Sports

Coastal Fun Run Makes Waves In Sarina

Coastal Fun Run Makes Waves In Sarina

Sarina’s shoreline was filled with energy and community spirit last month as the 2025 Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Beach Run & Ocean Swim drew strong crowds and picture-perfect conditions. Hosted by Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club, the annual event featured five different runs – from the 1km dash through to the testing half marathon – as well as two new ocean swim distances of 1km and 2km. Proceeds from the day go directly to supporting the vital work of the volunteer Surf Lifesaving Club. Retu

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Junior Cricket Returns With A Super Sunday Of Action Across The Region

Junior Cricket Returns With A Super Sunday Of Action Across The Region

Junior cricket is officially back, with players from U12 to U17 taking to the fields across Mackay, Sarina, and Proserpine for their eagerly anticipated season openers. With no senior fixtures scheduled this past weekend, it paved the way for a thrilling “Super Sunday” of junior cricket. In Sarina, the U13 sides of Sarina and Souths were first to hit the field. Sarina picked up right where they left off last season, delivering a dominant run chase led by strong performances from Mackenna Jeffs

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Monthly Incentive Award Winners Announced

Monthly Incentive Award Winners Announced

At Mackay Contract Bridge Club BRIDGE Monthly incentive awards are given by the committee to players as an encouragement to play more and learn more. Winners were Martin Pearce, Laura Howland, Adrian Westcott, Sue Mayer-Miller, Karen Cadwell, Joy Block, Jewel Schmidt, Martin Pearce, Chris Meyers, Sue Ross and Errol Morris. Congratulations and well done to all. Weekly Results Monday 1 September 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin 1st Eric Goodchi

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St Patrick’s College Shines In Final Gardiner Chess Interschool Competition

St Patrick’s College Shines In Final Gardiner Chess Interschool Competition

On Monday, 1st September, St Patrick’s College Chess teams competed at the MCC Junior Campus for the final Gardiner Chess Interschool Competition of the year. With more than 45 students across 12 teams taking part, chess at the College continues to grow from strength to strength. The College’s Premier team has once again secured a spot at the State Titles in Term 4, set to face off against Queensland’s top players. The community eagerly anticipates seeing their talent on display. Special recog

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Better Built Sheds

Wangaratta Bowlers Enjoy Competitive Week On The Greens

July 7, 2025

It was another busy and social week at Wangaratta Bowls Club, with action across several competitions, social events, and Friday night barefoot bowls.

Monday Triples Dominated by Irymple Crew

Monday’s self-selected triples saw the in-form Irymple crew of France Wilmann, Jenny Healey and Chris Healey claim victory over Meryl Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler and Robyn Stitt. The Irymple side has been enjoying a strong run of form on Mondays in recent weeks.

Runners-up were Ken Rod and Mark, who overcame Neil Chittenden, Jan Dawson and John Harding. The jackpot remained unclaimed.

Tuesday Afternoon Play Produces Tight Results

On Tuesday, Toni Bowen, John Hayson and Robyn Stitt edged out John Maher, Robyn Crawford and Owen Swanton for the win.

Runners-up were S. Smith, A. Fitzgerald and Margaret Wilson, who claimed their match against Pam Breakwell, John Hallas and Maureen Hyde. Once again, the jackpot went begging.

Friday Socials Bring Energy On and Off the Green

Following Friday morning bingo, bowlers returned for the always-popular Friday afternoon social bowls. Winners were Maureen Hyde, Pam Breakwell and Bob Dykstra, who defeated Judy Christie, Peter Hopkins and Bert Madge. Carol Bellingham earned the resting toucher.

Friday night barefoot bowls continues to grow in popularity, with another enthusiastic crowd turning out for a fun evening.

Courtney, Jack and Aimee Reuben scored a win over Megan, Kate, Jamie and Ella, while Robyn, Terry and Elaine defeated Gary, John and Blake. Barefoot bowls runs weekly from 5:30pm and all are welcome to join in the fun.

Ladies A Singles Final Delivers Exciting Finish

Sunday morning saw the final of the Ladies A Singles played between Denise Wallace and Penny Warren. Penny got off to a strong start, but Denise fought back bravely, narrowly falling short in a thrilling finish.

Penny will go on to represent the club in the District Champion of Champions event, while both she and Denise will also contest the club pairs title, a title they’ve already claimed together.

