After three rounds of washed out games, finally Whitsunday United hit the fields with some great results over the weekend.

On Friday night, the Divisional Men hosted Dolphins at Whitsunday Sports Park. While WUFC Divison 2 men scored in the first half and had other chances, the youth of the Dolphins team began to take its toll Dolphins scored late in the second half, ending in a 1-1 draw.

With the Whitsunday Division 1 team one of the strongest ever fielded, the end score was 20-2 to the Whitsundays, with the Dolphins commendably fighting hard all the way to the end.

On Saturday the U15 Division 1 was an entertaining game. Whitsundays scored first with a goal to Oliver Shulz. Wanderers equalised early in the second half. Good defence kept the score locked at    1-1. Cody Hocking won Man of the match.

The Women also enjoyed a great weekend with both securing victory over Mackay Wanderers. The Premier Reserves squad ground out a well deserved 2-0 win, whilst the Premier Women took control early and took a 10-0 win. In that match Akema bagged a hat-trick.

The Premier Men’s Squads didn’t fare so well against the bolstered Magpie’s Squads who were dominant in both games. The Premier Men lost 5-0 with some great saves from Luke Nightingale keeping the score in check. In Reserves: Magpies won 8 nil.

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Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic ; Photo supplied

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U15 Div 1’s Cody Williams taking the ball forward.

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Whitsunday Women in action against Wanderers

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Abell Point Yacht Club’s next monthly sail is this Easter Weekend.

Departing from the Abell Point Yacht Club this Good Friday, join the crew.

Once departed, you will travel towards Cid Harbour, when there, gather on the beach with your fellow sailors.

Enjoy a barbecue, games, chats, adventures or lounging on the beach.

After Cid Harbour, you’ll be travelling to more of the beautiful islands the Whitsundays has to offer.

Long Island or South Molle Island are next up, the island of choice will be dependent on the weather.

There is no cost, and everyone is welcome to join, yachts, power boats and young and old.

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Register now by using the email that follows: abellpointyc@gmail.com 

For further information or questions please visit: abellpointyc.com.au

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A special new initiative is about to begin for women and girls, commencing on Tuesday 2 April and running for five weeks. 

The hours 10am to 12pm, were selected to enable women to manage family commitments and school hours.

During school holidays students are welcome to join in too. Bowls are available at the club.

Very young children will be given soft rubber bowls to play with. The club has a good supply of bowls suitable for all ages and capabilities.

Tuesday winners were Lyn Graham and Dawn Dowell.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls, where the jackpot wasn’t won, saw Shane Spann and his team playing awesome and easily won on the day. Betty Whitehorn won the prestigious Health Hub award.

Sunday afternoon saw Peter Barrett’s team of Paul Osborne and Keith Bates close winners over the rest of the field, whilst Rick Galea won the Health Hub award well deserved to our groundskeeper.

The Airlie Beach bowls club conducts coaching every Monday and Thursday afternoon between 4pm and 5pm for anyone interested in learning to play lawn bowls.

Watch this space for further details about the school students' competition. The final winners have the chance of going to Brisbane to play off.

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Results of Club Rinks Competition: Andy Peebles, Lee Welsted, Jason Wright and Mitch Wright defeated Lou Fordham, Helen Jacobsen, John Trembath and Shane Spann.

Sunday Social: I. Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle, Gavin Charles defeated A.Delic, Allen Williams, Jane Gilbert. L.Kruger, Peter Bruce, Ron Gould.

Wednesday Social: B.Neal, Allen Williams and Doc Fordham defeated MaryEllen Pratten, R.Rodda, Jane Gilbert. Ray Muir, Robyn Stitt and Wendy Coles defeated I Thatcher, Daryl Tuttle, Glen.

Friday March 22 is the last night of Corporate Bowls for this round.

Results of Club Singles: Wayne Crowhurst defeated Helen Jacobsen. Jason Wright defeated Wayne Crowhurst. Steve Roome defeated Lou Fordham. Kevin Daniels defeated Doc Fordham. Kevin Daniels defeated Brett Lampard. Gavin Charles defeated Jason Wright. Steve Roome defeated Andy Peebles. Wendy Coles defeated Tracy Roach. Gus Munro defeated Steve Roome. Gus Munro defeated Kevin Daniel’s.

