Mackay’s emerging cricket all-rounder Jack Law has been named Player of the North Queensland Cricket Alliance Under 15 Championships.

The talented Brothers junior produced stand out performances with bat and ball to help the Mackay-Whitsunday team finish second overall at the recent representative carnival staged at Harrup Park.

All conquering North Queensland claimed the title, winning all three matches with Townsville young gun Hunter Brischetto leading the way.

Playing on his home turf, the promising Law topped the run-scoring with knocks of 52, 46 and 104 - ahead of the rising Brischetto (104 retired and 53 retired) and Mackay-Whitsunday teammate Corey Stroud (40 and 101 not out).

Under the guidance of coach Shane Dunn and manager Ian Ballantyne, the Mackay-Whitsunday X1 suffered a first up loss to North Queensland before posting victories over Central Queensland and Far North.

A highlight for Law was cracking a magnificent 104 in the final round against Far North where he faced 95 balls and smashed four sixes and twelve boundaries.

Selectors will name rep squads in coming weeks to compete at the Stage 2 State Challenge in Mackay during December.

Round 1: NORTH QUEENSLAND 8-217 (Hunter Brischetto 53 retired, Henry Jesberg 38, Jason Caswell 26, Zac Hayes 24, Lachlan Petterson 20, Isaac Talbot 17 not out, Brayden Manttan 3-16, Jack Law 2-26) d MACKAY-WHITSUNDAY 7-155 (J Law 52, Corey Stroud 40, H Brischetto 3-8).

Round 2: MACKAY-WHITSUNDAY 3-231 (C Stroud 101 not out, J Law 46, Cooper Boyce 24, Ishan Rana 23 not out) d CENTRAL QUEENSLAND 6-228 (Henry Lau 56 not out, John Mulville 52, Axel Amos 30, Riley Roser 24, Connor Muller 3-34, C Stroud 2-45).

Round 3: MACKAY-WHITSUNDAY 8-218 (J Law 104, I Rana 39, Ayden Loader 38, Kade Corby 4-34, Harvey Rees 2-22) d FAR NORTH 8-166 (Kalan Wilson 85, Archie Ferguson 44, J Law 2-16, I Rana 2-17, Donovan Pettiford 2-22, Zac Pace 2-37).

‍

Mackay junior representative cricketer Jack Law receives his Player of the North Queensland Cricket Alliance Under 15 Championships award from Queensland Cricket’s Luke Kennedy

‍

In an exciting development, the Mackay Cutters have secured a significant two-year affiliate club agreement with the North Queensland Cowboys. This partnership is set to bolster the pathway from Hostplus Cup and BMD competitions to the coveted NRL and NRLW, providing our region's budding talents with a clear route to the top.

This agreement will see half of the Cowboys NRL squad allocated to the Cutters, with players not selected to play NRL will be eligible to play for the Cutters.

Cutters Head Coach Michael Comerford and his staff will visit The Hutchinson Builders Centre to shadow Todd Payten and his coaching staff in the pre-season and will receive ongoing coach and high-performance staff development opportunities.

The Cutters will also play one home game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium as a curtain raiser to a Cowboys NRL game.

“The Cutters have been professional and positive throughout this entire process and their focus has never wavered from achieving an outcome in the best interests of both clubs,” Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said.

“We are two organisations who pride ourselves on developing and nurturing local talent, which is why we are delighted to reach this agreement.”

Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said Mackay has been a crucially important region to the Cowboys during the club’s existence.

“Mackay is a rich rugby league region with a proud history and we are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Cutters,” he said.

“The players who come to the Cowboys from the Mackay region have historically and importantly been good people on top of being talented players.

“Our system is filled with talent from the Mackay region, from Reuben Cotter and Tom Dearden at NRL level, through to two of our most exciting juniors in Jaxon Purdue and Xavier Kerrisk as well as Emma Manzelmann and Jasmine Peters at NRLW level.”

Mackay Cutters CEO Mitch Cook spoke of his appreciation for the pathway this agreement creates for locals, stating “We are excited to continue our affiliation with the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, which has been a long-standing partnership since 2008.

