Another Easter Celebration has come and gone but not for our Mackay Pickleballers; we celebrate every time we take the court. Such is the joy of playing this new code of sport for everyone.

How did Pickleball find its way to Mackay, you may well ask. From humble beginnings in 2018, by a small group of good friends, who discovered it being played on a southern holiday, had a go, and were immediately hooked. We thank you, Anne and Monica, for your insight, teachings and bringing this crazy, fun new code of sport to Mackay.

Pickleball is a “racquet and ball” sport with a perfect balance of court dimensions, rules, and equipment to afford all skill levels and age groups enjoyment and success on court.

The game is a combination of tactical shots, patience, and easy to learn strokes, which encourage an inclusive play environment with no need for modifications or adaptations to cater for gender, ability, or age differences. Pickleball is both fun and challenging with a combination of long rallies and a blend of soft and rapid-fire shots; where the best athlete must earn their points not purely by athleticism, power, and speed, but also through the use of positioning, patience, tactics, and touch.

Finally, pickleball provides connections, social, mental, and physical well-being benefits, which are just some of the reasons players are passionately embracing this sport at such a rapid rate.

Indoor Pickleball at PCYC Mackay is welcoming, accessible, and safe; while striving to be equitable, diverse and inclusive. It is guaranteed once you pick up that “Paddle” and hit the “wiffle” ball it will be difficult not to keep going. We have all you need to get started.

You can catch us for a low cost of $7 for two hours every Tuesday; 5:30pm – 7:30pm; Thursday; 12:00pm – 2:00pm; Sunday; 09:00am – 11:00am.

Contributed by Michelle Sheehan

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Mackay Pickleball Easter celebrations. Photos supplied: Michelle Sheehan

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If you love the adrenaline of motor racing and the purr of a well-maintained two stroke engine, Mackay and District Kart Club have the event for you.

The club is preparing for one of their three big events of 2023, with the Sugar City Titles happening on Saturday, May 6 at their track in Palmyra.

“This is one of our biggest events for the year,” said Matt Smith, who currently fills the roles of Junior Vice President and Groundskeeper at the club.

At least 80 competitors from across north Queensland are expected to participate, some as young as six.

Racers will rev it out on the purpose-built concrete track, located at 21 Grants Road, Palmyra, with cane knives on the line as prizes.

Entry for spectators is free, with food, drinks, and plenty of action on offer on the day.

Mackay and District Kart Club is a not-for-profit club looking to spread the word about the exciting world of karting.

“We’re a family orientated club,” said Matt.

“We often get parents helping on race days.

“It’s good camaraderie – if someone breaks something, other people get in and help or lend their spares.”

To find out more about the club, the Sugar City Titles or to nominate, visit mackaykartclub.com or find Mackay and District Kart Club on Facebook.

The event is sponsored by Mr Energy, J&B Pest Control, Mills Painting, Global Mining Support, Red Hot Couriers, Easy Internet Services, TECS Equipment Repairs, Global Mining Support, Global Mining Support, Dicko's Engineering and M&P Services.

WHAT: Mackay and District Kart Club Sugar City Titles

WHEN: Saturday, May 6

WHERE: 21 Grants Road, Palmyra

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Photo credit: Daniel McLean Photography

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Mackay’s own Cyclones swim team have been making waves, at the Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast earlier this month.

The Australian Age Championships is one of the biggest events on the Swimming Australia calendar, with thousands of swimmers travelling to the Gold Coast to compete.

This 14-day event is a highlight on the Australian Swimming calendar, attracting some of Australia’s most elite Olympic and Paralympic swimmers, with young athletes who will become the next generation of swimming stars.

Being the highest level of competition domestically for athletes ages 18 years or under, the competition was engaging, each swimmer eager to perform to the best of their ability.

The Mackay swim team has a successful history of attending the Australian Age Championships, and 2023 is no different.

The Mackay swim team had six swimmers qualify for the competition, four of which had never attended a championship before, and were accompanied with their coach, Leigh-Anne Pokarier.

Izabella Wills and Mackenzie Neilsen attended the championships in 2022, with the National Team, and were joined for the 2023 competition with Vaughn Wyatt, Max Vernon, Audrey Bryan and Anneka O’Donnell, being newcomers to the mix.

Izabella competed first in a series of multi-class (MC) events.

