The time just goes by so quickly and with the Australian Open on in Brisbane, we wish all our member’s good luck.

On Saturday the Club hosted the annual Dick Todd Memorial Bowls Day with proceeds going to the Leukaemia Foundation and also to Andy McLiesh, his wife Tammy and Family.

A fun day was had by all on the green with a fair bit of competitiveness.

There was a huge raffle with many donated prizes.

The Club put on a sausage sizzle for their lunch.

Thank you to everyone who attended on the day and helped raise much needed funds for 2 very worthy causes.

See you all next year.

The winners for the Sunday Social bowls were David Micklejohn, John Brown and Ladda Purdie with the highest winning score which was 35.

The winner of the Health Hub voucher was a visitor Greg Easil.

We had 24 players, 4 games of triples.

John Matterson defeated Col Morris 26 - 24 in the men’s singles game.

Mark Mawson defeated the much improved Duncan Smith who is now using a bowling arm with great effect and lost 25-19 in a seesawing game.

Friday afternoon saw the finals being played for Whitsunday Christian College to see who would represent the school in the Schools championship and some exciting games were played.

We saw great new talent with Mabel, Paige, Kyla and Lexie all playing strong, however the final bowl of the competition saw Demika and her partner whom have been practicing under the watchful eyes of Col Morris and winning on the last bowl of their tournament.

The weekend also saw John Fielding's team go to the Mackay Club's B Grade 4s competition and finish a credible 6th out of 16 teams.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Our bowlers who away participating in the Australian Open are playing some great bowls and meeting lots of new people.  

I'm sure that they will come back with a ton of stories to tell about their experiences.

On Wednesday for Social Bowls Jan Botes (local visitor), John Anderson and Sandy Daffara defeated Lee King, Arthur Griffith, and Mike Harrison 30- 13.

Alen Sanderson, Heather Brown, and Pat Bownds defeated Jim Bownds, Bob Ross (Visitor from Merimbula) and Bruce Uhe 22 - 15.

In Sunday afternoon Social Bowls John Burnett, Sandy Daffara, and Mike Harrison defeated John Anderson, Bob Ross, and Kendall Watts 16 – 14.

Alen Sanderson, Bruce Uhe, and Heather Brown defeated Lee King, Arthur Griffith, and Philip Brown 35 - 9.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Bob Ross, John Anderson, and John Burnett enjoying an afternoon of Social Bowls on Sunday. Photo supplied

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On Monday with a full house of self-selected triples was closely contested with Graham Read, Kevin Daniels, and Allan Rolfe defeating D Richards, R Agg, and Steve Roome.

Runners Up for the mango was Ron Blythe, Maureen Blyth, and N Dawson who defeated Lyn Danvers, Lorraine Knight, and Geoff Danvers.

Others J Breakwell, J Stamp, and J Robinson, defeated E Dunn, B Russo, and D Madley.

M Elphinstone, I Wheeler, and J Healey defeated J Dawson, C Cornell, and G Wills.

Sugar, C Cahion, and Kennedy defeated J Hayson, R Hayton, and K Armstrong.

Sandra, Ken C, and Frew defeated Tommo, Tracey L, and White.

I Best, J Teiley, and S Farrell defeated B Tolcher, F Wilman and F Duncan.

G Feast, R Heins, and L Fok defeated P Nesbitt, M Ritchie, and P Howie.

The jackpot didn’t go off.  

The winners for Tuesday were L Fordham, L Palmer, and F Farrugia who defeated E Neylon, B Russo, and F Wilman.

Runners Up Doc, Anne, and Dot defeated Bron, Lousie, and Vic.

Others M, Elphinstone, S Pearson, K Russo, and T Crozier defeated S Adams, H Jacobsen, D Huppatz, and L Knight.

G Lydom, S Shearing, and J Robinson defeated M Nesbitt, J Steele, A Colson.

B Johnston, J Dawson, I Laird, defeated T Walker, J Breakwell, and S Fitzgerald.

Judy, Alan, Huppo, and Steve defeated Carol, Marie, Brian, and Michael.

P Breakwell, L Smith, and M Hyde defeated Roger K, S/Collins, and R Stitt.

The jackpot didn’t go off.  

Club Competition was well under on the weekend.

The final of the Ladies Fours was decided on Saturday.

The winners were Irene Laird, Merle Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler, Linda Smith who defeated Denise Wallace, Teresa Willshire, Linda Scells, and Penny Warren.  

