We had perfect weather conditions for last Tuesday's September Monthly Medal.

Peter Lindsay blitzed the field with an impressive score of 68 followed by Gary Scotford 70 on a countback from John Roser.  

Jenny Hounsell had an equally great score of 69 from Jan Shuwalow 71 from Tina Badenhorst 72.

Nearest the pins went to Ken Granger and John Strelec on Hole 2, Michael Cragg Hole 8 and Laurie Daiken Hole 13.  

Tina Badenhorst and Jacqui Wall Hole 2, Helen Deighton and Tina Badenhorst Hole 8 and Moya Bradley Hole 13.

Least putts went to Gary Scotford with 25 and Helen Deighton 27.

Next Tuesday we are hosting the final round of the Croker Shield.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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The Clubs weekly 9-holes winner was Craig Smith with 22 points.

Second was Jacky Hayes Williams with 18 points and third was Alan Clinch with 17 points.

Fridays Prawn Run was won this week by Justyn Durbin with 22 points, second was Glenn Rees also with 22 points, third was Sacha Walton with 21 points.

Sunday’s 18-hole competition was very close, three players scored 41 points, so the placing was determined by count back.

The winner was Donavan Pettiford, Josh Barnard was second and third was Dave Thomas.

Nearest the Pin winners were Scott Morrissey and Dean Barnard.

This coming Sunday the 17th Is the Clubs Stableford Championship. 18-holes, please book your tee time at the Club.

Tee off available between 8am – 10am. The next Ladies Play will be this Thursday the 14th.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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Congratulations to all the Cannons selected for the SNQ State and National Development Squad.  Jy Parkinson, Noah Maltby, Remy Hedges, Jacob Bell, Holly Perrin, and Tora Delac attended a State and National Development Session in Bowen on Sunday lead by Queensland Coach, Barry Prime.  

Swimmers enjoyed participating in a range of activities in and out of the pool with other top swimmers from North Queensland. A big thank you to coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson for coaching sessions and for SNQ for organizing the day.  

On Wednesday night, 30 swimmers participated at Club Night. Congratulations to Isabella Pisaniello and Ryan Clark for winning the Chocolate Awards (for best PBs). Congratulations to Harry Chegwidden, Noah Maltby and Andie Reynolds for achieving Upgrades.  

Top performers on Wednesday night were Trace Quick and Tora Delac. Trace swam 3 personal best times. His best swim was his Backstroke which he did a 8.87 seconds PB. Tora Delac swam an excellent 200 metre Breaststroke smashing her best time by over 1 min.  She swam a super time of 3.19.70.  

Noah Maltby, Maeve Dichiera, Jack Ganter, Isaac Pisaniello, Liam Filewood, Thomas Ganter, Lily Maher, Leo Mullis, Celeste Orenshaw, Ryan Clark, Jacob Bell, and Harris Delac swam extremely well and swam personal best times. Well done, swimmers!

A big thank you to all the wonderful parents and coaches for all your support!  New swimmers and their families are most welcome to come and try Club Nights on Wednesdays from 5pm.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Harry Chegwidden with his Upgrade certificate

Isabella Pisaniello with her chocolate award

Cannons ready to start

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Cricket loving dads were served up a Father’s Day treat last Sunday at Harrup Park when Mackay Junior Cricket clubs grabbed an opportunity to meet and greet members of the Australia A men’s cricket team.

Some 110 enthusiastic junior cricketers and parents from local clubs Walkerston, Brothers, Souths Sharks, Pioneer Valley, Northern Suburbs Devils and Proserpine caught up with the Australian squad at Great Barrier Reef Arena on the eve of the four-day international fixture against New Zealand A in Mackay.

Under the astute guidance of coach Adam Voges, the Australia A team - featuring star players such as Cameron Bancroft, Josh Philippe, Matt Kuhnemann and Mark Steketee - promised a week filled with riveting cricket action.

