Close to thirty avid runners descended on the Netball Courts on Casey Avenue for the latest leg of the Shawn’s Summer Social Series, hosted by the Mackay Road Runners Club. The runners embarked on a scenic 5km to 10km journey through East Mackay, navigating the twists and turns of the route.

Despite an initial challenge posed by a headwind, runners persevered and soon found themselves propelled forward by a welcome tailwind.

Returning to the Mackay running scene were Glenn and Karen Baker, seasoned Mackay Road Runners Members currently in town for a brief period. The Evetts family, a standout ensemble, showcased their running prowess with four children in two running prams, leaving an unforgettable mark on the route toward the Ocean International and back.

The post-run atmosphere was festive as runners crossed the finish line, welcomed by the tradition of icy cold frozen zooper doopers. Individual highlights included Paul Mackenzie's unwavering pace, undeterred by an earlier hill training session, and Shane Barben's dedicated accumulation of kilometres in preparation for an upcoming fitness event.

The excitement continues with the next instalment of the Shawn’s Summer Social Series, offering both 5km and 10km options. Scheduled for this Sunday at 5:15 pm, the run will commence from Iluka Park, Binnington Esplanade, Town Beach. As runners gather, the pre-run buzz will include a course briefing by Jim Ford, also the Club Captain and Race Director, setting the stage for an evening of camaraderie and achievement.

As we look ahead to the 2024 season, early registration is already open for the Mackay Road Runners Club. Secure your spot now for a head start when the formal season kicks off in February, ensuring you're part of the action for what promises to be an exhilarating and rewarding year of running in Mackay.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse.

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Jo Hughes (right) welcomes ex Mackay Road Runners Club Members, Glenn and Karen Baker for a 3-week secret training camp in Mackay

(Left to right) Mel Esau, Judy Zahn, Jose Wright, Glenys Forse, and Riley Matsen

Alana Knezevic with daughter, Vivian ready to run

Brisbane Heat cricket team are entrenched in the Women’s Big Bash League top four after rolling Adelaide Strikers in a classic contest at Mackay’s Harrup Park last weekend.

A match-winning half century from South African ace Mignon du Preez helped the Heat snap the third placed Strikers four match winning streak with the star recruit cracking a superb 60 off 49 balls.

The talented du Preez smashed seven boundaries and figured in valuable partnerships of 48 for the fourth wicket with 20-year-old Charli Knott (21) and a crucial fifth wicket union of 23 with skipper Jess Jonassen (15) as the Brisbane side (6-139) eclipsed the Adelaide tally of 4-137 with one ball to spare.

It was a fine knock by the South African who controlled her team’s run chase with power-laden shots off the Strikers’ spinners before she was caught and bowled by Amanda-Jade Wellington in the 17th over.

After the early loss of Georgia Redmayne (run out for 9), the dashing Grace Harris (10) and Kiwi Amelia Kerr (3), du Preez put the Heat back on track with her belligerent batting.

English recruit Bess Heath brought up the winning runs for Brisbane with an edge to the boundary in the final over.

The result left the Strikers one point behind competition leaders Sydney Thunder (13) and level with second-ranked Perth and fourth-placed Heat.

Adelaide were reeling at 3-31 after seven overs, before Madeline Penna posted an unbeaten 57 from 46 balls.

Danielle Gibson also thumped 34 not out from 17 balls to help lift the Strikers to a competitive total.

Knott (2-15 off three) and Kerr (2-22 off four) were the pick of the Heat bowlers while Australian quick Megan Schutt (2-29 off four) spearheaded the Strikers’ attack.

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Photo credit: Brisbane Heat and Sinead Porter

Mackay Bowls Club’s green has been closed now for a few weeks after being laser levelled, with greenkeeper Bruce Bridger commenting that it is ‘progressing well.’

There is a hope that the green will reopen in early December for Club Men's B Fours able to be finalised. It is proposed that on 17th December, there will be an afternoon of Bowls and presentation of awards to those members who have competed in the Club Championship events.

