It was a do or die scenario for both teams on Saturday, as the Kuttabul Camel Boks travelled to Whitsunday Sportspark to take on the Whitsunday Raiders.

This was going to be a battle of the titans to see who progressed into the Grand final of the MRU competition.

Kuttabul are renowned for their strength in their forward pack and the Raiders were going to have to fight hard for the win.

The scoreboard changed a few times during the first half with Kuttabul having the wind behind them, they kept forging forward, but the Raiders defence had its usual solid form and the men in green repelled numerous attacks.

The half time score being 11-10 to the visitors, thanks to a try by winger Rhys Ward and a penalty goal, as well as the conversion to Niall Clancy keeping the game tight.

With the wind at their back for the second half, the Raiders used this advantage to turn the Boks around and put pressure on their defensive line.

Niall Clancy managed to slot another penalty through the sticks around the 60-minute mark and the backs throwing the ball around with confidence, it was Rhys Ward again going over in the corner after a kick and chase that saw the Raiders take a 20-11 lead going into the last 15 minutes of the preliminary final.

With a bit of frustration coming from this pressure the Raiders were putting on the Kuttabul men, it was Niall Clancy again who put the Raiders further in front with another penalty to end the game 23 -11 victors.

So, for the third year in a row the Whitsunday Raiders find themselves in another grand final, kicking off at BB print stadium Mackay 4pm this Saturday.

The men in green hope to see all our loyal supporters and sponsors at the game to cheer then on.  

Caption: Rhys Ward going in for his first of a double for the day. Photo credit: Hanny Spence Photography

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We have had a great deal of rain this winter, however here at our little club the precipitation was in the form of tears as we lost one of the greats on Thursday night when our own Nik Fernbach finally succumbed to the big C and passed away sadly on Thursday night.

Nik was a true gentleman and a wonderful clubman, helping all the new players find their feet and a multiple club champion with too many titles to write about including Champion of Champions titles as well.

Nik was a former architect and came to our club in 2013 and was admired by one and all.

He never complained about his illness, and always had a big smile beaming from his fabulous heart of gold and had a fantastic ‘never give in’ attitude.

Words cannot express the huge loss and void that we all will miss without his presence at our little family club.

The district has lost a true champion with one of the club’s legends, one of nature's wonderful gentlemen gone but will never ever be forgotten by all his friends at the ABBC.

We all will be thinking about his beautiful family that he has left behind and we all will be left lamenting his absence.

Vale Nik Fernbach.

Tuesday afternoon bowls saw the team of Tony Whitehorn with Pip Heddles at lead and Alan Pershouse at second easily account for the rest of the field with an effortless victory, with Col Morris taking home the prestigious Health Hub Award.

Sunday afternoon saw Betty Whitehorn as skipper lead her team of Demika Quip at lead showing her enormous potential with Keith Bates at second comfortably account for the rest of the players with a commanding performance, whilst Dawn Dowell take home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Finally, the Champion of Champions Mens Pairs was being played at the Marian Bowls Club, with a fantastic win by our own Manny Isgro and Harry Quod with a great victory over Seaforth in the final.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Our Champion bowler Nik Fernbach. Photo supplied

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On Wednesday and Thursday Proserpine hosted the MDLBA Champion of Champion Pairs.  

The weather wasn't always kind but through the goodwill of all involved and the work done on the green in preparation, the event went through with only the one rain enforced stoppage.  

Great bowls were played throughout the two days with each and every game being played with utter commitment to the task at hand.  

Winners were the Airlie Beach team of Carol Crosbie and Betty Nicolle, backing up last year's win in this event, Runners Up were the Seaforth team of Thelma Barfield and Jean Blackburn.  

On Sunday we welcomed visitors from Airlie Beach, St George's Basin, and Swan Hill.  

John Burnett, Carol Smith and Heather Brown defeated Lee King, Philip Brown and Lindsay Flood 26 - 6;  Arthur Griffith, Bruce Uhe and Neville Smith defeated Alen Sanderson, Peter Lawton and Sandy Daffara 24 - 21;  Kayla, Martin Corr and Warren Mills defeated Juanita Matterson, Stacy Hadlow and John Matterson 15 - 9.

On Saturday Philip Brown (subbing for Isaac Elliott) and Andrew Bell played in the Champion of Champion Pairs at Marian.  

Our boys led throughout the game to be passed in the last end being defeated by Seaforth 15 - 17.  