The heartwarming Q and A session with the Australia A team was a fascinating experience for Walkerston Cricket Club president Lance Ryan and his two sons Flynn, 11, and Austin, 17.

An excited Lance and sons along with fellow Walkerston juniors Riley Bourke, Lachlan Bath and Aiden Loader were thrilled to meet rising keeper batsman Josh Philippe.

Ryan senior plays third grade for Walkerston and Masters Cricket and has served as Club President for the past two summers.

Flynn, who will represent the Coastal Marlins Under 12s in the Junior BPL Twenty20 Challenge during the September school holidays, recently smashed 122 off 62 balls in the Mackay Junior Winter Whack.

He will be joined at the Under 12s BPL by club mate Bath, who will line up for the Northern Kings.

This week’s four day and limited overs fixtures are poised to deliver memorable moments for cricket enthusiasts and fans alike.

Mackay and the surrounding regions are abuzz with excitement, as the teams gear up to showcase their talent and sportsmanship on the field. This cricket spectacle not only celebrates the sport but also fosters a strong sense of community among residents and supporters.

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Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes

Ryan Family: Lance Ryan with sons, Flynn and Austin. Photo credit: Chris Karas

On Wednesday, August 30, North Mackay Bowls Club Ladies played their club selected 3 Bowls Triples Competition.

It was a wonderful turn out with 42 eager ladies competing.

The eventual winners after three games played were June Cousen, Maryann Bartolo and Deb Mackenzie.

Runners up, very close behind them were Lurline Ford, Bev McDonald and Anne Smith.

North Mackay’s Champion of Champion 4’s team, consisting of Marie Bragg, Christine Hall, Michele Stockton and Nuggy Pratt, travelled all the way to Longreach over the August 26-27 weekend to compete in the playoffs in this year’s Zone Final, and won all their games and the final game to come home the winners.

A massive congratulations to all four Ladies, from the club , and I’m sure most of the clubs in our district as well.

Contributed by Suzanne Hazledine

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Champion of Champion 4’s zone finalists. L-R  Chris Hall, Michele Stockton, Marie Bragg and Nuggy Pratt

Mavericks Prepare For Season Opener, First Home Game

A round two Reef Bowl replay at home is one of the many highlights in the Mackay Maverick’s 2023/24 season schedule, kicking off in October.

The Mavericks went down to the Townsville Cyclones in last season's ultimate decider and the local team are looking forward to bringing the game back to Mackay fans.

The round two clash will headline a triple header at Western Suburbs Leagues Club on October 28, with all six north and central Queensland teams playing in Mackay on the day.

But, ahead of the season opener, Mavericks coach Brad Sommerville is focused on preseason preparations.

“Preseason is all about learning our game plan and the way we want to play and then heading up to the start of the season, we’ll focus in on round one and who we’re playing there,” he said.

“The boys have been training for quite a while now, we started training a few months ago, so we’re all ready to go for our season opener.”

The growth of gridiron in Mackay has seen new members join the squad, some more familiar with the game than others, and Mr Somerville is hopeful for the season ahead.

“We have quite a few players who turn up without knowing the game,” he said.

“They might’ve seen a few games on TV and know the basics but not the many, many, many rules we have.

“It takes a little bit to get them across the line but so far they’re all looking sharp and ready to go.”

The Mavericks have also announced a training/come and try session in Moranbah, both to accommodate the Bowen Basin-based players and to give the town a taste of American football.

The Mackay squad will open their season on October 21 against Mulgrave Vikings in Townsville before their first home game at Western Suburbs Leagues Club on October 28.

“We’re hoping to bring a fun and festive atmosphere this year, hopefully very similar to what college football is like in the states with some pre-game and half-time entertainment, some pumping music and hopefully a lot of local supporters there to cheer us on,” Mr Somerville said.

Visit Mackay Gridiron on Facebook for more information.