This Sunday is the Annual General Board meeting of the Club, held at 10:30am. Both Men's Section and Ladies Section have held their Annual General Meetings with all positions filled.

Ladies have been invited by Sarina Club to participate in their Thursday afternoon Social Bowls, with their annual Christmas Break-Up taking place on 15th December at 12pm.

The Men's Section have been travelling out to a few different clubs, including Wednesday afternoons at Sarina Club and the RSL at Slade Point, along with Thursday afternoons at Wests Tigers in Walkerston for their Jackpot Bowls.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Members having a roll at Wests Tigers

Photo supplied

O'Meara Family Shield Race - Brauer Claims Victory

The Mackay Cycling Club wrapped up its 2023 season with the thrilling O'Meara Family Shield Race, facing challenging winds that created a headwind in every direction. Despite the tough conditions, riders gathered for the showdown. The scratch group, led by Kyle Marwood and Brendon Brauer, dominated the race, swiftly passing the field. Brauer emerged victorious, clinching the fastest male time at 45:57.

In a hard-fought battle, Kyle Marwood secured the second spot, followed by Paul Lampard in third. The top 10, including Brendan Hoban, Kevin Walters, Shaun Brennan, Tim Ffrost, Zac Schwarzrock, and Tenille Galea (fastest female with a time of 52:16), showcased the club's cycling talent. Special mention goes to volunteers Graham, Mark, Matt, and Kyle for ensuring the day's success.

O'Meara Family Shield Race Results:

1. Brendon Brauer (45:57)

2. Kyle Marwood

3. Paul Lampard

4. Brendan Hoban

5. Kevin Walters

6. Shaun Brennan

7. Tim Ffrost

8. Zac Schwarzrock

9. Tenille Galea (52:16)

Mackay Cycling Club 2023 Road Season - Tim Ffrost Clinches Cyclist of the Year

As the tyres cooled after the O'Meara Family Shield Race, the Mackay Cycling Club celebrated the conclusion of its 2023 Road Season. In a nail-biting finale, Tim Ffrost pedalled his way to victory, securing a good position in the final race to clinch the coveted Cyclist of the Year title. The season, marked by close finishes and intense competition, saw Ffrost emerge as the triumphant cyclist, with only a few points separating the top contenders.

The final standings for the 2023 Mackay Cycling Club Road Season highlight the remarkable performances of the top riders:

2023 Mackay Cycling Club Road Season Final Results:

1. Tim Ffrost - 63 points (Cyclist of the Year)

2. Luke Schatkowski - 61 points

3. Kyle Marwood - 51 points

4. Tenille Galea - 49 points Shaun Brennan - 49 points Brendan Hoban - 49 points

7. Glen McDermott - 45 points

8. Mark Sheather - 31 points Brendon Brauer - 31 points

10. Andy Pate - 30 points Tracy Falbo - 30 points

In a slam dunk move, Mackay Basketball proudly unveiled the signing of Taylor Mole for the highly anticipated 2024 NBL1 North season.

The 24-year-old baller is set to ignite the court as she suits up for the McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes come April next year. Taylor, currently showcasing her skills with the Adelaide Lightning in the WNBL, is ready to bring her A-game to the Mackay squad, adding a new level of excitement to the upcoming season.

Mole brings an array of high-level hoops experience to the Sugar City, having represented Australia as a junior before playing five-years of U.S college basketball for both Colorado State University and the University of California Santa Barbara. Mole’s best year in the NCAA saw her average an impressive 14.3 points and 9.5 rebounds while shooting an astonishing 42 per cent from behind the arc. After finishing her time stateside, the Tasmanian native joined the Cairns Dolphins in the NBL1 North last season, where she posted notable numbers of 16 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists per contest.

The former Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence graduate posted a mammoth 16- point, 16-rebound double-double against Mackay in Round 7, before dropping a season-high 36 points versus Rockhampton in Round 9. Her stellar NBL1 North form helping her land a WNBL contract with the Adelaide Lightning.

McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes Head Coach Jamiey Doevendans was thrilled with the addition the 188cm wing.

“Signing Taylor to our McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes is extremely exciting. Taylor is dynamic, extremely creative off the dribble and can shoot from range at a high clip,” Doevendans said.

“Taylor is also very athletic, and her length will disrupt and change shots driving our defence into offence.

“Her professionalism and work ethic to be successful will be pivotal to our teams’ culture. I’m very much looking forward to Taylor playing with us in 2024.”

Mole shared similar enthusiasm about playing her second NBL1 North season in Mackay.

"I’m super excited to get to Mackay and meet everyone there and I can’t wait to connect with the community and for our team to make an impact in the North next season,” Mole said.

“I’m looking forward to working with Jaimey and the team to continue developing my game and furthering my basketball career.” More McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes NBL1 player announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

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Taylor Mole has signed with the McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes for NBL1 North 2024. Picture: Adelaide Lightning

Half centuries from schoolboy Etienne Pretorius and all-rounder Chris McEldowney guided Walkerston to their first victory in the 2023-24 Mackay Cricket Association Poole Cup competition last weekend.

McEldowney hit an unbeaten 51 and Pretorius scored 51 in an upset four wicket win over Norths at Harrup Park’s Great Barrier Reef Arena.

The pair were in fine touch as they helped Walkerston eclipse Norths’ tally of 177 with support from legendary quick Adam Knezevic, who compiled 18 valuable runs in a sixth wicket union of 42 with McEldowney.

Left arm swing king Knezevic, the Head Coach of Mackay-Whitsunday’s representative program, capped a fine all-round display when he earlier grabbed 2-10 off his six over spell with fellow quick Nick Lotarski snaring 4-26 off eight overs to dismiss the Devils for 177.

Norths’ representative all-rounder Mason Kohler led the run scoring with 66 with Kai Higham posting 41 off fifty balls with seven boundaries and a six after the Devils were tottering at 4-17.

Kohler (2-22 off seven) and off spinner Mitchell Bourke (2-22) were the pick of the Devils’ bowling attack.

TALENTED batsman Shaun Austin displayed vintage form as Souths consolidated top spot with a decisive victory over Mackay Magpies at the Magpies Sports Ground.

Austin smashed a superb 89 as the Sharks registered 5-183 against the reigning premiers with handy contributions from all-rounder Liam Burgess (44) and an unbeaten 28 from Tom Bugeja.

The capable Burgess combined with Austin for a second wicket partnership of 97.

Souths seamer Cameron Keene shone with the ball – bagging 5-29 off eight overs to help skittle the Magpies for 139 with support from leg spinner Michael Dawes (3-27 off five) and paceman Burgess (2-24 off six).

In a disappointing batting display, Mathew Borg (33), Finley Wilson (28), Blake Ryan (15), Liam Zurvas (14), Todd Dixon (13) and Jaxn Sign (11) were the lone Magpies players to reach double figures.

AN impressive double by gun all-rounder Bailey Camilleri steered Pioneer Valley to a 37-run victory over Brothers at Mirani State High School grounds.

Camilleri cracked 47 off 31 balls with six boundaries and a six to help the Valley post 184 with solid contributions from Lachlan Charnock (33), Joel Bruun (25) and Jade Filewood (23).

Spin twins Cameron Tomerini (4-43 off eight) and Nick Beardmore (3-44 off seven) along with all-rounder Floris Duvenhage (2-42) were the pick of the Brothers’ bowlers.

In reply Brothers were dismissed for 147 with stylish knocks from Duvenhage (49 off 36 balls featuring three sixes and five boundaries) and Joseph Hackney (48) with seven boundaries and a six.

Camilleri was just as prominent with the ball – snaring 3-13 off seven overs in a top team effort with off spinner Cody Filewood (3-23 off eight) and skipper Tim Cridland (2-17).

