Mackay Cutters’ inspirational rugby league leader Emma Manzelmann grabbed a slice of history on her debut with North Queensland Cowboys in the 2023 NRLW premiership.

Lining up for the new Cowboys franchise, the dynamic hooker nabbed the club’s first ever try during a 16-6 loss to the Gold Coast Titans in last weekend’s NRLW season opener at Cbus Super Stadium.

It took Manzelmann only six minutes to give the Cowboys an early 6-0 lead when she burst through the middle to dash over and score in an absorbing tussle with skipper Kirra Dibb adding the extras.

The talented number nine was one of five Cutters players to take the field in NRLW action along with classy utility back China Polata, centre Jasmine Peters and hard-working prop Makenzie Weale.

A sixth player – skilful five eighth Tahlulah Tillett – was ruled out of the clash with a hand injury.

Powerful Cutters’ lock Shannon Mato proved a standout for the Gold Coast side – running strongly at prop with an impressive 15 hit ups for 156 metres in a non-stop display.

Spearheaded by emerging fullback Evania Pelite, the Titans produced a gritty second half showing to claim a deserved first up victory over the Cowboys.

The dashing Pelite ran for 248 metres, made 15 tackle breaks, scored a vital second half try and pulled off a try saving tackle on Cowboys forward Shania Power in a rollicking best on ground performance.

Gold Coast winger Mino-Sinapati responded with a try on debut after a Stephanie Hancock offload as the Cowboys led 6-4 at the half time interval.

Despite the loss of Queensland Origin five eighth Fuimaono with a suspected ankle injury, the Titans rose to the challenge with back rower Zara Canfield sealing victory for the home side with a late try under the posts.

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In the unfortunate absence of the Beach to Gardens fundraising running event on the Mackay Road Runners program, the club slotted in a social 5km and 10km from the Bluewater Quay.  

Race Director, Julie Whibley confirmed the race course directions which included the Rotary Lookout at the pinnacle of High Street, North Mackay for the 10km with a one minute plank before descending.  

Jared Mackie was first to the top, completing his plank without complaint, although some later runners did have little but not a lot to say after reaching the Rotary Lookout.  

The youngster led a quality field from start to finish, churning out an excellent 10km whilst his Mum rode the course, although not up High Street!  

His Dad was also a major support back at the start line or close enough to it.  

Abigail Sweeney was the first 10km female across the line in a scorching time, also well supported by her dad who was hanging with Jared’s Dad.  

Excellent performances also came from Daniel Stampa, Andrew Short, Stephen Oberg, Grant Holmstrom, Jose Short, Martin Lambert, Teresa Hackney, Carmel Mahon, June Bradley, Stuart Sprott, Shane Barben and David Isbister.

This Sunday’s club run will revert to the morning for the running of the annual Eimeo Pacific Hotel 5km and 14km commencing 7am from a handicap start.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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June Bradley relieved to reach the pinnacle of High Street Rotary lookout

Michael Feenaghty easily completed the 10km despite a nagging knee issue

Some of the eager runners and supporters at the social Bluewater Quay 5/10km event (left to right) – Steve Oberg, Jo Hughes, Jose Short, Carmel Mahon, Julie Whibley, Teresa Hackney, June Bradley and Andrew Wallace. Photo credit1: Janelle Tilse

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Weekly Results

For the last three Wednesdays the club has held the Founders’ Teams. Players had to play with a different partner each week. Eight teams competed and the Winners for 2023 were the Hansen team, Janet Hansen, Janelle Conroy, Alan & Frances Brown.

Monday 17 July 2023 – 6 Table One Winner Green Pts

N/S E/W

1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

2nd Margaret Jennings / Marilin Robins 2nd Bob Ranson / Lorna Shuttlewood

3rd Edward Kleise / Diane Stokes 3rd Eric Goodchild / Joy Block

Tuesday 18 July 2023 Evening - 5 Table One Winner Green Pts

1st Eric Leivesley / Janelle Conroy

2nd Janet Hansen / Lorna Shuttlewood

3rd Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris

Wednesday 19 July 2023

8 Table Mitchell Green Pts Founders Teams - Week 3 of 3 Winner

1st Terrence Sheedy Team Sheedy – Terrence Sheedy, Eric Leivesley, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa

2nd Janet Hansen Team Hansen – Janet Hansen, Frances Brown, Janelle Conroy, Alan Brown

