Five Cannonvale Cannons’ swimmers had brilliant weeks at the Australian Age Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast.  

Coach Mark Erickson said he was proud of the Cannons and their outstanding achievements.

“It is not easy to qualify for the Australian Championships, let alone swim at the Australian championships,” he said.

“The five Cannons kept their nerves at bay and swam extremely well in this super competitive environment.”  

Jy Parkinson, 17-years-old, made the finals for all three of his Backstroke events.

Jy came ninth in Australia for his 50-metre Backstroke in a time of 27.51 seconds and for his 100-metre Backstroke in 59.01 seconds.  

He was placed 10th in the final for his 200-metre Backstroke with a time of 2.09.27.  

During the week, Jy also swam 100-metre Butterfly in a time of 58.87 seconds (23rd), 200-metre Freestyle in 1.57.10 (13th), 100-metre Freestyle in 54.12sec (30th) and 200m Butterfly in 2.14.91 (17th).  

Jacob Bell, aged 16, swam a 400-metre IM in a time of 5.01.25 which placed him 28th in Australia.

Ehsan Helou, 14, swam her 50-metre Breaststroke in 34.35 seconds, which placed him 50th in Australia.  

Ehsan’s sister, Anisa, aged 13, swam the 50-metre Butterfly in 31.44 seconds (with a 0.68 second personal best) and was placed 76th in the country.  

Holly Perrin, aged 15, swam the 50-metre Backstroke in 33.24 seconds and was placed 92nd in Australia.  

The Club extended its congratulations to Jy, Jacob, Ehsan, Anisa, and Holly on your fantastic achievements.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Anisa Jacob Holly Mark Jy and Ehsan on the Gold Coast

Cannons at the Australian Age Championships

Jy marshalling for the Backstroke final

The WTA’s Winter Competition resumed on Monday after a two week break for Easter holidays.

However, not all WTA members took a break. Two of our promising Junior Referees travelled to Townsville for the State Junior North Cup.

Lanie Hazeltine and Claudia Ansell took the opportunity to further their refereeing experience. In Townsville they were mentored by experienced referees. The girls commented that they learned a lot and really appreciated the supportive comments from the senior referees.

Claudia capped her efforts with selection to referee the U12 Girls Grand Final.

WTA is proud to support our Junior Referees.

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Round Eight Results

Mixed A

Raiders A (8) v Concrete Feet (2)

Vipers (6) v Trusty (3)

Mixed B

Whitmonday Eagles (11) v Ray White (4)

GET Touch (7) v Full Boar (2)

Touch It (6) v Slippery Salmons (3)

Mixed C

Raiders C (9) v On Time (5)

Fumble This (7) v Stingers (4)

Flametree Flames (11) v Whitsunday Warriors (2)

Mixed C (Family)

Untouchables (7) v Misfits (4)

Mainlanders (8) v Escapees (2)

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The North Queensland Cowboys have announced two star Mackay recruits in the lead up to their inaugural NRLW season.

After a strong start in the Mackay Cutters first BMD Premiership season, Emma Manzelmann was unveiled as the first signing for the Cowboys with Jasmine Peters being announced soon after.

Born and raised in Mackay, Manzelmann returns to North Queensland after a premiership winning NRLW campaign with the Newcastle Knights as an integral signing for Cowboys’ maiden season.

“Growing up, there was not much women’s footy,” Emma said.

“Then when Cowboys said they were putting in a team, it was a dream and now that dream’s becoming true.”

Cowboys Sign Mackay Talent Ahead Of First NRLW Season

The pathway between the Mackay Cutters BMD Premiership and North Queensland Cowboys NRLW squads has made itself apparent, with two players from the inaugural Cutters campaign signing with the North Queensland outfit ahead of their first season.

Emma Manzelmann began her football journey with the Walkerston Wanderers under 7s and by 2019 she was a member of the Queensland under 18s and the inaugural Cowboys Women’s Academy.

The current Cutters’ number 9 announced herself to the senior rugby league world with a stunning two try performance in the North Queensland Gold Stars’ first ever game in Round 1 of the 2020 BMD Premiership.

Emma returned to the Gold Stars for the 2021 season and was named Player of the Year after a sensational campaign, earning herself a contract with the Newcastle Knights for the delayed 2021 NRLW season.

