In his first season as Mackay Mavericks coach, Brad Somerville exceeded expectations by leading the local gridiron club to the Reef Bowl, coming agonisingly close to their first ever title.

“All we wanted to do was play great football and improve throughout the year so the fact that we were able to get there was amazing for the boys,” he said.

“They really put in 110% to get us there.”

With the 2023 preseason approaching, Mr Somerville is excited by the growth the sport has seen, exemplified by the announcement of the club finding a new home at Western Suburbs Leagues Club.

“It really sures up gridiron in Mackay moving forward,” Mr Somerville said.

“It allows us to take the next step forward as a football program.

“They’ve got strategic plans out there for future developments, so we want to be involved in that.”

The Mackay Mavericks also welcomed a new roster of coaching staff, with many of the players coming on as coaches including Saige Webber as Offensive Coordinator, Ben Clement as Line Coach, Chase Ayres as Defensive Coordinator and John Williams as Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Mr Somerville said the growth in coaching staff as well as the growth in sponsorship is positive for the sport, with plans for women’s and junior competitions in the works.

“We’re hoping to keep it growing,” he said.

“We want to get as many numbers to training and games as we can, and we want our home games to be a spectacle this year.”

With the game of Gridiron requiring a large roster of players, Mr Somerville said the club is still looking for players, coaches and volunteers.

“Anyone who’s thought about it, anyone who wants to keep fit in the rugby league offseason, anyone who’s interested in even helping out, we’re after all sorts of people,” he said.

Message Mackay Gridiron on Facebook or Instagram to express your interest and keep an eye out for the Mavericks’ first home game.

“It won’t just be a game,” Mr Somerville said.

“It’ll be very American.”

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Mackay Mavericks came agonisingly close to their first title in the 2022 season. Photo supplied

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Pipped By Tigers In Hostplus Cup Thriller

Mackay Cutters Rugby League Club paid homage to their champions of yesteryear but couldn’t share the spoils after another heartbreaking Hostplus Cup loss at BB Print Stadium last weekend.

Brisbane Tigers pipped the courageous Cutters 30-28 in a QRL top division thriller to move into second spot but can consider themselves lucky after surviving a monumental challenge from the home side.

A last gasp try by winger Jaylan To’o gave the Cutters an opportunity to salvage a deserved draw – but Brandon Finnegan’s sideline conversion attempt shaved the upright.

It was a cruel twist for Finnegan and his team mates who played superbly in their best performance of the season against a quality Tigers team.

The classy Finnegan marshalled the Mackay team with aplomb and figured in a classic goalkicking duel with rival half back Jack Miers – with both kickers landing spectacular goals from the sideline in a n epic contest.

Earlier members of the Cutters’ triumphant 1993 State League and 2013 Intrust Super Cup premiership-winning sides formed a Guard of Honour as the Mackay players took the field.

And the Cutters made an early statement – spinning the ball wide with passing rushes as centre Blake Paskins and the elusive To’o crossed for tries in the opening six minutes to give Mackay a 12-0 lead.

The Tigers hit back when fullback Tahj Wood swooped on a loose ball to score before power running Mackay forward Hiale Roycroft crashed over for the Cutters third try that was converted by Finnegan.

At 18-6 a major upset was brewing with the Cutters controlling the rucks and menacing the Tigers with their bustling defence and strong running.

But the Tigers found a new lease of life and notched two quick tries by back rower Joe Chan and winger Kane Bradley as both sides went to the break locked at 18-all.

In a second half arm wrestle, Tigers’ utility Zak Taibi grabbed a crucial try in the corner before Cutters’ five eighth Adam Cook responded as Mackay levelled proceedings.

Bradley gave the visitors the edge when he nabbed a second try with eight minutes left on the clock with Miers potting the extras from the sideline for a six-point lead.

Mackay launched another raid and set the scene for a gripping finish when the athletic To’o snared his second try in the dying moments.

The entire Cutters team deserve special mention for a wholehearted performance and go into this Saturday’s tussle with Sunshine Coast Falcons at Sunshine Coast Stadium with a confidence boost.

In the Hastings Deering Colts fixture the second placed Brisbane Tigers eclipsed the Cutters 30-14.

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Mackay Cutters guard of honour. Photo credit: Chris Karas

Mackay Cutters were narrowly defeated by Brisbane Tigers 30-28. Photos supplied: Mackay Cutters

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After Sunshine Coast resident Scott Smith had a work accident in 2005 resulting in the amputation of his right leg, discovering the Queensland Amputee Golf Association (QAGA) changed his life.