“We look forward to welcoming back Cowboys allocated players next season and are appreciative of the pathway this affiliation provides our region."

‍

Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel and Mackay Cutters CEO Mitch Cook. Photo supplied: Mackay Cutters

‍

When schoolboy volleyball rookies Joshua Venz and Tage Guzowski took to the court for the first time earlier this year, they didn’t envisage the boom times ahead.

The promising duo were identified as natural talents when St Patrick’s College assembled a squad for the local Mackay Secondary Schools Volleyball competition.

With passing hitter Venz and middle blocker Guzowski leading the way, the raw-boned St Patrick’s Open Boys team discovered their groove with skilful performances against more seasoned opponents.

Under the guidance of coach Stephen Mortimer and parent Dane Guzowski, the side proved a force to be reckoned with – charging all the way to 2023 premiership honours.

Coach Mortimer could see the potential in his line up as they chalked up five victories in the preliminary rounds – losing just the one fixture to Mackay State High.

Having stumbled on a winning formula, the team combined effectively on court as they gathered momentum in the run home to the finals.

“The boys were keen to learn about volleyball and quickly adapted to the sport with their strong work ethic and commitment to training,” a proud Mortimer stated.

“They hit their straps just before the finals and produced a powerhouse finish to the season to bring home the Open Boys title” he added.

St Patrick’s toppled Pioneer State High in a semi-final then showed plenty of character in a pressure packed Grand Final to defeat Mackay Christian College by two sets to one.

The championship-winning Open Boys squad included Joshua Venz, Tage Guzowski, Jarvis Connor, Caleb Hocking, Alfie Johnston-Wanless, Logan Leisinger, Brendan McHutchon, Patrick Radunz, Ezra Shepherd, Jamon Smith, Jake Tanti and Kevin Varghese.

Just as impressive were the St Patrick’s Open Girls team coached by Rusty Van Zyl and Emma Karrasch who posted three victories before losing an epic semi-final against Mackay State High School.

The squad included Bonnie Archer, Lily Axiak, Lacey Blucher, Sophia Dela Torre, Cassandra Dixon, Cara Donnelly, Keara Ferrer, Tiani Mansfield, Trizia Mar, Star Matthews and Alyanna Valencia.

They struck up a slick combination and improved as the competition unfolded.

Coach Van Zyl praised the efforts of his rookie squad who stepped up to the challenge collectively and produced a courageous performance in their sudden-death semi-final against a more experienced Mackay State High line up.

“The girls were a delight to coach and adapted quickly through their dedication to training and willingness to learn the finer points of the game,” Rusty revealed.

“They gave it their best shot and stood up to be counted in the finals with a tremendous team showing,” he added.

Other schools featured were Mackay Adventist College, Mirani State High and Kutta Mulla Gorinna School.

Planning ahead for 2024, St Patrick’s have stepped up training as they look towards interschool competition in Terms 2 and 3 and competing in the Volleyball Queensland Schools Cup on the Gold Coast.

By Chris Karas

‍

St Patrick’s College Mackay’s triumphant Open Boys Volleyball squad that won this year’s Mackay Secondary Schools Championship title.

St Patrick’s College Open Girls Volleyball squad finished semi-finalists in the 2023 Mackay Secondary Schools competition

‍

Central Queensland claimed bragging rights in their recent North Queensland Men’s Open Zone Cricket championship duels with Mackay-Whitsunday in Rockhampton.

Joe McGahan’s Central outfit were triumphant in both the limited overs and Twenty20 fixtures staged at Rockhampton Cricket Ground with spinner Logan Whitfield stamping his mark.

On a dicey wicket the Central Queensland X1 recorded a narrow 12-run victory in the one-day clash with the wily Whitfield proving the hero.

The spinner snared 5-16 in a magic seven over spell to skittle Mackay-Whitsunday for 107 and draw first blood in the challenge series.