Mackay Mavericks Home Games

October 28, 2023 vs Townsville Cyclones (triple header)

November 18, 2023 vs Rockhampton Wolverines

January 20, 2024 vs Townsville Cyclones

January 27, 2024 vs Rockhampton Wolverines

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures August 29, 2023:

Division 1:

Tibhar (Vince Boeske, Steven Whiting, Tim Sheehan) d Andro (Robbie Richards, Barry Patterson, George Camilleri) 8-3. Steven d Barry 12, -12, 8, -9, 10.

Radak (Graham Brake, Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake) d Donic (Anne Sheridan, Ian McKay, Ivan Perkins) 8-3. Mick/Lee d Anne/Ivan 6, -5, -8, 12, 5.

Joola (Andrew McHugh, Geoff Denman, Janice Kent) d Butterfly (Graeme Walker, Emma Widdup, Allan Edwards) 6-5. Geoff d Emma -11, 10, -8, 9, 9.

Division 2:

Yasaka (Andrea Nicholson, Peter Goodson, Noreen Fredericksen) d Victas (Steve Crocker, Mark Sleeman, Steve Mathieson) 6-5. Noreen d Steve C -7, 6, 7, -10, 7.

Nittaku (John McGee, David Ting, Will VanDeKaa) d Xiom (Duncan Treloar, Ishan Rana, Duncan Sheridan) 6-5. David d Duncan -6, 8, -6, 6, 7.

Stiga (Tony Bowman, Donna Abbott, Leo Gilbert) d Gewo (Trent Day, Matthew West) 10-1. Leo d Matthew -8, 12, -8, 6, 8.

Division 3:

Delta (Saisha Palod, Val Austin) d Zeta (David Symons, Bill Hey) 5-4. Val/Saisha d David/Bill -16, 6, -7, 3, 9.

Alpha (Ollie Hamelink, Rymer Tabulo, Misha Palod) d Epsilon (Daniel Warfield, Alok Rana) Daniel d Rymer 9, 7, -5, -11, 4.

Tuesday morning Mackay Table Tennis annual championships results:

A grade: Branko Vucurovic, r/u Tony Bowman. Doubles George Camilleri/Mike Ibbotson, r/u Branko Vucurovic, Peter Goodson.

Reserve grade: Marie Taylor; r/u Louise Gould. Doubles Robyn Bushell, Marie Taylor; r/u Iris Grasso, Cheryl Pearson.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Cheryl Pearson and Sharon Muller do battle in the Tuesday morning table tennis annual tournament. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

Champions Crowned

Branko Vucurovic is again the Avril Hodges Memorial Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures A grade champion.

Branko won his second successive title this week, overcoming Tony Bowman in the final.

The two both play a defensive style mixed with attack and there were many long rallies, but Branko’s overall consistency proved too much in the final.

George Camilleri and Mike Ibbotsen won the doubles against Branko Vucurovic and Peter Goodson.

The division 2 final went to Marie Taylor from Louise Gould. Marie teamed with Robyn Bushell to win the doubles from Iris Grasso and Cheryl Pearson.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Branko Vucurovic and Tony Bowman after the A grade final of the Avril Hodges Memorial Tuesday morning table tennis annual championships. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

Cricket is a way of life for outstanding Mackay juniors Jack Law, Matilda Wiggins and Maddie Searle.

The promising trio are pictured with local cricket legends and experienced educators Adam Knezevic and Chris Dunn after helping St Patrick’s College secure a unique treble of North Queensland Secondary Schools Twenty20 Challenge titles.

Following the Senior Boys championship triumph last month, the College unveiled its depth of talent to bring home the Junior Boys and Girls trophies with resounding victories at Harrup Park.

Aggressive stroke play from young guns Jack Law and Ben Garner and a stunning five wicket haul by Cooper Boyce piloted St Patrick’s (6-112) to an impressive victory over Proserpine State High (7-111).

Law cracked a superb 38 off 22 balls – thumping six boundaries and a six – while Garner hit five boundaries in a classy knock of 30.

The pair shared an opening stand of 58 before Boyce posted 14 runs to back up his figures of 5-16 with the ball.