Returning to the Gold Stars in 2022, the dynamic dummy half helped the team to premiership success before appearing in all seven 2022 matches for Newcastle in their march to grand final glory, Emma’s second premiership of the year.

Cowboys NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries said Emma was earmarked early in the recruiting process.

“Emma was always one of our main targets,” he said.

“She is an elite talent who is homegrown and came through our pathways system, which made her signature a priority.”

Fellow Mackay product and try scorer in the Gold Stars’ 2022 grand final victory Jasmine Peters also announced a three-year deal with the Cowboys on Monday.

Peters played her junior football for the Norths Mackay Devils before graduating to the Cowboys Women’s Academy and playing two NRLW seasons with the Gold Coast Titans.

“It’s hard to believe ‘Jaz’ is still just 20 when you consider she’s a three-time Indigenous All-Star, who also brings Queensland under 19s and NRLW experience,” Mr Jeffries said.

“Jasmine will be a prominent figure in our backline, with her powerful carries and I know she is determined to test herself against the best within the NRLW space as she pushes for higher honours.”

The Cowboys also announced the signing of Cairns’ Tahlulah Tillett, another member of the 2022 premiership winning Gold Stars squad, as they build towards their first campaign in the NRLW.

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Mackay’s Emma Manzelmann was the first person to sign with the North Queensland Cowboys ahead of their inaugural NRLW season. Photo supplied: North Queensland Cowboys

Mackay Cutters captain Emma Manzelmann and backrower Jasmine Peters have signed with the North Queensland Cowboys. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The competition was hot when Sarina Bowls Club hosted the men's only 2023 Wilma Plane Creek Mill Shield.

One hundred and twenty bowlers from 12 clubs competed, playing three games on a reasonably hot day.

Lots of good bowling and friendship resulted between the 120 men fighting it out to see which club could take home the shield.

Northern Beaches and Souths Suburban led a close finish, both teams ending on 17 points each.

Northern Beaches won on overall margin of 67 and Souths Suburban second with 60.

Wilmar is the major sponsor of the day, and many spectators enjoyed watching some very competitive bowls.

Contributed by Rita Hughes

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Northern Beaches Bowls Club's winning team was Back L-R Kees Struik, Pete Petersen, Greg Kasper, Stevie Mau, Brodie Johnson, Jason McMullin, Steve Boyce, Bruce Wilson. Front L-R Mark Glew, Paul Foot, and selector Trevor Kelly. Also playing were Ricky Dunn, Barry Brown, Chris Gee and Stu Larkins. Photo credit: Rita Hughes

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Prominent Mackay rugby league coach Pat Daly knows all about the importance of preparation for major sporting competitions or annual tournaments.

The respected mentor showed his value in the lead up to this year’s Confraternity Games Rugby League Championship in Brisbane by recently guiding St Patrick’s College Reds to a Mackay School Sports Division 2 Opens title.

A knowledgeable Daly – who is highly regarded at the Walkerston Wanderers JRLFC - demonstrated his coaching prowess by steering the emerging colts to a spirited 10-6 Grand Final victory over Sarina High School in the 2023 trophy decider at the Mackay & District Junior League Fields.  

The premiership triumph underlined the College’s depth of talent in the senior ranks with several of his charges pushing for spots in a star-studded top tier Open side, coached by former Italy World Cup international centre Ian Schifilliti, that is chasing honours in the Cutters Cup, Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup competitions.

As a schoolboy, Daly himself tasted success in various rugby league carnivals that included winning the 2000 Confraternity Shield trophy in Bundaberg with a St Patrick’s unit that featured the likes of future NRL stars Grant Rovelli and Brett Seymour.

The St Patrick’s Class of 2000 was captained by half back Rovelli – who was named Player of the Carnival after they defeated St Mary’s Toowoomba 26-16 in the Shield decider.

There was no shortage of class in the St Mary’s team with a skinny and naturally gifted playmaker in Jonathon Thurston - an all-time great in waiting – lining up at five eighth.

Just like his recent triumph with the Reds, the astute Daly and former teammates put in the hard yards in preparation for Confro and reaped the dividends.

Sarina High jumped to an early 6-0 lead in the Grand Final before wily hooker Hudson Clark weaved through defenders to score on the cusp of half time.

Power running forward Javin Ramsamy nabbed the match-winning try for St Patrick’s after the interval when he burst through tackles from 40 metres out with Clark converting.