Earlier skipper McGahan top scored with 48 and Todd Harmsworth hit 22 as Central posted a modest total of 119 with Mason Kohler (3-4), Isaac Borg (3-22) and Mitch Wadsworth (2-21) sharing the bowling spoils.

In the Twenty20 challenge Mackay-Whitsunday were routed for only 34, recovering from 5-6 with Lane Kohler clouting 17 runs and Central’s Callum McMahon (4-15 off four overs), Waqar Yunus (3-9), Whitfield (2-2) and McGahan (1-3) the chief destroyers.

Central (2-37) quickly reached their target with Harmsworth scoring 20 runs.

In Mackay Cricket Association’s Poole Cup first grade competition, Norths toppled an understrength Magpies by 54 runs in their limited overs clash at the Magpies Sports Ground.

The Devils won the toss and batted – registering 9-211 from their 40 overs with star batsman Darryn Dyer smashing 51 off 66 balls including two sixes and four boundaries with handy contributions from Lane Kohler (37) and Kai Higham (33).

Pick of the Magpies bowlers were seamer Tim Heard (3-28 off eight) and 17-year-old leg spinner Liam Zurvas (3-41).

Cruising at 3-136, the Magpies slumped to be all out for 157 despite valuable knocks from Wes Dyer (47 runs off 58 balls), Rhys McBride (39 off 33) and Jaxn Sign (34 off 31) to keep their side in the hunt.

Sharp bowling from left arm pace warrior Kerrod Tortora (4-45 off seven), quick Jason Butterworth (2-16) and off spinner Lachlan Brett (2-43) proved the difference as the Devils sealed victory in the 35th over.

‍

Central Queensland spinner Logan Whitfield

‍

The Mackay Road Runners have commenced their annual off-season informal training program, in honour of Shawn Claydon who passed away from pancreatic cancer over five years ago.  

Shawn’s dedication to running and the support of the club, as well as coaching many athletes in the region knew no bounds. The program runs from October through to February every year.

Funds leftover at the end of the program will be donated to Pancare, an organisation supporting sufferers like Shawn and their families who are having to cope with the incurable disease.

Race Director and newly-appointed Life Member, Mr Jim Ford has been the driving force behind the off-season training sessions.

His creative 5km to 10km distance options are held in high regard by the participants, with events held at a different location each week. Jim mixes up the logistics of the program to create interesting formats for runners of any speed and ability.

Shawn’s Summer Series Calendar 2023/24

Date (Sundays) / Starting Point / Course Details

29/10/2023 - Base Hospital Carpark - River Loop

05/11/2023 Catherine McAuley College (Field St Carpark) - Paradise St, Holland St and the Gardens

12/11/2023 Mackay Netball Courts (Casey Avenue) - Ocean International to Iluka Park

19/11/2023 Iluka Park - Sandfly to Canelands Loop

26/11/2023 Blue Water Quay - 4 Leaf Clover

03/12/2023 Gooseponds (Dog Park) - Harbour Rd to Anchor

10/12/2023 Surf Club Carpark - Sahara Run

17/12/2023 Andergrove Tavern - Wetlands Double Pump

24/12/2023 Mackay North State High School (Valley St) - Carabiner Course

31/12/2023 Seabreeze Tavern - Sand and Scenery course

07/01/2024 Magpies Carpark - Teams Pursuit Course

14/01/2024 Blacks Beach Tavern - Stairway to Heaven

21/01/2024 Bucasia Shops - Charge to the Point

28/01/2024 Blue Water Lagoon City Blocks - “Snakes and Ladders”

04/02/2024 Memorial Pool Carpark - Cathy Freeman to Gardens

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

‍

Nearly forty runners took to the streets for the first Shawn’s Summer Social Series this year

Runners briefed on the course including David Isbister, Andrew Short, Simon Henderson, Craigh McGahey, June Bradley and Jo Skinner

‍

With Local Competing In International Comp

For Kiarna Paterson, her natural talent for soccer wasn’t realised until her and her family relocated to Proserpine a little over three years ago.