Proserpine High were best served by talented all-rounder Jack Valmadre who hit 28 runs and snared 2-15.

There was no stopping St Patrick’s in the Junior Girls trophy decider after they registered a formidable total of 3-208 with top knocks from Matilda Wiggins (39 retired), Elisha Holdsworth (34 retired), Maddie Searle (26 retired), Holly Wardrop (26 not out) and Paytton Thompson (25 retired).

St Patrick’s lost their first wicket with the score on 146 and second wicket at 2-207.

Matilda Wiggins and Indy Jorgensen also shone with the ball as St Patrick’s rolled Proserpine for a paltry 78 with Kobe Manley top-scoring with 14.

Wiggins (3-6) and Jorgensen (3-11) collected three wicket hauls with support from Holly Wardrop (1-3), Eeden Thompson (1-8) and Paytton Thompson (1-9).

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s cricket stars Jack Law, Matilda Wiggins and Maddie Searle display their North Queensland Secondary Schools Twenty20 Challenge trophy with Mackay cricket legends Adam Knezevic and Chris Dunn

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Mackay Magpies have capped a successful campaign in the 2023 Junior League senior ranks with a deserved premiership treble.

Fresh from their Grand Final triumph in the Under 14 Girls competition, the Magpies have added the Under 20 and A Grade Men’s titles to their trophy cabinet.

In a top quality Under 20s decider at BB Print Stadium the Magpies edged out Brothers 26-18 with star five eighth Jaxon Purdue stealing the show.

The Queensland Schoolboys five eighth lined up against his great St Patrick’s College teammate Xavier Kerrisk and earned the spoils with another classy display.

In a game of fluctuating fortunes, Purdue and winger Balin Burnett crossed for try doubles with fullback Jaffahl Skillington scoring another to keep the Bulldogs at bay.

The Magpies forward pack led by props Levi Love and Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis, hooker Jaxn Sign, back rowers Jack Thorburn and skipper Reville MacPhee, lock Harry Thorpe and Liam Doherty provided the go-forward in an absorbing contest.

Brothers remained in the hunt with solid games from hooker Kerrisk, Hudson Camilleri, lock Noah Cookson, back rowers Patrick Vella, Reece Morris and centres Will Whippy and Rory Woodall.

The Magpies registered a 26-6 victory over Brothers in the A Grade decider with Zane Wallace, Kahlani Mooney, Joshua Kilpatrick, Andrew Borg and Maika Tudravu crossing for tries.

Brothers trailed 8-6 at the break but couldn’t contain the rampaging Magpies in the second stanza.

With clever halves Kayla Shepherd and Imogen Healy calling the shots, the Bulldogs were crowned A Grade Women’s champions after toppling Moranbah Miners 18-4.

Back rower Charlie Jackson, Keegan Irelandes, hooker Zoe Aitken and Alicia Martin nabbed tries for Brothers with star schoolgirl forwards Gracie Watt and Chelsea McLeod turning in powerhouse displays.

The Magpies proved too strong for Brothers in the Under 14 Girls Grand Final – chalking up a 16-0 victory with tries by dashing centre Jade Geiger (2), half back Veanna Sweet and second rower Tayla Hayles.

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Mackay Magpies captured the Under 14 Girls premiership with a 16-0 Grand Final triumph over Brothers

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Seventeen Mackay members, including the director Geoff Taylor, attended the Yeppoon Congress two weekends ago. Open Pairs Winners were Alan and Francie Brown with Janelle Conroy and Monica Darley third. In the Open teams, the Holewa team, Max and Di, and Janelle and Monica were third. The Morris team, Sandra Morris, Annie Lynch, Ted Cullinan and Noel Saunders, finished above their ranking with second in B Grade.