3rd Janine Rodgers Team Rodgers – Janine Rodgers, Jan Harris, Eric Goodchild, Debra Goodchild

Wednesday 19 July 2023 Winners of the Founders Team Final

1st Janet Hansen Team Hansen – Janet Hansen, Alan Brown, Frances Brown, Janelle Conroy

2nd Terrence Sheedy Team Sheedy – Terrence Sheedy, Eric Leivesley, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa

3rd Monica Darley Team Darley - Monica Darley, Richard Wix, Edward Kliese, Nancy Wix, Marie McGuire, Norma Cameron

Thursday Evening 20 July 2023 - 4½ Table One Winner

1st Geoff Taylor / Annie Lynch

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Janine Rodgers

3rd Frances Brown / Janet Hansen

Friday 21 July 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Marie McGuire / Diane Stokes 1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

2nd Terence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 2nd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

3rd Clare Wallace / Susan Wright 3rd Gwen Liddell / Geoff Cowan

Saturday 22 July 2023 – 10½ Table Mitchell Green Pts

N/S E/W

1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 2nd Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore

3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 3rd Annie Lynch / Astrid Borchardt

Contributed by Vic Mason

Founders Team Champions the Hansen team. Photo supplied

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Plenty of competition was played over the Weekend with Champion of Championship Fours being played at Mackay Bowls Club.

Games started on Saturday morning and, unfortunately, Mackay Bowls Club team were beaten in a close game.

Souths Suburban played Proserpine in the final on Sunday afternoon with Souths coming out victors in a close game.

A good weekend of Bowls was witnessed over the two days.

Tuesday Social Play continued with 24 players.

Winners of Winners:

Julie Caban, Marie Mayfield, Dot McNamara

Winners of Losers:

Tom Casey, Alf Pagden, Mick D'Alessio

19 players turned up to have a roll for Thursday Afternoon Scroungers.

Doc Currey and Ross Blanchard won their semi-final and played off in the final with Doc defeating Ross.

Friday Social Play saw a good roll up with winners Peter Nelson, Dot McNamara and losers Janice Nelson, Marie Mayfield.

Congratulations to Karina Dunn (Open Club Singles Champion) and Janice Nelson (B Grade Singles Champion) at St Helens Club for the District Championship event.

Competition Results:

Open Pairs Doug Wootton, Bruce Bridger def Joe Crocker, Brian Williams 20-17

Justin Strong (sub), Ross Blanchard def Josh Smith, Ryan Casey

Competition will be played over this weekend.

Ladies Senior Singles:

Carol Savage v Dot McNamara

Ladies Competition Final 3 Bowl Triples:

E Clements, J Nielsen, R Schatkowski v D Mizzen, M Mayfield, D McNamara.

Consistency Singles:

C Savage v K Burns

L Jenner v K Dunn

Men's Competition Open Singles:

N Wilson v R Dunstan

B pairs:

D Wootton, B Paskins v B Jenner, P Carter.

Sunday Open Pairs Final:

S Cassidy v winner Wilson/Dunstan

Open Pairs Final:

D Wootton, B Bridger v J Strong (sub), R Blanchard.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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The Souths Suburban winning Championship Fours team. Photo supplied: Mike Irving

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles hosted their annual Sponsor and Volunteer Appreciation on Saturday playing Bakers Creek and Mackay Magpies in their last round at home for the Season.

Sea Eagles Senior Men gave the crowd plenty to cheer about kicking 21 goals against Bakers Creek running out comfortable winners 153 – 46.

Daniel Berry kicked 9 and Hudson McGregor 4 as they got on the end of dominant work from the midfield.

Sea Eagles midfielder Billy Galpin took out best on ground for the fourth week running.

Sea Eagles Senior Women lost 0 – 51 to Bakers Creek Tigers but were able to keep Tigers to one goal until half time when the score crept away.

Sea Eagles Under 17s came up against a Bakers Creek team who turned in a performance not equivalent to their bottom ladder position.

It was a tight and scrappy affair with the lead never getting out to more than 3 goals.

The final siren for the second week running showed Sea Eagles victorious by a single point 55 – 54.

Sea Eagles Under 14s had a full team against Bakers Creek and came together to play sensational footy resulting in a 9-goal opening quarter and 72 – 12 (adj) win.