Club Pairs: J.Trembath, Shane Spann defeated Doc Fordham, Lloyd White.

Sunday Social: W.Jones, Gavin Charles defeated L.Kruger, Corrine Dibnah. Keith Kirk, Kevin G, Gus Munro defeated Gordo, Jane Gilbert, K. Leverton. Ron Gould, Wendy Coles defeated Ron Muir, Jodie G.

Wednesday Social: I Thatcher, Jane Gilbert, Ron Gould defeated MaryEllen Pratten, Ray Muir, Gordo.

The Ladies Fours Tournament annual event was a great success with 16 teams of 4 competing. A big thankyou to Industry Fire Services, Precise Plumbing, S&W Crane Hire who were the Sponsors for the event.

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Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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1: The 16 teams that participated in the Ladies Fours Tournament

2: 1st place Winners were Michele Stockton, Leanne Lewis, Carmel Kirwan, Jo Inch with Peter Bruce for Precise Plumbing

3: 2nd place winners were Lee Shears, Wanda Goodwin, Donna Ware, Kaos with Helen Jacobsen for Industry Fire Services

4: 3rd place winners were Ladda Purdie, Margo Stanley, Betty Whitehorn, Betty Nicolle with Lee Welsted from S&W Crane Hire

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Players were lucky to get a break in the weather for Wednesday's Social Bowls and Saturday for the beginning of the Men's Competition for 2024. 

On Wednesday with all the rain prior, we had 5 players for Social Bowls. Heather Brown played double lead.  Heather, Dale Haack and Sandy Daffara defeated Heather, Philip Brown and Peter Lawton 22 - 14.  There were no Social Bowls played on Sunday due to heavy rain on Sunday morning.

On Saturday in Club Championship Singles Luchie Gardel defeated Jonathan Bye 25 – 14. Shane Kinnear defeated Stephen Summers 25-1. Peter Lawton defeated Gavin Noonan 27-18. Barry Saroglia defeated Vince Olsen 25-16.  In Club Championship Fours, Shane Kinnear, Todd Leys, Scott Hamilton and Gavin Milne defeated Bruce Uhe, Vince Olsen, Barry Zillmann and Dale Haack 25 - 11.  In "B" Singles, Peter Lawton defeated Kendall Watts 25 - 15.  The game of Club Championship Singles between David Ling and Andrew Bell against Bryan Davy and Luchie Gardel was suspended after one end played when one of the players got an urgent recall to work. That game will be completed by mutual agreement at the earliest opportunity.

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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club.

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Social play on Tuesday resulted in Gwenda Lydom, Linda Smith and Penny Warren defeating Lindy Suann, Irene Laird, Geoff Danvers and B Reddcliff, Lyn Danvers and Greg Colquhoun defeated Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing and Kevin Daniels. The jackpot didn’t go off.

In the ladies club competition Deb Retchless defeated Bron Tolcher and Jocelyn Defranciscis defeated Tiarna Winter. The first round of the fours was played on Sunday morning. Congratulations to the winning teams of Irene Laird, Merle Elphinstone, Margaret Wilson and Linda Smith who defeated Gwenda Lydom, Sue Shearing, Lyn Danvers and Pat Tracey. Robyn Stitt, Deb Retchless, Tiarna Winter and Fely Duncan defeated S Denise Wallace, Teresa Willshire, Linda Scells and Penny Warren. They will play each other in the final on Saturday morning 23 March. More games have been called on the board so please check.

Congratulations to the Wangaratta Men’s Local Pennant teams who defeated Collinsville on Saturday at Wangaratta with three match wins, which now puts Wangaratta in an unassailable lead in the local competition. Well done chaps.

Winners for Sunday afternoon social bowls were Albi Vigar and Mark Drummond defeated Graeme Read Allan Rolfe. Robyn Stitt, Merle Elphinstone and Pat Tracey defeated Toni Bowen, Bron Tolcher and Penny Warren. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Don’t forget this Friday night we are hosting our Barefoot Bowls. We had a great crowd last fortnight so we would love to see you come along and enjoy the night.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

The course dried out enough to see Vic Feldman edge out Ross Hammond on 37 points in Thursday's stableford event, where Warren Deighton and Gary Scotford won the pin shots.

Friday's Met run saw Scott Mason win with 22 points, two ahead of Ryan Wilkes with a handy four under par for the nine holes. Christopher Bartlett and Karlene Lloyd took out the pins.