Day one of the competition ended poorly, with Izabella’s 100 freestyle being delayed 30-minutes due to bad weather and lightening, however, she broke her previous personal best, with a 6.94 time, and taking 5th place.

Izabella also competed in the MC 400 freestyle, taking 32.05 seconds off her previous personal best and placing 4th overall.

In her final race, Izabella competed in the 50 freestyle, breaking her previous personal best and raking 7th place in Australia.

Second time National attendee, Mackenzie competed in the 14-year girls age group, for 50 butterfly, 100 butterfly and 200 butterfly.

She swam well and placed 7th overall in 200 butterfly and scrapped 3.50 seconds off her personal best time.

Mackenzie also qualified for the finals in 100 butterfly and placed 19th in Australia overall.

Newcomer Audrey qualified for three events, the 50 breaststroke, 50 butterfly and 50 freestyle in the 13-year old girl’s class, and gaining two personal bests.

2023 was also Anneka’s first experience of the championships. She competed in 50 breaststroke and 50 backstroke and is excited to compete in 2024.

The boys, Max and Vaughan, swam well. Max competed in the 50 backstroke, and Vaughan in the 100 breaststroke and 200 breaststroke.

Vaughan was successful in moving into the finals for 200 breaststroke and ranking 26th overall in Australia.

In a fierce competition, these swimmers performed excellently, with most new to the age championship competition and atmosphere.

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The Mackay Cyclones take yet another team of accomplished youth swimmers to the Australian Age Championships. Photo supplied

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Racing around the speedway at over 100km/h, Brett Hehir hopes to leave his mark on Australian wingless sprint car racing this weekend.

A fiend for the speedway, Brett made the transition from go karting to wingless racing around two years ago when a friend introduced it to him, giving him the “speedway bug”.

Two years and countless races later, Brett is competing in his first Australian Wingless Sprint Championship at the Archerfield Speedway this weekend where he hopes to prove himself amongst the best in the country.

“Hopefully we have a good weekend, finish all our races and finish up the front,” Brett said.

“It’s going to be a lot of competition and a big ask to get to the final.”

The Australian Titles got underway yesterday, Thursday, April 27, with a practise day followed by scrutineering and Calcutta on Friday, heats Saturday and Sunday being the main race day.

Brett will be competing against over 70 other drivers from all over the country, but he’s come prepared; just four weeks earlier, Brett was part of the Easter Trail, including Queensland State Titles in Maryborough, where he placed 12th in the state, a race in Archerfield to prepare for the big dance and a race in Toowoomba.

He also won the Wingless class of “Thunder in Canefields” in Mareeba last year, setting the track lap record.

Brett loves the competitive nature of the race.

“It’s pretty close racing and everyone’s pretty much got the same car,” he said.

“It comes down to your car setup and your driving ability, because everyone’s engines are the same,” added his wife, Nicole.

“It’s probably a cheaper way to get into the speedway if you wanted to get into it,” said Brett.

Not one to overprepare, Brett said he’s nervous but excited for the big race this weekend.

“I just rock up and have a go,” he said.

“But there’s a lot of work on the car to get it right.

“If you do 99% of it in the shed at home, when you get to the track you can just relax.”

As the season comes to an end, Brett’s future races will depend on his work roster, but after ticking Australian Titles off the list, his wingless sprint car journey will be far from over.

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Brett Hehir is competing in his first Australian Wingless Sprint Championship in Archerfield this weekend. Photo supplied: Nicole Hehir

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Rodeo Cowboys Ranks With Major US Bull Riding Win

MACKAY native Ky Hamilton has registered the biggest win of his professional bull riding career after picking up $67,750 for claiming the prestigious RodeoHouston Bull Riding title in the United States.

The 23-year-old Hamilton – who grew up in the Sugar capital and attended Mercy College – capped an impressive performance with a 90.5-point ride on his bull Bad Memory in a special ride-off with Josh Frost and Creek Young to seal the top prize.

It was a double celebration for Ky with the Houston triumph rocketing him to the number one ranking in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association – a position he last held during his rookie year in 2020.

The teak-tough Hamilton delivered one of the best rides of his career in front of a boisterous crowd of nearly 75,000 in his second attempt at the major Rodeo in Texas.

“It is a huge event and one of the biggest paying rodeos we get to go to, so to win it is very special,” a proud Hamilton told Mackay and Whitsunday Life.