Heather Brown will be playing in the Champion of Champion Singles being held at St Helens on Thursday and Friday this week.  

This event was rescheduled from July 25 and 26 when we had the beginnings of the heavy rain.  Let's hope that we get a reprieve from wet weather for a while.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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This week most of the jackpots went off so there were a lot of happy bowlers.

Monday’s winners were D Richards, R Agg, and S Roome defeated Merle, Izzy, and I Wheeler.

Runners Up were J Steele, R Barr-kemp, and K Armstrong defeated J Velten, P Howie, and M Ritchie.

On Tuesday winners were S Pearson, K Russo, and M Loughhead defeated B Tolcher, M Gleeson, and M Hyde.

Runners Up R Mumby, H Donoghue, L Jackson, and P Aykens defeated A Kayser, D Hallas, P Madden, and B Russo.

Winners for our Fun Friday afternoon were C Bellingham, G Yates, and K Joynes defeated J Breakwell, K S/Collins, and G Crawford.

Runners Up J Romanis, L Harris, and J Gibbs defeated R Murrell, Mark Col, and Taylor.

Friday night barefoot bowls was back on this week with a great sausage sizzle.

Winners for the night were Bamby, Deb, Helen, and Ally defeated Bruce, Bob, Evan, Ian Martin, and Gus defeated Frank, James, and Dennis.

Some of our ladies played in the Ayr Classic Triples this week and played extremely well with Penny Warren’s team of Jacinta Wallace and Denise Wallace winning the event.

Fely Duncan’s team of Robyn Stitt and Lyn Danvers coming in second.  Well done ladies.    

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Winners of Ayr Classic Triples: Penny Warren Denise Wallace Jacinta Wallace

Sunday's Winners Tracey Trophy: (Sponsor) Pat Tracey Glen Harvey Carol Bellingham Keith Aykens  Neil Tracey (Sponsor). Photos supplied

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With only 3 rounds remaining in the regular season, points were at a premium on Sunday at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club. Every player was looking to jockey into position for a final push towards this year’s finals series.

Only 4 of Sundays matches were from round 17, the remaining 5 were rescheduled fixtures from earlier in the season.

In round 17, Jamie Maher defeated a very spirited Hawkeye Rick 7/5, Hawkeye lead for much of that match, and Gary Robbie defeated Art McMinn by the same 7/5 scoreline.

Joe Wilson and Jamie Woods both had 7/0 wins over Jayden Lloyd and Andy Peel respectively.

In the catch-up games from previous rounds, Joe Wilson defeated Hawkeye Rick 7/1, Kameron Reason beat Jayden Lloyd by 7/1, and Andy Peel won his contest against Gary Robbie 7/3.

Joe Wilson beat Jayden Lloyd for the second time on the day, this time by 7/2, and Jamie Woods had it a little bit tougher against Andy Peel in their second bout of the afternoon, same result just a different scoreline, Woodsy winning this one 7/3.

Both Jayden Lloyd and Joe Wilson hit a 180 apiece, and the highest checkout of the day went to Gary Robbie for his very nice 120.

Thank you to our sponsors Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, and a special thanks to Master Butchers Whitsunday & MBW On the Barbie for donating a meat tray to raffle off on the day, thank you very much!

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

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Andy Peel in action staring down the board on Sunday morning at the Bowls Club. Photo supplied

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stroke event for the August midweek monthly medals sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Joy Hose 67 nett, runner up Debbie Cantwell 67 nett.

Men’s winner Peter May 66 nett, runner up on a countback Benny Bon 68 nett.

Sunday's competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Men’s winner Glenn Bianco 40pts, runner up Robert Byles 39pts.  

Ladies’ winner Chris Heinrich 41pts, runner up Leanne Swan 40pts.

COMING UP

This weekend's competitions begin on Saturday with a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Home Hardware.  

Sunday is the 27-hole mixed foursomes’ event, sponsored by Refrigerated Technologies.  

Joker is worth $4100.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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More wet and trying conditions at golf this week but this didn't stop the players though!

The Proserpine Open Weekend was very busy with the weather finally clearing by Sunday.

The Women's Open was won by Nudgee player Sheree Hasson, with Trish McNeill of Proserpine runner up.

The Mixed Open was won by Mary Ann Harrigan and Mitch Thomas of Mackay Golf Club, with Leanne Alexander and Darren Reynolds claiming second place.

The Men's Open was won by Ryan Wilkes of Proserpine Golf Club with Jon Miller, also Proserpine Golf Club winning runner up.