“I used to play socially with mates and then I found QAGA and joined up and it’s been great,” he said.

“It’s a very big thing for your personal wellbeing, the social aspect of it as well, getting out and meeting new people, amputees in the same situation as you are and hearing their stories.

“It just inspires you to get out and play.”

Mr Smith has since become President of QAGA, bringing the QAGA Open back to the Mackay Golf Club for the second year in a row in August.

Mayor of Mackay Regional Council Greg Williamson said the 2022 event was the first to be held outside southeast Queensland in the Open’s 18 year history.

“When they first came here last year, they had such a great time that they’re coming back this year,” he said.

The QAGA Open will consist of a charity golf day on Friday, August 11, where social and corporate golfers will be able to play alongside the amputees before the tournament gets underway across August 12 and 13.

“They really do know how to have fun and the golf’s pretty good as well,” Mr Williamson laughed.

Mackay Golf Club President George Jenkins said last year’s event was a success.

“The club staff and our pro shop, they ran a really successful event last year and it’s a testament to that success that QAGA are back here again,” he said.

“It’s always exciting to have these events hosted here.”

Approximately 30 amputees are expected to compete in the 2023 QAGA Open with some coming from as far as Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, competing alongside local amputees.

The four-person-per-team Ambrose charity golf day is happening on Friday, August 11 from a 12:00pm shotgun start with the tournament to continue over August 12 and 13.

Contact Mackay Golf Club to register for the charity golf day and registrations for the world ranked QAGA Open are open now at golf.org.au.

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Mackay Golf Club President George Jenkins, QAGA President Scott Smith, QAGA Treasurer Ken Rowsell and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Mackay Bowls Club News

Men's Pennants fixtures have finished with for 2023 and Mackay Club have finished first in Division 6, Second in Division 2 and fifth in Division 4.

After not getting away to a good start in the first couple of rounds, the club got it together and won all of their next seven games playing some great bowls and claiming maximum points to secure the flag. Thanks to all the players who made themselves available and showing good sportsmanship and competitiveness throughout the competition.

Thanks to the selectors who had the job each week to select best teams as sometimes very hard with a lot of shift workers in the club. Well done, boys. Very appreciated.

The Club is holding Men's B Grade Fours Carnival on Weekend of June 17-18.

Information and nomination sheets are on the noticeboard and there are still a few vacancies.

Ladies Pennants continue this week with a home game against North Mackay.

Ladies competition continues this Friday with Single Finals Carol Savage v Karina Dunn; Championships Pairs Helen Truscott, Erin Clemett v Kerrie Catanzariti; Saturday June 3 Ladies Championships Fours Final; Sunday 4th June Ladies Championships Trebles.

RESULTS:

Tuesday Social Play (22)

Winners of Winners

John Jorgensen, Greg Thompson, Trevor Mayfield Winners of Losers Alan Bartlett, Robyn Schatkowski Thursday Scroungers (14) Carol Savage def Mick Coll

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Novice and B Grade winner for 2023 Phyllis Morgan

Mackay City Ladies 4’s winners Anna Forsyth, Ashlee Knight, Barbara Adams and Beth Dawes

Ladies Open Fours Winners of the Marie Gravino Shield Barbara Adams, Mary Orchard, Jenny Cecil and Kathy Mathews

Brand new members Beris Jeffrey, Rose Patroni and Grace Ryan receiving their Welcome Booklets from Janette Dark

Merle Cameron playing pennants at Airlie

Emma Pash enjoying her pennant game at Airlie. Photos supplied: Shirley Sturgeon

Division 6 Pennant Winners

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By Amanda Wright

In a race that left no wheel unturned, the Mackay Cycling Club paid homage to the Corry Family last weekend, with the adrenaline-pumping Corry Shield race. This highly anticipated annual event showcased the club's deep appreciation for the unwavering support of John, Len, Evan, Ryan, and other members of the Corry clan, who have been key spokes in the cycling community for generations.

The Corry Shield, a true tour de force, offered riders of all abilities an exhilarating challenge on the twisting and turning River Loops course in Erakala, pedalling their way through a fast and flat 48 kilometers.

In a sprint to the finish, David O'Connell emerged as the champion, conquering the course in a time of 1 hour, 19 minutes, and 49 seconds. Chasing close behind, Michael Novikov claimed a well-deserved second place, while Brendan Hoban secured an impressive third-place finish.

Despite being known for his climbing prowess, Brendon Brauer claimed the title of the fastest male rider, in a time of 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 8 seconds, demonstrating great power along the flat course. On the women's side, Tracy Borchardt took the lead, showcasing her pedal power with a time of 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 3 seconds.