Weekly Results

Monday 28 August 2023 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Jan Harris / Helen Van Den Broek 1st Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank

2nd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 2nd Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait

3rd Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes 3rd Victor Mason / Antonia Tarradas

Monday Eclectic August 2023

1st Diane Stokes

2nd Antonia Tarradas

3rd Helen Van Den Broek

Tuesday Evening 29 August 2023 - 4 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 1st Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley 2nd Sandra Morris / Frances Brown

Tuesday Evening Eclectic August 2023

1st Diane Morgan

2nd Eric Leivesley

3rd Janelle Conroy

Wednesday 30 August 2023 – Auswide Open Pairs – 9 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 1st Ming Ting / David Ting

2nd Alan Brown / Janelle Conroy 2nd Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank

3rd Eric Leivesley / Terrence Sheedy 3rd Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

Wednesday Eclectic August 2023

1st David Ting

2nd Eric Goodchild

3rd Ming Ting

Thursday Evening 31 August 2023 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3rd Patricia Garner / Mick King

Thursday Evening Eclectic August 2023

1st Anne Whitmore

2nd Frances Brown

3rd Terrence Sheedy

Friday 01 September 2023 - 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown 1st Victor Mason / Josie Cowley

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

3rd Joyce Deguara / Toni Large 3rd Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

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Open Winners Frances and Alan Brown

3rd Open Teams - Monica Darley, Janelle Conroy, Award Presenter, Diane and Max Holewa. Photos supplied

Mona Townsend, a true stalwart of the bowling green, celebrated her 90th birthday this year. She continues to be an active and vibrant force in the world of lawn bowls, participating in a wide array of competitions, including carnival, PAHs, and club Championship Fours, Triples, Pairs, and Consistency Singles.

One of the most memorable highlights of Mona's bowls career was when she skippered the Club Champion Triples Team to a resounding victory. What made this achievement even more special was that her team consisted of members spanning the entire spectrum of age, including the oldest, youngest, and newest club members.

Mona's unwavering commitment and passion for the sport extend beyond personal glory. She remains an invaluable member of the Ladies Pennants team, and it's only now, at the age of 90, that Mona is considering learning to use a bowling arm.

Off the greens, Mona is a tireless worker, always ready to assist in the running of raffles and cent sales. Until recently, she held the committee position of Match Chair, demonstrating her dedication to the sport.

Mackay Bowls Club Weekly Results

Tuesday Social Play Winners: Arthur Nayler, Richie Mroz.

Tuesday Social Play Winner of Losers: Peter Nelson, Col Stevens, Janice Nelson.

Thursday Scroungers Final: Kees Struik def. Neal Holt.

Friday Social Play Winners: Peter Nelson, Gary Williamson, Val Edwards.

Men's Open Triples: K. Tranberg, D. Wootton, N. Wilson def. S. Makin, C. Molloy, P. Molloy.

Men's B Singles: R. Bell def. D. Currey.

Mixed Pairs: J. Nelson, G. Edmonds def. K. Catanzariti, D. Wootton.

Ladies Consistency Singles: C. Savage def. D. McMamara.

Two Bowl Triples: E. Clements, J. Nielsen, R. Schatkowski def. H. Truscott, J. Caban, W. Pomery.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Men and Under 12s travelled to Rogers Oval in Mackay for Preliminary Finals and a shot at Grand Final appearances.

Sea Eagles Senior Men missed out on the Grand Final in a heartbreaking loss to Eastern Swans by the narrowest of margins 76 – 77.

The Swans got the jump on Sea Eagles early taking a 22-point lead into the half time break after which the game tightened up.

Sea Eagles began to dominate around the ground in the last term and piled on 6 unanswered goals to hit the lead with only 2 minutes left on the clock.

Swans only goal for the quarter came in the last minute ending the Sea Eagles season in a hard-fought final.

Sea Eagles Under 12s found they’re on switch early this week and came out firing against Moranbah Bulldogs in the early morning match up to win 45 – 2 and earn their place in the Grand Final.

Finishing the first quarter 7 points ahead it was onward and upward for the smallest of Sea Eagles dominating the game until the end with only 2 points scored against them.

Saturday September 9 sees Sea Eagles Under 17s and Under 12s both head to 2023 AFLQ Mackay Grand Finals at Bakers Creek.