In a mighty team effort, the Reds were best served by fullback Lane Maunder, elusive backs Tura Larry, Fletcher Russell, Bailey Caruana, skilful halves Brad Manera and Jack Aslette and industrious forwards Ramsamy, Clark, Reece Morris, Saxon Crofts, Pat Shanks, Leo Gupwell and Campbell Grisan-Hodges.

Daly also praised the efforts of his nephew Darcy Daly, who missed the title decider with a hand injury after turning in strong performances during the campaign.

The Reds dominated the series and lost only one match when forced to forfeit a fixture against St Patrick’s Navy Blue side due to a spate of injuries and Mackay Cutters representative commitments.

There were double celebrations on Grand Final Day when St Patrick’s Navy toppled Mackay State High 24-12 to capture the Division 2 Year 7-8s premiership.

Promising fullback Nathan Simon, centre Sonny Doring, five eighth Matt Fenech, prop Nate Faulkner, back rowers Tayte Rowe and Angus Barns and lock Flynn Taylor produced strong games for St Patrick’s in a rousing team effort.  

Contributed by Chris Karas

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Jubilant St Patrick’s College Red players celebrate their Mackay Schools Rugby League Division 2 Opens premiership after toppling Sarina High in the Grand Final at the Mackay Junior League Fields

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night finals March 28, 2023:

Division 1:

Tibhar (Mick Ruhl, Vince Boeske, Allan Edwards) d Donic (Graham Drury, Andrew McHugh, Barry Patterson) 6-5. Allan d Barry 6, 0, -9, -17, 12.

Division 2:

Yasaka (Ian McKay, Duncan Treloar, Peter Goodson, Lily Boland) d Andro (Janice Kent, Graeme Walker, Mark Sleeman, Will VanDeKaa) 9-5. Duncan d Graeme -3, -11, 11, 5, 15.

Division 3:

Nittaku (Steve Crocker, Jye Callander, Duncan Sheridan) d Gewo (Simon Hogan, Tiffany Camilleri) 6-5. Simon d Steve 7, -10, 5, -4, 9.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures March 28, 2023:

Division 1:

Cockatoos (Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Peter Goodson, Don Boettcher) d Doves (Michael Ibbotson, Pam Joyce, Kevin Abbott, Don Boettcher) 10-4. Tony d Michael -4, -11, 8, 8, 10.

Pelicans (Charlie Payne, Branko Vucurovic, John McGee, Veronica Shepherd) d Magpies (George Camilleri, Delma Knight) 11-3. Charlie/Branko d George/Delma -11, 7, -7, 7, 9.

Division 2:

Ibis (Iris Grasso, Louise Gould, Fred Saliba) d Kookaburras (John Hamelink, Ken Best, Kim Daffy) 7-5. John d Louise 7, -3, -9, 9, 8.

Owls (Kim Challender, Robyn Bushell, Helen Ware) d Parrots (Bryan Marshall, Judi Hicks, Marie Taylor)  7-5. Judi d Helen 9, 9, -4, -9, 9.

Division 3:

Eagles (Sharon Muller, Frank Caruana, Glenda Dutton) d Storks (Madge Saunders, Cheryl Pearson, Allison Day) 8-4. Frank d Madge 11, -9, 3, -12, 11.

Pigeons (Ian Dodds, Bill Hey, Myles Dutton) d Hawks (Gloria Vella, Thelma Caruana) 7-5. Myles d Thelma -8, 9, -11, 7, 6.

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Marie Taylor in action in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Mackay Road Runners and Zambrero Mackay joined forces for a very social Easter Sunday afternoon 5km/10km run.  

Thanks to Zambrero owner Peter Quinn, his family and his wonderful staff for providing random draw prizes, super lovely service and yummy refreshments post-race.  

Approximately fifty runners and supporters and the Easter Bunny enjoyed the slightly cooler conditions although the Bunny was mildly uncomfortable with the humidity.  

Excellent running came from Lauren Connor who ran her longest ever event.

Congratulations also go to Jo Skinner who has just today completed the Run Down Under Australia 2023 course, running 14,080 kilometres to complete her journey.  

Great to see the return of Mick Vivian, apparently working too hard, although he still ran very fast.

Superb running by junior runners Luke Leven and Lily Leven who tackled the 10km event in perfect form despite the high temperatures.