Joshua Norris had 41 points to dominate the Hayman Electrical Saturday competition with Brodie Slater his A Division runner up on 37 points. Bailey Hayward won the B Division with 35 points ahead of Cory O'Shea on 34. Elspeth Scotford had 26 points to win the Ladies' division by one shot from Peta Thomas. Pins went to Ryan Wilkes, Blake Lovelock, John Roser, Jason Bourke, Penny Wardroper and Ann Gardel.

Mark McDougall had 40 points to beat Mark Thompson by two shots in Sunday's competition with Peta Thomas and Elise Hodgson the leading ladies on 24 and 22 points. Pins went to Ryan Wilkes, Elise Hodgson and Jon Miller.

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Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club. Photo supplied

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Full name: Mila Westley

Age: 11

Name: Mila Westley

Grade/Age: Year 6 / 11 years old

Sports: Proserpine District - Soccer, Whitsunday District - Touch Football, Netball and Basketball, Capricornia Region - AFL

Who inspired you to start playing sport?

My Mum and Dad have always encouraged me to try my best at everything, including sport. Without their support there is no way I would be able to have a go at so many different things.

Can you tell us about a memorable moment or achievement in your athletic career so far?

Last year I had the honour of being named ‘Grade 5 Sportsperson of the Year’ at Cannonvale State School which was a huge thrill.

What are some challenges you've faced as a young athlete, and how have you overcome them?

I find it frustrating when I get sick and lose some of the fitness I have worked so hard for, however the only solution to this is, when I am better, to train consistently to get it back.

Who are your role models or favourite athletes, and why?

My Dad is a huge Collingwood Magpies supporter and I love them too, so my favourite athlete is Nick Daicos.

What is your favourite part about being part of the Next Stars?

I love the team environment and the variety of the training. We work hard but we always have fun too!

How do you stay motivated?

When my alarm goes off at 5.30am, I’m up and ready to go!

What advice would you give to other young athletes who are just starting out?

When things get hard, never give up and always try your best.

What are your goals for the future in sport?

I want to make the North Queensland team for athletics and, of course, play for the mighty Collingwood Magpies.

How has participating in sports made you a better person?

It has made me appreciate the values of hard work and sportsmanship.

To find out more about Next Stars go to www.nextstars.org of find them on Facebook / Instagram @nextstarssportsacademy.

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Tuesday afternoon bowls went ahead and skipper Andy McDougall confirmed his great skills with a fantastic performance inspiring his lead Robin Brown, and Arthur McManus ably assisted his team performance.

Wednesday afternoon's Jackpot Bowls had a huge roll up under the guidance of Mervyn Stewart who saw four teams playing for the prizes on offer and once again it was skipper Warren Mills and Lu Rogan whom ably assisted and Alan Pershouse.

The Jackpot wasn't won and will rise next week. However John Anderson went home with a huge smile as he won the prestigious Health Hub award which is greatly appreciated by our little club .

Wednesday afternoon saw the return after over 12 months of Wild Bill Gordon who joined Andy McDougall and Warren Mills whom were in awe with his brilliant performance.

Next week we will tell you all about the World’s Greatest Shave and the money made for the leukaemia foundation.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Caption: Wild Bill Gordon, Andy McDougall and Warren Mills. Photo supplied

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We had a great crowd attend our barefoot bowls on Friday night. Everyone enjoyed themselves and I am sure improved their skills by the end of the night. Our next night will be Friday 22 March.

Our club competition has begun. Results so far: Men’s A singles K Jewell defeated M Drummond. Ladies Crooked Jack resulted in Deb Retchless defeated Teresa Willshire, Robyn Stitt defeated Gwenda Lydom and Penny Warren defeated Denise Wallace. Ladies Fours will be played this Sunday morning and the Final Saturday 23 March.

It was great to have the Zonta Ladies host their International Women’s Day afternoon tea at the club on Sunday.

Well done ladies. What an inspiring afternoon. Thanks to the Wangaratta ladies who provided a fantastic range of food.

Winners for Sunday afternoon social bowls were Gwenda Lydom, Denise Wallace and Allan Rolfe who defeated Toni Bowen, Albi Vigar and Sugar Brunker.

