Mackay Road Runners hosted a very challenging trail and cross country run which has been on the Club’s calendar for over twenty years.  

The popular but testing hilly off-road course has been a favourite for many runners training for strength, speed and endurance for some of their tougher goal events.  

Jen White, Crystal Hawkins and Leanne Connor had a sensational 5km outing, thoroughly enjoying the seriously undulating course as did Andrew Short and Dan Stampa.

First 9km runner Toby Rule was once again in great form to take out the longer distance 9km event over Justin Rule and Oliver Rule.  

Jose Short had a comparatively easy 9km run compared to her recent full Ironwoman Triathlon event in Cairns taking gold for the girls ahead of Carmel Mahon, Maddy Price and Lauren Connor.  

Well done to Werner Van Der Linde who convinced his workmates, Phil Roche, Blaze Hunter and Jack McDonald to join him in a ‘cruisey’ run in the iconic National Park precincts.  

Word has it that they will be lining up this Sunday at Netherdale to compete in the Eungella King of the Mountain as they have now done their mountain running training and are looking for something tougher.

The 6.4km Torque Tyres & Trailer Sales Cycle and M-Test running Open King of the Mountain event will commence at 8am with the Laura Pettifer Inspirational/Podiatry Mackay junior under 18 years runners’ 3.2km commencing half way up the hill.  

Congratulations to Gold Coast Marathon competitors across all events for 2km to 42.2km.  

Several local runners excelled in their respective events including talented endurance runner Paul Mackenzie who ran three events across the two-day running festival i.e. 5km (20 min 51 and 3rd in his age), 21.1k Half Marathon (1 hr 27 min 4 sec) and the marathon 42.2km (3 hrs 17 min 36 sec)

Alana Knesevic was also outstanding in her half marathon earning herself a personal best time of 1 hr 33 min.  

Millie and Hughie Bishop were ecstatic with their 4km and 2km respective achievements totally enjoying the atmosphere of the internationally recognised event which hosted record numbers in the half and full marathon event.

In other running news, Brenda Windsor who has currently raised $11,833 for Bravehearts will have lots of wonderful moments to share from the Bravehearts 7 marathons in 7 days in 7 states.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Mackay Road Runners member Werner Van Der Linde (2nd right) convinced his workmates Phil Roche, Blaze Hunter and Jack McDonald into doing a very challenging 9km beach/trail run

5km competitor, Leanne Connor has way too much energy as she conquers the final ascent before the finish line

Justin Rule place 2nd overall in the 9km Cape Hillsborough behind his son Toby

Jose Short made light work of the 9km hilly Cape Hillsborough National Park Reef Forest scenic route. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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With The Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival

Set for the last weekend of July, the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival has already exceeded predicted registrations, with a record number of athletes taking on the course.

Taking place over both days of the weekend, the triathlon festival will begin with the junior triathlon, before moving to the Enticer, Sprint, and Olympic distances, with a Corporate Teams Event on Sunday.

In particular, the Olympic Distance event will be undertaken by industry professionals, including Whitsunday Triathlon Club ambassador Caleb Nobel, 2XU champion Jarrod Osborne, the youngest Ironman winner Tim Berkel, and Radka Kahlefeldt, who boasts more than 20 Ironman 70.3 wins across the globe.

Whitsunday Triathlon Club member Dan McDonnell, overall winner of the Cairns Ironman 70.3 last month, is keen to test his ability against the professionals.

Whitsunday Triathlon Club President and race director Mick Kimpton said Airlie Beach is one of the world’s most stunning destinations and promises participants a truly unforgettable triathlon experience with unparalleled views of the Coral Sea throughout every leg of the race.

“Whether you are a seasoned triathlete or a first-time rookie, this amazing event offers a unique opportunity to test your endurance, embrace the natural beauty of the Whitsundays, and create lasting memories as competitors swim, bike and run-in paradise,” Mick said.

“The athletes will start their journey with a captivating swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Coral Sea before transitioning to the bike leg, where they will be treated to awe-inspiring coastal views as they pedal along the scenic roads towards Shute Harbour while the run course on the Bicentennial Boardwalk which hugs the Coral Sea would have to be one of the most scenic anywhere in the world.”

