Six Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club members were selected to represent North Queensland at the Queensland Secondary Schools’ Swimming Championships.  

Jy Parkinson, Jacob Bell, Remy Hedges, Holly Perrin, Anisa Helou, and Ehsan Helou swam extremely well and had a great time after their selection in the regional-level squad.

The highlight for the swimmers was being a member of the North Queensland relay teams. Jy Parkinson, Jacob Bell, and Holly Perrin have made the Queensland Team.

Highlights include: Jy Parkinson, aged 18 years, with a very successful championships bringing home seven medals and all his swims were in the top 10 for Queensland.

Surprisingly, Jy’s top placings were not for Backstroke; instead, Jy won a gold medal for his 100-metre Freestyle and a silver medal for his 100-metre Butterfly.

Jacob Bell, 17, also had a fantastic meet bringing home three medals and achieving top 10 placings for eight out of his nine events. Jacob won a silver medal for his 1500-metre Freestyle and bronze medal for his 400-metre IM.

Ehsan Helou, Anisa Helou, Remy Hedges, and Holly Perrin thoroughly enjoyed the championships and the relays.  Ehsan’s best swims include 50- and 100-metre Breaststroke, swimming PBs and earning 11th place in Qld.  

He also swam a super 50m Butterfly and was placed 15th in Qld.  

Anisa swam PBs in her 50m Freestyle (16th in Qld) and 50-metre Butterfly (13th in Qld).  Remy Hedges, aged 15 years was placed 14th in Qld for her 100-metre Butterfly and 200-metre Freestyle and was placed 10th for 200-metre Breaststroke and 11th for her 200-metre IM.  

Holly Perrin, aged 16 years won a bronze for her 200-metre Backstroke with a seven secpnd PB.  She was placed 7th for 100-metre Backstroke with a four second PB and 9th for 50-metre Backstroke.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Cannovale Cannon swimmers Anisa, Remy, Holly, Jy, Jacob, and Ehsan at the Queensland Secondary School Championships

Jy, Holly, and Jacob at School Champs

Jy Parkinson with his medals from Qld School Championships

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The first outrigger regatta of the season took place at Tinaroo Lake on the Atherton Tablelands on the weekend of March 25.

Outrigger Whitsunday was well represented with ten paddlers making the trip and everyone contributing to a great competition.

Congratulations to Rob and Glenda O’Connor for their win in the OC2 Platinum division with Glenda paddling in her first regatta.

New member Fabian after only four months of paddling, enjoyed success with Maree Mullett in the mixed OC2.

Maree had a very successful regatta placing in several different divisions. Strong performances were also evident from Michelle and Stephen Lynes and Jenny Fitzpatrick and club president Terry Kemp. Congratulations to all paddlers for the first regatta of the season.

Contributed with thanks to Paul Tobias
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The Outrigger Whitsundays team that travelled to Tinaroo Lake on the Atherton Tablelands

Whitsunday Sailing Club will run its annual Tropical Rentals Whitsunday Sail Airlie regatta over Easter with upward of 60 off the beach dinghies competing.

Open to all age groups, the fleet will use three separate course areas, matching boats of similar design or performance in up to 10 races over the three days of racing.

The senior classes, including the exciting A-Class catamarans, Lasers and Tasars will be competing in the seaward course area.  Competitors ranging from Brisbane to Cairns and ranging in ages from 16 to 65 will be battling it out on the outer course.

The Junior fleets, Optimists, Sabots and O’pen Skiffs will be competing on the next course area.  Here we have up and coming sailors travelling all the way from the Gold Coast to compete in this category, along with sailors from Bowen, Townsville, Mackay and the Whitsundays.

The competition in these fleets will be intense, as bragging rights come into play in these age groups.

The event will also include a green fleet, made up of those just starting out on their sailing career.  Children as young as 7 will be challenged to complete the courses located directly outside the club.  These kids use an introductory set of rules which simplifies the expectations, while the aim is to just give it a go.  

Whitsunday Sailing Club sailing manager, Ross Chisholm said the mix of competitors this year is excellent.  

“It is great to see 23 up and coming sailors in the green fleet from all over the state here for the second largest sailing event on the Whitsunday Sailing Club calendar,” he said.