Sunday Social Winners and Club Representation

Sunday’s social bowls winners were Trish, Robyn and Mark on Rink 6, who defeated John, Karon and Allan.
Runners-up were Natalia Hand, Bruce Thompson and David Madden, who beat Graham Smith, Sue Symmons and Heide Reif. The jackpot remained untouched.

Meanwhile, the club’s men’s side competed in the Dunn Cup last week, with several close games but no tournament success this time around.

Cent Sale This Saturday

A reminder to all members and supporters that the club’s annual Cent Sale is on this Saturday, 5 July. The event will be held at the clubhouse, with doors opening at 12 noon and the sale starting at 1:30pm. There’ll be plenty of great prizes up for grabs.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Ladies A Singles Final 2025. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday United Weekly Report

July 11, 2025

Whitsunday United teams were in action across Mackay and at home over the weekend, producing a mix of hard-fought results, strong performances, and signs of steady improvement across the club.

The Divisional Men travelled to Mackay for two top-of-the-table clashes against Lions. Division 2 played with intensity and created several chances, but a harsh handball penalty saw them trail early. They bounced back to 1-1 by halftime and took the lead shortly after the break, but Lions responded strongly to secure a 3-2 win. Division 1 were determined to get a result and started aggressively, dominating early play. However, they went down 2-0 after two scrappy Lions goals either side of the break. A spirited fightback saw Whitsunday equalise through two well-executed set pieces, earning a 2-2 draw.

In junior action, the U13 Division 1 side battled hard but fell 4-1 to Lions. Logan P headed in the equaliser from a Nick J corner to level the game before halftime. The team showed great intent and created several promising chances but couldn’t convert in the second half.

The U13 Prems delivered two outstanding performances. On Saturday, they cruised to an 18-1 win over Wanderers Red. Daly G scored four goals, with hat-tricks from Nelson M and Alex D, and additional goals from Bailey B (2), Remy S, Jackson P, Prahbpreet S, and Sam C. Wanderers also conceded two own goals. On Sunday, the team followed up with a 5-2 win over Mackay Dolphins at home. Nelson M scored twice, with Bailey B, Jackson P and Isaac P also on the scoresheet in a clinical second-half showing.

The U14s had a dramatic 4-3 win over Dolphins on Saturday. Eli W opened the scoring in the 4th minute, followed by goals from Shannon and another from Eli after a Charlie cross. Leading 4-0, Whitsunday were put under pressure when Dolphins scored three quick goals, but the defence held on for the win. The U14 FQPL team backed it up on Sunday with a 3-1 home win over Dolphins. Shannon equalised before halftime, with Noah and Kobe adding second-half goals to seal the result.

The U16s faced Country on Saturday, looking to improve on their previous match. Kai converted a penalty to give them a 1-0 halftime lead. After a Country equaliser, another penalty restored Whitsunday’s advantage, but two goals from corners saw them fall 3-2. Sunday’s match against top-placed Dolphins was another big test. A strong first half saw Reef finish off a slick team move to level at 1-1, and a penalty kept them in the game at 3-2. Dolphins eventually pulled away, but Whitsunday showed promising signs despite the 6-2 loss.

In senior women’s football, the Premier Ladies played out a 1-1 draw with Wanderers. Bre converted a penalty after Sarah was brought down, while strong defensive efforts from Sophie A and Sophie M helped keep the side in the game.

The Men’s FQPL U23s continued their winning run with a dominant 6-2 victory over Rangers. Max O’Keeffe scored twice and earned man of the match honours, with standout contributions from Cialan Dollard, Euan van Den Bergh and Tony Gracieux. In the FQPL Men’s game, Rangers took a 2-0 lead before Whitsunday surged late, with Sam Thornton and Sean McCarthy scoring to secure a 2-2 draw.

Across all age groups, Whitsunday United showed character, effort and teamwork—laying strong foundations for the season ahead.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

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Tassal Airlie Beach Marathon Festival 2025 Record Entries!

July 3, 2025

The Tassal Airlie Beach Marathon Festival will be held along the foreshore over the weekend of 19/20 July 2025.

A record number of entries have already been received for the marathon and half marathon and there are not many places left. At least 600 runners are expected to line up to run over the weekend.