The Corry Shield race stands as a testament to the enduring support and tireless contributions of the Corry Family, who have been pivotal in steering the club toward success.

RESULTS

1st David O'Connell

2nd Michael Novikov

3rd Brendan Hoban

4th Jason Lund

5th Andy Pate

6th Brendon Brauer

7th Glen McDermott

8th Ethan Weiss

9th Tracy Borchardt

10th Craig Larsen

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles hosted the second of the Indigenous Rounds at home on Saturday where Acknowledgement of Country and respect of traditional owners was shown and celebrated prior to Senior games beginning. Thanks to the Hawks, Sea Eagles and Tigers for their participation and respect shown for this important part of Indigenous Round celebrations.

A scrappy first half of football in Senior Mens game between Sea Eagles and Hawks saw both teams goalless at the first break, with the second term leading Hawks to a 3 point lead at half time.

Sea Eagles came out determined to hit the scoreboard in the third converting opportunities and winning the quarter 6 goals to 1. Sea Eagles dominated the final term with their trademark run and carry piling on 6 unanswered goals to take out the win 96 – 49.

Sea Eagles Senior Women were in for a tough game against the experienced opposition of Mackay City Hawks. An even hit out in the first quarter saw Sea Eagles run through the midfield to keep within striking distance of the Hawks.

The arm wrestle took a turn for the worse in the second term losing a couple of Sea Eagles to injury and Hawks pulling away. Hawks skill was a class above seeing Sea Eagles Women run out the game with a loss 9 – 71.

Sea Eagles Under 17s ran out convincing winners 74 – 14 (adj) against Bakers Creek with the spread of goal kickers and conversion rate a highlight after struggling the last few weeks to convert good work into a solid score. All players did their part for what amounted to a training run for Sea Eagles Under 17s at full time.

Sea Eagles Under 14s took on a depleted Hawks side who were assisted by many Sea Eagles Under 12s filling in to make a highly competitive game. Hawks hit the lead and ran away with the game in the final quarter with Sea Eagles going down 21 - 43.

This Saturday 3rd June sees Whitsunday Sea Eagles play again at home against the Magpies. Come down and be part of the fun with Sea Eagles Juniors from 10:40am and Seniors from 1:50pm.

Contributed by: Whitsunday Sea Eagles

Photo Credit: Cody Fowler

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The Premier ladies continued their winning ways with a 9-0 victory over Dolphins. After a slow start, our ladies soon settled allowing the goals to flow. The central midfielders, Lena and Laura, directed much of the play once again, with strong supporting runs by Akema and Willow. Superb corners by Violet and Dani also created many goal scoring opportunities. The final list of scorers was: Lena with a hat-trick, doubles to Willow and Akema, and one each to Bre and Laura.

The Whitsunday premier Men played against Townsville side MA Olympic in the first round of the Champions League in Mackay. With the Townsville side unbeaten last year and winning 10 or 12 this year, they were clear favourites and expected to easily dispatch the Whitsunday side.

Our men came out firing and despite low numbers, not only managed to match the Townsville side, they bettered them and went into half time buoyant with a 1-0 lead that could have been more. The second half continued to bring chances with Harry Hodgen hitting the cross bar and Jimmy being denied only by a miracle save. Unfortunately, some rough play saw 3 red cards and Townsville ran out victors 3-1. An effort the Whitsunday lads can be super proud of.

Friday night saw the division 1 and 2 men come away with two losses against Wanderers in Mackay.

Under 13 Division 1 team had a cracker game on Saturday winning 5-0 against Dolphins. In a full field team effort the goals came from Lockie, Harley and Oli, Tyson who worked hard in the mid with Players of the day awards going to Harley and Sam.

The Under 13 prems took the lead against Dolphins through Cohen Springbett's goal. However the team were a few players short and despite the stand in keepers, Luke Sunter and Zac Allison, making a number of important saves, the team were unable to hold onto their lead eventually going down 3-1.

The U15 Premier Team faced a hardworking and committed Dolphins side. A great defensive from captain Reece Matthews was a stand out for the team but the final result was 3 nil to the Dolphins.

It was a tough game for our Ressie women who came up against a very young and energetic dolphins team. The ladies worked hard to keep them at bay but unfortunately the final score was 3-0 to Dolphins.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic.

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Whitsunday Premier Women continue to dominate and are closing on Number 1 spot on the ladder. Photo contributed

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The Mackay City Redmen travelled to Airlie Beach on Saturday to finish off the first round of the MRU competition and play the Raiders for the first time this season.