Anthea Ford made a welcome return to the local running scene whilst home for the Easter Break.

Many thanks once again to Zambrero and their wonderful team, Helen Leven for bringing the highly popular Zooper Doopers, Andrew Short for his course description and Arthur Dick for ensuring everyone got home safely.

This Sunday’s handicap points event commences from Tim’s residence at 16 Ocean Avenue, Slade Point.  

The Chariots of Fire 5k/10k run will include some challenging undulations, as well as a bit of cross country trail running, sandy and bitumen surfaces.  

All members are welcome as well as non member casual day runners.  

Please meet at Tim’s by 6.15am at the latest so that all runners can be checked in with the timekeeper before race briefing.  

Club Captain Jim Ford’s Wednesday weekly track training continues every week commencing from 5.30pm at the Aquatic and Recreational Centre (ARC) Ooralea.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Approximately fifty runners and the Easter Bunny thank Zambrero for their awesome hospitality on Easter Sunday

L-R Jo Hughes, Andrew Short, Carmel Mahon, Andrew Wallace and Julie Whibley loving the Zambrero atmosphere after their run. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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A big congratulations to Lauren Morgan, who has been chosen to play in the Queensland Youth Team. The Youth of the game are tomorrow’s champions and leaders. Well done from all at the Mackay Contract Bridge Club

Mackay Contract Bridge Weekly Results

Monday 3 April 2023 - 5 Table One Winner, Green Pts

1st Shirley Casey / Anne Lutz

2nd Nancy Martin / Monica Darley

3rd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

4th Joy Robinson / Thelma Caruana

5th Eric Goodchild / David Ting

Thursday 6 April 2023 – 4 Table One Winner Green Pts

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

4th Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

5th Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

Wednesday 5 April 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points Nation Wide Pairs Week 7 of 23

N/S

1st Sandra Morris / Jan Harris

2nd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

3rd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

E/W

1st Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders

Saturday 8 April 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Julie O/Neill / Margaret Lane

2nd Richard Wix / Patricia Garner

3rd Geoff Taylor / Joy Brunette

4th Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood

E/W

1st Marilin Robins / Mick Robins

2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3rd Frances Brown / Alan Brown

4th Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell

Contributed by Joy Sleep

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The weekend of March 30 to April 2, 2023 was historical for Mackay - the Masters Swimming Queensland State Championships was held at the Mackay Aquatic Centre. Our Dolphin, Kylie Smith, proudly swam in the newly formed Masters Team created under the Pioneer Swimming Club, the Pioneer Oldphins.

Kylie is swimming royalty for our club – having swam since she was seven, taking the odd break as a young adult, but returning when her own daughters were seeking a club to join. At the Championships, Kylie broke not one but two State records in the 50m Butterfly and 50m Backstroke events! She swam four events and brought home the gold in all. A fantastic feat and one the club is so happy to celebrate!

Kylie tells us her greatest swimming achievements were events like swimming at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games Trials but recently she has been swimming faster than she did in her early years. She attributes this to the choices she makes now with her nutrition and lifestyle but also to her coach, Igor - “Igor has a very effective way of getting the best out of me in a session,” Kylie said. “He has a great sense of humour which keeps training enjoyable plus he makes an effort to get to know his swimmers’ strengths and weaknesses.”

You can see why she loves her daughters being mentored by him also.

Kylie loved swimming for the Club’s Master’s Team, Oldphins, and looks forward to growing it next season.  She loves her club – she says, “A club is only as great as the families and members who make it possible. We have incredible families who are so generous in giving their time and dedication to making it a fun and friendly place to allow our swimmers all the opportunities possible to succeed in their sport!”

After smashing out her races over the weekend, Kylie then donned her apron and helped the Club barbeque for the remaining competitors. The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club kindly asked Pioneer Swimming Club to hold this fundraising BBQ – many of our swimmers and committee members attended to help out.

Kylie wears many hats in the Club – President, Assistant Coach, Swimmer and Mum to two strong swimmers. She is amazing beyond words and an inspiration to all!

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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Kylie Smith at Masters Swimming Championships

Kylie loves backstroke. Photo credit: TS Photography

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At Queensland Masters State Swimming Titles

North Mackay Sinkers claimed top ranking in Combined Teams Scores at the recent Masters Swimming Queensland State Long Course Championships at the Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Complex.