Robyn Stitt and Kevin Jewell defeated Isobel Wheeler and Mark Drummond, and Jim Quod, Merle Elphinstone  and Graeme Read drew with Lindy Suann, Bill Myers and Kevin Daniels. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Good luck to our men’s local pennant teams playing Collinsville this Saturday at Wangaratta.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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This week’s Premier League darts saw a couple of wins for Joe Wilson to go top of the league, just above Josh Fraser who had a few wins of his own on Sunday morning at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club.

Joe Wilson claimed the 2024 Champion of Champions shield with a 7/5 win over Dom Friend.

Art McMinn claimed joint 3rd spot on the ladder with a win over Hawkeye Rick, and Naomi Mitchell slipped down from 2nd to 6th after suffering back to back losses.

The league table is held up by Jamie Maher, Hawkeye Rick and Jayden Lloyd who sit bottom of the league awaiting points, though Jayden has yet to feature this season.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing and Master Butchers Whitsundays. Keep up to date with the club competitions by following us on Facebook. 

Round Results and Table

J Wilson def D Friend 7/5

J Fraser def J Maher 7/5

D Friend def N Mitchell 7/2

J Wilson def K Reason 7/1

A McMinn def H Rick 7/2

J Fraser def N Mitchell 7/2

K Reason def H Rick 7/2

1. J Wilson 6pts

2. J Fraser 4pts

3. A McMinn 3pts

4. K Reason 3pts

5. D Friend 2pts

6. N Mitchell 2pts

7. J Lloyd 0pts

8. J Maher 0pts

9. H Rick 0pts

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Caption: Joe Wilson claimed the 2024 Champion of Champions shield. Photo supplied

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On Saturday, members welcomed in the 2024 season with a 4BBB event by Bowen Small Motors & Cycles, Thank you Scott and Lisa for your support. 

Winners Josh Fraser and Kaleb Brunker 48 points, Runners up Gordon Brackley and Paul Martin 43 points, 3rd Place John and Jack McEniery 42 points on a countback.

Accuracy shots to Glenn Wright and Robyn Slade. Pin Shots to Elona Lynch, Jo Kukura, Julie Martin, Judy Atkins, Tate McGrath, Brendan Malone, Geoff Fellows and Paul Martin. Mike Uerata claimed the Car Wash voucher with an OBP.

Kaleb Brunker had an Eagle on Hole 17.

Joker draw is $1600 this Friday night. If you are dining in, please ensure you call the club to book your table, so you don’t miss out - 47851206. Everyone is welcome to attend the Joker draw.  

This weekend’s competition is a 4BBB aggregate event for early Easter trophies sponsored by Bowen Mazda.

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Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Caption: 2024 Open day winners. Photo supplied

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Celebrating International Women’s Day, Whitsunday Sailing Club used the opportunity to conduct a Lady Skippers’ race, with nine of the 15 boats with female helms. 

Strong winds and rain squalls were the topic of discussion from the Bureau of Meteorology during the day on Wednesday, as the fleet for the Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race found out. 

As the Division 2 fleet approached the starting line, rain and strong wind arrived, limiting visibility to a few metres for those who could see at all. 

Combined with winds in excess of 30 knots, the fleet were blind as to where they were heading as they were unable to see the first rounding mark. 

In all the confusion, Little Black Jack (Cass Roberts) led the fleet away and were never headed throughout the race. 

Behind them, Bobby’s Girl (Marie Schulte) held off challenges from Smooth Criminal (Karina Wood) and QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) with a gap back to the rest. 

Reignition (Donna Fornasiero) had their own issues after one of the crew had to be recovered from the water.

As the race progressed, the breeze abated, favouring the faster boats, with Black Jack taking the corrected time win over Smooth Criminal and Bobby’s Girl.

With the conditions no better at the start of the Division 3 race, Shiraz (Sarah Cummings) led the fleet away with Lighthorse (Anne Ross), Riff Raff (Nicole Abbott) and Norbert G (Phillippa Hall) in pursuit. 

While the conditions suited Shiraz, allowing her to extend her lead, the rest of the fleet were spread out with each boat experiencing a lonely race.

Again, with a dying breeze, the slower boats struggled to be competitive as the lack of wind hindered their progress. 

In the end, Lighthorse finished six minutes behind Shiraz which equated to 37 seconds after handicap calculations, with Riff Raff coming home in third place.

The Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight series continues every Wednesday with racing commencing at 4:30. Limited crewing positions may be available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available). Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results.

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

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Despite the wet conditions, the Cannonvale Cannons had a very busy week. On the weekend, five swimmers competed at the Lightning Swim Club LC Transition Meet in Townsville.

The Cannons would like to commend Jacob Bell, Tiana Bell, Jy Parkinson, Noah Maltby and Nelson Malady on their outstanding achievements.

Jacob achieved top placings in his Freestyle, Backstroke, Butterfly, and medley events.  

Tiana’s best swims include her 50m Freestyle and 100m Breaststroke which earned gold medals.  

One of Nelson’s best swims included his 200m IM which he swam in a terrific time of 3.14.31 to earn a gold medal.  

Noah Malby was very happy with his national qualifying time in the 100m Breaststroke which he swam in 1.12.76.  Jy swam very well in his 100m Freestyle which he swam in 54.49 seconds, 1st place.  

On Wednesday night, 30 swimmers participated in Club Night even though it was raining.  A big thank you to all the parents who braved the conditions and helped with timekeeping, officiating, and cooking up delicious Chilli Con Carne.  

Congratulations to Jax Eaves and Declan Dichiera for achieving the best PBs and taking out the Chocolate Awards. The coaches awarded Eric Mulliss the Swim of the Night Award for his 100m IM.  

Swims of the night include: Ganter brothers, Thomas and Jack were on fire! They smashed all their times especially their Butterfly and IMs!  

Millie Groom swam an impressive time of 1.28.72 in her 100m Butterfly, a 14.34 second PB. New club swimmer, Stella Mulliss, age 5 years swam a 7.64 second PB in her 12m Freestyle and swam in her first Butterfly event. Zach Trefz swam a huge 10.32 second PB in his 100m IM.  

Well done to all the swimmers who participated on Wednesday night and a big thank you to all the wonderful parents and volunteers. On Sunday night, the Cannonvale Cannons will be hosting their annual Club Championships.  

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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1: The five swimmers who competed at the Lightning Swim Club LC Transition Meet in Townsville. Photo supplied

2: Declan with his Chocolate Award. Photo supplied

3: Eric Mullis with his Swim of the Night Award. Photo supplied

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Hey boaties, we need your help and cooperation!

When one of our rescue vessels is displaying a towing flag (Code D) and our yellow strobe is flashing, it indicates that we have a vessel under tow or alongside, and we may be restricted in our ability to manoeuvre. We may also broadcast the situation on VHF 16, and use sound signals. Any of these actions mean that we may need you to reduce speed to minimise your wake, and possibly alter course to stay clear. And just because you are in a sailing vessel under sail it does not mean that you have right of way over a vessel that is towing and restricted in manoeuvrability!

VHF Radios should always be on, and we recommend always monitoring the emergency channel 16. Put your radio onto dual watch if you want to listen to another channel, but you should always be monitoring 16 in case a vessel near you requires your assistance or needs to get your attention.

Code Flag D may be displayed by us or any commercial vessel, and it means “keep clear of me, I am manoeuvring with difficulty” and you should slow down, keep clear, and reduce speed to keep your wash to a minimum. In our case we may have another vessel tied up or close alongside, and a big wash can cause a lot of damage in that situation. Just imagine yourself in the assisted vessel’s position, and slow down.

If you see Flashing Yellow Lights on a vessel, slow down and keep clear. Both of our vessels are now equipped with these lights, so keep an eye out and stay clear if required and minimise your wake to reduce the chance of causing any vessels alongside us to be potentially damaged.

Sound signals need to be known and recognised.

• One short blast means; ‘I am altering my course to starboard’.

• Two short blasts mean; ‘I am altering my course to port’.

• Three short blasts mean; ‘I am operating engines astern’ (the boat may be reversing or stopping).

• Five (or more) short blasts means ‘I am unsure of your intentions’. Also known as “What on earth are you doing, mate?”

If all boaties can be more aware of these points it will mean that our job assisting another vessel will be safer and easier for all concerned – and it might be you seeking our help next time!

At $90, VMRW membership is cheap insurance. Join online at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/ and your membership helps to keep us going in case you need us. We hope you don’t!

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Contributed with thanks to Volunteer Marine Rescue

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Caption: VMR1 On The Water. Photo supplied

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