Then on Sunday the Pairs Final was won by Robyn Stitt and Fely Duncan who in a closely decided match defeated Denise Wallace and Penny Warren.

In the Men’s A Singles Final Geoff Danvers narrowly defeated Greg Colquhoun.

In the men’s A Pairs Greg Colquhoun and Geoff Danvers defeated Laurie Land and Barry Beel.

Mark Drummond and Allan Rolfe defeated Kevin Jewell and Graham Read, and Kevin Daniels defeated Bill Myers and Kent Moriarty.  

More games have been called on the board so please check to see if you are playing.

Winners for Sunday afternoon were Robyn Stitt, Denise Wallace, Penny Warren, and Fely Duncan who defeated Terri Crozier, Lyn Danvers, Greg Colquhoun, and Geoff Danvers.

The jackpot didn’t go off.

The NQ Ladies Purple Pennant is being decided this week at Wangaratta and BBC clubs with 8 Wangaratta Ladies competing for the flag.

Good luck to the ladies and enjoy your bowling against four other clubs in the district.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Winning Ladies Club 4s: Linda Smith Isobel Wheeler Merle Elphinstone Irene Laird. Photo supplied

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies’ winner was Denise Bianco 41pts, runner up on a countback Robyn Slade 40pts.

Men’s winner on a countback Kevin Clark 39pts, runner up on a countback Kaleb Brunker 39pts.

Saturday's competition was a stableford event sponsored by Sporte Leisure.  

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Penny Stewart 39pts, runner up on a countback Raewyn Glover 39pts.  

Men’s winner on a countback Garry Kukura 40pts, runner up on a countback John Storrie 40pts.  

Pin shots to Peter Coad, Brett Richards, Dylan Bartlett, Jason Bartlett, Paulette Barrett x 2 + the Car Wash Voucher, Robyn Slade, and Julie May.

COMING UP

This Saturday's competition is a single stableford event sponsored by P & O, Meehan Menswear for the Men and Commonwealth Bank for the ladies.

Joker is worth $3400.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

Caption: Men’s runner up John Storrie and winner Garry Kukura. Photo supplied

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26 players teed up on Tuesday, Louis Neethling winning from Anna Winterbourn and Gary Scotford. NTP’s: Allen Roberts and Anna Winterbourn.

Elspeth Scotford edged out Tina Badenhorst, both on a very nice 38 pts, Penny Wardroper in 3rd place with 36 pts.

NTP’s: Lyn Muller, Pauline Redpath, Penny Wardroper, and Jan Shuwalow.

Thursday continued the great scores, with Geoff Harrison winning Division 1 on 67 nett, Wayne Temby and Ritchie Atkins claimed 2nd and 3rd, Division 2 winner was Mark McDougal on 68 nett, followed by Steve Mitchell and Ken Granger.

NTP’s: Bob Ross, Lewis Tuck, Steven Stewart, and Gavin Kerwand.

Chris Pirlo showed great form to win the Metropole 9 hole run on Friday, closely followed by Noelene Spurway and Trish McNeill.

NTP’s were covered by the Milne family, Harry, and Scott.

Tiina Randmae led the field on Saturday with 67 nett, followed by Helen Deighton and Renae Maxwell in 2nd and 3rd place.

NTP’s: Helen Deighton and Mandy Patterson.

John Wallace led the Saturday field with 66 pts to win Division 2, flowed by Ash Morley-Hart and Vic Feldman.

Division 1 winner was Michael Cragg on 68 nett, followed by Danny York and Scott Lee.

Steve Hickey, Brian Allen, and Levi Holmes won the NTP’s.

Proserpine hosted the first of the Scrambles for the year, with Karlene Lloyd, Jordyn Albergo, Kim McPherson, and Trish McNeill moving to the next round to be played later this year.

Second place went to Ann Gardel, Tina Badenhorst, Penny Wardroper and Sherri Meade.

NTP’s went to Tina Badenhorst by 2, Lyn Muller and Toni Clauss.

51 players enjoyed beautiful weather out on the course on Sunday, Renae Maxwell showing great form with 40 pts to win the ladies ahead of Peta Thomas and Jacqui Wall.

Kason Whitney edged out Chris Pham and Brendan Spann to win the men’s competition.  

NTP’s went to Don Maitland, Peta Thomas, Michael Cragg, Renae Maxwell, Len Booroff, and James Kean.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Pro Shop.