The Sinkers club posted 1366 points from both male and female division events to finish in first place ahead of University Queensland (1156).

In the Womens Team rankings the Sinkers grabbed top spot with 839 points from Noosa (515) while Miami club were first in the Mens Team standings with 635 points with the Sinkers fourth on 437.

The Masters Swimming Carnival proved a resounding success with 113 records broken during the three day event including 27 National, 82 Queensland and four Victorian.

Competitors from local clubs North Mackay Sinkers, Mackay Swim Academy and Pioneer Oldphins produced stand out swims to come away with a swag of medals.

Record breaking Kylie Smith,40, was the star swimmer for Pioneer Oldphins – claiming gold medal wins in the Womens 40-44yrs 100m Backstroke (1:15.76 sec); 50m Butterfly (30.10 Qld record); 50m Freestyle (28.66) and 50m Backstroke (32.64 Qld record).

She was supported by club mate Ben Miles,43, who shone in the 50m Butterfly (31.08); 100m Butterfly (1:15.00) and 200m Freestyle (2:20.34).

Mackay Swim Academy’s Andrew Gillespie dominated his 30-34yrs age group with superb swims across various disciplines.

Gillespie, 31, was successful in the Mens 400m Backstroke (5:00.00); 100m Backstroke (1:03.00); 800m Backstroke (10:40.00); 200m Backstroke (2:20.00); 50m Backstroke (29.25) and 50m Butterfly (28.23) as well as the triumphant Relay teams in the 120-159yrs 200m Medley and 200m Freestyle with club mates Jesse Eggins, Michael Rafter and Greg Born and Mixed 160-199yrs 200m Medley with Jesse and Jane Eggins and Linda Single.

Other MSA entrants to impress were Jane Eggins – gold in Womens 60-64yrs 100m Freestyle (1:19.94); 50m Butterfly (45.14) and 200-239yrs 200m Medley Relay with Rachel Bidgood, Linda Single and Candace Grady (2:45.31); silver 50m Freestyle and 400m Freestyle plus bronze 100m Backstroke; 200m Freestyle; 50m Backstroke and 200-239yrs 200m Freestyle Relay.

Jesse Eggins - gold in Mens 30-34yrs 50m Breaststroke (32.69); 100m Breaststroke (1:15.27) and Mixed 160-199yrs 200m Medley Relay; silver 50m Freestyle; 100m Freestyle; Mixed 160-199yrs 200m Freestyle Relay.

Greg Born – gold Mens 50-54yrs 400m Breaststroke (7:07.58); 1500m Backstroke (26:26.37); 120-159yrs 200m Freestyle Relay and 200m Medley Relay; silver 400m Freestyle; 800m Freestyle; 100m Breaststroke; 100m Butterfly and bronze 200m Freestyle.

Michael Rafter – silver 200m Backstroke; Mixed 160-169yrs 200m Freestyle Relay; bronze 50m Breaststroke; 50m Backstroke;

50m Butterfly; 100m Freestyle; 400m Backstroke and Linda Single – gold 40-44yrs 200m Freestyle.

North Mackay Sinkers paraded quality swimmers in Naomi McGilvray – gold 40-44yrs 50m Breaststroke (43.81); 200m IM (3:01.27); 100m Butterfly (1:26.72); silver 200m Breaststroke; 800m Freestyle; 200m Freestyle;100m Freestyle; bronze Mixed 160-199 800m Freestyle Relay with Megan Taylor, Nigel Dalton, Timothy Caris; Lola Fisher – gold 50-54yrs 100m Backstroke (2:13.28); 200m Backstroke; 800m Backstroke; silver 50m Backstroke; 400m Backstroke; 200m IM; 400m Breaststroke; bronze 50m Butterfly; 400m IM; Jaime Patten – silver 35-39yrs 1500m Freestyle; 400m Freestyle; 800m Freestyle; 200m Freestyle; bronze 35-39yrs 100m Freestyle; 100m Breaststroke; Suzanne McBride – silver 70-74yrs 50m Breaststroke; 100m Breaststroke; 800m Freestyle; bronze 400m Freestyle; Megan Taylor – silver 40-44yrs 200m IM; 100m Breaststroke; bronze 100m Backstroke; Fiona Cheeseman – gold 50-54yrs 100m Breaststroke (1:47.83); 200m Breaststroke (3:48.54); silver 200m Freestyle Relay with Megan Taylor, Naomi McGilvray, Susan Dalton; Club President Daniel Stampa – silver 60-64yrs 1500m Freestyle; 200m IM; 50m Backstroke; bronze 50m Breaststroke; 200m Freestyle; 400m Freestyle; Timothy Caris – silver 30-34yrs 50m Butterfly; 200-239yrs 200m Freestyle Relay with Greg Armstrong, Nigel Dalton, Terence Beaton; bronze 50m Freestyle; 100m Freestyle; Mixed 200m Freestyle Relay with Nigel Dalton, Megan Taylor Toni Enright); Terence Beaton – gold 65-69yrs 200m Freestyle (2:44.63);silver 50m Freestyle; 100m Freestyle; 400m Freestyle; 800m Freestyle; Greg Armstrong – gold 55-59yrs 200m Freestyle (2:27.55); 400m Freestyle (5:21.14); 1500m Freestyle (21:37.57); silver 800m Freestyle; bronze 50m Butterfly; 50m Freestyle; 100m Freestyle;