“This demonstrates that sailing truly is a great sport for the whole family, where you often see mum and dad sailing in the senior classes while the kids are racing against their peers.”

The racing program starts on Saturday afternoon and continues with morning and afternoon sessions on Sunday before concluding on Monday, with early afternoon presentations before competitors head home.

Whitsunday Sailing Club’sEaster Regatta will begin this easter weekend

Wheelchair rugby league allows the beautiful game to be played by anybody and everybody, allowing people with and without disabilities to play on the same team

The inclusive rugby league variation was founded in France around 2008, being taken up by Queenslanders in 2016 and seeing a steady growth ever since.

It’s grown to incorporate north Queensland and southeast Queensland zones that compete for selection in a Queensland team that takes on New South Wales in an annual state of origin clash.

An NRL Wheelchair Come, Try N Play event is coming to Mackay this weekend to give locals a taste.

“The main difference is, obviously, you’re in a wheelchair,” said NRL Wheelchair Participation Programs Officer Zac Schumacher.

“We play on an indoor court that’s 46m x 20m and we play five a side.

“The jerseys have tags on their shoulders and removing one tag constitutes a tackle.

“Kicking is done by an AFL hand pass or conversions are done with kicking tees but with a fist.

“It’s open to everybody: men, women, abled, disabled – it’s a fully inclusive sport.”

Mr Schumacher discovered wheelchair rugby league after attending a Come, Try N Play event himself in 2016, the sport helping him with a hip injury at the time.

“I love the teamwork,” he said.

“Being able to play with mates that I wouldn’t necessarily be able to play sport with due to injury on a level playing field.

“I’ve been lucky enough to represent Australia twice, Queensland four times and I’m now a Participation Programs Officer for Veterans Engagement.”

The NRL Wheelchair team will be running a Come, Try N Play event tomorrow, Saturday, April 1, inviting anyone to give the sport a go.

“We’ll run some skills and drills, a little bit of gameplay, just getting people familiar with the chairs and the rules and the game and obviously having fun is our main priority,” Mr Schumacher said.

“Just come along, give it a try.

“It’s something different and it’s great fun.”

These Come, Try N Play events also allow NRL Wheelchair to gauge interest in the sport.

“Hopefully if we have enough interest, we can start a local Mackay competition to verse Townsville and possibly Cairns, to then pick the north Queensland team from that for the state cup later in the year,” Mr Schumacher said.

WHAT: NRL Wheelchair Come, Try N Play

WHEN: Saturday, April 1 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm

WHERE: PCYC Mackay

REGISTER: https://www.nrlwheelchair.com.au/nrl_events/come-try-play-north-queensland-1-april-2023/

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Wheelchair rugby league is a 5-a-side inclusive variation played on an indoor court. Photos supplied

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Pitbulls Take On North Mackay Devils In Under 11

The final games of the Mackay Junior Cricket Association were underway last weekend, with four Proserpine Pitbulls teams across the age groups playing off for Premiership Shields.

The Under 11s between the Proserpine Pitbulls and Mackay Norths Devils started captain Kobi at the helm of the Proserpine side.

Winning the toss, the captain sent Aiden (15 runs) and Bradley (8 runs) out for the Pitbulls, followed by Ellen (3) and Matthew (15), who kept the ball rolling with excellent running between the wickets.

Zahra (2) and Sean (4) were hit with some of the Devil’s best bowlers, doing well to get runs on the board. And Laura (4) and Kobi (8) finished off the innings well, putting the side at a competitive total of 5/91 off 20.

Kobi began the bowling (1/6 off 3) and had the Norths heads going round, taking out middle stump with a cracking leg spinner – and three runouts in a spectacular display of fielding.

Laura (1/6 off 3) was also getting some good turn of the ball picking up a wicket and a great runout. Matthew bowled an excellent three over’s ending with figures of (4/4) assisted by the safe hands of Aiden.

Sean (0/5 off 1) shared in the wicket keeping duties and showed a huge improvement snatching every ball that came his way. Zahra (0/16 off 3) was unlucky not to get a wicket with a few near misses.

Ellen (0/7 off 2) was at her reliable best but was unlucky not to pick up a wicket.