Sea Eagles Under 12s were excited to take on Mackay Magpies coming out firing to win 50 – 15.

This Saturday 29th July sees Sea Eagles hit the road again travelling down to North Mackay Magpies with games from 10:40am.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Sea Eagles.

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U12s Best on Ground Tyson Fowler takes Magpies

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By Paul Gellatly

The fun was on for young and old as Merinda State School, several kilometres north of Bowen, celebrated 125 years of service to its tight-knit community.

The centrepiece of celebrations on Saturday July 22 was the cutting of a 'birthday cake', with school principal Rebecca Bowyer overseeing both the school's oldest surviving former student, 97-year-old Irene Mellon (now Irene Millier) and the school's youngest student, five-year old Maddis Allan, as they made the first cut in the large cake.

Mrs Millier attended the school from 1936, walking in from Euri Creek, several kilometres north of the Hamlet, every day.

Meanwhile Maddis, has found a welcoming environment at the school, which has a total enrolment of about 50 prep and primary students.

Despite the small student body, Merinda State School is well-resourced, with each class having a highly skilled teacher aide.

The maths, language, science, and arts resources are extensive, and a library was built via the Building Education Revolution program.

The school's large grounds include a junior playground, a soccer oval, a cricket oval, a volleyball court, and tennis courts.

At the 125 year celebrations, hundreds of people including past and present students crowded the school, aided by a morning of perfect weather.

Other attractions included a classic cars display, a market and a selection of showground rides.

One of the school's classrooms was given over to providing a historical display that featured student art and craft works, including some examples of the waning art of embroidery.

The day’s celebrations began with a Welcome to Country and a performance by the Juru dancers, with speeches and the cutting of the cake.

Some welcome attendees included a small contingent of US troops from Joint Task Force 7, who seemed to enjoy the special Australian experience and entertained the crowd with some US-style physical exercise moves, including co-opting principal Bowyer who the troops put through her paces, to a chorus of cheers.

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Merinda State School principal Rebecca Bowyer oversees the cutting of the school's 125th anniversary cake by its oldest student, 97-year-old Irene Mellon, and its youngest, Maddis Allan, 5, Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

Staff from Merinda State School spend time with the US troops from Joint Task Force 7. Photo supplied

A special stall celebrated the region’s abundance of fresh food and veg. Photo supplied

A line of classic cars proved popular with the US Forces at the anniversary celebrations. Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

Face painting and other fun activities kept the children entertained. Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

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This week, 99 wonderful people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 18 were first timers and 25 recorded new Personal Bests.

Photos supplied

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Whitsunday Raiders travelled to Quarry Hill, home of Mackay Cities for the last competition round for 2023.

With the overcast skies and no wind, for a change, it was going to be a tough mental game as well as a physical one.

The Raiders started the game, kicking off to Cities, and managed to turn the ball over and scrum half, Brodie Stillman, managed to sneak across the line and add the first 5 points of the game after just 2 minutes.

Cities were not giving an inch and scrummaging was a tight tussle, that the Raiders seemed to be gaining the upper hand.

It took the raiders another 20 minutes of determined defence and skilful running rugby to post another 7 points on the scoreboard to take a 12-point lead.

The Cities forwards started to get some momentum and managed to pick up a five-pointer close to half time.

The score remained 12-5 in favour of the raiders going into the half time break.

The second half was another arm wrestle with both teams getting a share of the ball.

Big hits, strong defence, great line outs, and successful mauling, showed why the Raiders are at the top of the MRU table.

They kept the big Cities men out of the game and ran in another four converted tries, a double to fullback Aden Spence, a try to winger Jack Briskey, and then finally an intercept try from impact player, Enelaki Faataape, right on full time, saw the Raiders finish the competition in first place with a 40-5 win, to become 2023 Minor Premiers.

Semi-finals at home next Saturday 29th July.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence.

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Ratu Jone Tovata hitting the line with support by Rhys Ward

Connor Spence taking the ball to ground, Chad Stocking in support. Photo credit: Hanny Spence

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Living in Paradise gives you many reasons to smile but this week began with an extremely special event.

Tuesday afternoon saw 2 fantastic finalists playing in the A and B Grade Pairs.

Meanwhile in the rink next to them in the B Pairs Tess Walker and Rhonda Lloyd got to a commanding 13-4 lead against Bev Taylor and Di Jackson however the latter team refused to give in and went on to win 25-19.