Nigel Dalton – gold 55-59yrs 400m Backstroke (6:25.47); silver 200m Backstroke; 800m Backstroke; 1500m Backstroke; 200m Freestyle; Mixed 200-239yrs 200m Medley Relay with Jaime Patten; Megan Taylor; Terence Beaton; bronze 100m Backstroke; 50m Backstroke; Christine Webb – gold 55-59yrs 100m Butterfly; bronze 400m Breaststroke; Brian Keogh – silver 65-69yrs 1500m Freestyle;  

Alison Friswell – bronze 55-59yrs 200 IM; 100m Backstroke; 50m Butterfly; 100m Breaststroke; Sue de Meer – silver 65-69yrs 800m Breaststroke; Jo-Anne Shanks – gold – 50m Backstroke (59.54);  

silver 50-54yrs 100m Backstroke; Toni Enright – silver 45-49yrs 100m Breaststroke; 200m Breaststroke; 200m Freestyle Relay with Alison Friswell, Suzanne McBride, Lesley Thorpe; bronze 50m Freestyle; 50m Backstroke; Steven Burchill – 65-69yrs 200m Breaststroke; bronze 100m Breaststroke; 50m Backstroke; Cameron Turnbull – silver 25-29yrs 200m Freestyle; 100m Butterfly; 400m Freestyle and Lesley Thorpe – bronze 65-69yrs 100m Breaststroke.

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North Mackay Sinkers tallied the Highest Club Points at the recent Masters Swimming Queensland State Championships. Photo supplied

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They are more renowned for their rugby league, basketball, boxing or touch football prowess – now a batch of athletic St Patrick’s College Mackay students have banded together for a crack at Boys Netball at this year’s Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Carnival in Brisbane.

Fresh from a maiden appearance at last year’s inaugural QISSN Boys Netball event, the new look 2023 combination coached by Phil Dreghorn and Nina Gaviglio has an exciting look about it.

Early indications show a natural flair among the group with the player mix quickly adapting to the fundamentals of netball.

The team doesn’t have far to look for inspiration with rookie players from last year’s foundation squad in centre/wing attack Ben Pease and shooters Will Randell and Baxter Norsworthy gaining recognition and proving ideal role models.

At the conclusion of last year’s QISSN Carnival staged in Mackay, Pease and Randell were selected in the tournament’s inaugural All Stars Team while the promising Norsworthy was named in the Rising Stars squad.

And the squad have been buoyed by the rapid success of the versatile Pease, who will represent the Queensland Suns Under 20s side at the National Boys Netball Championships to be staged in Perth from April 7 to 17.

Only two members of the College’s original 2022 team are back on deck this year - the capable Norsworthy, who is a gun goal shooter, as well as talented centre/wing defender George Mann.

“We have a new look side that is developing quickly and improving each week,” revealed mentor Nina.

“The players look up to someone like Ben who has forced his way into a State representative netball side in such a short time while having a basketball and AFL background,” she said.

Having cut their netball teeth in recent weeks in the Fast Five Boys competition, the team is now gearing up for the Mackay Schools series that commences in the opening week of Term 2.

Under the astute coaching of Phil and Nina, the squad should be in good stead in the lead up to QISSN (June 25 to June 30) and the qualifying tournament for the Vicki Wilson Cup State Championships on August 5-6.