Aiden (0/10 off 2) finished it off, bowling with good pace, not getting a wicket but taking three great catches in the field and ending 11/69 - an excellent win for the Pitbulls.

Under 11s Player of the day went to captain Kobi for an outstanding all-round performance.

Proserpine Pitbulls Under 12 Versus North Mackay Devils

In the Under 12s Final it was again between the Pitbulls and Norths, with this the biggest game of the Proserpine youngsters careers.  

Captain Ben Hope won the toss and elected to bowl.

The pumped up opening due of Ben H (0-3) and Noah Porter ripped in early with some tight line and length bowling.  

This pressure soon led to the dangerous left- hand opening bat playing a loose shot off Noah P (1-4) to land in the safe hands of Captain Ben at mid-on.

A Norths fightback followed with both batters reaching their 20 balls to retire.

Shannon Matthews (0-11) and spinner Ollie Dibben (1-5) then took the ball to continue applying Pitbull pressure – Norths 1-26 after 9 overs.

Lily Smith (1-8) soon drew a rash shot from the gun Norths representative Captain that skied in the direction of Ollie D at square leg, with the young fielder making a full-length diving catch to turn the game.

Alex Valmadre stepped up (0-9) to keep it tight at one end whilst upcoming star Tyrone Sellings commenced his spell just prior to the break.

After the break, young spin wizard Korbin Dibben (2-2) mesmerised a Norths batter with his turn to top edge one to Shannon M who took a pressure catch at square leg.

Korbin then cleaned bowled the next batter with another turner before Keeper Reg Davies (1-3) then had a bowl with immediate results to take a crucial wicket leaving all-rounder Ollie D (1-5) to clean up the tail with his quicker delivery – Norths all out for 53.

Alex V and Reg D opened the batting: both enduring some hostile bowling from the opening, and the Devils wouldn’t let up with Alex V (4) struck on the pad in front – Pits 1-10.  

The pups worked it up to 2-35 while Young Tyrone S (0) held off the desperate Norths bowlers with some great defence.  

After a couple of nervous pushes into the covers, it soon became obvious young Noah P had seen enough.  

Demanding the strike, it was his time - four balls, four boundaries, game over: the Premiership Shield headed up the highway for the season.

Players Player - Noah Porter (1-4, 16 no)

Pitbulls Under 13 Battle North Mackay Magpies White

The U13 Pitbulls were up next, facing Magpies White in the U13’s Final at Vigaro Oval in Mackay.

After going through the season undefeated, the Pitbulls looked the favourite, and for the first time this season, had the luxury of having 10 players to choose from in the final.

Captained by Kai MacLoughlin, the U13’s Pitbulls went into bat with a wet outfield from overnight rain.

The opening pair of J. Rock (9*) and L. Riley (13*) set up the innings with an unbeaten opening partnership of 25 runs with both players retiring after their 20 balls.

The next two batsmen - M. Logan and K. McLoughlin - continued the solid start with both players scoring freely and consolidating the teams innings with Matthew and Kai retiring on 20* and 26*, respectively.

With the Pitbulls yet to lose a wicket, W. Logan and O. Seamer came into bat and continued to take on the Magpies bowlers with O. Seamer scoring 17* from his 20 balls.

The first wicket to fall was W. Logan (10) in the 18th over with the score at 1-130. J. Geisler and J. Lawn then came to the crease and attempted to push the scoring along with J. Geisler (11) being dismissed in the 20th over.

With five overs remaining, the Magpies bowlers fought back with some accurate bowling, slowing the Pitbulls scoring rate.

The remaining Pitbull batmen J. Lawn (9), B. Childs (5*) and E. Baker taking the Pitbulls to a very competitive score of 4-160 after 25 overs.

K. McLoughlin and B. Childs opened the bowling for the Pitbulls with perfect execution.

K. McLoghlin bowled their opening batsman on the final ball of the first over to have the Magpies 1-6, and With accurate bowling and great fielding, the Pitbulls continued to restrict the Pies.

B. Childs had the second Magpies caught by J. Lawn at mid-off, Magpies 2-15. B. Childs started the Pitbulls sixth over with immediate success bowling the second opening batsman.

After six overs, L. Riley was bought into the bowl the seventh over and with his second ball took the fourth wicket through some excellent catching by J.Lawn to have the Magpies 4-17.