Mick has represented Australia in multiple Triathlon Age Group Long Course events nationally and internationally and said the Airlie Beach Triathlon is not just a race, it is a celebration of community spirit and personal achievement for the competitors.

“The finishing straight red carpet is the highlight of every triathlon, and the locals are loud and proud so every finisher will be greeted by the cheers and applause of spectators, volunteers, and fellow athletes, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and support that epitomizes the Whitsunday Triathlon Club.”

WHAT: Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival

WHEN: Saturday July 29 and Sunday July 30

REGISTRATION: airliebeachtriathlon.com.au

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Sporting professionals are taking on the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival this July

With three different adult events, there is a race for everyone. Photos supplied

We are well into the Winter at the moment and many bowlers from interstate and bowlers from New Zealand have travelled to our beautiful paradise to stay in the warmth of our beautiful weather.

We welcomed Pip and Steve Heddles from Arrowtown Bowls Clun in South Island New Zealand, Adrian Stoeckel from Willunga Bowls Club in Victoria, and Gary Horne from Werribee.

With last week's guests still here, we had extremely competitive matches played this week.

Starting on Tuesday afternoon bowls, we saw once again Ladda Purdie at her absolute best and with the very popular Lyn Graham and newcomer Phil Holden prove far too strong for the rest of the field.

Wednesday afternoon Social Jackpot bowls brilliantly organised by Merve Stewart saw again big fields and it was the pairs game with Rick Galea and Stacey Hadlow the big winners of the day, and Nik with the stick Fernbach for the second time take home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Saturday morning second round of Scroungers again superbly organised by John Askew saw first round winners Harry Quod, Tony Whitehorn, Warren Mills, John Askew, Col Morris and interstate visitor Adrian Stoekel, with the final being played by Warren Mills and Adrian Stoekel, with Warren Mills far too good on the day with Group B winner Steve Heddles from Arrowtown New Zealand.

Sunday afternoon social bowls saw again 36 bowlers turn out with some great bowling performances, but it was our Chairman whom showed every one of his extraordinary improvement this year, leading his team of Lyn Graham, with Ken Warner big winners of the day with Steve Heddles taking home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Saturday afternoon also saw the completion on the 2022 Mixed Fours with skipper Peter Barratt, Col Morris, Russell Jackson, and Henny Tattam finally crowned last year's winner s we'll done to all players.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Airlie Beach Bowls playing hard with locals and visitors alike. Photo supplied

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A Big Week Of Bowls

As the weather cools down south, we are enjoying the company of regular yearly visitors.  

Welcome back to Carol and Nev Smith, Bob and Sharon Ross, and Ian and Yvonne Capp.

On Wednesday, we had two games of triples.  

John Anderson, Jim Bownds, and Philip Brown defeated Alen Sanderson, Pat Bownds, and Carol Smith 27 - 12.  

In the other game of triples, we started off with Harry Craig playing double lead, Barry Zillmann, and Heather Brown against Harry, Arthur Griffith, and Nev Smith.  

After smoko, this team morphed into a game of pairs with Harry going off to play an unscheduled game of B Singles, Heather leaving to mark that game and Josh Wilson stepping into the game.  

The conclusion was played as a game of pairs Josh Wilson and Barry Zillmann defeated Arthur Griffith and Nev Smith 28 - 27.

In the B Singles game Gavin Noonan got off to a flying start but bit by bit Harry Craig whittled that lead down.  

Both players playing tenaciously great bowls throughout the game.  

Gavin Noonan defeated Harry Craig 26 - 17.

On Saturday morning the Semi Finals of the Men's Club Championship Fours were played.  

Harry Craig, Marcus Craig, Isaac Elliott, and Toby Craig defeated Ken Watts, Kendall Watts, Gavin Noonan, and Brett Saroglia 29 - 10; Michael Kinnear, Luchie Gardel, Grahame Kinnear, and Barry Saroglia defeated Shane Kinnear, Todd Leys, Scott Hamilton, and Gavin Milne 28 - 13.  

On Saturday afternoon the Finals were played.  

Barry Saroglia's team defeated Toby Craig's team 27 - 11.

Sunday afternoon we played two games of triples in Social bowls.

Philip Brown played double second.

Alen Sanderson, Philip Brown, and Heather Brown defeated John Burnett, Philip Brown and Nev Smith 26 - 22; Ian Capp, Carol Smith and Sandy Daffara defeated Margie Burnett, Arthur Griffith, and Yvonne Capp 27 - 15.  