Congratulations to the winners of all grades.

Thank you to all who contributed over the weekend and especially to our sponsors, Whitsunday Food Service, Beaumont Tiles and Reef Gateway Hotel.

Lyn Muller won the August PD Law Monthly Medal on Wednesday, ahead of Pauline Redpath and Ann Gardel.

NTP Winners: Rehab Hull, Trish McNeill and Pauline Redpath.

The Venue Smart Thursday Monthly Medal Division one winner was John Roser on a countback from Ryan Wilkes.

Paul Nicol was the Division two winner from Jim Cochrane.

NTP Winners: Brendan Spann, Gary Scotford, Ryan Wilkes and Sam Deicke.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.

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What a cracking day out there today with 73 Veteran Golfers taking part in the Whitsunday Group competition hosted by Proserpine Golf Course.  

The Ladies’ winner today was Elspeth Scotford on a countback from Mandy Patterson, each with a very commendable 31 points.

Jacqui Wall, Heather Luvis, and Helen Deighton took the next 3 places with 30 points each with Julie Williams next with 29 points on a countback from Robyn Whitham.

The winner in the men’s competition was Geoff Harrison with 35 points, a clear winner from the runner-up, Louis Neethling on 34 points on a countback from Gary Scotford, Vic Feldman and Frank Broucek and Perry David.

Next on 33 points were Steve Mitchell and Barry Shuwalow followed by Neil Cawthorne, Larry Muller and John Roser on 32 points.

Good scoring fellas.  

Next Tue 8/8 is Day 2 of Wintersun at PGC and 15/8 is Wintersun in Mackay. Good luck to everyone playing in the carnival, let's hope for fine weather.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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Geoff Harrison, Elspeth Scotford, Mandy Patterson, and Louis Neethling. Photo supplied

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This week’s 9-hole stableford competition saw Donna Henderson take the win with 23 pts, second Glenn Rees on 21 pts and third place with 20 pts Sacha Walton.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Kerrin Taylor take a win with 22 pts, second with 20 pts was Paula Wronski and third place with 19 pts was Fred Tammist.

On Sunday we had our 18-hole stableford which Dean Barnard first place with 42 pts, second place with 41 pts was Elise Hodgson and third was Danny York with 40 pts.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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Dean Barnard. Photo supplied

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What a wonderful weekend we had celebrating 50 years at our Two Day Annual on the 22nd and 23rd July.

Record numbers of 69 shooters travelled from Burdekin, Charters Towers, Gympie, Mersey, and Spring Bay – Tasmania, Mackay and Sarina, Tamworth, and Silkwood to compete over the weekend.  

We started our weekend off with a social Friday night BBQ followed by a big breakfast Saturday morning prepared by Geoff, Andrew, Kerry, and Jeannie to get everyone ready for a big day of competition.

After the completion of Day One everyone settled in for a friendly get together.

The ladies in the kitchen did not disappoint with the amazing dinner they prepared for Saturday night, and everyone had a wonderful time being entertained by Geoff and his music.  

President Bill Gall read out the Minutes from the first meeting ever held on the 13th November, 1973 and Greg Maltby gave an informative speech regarding the history of the club.  

Alan Maltby one of the founding members of the club attended the Presentation on Sunday to present the Maltby Family Memorial trophy to the winners.

On Sunday we started all over again beginning with a hearty breakfast.  

The wind had picked up making for some challenging competition during the day.  

Lui Populin made a presentation to Lachlan Furini for the Encouragement Award and Jackson Zarb was presented with a small gift of appreciation for all his hard work over the weekend helping out with the traps etc.

All overall and first place winners were presented with an engraved Yeti celebrating our 50 Year Anniversary.

Bill and Kerry Gall, Colin and Cheryl Edgerton were both honoured and surprised to be presented with a beautifully engraved Yeti water bottle by the members of the club for all their hard and tireless work that they have dedicated to the club over the years.

The weekend was a huge success and what a way to celebrate our fifty years, it was great to see everyone pitching in and helping out from the Office, Canteen, Kitchen as well as the traps, clubhouse etc, too many to name individually but your support is very much appreciated.  

We would like to thank our Sponsors Whitsunday Regional Council, Abbot Point Operations, Greg Maltby, Lui Populin, Pilcher Industries, Corrsafe, Diamond Protective Coating, Michael and Susie Populin and Grant Cox for your support.

Our next day of competition will be held on Sunday 27 August.