“I think the bigger the stage the more comfortable I feel. I don’t know why that is. Growing up that’s all I ever wanted to do, was ride a big event and win big events and win world titles.”

The Rodeo Houston win follows Ky’s superb victory this year at the La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros in Tucson, Arizona for a second time.

“Bad Memory was kind of steep and kind of moving forward, trying to get me back,” said Ky of his winning ride.

“Out of nowhere, her just started pushing back.”

Hamilton dominated throughout the rodeo by winning the Go-Round in all six performances he was entered in. It started with a clean sweep of his Super Series before he went onto clinch Semi Final 2 as well as both rounds on Championship Sunday.

Ky finished RodeoHouston 6-for7 with an average score of 87.3 points inside NRG Stadium.

The top 15 money earners qualify for the National Finals Rodeo with Hamilton finishing fourth, 8th and fourth in the past three finals held in Las Vegas.

A courageous Ky has certainly come a long way since moving to the United States on a Bull Riding scholarship back in 2018 and turning professional two years later, finishing fourth in the Bull Riding world standings in 2022.

This season Hamilton has amassed $101,842 in prizemoney and leads Josh Frost, who finished runner up in Houston, by about $12,000.

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Top ranked professional bull rider Ky Hamilton demonstrates his winning ride on Bad Memory scoring 90.5 at the RodeoHouston

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Wednesday 20/4/23 winners were Sue Roscoe, Pam Louis, Donna Gordon.

Runners up in a pairs game were Sue Hazledine and Daphne Offield.

Currently we are playing in our Championship Singles and B Singles both of which are very close to the finals. Our Goosepond Ladies 3 Bowl Triples was held at the club on Wednesday the 26/4 with teams from all around the district attending. Thanks to the many clubs who are participating in this exciting event, and good luck to all.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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The Ladies section travelled to Northern Beaches last Tuesday for the Symons Shield and were just pipped by Sarina Club in the Semi-Final. No Tuesday Social at the Club due to rainy weather. Thursday Scroungers was played with 15 players with Whare Herewini def Karina Dunn in the final.

A weekend of Men’s Pennants was played with home and away games with wins to all our teams.

Saturday Division 2 v Marian away

Aggregate score Mackay 66 to Marians 37. Result 5 points to 1.

Division 4 v City at Home

Aggregate score Mackay 40 to City 41. Results 0.5 to 4.5.

Division 6 v Sarina

Mackay 48 to Sarina 36 Resuts 6 points to 0

Sunday Division 2 v Wests Tigers at Home

Aggregate Score Mackay 94 Wests Tigers 42 Results 6 points to 0

Division 4: v Seaforth away

Aggregate Score Mackay 46 to Seaforth 25 Results 5 POINTS TO 0

Division 6 at Home

Aggregate Score 48 to RSL 31 Results 4 points to 1.

This Weekend sees the playing of the Prestige Fours with 16 Teams competing over two days.

Come on down to the club and watch some exciting bowling from members all over the district.

Friday Social Day from 1pm. The ladies are hosting and inviting all members and visitors to join them in social Bowls.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Mackay & Wests pennants Div 2

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Table After Triple Road Triumphs

Champion Mackay Meteors point guard Isaac White has secured a two year deal with the Brisbane Bullets for NBL24.

The prolific points-scoring maestro – who has lit up the NBL1 North Conference with superb performances on court in the early rounds – is a major gain for the Bullets who finished ninth and failed to qualify for the 2022-23 NBL Finals.

White was at his mercurial best during the Mackay team’s arduous triple header road trip last week – steering the undefeated Meteors to impressive wins over Brisbane Capitals (96-90), Northside Wizards (93-78) and Southern Districts Spartans (100-90) and top of the standings after five rounds.

The high energy guard posted 36 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals against the Capitals last Friday night with support from Tyler Williams (22pts, five rebounds, four assists and two steals) and Christian Maran (10pts, five boards, five assists and three steals).

White backed it up with classy performances against the Wizards (26pts, eight rebounds, three assists and steals) and Spartans (40pts, eight rebounds and assists and one steal) over the weekend as the all-conquering Meteors zoomed into top spot.

Dynamic guard Williams capped three solid games with 17pts, five boards, four steals and two assists against the Wizards and 18pts, five rebounds, three assists and five steals against the Spartans.

Other Meteors to shine were forward Shane Temara (17pts, eight rebounds and three assists) and guard Isaiah Lee (16pts, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals).