And now, she has been selected for the prestigious IBERCUP, after securing a place in the Football Queensland Academy and training with the Barca Academy.

“I first started playing soccer when I was in grade six, when we first moved up here,” Kiarna explained.

Having not played before, her natural ability surprised her family, who have now worked to ensure every opportunity to develop her skills.

She recently completed a week of training with the Barca Academy, a feeder academy of FC Barcelona, for elite youth athletes to hone their skills to pursue professional opportunities.

“At the academy, we did multiple drills every day, working different skills, and we toured the stadium, and we watched professional games, but there were also scouts watching us.”

From this opportunity, Kiarna was selected to represent Australia in the IBERCUP.

This worldwide competition is one of the biggest international youth soccer tournaments, and Kiarna is one of lucky few to be selected into the Australian youth team.

“It’s one of the largest tournaments,” Kahla, Kiarna’s mother, explained.

“It’s held in Spain, and all different countries come together to compete, and the players are given the professional player experience. They have strict routines, and it shows the players the reality of the profession, of what they should expect.”

Kiarna is welcoming the new experience, the chance to sink her teeth into her dream profession.

“Only a few girls were selected for the IBERCUP, and I am looking forward to growing my skills and learning from the coaches and other players,” Kiarna said.

Her dedication is present through everything she does, and her success is profound in her fantastic techniques and ever improving skills.

“However, financing the costs of training, travel, and equipment, the expenses of this once in a lifetime opportunity are substantial,” Kiarna explained.

Having opened a Go Fund Me to assist with costs of Kiarna’s IBERCUP journey, Kiarna is eager to start her professional soccer career.

For those wishing to help Kiarna’s soccer career, follow the QR code to her Go Fund Me page.

‍

From 27th to 28th October, The Pioneer Swimming Club travelled to Rockhampton for the Beef City Preparation Meet, hosted by Caribeae Swimming Club. This was the first time the Pioneers have travelled to this meet as a club, and it did not disappoint.

The club were very impressed with the range of events programmed, including ‘Speed Machine’ races, where money could be won for the fastest freestyle swimmers in each age group. ‘Top Gun’, where swimmers are eliminated one by one after each heat, as well as relay events.

In the ‘Speed Machine’ event, Annaliese Miles placed first for the 10-year-olds and Jade Bounden was first for 17 and Over, winning $25.

Ralph Traeger and Makenna Malagueno each placed second for the 9-year-olds, with Alex Moss placing second for the 12-year-olds and Ella Bounden second for the 14-year-olds, each scoring $20.

Stevie Brand was third for the 15-year-olds, receiving $15; and Henry Porter and Yasmin Seedwell also received $10, placing fourth for 13 and 14-year-olds respectively.

Jade Bounden was also dubbed the ‘Top Gun’ in the elimination skins events for females.

Many medals, personal bests and even Age Champions were attained by the Dolphins. The club’s youngest swimmer, Alice Demin (Coach Igor’s daughter), also enjoyed her first competition – at only 4-years-old!

Congratulations to all – what a strong presence for Pioneer!

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

‍

Coach Igor giving a pep talk to swimmers

Pioneer's youngest swimmer, Alice Demin

Bethany Miles

Elliott Shillington

Pioneer Swimming Club team members

Photos supplied

‍

Wednesday’s competition was a Stableford sponsored by the golf club.

Viv Clark won the ladies’ event with Penny Stewart coming runner up.

In the men’s Scott Raisbeck won and Peter Theodossio was runner up.

The weekend saw the Little Masters graded competition returning to the calender. The men played on Saturday and the ladies played Sunday. A big thankyou to Bowen Mazda for sponsoring these events. Zoom Zoom.

The Joker Jackpot is now sitting at a mighty $5300. It all happens at the golf club on Friday night from 5:30pm. Everybody welcome, but if you wish to dine in, please book your table by phoning 47 851206.

Contributed with thanks to Linda Scells.

‍

Claire Garrod A Gross Winner, sponsor Gary Brenchley, Viv Clark C Gross Winner.