Entries have been received from every state and territory in Australia. There are also entries from New Zealand, Hong Kong, Canada, USA, France, England, Scotland and Sweden.
Last year’s winners of the women’s marathon (Liv Compton) and half marathon (Clare Ashworth) and men’s half marathon winner (Billy Grogan) have all signed up to defend their titles.

The festival offers several races over various distances: 42 k, 21k, 10k, 5k, 2k, 1k and 1 mile. It caters for all ages from 4 to 100 with gold medals for first place in most age categories.

The festival offers a corporate challenge for teams of 3 to 10 members. The quickest three runners’ times are used to determine the winner of the floating trophy that can be displayed over the next 12 months.

There are cash prizes for the open podium finishers in the Magic Mile on Saturday afternoon and the Primary School Challenge with the most participants on a percentage basis will also receive a cash prize and floating trophy.

One of the highlights on the Sunday is the mascots race immediately before the junior events at approximately 9:30 am. There are also a record number of mascots and Batman has called in to say he can make it this year.

The Event Director, Tim McQuoid-Mason said, “This year’s festival will be the largest ever and there will be plenty of entertainment for runners and spectators with live music on the course and at the race precinct.”

There are still places available for anyone interested in entering, so go to www.runairlie.com.au .

Contributed with thanks to Tassal Airlie Beach Marathon Festival

Tassal Airlie Beach Marathon Festival is coming up soon. Are you Ready? Photo credit: Phil Copp Photography

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Whitsunday Sportspark Fixtures 4 July

July 11, 2025

AFL - Whitsunday Sea Eagles
Saturday 5th July

12:15pm - Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Women vs North Mackay Saints at Whitsunday Sportspark

1:50pm - Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Men vs North Mackay Saints at Whitsunday Sportspark

Cricket – Airlie Beach Cricket Club
Contact airliebeachcc@yahoo.com.au for information about Airlie Beach Cricket Club

Netball – Whitsunday Netball Association
Contact netballwhitsunday@gmail.com for netball information

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Police Report

June 26, 2025

From Officer In Charge of Whitsunday Police Station Anthony Moynihan

G’day everyone and thanks for the opportunity from Whitsunday Life to provide a little article on the goings on from the perspective of Whitsunday Police.

Firstly, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Anthony Moynihan, I am the Senior Sergeant, Officer in Charge of the Whitsunday Police Station. I have been a proud member of the Queensland Police Service for 25 years.

I started off working down south in Toowoomba and Ipswich before moving to North Queensland. I worked in Cairns and in every Police Station through Cape York. It was then that I started to work as a Plain Clothes Officer. Working in various Criminal Investigation Branch Offices in Cairns, Mossman, Mount Isa, Mareeba and the Torres Strait, investigating serious Criminal Offences including homicides, drug matters, assaults and fraud offences to name a few. I was a Detective for 17 years and now have been promoted back to uniform duties. Prior to moving to the beautiful Whitsundays, I was the Officer in Charge of the Torres Strait, based on Thursday Island.

I have provided a couple of photos of travelling to work via helicopter in the Torres Strait and visiting neighbouring Papua New Guinea villages to distribute clothing and footballs.

I love been a Police Officer and have a strong focus on been engaged with the community and providing care and aid to anyone in need. The safety of my staff and the community is my number one priority.

I have a love for Rugby League and the Brisbane Broncos. And when I’m not working, I love spending time with my wife and kids. I look forward to getting a boat and exploring this beautiful place.

Please drop in anytime to the station and have a chat about any issues we can help with.

This month we will be concentrating on personal mobility devices or E-Scooters. I have included some rules to be aware of and the fines that may be issued if you are found not doing the right thing. Please be safe at all times.

Contributed with thanks to Senior Sergeant Officer in Charge of Whitsunday Police Station Anthony Moynihan

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Bowen Polocrosse Launches Ladies Day

June 26, 2025

The Bowen Polocrosse Club’s first-ever Ladies Day is already a success, with tickets selling out weeks ahead of the July 26 event.

Set on Saturday, the afternoon will feature live acoustic music, prosecco, and a whole lot of fun. The Ladies Day event runs from 12pm to 4pm, offering a wide array of the A and B grade matches as part of a broader effort to promote the sport and attract new crowds.

Capped at 100 attendees, the event is a test run for what could become an annual highlight. Affordable tickets included drinks, souvenirs, and optional catering.