Great fun and intense competitiveness were evident on both rinks.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Monday was back to normal last week with a full green of triples.

Winners for the afternoon were J Haysom, R Hayton, and K Armstrong who defeated R Stitt, S Shearing, and F Wilmann.

Runners Up were M Elphinstone, I Wheeler, and C Healey defeated R Blythe, M Blythe, and N Dawson.

The jackpot didn’t go off.  

Tuesday’s winners were Steve Jablowski, Leigh and Simon Fitzgerald who defeated Gwenda Lydom, Dianne Harris, and John Robinson.

Runners Up were Sher Pearson, Keith S/Collins, and Glenn Harvey who defeated Brenda Jablowski, Sue Shearing, and L Harris.  

The jackpot didn’t go off.  

We had five rinks playing on Fun Friday.

Winners for the afternoon were A Connolly, L Jackson, and R Mundy defeated R Murrell, L Knight, and M Nesbitt

J Blackwell, D Walker, and M Hyde defeated L Harris, B Bellingham, and K McKenzie.

Brian B, Jocelyn, and Ron defeated Judy C, Carol, and Jan.

J Robb, F May, and Jim Rom defeated Helen D, M Jackson, and V Ritchie.

Louise, Bob Mc, and Peter defeated G Howie, D Harris, and Leigh N.

The jackpot didn’t go off.

The Final of the Ladies A Singles was played on Tuesday morning.

In a great match Penny Warren narrowly defeated Denise Wallace.

Then on Sunday in Crooked Kitty Denise Wallace defeated Jocelyn Defranciscis.

Competition games have been called for the next month so please check the board for your next match.  

On Saturday afternoon the ladies held the annual Monster Cent Sale.

A record crowd attended the afternoon.

Thank you to them supporting us and to our many helpers and donors of prizes to make it a great success.

We are starting night Barefoot Bowls at the club on Friday 14 July commencing at 6pm.

So if you would like to try bowls and have a fun night this is your opportunity.  

The club will be buzzing this Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday when the North Qld District Club’s best ladies’ teams will take on our Wangaratta team of Robyn Stitt, Denise Wallace, Penny Warren, and Fely Duncan as they compete to win the prestigious Premier Cup.

Wangaratta won the cup at South Townsville in 2022 which entitled them to host the event at Wangaratta this year.                                                                              Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

A Singles Finalists - Runners Up Denise Wallace and Winner Penny Warren. Photo supplied

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Winner of Wednesday's stableford, with a scorching 39 pts was Tessa Aitken with Tina Badenhorst hot on her heels with 38 pts, Kath Borer also back in form on 36 pts.

NTP's were won by Trish McNeill, Pam Casey, Penny Wardroper, and Elisa Nudelman.

Thursday's Division 1 winner was Wayne Temby on 40 pts on a countback from Blake Lovelock, and Brent Franke on 39 pts.

Nicola Apruzzese had a great round of 41 pts to edge out Laurie Dakin on 40 pts and John Roser on 38 pts in Division 2.

NTP's: Peter Elms, Brendan Spann, Laurie Dakin, and John Dodds.

Mata Browne scored well in the Met Run on Friday with 22 points, followed by Peta Thomas on 19pts ahead of Brent Daniels also on 19 pts.

Chris Pirlo was the only NTP winner.

The RGH Monthly Medal ladies winner continuing her good form was Kathyn Borer on an incredible 64 nett, great round!!

Diane Chard was in 2nd place on 71 nett and Trish McNeill 3rd on 73 nett.

NTP's went to Trish McNeill and Diane Chard.

Adam Tester keeps winning every time he shows up!

A fantastic score of 65 nett to win the Men's C Grade RGH Monthly Medal, Ross Hammond and Barry Mortimer in 2nd and 3rd place with 69 and 70 nett respectively.

A Grade was won by Scott Clarke with a 66 nett, Brad Fleet and Ryan Wilkes both on 68 nett for 2nd and 3rd place.

Another sub-par round for Ryan.

Clay Coles was in great form to win the B Grade RGH Monthly Medal on 67 nett, just ahead of Karl Kirkwood and Peter Faust, both on 68 nett.

NTP winners: Gary Scotford, Scott Clarke, John Clark, and Ryan Wilkes.