Deb Breeze C Gross Runner up, Bev Lowcock B Nett Winner, sponsor Gary Brenchley, Amanda Parter B Nett Runner up, Robyn Slade A Nett Runner up, Pauline Martin A Nett Winner.

Doug Power A Gross Winner, sponsor Gary Brenchley Bowen Mazda, Mark Tilbrook C Nett Winner. Photos supplied

‍

Members of the Mackay GameFishing Club Inc ventured up to the Whitsunday Game Fish Club Annual Tournament.

It was a long awaited event, with seven Mackay boats who fished which accounted for an incredible twenty-one from twenty-seven bullfish tagged.

Highlights of the Tournament included 6-year-old Finnlay winning the encouragement award and also a prize in ‘last man standing’. Chad Lewis on boat ‘Upgrade’ winning the ‘shotgun start’ and arrived on the fishing ground in twenty-seven minutes. Also Craig Breadsell wins diamond earnings in the ‘last man standing’.

‘Anarchy’ boat won the ‘most distance travelled’, starting up near North of Hayman Island and finishing somewhere near Parker Reef. Rob Ebzery won the ‘hard luck’ award, by trying to use rubber hooks and jumping off more than five fish the first day. Plus Joey Ecker not having caught a billfish before, to tagging five in three days.

Results:

Champion (8 metres and over boat) – ‘Rehab’

Runner Up (8 metres and over boat) – ‘Nomad’

Winner (Under 8 metres) – ‘Grey Nurse’

Runner Up (Under 8 metres) – ‘Inform’

Champion Angler - Joe Ecker on ‘Rehab’

Runner Up Angler - Peter Mau

Campion Junior Angler - Reid Bitcon

Runner Up Junior Angler - Kai Draper

Small Fry Male Angler and Encouragement Award - Finnlay Mau

‍

Photos supplied

‍

Tuesday's overall winners were Michael Miller with 42 pts followed by Dylan Holland and Ryan Wilkes on 39, Adam Maggs on 38 and Simon Della Santa on 37.

Nearest to Pins were Michael Ward and Brian Smith.

Wednesday's Airllywood Stableford competition was won by Jan Shuwalow with 41.

Second was Toni Clauss with 40 followed by Beryl Nosworthy with 38, Ann Gardel with 35 and Elspeth Scotford with 34. Nearest to Pins were Rehab Hull, Beryl Nosworthy, Toni Clauss and Ann Gardel.

On Thursday, Ben Doer won the A division with 40 followed Bodie Kitchingman and Jon Miller on 38.

B division was won by Perri Simpson with 42, and Kerr Claxton and Ron Jamieson had 37.

Pin shots went to Zachary Esden, Barry Mortimer, Ritchie Atkins, and Chris Pham

Terry Handford with 20 pts beat Jackson Gray for the Friday Met Run with the pins won by Nick Watson and Terry Handford.

Saturday's Haymans Electrical Competition’s A division was won by Aaron Prosser with 37 pts followed by Brian Allen also on 37 and Steve Hickey on 36.

The B division was blitzed by Mick Hamilton on 41 ahead of Dean Kercher on 38 and Philip Luckett on 37.

Pin shots went to Mick Kavanagh, Jackson Gray, Rod Wecker, and Phil Luckett.

The ladies were led by Penny Wardroper with 41, Tessa Aitken on 38, Ann Gardel with 36, and Sherri Meade and Paula McQuat on 35. Trish McNeill, and Lyn Muller won the pin shots.

Sunday's stableford was won by Nicole Cooper on 42 pts with Ray Johanneson on 41 from Ryland Hensel and Peta Thomas.

Two pin shots were won by Pauline Redpath, and one each by Nathan Holohan, Ryland Hensel, and Brian Allen.

Upcoming events include competitions on Tuesday and Friday plus the Wednesday PD Law Monthly Medal, the Thursday VenueSmart Monthly Medal, the RGH Saturday Monthly Medal and the KJC Diesel Repairs Sunday Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.

