Half centuries from schoolboy Etienne Pretorius and all-rounder Chris McEldowney guided Walkerston to their first victory in the 2023-24 Mackay Cricket Association Poole Cup competition last weekend.

McEldowney hit an unbeaten 51 and Pretorius scored 51 in an upset four wicket win over Norths at Harrup Park’s Great Barrier Reef Arena.

The pair were in fine touch as they helped Walkerston eclipse Norths’ tally of 177 with support from legendary quick Adam Knezevic, who compiled 18 valuable runs in a sixth wicket union of 42 with McEldowney.

Left arm swing king Knezevic, the Head Coach of Mackay-Whitsunday’s representative program, capped a fine all-round display when he earlier grabbed 2-10 off his six over spell with fellow quick Nick Lotarski snaring 4-26 off eight overs to dismiss the Devils for 177.

Norths’ representative all-rounder Mason Kohler led the run scoring with 66 with Kai Higham posting 41 off fifty balls with seven boundaries and a six after the Devils were tottering at 4-17.

Kohler (2-22 off seven) and off spinner Mitchell Bourke (2-22) were the pick of the Devils’ bowling attack.

TALENTED batsman Shaun Austin displayed vintage form as Souths consolidated top spot with a decisive victory over Mackay Magpies at the Magpies Sports Ground.

Austin smashed a superb 89 as the Sharks registered 5-183 against the reigning premiers with handy contributions from all-rounder Liam Burgess (44) and an unbeaten 28 from Tom Bugeja.

The capable Burgess combined with Austin for a second wicket partnership of 97.

Souths seamer Cameron Keene shone with the ball – bagging 5-29 off eight overs to help skittle the Magpies for 139 with support from leg spinner Michael Dawes (3-27 off five) and paceman Burgess (2-24 off six).

In a disappointing batting display, Mathew Borg (33), Finley Wilson (28), Blake Ryan (15), Liam Zurvas (14), Todd Dixon (13) and Jaxn Sign (11) were the lone Magpies players to reach double figures.

AN impressive double by gun all-rounder Bailey Camilleri steered Pioneer Valley to a 37-run victory over Brothers at Mirani State High School grounds.

Camilleri cracked 47 off 31 balls with six boundaries and a six to help the Valley post 184 with solid contributions from Lachlan Charnock (33), Joel Bruun (25) and Jade Filewood (23).

Spin twins Cameron Tomerini (4-43 off eight) and Nick Beardmore (3-44 off seven) along with all-rounder Floris Duvenhage (2-42) were the pick of the Brothers’ bowlers.

In reply Brothers were dismissed for 147 with stylish knocks from Duvenhage (49 off 36 balls featuring three sixes and five boundaries) and Joseph Hackney (48) with seven boundaries and a six.

Camilleri was just as prominent with the ball – snaring 3-13 off seven overs in a top team effort with off spinner Cody Filewood (3-23 off eight) and skipper Tim Cridland (2-17).

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures November 7, 2023.

Division 1:

Charlie (Anne Sheridan, Robbie Richards, Graeme Walker) d Foxtrot (Tony Bowman, Tim Shehan, Geoff Denman) 8-3. Anne d Tony 3, -8, -7, 4, 11.

Bravo (Emma Widdup, Vince Boeske, Ivan Perkins) d Delta (Ian McKay, Barry Patterson, Lee Brake) 8-3. Ivan d Ian -8, 7, -9, 4, 3.

Alpha (Mick Ruhl, Janice Kent, Neil Brown) d Echo (Mark Sleeman, Steven Whiting, Goncalo) 7-4. Goncalo d Mick 7, -7, -8, 8, 10.

Division 2:

November (Andrea Nicholson, Will VanDeKaa, Mark Stam, Misha Palod) d Juliet (Lily Boland, Peter Goodson, Noreen Fredericksen, Nehmat Daliwal) 8-6. Andrea d Noreen -7, 13, 4, -11, 10.

India (Delma Knight, Virginia Clayton, Rymer Tabulo, Amanda Wright) d Mike (Steve Mathieson, Mattew West, John McGee, Kade Wright) 9-5. Delma d Matthew -10, 6, -8, 10, 13.

Hotel (Leo Gilbert, Simon Hogan, Steve Crocker, Anaya Reelh) d Lima (Donna Abbott, Geoff Cowan, Ollie Hamelink, YiLin Jiang) 9-5. Steve d Ollie -6, 10, -7, 9, 5.