27 teams competed in The Mixed Scramble on Sunday, winners were Sean Fogerty, Ryan Wilkes, Mark Thompson, and Danny Goody with an excellent score of 53.5 nett, just ahead of Ryan Kenny, Jared Leaman, Adam Hooley, and Brett Richards on 54.125.

Ash Law, Tom MacLean, Aidan Sverdloff, and Josh Mansley were close behind in 3rd position on 54.375 nett.

First and second teams will now go on to compete in the Regional Finals in October.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.

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What a magnificent day for our 2023 Vet’s Open with a field of 47 players. Many thanks to our generous sponsors:

Fishi who sponsored all major the prizes and Fresh Fields who supplied the Overall Champions' prizes.  

The perfect weather conditions made for some excellent scoring as the winners demonstrated, and what a glorious day to be out there, lots of sunshine, no wind, it’s no wonder we all enjoy our golf so much.

Firstly the Snake: Mandy Patterson and Beryl Nosworthy for the ladies, Ross Tong and Neil Cawthorne for the men.

NTPs:

For the ladies: Elspeth Scotford and Jacqui Wall on the 2nd, Lyn Muller and Paula McQuat on the 13th, Tiina Randmae and Jacqui Wall on the 16th.

For the men: Barry Mortimer and Nic Apruzzese on the 2nd, Peter Fox and Peter Lewis on the 13th, Larry Muller and John Strelec on the 16th.

Nett Results:  

For the ladies : Jenny Hounsell (A) with a nett 80 and Tessa Aitken (B) with 78 were the runners up for the ladies, the winners were Tiina Randmae (A) with 67 and Kathryn Borer (B) with 76.

For the men: Runners up were Jim Cochrane (A) with nett 69 and Peter Lewis (B) with 73, the winners were John Wallace (A) with a nett 67 and Neil Cawthorne (B) with 72.

Gross Results:

For the ladies: Runners-up were Elspeth Scotford (A) with a gross score of 91, and Paula McQuat (B) who scored 111 off the stick. The winners were Mandy Patterson (A) with a gross score of 88 and Jacqui Wall (B) with 99 off the stick.

For the men: Runners-up were Michael Cragg with a gross score of 80 and Terry Duffy (B) and guest with 99 off the stick. The winners were Larry Muller (A) with a very impressive gross score of 77 and Billy Jesser (B) with 97 off the stick.

So our overall Champions for 2023 are:

Mandy Patterson and Larry Muller.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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Larry and Mandy being presented by our Club Captain Ken Granger. Photo supplied

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Our weekly stableford 9-hole competition saw Tyson Flavel in first place with 20 pts, second Justin Butler with a 10 pt win and third Dee Norman with 5 pts.

Fridays 9-hole s/ford prawn run was won by Craig Kennedy with 25 pts, second David Wallace 24 pts and third Glenn Rees with 18 pts, great job gentlemen.

Sundays 18-hole s/ford saw first place awarded to Tyson Flavel with a beautiful 40 pts, second on 36 pts Marc Belke and third place saw David Wallace with a 35 c/b.

This Sunday 9th July with be our Club championships stroke.

Tee times are between 8.30am and 10.00am only, please call us to book a tee time.

07 49 46 1190 hope to see you all there.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Green Team.

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Glenn Rees and Tyson Flavel. Photo supplied

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This week, Cannonvale swimmers were given the opportunity to participate in a distance swim challenge.  

Swimmers in the challenge had to try and swim a target distance.  

The coaches would like to commend the following swimmers who turned up regularly and really tried hard to reach their target.  

Congratulations to:  

Lasers & Bullets:  Miller Eaves (3.1km) and Anton Bakx (3.6km)

Torpedoes:  Stevie Lee (11.5km), Connor Lee (10.2km), Koa Harland (8.76km), Harris Delac (7.66km), Evie Doherty (6.96km), Lucas and Jasper Korosec (3.86km)

Missiles, Cannons and Guns:  Jacob Bell (26km), Tora Delac (23.5km), Andie Reynolds (23.2km), Charlie Doherty (21.5km), Jy Parkinson (20km), Isaac Pisaniello (16km), Ehsan Helou (16km), Don Algie (15.5km), Dylan Reynolds (13.1km), Celeste Orenshaw (10.5km), Millie Groom (10km), Matilda Nicholes (8.6km), Holly Perrin (8.5km)  and  Isabella Pisaniello (7.2km)

As the swimmers had trained so well all week, coaches gave them the opportunity to play water polo on Friday afternoon.  