‍

While numbers may have been down with people away (some overseas) and many partying on after a major birthday do on Saturday evening, but 15 players still made it for a keen competition.

Blustery winds continued to make things difficult for some players, especially the big hitters, but WGC players never give up, and Stableford is very forgiving on that bad hole when you don’t have to putt out.

LADIES A GRADE:

Winner: Pauline Redpath, a lovely game, earning 36 points

Runner-up: Tiina Randmae with 30 points

Longest Drive: Tiina Randmae

LADIES B GRADE:

Winner: Karen Rix with 34 points

Runner-up: Pam Casey with 30 points

Longest Drive: Pam Casey

MEN’S A GRADE:

Winner: Jason Bourke with 32 points

Runner-up: Clay Coles with 28 points

Longest Drive: Nathan Holohan

MEN’S B GRADE:

Winner: Don Cameron with 32 points

Runner-up: David Hoy with 30 points

Longest Drive: Don Cameron

NTPs:

For the ladies: Tiina Randmae, Pam Casey and Pauline Redpath.

For the men: Gerald Lovell and Jason Bourke.

NAGAs: the honours went to Leigh Jones, a drink courtesy of sponsors Aaron and Tracy Watts.

NEXT WEEK: will be the November MM and least putts, last chance for contenders to make it for the Medal of Medals 2023, get your names in as early as possible so we can play in a block.

‍

This week 9-hole stableford competition saw Donna Henderson take first place with a 22 pt c/b, second place with 22 pts Riley Mercieca and third place with 21 pts c/b was Dean Barnard.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Paula Wronski on 21 pts in first place, second place with 19 pts Sean Cain and third with 18 c/b was Glenn Rees.

Sundays 18-hole Monthly medal was a great turn out. Brad Low took first place with a 42 NETT, second place with a 43 NETT Ireneusz Gruszcynski and third place with 47 NETT Jake Day. Nearest the pin was Shane Bradley and Danny York. Great effort by all.

This Sunday will be 18-hole stableford tee off anytime.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

‍

Tim and Sacha Walton. Photo supplied

‍

Over the weekend, 8 swimmers competed at the Charters Towers LC Transition Meet.  

Eloise Chegwidden aged 8 years won all her individual events.  

Eloise’s brother, Harry swam 3 PBs and achieved top placings in all his events.

Remy Hedges, aged 15 years, had a very successful carnival.  

One of Remy’s best swims includes her 1st place in the 400m Freestyle.  

Team Harland had a super weekend.  

Indigo Harland swam personal best times in all her events.  

She took 26.08sec off her previous best time in 25m Butterfly.  

Despite being sick the week leading into the carnival, Ruby Harland won 6 of her events and achieved 5 PBs.  

Two of Ruby’s best swims include her 200m Breaststroke which she swam in 3.57.12 (a 15.69sec PB) and her 1st place in the 100m Butterfly with 1.73sec PB.  

Brothers, Zach and Alex Trefz swam top times in the majority of their races.    

Alex achieved 1st and 2nd places in his events.  

Zach swam massive PBs of over 20sec in his 100m Butterfly and 200m Freestyle.  

His best swims include 1st place in 50m Butterfly in a time of 35.36s and his 1st place swim 50m Breaststroke with a 2.54sec PB.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers!  

A big thank you to Darren Hedges for assisting with coaching and to all the wonderful parents.

On Wednesday, 2 new Club Records were presented Lucas Korosec and Ehsan Helou!  

Upgrade Certificates were presented to Zach Trefz, Miller Eaves and Eric Mulliss.  

Swim of the Night Awards were presented to Millie Groom for 25m Breaststroke and Tora Delac for 50m Backstroke.  

Congratulations swimmers!  

Top performers at Club Night for the most PBs were Millie Groom, Ehsan Helou, Noah Maltby, Owen Schepisi, Eric Mulliss and Zach Trefz.  

Well done, swimmers!  