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Karlene Lloyd, Jordyn Albergo, Kim McPherson and Trish McNeill – Winners of The Scramble Event on Saturday

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Twenty-three players made the most of a glorious Whitsunday winter’s day to play a single Stableford round at Proserpine Golf Club on Sunday morning.

The sun was shining, there was almost no wind and after the heavy dew had dried off, the shots became a little easier.  

WINNERS:  

Men: Jason Whitney on 39 points and r/up, Jason Bourke with 33 points won the men’s A grade, Peter Fox with 35 points and r/up David Hoy won the B grade.

Ladies: Jacqui Wall with 34 points and r/up Tiina Randmae with 31 points were the Ladies’ A grade placegetters, and for the Ladies B grade, the winner was Karen Rix with 31 points and the r/up was Pam Casey with 29 points

NTPs: went to Jason Whitney, David Hoy, and Ritchie Atkins.

For the ladies the best pin shots went to Vickie Tuck and Jacqui Wall.

Longest Drivers: were Jason Bourke, Wilf Herweg, Tiina Randmae and Linda Wardroper.

NAGAs: were Don Cameron and Tina Cook.

Next Week: will be round 2 of the 3ball Ambrose trophy competition followed by a BBQ at the golf course.

Contributed with thanks Tiina Randmae.

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Caption L> R : Peter Fox (Mens B grade winner), Tiina Randmae (Ladies A grade r/up), Pam Casey (Ladies’ B grade r/up), Karen Rix (Ladies’ B grade winner), David Hoy (Men’s B grade r/up). Photo supplied

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Another excellent field of 42 players including 2 guests, Bryan Mcleod from Queenscliff GC and Terry Duffy from Thurgoona GC who are enjoying our Qld “winter”.

June Monthly Medal Winners were Anna Winterbourn and Steve Mitchell.

Ladies’ placegetters:

Anna Winterbourn won on the day with a very creditable 70 nett,  

on a countback from Kathryn Borer, next came Tina Badenhorst with 71, Elspeth Scotford with 72, Jenny Hounsell with 74, large gap then to Tiina Randmae with 77 on a countback from Tessa Aitken, Mandy Patterson with 78, Paula McQuat with 79 and Robyn Whitham with 82.

Nice to see Moya Bradley back on the course after a long break.

Men’s placegetters:

Steve Mitchell continued his good run with a 65 nett, handicap gone there, followed by Louis Neethling with a 68 - same story.

Losing on a countback to take 3rd place - Billy Jesser with 68, handicaps going everywhere here, next came Gary Scotford with 70, Michael Cragg with 71 on a countback from Ron Jamieson, Ken Granger with 72 on a countback from Barry Shuwalow, on a countback from Peter Lindsay on a countback from Barry Mortimer.

Very competitive scores in the men’s game with only 7 strokes separating 1st place from 10th.

Least Putts: Elspeth Scotford putted best for the ladies with 29 putts, while Billy Jesser excelled with 24 putts, edging out Gary Scotford with 27 for the men.

The ladies’ NTPs went to Mandy Patterson and Kathryn Borer on the 2nd, Anna Winterbourn and Kathryn Borer (AGAIN) on the 13th, Jenny Hounsell and Jan Shuwalow on the 16th.

The men’s NTPs went to Warren Deighton and Billy Jesser on the 2nd, Nic Appruzzese on the 13th, Gary Scotford and John Oates on the 16th.  

Mandy Patterson tried to take out the Men’s A grade on the 13th, because no A Grade men made it so we gave her a ball for that one anyway.  

CHIP INS:  

Gary Scotford on the 2nd and 10th, Billy Jesser and Bryan Mcleod on the 5th, Louis Neethling on the 16th.

Elspeth Scotford was the only lady to chip in, she did it on the 1st.

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Our weekly 9-hole stableford competition saw Cameron Mutch take the win with 22 points, second on 21 points Dennis Moss and third place with 18 points Tyson Flavel.

On Thursday we held our first Ladies Day brunch and 9 holes. The winning team for the day was Deanna Norman and Jane Muller. Congratulations ladies.

We will be hosting a ladies’ day once a month on a Thursday to book in please give our friendly team a call 07 49461190.

Fridays 9-hole s/ford was Justin Durbin taking the win with 21 points c/b, second place saw Ryan Kenny on 21 points and third Scotty Hayes Williams with 20 points c/b. A great effort by all.

Sundays 4 ball better ball comp was a great turn out and coming in with a 45 NET saw the winners Glenn Rees and Robert Lodders.