After Ladies Day wraps up, the action rolls straight into the popular Night Chukkas event followed by live music, a Calcutta, food stalls, a Kids' Corner, and a lively bar.

With polocrosse running from 8am through the day, the club is set for a full day of sport and celebration.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the first Ladies Day would be a great attraction, with many people looking forward to this addition.

“People travel long distances to attend, and all events held locally provide an economic boost for Bowen and the greater Whitsundays region.

“It is also great to see the community get involved by attending the Night Chukkas event on the Saturday night, Well done Bowen Polocrosse Club,” she said.

What: Ladies Day
Where: Bowen Polocrosse Club
When: Saturday 26 July at 12pm

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Charity Golf Day Swings Big For BMA CQ Rescue

June 26, 2025

The annual BMA CQ Rescue Golf Day on Hamilton Island teed off under blue skies and brisk winds on Saturday 14, drawing 92 eager players to the island greens for a good cause.

Despite the challenging conditions, spirits remained high as teams tackled the scenic course. The charity event didn’t just stay on the fairways, a bustling raffle and auction added to the fundraising total, helping raise an incredible $64,120 for BMA CQ Rescue.

Hamilton Island Golf Club Manager Michael Frampton confirmed the impressive figure, which now pushes the event’s all-time total to over half a million dollars raised for the emergency helicopter service.

BMA CQ Rescue General Manager Lisa Martin expressed her deep appreciation.

“We are so grateful to everyone who played. It might just seem like a game of golf to some, but to us, it means we can continue our life-saving missions,” she explained.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to the event. Especially to Michael Frampton and the team from Hamilton Island who go above and beyond every year”.

Last year alone, BMA CQ Rescue was dispatched to Hamilton Island 43 times, averaging nearly one call-out a week. Just recently, the service assisted a patient suffering from pneumonia.

With the sun shining and generosity in full swing, the event proved once again that a round of golf can go a long way in saving lives.

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CAIRNS IRONMAN 2025 CONQUERED BY WHITSUNDAY TRIATHLETES

June 26, 2025

The Cairns Ironman held in the heart of Tropical North Queensland is a ripper!

It is set amongst the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, the only place in the World where two World heritage areas meet.

The Event was held on 15th June. On the day there were two events, a challenging FULL Ironman consisting of a 3.8km ocean swim, 180km cycle with a 42.2km marathon run to finish. The other event is still a tough one, a half Ironman and half the above distances which is a race rather than survival.

Over 2500 competitors tackled the scenic course around Cairns. The course is built for the ultimate racing experience. The swim took place at Palm Cove in reasonable conditions following the “washing machine” conditions a day earlier. The hilly bike course took athletes up towards Port Douglas. Road Closures made for a stunning course along the Tropical Queensland coastline on a closed coastal highway, although the gusting winds caused a bit of havoc with some cyclists.  Back in Cairns, the run took athletes along the picturesque Esplanade on a flat course with amazing crowd support and an abundance of enthusiastic volunteers keeping everyone in the loop!

Four of our Whitsunday locals entered the weekend races. There were two girls in the FULL Ironman while the two boys opted for the Half Ironman.

Both Kristy Gardel and Jessie Gerard entered the Full Ironman for the first time. The volume of training prior to the event is massive and happens over a three month build period. They are both local champion triathletes and conquered the behemoth FULL Ironman distance with aplomb! The girls had a great race and achieved their goal, congratulations!

Jake Yorke and Michael Kimpton completed the Half Ironman Event in fine time, all smiles crossing that Finish Line. It was Jake’s first Half Ironman event as he is pretty new to triathlon and is now looking forward to further challenges.

Contributed with thanks to Val Kimpton

Michael Kimpton finishing his run in the Cairns Iron Man
Kristy Gardel & Jessie Gerrard after their Iron Man
Jake Yorke celebrating his first Half Iron Man

Photos supplied

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Cannons Conquer Show Day Swim Challenge

June 26, 2025

While most were enjoying a sleep-in on Whitsunday Show Day, a group of determined Cannonvale Cannons swimmers dived into an epic early morning challenge at the Cannonvale Swim Centre. The session kicked off at 7AM giving our usual Friday morning trainers a well-earned two-hour sleep-in!