Contributed with thanks to Cheryl and Colin Edgerton.

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High Guns Sponsored by Michael and Susie Populin Back L-R M Populin OA J Sebastiani, AA G Rea, A G Vassalini, B A Ford, C T Bartlett, Front L-R Jnr R Zarb, Lad B Rea, Vet A Lord

Ev 1 30T Medley sponsored by Whitsunday Regional Council Back L-R J Furini, T Caruso, B Rea, K Green, T Bartlett, A Vassalini, A Lord   Front L-R A Lemphers, B Beazley, B McBow, B Bonanno, R Zarb

Ev 2 30T PS C'ship Sponsored by Abbot Point Operations Back L-R A Ford, Presenter N Munro, A Lemphers, R Warwick, K Green, L Hopkins, T Caruso, R Mikkelsen Front L-R G Rea, K Zarb, B McBow, B Bonanno, R Zarb

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This week, the rain paused and 104 great people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course.

28 participants were first timers and 9 recorded new Personal Bests.

Milestones celebrated included; Penelope and River completed their 10th parkruns, Addison completed her 25th parkrun and Jarrod has volunteered for 25 weeks.

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Photos supplied

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The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club is back in action.  

30 swimmers participated in the first Club Night of the new season on Wednesday.  

It was great to see familiar faces and some new swimmers enjoying the night.  

At the start of Club Night, the Cannons acknowledged swimmers who set Club Records at the Winter carnival.  

Congratulations to Holly Perrin (200m Back), Lucas Korosec (25m Fly), Jax Clayworth (100m Free, 50m Fly and 100m Fly), Ehsan Helou (50m Breast) and Jy Parkinson (100m Free, 50m Fly, 200m Fly) for setting new Club Records!  

Harris Delac was presented with the Chocolate Award for the biggest PB.

Congratulations to Isabella Pisaniello, Zach Trefz, Alex Trefz and Matilda Nicholes who were presented with Upgrade Certificates!  

Top performers on Wednesday night:  Jax Clayworth, Harris Delac, Thomas Ganter, Lucas Korosec and Trace Quick who all swam extremely and set PBs in most of their events.  

Highlights include: Zane Clayworth, aged 7 years swam a brilliant 50m Backstroke in 56.34s, taking over 8 sec off his previous best time.  

Tora Delac swam a super 200m Backstroke in 2.57.71, a 7.92 sec PB.  

Isabella Pisaniello, aged 12 years swam a fantastic time of 1.38.87 in her 100m Butterfly.  

Trace Quick swam an excellent 25m Backstroke, achieving a 12.83 sec PB.

Charlie Doherty smashed his 100m Freestyle time, setting a 5.05 sec PB.    

Congratulations to all the other swimmers who achieved PBs:  Don Algie, Evie Doherty, Miller Eaves, Liam Filewood, Jasper Korosec, Celeste Orenshaw, Alex Trefz and Zach Trefz.  

A big thank you to all the volunteers, coaches and parents who assisted with Club Night!  

New swimmers and their families are always welcome to come along to Club Nights on Wednesday nights from 5pm.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Backstroke starts at Club Night.

Harris Delac Chocolate award

Jax Clayworth Club Records. Photos supplied

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night results July 25, 2023:

Division 1:

Andro (George Camilliei, Tony Bowman, Barry Patterson) d Tibhar (Steven Whiting, Tim Sheehan, Vince Boeske) 6-5. George d Tim -4, 8, -8, 7, 9.

Radak (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake, Graham Brake) d Donic (Ivan Perkins, Anne Sheridan, Ian McKay) 8-3. Lee d Ivan -4, 6, -7, 6, 3.

Joola (Janice Kent, Andrew McHugh, Geoff Denman) d Butterfly (Neil Brown, Allan Edwards, Graeme Walker) 8-3. Geoff d Graeme 6, 7, -8, -4, 3.

Division 2:

Victas (Mark Sleeman, Steve Mathieson) d Yasaka (Noreen Fredericksen, Daniel Warfield, Peter Goodson) 6-5. Steve d Daniel 8, -6, -7, 9, 8.

Xiom (Duncan Sheridan, Duncan Treloar, Ishan Rana) d Nittaku (David Ting, Will VanDeKaa, John McGee) 6-5. David d Ishan -13, 7, 6, 7.

Stiga (Leo Gilbert, Donna Abbott) d Gewo (Matthew West, Trent Day) 6-3. Trent d Donna 9, -6, -6, 9, 6.