Runners up with 46.25 NET were Glenn Scott and Scott Fewin.

Nearest the pin Glenn Scott and Tyson Flavel.

This Sunday 25th June will be our 18-hole Monthly medal tee off at 10:00am, looking forward to seeing you all there.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club.

Kerrie, Narelle, Jane Muller, Deanna Norman and front Donna Henderson. Photo supplied

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Busy, busy….

Last weekend the club fielded mixed crews in the 41km beach changeover events around Magnetic Island.

Training continues - Shingley Beach to “Stingray Beach” (named by the club because there are lots of stingrays) at Bluff Point was the course for the clubs’ Saturday morning paddle, a mere 16.5 kms.

Both OC6’s took advantage of the gentle SW 5 to 10 knots and focused on technique, adding a race finish in the bay around from Bluff Point-there’s always a race sometime!

Contributed with thanks to Michelle Lynes.

Outrigger Whitsunday paddle session. Photo supplied

The Cannonvale Cannons hosted a very successful swimming carnival on Saturday with 140 North Queensland swimmers participating in awesome weather.  

Coaches, Ken Crittenden, and Mark Erickson were very impressed with their 38 Cannons who swam a total of 269 swims and accrued 138 PBs, 9 Club Records, 1NQ Record, some State Qualifying times and quite a few ribbons.  

Highlights include:  

Congratulations to the following swimmers who set new club records:  Holly Perrin (200m Back), Lucas Korosec (25 Fly), Jax Clayworth (100m Free, 50m Fly and 100m Fly), Ehsan Helou (50m Breast), and Jy Parkinson (100m Free, 50m Fly and 100m Fly).

Special mention to:  Ehsan Helou, Abi Maher, Millie Groom, Jacob Bell, Evie Doherty, Harris Delac, Dylan Reynolds, Alex Trefz, Zach Trefz, and Tora Delac for swimming extremely well in all their races, achieving personal best times in most of their events.  

The coaches were very surprised with team’s medley results, some of the biggest PBs were achieved in the medleys.  

In the 200m IM:  Harris Delac and Celeste Orenshaw both swam a massive 30sec PB.

Other swimmers who swam PBs in 200m IM:  Don Algie, Jacob Bell, Tora Delac, Charlie Doherty, Thomas Ganter, Millie Groom, Anisa Helou, Ehsan Helou, Matilda Nicholes and Andie Reynolds and Indi Smith.  

Liam Filewood swam a 10.83sec PB in his 100m IM.  

Congratulations to:  Jax Clayworth, Jy Parkinson, Levi Smith, Lucas Korosec, Don Algie, Holly Perrin, Isabella Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds, Isaac Pisaniello, Koa Harland, Celeste Orenshaw, Ruby Harland, Anisa Helou and Charlie Doherty swam top placings in all their events.

Connor Lee, Stevie Lee, and Lily Maher swam extremely well, achieving 3 or 4 PBs.  

They all swam super Breaststroke.  

Jasper Korosec, Roxy Groom, and Indi Harland swam hard and really enjoyed the carnival.  

Congratulations to all the Cannons!  A big thank you to all the wonderful parents and volunteers who contributed to the carnival’s success.  

Contributed with thanks to the Cannonvale Cannons.

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Cannonvale Cannons team photo Winter meet. Photo supplied

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Light winds of 10-12 knots and a cloudless sunny day made for a perfect race for the Abell Point Yacht Club’s inaugural Round the Molles yacht race which saw 11 yachts with a crew list of 63 people all competing for a place.

With Mal Robertson (Eureka II) winning the best start followed closely by Rob Davis (Treasure VIII), the fleet slowly made their way up along the coast before rounding Pioneer Point and Almora Island.

Iyas Shaheen (Smooth Criminal) and Eureka II followed by Greg Hammon (Rossgo) and Jim Finch (Giggles) sailed over to the eastern side of the channel, while Charles Wallis (Reignition), David (Chippy) Chittleborough (Gnome), Rob Davis (Treasure VIII) and Terry Stevens (Matchless) went down the western mainland side expecting to pick up a back eddy, tacking countless times trying to get down to the Beak near Shute Harbour, only to get disadvantaged by the tide.

Racing fast up from the rear were Manteca, Mon Jouet and Location all trying to catch the front runners.

Smooth Criminal and Eureka II came out well in front by going down the eastern side where Rossgo also did well and crossed in front of Matchless at Sandy Bay.