Meanwhile, the Mackay Meteorettes struggled to produce their best in a gruelling schedule - crashing to 37 point losses to the Capitals (92-55) and Wizards (99-62) and Spartans (76-63).

Talented forward Ellie Collins turned in consistent performances with 10pts and two assists against the Capitals; 16pts, five rebounds and three steals against the Wizards and 15pts, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal against the Spartans with support from centre Charli Bliss and guards Phoebe Holmes and Davida Dale.

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Last weekend, the Pioneer Swimming Club held its season-ender Presentation Night at Goosies Sport & Recreation Club. A phenomenal number of members and their families attended to celebrate their achievements the past season.

There were too many awards to name but highlights of the night were:

1. Overall Highest Points was awarded to Annaliese Miles – this award is provided to the member who obtains the most accumulative points over the season at our weekly Club Nights (points are received for attendance but also for the largest personal bests each week).

2. President’s Award was awarded to Joleigh Strydom – this award was bestowed on Joleigh because she displays kindness and respect towards others; is a great role model in the squad; tries her best and shows good sportsmanship; encourages others and takes on advice and feedback with a positive attitude and smile on her face.

3. Outstanding Swimmer for the Season was awarded to Jade Bounden – Jade received this award acknowledging her qualification for and attendance at Nationals, medalling twice at State level competitions and for her outstanding performance throughout the season.

4. Coach’s Awards were given to the swimmers who displayed great commitment to the sport, made outstanding performances throughout the season, received State medals and/ or qualified for National level competitions. Coach Igor presented these awards to Alex Moss, Madison Malagueno, Ella Bounden and Jade Bounden.

5. Encouragement awards were also given to Abigail Mawire, Joleigh Strydom and Zahli Herring.  

Congratulations to all our swimmers!

We could not have held this event without the help of our fantastic sponsors such as Greenman Property Services who assisted financially for the function costs; Spotlight who provided all the decorations for the evening – the room looked amazing; and Bonny Cakes who went above and beyond in making a stunning and delicious cake and cupcakes. We thank each of you immensely for your generous support!

Contributed by Pioneer Swimming Club

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Coaches' Award presented to Jade Bouden, Madison Malagueno, Alex Moss and Ella Bounden

Highest Points Intermediate Boys presented to Jackson Birch, Henry Porter & Elliott Shillington

Our juniors Maxim Demin and Rex Traeger ready to present Coach Igor his gift from the club

Party time. Photos supplied by Pioneer Swimming Club

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Continue For Mackay In Hostplus Cup

Norths Devils rugby league coach Dave Elliott had reason to smile after a successful homecoming to Mackay last weekend in the QRL Hostplus Cup.

It was a pleasant “reunion” for Elliott as he masterminded a thumping 42-16 victory against his out of touch ex-charges who slumped to a sixth successive loss.

The reigning premiers produced a second half points spree as they overpowered the listless Cutters through their powerful and dominant forward pack.

Elliott was Head Coach of Mackay last season, his capable assistant Michael Comerford taking over the Cutters’ coaching reins and enduring a horror start to the 2023 campaign without a win after six rounds.

The Cutters jumped to an early 8-0 lead following neat tries by sharp utility back Flynn Camilleri before Devils hooker Zakaria McGuire fooled the defence to score after 24 minutes.

An Adam Cook penalty goal soon after gave Mackay a 10-6 advantage – but it was shortlived with Norths wingers Tony Tumusa and Jonathon Reuben crossing for converted tries to give the visitors an 18-10 lead at the break.

There was no stopping the Devils after the interval as lock forward Liam Horne, Cook Islands international Moses Noovao-McGreal, prop Viko Puluvea and former Indigenous All Stars hooker Kieran Moseley all nabbed tries within 23 minutes with half back Bryce Donovan potting six goals to establish a resounding victory.

Meanwhile, the Mackay Cutters chalked up their fifth win of the season in the BMD Womens premiership after slamming Norths Devils 28-6 to maintain second spot on the ladder.

The Cutters were in a menacing mood in the first half as they put on a five try blitz to open up a commanding 22-0 lead at the half time break.

Elusive winger Katie Green (2), centre China Polata and halves Alicia Martin and Tahlulah Tillett all grabbed tries with hooker and skipper Emma Manzelmann landing one conversion.

The crafty Manzelmann scored the Cutters lone try of the second half to keep the pressure on premiership pacesetters Souths Logan Magpies, who remain undefeated on 12 points.