By Chris Karas

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Standing L-R George Mann, Matthew Hof, Baxter Norsworthy, Joshua Venz, Joshua Williamson; Seated Jacob Elbourne, Trae Cora, Toby Falconer, Oscar Bishop, Lance Allan. Photo supplied

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Summer heat and humidity has made games at Mackay Bowls Club an exercise in maintaining grip and focus.

Tuesday afternoon, 23 players saw a mixture of hot steamy conditions to start the afternoon, ending up with a downpour of rain to finish the day.

Winners of Winners

K Stranberg, M Mayfield, D McNamara

Winners of Losers

B Cuttris, A Pagdwn, M. D'Alisso

Thursday Afternoon Scroungers saw 28 players taking to the rinks and good close games were witnessed.

Semi-final winners Mick Coll and Dot McNamara played off in the final with Dot running out eventual winner.

A good afternoon was had by all.

Weekend of April 15-16 will see the start of Men's Pennants with Mackay Club playing in Divisions 2,4 & 6 with away and home games on both days.

The Mackay Club (Ladies Section) PAH will be conducted on Friday April 14. All Ladies wishing to attend must register names on form on notice board Bowling Activities this week. Tuesday Men’s Social Day 1.00pm, Thursday Scroungers 2.00pm.

The Club thanks Russel Fry for organising the Easter Raffle which was a wonderful success  - thanks to all for buying tickets and donating prizes.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Photo credit: Mike Irving

Results:

Sabot Class

1st Immogen Trewavis representing Mackay Sailing Club in Black Pearl

2nd Jesse Jordan representing Whitsunday Sailing Club in Bandit

3rd Alec Billett representing Mackay Sailing Club in Admiral T

Tacker Class

1st Darcy Kennedy representing Port Denison Sailing Club, Bowen, in Ice Berg

2nd Alexandra Tewavis representing Mackay Sailing Club in Sea Pearl

3rd Kodi Wong representing Port Denison Sailing Club, Bowen, in Hire

Junior Division – Optimist Class

1st Emily Franceschin representing Keppel Bay Sailing Club in Dreaming

2nd Nathaniel McCarthy representing South of Perth Yacht Club in Splash

3rd Reid Martin representing Port Denison Sailing Club, Bowen, in Plan Sea

Junior 2 Division – Sabots Class

1st Alyssa Mathieu representing Townsville Sailing Club in Breezy

2nd Finlay Campbell representing Townsville Sailing Club in Seriously

3rd Bailey McKensie representing Townsville Sailing Club in It’s All G

Mixed Monohulls

1st Maximillian Rott representing Hervey Bay Sailing Club in Jeanie Too, an MG 14 class

2nd Sue Smith representing Townsville in Boyz Light, a Tasar class

3rd Camille Gallais representing Whitsunday Sailing Club in Sean O, an RS Quest class

Mixed Multihulls

1st Steven Nelson representing Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Not That Way, a Nacra 4.5 Super Sloop class

2nd Joseph Finch representing Whitsunday Sailing Club in Deez Knots, an A class

3rd Jesse Frisch representing Whitsunday Sailing Club in Fibrefoam, an A class

Windsurfing Division Class

1st Sam Belyea representing Port Denison Sailing Club, Bowen, in SIROCCO

2nd Marc Belyea representing Port Denison Sailing Club, Bowen, in Groover

3rd Paco Parigi representing Townsville Sailing Club in Windy

Mixed Laser & Aero

1st Joshua King representing Whitsunday Sailing Club in Overdrive Racing

2nd Darryl Beattie representing Tinaroo Sailing Club in Dazzler

3rd Jack Reynolds representing Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron in Floater

Tropical Rentals Most Valuable Person MVP

Robert Deards representing Keppel Bay Sailing Club

1st Encouragement Award – Junior Fleet

Jessica Sinnanmon representing Southport Yacht Club

Encouragement Award

Lucas Dickson representing Southport Yacht Club

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A new sport in the Whitsundays is hoping to capitalise on Queensland’s two great loves: the swimming pool and rugby.

Columbian expatriate Nathalie Hartman has launched ‘Come and Try’ sessions in Airlie Beach for her chosen sport of underwater Rugby, a team game where the objective is to score more goals into a basket lying at the bottom of a pool.