Once around Denman Island the fleet set their spinnakers for a nice run up the outside of the islands to Hanna Point.  

Treasure VIII getting away from Matchless who had overtaken Rossgo by this point.

The fleet then enjoyed a nice close reach with assistance from the tide back into Pioneer Bay and with a bit of a procession to the finish line.

Then back at the Whitsunday Sailing Club it was time for the results while each crew enjoyed the fun, laughter, and much banter from each table.

With line honours going to Gnome followed closely by only 3 seconds was Smooth Criminal.  

After adjusting handicap times, 1st place went to Greg Hammon (Rossgo), 2nd Iyas Shaheen (Smooth Criminal) and 3rd place Terry Stevens (Matchless).  Michael Butler (Mon Jouet) won the Dead Man Fingers Rum.

All in all, it was a very successful day of sailing.

Contributed with thanks to Lorraine Island.

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Winning boat Rossgo. Photo supplied

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Boom rugby league hookers Paityne Johns and Xavier Kerrisk are the toast of Mackay after earning Queensland representative jumpers.

The St Patrick’s College students created some type of record when they were both selected in the Maroons’ Schoolgirls and Schoolboys squads for the upcoming Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships to be staged at Redcliffe from June 30 to July 7.

Mackay can now boast two of the best young hookers in the State with the crafty Kerrisk – an Emerging Queensland Under 18s inductee - under contract to the North Queensland Cowboys and pocket dynamo Paityne keen to join the Cowboys’ NRLW ranks.

The promising pair along with gun five eighth Jaxon Purdue are now unavailable for St Patrick’s during the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League Confraternity Carnival that kicks-off on June 26 at St Laurence’s College in Brisbane.

But the talented number nines – who are products of the Mackay Cutters’ Development system - are two players to watch at the National titles.

Team captain Paityne was a stand out for the Capricornia region at the State Schoolgirls Championships on the Gold Coast – earning Player of the Match awards in victories over the Darling Downs.

She was joined by St Patrick’s colleagues in lock Gracie Watt, half back Keely Pitt, second rower Shaylee Hazledine and forwards Ciara Thomson and Chelsea McLeod.

The 17-year-old rake has four major goals in 2023 – to help Queensland win a national womens schoolgirls title; earn selection in the Australian Schoolgirls squad; help the Mackay Magpies clinch an A Grade Junior League premiership and to secure an NRLW contract with the North Queensland Cowboys.

She began her career with the Magpies mixed teams as a 10-year-old before entering the girls ranks and was soon a regular in the Capricornia rep sides and Cowboys Academy.

Paityne has proved a revelation during the past 12 months – impressing keen judges with her guile, vision and speed around the rucks and ability to lift teammates with her tremendous work ethic.

Her leadership qualities shone like a beacon at last year’s inaugural Confraternity Games Girls Carnival in Mackay when she steered St Patrick’s to the Shield decider against champions Marymount College at BB Print Stadium.

The talented Johns was named St Patrick’s Most Valuable Player by tournament officials and has also featured prominently in the Cutters Under 19s Harvey Norman Women’s squad.

Paityne was blooded in the Cutters’ BMD Womens Premiership squad as a Development Player this season and is sure to attract interest from talent scouts at the National Schoolgirl titles later this month.

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Rising hooker Paityne Johns will represent the Queensland Schoolgirls at this year’s National titles at Redcliffe

Last weekend, Jubilee Park was party central for a heart-warming youth event that brought together teenagers from all around the region. The free event, open to all 11-17-year-olds, featured an array of exciting activities and entertainment that kept everyone on their toes. The park buzzed with energy as live music performances from talented musicians such as Tiffany Grace, Alessandro, and Will Blume captivated the crowd. Youth-run market stalls offered a variety of unique and creative products, while food vans satisfied everyone's taste buds. The atmosphere was filled with joy as attendees engaged in giant games and other thrilling attractions. Parents were also welcome to join in on the fun, ensuring a memorable experience for the entire community.

What made this event even more special was its origin. It stemmed from the YOL1000 project, Youth Out Loud 1000 Voices, which collected 1000 conversations from young people across the Mackay Region. The project identified a lack of events and activities as a top concern among the youth. In response, the Youth and Arts Development Team organised a series of Youth Focused, Youth Led Event Workshops called "FIRECRACKER!" These workshops empowered young individuals to take charge and create their own event. The result? Picnic in the Park—a vibrant gathering where the voices of Mackay's youth resonated through music, market stalls, and joyful interactions. The event was supported by Mackay Regional Council and Co-hosted by TEEN SHED Mackay.