Golf (George Camilleri, David Symons, Jye Callander, Saisha Palod) d Kilo (Tiffany Camilleri, Godwin, Duncan Sheridan, Craig VanDeKaa) 12-2. Godwin d Saisha -9, 4, 9, -9, 10.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures November 7, 2023:

Division 1:

Barra (Steve Mathieson, Delma Knight, Virginia Clayton) d Perch (Charlie Payne, Peter Goodson, Judi Hicks) 7-5. Steve d Charlie -7, -5, 8, 5, 10.

Cod (George Camilleri, Coral Morgan, Kevin Abbott) d Bream (Michael Ibbotson, Pam Joyce, Charles Hamlett) 8-4. George d Michael -5, 7, 12, 7.

Trout (Branko Vucurovic, Noreen Fredericksen, Bryan Marshall) d Tuna (Tony Bowman, John McGee, Ken Best) 8-4. Noreen d Ken 7, 5, -9, 5.

Division 2:

Scallop (Gerry Synnott, Steve Blackshaw) d Prawn (Fred Saliba, Allison Day) 5-4. Fred d Steve 7, -6, 3, -9, 7.

Squid (Marie Taylor, Sharon Muller) d Crab (John Hamelink, Madge Saunders) 6-2. Marie d John -6, 6, -16, 11, 8.

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Anne Sheridan in action. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

Wednesday saw Jackpot Bowls with Russell Jackson at skipper, Marjorie Hughes at lead and Tony Kelly at second winning over the rest of the field with John Brown winning the prestigious Health Hub award.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw a small field of good bowlers competing and it was Andy McDougall, Alan Pershouse, and Shaz Harper first round winners with Alan Pershouse taking out the Round 6 prize whilst Merve Stewart showed his guile in taking home the B Division prize.

Simultaneously, the Proserpine 4s was being played against 14 teams and it was the Airlie Beach team who took home the chocolates with Manny Isgro as skipper with Ladda Purdie playing lead, Ash Warland at second and Harry Quod at third.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls saw the compulsive winner Tony Whitehorn as skipper with Mark Mawson at lead huge winners of the day, whilst Dawn Dowel a most improved bowler took home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Mixed pairs champions Shane and Vicki Spann. Photo supplied

Wednesday Social Bowls: Ray Muir and Daryl Tuttle defeated Peter Wilson and Gavin Charles. Joan Edwards/Bev Smith, Sue Fox and Helen Jacobsen defeated Eddy Neylon, Ron Gould and Peter Bruce. Lorraine McCarthur, Steve Roome had a drawn game with MaryEllen Pratten and Jeff Tierney.

Sunday Social: Winners for the afternoon were Sue Fox, Wendy Coles, Steve Roome, Lee Welsted, Ray Muir.

Congratulations to Wayne Handley and Andrew Bell who were part of the winning team at an Open Mixed Triples Carnival at Moranbah last weekend.

In Social bowls on Wednesday the draw was done by a blind draw. Barry Zillmann and Arthur Griffith defeated Peter Lawton and Mike Harrison 22 - 20; Bruce Uhe, John Anderson and Philip Brown defeated Lee King, John Anderson and Sandy Daffara 33 - 13.

Welcome to our new club member Lesleyrose King. Lee has been coming along for a number of weeks and decided that she would like to join the club as a full member.  

On Saturday we hosted the annual Memorial Day Carnival. It started with a little bit of a hiccup when one of the nominated teams didn't turn up.  Many thanks to Michael Kinnear, Scott Kinnear, Geoff Hunter and Dale Haack who put a team together to enable the day to progress without having to put in a bye.

Winners of the day were Ladda Purdie, Ash Warland, Harry Quod and Manny Isgro from Airlie Beach with 3  wins plus 39;  second were Amy Hart, Harry Craig, Gavin Milne and Barry Saroglia a combined Proserpine / Airlie Beach team with 3 wins plus 34; third were Philip Brown, Heather Brown, Shane Kinnear and Wayne Handley from Proserpine with 3 wins plus 21 and fourth this year was David Peet, Dealia Walsh, Grahame Kinnear and Peter Blackburn, a combined Souths Suburban / Proserpine team with 2 Wins plus 21.