Following the initial losses, the Magpies next batting pair then consolidated their team’s position to be 4–42.

With the Pitbulls refreshed and refocused on their game plan, M. Logan took the ball and bowled a 13th over maiden, before O. Seamer was given the ball for the 14th over, taking two wickets for one run in the over to have the Magpies 6–43.

M. Logan then followed up his earlier maiden over, bowling the batsman to take the Pitbulls seventh wicket. With the remaining two Magpies batmen surviving O. Seamer’s next over, J. Geisler was brought into the attack with immediate effect having their final wicket brilliantly caught by K. McLoughlin on his first ball to win the Final.

Any member of the U13 Pitbulls team could be given the player of the match, so the award was given to the whole team.

Pitbulls Under 15 Final Against Pioneer Valley Panthers

The final showdown was between the Proserpine Pitbulls and the Pioneer Valley Panthers at Harrup Park to decide who would be crowned under 15s junior cricket champions of 2023.

Panthers won the toss and sent the Pitbulls in to bat, with Captain B. Valmadre and C. Stroud opening the batting – and Pitbulls only whimpered to an early 2-13.

More batsmen fell before J. Williams showed his credentials hitting one of the few boundaries of the innings and getting some much-needed runs late in the overs.

A. Geisel and J. Watson grabbed a few much-needed runs in the dying overs and closed out the innings with the Pitbulls having to defend a measly total of 9-89.

The Pitbulls came out firing after the break, with their enthusiasm rewarded early with B.Valmadre trapping their opener in front on the second delivery of the innings.

L. McDermid wanted a piece of the action in the second over, and with the bouncy wicket assisting once more, he caught the prize wickets bat high, in turn sending the ball towards a sprinting J. Watson who covered the ground to take a solid catch.

The team was in raptures and the Pitbulls started to believe.

Tight bowling kept the score low early, but it crept up slowly, and soon Panthers were at 9-83.

Panthers needed seven runs to win, the Pitbulls needed one wicket: A single, a four, a dot ball, and a two led Panthers to win one of the tightest games this year – one worthy of a grand finale.

Contributed with thanks to Mike Hope, Stephen Logan, Craig Valmadre, and Mark Porter

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The Proserpine Pitbulls junior cricketers faced off in four finals last weekend, pictured here are the U11s side

Caption 2: The U12s’ team with Coach Mark and the ending scoreboard

Whitsunday United’s Division One men were hopeful of upsetting the visiting Rangers Squads on Friday night with games at home, but were caught flat footed.

In the first 20 minutes, Rangers piled on five goals, and despite United rallying, the side couldn’t match the speed and work rate of the young Rangers squad, 1-8.

Division Two was a different story with the teams more evenly matched, but Whitsunday struggled to capitalise on periods of good possession, losing 1-3.

The U13 Squads played in Mackay with the Divisions ide coming within a whisker of a win, putting in a solid and consistent effort and applying pressure at every opportunity but lost 2-1.

The U13 Prems were up against top of the table Lions who had conceded only one goal all year. After a bright start by the Whitsunday team, four quick goals by Lions swung the game: end result 5-0 Lions’ way.

U15 Division One continued their winning ways with a stunning effort against Magpies winning 11-2 - outstanding play across the park.

U15 Premiers had a hard fought draw against the Lions in tough conditions, flying out of the blocks with three early goals – two scored by Reef Peel and a great strike by Max O’Keefe.

The Lions fought back to even the score at three all.

The Women played two tough games against Lions with both sides going down 2-1 despite good efforts.

The Reserves took an early lead with a Kiki Taylor scoring off a Dani Kinnear goal kick but conceding two in the second half.

The Prem side gave the top of the table Lions a run for their money. Again, Dani Kinnear featured in a stunning goal by Eva Foran which evened the score at 1-1. Keeper Chloe Bake was a stalwart between the posts but was unable to stop a Lions win through a late penalty.

The Senior Men played at home against Wanderers.

After a shaky start, conceding two early goals, the Reserve side gained control, consistently winning back the ball, dominating possession, and evening up the score with a phenomenal long range shot by Andrew Fallon-Johnston.

In the second half, the side stamped their authority on the game and ran out winners 3-2 for their first win of the season.