The endurance session was designed by Cannons swimmer Harris Delac, known for his boundless energy and love of long-distance swimming. Harris crafted a 6 kilometre set, which was adapted across the squads: the Guns tackled the full 6 kilometre, the Missiles completed 4.8 kilometre, the Torpedoes swam 2.6 kilometre, and our younger Minis, Lasers and Bullets rose to the challenge with sets tailored to their levels.

Coach Mark Erickson was proud of every swimmer, praising their commitment and strong completion times across the board. Congratulations to all who stepped up!

Cannons who took part included set creator Harris Delac, Tyler Bennett, Tora Delac, Liam Filewood, Mackenzie Bennett, Andie Reynolds, Matilda Nicholes, Maeve Dichiera, Ruby Harland, Koa Harland, Declan Dichiera, Ruby Lawson, Eric Mulliss, Jasper Korosec, Lucas Korosec, Addie Sanders, Penelope Shields, Zavier Woolston, Zach Trefz and Tom Ganter.

Junior swimmers joined in at 9AM and gave it their all—well done to Leo and Stella Mulliss, Caleb Woolston, River Shields and Lily Woolston.

The Cannonvale Cannons would also like to recognise Olive Hounsell, Wilson Hounsell and Bodhi Gibb—regular trainers at the Cannonvale Swim Centre who aren’t yet part of the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club but completed impressive distances.

Finally, the cannons are thrilled to announce that the Cannonvale Cannons have been invited to run Friday night raffles at the Reef Gateway once a month. They kick off this Friday, 27th June, and would love to see our community there supporting the club.

Contribtued with thanks to Jade Korosec

Senior Swimmers with Harris Delac

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Wangaratta Ladies Runners-Up in District Purple Pennant

June 26, 2025

Last week we were awaiting the results of the North Queensland District Ladies Purple Pennant, contested between Wangaratta, Thuringowa, Home Hill/Brandon, Jubilee, Magnetic Island, Ingham, and Alligator Creek. The winning flag went to Magnetic Island, with our very own Wangaratta Ladies securing runners-up honours. Congratulations, ladies—what a fantastic achievement!

Monday’s self-selected triples and Tuesday’s social bowls continued as usual, although results were not available at the time of publication.

Sunday’s social bowls saw a full green, with the winners coming from Rink 2. Allan Gillies, Teresa Willshire and Jim Steele defeated Judy Christie, Trish Webb and Dave Madden. Runners-up were Margaret Harvey, Karon M., Greg McSwain and Chris Healey, who defeated Carol Bellingham, Robin Craw, Simon Fitzgerald and June Walsh. The jackpot did not go off.

Several of our members took part in the Canefire Fours held in Ayr over the weekend. Congratulations to Wangaratta’s own Denise Wallace and Penny Warren, who teamed up with Shane Anderson and Mick Robinson from Cutheringa to claim the win.

Looking ahead, barefoot bowls and a sausage sizzle will kick off this Friday night. The club will open at 5:30pm, and everyone is welcome to join for a fun and relaxed evening.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Wangaratta Runners Up Purple Pennant 2025. Photo supplied

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Bowls Action Heats Up As Weather Worries Disappear

June 26, 2025

Airie Beach Bowls club had their grand opening on Friday marking a new era, players are thrilled that weather is no longer a factor—no more rain delays or cancellations. Since then, it's been full steam ahead, with Rounds 7 and 8 played over the weekend. Only one more round of redemption remains, and all divisions are looking to finish strong.

In Division 1, Saturday saw matches played in Sarina, with Manny Isgro’s team—comprising Noel Crosbie, Jeff Tierney, and Andy McDougall—the only ones to notch a win. Teams led by Bob McMahon and Warren Mills fought hard but were narrowly defeated. Sunday’s matches at home against a strong Northern Beaches side ended in losses across the board.

Division 3 also struggled against a formidable South Suburban side on Saturday morning. Both Ted Cullen’s and Steve Laurie’s teams were outplayed. Sunday’s home match against Marian Bowls Club followed a similar pattern, with the local side suffering a sound defeat.

At Seaforth, Division 5 saw some positives. John Askew’s team—Dan Robinson, Duncan Smith, and Eric Barnard—secured a hard-fought draw. However, the second team, led by Stacey Hadlow, was outclassed, though Rick Brunell stood out with an exceptional performance. Sunday’s games at home against South Suburban were thrilling, with both matches decided on the final bowl—a credit to the team effort shown.