Friday night, November 17 there will be a Barefoot Bowls event held at the club (37 Jupp Street Proserpine). Registration by 5.30pm for bowls from 6pm until 9pm. $15 per head includes green fees, use of club bowls and a sausage sizzle. Bar will be open for refreshments. Premises are licenced, no BYO. Purchases are cash as the club does not have Eftpos facilities.  All enquiries Gavin Noonan 0405 302 702.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Winners of 2023 Memorial Day Carnival Harry Quod, Ash Warland, Ladda Purdie and Manny Isgro with Proserpine Bowls Club Chairman, Wayne Handley. Photo supplied

On Tuesday, winners were J Jones and Kennedy Whitton defeated Deb Retchless and Mark Drummond, Lindy Suann and Robyn Stitt defeated A Jones and Robyn Stitt. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Sunday winners were Bill Myers, Merle Elphinstone and Allan Rolfe defeated Fely Duncan, Lyn Danvers and Alby Vigar. Robyn Stritt, Jim Quod and Mark Drummond defeated Lindy Suann, Penny warren and Pat Tracey, Isobel Wheeler and Sugar Brunker defeated Laurie Land and Kennedy Whiton, Sue Shearing and Geoff Danvers defeated Deb Retchless and Greg Colquhoun. The jackpot didn’t go off.  

Congratulations to our Ladies Pennant Side representing Zone 8 in the State Pennant finals at Tweed Heads last weekend. The ladies put up a sterling effort on Saturday with one match win against Hervey Bay and one loss against Northern Suburbs. Sunday’s play was to be the decider to which zone made the final. Unfortunately, a massive rain cell washed out Sunday morning’s play resulting in Tweed Heads and Northern Suburbs with the highest scores from Saturday playing the final indoors. Well done ladies.    

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Manager Pat Tracey receiving Group 8 Winner Division 1 State Pennant flag

Wangaratta Noorla Division 1 Pennant Side at Tweed Heads. Photos supplied

On Wednesday, men and ladies played a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner was Jane Seaborne 39 points, runner up Michelle Campbell 36 points. Men’s winner Ray Sellen 36 points, runner up on a countback Graeme Baker 35 points.

On Saturday we played a single stableford sponsored by QB Motor Hotel & Bowen Vets. Ladies’ winner with a great score of 42 points was Leanne Swan, runner up Grace Nott 40 points. Men’s winner, also with a great score Paul Burgis 43 points, runner up on a countback Ray Sellen 41 points

This weekend is a single stableford event sponsored by Roger Vandenberg. Don't forget to check the club's Facebook page for this week’s dinner specials. Takeaways still available. Please call the club if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order. Joker is worth $5500.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

Tuesday's Stableford saw Brad Fleet shoot two under par to win by three shots from Paul Gray on 38. Leanne Alexander and Lyn Muller were the leading ladies with 36. Pins went to Adam Brewster, Lyn Muller, Paul Gray and Brian Smith.

Brenda Cowan with 36 edged out Pauline Redpath for the ladies Wednesday Stableford where two pins went to Diane Chard, with Karlene Lloyd and Robyn Whitham taking the others.

Thursday's stableford's clear winner was Ray Johannesen with 44 points from Laurie Dakin on 38 in the B division; with Rees May on 38 edging Chris Brett in the A division. Pins went to Brett Norris, David O'Connor, Barry Mortimer and Ron Jamieson.

Karlene Lloyd won the Friday Met run with 25 points from Mata Browne on 22 with the pins going to Russell Lakey and Brad Vloedmans.

Mata Browne with 42 points took out the Allenbuild Saturday Stableford and the B division by a shot from Tim Walton. David O'Connor won the A division with 40 points from Jason Bourke on 38 while the pins went to Mick Kavanagh, Chatz Norna, Steve Westley, and Larry Muller. Helen Deighton with 38 beat Rehab Hull by three shots and they also won the ladies pins.

Kristian Mulholland won the Sunday stroke event on a count back from Jared Leaman on 67, with the ladies’ winner Nicole Cooper on 71 beating Tiina Randmae by one. Pins went to Clay Coles, Tiina Randmae, Karl Carton, Joanne Moynihan, Mark McDougal, and Jason Whitney.

Contributed by Rod Wecker.

Our weekly 9-hole stableford saw Travis Clinch take first place with 21 points, second with 20 points c/b was Tyson Flavel and third place with 20 points c/b was Dom Lipski.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Tim Walton in first place with 21 points, second place on 19 points c/b was Jimmy Millar and third with 19 points c/b Billy O’Connor.

Sundays 18-hole stroke competition saw Kerrin Taylor take the win with a 45 NETT, second place with 49 NETT c/b was Asher Ventham and third place with a 49 NETT was Deeray Fo’ou. Nearest the pin was Billy O’Connor.

This Sunday 19th November will be 4 ball better ball tee off at 9 – 10am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club.

Pictured: Deeray Fo’ou

Five Youth Selected For Academy

Five of the electric Bowen Seagulls have been selected for the prestigious North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Greenhorns Academy.