The Cannons would like commend swimmers selected for the SNQ State and National Development Squads.

Swimmers selected for the squad were invited to attend a SNQ Swim Clinic on Medleys.  

Tora Delac, Ehsan Helou, Jy Parkinson, Anisa Helou and Jacob Bell with coaches Ken Crittenden, Jarrod Keys and Mark Erickson thoroughly enjoyed the sessions held in Mackay on Saturday, while Holly Perrin attend the workshop in Townsville.  

Swimming Queensland Coach, Barry Prime and Guest Coach, Maxine Seear (Brisbane) facilitated an awesome session on medleys with the support of SNQ coaches.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers for their outstanding efforts!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannons SNQ State and National Development Squad swimmers

Swimmers on Friday afternoon with kick set. Photos supplied

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures June 20, 2023:

Division 1: (Final)

BMW (Emma Widdup, Ian McKay, Ivan Perkins) d Jaguar (Tim Sheehan, Barry Patterson) 9-2. Ian d Barry 9, -3, 8, -11, 11.

Leading player: Emma Widdup.

Division 2: (Final)

Isuzu (Steve Mathieson, Andrea Nicholson, Donna Abbott) d Nissan (Graeme Walker, Will VanDeKaa, Matthew West) 6-3. Donna d Matthew 9, -6, -10, 9, 5.

Leading player: Graeme Walker.

Division 3: (Final)

Holden (Tiffany Camilleri, Trent Day, John McGee) d Hyundai (Ollie Hamelink, Duncan Sheridan, Noreen Fredericksen) 6-5. Trent d Noreen -8, 2, 10, -7, 8.

Leading player: Trent Day.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures June 20, 2023:

Division 1:

Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) drew Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson) 6-all. Peter d Pam -9, 10, 9, -10, 6.

Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) d Blue (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) 9-3. Branko d George -10, 4, 7, -7, 4.

Division 2:

Orange (Helen Ware, Charles Hamlett, Gerry Synnott) d White (Cheryl Pearson, Marie Taylor, Kim Daffy) 9-3. Marie d Helen -10, 8, -7, 8, 11.

Purple (Iris Grasso, Ken Best, Judi Hicks) d Pink (Robyn Bushell, John Hamelink, Fred Saliba) 7-5. John d Iris -9, 7, -8, 11, 9.

Division 3:

Grey (Sharon Muller, Ian Dodds, Allison Day) d Tan (Cheryl Aprato, Thelma Caruana, Bill Hey) 10-2. Thelma d Allison -7, 5, -11, 11, 9.

Lime (Frank Caruana, Glenda Brooks, Myles Dutton) d Aqua (Trish Zamparuti, Robyn Giles, Glenda Dutton) 7-5. Myles d Trish 10, 6, 7.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Emma Widdup led her team to victory in the finals of Tuesday night table tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Carlie Payne

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With nearly forty runners and supporters, the annual Farmers Gallop 5km, 17km was a much quieter affair this year with the running of the Whitehaven Beach event on the same day.

Many thanks to hostess and the club’s first Life Member, Agnes Farmer, who has generously hosted this event since the very early days of the Mackay Road Runners.  

The handicap start event had stand-in timekeeper, Julie Whibley, in full control of the proceedings with Luke Leven graciously and patiently waiting for what seemed like hours being the highest handicapped runner.

Luke was very impressive especially running in his well-used 750-kilometre shoes, passing quite a few runners throughout the challenging course that took runners from North Mackay to Slade Point, Andergrove, Beaconsfield, Mt Pleasant before hitting the finishing tape back on Evans Avenue, North Mackay.  

Lily Leven took out the 5km in a very speedy time with her brand-new birthday running shoes.  

First male in the 5km Michael Feenaghty ran extremely well to run down most of the 5km field from his handicap start as well as finishing 2nd overall ahead of Darrin Pullen, Werner VanDerLinde and Andrew Short.  

Alleny Gorrion, who’s not competitive at all, sprinted to the finish line marginally ahead of hubby Ollie with John Couldrey, David Isbister, Juyd Zahn, Daniel Stampa and Stuart Sprott closing in fast.