Mackay Colts opened their Under 21s campaign with a crushing 50-32 victory over Norths Devils in the curtain raiser.

The young Cutters produced a superb second half display to skittle the Devils with a nine try rout in blustery conditions.

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Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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Monday 17 April 2023 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia

2nd Marilin Robins / Margaret Jennings

3rd Barbara Tait / Margaret Lane

4th Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes

1st Terrence Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd David Ting / Ming Ting

3rd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

3rd Debbie Ludkin / Sandy Patterson

Tuesday Evening 18 April 2023 - 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Lorna Shuttlewood /

2nd Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan

5th Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

2nd Mick Robins / Diane Cox

4th Janine Rodgers / Nancy Wix

Wednesday 19 April Unders and Overs – 9 Table Green Points

N/S

1st Louise Renton / Anne Lutz

2nd Janice Mansfield / Barbara Tait

3rd Elrae Trueman / Terrence Sheedy

4th Diane Stokes / Nancy Wix

E/W

1st Joy Brunette / Joy Block

2nd Monica Darley / Ian Gaskell

3rd David Ting / Sandra Morris

4th Josie Cowley / Vicki Howard

Friday 14 April 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Pts

N/S

1st Noel Bugeia / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Vic Mason / Josie Cowley

3rd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

4th Noel Saunders / Mary Cruickshank

E/W

1st Ming Ting / David / Ting

2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th Diane Stokes / Marie McGuire

Saturday 15 April 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Pts

N/S

1st Monica Darley/ Kath Poole

2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Geoff Taylor

3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

4th Antonia Tarradas / Faye Wright

5th Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell

E/W

1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright

3rd Mick King / Jan Harris

4th Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Saunders

5th Margaret Lane / Julie O’Neill

Contributed by Joy Block

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Young Guns Cain And Doyle

Schoolboy basketball prodigies Max Cain and Amarco Doyle aim to swap their text books for NBL1 North Championship medals when they saddle up with the Mackay Meteors this season.

The 17 year old whiz kids are entrenched in Joel Khalu’s high flying Meteors team that have opened the 2023 NBL1 North Basketball League in style with impressive victories over the Rockhampton Rockets, Townsville Heat, Brisbane Capitals, Northside Wizards and Southern Districts Spartans in recent weeks.

Both St Patrick’s College Mackay Year 12 students are two of the most promising basketballers in the League with bright futures ahead of them.

Mackay Meteorettes Head Coach Jamiey Doevendans – who co-ordinates the St Patrick’s College basketball program – believes the duo have stepped up a class this season and are both destined for bigger things.

“We have two absolute gems in Max and Amarco and I know that Joel is monitoring their development closely,” revealed Doevendans.

“They are both outstanding prospects and have made a seamless transition into the Meteors top grade lineup with mature performances on court.”

Cain, a talented shooting guard in his third season with the club, is one out of the box.

At the tender age of 16, he was blooded in the Meteors’ Class of 2021 that captured the NBL1 North Championship title with an impressive 2-0 series victory over Cairns Marlins in the final.

Last year the former North Mackay Magic junior product carried that experience into a stand out tournament for the Under 18 Queensland North representative team that competed at the Basketball Australia National Championships on the Gold Coast.

“Max has the ability to create opportunities with the ball in hand when in offense mode and leads by his actions on court,” said Doevendans.

“He is a versatile player that can shoot the ball in pressure situations and a strong defender.”

Doyle, a Queensland South representative, was a dominant figure at last year’s State Under 18 Championships – leading the North Gold Coast Seahawks from a winless regular season to finish in the top four at the tournament.

“Amarco is a super athletic power forward in his second season with the Meteors that can shoot from long range, protect the rim and dunk with the best of them,” Doevendans added.

By Chris Karas

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Mackay Meteorettes Head Coach and St Patrick’s College Basketball Co-ordinator Jamiey Doevendans with four of his top pupils - Ben Devitt, Mackay Meteors young guns Max Cain and Amarco Doyle and Baxter Norsworthy

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The Bowen Rugby Union Club have brand-new grandstands for their spectators, courtesy of Queensland Country Bank’s Good for Good Community Grants program.

The new $25,000 grandstands, which were installed last week, have been a welcome addition for the club, which previously struggled to provide enough seating for those attending games.