Wearing flippers and using a ‘negatively buoyant’ ball in a completely three-dimensional sport, underwater rugby players can pass up, down, and sideways in an amalgam of sports, closest to a zero-gravity version of a full-contact European handball.

Ms Hartman, who was integral in the sports’ expansion in Australia in 2014, has run several tryout training sessions at her home in Cannonvale and at Cannonvale Swimming Pool. She hopes to bring the sport to prominence in the region.

“The closest sport is underwater hockey, though they’re still very different,” Ms Hartman said.

“It’s not like land rugby at all except for the name. The only close part is the tackling!”

The sport is played by two rotating teams of 12 - six players in the pool always, six on the surface ready to substitute – each member wearing a diving mask, snorkels, fins, and a water polo cap with the goal being to score into heavy metal buckets on the pool floor.

“You have eight seconds you spend at the surface, watching the game before you go and replace another player quickly,” Ms Hartman said.

“It’s a great sport. It keeps you fit, and it’s amazing fun. You can play from any age because swimming is so relaxed on your joints.”

Underwater rugby players need strong swimming ability – something Ms Hartman said is inherent for most Australians - alongside attributes like speed, strength, agility, and good teamplay.

“If you like contact sport and you like swimming, you’ll love it,” she said.

The sport is ever-growing in Australia, having made national news on several occasions for its novelty alone, but what players get in return from the sport speaks more than its strangeness.

“The best thing about this sport is that anyone can play it – male, female, young, old – it’s a community as much as it is a competition,” Ms Hartman said.

The next session of Underwater Rugby will be at Cannonvale Swimming Centre from 5.30pm on April 21. Bring a snorkel, fins, and mask.

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Nathalie Hartman is bringing underwater rugby to the Whitsundays

“If you like contact sport and you like swimming, you’ll love it!”

The sport is played between two teams of 12, each trying to score into a basket on the bottom of a swimming pool

Fresh off the bounce of being crowned this season’s regional champions in several of the junior cricket divisions, the Proserpine Pitbulls were celebrating again as Club President Mark Valmadre was awarded Volunteer of the Year.

Mr Valmadre was awarded Queensland Cricket Volunteer of the Year for the Mackay-Whitsunday region, as well as the Mackay Cricket Association Volunteer of the Year in a clean-sweep for the Pitbull President.

At Queensland Cricket’s celebration of a number of volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, and resources to making the game “Queensland’s favourite sport,” Mr Valmadre was awarded for his outstanding contribution.

He and twelve others were cited as the building blocks which contribute to the success of cricket in Queensland at the grassroots level across the state.

At the Queensland Cricket Awards Gala his remarkable “passion for cricket and drive for creating opportunities for kids” was recognised.

Mr Valmadre, when he isn't involved in training sessions or umpiring games, is always out and about maintaining the grounds, lining pitches, liaising with other clubs in the region, and designing programs and more possibilities for kids to get involved in our great game.

He created a junior team of 15- to 20-year-olds, who play in the Proserpine Senior Cricket competition as there was historically no opportunity for kids older than 15 to play in the local region. This allowed players who normally would not have continued to play cricket to stay and or come back and participate.

There’s a common saying at the club: If you call Mark at 7pm on any night, he’ll be out at the club mowing, or fixing something, or covering pitches just in case of rain.

The change Mark has brought to the club goes beyond the increase in participation numbers. Volunteer involvement has also significantly improved, and the club environment is friendlier, livelier, and overall, a welcoming club to be a part of.

Proserpine Junior Cricket Association is extremely lucky to have him.

“We are extremely lucky as a club and community to have you a part of it,” Proserpine Junior Cricket Association Secretary Danni Green said.

“The dedication and hours of work you put in everyday is amazing. Can you imagine what we could achieve as a club if we all had just a drop of Mark’s passion?”

Mr Valmadre thanked the club-members and his fellow committee members for everyone for their kind words.

“There are many others out there that deserve recognition just as much for the work that they do, behind the scenes not just in cricket,” he said, “but in all junior sporting clubs and events.”

“With a great team of committee members and coaching staff behind us, working tirelessly, pointing me in the right direction and our awesome Pitbull players, parents and sponsors, it’s me that feels lucky.”

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Proserpine Cricket Association President Mark Valmadre was honoured as Mackay Cricket Association and Queensland Cricket Mackay-Whitsunday Volunteer of the Year