Tuesday afternoon Social bowls also saw Peter Smith a visitor from Stanthorpe Bowls club in Queensland with our own Robin Brown and Pam Collins in scintillating form.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls saw 42 bowlers playing for the prize with many interstate and travelling Queenslanders playing and it was the team of Barry Hirth with John Walsh and our own Graham Cowling against Aileen Jacob visiting bowler with our own John Brown with skipper Greg Pepyat convincing winners of the day with a fantastic afternoon tea provided.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw Andy McDougall one of the most improved bowlers in the club win Scroungers again, he's going from strength to strength.

Whilst in Mackay Bowling Club the Champion of Champions fours was being played and although beaten in the quarterfinals John Trembath's team of lead Mark Mawson, second John Askew, third Tony Whitehorn were gallant in defeat and represented our little club admirably.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Bev Taylor with Di Jackson who showed there is no such thing as a handicap if you believe in your abilities. Photo supplied

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It all started on Friday when Harry Craig played in the District play off for the All Schools Cup Challenge for St Catherine's School down at North Mackay.  

Harry and his team partner Alfie Moretto won their section and will be representing the Whitsunday region at Pine Rivers later this year.

Champion of Champion Fours were played at Mackay Club this weekend.  

First game was against Sarina with our boys winning 24-22; then game Airlie Beach with Proserpine winning 24- 13.

Semi Finals were against Northern Beaches where the game was drawn at the end of 21 ends and went into an extra end which Proserpine won.  

Final was against Souths Suburban.  Proserpine was in the lead for most of the game, but an end lost close to the conclusion put Souths into the lead.  

Two shots were needed to draw the game in the final end and send it into a deciding end, one shot was scored.  

Final score 254-25.  

Well done Michael Kinnear, Luchie Gardel, Grahame Kinnear and Barry Saroglia taking out Runners Up in the District Champion of Champion 4s.

In Club Competition on Saturday, a game of the Club Championship Triples was played.

Dale Haack, Shane Kinnear and Wayne Handley defeated Marcus Craig, Toby Craig and Gavin Milne 20 - 19 in what must have been a nail biter of a game.

Good bowling to Heather Brown who is contesting the Champion of Champion Singles at St Helens this week.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Isaac Elliott and Toby Craig Finalists from this year's B Singles. Photo supplied

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The Women's Pennant Competition was held over the weekend with the Proserpine team winning Division One at the Pioneer Golf Club and Division Six at Mystic Sands.

Other Results this week:

Congratulations to Lloyd Kingston on taking out the 2023 Men's Handicapped Match Play competition, a close match against Brian Allen.

Tuesday - Nick Apruzzese winning on 36 pts followed by Robyn Whitham on 34 pts, NTP winners were Gary Scotford and Allen Roberts

Wednesday - Toni Clauss in a game of 2 halves winning on 39 pts, followed by Elspeth Scotford on 37 pts. NTP winners were Trish McNeill, Pauline Redpath & Ann Gardel

Thursday - Chris Pham and Marc Belke combined well to win the 4BBB Stableford on 49 pts, followed by Paul Nicol and Brendon Meharry on 45 pts. NTP winners were Rod Judd, Bill Woods, Steve Lucas and Brendan Meharry.

Friday - Brendan Spann winning from Karl Carton on 21 pts and 18 pts respectively.

Saturday - Rob Stanley back in form with an impressive 41 pts to win the competition, Ben Bullock in 2ndplace with 40 pts. Division 2 won by Chris Pham, Tim Walton in 2nd place, both on 38 pts. Di Chard also shooting an excellent score of 40 pts, winning the ladies from Tessa Aitken on 37 pts. NTP winners: Brian Allen, Helen Deighton, Scott Clarke, Di Chard, Wayne Fitzgerald, John Wallace.

Sunday - Renae Maxwell and Elise Hodgson were top of the ladies comp with 35 and 33pts, Nick Shepherd and Chris Bartlett winning the mens on 45pts and 41 pts respectively. NTP winners were Gwen Curteis, Clay Coles, and Marcus Heathcote.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Pro Shop.

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Div 1 2023 team, Tina Badenhorst, Leanne Alexander, Trish McNeill, Mel Patullo, Lyn Muller and Nola Giddins. Photo supplied

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Another windy day on the course for Tuesdays Stableford comp.  