Bowen Rugby Union Club Coach Tom Andison said the grandstands are a “game-changer” for the club, enabling them to attract bigger crowds and ensure there is safe and adequate seating available.

“As the club grows in strength, our supporter base has grown, meaning we need more accessible and comfortable seating options,” said Mr Andison.

“The grant helps us create a more welcoming environment for the community and also gives us confidence to host more events and carnivals.”

Queensland Country Bank Regional Manager Darrell Burgess said he was thrilled to be able to give back to the Bowen community through the Good for Good Community Grants.

“As a member-owned bank, we take great pride in being able to give back to the communities who support us,” said Mr Burgess.

“The fields of the Bowen Rugby Club provide a central meeting place for the broader community to come together and enjoy a range of sporting activities.”

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Queensland Country Bank Area Manager Darrell Burgess, Bowen Rugby Union Club Coach Tom Andison, and Queensland Country Bank Executive Manager Retail Banking Andrew McArdle with the $25,000 grant for the club’s new grandstands

Image: Supplied, Queensland Country Bank Area Manager

Whitsunday United’s Division Two Men had a frustrating result going down 4-2 away to Lions on Friday night, despite having most of the possession.

Player of the match for Whitsundays was Caleb Vanderdrift, who was tireless on the right-hand side in both attack and defense, and Cynan Hughes scored his first senior goal.

The Division One Men came out of the box and were immediately on top of Lions, getting multiple chances, but Lions snatched a goal against the run of play.

Stefan Tarne pegged one back, but in the second half, Lions come out with renewed vigour and the game ended 3-1.

U13 Prems came out strong against Dolphins, grabbing an early goal and a second in the second half. A late Dolphins reply led to a nervous finale but the team held out to win 2-1.

U13 Div One had an early 2-0 lead against a determined Dolphins team and added another to make it comfortable. Player of the match Tyrell.

U15 Prems played top of the ladder City Brothers in a tight affair. Jack Robertson was outstanding in goals throughout, but City Brothers came out firing after the break, scoring to take a one nil lead to win.

U15 Div One against top of the table Lions conceded three quick goals. Whitsundays ground their way back into the game.

Div One Women put in a solid performance against Wanderers, with Alex scoring the first goal early in the match. Goalkeeper Dani came out for a run in the second half, scoring twice for a final score of 3-0.

Premier Women had a strong 3-0 win against Wanderers. Tireless work from the forwards and midfield.

Premier Men played an Australia Cup fixture at home on Sunday evening. The first half was a dominant display by the home side but Lions hung on and to their credit capitalised to win the match  3-0.

Next weekend is a huge home round for the Club with nearly all teams taking the field at home.

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The Whitsunday United’s women reserve side are in strong form this season

The club’s U13 Prems happy with a good win

The Whitsunday Sports Park and Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders hosted four games of rugby union last Saturday for the ANZAC round of the Mackay Rugby Union competition.

The ANZAC Round featured two Moranbah Bulls’ teams, with the Kuttabul Camel Boks, Mackay City Redmen, and the Bowen Mudcrabs, and Mackay Brothers bringing a team each.

For the first time in some time, the Raiders were able to field two teams as well – it was a serious weekend of football.

The day started with a Welcome to Country ceremony by local elder Uncle Harold before the Bulls second XV took on the Raiders second XV.

A cracker game ensued with Raiders coming away with a 25-10 victory, and the shadow players each getting a great hit out.

The next match was between Brothers and last year’s premiers, Bowen Mudcrabs. The Muddies come away with their second win of the season, after a forfeit from Kuttabul last week, and the 52-21 score does not indicate the games true nature.

Bowen had the first half ascendancy but Brothers fought back in the second half to score their 21 points.

Airlie Beach RSL subbranch treasurer John Schweitzer then took the microphone to deliver The Ode for all fallen ANZAC men and women. Young Ethan Smith from Proserpine State high then performed the Last Post and Revelle.

At the completion of the anthems, the game of the day kicked off between the Bulls and the Raiders.

The top of the table clash lived up to the hype with the Bulls leading 12-10 at the break and coming away eventual winners 26-20.

Finally, the Kuttabul boys took on the hot favourites, Mackay Cities, and found themselves ahead at half time 14-10.

The halftime break saw them find another gear and they ran away 50-10 winners of the final game for the day.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

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The Whitsunday Sportspark hosted an enormous round of Rugby Union last weekend

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