Photos supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures June 6, 2023:

Division 1:

BMW (Ivan Perkins, Emma Widdup, Ian McKay) d Mercedes (Geoff Denman, Mark Sleeman, Graham Drury) 6-5. Graham d Ian -6, 8, -9, 8, 9.

Jaguar (Barry Patterson, Tony Bowman, Tim Sheehan) d Audi (Duncan Treloar, Neil Brown, Janice Kent) 8-3. Duncan d Barry 11, -5, 9, -8, 13.

Division 2:

Isuzu (Steve Mathieson, Andrea Nicholson, Donna Abbott) d Nissan (Graeme Walker, Will VanDeKaa, Matthew West) 7-4. Andrea d Matthew -9, 7, -7, 7, 7.

Mazda (Rymer Tabulo, Peter Goodson, Lily Boland) d Honda (George Camilleri, Daniel Warfield, Ishan Rana) 8-3. Rymer d Daniel 9, -5, 6, -7, 6.

Division 3:

Holden (Tiffany Camilleri, Trent Day, John McGee) d Kia (Craig VanDeKaa, Alok Rana, Virginia Clayton) 11-0. Tiffany d Alok 7, 6, -12, 8.

Hyundai (Ollie Hamelink, Noreen Fredericksen) d Ford (Steve Crocker, Val Austin) 5-4. Val d Ollie 6, -9, -7, 3, 10.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures June 6, 2023:

Division 1:

Blue (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) d Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) 7-5. George/John d Donna/Peter 6, 9, -10, -3, 7.

Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) drew Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) 6-all. Steve d Pam -6, 6, 9, -8, 4.

Division 2:

Orange (Helen Ware, Louise Gould, Gloria Vella) drew Purple (Iris Grasso, Ken Best, Judi Hicks) 6-all. Ken d Helen  -6, 6, 4, -10, 8.

Pink (Robyn Bushell, John Hamelink, Fred Saliba) d White (Kim Challender, Charles Hamlett, Kim Daffy) 8-4.  Fred d Kim 7, -9, 8, 9.

Division 3:

Lime (Frank Caruana, Glenda Brookes, Myles Dutton) d Tan (Cheryl Aprato, Madge Saunders, Trish Zamparuti) 8-4. Glenda d Cheryl -9, 9, -9, 9, 5.

Grey (Sharon Muller, Ian Dodds, Allison Day) drew Aqua (Pam Keune, Robyn Giles, Glenda Dutton) 6-all. Glenda d Allison 6, -6, 6, -10, 3.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Olympic bronze medal-winning Boomers guard Nathan Sobey and Illawarra Hawks forward Deng Deng proved the architects of Ipswich Force’s 119-114 overtime win over Mackay Meteors in NBL1 North action last Saturday night at Mackey Basketball Stadium.

The gallant Meteors pushed the third placed Force all the way in a gripping contest before Sobey combined with Deng and Kyrin Galloway to give Ipswich the edge after Mackay struck first in extra time and led by five after a triple from guard Isaiah Lee.

All eyes were on the fascinating duel between Sobey and Mackay magician Isaac White – who will team up at the Brisbane Bullets in NBL 2024.

Ipswich led 67-48 at the main break before the sixth placed Meteors stormed home with top games from White (33 points -15 assists, five rebounds and two steals); Lee (19 points, six rebounds and five assists); Christian Maran (15 points, six boards and four assists) and Tyler Williams (11 points, six rebounds and three steals).

Sobey finished with 26 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks for Ipswich with support from Deng (29 points, five rebounds and three assists); Kyrin Galloway (21 points, seven rebounds and three blocks); Jaylin Galloway (10 points and five boards) and Cameron Goldfinch (16 points and four assists).

IPSWICH forward Maria Blazejewski engineered an 89-67 victory over the Mackay Meteorettes in the early game.

Blazejewski led the way with 30 points and five rebounds in a stand out performance.

Other Force players to impress were Alison Gorrell (25 points, five steals, three assists and two rebounds), Grace George (12 points, 13 boards, three blocks, two steals and two assists) and Georgia Ralph (eight points, five rebounds and four assists).

Mackay ace Davida Dale posted 21 points, nine steals, eight assists and seven rebounds with Brittany Reeves (12 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks) and Ellie Collins eight points and four boards.

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Charli Bliss readies herself in defence. Photo credit: Keiron Place Photography