It was listed as the game of the round due to the top three teams, Whitsunday, Moranbah, and Cities all having 20 competition points.

The Raiders had a game plan to counteract the physicality of the Cities forwards who were coming off a strong showing against Moranbah last week.

The Raiders had a bye last week and needed a strong hit out to improve their match fitness.

Both Connor and Aden Spence were running on for their 50th and 52nd caps respectfully for the Raiders and were keen to go hard.

Throughout the game the Raiders stuck to the game plan and by half time, had a lead of 41 points. Cities were always competing for the ball and their forwards running hard and straight.

By full time Connor Spence had run in three tries, Darragh Lynch and Rhys Ward had picked up doubles, Thomas Humphries had his first Raiders “meat pie” and Jack Briskey, Waikato Nepia-Katipa, Aden Spence and Tristian Sainsbury had each picked up a 5 pointer as well.

The Raiders finished with a 76 nil win and cemented the top spot at the end of round 1.

The hard yards are just around the corner as the 2nd and final round starts with another home game Friday night, 2nd June, against the Bowen Mudcrabs, which is also the second round of the Eclipse Financial Services Cup between these two teams.

Come on down and support the boys, kick off 7.30pm. Best on field for the Raiders Brodie Stallman 1pt, Rhys Ward 2pts and Joel Hoffmann 3 pts.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

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Niall Clancy stopping the big fella

Despite the cooler weather the past couple of weeks, the coaches were very impressed with swimmers’ attendance at training.

Congratulations to Nelson Malady who swam 1km last Saturday at the Townsville Open Water Strand swim. Nelson swam a terrific time of 21 minutes 36 seconds and was came 1st in his M10-11 age group.  

On Wednesday, the coaches ran a swim session for 7 female swimmers who had attended swim training regularly since Easter. Celeste Orenshaw, Roxy Groom, Millie Groom, Evie Doherty, Tora Delac, Mae Carter-Attwood, and Andie Reynolds were invited to a special swim session on pacing.  Coaches, Mark Erickson, and Ken Crittenden were very impressed with the girls and their efforts.  

On Friday afternoon, there was a “Duel in the Pool”, Team Kenny vs Team Raylene. Kenny’s relay teams won 3 out of the 4 relays, but Raylene’s water polo teams were too strong in both shallow and deep water.  

Well done to all the swimmers who participated – Tora Delac, Harris Delac, Charlie Doherty, Evelyn Doherty, Addie Sanders, Levi Smith, Indi Smith, Declan Dichieria, Maeve Dichieria, Connor Lee, Stevie Lee, Alessa Penglase-Fortunato, Millie Groom, Celeste Orenshaw, Andie Reynolds and Katarna Bunk.  

Surprisingly, on Sunday morning there were 16 adults in the pool training. It was great to see Lesley and Dan Condon (and their family) back in the Whitsundays for a holiday. Coach Mark was delighted to see parents of swimmers and ex swimmers coming down and enjoying a swim.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cold winter days do not deter the Cannons

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Semi Final Results

Mixed A

One  v  Two

In the Crear (7) defeated Trusty (6)

Three  v  Four

Raiders A (10) defeated  Vipers (6)

Mixed B

One  v  Two

Slippery Salmons (4) defeated Ray White (2) (Forfeit Slippery Salmons)

Three  v  Four

G.E.T. Touch (9) defeated Touch It (4)

Mixed C

One  v  Two

Fumble This (5) defeated Flametree Flames (0)

Three v Four

Stingers (13) defeated Whitsunday Warriors (7)

Mixed C (Family)

One v Two

Mainlanders (2) defeated Untouchables (1)

Three v Four

Escapees Misfits (11) defeated Raiders Family (5)

Winners of One v Two progress straight through to Grand Final on June 12.

Loser of One v Two progress to Preliminary Finals next week.

Winners of Three v Four progress to Preliminary Finals next week.

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Tuesday Ladies Bowls saw Ladda Purdie at skipper with Rick Galea at second and Nik Fernbach at lead with an overwhelming victory.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls saw Maureen Barnard with skipper Tony Whitehorn tie for the spoils with Keith Bates at lead with Ladies A Grade champion Betty Nicole, great bowling by both teams.

The final rounds of Men’s Pennants was concluded with outstanding results.

Firstly Division One Round 9 v Northern Beaches outstanding victory by Manny Isgro’s team and Warren Mills’s team with outstanding performances by John Trembath and Bob McMahon.

Shane Spann’s team lost but they earned 5 points and on Sunday v North Mackay wins to Shane Spann and Manny Isgro winning but overall score was a draw with Warren Mills team losing but they performed outstandingly.