31 competitors - 21 men and 10 ladies.  

Robyn Whitham was the winner on the day with a score of 34, Leanne Alexander 32, Jenny Hounsell 29 on a countback from Kath Borer 29.  

Nic Apruzzese was the men's winner on 36, Barry Shuwalow 35, Louise Neethling 34 and John Roser 32.

Thursday we travelled to Pioneer Valley for the third round of the Croker Shield.  

Unfortunately, we were beaten 278 to 269 but still leading by 33 points.  

Vickie Wallace was our best scorer on her first ever game at the Valley.  

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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Nic Apruzzese and Robyn Whitham. Photo supplied

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Winners for Monday Triples were L Fox, K Pedlar, and G Feast.

Runners Up S Roome, D Richards, and R Agg.

The jackpot didn’t go off.

On Tuesday winners were Bruce, Douglas, Pauline Cochrane, and Michael Loughhead who defeated Bron Tolcher, Keith Aykens.

Runner Up M Coad A Pearson, J Dawson, P Cochrane

Winners for our Fun Friday afternoon were Col Taylor, Peter Donoghue, and Viv.

The jackpot didn’t go off.

Friday night barefoot bowls winners for the night were Kerri, Geoff, Teresa, and Penny who defeated Grant June Cheryl and Bill.

We had a great Saturday afternoon of bowls with the annual Wangaratta versus All States challenge.

With a full green there were plenty of good bowls from both sides and it was played with great enthusiasm and determination.

Wangaratta came in winners with 167 shots against All States with 140 making it four years in a row.

Rink winners for the afternoon came out on Rink 2 where Marie Nesbitt, June Walsh, France Wilman, and Keith Armstrong defeated Tracey Roach, Sue Shearing, Steve Roome, and Allan Rolfe.

Most of us came back on Sunday for another game.

Winners for the afternoon were Kevin Baxter, John and Rodney who defeated M Harvey, Keith Aykens, and Maureen Hyde.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Wangaratta Teams Wang V All States 2023. Photo supplied

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This week’s 9-hole stabelford competition saw Dee Norman take first place on 27 pts, second with 24 pts Cy Taylor and third with 22 pts Bree Harvey.

This week was a good week for Bree Harvey getting not only third in the weekly comp but a hole in one on hole 2 also Justyn Durbin scored a hole in one on hole 7.

Fridays stableford saw Jay Angel first place with 20 pts, second with 19 pts was Michael Pettiford and third on 18 pts was Josh Barnard.

On Sunday we held the 4 ball better ball Championships taking the win was Asher Ventham and Deeray Fo’ou with a 45.25 net, second with a 46 net saw Glenn Rees and Rob Lodders, third place saw Tyson Flavel and Craig Kennedy with a 46.75 net. Great job Gentlemen.

This Sunday July 30th will be our 18-hole monthly medal stableford tee off at 10.00am hope to see you all there.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Green Team.

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Pictured: Asher Ventham and Deeray Fo’ou

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While the weatherman said that the wind would be from the south-east, Wednesday afternoon saw the wind swinging by up to 40 degrees, making for a challenging race for the 18 boats who competed in the Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race.

First away was Treasure VIII (Rob Davis), frantically checking that they hadn’t fouled the starting process.  

Once clear, they were soon overrun by the faster boats, with QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) first around the windward buoy.  

A couple of close battles ensued, with Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) and QMS Ponyo swapping places many times, while a similar scenario saw Reignition (Charles Wallis) and Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) having similar battles.  

At the front, Bobby’s Girl got the advantage on the last leg, crossing the finish 15 seconds ahead, with Reignition and Smooth Criminal a further two minutes back.  

On corrected time, QMS Ponyo took the honours over Wide Load and Treasure VIII.

The start of Division Three saw little to choose between Lighthorse (Di Forster) and Rossgo (Greg Hammon), with the judge’s decision going to Lighthorse for the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize.

On the water, Matchless (Terry Stevens) soon hit the front, clearing out to finish two minutes clear of Shiraz (John Cable).  

Once ashore and the handicapping took over, it was Fordplay who celebrated with a two minute lead over Shiraz and Masquerade.  

Contributed with thanks Ross Chisholm.

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Twilight Races see tough competition. Photo supplied

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