The academy promotes elite athletes aged between 15 and 16 years old, with a structured program for success, to support their development and their transition from promising youth rugby league players to professional athletes.

The boys from the Bowen Seagulls have performed spectacularly in the most recent season, with their success well rewarded.

The boys are Gideon Prior, Mathew Belyea, Manua Dau, Gausa Dau, and Byron Piggott, who are excited for the new experience to train from some of the best people in the industry.

Each boy is hardworking, on the field and off, with tenacity and fantastic teamwork.

They are to be congratulated on this massive achievement, to progress in a sporting profession that they are passionate about, in a program that rewards hard work and dedication.

Within the Greenhorns Academy, the boys will have a clear pathway to build a career in the sport, as well as have great access to highly qualified and skilled coaches, player welfare outlets, and strength and conditioning staff, as well as train and play as if a professional in the sport.

Watch out for these boys on the field, we’re seeing the next top players for Queensland.

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The five Bowen boys selected for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Greenhorns Academy. Photo supplied

NQ Cruising Yacht Club Presentation Night

The annal North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club Commodore’s Dinner and Presentation Night is coming back, and be prepared for a night of fun, laughter, and unforgettable company!

A massive event on the club’s calendar, the annual dinner and presentation night celebrate the year that has been, all the close calls and the sweeping wins by member and competitors far and wide.

And the theme?

Come dressed as something that begins with the same first letter of your name. If you’re Brenda, then come as Barbie!

If Ethan, then come as Elvis, and let the fun begin!

WHAT: NQCYC Commodore’s Dinner and Presentation Night

WHERE: North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club, 1 Starboard Drive, Bowen

WHEN: Saturday, November 25, from 5.30pm

TICKETS: $60 each and purchased through the NQCYC bar

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The 2021 Club Champions, Ruthless. Photo supplied

Have you ever had a hankering to learn to fly, join the RAAF or fly an airliner?

The Whitsunday Aero Club Inc (WAC Inc) may soon be able to assist.  The club has been in contact with a flying school, Wrighton Aviation from Mackay that has expressed interest in establishing a satellite flying school, based in the Whitsundays, using the facilities of the WAC Inc club house. A representative from Wrighton Aviation, which is based in Mackay, will be visiting the Whitsundays on Sunday, 19 November, to inspect the facilities, and to ascertain the amount of interest locally. If there is sufficient interest, Wrighton Aviation will begin the process of applying to relevant authorities for permission to conduct flight training.

Anyone interested in finding out more details about the training being offered, is invited to meet the Wrighton Aviation /flying instructor and WAC Inc members on Sunday morning, 19 November 2023, at the WAC Inc building, Lascelles Avenue (look for the building with the green roof).

A free sausage sizzle will be provided between 11.30am and 1.30pm. to anyone booking and taking a Trial Instructional Flight or an Instruction period.

Trial Instructional Flights (TIFs) allow you the opportunity to fly the aircraft with the instructor.

For further information and BOOKINGS contact:

Wrighton Aviation  www.wrightonaviation.au 4864 8550 or 0459588810

Alan Midgley (WAC Inc):  0428 746 716

WHAT: Flight Training

WHERE: Whitsunday Aero Club

WHEN: Sunday, 19 November – 11.30am – 1.30pm

Since introducing Friday social paddling in April, Club Outrigger Whitsunday has welcomed 52 people to our sport. While some have been visiting Airlie Beach, the majority of these new paddlers have been local and continue to attend these fun, no pressure sessions.

Using these Friday social sessions as a base for a major recruitment drive, another nine locals joined in after reading the clubs’ Facebook post-this “Come and Try” was fully booked after just six days.  

The clubs’ members were on hand demonstrating their paddling skills and keen to show just how much they love the sport. Followed by a BBQ and beers, the clubs’ President, Rob O’Connor, and Vice President, Glen Bray gave paddlers the lowdown on outrigging in North Qld and what’s on the clubs’ calendar in the 2024 season.

If you would like to give outrigger paddling a go, just contact the club on its Facebook page or Michelle Lynes 0421 159 852

Contributed with thanks to Michelle Lynes, Head Coach

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The Come and Try session was fully booked

On Saturday, 15 Cannons were selected for the SNQ Achievers’ Development squad activity which was held in Mackay. Congratulations to the Cannons who participated in the coaching clinic: Isaac and Isabella Pisaniello, Jack and Thomas Ganter, Alex and Zach Trefz, Ehsan and Anisa Helou, Andie Reynolds, Addie Sanders, Don Algie, Koa and Ruby Harland, Jax Clayworth and Declan Dichiera.  