Division 3:

Delta (Aarnav Reelh, Val Austin, Saisha Palod) d Zeta (David Symons, Bill Hey) 9-2. Aarnav d David -10, 11, -7, 5, 7.

Beta (Simon Hogan, Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhaliwal) d Epsilon (Anaya Reelh, Jye Callander, Virginia Clayton) 6-5. Simon/Nehmat d Jye/Anaya -5, 6, -10, 8.10.

Gamma (Craig VanDeKaa, Mark Stam) d Alpha (Misha Palod, Ollie Hamelink) 6-3. Mark d Misha 8, 14, -9, 9.

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SERVING UP: Gerry Synnott serves in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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North Queensland Cowboys have claimed one of the biggest scalps for their first ever win in the NRLW competition.

The new franchise showed its stout-hearted qualities with a spirited 31-20 victory over reigning premiers Newcastle last Sunday at Belmore Sports Ground.

Trailing 20-12, the Cowboys staged a remarkable comeback with four second half tries to bury the star-studded Knights.

Earlier, 18-year-old NSW half back Jesse Southwell engineered tries for Sheridan Gallagher and Shanice Parker as Newcastle jumped to a 10-0 lead after eight minutes.

The Mackay Cutters connection of hooker Emma Manzelmann and centre Jasmine Peters combined for the Cowboys opening try before winger Jetaya Faifua crossed to level the scores.

Jillaroos utility Kirra Dibb produced a standout performance to inspire the North Queensland team.

The crafty playmaker booted a penalty goal to give the Cowboys a 12-10 lead at the interval; potted a field goal to snap a 20-all deadlock midway through the second half and created two of North Queensland’s final three tries.

When Cowboys forward April Ngatunpuna was sin-binned for a shoulder charge the Newcastle side took full advantage with Gallagher and prop Rima Butler crashing over for tries to open up an eight-point lead.

But in a dramatic twist the North Queensland women took control by scoring an incredible four tries in the final 14 minutes – including a double to winger Vitalina Naikore – to record an amazing win.

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Second-rower for the Newcastle Knight Caitlan Johnston

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At Under 18 World Indoor Cricket Series In Dubai

An international sporting trip to exotic Dubai is the just reward for top class performances by emerging 15-year-old Mackay cricketer Kiana Dunn.

The versatile St Patrick’s College student will represent the Australian Under 16 Girls Indoor Cricket team at this year’s World Series Under 18s tournament in the United Arab Emirates at the end of September.

Kiana, a talented opening batter and sharp pace bowler, earned selection after helping Queensland Under 18s clinch back-to-back National Indoor Cricket titles these past two seasons.

The promising all-rounder was the Maroons youngest player at age 14 when they defeated NSW at the 2022 National Championships in Melbourne and was later named in the Queensland All Stars team.

Dunn again showed her wares in Queensland’s triumphant 2023 side that also lifted the trophy with an impressive Grand Final victory over Western Australia in Ipswich.

A prolific run-scorer, wicket-taker and superb fielder, young Kiana is the perfect package for indoor cricket.

She has also represented Queensland at Under 22s level and is delighted to be part of the Australian Girls squad for the World Series championship.

“I’m excited to be visiting the city of Dubai that has hosted numerous International Cricket Council (ICC) events over the years,” beamed Kiana, who took up cricket at the age of eleven.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to represent my country against the best indoor cricket girls players from across the world,” she said.

Kiana has competed at Mackay Indoor Sports for the past five years and during that time has demonstrated her all round capabilities in park cricket with the Norths Cricket Club in the Mackay Cricket Association’s boys competition.

She has been a regular fixture in the Mackay-Whitsunday junior representative cricket teams and helped St Patrick’s College win the prestigious Queensland StreetSmarts Twenty20 Secondary Schools Challenge.

Kiana has impressed State outdoor cricket selectors who named her as part of the 20 player Queensland Under 16 junior provisional squad.

Her father Shane Dunn, a prominent all-rounder with Norths Cricket Club, has proved a major influence.

“My dad has always encouraged me to have fun at sport and gives valuable tips for my batting and bowling,” revealed Kiana.

When she’s not smashing runs or taking wickets on the cricket field, the capable Year 9 student can be found racking up goals on the netball court.

By Chris Karas

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Mackay’s Kiana Dunn will represent the Australian Girls Indoor Cricket team at this year’s World Series Under 18s tournament in Dubai during September

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