Division 6 played well on Saturday, just falling short, and travelled to Sarina on Sunday, with those results to come.

In lighter news, the club welcomed back Neil Moore, visiting from Victoria. Despite losing weight, he joked, “I know where it is.”

Coaching continues on Monday and Thursday afternoons, with updates soon on the schools program and the Endeavour Foundation initiative.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

The Pennants team playing under the new roof. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday United Weekly Football Report 27 June

June 26, 2025

What a MASSIVE weekend of football! Every senior teams posted a significant win and the junior played a double round with some sensational results!

On Friday night, the Divisional Men took on Wanderers despite being 20 players short. Div 2, boosted by Div 1 players, held composure for a 1–0 win, with Isaiah Chilton earning man of the match and Alistair Sawer netting the winner. Div 1 overcame a tough start to dominate 6–1, with Ralé Mudford’s equaliser sparking a second-half surge.

WUFC U13 Division 1 played Mackay Wanderers Roses in their first game, going down 5–3 after trailing 3–2 at half-time. Despite a determined second-half push, Wanderers sealed it with two more goals. Later, they faced a strong Magpies side and suffered an 8–1 defeat. WUFC showed resilience throughout both matches.

The U13 Prem team had an impressive 6–0 win over Dolphins. A red card reduced the opposition to eight, with Prabhpreet Singh converting the penalty. Goals from Jackson Paroz, Daly Gillett, and a hat-trick from Nelson Malady (man of the match) sealed the dominant win. In a show of sportsmanship, WUFC matched player numbers when Dolphins were reduced to seven.

In their second game, U13 Prems thumped Wanderers Rubies 14–2. Nelson M scored four, Sam C and Daly G hit hat-tricks, with Jackson P, Alex D, Remy S, and Isaac P also on the scoresheet. The team’s teamwork and finishing impressed, continuing their strong momentum.

WUFC U14s opened their weekend with a 6–2 win over Lions. Early goals from Eli W and Shannon gave Whitsunday a great start. An own goal and second-half strikes from Kobe, Charlie, and Eli W secured the result, with a late Lions penalty rounding out the scoreline.

In their second match, U14s faced Rangers Gold. After going behind, Eli W equalised before half-time. Playing into the wind proved challenging in the second half. Shannon scored again, but Rangers took the win 3–2 with a late goal, despite a strong WUFC effort.

The U16 FQPL side played Country and despite dominating early play, trailed 2–0 at halftime due to errors. A third goal early in the second half made the task harder, but a late penalty and pressure brought it back to 3–1. The team remains in top-four contention with a rematch coming this weekend.

FQPL Women delivered a confident 5–0 home win against City Brothers. Bre opened the scoring, followed by Sarah before halftime. In the second half, Karlee found the bottom corner, Rob Dog scored from a corner, and an own goal sealed it. A disciplined backline ensured a clean sheet.

The FQPL U23 Men dazzled in a 7–0 win over Wanderers. Anthony Gracieux led the way with two goals, supported by strikes from Oisin Sherlock, Luke Swift, Lincoln Sokolski-Fricker, Jazz Knezevic, and Pepe Perea.

The Premier Men made it a clean sweep for seniors with a 3–1 win. Cillian Crowe bagged a brace and assisted Sam Davies. Sam Thornton’s tireless play on the left earned him man of the match.

Most WUFC teams now sit in the top four, well placed ahead of August finals.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

U14 FQPL – happy after a strong 6-2 win against Lions. Photo supplied

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SPORTSPARK FIXTURES

July 3, 2025

Football - Whitsunday United Football Club

Friday, June 27
6:00 PM: Div 2 Men vs Mackay Lions at Mackay Lions Field
8:00 PM: Div 1 Men vs Mackay Lionsat Mackay Lions Field

Saturday, June 28
9:30 AM: U13 Div 1 vs Mackay Lions at Mackay Football Park
9:30 AM: U14 vs Dolphins at Mackay Football Park
11:00 AM: U13 FQPL vs Mackay Wanderers at Mackay Football Park
11:15 AM: U15/16 vs Country United at Mackay Football Park
5:00 PM: U23 Men vs Mackay Rangers at Whitsunday United FC
7:00 PM: Men vs Mackay Rangers at Whitsunday United FC