A big thank you to all the parents and volunteers who assisted with officiating on Wednesday night!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

‍

Cannons Team at Charters Towers Oct 2023

Millie Groom with Swim of the Night Award. Photos supplied

‍

Rowena Sinclair-Smith is one dedicated and determined woman. Mother of three, granny to one, swim school owner and lnstructor in ACT, astute business woman and a passionate competing Triathlete.

Rowena recently purchased a house in the Whitsundays and now commutes between Canberra and Airlie Beach.

She is a committed member of our Whitsunday Triathlon Club spending her time training in the sugarcane fields with other club members.

For a longtime Rowena has had the ambition to race for team Australia in the

half and full lronman World Championship Events.

In 2010 she competed in her first Triathlon. Her performances to date include 13 Full lronman and up to 2O latt lronman which have taken her from Port Macquarie, Busselton, Cairns, Los Cabos Mexico, Wisconsin, Mont Tremblant, Harvey Bay and elsewhere throughout Australia.

This year her dream came true after finishing on the Podium in first place in her age group category 50-54 at Port Macquarie and gaining automatic qualification to go to the World Half lronman Championships in Lahti, Finland on 26th August 2023.

This course is held in beautiful green pristine surroundings at the Northern most destination for any lronman event.

Rowena was amazed when she also qualified for a spot to go to Kona, Hawaii to compete in the Full lronman event earlier this month.

Kona is the pinnacle of All Triathlon Sport. Professionals and Age Group triathletes from around the globe dream of racing on this, the lronman Main Stage.

lt is one of the most incredible races on this planet. The best of the best embark on a 3.8km Ocean swim, 180km cycle, finishing with a 42km run all through the barren lava fields of Hawaii.

For most it is the Ultimate test of strength, mind, spirit and endurance.

To represent your country and do a Double is no mean feat, but for this Triathlon champion nothing is impossible. Rowena competed in Finland then backed it up with completing Kona.

The Whitsunday Triathlon Club is privileged to have this enthusiastic woman as part of our club. A magnificent achievement and a very welcome addition to our training members.

Watch her future success closely.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Triathlon Club.

‍

Rowena Sinclair-Smith competed in the Iron Man World Championships earlier this month. Photos supplied

‍

A life of dedication and commitment to a sport that he loves is what motivates Shane Allan, who recently represented Whitsundays PCYC at the Sarina Fight Night.

In the heavyweight category, Shane had some big competition, at least 20 kilo heavier competition, as far as his wife Kristy Allan was concerned.

Sharing blows, the competition was hard.

“Shane’s opponent was a huge fellow,” Kristy described.

“Shane isn’t a small man, but his competitor made him look tiny!”

Amazingly, despite the size difference, Shane came home with a win on the night.

But for Shane, the Sarina Fight Night was meaningful for another reason, with him donning his former coach’s cape.

“Tyrel Cameron was a great friend, and a great coach to Shane,” Kristy said.

“Tyrel was a big part of Shane’s life and losing Tyrel was hard.”

Tyrel was Shane’s boxing coach, who unfortunately died by suicide some years ago.

“Wearing Tyrel’s cape and dedicating the match to Tyrel was very important and taking home the win really just made the event.”

Shane has dedicated much of his life to boxing, since he was 18 years old.

“He’s a bit of a machine,” Kristy said.

Having taken on a match at the Airlie Fight Night, and coming home with a loss and some bruises, this win is a lot sweeter.

“Airlie Fight Night had a good atmosphere, with Shane having a great fight. Both him and his opponent fought damn hard, but Shane only came home with a black eye and a few scuffs.”

But now, with a win under his belt, Shane is ready to get back to training, readying himself for the 2024 Fight Nights.

“He trains five to six times a week. He often trains with a police officer, who volunteers his time to train boxers, who has been a big help.”

And also, Kristy says that when he does finally hang up his boxing belt, he won’t leave the sport entirely.

“Boxing will always be a part of his life. When he does call it, he’ll train youth and kids, but he’s got some go in him.”

‍

Shane Allan was over 20 kilos lighter than his opponent, but still managed to pull off the win. Photo supplied

‍