In the 17km, Alex Couldrey easily accounted for the distance despite little preparation, to cross the line first based on his handicap start.  

Comeback kid Craig McGahey followed only 28 seconds in deficit to claim second on handicap ahead of an amazing 17km effort from Andrew Wallace.  

Fourth overall and first female, Lisa Burns sizzled over the undulating course based on her handicap start with Shane Donnollan and Robin Stinson coasting in ahead of Carmel Mahon, Luke Leven, Shane Barben, Jo Skinner and Emma Johnson.

This Sunday’s Cape Hillsborough Reef Forest Trail 5km and 9km commences at 7am from the parkland precincts opposite the resort.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Awaiting his handicap start time, Shane Barben, fresh from last weekend’s Cairns Half Ironman easily completed the 17km Farmers Gallop

Lily Leven finishing her 5km event to amazing form from her handicap start

Mackay Road Runners Farmers Long Gallop hostess and the very first Life member of the club, Agnes Farmer with co-life Member, Judy Zahn catch up for a chat

Robin Stinson (right) takes a well deserved break after the 17km Farmers Gallop with fellow 17km runners Lisa Burns and Craig McGahey. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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Netball Excellence classes are reaping plenty of dividends for the emerging talent at St Patrick’s College Mackay.

With the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Championships in full swing down in Brisbane, the College has ushered in a new generation of exciting young prospects.

At the recent Mackay District Secondary Schools Netball Grand Finals, St Patrick’s came away with three of the four titles on offer – winning the Year 8A, 9/10A and Open A competitions against rivals Holy Spirit College and finishing runners up in the Year 7A category at the Mackay Netball Association courts.

Under the guidance of Di Bailey and Sally Redfern, the St Patrick’s Firebirds toppled Holy Spirit First VII 25-22 to clinch a fourth consecutive Open A premiership.

The team featured Queensland Secondary Schools goalkeeper Shaylah Pershouse, Australian Indigenous centre Ainsley Carey, Capricornia shooter Rebecca Symons, centre court ace Tenille Cotter, Francesca Vella, Bethany McPherson, Sophie Durelli, Ella McGill, Havana Abbott and Kira Battaia.

Di Bailey also coached the winning St Patrick’s 9/10A Vixens team that defeated Holy Spirit Dovetails 33-17 in the final.

The team included Skye Mole, Jala Brown, Mackenzie Maunder, Jayda Earl, Elizabeth Zurvas, Lacie Clarke, Tahlia Anderson, Mia Pastega, Kate O’Brien and Tayla Lucas.

St Patrick’s Cougars captured the 8A trophy after sinking Holy Spirit Angels 27-18 with promising shooter Alexis Sorbello and goal defender Georgia Elbourne turning in standout performances.

The team was coached by Karissa Giumelli and also featured Emmi Burgess, Hannah Brown, Chloe Giblett, Alyssa Battaia, Milla Considine, Alexis Kavanagh, Paige Lambropoulos and Gracie Danger.

Holy Spirit Lightning edged out St Patrick’s Rays by two goals to snare the 7A title.

Rachael Arlott’s Rays squad included Bridgette Culey, Maicy Brotherston, Maddisen Hocking, Storm Liddell, Sunny Hodder, Gracie Danger, Emmi Burgess, Hannah Brown and Sammy Simpson.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Open A netball side tuned up for this week’s Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Championships by winning a fourth successive Mackay District Secondary Schools Netball Grand Final

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Mackay Meteors playoff hopes in the NBL1 North Basketball Conference took a savage blow last Saturday after a shock 69-68 loss to cellar dwellers Rockhampton Rockets at Bravus Arena.

Rockets forward Chier Maker was the hero after hitting the match-winning shot with two seconds left on the clock to secure a one-point triumph and second win of the season.

The loss could prove catastrophic for the Meteors who have now lost seven of their past ten matches and slip to seventh spot with eight wins in 2023.

In an absorbing contest, Mackay started strongly to lead 27-19 at quarter-time before the Rockets hit back to level at 34-all at the half time interval.

Scores were locked 50-all at the third break and remained tight until Maker’s spinning fadeaway jumper in the dying moments gave Rockhampton the edge in a thriller.