Sea Eagles Under 17s match up against their season nemesis Moranbah Bulldogs whilst Under 12s take on Eastern Swans.

Get down to Mackay to support Sea Eagles in what should be some cracking matches.

Caption 1: U12 Fergus King tackles Moranbah

2: U12 Hunter Cornwall Best on Ground. Photo Credit: Cody Fowler

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Whitsunday Touch Football has welcomed a group of new players, sharing the sport of touch footy with individuals living with intellectual and physical impairments.

The eight-week program is called All Abilities Touch Football and is an inclusive program for people of all abilities to learn Touch skills and play the sport in a supported environment.

The Whitsunday Touch Football Club is one of seven Queensland clubs to endorse the program and has signed up over 20 participants.

It all started a year or two ago, when Club Treasurer, Justin Butler, began to see a familiar face at the weekly games.

“He just asked if he could come along and play, and I said ‘of course, bring your boots,” Justin explained.

“I didn’t realise he wouldn’t be able to play in the regular comp, so I looked into alternatives. And we found the All Abilities Program was the perfect opportunity.”

Alongside Club President Alita DeBrincat, the club hosts the participants each week, teaching them touch skills.

“Some of the guys are throwing soft balls, some just come down to watch, some are playing a round, there’s all different levels,” Alita explained.

“The carers come down too and talk about how good it is for the participants to get out and do something different,” she said.

Once the program has concluded, the club are bringing on an All Abilities team, to play alongside the regular team.

“The goal for this year is to showcase these guys before our carnival grand final, have them playing for a bit,” Justin said.

The All Abilities program is open for all individuals and all types of abilities.

“If you want to give it a go, just rock up. Whitsunday Sportspark, Mondays at 2pm. Come along,” said Justin.

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Whitsunday Touch Football Club is one of seven clubs to endorse the new All Abilities Touch Football Program. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

With 5 teams of 10 in the final’s series, there was plenty to cheer about for the orange army in Mackay.

And with 4 of those five progressing, there is still plenty more to cheer about next week!

The day started early with the Under 13’s Div 1.

The game started positively with a lot of possession in the first half and with a full bench, the side was looking confident.

The breakthrough finally came with only 3 minutes left to play; Whitsunday striker Oli threaded the ball through defenders to a waiting Angus in front of goal.

Winning it 1/0.

The U15 Prem team played Lions in an absolute nail biter of a knock out semi.

With only minutes to go, Finlay Farrell kicked a superb corner for Jacob Logan to find the net to level the scores at full time.

After extra time, the teams were still locked at 2-2 leading to a penalty shootout.

The Premier ladies took their game to extra time as well in what was a fast, physical game against Lions.

These two teams have been season long rivals and both came out determined to win.

In a tight tussle, it was Lions who managed to break through first with their only real goal scoring chance up to that point.

It was a disappointing loss, with a score line that doesn’t reflect how close the game really was, but the side goes on to play next week confidant of gaining a place in the grand final.

Our U23 Men went into their Semi with an extremely positive approach maintaining meaningful possession.

With 10 minutes to go, the team gambled the Rangers, and scored from a corner to bring the game to an end.

A big improvement from last season’s finish and a stepping stone for next year!

Our Premier men were crowned premiers Tuesday night and faced the same team they beat 3-0 mid-week.

The pressure paid off as Harry Hodgen got on the end of a well weighted ball from James Sherridan and beat the fullback before slotting the goal to put Whitsundays up 2-0.

5 minutes later Harry was at it again and this time slotted the ball in the opposite corner to put Whitsundays in a commanding position at half time.

Wanderers did grab a consolation goal late on, but the damage had already been done.

A confident 4-1 win sees Whitsundays into another Grand final and a chance to do the double.

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Victorious U13 Div proceed to the next round of finals

U15 Prems win in a penalty shoot out

Premier men in a torrid battle with Wanderers win through to the grand final. Photos supplied

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