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures November 7, 2023.

Division 1:

Charlie (Anne Sheridan, Robbie Richards, Graeme Walker) d Foxtrot (Tony Bowman, Tim Shehan, Geoff Denman) 8-3. Anne d Tony 3, -8, -7, 4, 11.

Bravo (Emma Widdup, Vince Boeske, Ivan Perkins) d Delta (Ian McKay, Barry Patterson, Lee Brake) 8-3. Ivan d Ian -8, 7, -9, 4, 3.

Alpha (Mick Ruhl, Janice Kent, Neil Brown) d Echo (Mark Sleeman, Steven Whiting, Goncalo) 7-4. Goncalo d Mick 7, -7, -8, 8, 10.

Division 2:

November (Andrea Nicholson, Will VanDeKaa, Mark Stam, Misha Palod) d Juliet (Lily Boland, Peter Goodson, Noreen Fredericksen, Nehmat Daliwal) 8-6. Andrea d Noreen -7, 13, 4, -11, 10.

India (Delma Knight, Virginia Clayton, Rymer Tabulo, Amanda Wright) d Mike (Steve Mathieson, Mattew West, John McGee, Kade Wright) 9-5. Delma d Matthew -10, 6, -8, 10, 13.

Hotel (Leo Gilbert, Simon Hogan, Steve Crocker, Anaya Reelh) d Lima (Donna Abbott, Geoff Cowan, Ollie Hamelink, YiLin Jiang) 9-5. Steve d Ollie -6, 10, -7, 9, 5.

Golf (George Camilleri, David Symons, Jye Callander, Saisha Palod) d Kilo (Tiffany Camilleri, Godwin, Duncan Sheridan, Craig VanDeKaa) 12-2. Godwin d Saisha -9, 4, 9, -9, 10.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures November 7, 2023:

Division 1:

Barra (Steve Mathieson, Delma Knight, Virginia Clayton) d Perch (Charlie Payne, Peter Goodson, Judi Hicks) 7-5. Steve d Charlie -7, -5, 8, 5, 10.

Cod (George Camilleri, Coral Morgan, Kevin Abbott) d Bream (Michael Ibbotson, Pam Joyce, Charles Hamlett) 8-4. George d Michael -5, 7, 12, 7.

Trout (Branko Vucurovic, Noreen Fredericksen, Bryan Marshall) d Tuna (Tony Bowman, John McGee, Ken Best) 8-4. Noreen d Ken 7, 5, -9, 5.

Division 2:

Scallop (Gerry Synnott, Steve Blackshaw) d Prawn (Fred Saliba, Allison Day) 5-4. Fred d Steve 7, -6, 3, -9, 7.

Squid (Marie Taylor, Sharon Muller) d Crab (John Hamelink, Madge Saunders) 6-2. Marie d John -6, 6, -16, 11, 8.

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Anne Sheridan in action. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

Wednesday saw Jackpot Bowls with Russell Jackson at skipper, Marjorie Hughes at lead and Tony Kelly at second winning over the rest of the field with John Brown winning the prestigious Health Hub award.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw a small field of good bowlers competing and it was Andy McDougall, Alan Pershouse, and Shaz Harper first round winners with Alan Pershouse taking out the Round 6 prize whilst Merve Stewart showed his guile in taking home the B Division prize.

Simultaneously, the Proserpine 4s was being played against 14 teams and it was the Airlie Beach team who took home the chocolates with Manny Isgro as skipper with Ladda Purdie playing lead, Ash Warland at second and Harry Quod at third.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls saw the compulsive winner Tony Whitehorn as skipper with Mark Mawson at lead huge winners of the day, whilst Dawn Dowel a most improved bowler took home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Mixed pairs champions Shane and Vicki Spann. Photo supplied

Wednesday Social Bowls: Ray Muir and Daryl Tuttle defeated Peter Wilson and Gavin Charles. Joan Edwards/Bev Smith, Sue Fox and Helen Jacobsen defeated Eddy Neylon, Ron Gould and Peter Bruce. Lorraine McCarthur, Steve Roome had a drawn game with MaryEllen Pratten and Jeff Tierney.