Maker finished with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Rockets with support from Jarvis Summers (16 points, three rebounds and two assists), Malcolm Bernard (10 points, seven assists and six boards), Damian Prgomet (nine points, eight rebounds and three assists).

Mackay skipper Isaac White continued his stellar form with another 26 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.

Talented guard Tyler Williams posted 17 points and six rebounds and Isaiah Lee eight points and four boards.

………………………………..

In the early game the Rockhampton Cyclones registered an 82-68 victory over the Meteorettes with gifted guard Lauren Heard the standout.

It was the Cyclones’ tenth win of the season and the Meteorettes ninth successive loss.

Heard was superb for Rockhampton contributing 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals with Lara McSpadden adding 16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals, Elizajane Loader 17 points, three assists and three steals and Sam Bowman 13 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.

Mackay were best served by Davida Dale (16 points, six assists, six steals and four rebounds), Denesha Bobongie (13 points and four boards), Brittany Reeves (10 points, 10 rebounds and three assists) and Phoebe Holmes (10 points, two boards and two assists).

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Denesha Bobongie scored 13 points for the Meteorettes against Rockhampton. Photo credit: Keiron Place Photography

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Local athletes got their opportunity to play under the bright lights of Queensland Country Bank Stadium recently, as the Townsville Blackhawks and Mackay Cutters faced off for the inaugural Endeavour Foundation All Abilities Cup.

After weeks of training, the teams took to the field ahead of the North Queensland Cowboys v Penrith Panthers NRL fixture on Friday, June 16, the brilliant showcase of all abilities footy catching the eyes of players like Nathan Cleary and Mavrik Geyer who were all too happy to share some pointers.

The Mackay Cutters ended the game as victors, becoming the first team to have their name added to the perpetual trophy.

Cutters player Ryleigh Little celebrated his 14th birthday the day before the game and celebrated in style.

"He's been so excited that not only was he able to play, but he got to watch the Cowboys win with his dad," said Ryleigh’s mum Suzi Little.

"I don't think the smile has left his face, and Ryleigh is not a very touchy-feely kid, but he keeps coming up and hugging us and he's like, 'thank you', just thanking us for being able to do that with him.”

Ms Little said Ryleigh experiences level two autism, sensory processing disorder and anxiety disorder.

"For Ryleigh, his autism presents socially and emotionally,” she said.

“He never does well in a social situation, especially with lots of people, and that's something that's definitely changed with all abilities."

After struggling to maintain eye contact and playing as an individual when he was first introduced to the program, Rhiley has improved both skills to become the ultimate team player.

Ms Little said much of that attitude could be attributed to local rugby league royalty Martin Bella, who coached the players with respect and dignity.

"A lot of people will treat someone with a disability like a little child or they'll talk at them, not to them, but Marty will talk to them, and he holds them accountable for their behaviour," Ms Little said.

"He obviously praises their successes, but if they're doing the wrong thing, he will come down to them and he'll make them understand and realise that what they're doing isn't on.

"They get to learn and grow in that kind of environment where us everyday people, we get that, but our people with disabilities don't normally."

Congratulations to everyone involved!

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The Mackay Cutters won the inaugural Endeavour Foundation All Abilities Cup in Townsville. Photo supplied: Mackay All Abilities Rugby League

Ryleigh Little and Robert Pethebridge after Mackay's win. Photo supplied: QRL

Penrith Panthers players Nathan Cleary and Mavrik Geyer watched on and interacted with the two teams. Photo supplied: Penrith Panthers

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The Sarina Bowls Club was abuzz with excitement on Sunday, June 25th, as enthusiastic bowlers gathered to compete in the district's highly anticipated 8-a-side tournament. The unique format featured teams consisting of eight bowlers from the same club, engaging in thrilling mixed and pairs games.

Despite the participation of only three clubs in the district, the event did not lack in intensity or skill. Spectators were treated to an impressive display of bowls throughout the day, witnessing exceptional shots and strategic gameplay.

In the morning session, Sarina clashed with Airlie Beach, securing a well-deserved victory with a final score of 60-48. Later in the afternoon, Sarina faced off against Souths Suburban in an intense final match. The contest remained fiercely competitive, but it was Souths Suburban who emerged triumphant with a final score of 68-56, clinching the title.

Contributed by Rita Hughes

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