AFL - Whitsunday Sea Eagles
U13s vs Swans at Rogers Oval
U15s vs Swans at Rogers Oval
U17s vs Magpies at Magpies
Senior Women vs Magpies at Magpies
Senior Men vs Magpies at Magpies

Cricket – Airlie Beach Cricket Club
Contact airliebeachcc@yahoo.com.au for information about Airlie Beach Cricket Club

Netball – Whitsunday Netball Association
Contact netballwhitsunday@gmail.com for netball information

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Pitch Perfect

June 26, 2025

Softballers Shine Despite Wild Weather

It was a tough day at the diamond with cold winds, scattered showers, and soggy conditions – but that didn’t stop some strong performances across all grades.

Under 14s
Get the Power 5 def. Northjacklin Choas 3
Dodging rain showers on and off the diamond, Get the Power made an early statement with five runs in the first dig. Boyd Baxter was the only player to cross home plate twice. Teammates Slenna Kitto, Lilly McKenzie, and Brenton Worth all picked up walks, keeping the scoreboard ticking.

For Choas, Darcy Dolgner crossed the plate twice—one run coming from a big hit. Siblings Harry and Maycee showed sharp discipline at the plate, both earning walks. Ashlynn Ireland delivered a top performance on the mound, recording five strikeouts.

B Grade Men
Devils 17 def. Ausgroup 8
The Devils came out swinging, with Chad Oldham, Dane Snell, and Ryan Richter each slamming two to three deep hits into the outfield—bringing runners home every time. Brandon Matthews worked the zone well, drawing walks to get on base.

Ausgroup’s Chris Mickle was named man of the match after two strong hits, including a home run. He also took a catch and assisted in two outs. Tim Monford contributed with a clean grab in the field, and young Tighe Moham stood out as the only player to cross the plate twice.

A Grade Ladies
PM Diesel Hawks 7 def. BCN Dragons 6
Ali Bekker made her lone hit count, rounding the bases to score. Walks from Evie Grace, Amy Goodwill, and Bodies Baxter proved crucial, with the trio helping to bring each other home. Peyton Baker and Jess Martin took key catches to support PM Diesel’s defence.

For the Dragons, Elvie dominated on the mound with a superb 10 strikeouts. Peyton Barrow was in hot form, crossing the plate three times—including a home run. Vicki Hudson had an outstanding batting average, going four from four at the plate.

A Grade Men
No match this week as the team travelled to Rockhampton to play rescheduled Derby Day games.

Additional Results:

Dunbar Angels  8 Tyre Power 9
Fireballs 14  Arch angels 11
Young guns 18  Dr flies 13
Golden oldies 4  slayers 2
Pink Hawks 16  storm 1
Heavy Iron Hawks 18  Custom angels 3
Xtreem Angels 7  BCN dragons  6

Contributed by Cheryl Martin

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When 17 Actually Makes 10

June 26, 2025

UNDERWATER HOCKEY

It was a cracking Monday night for the Mackay Underwater Hockey Club, with 17 players diving in for a full-team showdown packed with rolling subs and non-stop action. With strong numbers in the pool, the energy was high, the water lively, and the competition fierce—but one side proved unstoppable.

In what could only be described as a clear violation of the club’s own unofficial league rulebook, Boyd, Elsie, and Macca somehow ended up on the same team. Individually, they’re forces of nature—fast, tactical, and technically gifted. But together? It was as if they were running a group chat through their snorkels. Their communication and positional synergy were exceptional, executing plays with near-telepathic precision. It set a new benchmark for skill and teamwork, and let’s just say... it won’t be allowed to happen again.

The blue team didn’t just ride the wave of that powerhouse trio—strong contributions came from Andrew, Isabelle, and the returning Todd, who looked sharp and confident after time away from the game. Their collective effort secured a well-earned victory.

On the other side of the pool, the white team refused to back down. With determination, hustle, and a steady stream of tactical insight from Sophie (shared mid-match between goals), they stayed competitive and kept the pressure on throughout.

Win or lose, the real highlight of the night was the atmosphere. Laughter echoed louder than splash-outs, and post-game smiles told the full story. With this kind of turnout and camaraderie, the future of the Mackay Underwater Hockey Club is looking bright—and buoyant.

Contributed by Joel Sadleir

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