Sunday Social: Winners for the afternoon were Sue Fox, Wendy Coles, Steve Roome, Lee Welsted, Ray Muir.

Congratulations to Wayne Handley and Andrew Bell who were part of the winning team at an Open Mixed Triples Carnival at Moranbah last weekend.

In Social bowls on Wednesday the draw was done by a blind draw. Barry Zillmann and Arthur Griffith defeated Peter Lawton and Mike Harrison 22 - 20; Bruce Uhe, John Anderson and Philip Brown defeated Lee King, John Anderson and Sandy Daffara 33 - 13.

Welcome to our new club member Lesleyrose King. Lee has been coming along for a number of weeks and decided that she would like to join the club as a full member.  

On Saturday we hosted the annual Memorial Day Carnival. It started with a little bit of a hiccup when one of the nominated teams didn't turn up.  Many thanks to Michael Kinnear, Scott Kinnear, Geoff Hunter and Dale Haack who put a team together to enable the day to progress without having to put in a bye.

Winners of the day were Ladda Purdie, Ash Warland, Harry Quod and Manny Isgro from Airlie Beach with 3  wins plus 39;  second were Amy Hart, Harry Craig, Gavin Milne and Barry Saroglia a combined Proserpine / Airlie Beach team with 3 wins plus 34; third were Philip Brown, Heather Brown, Shane Kinnear and Wayne Handley from Proserpine with 3 wins plus 21 and fourth this year was David Peet, Dealia Walsh, Grahame Kinnear and Peter Blackburn, a combined Souths Suburban / Proserpine team with 2 Wins plus 21.

Friday night, November 17 there will be a Barefoot Bowls event held at the club (37 Jupp Street Proserpine). Registration by 5.30pm for bowls from 6pm until 9pm. $15 per head includes green fees, use of club bowls and a sausage sizzle. Bar will be open for refreshments. Premises are licenced, no BYO. Purchases are cash as the club does not have Eftpos facilities.  All enquiries Gavin Noonan 0405 302 702.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Winners of 2023 Memorial Day Carnival Harry Quod, Ash Warland, Ladda Purdie and Manny Isgro with Proserpine Bowls Club Chairman, Wayne Handley. Photo supplied

On Tuesday, winners were J Jones and Kennedy Whitton defeated Deb Retchless and Mark Drummond, Lindy Suann and Robyn Stitt defeated A Jones and Robyn Stitt. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Sunday winners were Bill Myers, Merle Elphinstone and Allan Rolfe defeated Fely Duncan, Lyn Danvers and Alby Vigar. Robyn Stritt, Jim Quod and Mark Drummond defeated Lindy Suann, Penny warren and Pat Tracey, Isobel Wheeler and Sugar Brunker defeated Laurie Land and Kennedy Whiton, Sue Shearing and Geoff Danvers defeated Deb Retchless and Greg Colquhoun. The jackpot didn’t go off.  

Congratulations to our Ladies Pennant Side representing Zone 8 in the State Pennant finals at Tweed Heads last weekend. The ladies put up a sterling effort on Saturday with one match win against Hervey Bay and one loss against Northern Suburbs. Sunday’s play was to be the decider to which zone made the final. Unfortunately, a massive rain cell washed out Sunday morning’s play resulting in Tweed Heads and Northern Suburbs with the highest scores from Saturday playing the final indoors. Well done ladies.    

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Manager Pat Tracey receiving Group 8 Winner Division 1 State Pennant flag

Wangaratta Noorla Division 1 Pennant Side at Tweed Heads. Photos supplied

On Wednesday, men and ladies played a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner was Jane Seaborne 39 points, runner up Michelle Campbell 36 points. Men’s winner Ray Sellen 36 points, runner up on a countback Graeme Baker 35 points.

