the prestigious Health Hub award which is greatly appreciated by our little club .

Wednesday afternoon saw the return after over 12 months of Wild Bill Gordon who joined Andy McDougall and Warren Mills whom were in awe with his brilliant performance.

Next week we will tell you all about the World’s Greatest Shave and the money made for the leukaemia foundation.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Caption: Wild Bill Gordon, Andy McDougall and Warren Mills. Photo supplied

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Wangaratta Weekly Update

March 14, 2024

We had a great crowd attend our barefoot bowls on Friday night. Everyone enjoyed themselves and I am sure improved their skills by the end of the night. Our next night will be Friday 22 March.

Our club competition has begun. Results so far: Men’s A singles K Jewell defeated M Drummond. Ladies Crooked Jack resulted in Deb Retchless defeated Teresa Willshire, Robyn Stitt defeated Gwenda Lydom and Penny Warren defeated Denise Wallace. Ladies Fours will be played this Sunday morning and the Final Saturday 23 March.

It was great to have the Zonta Ladies host their International Women’s Day afternoon tea at the club on Sunday.

Well done ladies. What an inspiring afternoon. Thanks to the Wangaratta ladies who provided a fantastic range of food.

Winners for Sunday afternoon social bowls were Gwenda Lydom, Denise Wallace and Allan Rolfe who defeated Toni Bowen, Albi Vigar and Sugar Brunker.

Robyn Stitt and Kevin Jewell defeated Isobel Wheeler and Mark Drummond, and Jim Quod, Merle Elphinstone  and Graeme Read drew with Lindy Suann, Bill Myers and Kevin Daniels. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Good luck to our men’s local pennant teams playing Collinsville this Saturday at Wangaratta.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Joe: Top Of The Darts

March 14, 2024

This week’s Premier League darts saw a couple of wins for Joe Wilson to go top of the league, just above Josh Fraser who had a few wins of his own on Sunday morning at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club.

Joe Wilson claimed the 2024 Champion of Champions shield with a 7/5 win over Dom Friend.

Art McMinn claimed joint 3rd spot on the ladder with a win over Hawkeye Rick, and Naomi Mitchell slipped down from 2nd to 6th after suffering back to back losses.

The league table is held up by Jamie Maher, Hawkeye Rick and Jayden Lloyd who sit bottom of the league awaiting points, though Jayden has yet to feature this season.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing and Master Butchers Whitsundays. Keep up to date with the club competitions by following us on Facebook. 

Round Results and Table

J Wilson def D Friend 7/5

J Fraser def J Maher 7/5

D Friend def N Mitchell 7/2

J Wilson def K Reason 7/1

A McMinn def H Rick 7/2

J Fraser def N Mitchell 7/2

K Reason def H Rick 7/2

1. J Wilson 6pts

2. J Fraser 4pts

3. A McMinn 3pts

4. K Reason 3pts

5. D Friend 2pts

6. N Mitchell 2pts

7. J Lloyd 0pts

8. J Maher 0pts

9. H Rick 0pts

Caption: Joe Wilson claimed the 2024 Champion of Champions shield. Photo supplied

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New Season For Bowen Golf

March 14, 2024

On Saturday, members welcomed in the 2024 season with a 4BBB event by Bowen Small Motors & Cycles, Thank you Scott and Lisa for your support. 

Winners Josh Fraser and Kaleb Brunker 48 points, Runners up Gordon Brackley and Paul Martin 43 points, 3rd Place John and Jack McEniery 42 points on a countback.

Accuracy shots to Glenn Wright and Robyn Slade. Pin Shots to Elona Lynch, Jo Kukura, Julie Martin, Judy Atkins, Tate McGrath, Brendan Malone, Geoff Fellows and Paul Martin. Mike Uerata claimed the Car Wash voucher with an OBP.

Kaleb Brunker had an Eagle on Hole 17.

  

Joker draw is $1600 this Friday night. If you are dining in, please ensure you call the club to book your table, so you don’t miss out - 47851206. Everyone is welcome to attend the Joker draw.  

 

This weekend’s competition is a 4BBB aggregate event for early Easter trophies sponsored by Bowen Mazda.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

Caption: 2024 Open day winners. Photo supplied

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Women At Helm For Twilight Racing   

March 14, 2024

Celebrating International Women’s Day, Whitsunday Sailing Club used the opportunity to conduct a Lady Skippers’ race, with nine of the 15 boats with female helms. 

Strong winds and rain squalls were the topic of discussion from the Bureau of Meteorology during the day on Wednesday, as the fleet for the Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race found out. 

As the Division 2 fleet approached the starting line, rain and strong wind arrived, limiting visibility to a few metres for those who could see at all. 

Combined with winds in excess of 30 knots, the fleet were blind as to where they were heading as they were unable to see the first rounding mark. 

In all the confusion, Little Black Jack (Cass Roberts) led the fleet away and were never headed throughout the race. 

Behind them, Bobby’s Girl (Marie Schulte) held off challenges from Smooth Criminal (Karina Wood) and QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) with a gap back to the rest. 

Reignition (Donna Fornasiero) had their own issues after one of the crew had to be recovered from the water.

As the race progressed, the breeze abated, favouring the faster boats, with Black Jack taking the corrected time win over Smooth Criminal and Bobby’s Girl.

With the conditions no better at the start of the Division 3 race, Shiraz (Sarah Cummings) led the fleet away with Lighthorse (Anne Ross), Riff Raff (Nicole Abbott) and Norbert G (Phillippa Hall) in pursuit. 

While the conditions suited Shiraz, allowing her to extend her lead, the rest of the fleet were spread out with each boat experiencing a lonely race.

Again, with a dying breeze, the slower boats struggled to be competitive as the lack of wind hindered their progress. 

In the end, Lighthorse finished six minutes behind Shiraz which equated to 37 seconds after handicap calculations, with Riff Raff coming home in third place.

The Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight series continues every Wednesday with racing commencing at 4:30. Limited crewing positions may be available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available). Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results.

 

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

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