Swimmers participated in Breaststroke, Butterfly and Athletic Development sessions lead by Queensland Coach Barry Prime. A big thank you to coaches, Ken Crittenden, Mark Erickson, and Rylee Erickson for assisting with the coaching on Saturday.  

One Cannon, Nelson Malady travelled to Richmond on the weekend to participate at the Richmond Transition Meet. Nelson had a very successful weekend winning 4 individual events, 50m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly and 100m IM. Nelson thoroughly enjoyed the Freestyle and Mystery IM stroke Skins events. Well done, Nelson!  

This week at Club Night, Matilda Nicholes and River Shields were presented with Upgrade Certificates. Congratulations to Eric Mulliss and Liam Filewood for winning the Chocolate Awards for the best PBs.

The Cannons would like to commend all the swimmers who participated at Club Night on Wednesday night. A big thank you to all the wonderful parents who help with officiating at Club Night. The Cannons are looking forward to competing in the GBR Carnival in Mackay next weekend.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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River Shields received an Upgrade Award

Matilda Nicholes with her Upgrade Award. Photos supplied

By Chris Karas

Mackay Meteorettes coach Jamiey Douvendans has a sharp eye for basketball talent.

The respected hoops mentor has just returned from the Champion Basketball School of Queensland Junior Secondary tournament on the Gold Coast where he marvelled at the skills sets on show.

In his role as Coaching Co-ordinator of the St Patrick’s College Mackay basketball program, the experienced Douvendans guided the school to a Boys Division Three Grand Final appearance and a top five finish in the Girls Division One championship.

These meritorious achievements come hot on the heels of St Patrick’s gold-medal winning performances at the Champion Basketball School of Queensland Opens event at Coomera Indoor Sports Centre during September.

A chuffed Douvendans described the Mackay college’s efforts at the State’s premier basketball schools tournaments as “truly remarkable” and believes the nucleus of both squads are on the Meteors and Meteorettes radar.    

“I’ve been coaching St Patrick’s basketball teams for the past decade and this year’s campaign has proved to be our most successful to date,” reflected Jamiey.

“We came away with two gold medals plus a silver and achieved our highest-ever ranking in Division One with our Junior Girls claiming fifth spot,” he quipped.

“Overall at both tournaments we won 25 of our 28 games and were unlucky not to secure a third gold medal after the Junior Boys were beaten in the Grand Final by Ryan Catholic College” the Meteorettes boss added.

St Patrick’s held their own in the tough Division One Junior Girls category with encouraging Pool A victories over Southport State High (70-50), Hillcrest Christian College and Mountain Creek State High (63-53) before blitzing Varsity College (72-27) and rolling Kings Christian College (59-48) in the finals to clinch a top five ranking for the first time.

The Mackay girls were outclassed by powerful Brisbane State High (64-37) and John Paul College (56-41) - their only losses at the tournament.

Douvendans praised the efforts of outstanding combination guard Maggie Thorburn, centre Lily Mapp and promising guards Eden Catip and Skye Vaughan – who are all aged 14 – along with rising 15 year old wing Ally Simpson.

St Patrick’s dominated the Division 3 Junior Boys division – only to stumble at the final hurdle with a heart-breaking 37-29 Grand Final loss to Townsville’s Ryan Catholic College.

The Mackay young guns demonstrated their on-court skills with emphatic victories over Mueller College (77-18), Chisholm Christian College (56-28), St Mary’s College Toowoomba (58-27), Coolum State High (56-24) and Grace Lutheran College Rothwell (61-27) before toppling All Saints Anglican School (35-22) in a semi-final.

Leading the way were talented centre Archie Howell and power forward Isaac Carter,15, along with 14-year-old North Queensland State representative point guard Cooper Curry and combination guard Usai Bickey.

“The boys were disappointed after turning in a below par performance in the final which was their only loss at the championships,” said Douvendans.

“After superb displays leading into the Grand Final they took their eye off the ball in the gold medal clash and strayed away from the game plan,” he surmised.

“But they can all be proud of their efforts in collecting a silver medal which is a tremendous feat in itself” the master coach concluded.

Douvendans was ably supported by a St Patrick’s College basketball panel that featured Jo Ciantar, Rachel McKenzie, Lauren Jones, Scott McSherry and Patrick Hoare.

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St Patrick’s College finished runners up in this year’s Division 3 Junior Secondary Boys category at the Champion Basketball School of Queensland tournament on the Gold Coast

St Patrick’s College Junior Secondary Girls team achieved a top five Division One ranking for the first time at this year’s Champion Basketball School of Queensland tournament at Coomera Indoor Sports Centre