On Saturday we played a single stableford sponsored by QB Motor Hotel & Bowen Vets. Ladies’ winner with a great score of 42 points was Leanne Swan, runner up Grace Nott 40 points. Men’s winner, also with a great score Paul Burgis 43 points, runner up on a countback Ray Sellen 41 points

This weekend is a single stableford event sponsored by Roger Vandenberg. Don't forget to check the club's Facebook page for this week’s dinner specials. Takeaways still available. Please call the club if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order. Joker is worth $5500.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

Tuesday's Stableford saw Brad Fleet shoot two under par to win by three shots from Paul Gray on 38. Leanne Alexander and Lyn Muller were the leading ladies with 36. Pins went to Adam Brewster, Lyn Muller, Paul Gray and Brian Smith.

Brenda Cowan with 36 edged out Pauline Redpath for the ladies Wednesday Stableford where two pins went to Diane Chard, with Karlene Lloyd and Robyn Whitham taking the others.

Thursday's stableford's clear winner was Ray Johannesen with 44 points from Laurie Dakin on 38 in the B division; with Rees May on 38 edging Chris Brett in the A division. Pins went to Brett Norris, David O'Connor, Barry Mortimer and Ron Jamieson.

Karlene Lloyd won the Friday Met run with 25 points from Mata Browne on 22 with the pins going to Russell Lakey and Brad Vloedmans.

Mata Browne with 42 points took out the Allenbuild Saturday Stableford and the B division by a shot from Tim Walton. David O'Connor won the A division with 40 points from Jason Bourke on 38 while the pins went to Mick Kavanagh, Chatz Norna, Steve Westley, and Larry Muller. Helen Deighton with 38 beat Rehab Hull by three shots and they also won the ladies pins.

Kristian Mulholland won the Sunday stroke event on a count back from Jared Leaman on 67, with the ladies’ winner Nicole Cooper on 71 beating Tiina Randmae by one. Pins went to Clay Coles, Tiina Randmae, Karl Carton, Joanne Moynihan, Mark McDougal, and Jason Whitney.

Contributed by Rod Wecker.

Our weekly 9-hole stableford saw Travis Clinch take first place with 21 points, second with 20 points c/b was Tyson Flavel and third place with 20 points c/b was Dom Lipski.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Tim Walton in first place with 21 points, second place on 19 points c/b was Jimmy Millar and third with 19 points c/b Billy O’Connor.

Sundays 18-hole stroke competition saw Kerrin Taylor take the win with a 45 NETT, second place with 49 NETT c/b was Asher Ventham and third place with a 49 NETT was Deeray Fo’ou. Nearest the pin was Billy O’Connor.

This Sunday 19th November will be 4 ball better ball tee off at 9 – 10am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club.

Pictured: Deeray Fo’ou

Five Youth Selected For Academy

Five of the electric Bowen Seagulls have been selected for the prestigious North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Greenhorns Academy.

The academy promotes elite athletes aged between 15 and 16 years old, with a structured program for success, to support their development and their transition from promising youth rugby league players to professional athletes.

The boys from the Bowen Seagulls have performed spectacularly in the most recent season, with their success well rewarded.

The boys are Gideon Prior, Mathew Belyea, Manua Dau, Gausa Dau, and Byron Piggott, who are excited for the new experience to train from some of the best people in the industry.

Each boy is hardworking, on the field and off, with tenacity and fantastic teamwork.

They are to be congratulated on this massive achievement, to progress in a sporting profession that they are passionate about, in a program that rewards hard work and dedication.

Within the Greenhorns Academy, the boys will have a clear pathway to build a career in the sport, as well as have great access to highly qualified and skilled coaches, player welfare outlets, and strength and conditioning staff, as well as train and play as if a professional in the sport.

Watch out for these boys on the field, we’re seeing the next top players for Queensland.

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The five Bowen boys selected for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Greenhorns Academy. Photo supplied