In their second year of top competition Division 4 were outstanding and ended up as Champions and will be playing in Division 3 next season. Congratulations must go to Tony Whitehorn, Nik Fernbach, Neil Moore, Peter Barrett and Stephen Lawrie all playing as a team of champions.

Team 5 have also finished on top but because of bad weather they must play West Tigers Mackay next Saturday morning with the winner to progress to Division 4.

Division 6 were gallant in defeat.

Sunday afternoon bowls saw a great win to Margo Stanley, with lead Robin Brown and at second was Elaine Kippen.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.
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Manny Isgro whose vision was for the club to play competitive bowls in the district pennants. Photo supplied

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The Men’s Red Pennants were held at Bowen and Wangaratta Bowls Club on the weekend.

Winning the Cat Shield were Rod Haywood, Lindsay Coves, Jack Haywood, and Kerry Martin from Townsville Thuringowa Bowls Club A Team.

Winners of the Red Pennants 2023 were Thuringowa Bowls Clubs, including Rod Haywood, Glen Shimeld, Peter Day, Graeme Drabsch, Kerry Martin, Justin Foley, Jack Haywood, Lindsay Coves, Ken McLean,Matt Grundy, and Graeme Robinson Col Paine.

Congratulations Thuringowa Bowls Club.

Social Bowls at Club this Sunday.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Townsville Thuringowa Bowls Club A Team winning the Cat Shield this past weekend

It has been fabulous to see the quality of bowls being played on the green this week in Pennants, Competition and Social play.  

Pennants season has finished for 2023 with Division 1 having two away games winning 60 -56 against Sarina on Saturday earning 3 Match points and 1 rink win; a small loss 61 - 66 against Northern Beaches on Sunday winning 0 Match points and 1 Rink win.  

Souths Suburban were the clear winners of Division 1 with Northern Beaches, Airlie Beach and Proserpine taking the next 3 places with very close results.  

Division 5 finished off the season with two home games. On Saturday the team rallied to come from behind to win 45 - 39 taking 3 match points plus 1 Rink Win against North Mackay.  

On Sunday the team were defeated by Souths Suburban 32 - 37 winning no Match points but scoring a draw on one rink to give the team 0.5 Rink Wins. This weekend's efforts moved us up into 5th position and saved us from relegation.

On Wednesday in Club Championship Singles Heather Brown defeated Pat Bownds 26 - 15. Thank you Mary Hedgelong for coming in to mark the game.

In Social bowls on Wednesday John Anderson and Mike Harrison defeated Alen Sanderson and Jim Quod 33 - 15; Arthur Griffith, Bruce Uhe and Sandy Daffara defeated Jim Bownds, Barry Zillmann and Philip Brown 20 - 18.

On Sunday afternoon Social bowls John Burnett, Arthur Griffith and Jim Quod defeated Margy Burnett, John Anderson and Kendall Watts 23 - 16; Alen Sanderson, Ken Watts and Mike Harrison defeated Lee King, Ken Watts and Heather Brown 19 - 14.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Our visitors are gradually arriving, so it was great to see some playing on Tuesday.

Winners for the afternoon were Tracey Roach, Merle Elphinstone, and Kevin Jewell who defeated B Huppatz, Sue Shearing, and Bob Hyde.

The jackpot didn’t go off.

Men’s Red Pennant was held in Bowen over the weekend.

Clubs travelled from Thuringowa, South Townsville, Magnetic Island, Brandon, and Macknade as well as the local clubs Wangaratta and Bowen Bowls Club.

With a lot of stiff competition Thuringowa A were the victors.

Thanks to all the ladies who held the fort at the club and produced some great meals, as well as the ladies umpiring and keeping the bar open.

Best of luck and good bowling to our Ladies’ Blue Pennant teams who are playing in Townsville this week.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Rolfe

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Wangaratta Men’s Red Pennants Tea

Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner on a countback was Elona Lynch 35 points, runner up Leanne Swan 35 points. Men’s winner Wesley Smith 40 points, runner up on a countback John Brown 39 points.

Saturday's competition was a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Sportspower. Thank you for your continued support of our club. Ladies’ winner on a countback was Trish Sellen 36 points, runner up Denise Bianco 36 points. Men's winner with a cracker score of 46 points was Vince Hargraves, runner up Gregg Aplin 42 points.

This weekend will be a split round for the June Monthly medals. Men play on Saturday and ladies on Sunday. Both competitions are sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf Club. Don't forget to check the club's Facebook page for this week’s dinner specials.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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