The Premier Men came up against the title favourites and after a slow start worked their way back into the game but were unable to respond to a Wanderers goal and went down 1-0.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

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Whitsunday United’s Under 15 Division One sided celebrated a thumping win against Mackay Magpies

Basketball fans turned out in force as the Mackay Metorettes and Meteors kicked off their NBL1 seasons last Friday night.

Welcoming Rockhampton to the Crater for Rivalry Round, it was the Meteorettes taking on the Cyclones first in what ended up an absolute thriller.

With each team taking the lead throughout the first quarter, the Cyclones took control of the game early, going into the first break with a 15-26 lead.

The momentum started to shift in an evenly matched second quarter, with the Meteorettes staying in the game at 35-44 at halftime.

Led by US import Davida Dale, who was hitting threes for fun and finished the game with 28 points, the home side hit back hard in the third quarter, taking a 65-59 lead into the final quarter.

The visitors started their fourth quarter strongly, with Samantha Bowman leading the way and finishing with 38 points for the match.

Tied up at 80-80 with eight seconds to go, the visitors were given free throws in the final four seconds to seal a hard-fought 80-82 win against an impassioned Mackay outfit.

“We had a pretty good start,” said Meteorettes Head Coach Jaimey Doevendans.

“We lost our way with ball movement for a little while and it could’ve come down to fatigue.

“Our crowd helped us in that third quarter, the girls responded, and we found our way a little bit.

“The girls played with character and that’s what we’re building our team on.”

The next match between the Meteors and Rockets started off in a similarly even fashion, a fast-paced first quarter finishing with the visitors in the lead 26-30.

The match remained in the balance throughout the second quarter, both teams scoring rapidly with the halftime score 48-49.

The home side started to pile on the points in the third quarter, with Isaac White finding his rhythm on debut and leading the team with infectious energy, finishing with 40 points for the match.

The home side went into the final quarter with an 87-76 lead, finishing the match convincing 106-90 victors over their central Queensland rivals.

“It’s always good when we get the win, against Rockhampton, particularly,” Meteors Head Coach Joel Khalu said.

“We’ve had a really good preseason, so that’s helped the personalities find a way to gel.

“If you can get guys to buy into the system and buy into each other, then it makes it a whole lot easier as a coach.

“We’re a group that have got different threats in different ways on the floor.

“Whitey (Isaac White) was outstanding tonight.

“I thought CJ (Christian) Maran was amazing.

“I thought his defence really changed the course of the game.

“Overall, defensively, while we gave up 90, I think, for the most part, we had a good day on the court.”

The Mackay teams return to the Crater tonight, Friday, March 31, to take on the Townsville Flames and Heat.

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Basketball returned to the Crater last Friday

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The Proserpine Whitsunday Rugby Union Senior Men kicked off their 2023 season last Saturday with a Grand Final rematch away from home against the Bowen Mudcrabs.

Both teams started nervously, until the 29th minute, when Raiders Jesse Reichelt took a quick penalty tap and crossed the line for the first try of the match.

Shortly after, some quick hands through the back line saw Enelaki Faataape cross for the Raiders second try.

On the stroke of half time, Connor Spence performed a great kick and chase to score a try which was converted by Jack Briskey to make the halftime score 17 nil to Raiders.

Bowen came out strong and dominated territory in the second half, and although the Raiders defence held strong, Bowen managed to cross for their one and only try from a penalty tap five metres out in the 61st minute.

Raiders came back and finished well with Enelaki Faataape crossing for his second try in the corner, followed by a fantastic conversion from Connor Spence.

Men’s best on ground votes: Peni (Ben) Tuibre three, Dylan Hoffmann two, and Waikato Nepian-Katipa one. Final score: Whitsunday Raiders 24-5 Bowen Mudcrabs

Meanwhile, The Raiders Ladies toured south to play at Mackay Lions for the first game of their season with technical wins for both games due to forfeits from Kuttabul and Slade Point.

In true sportsperson style, the two Mackay sides joined to play a mixed friendly match.

Ladies played some great rugby implementing a 7s format. Big mention to Meg Skuthorp and Keely Salter, also to Deakoda Costello for filling in numbers on other side.

The Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders are looking forward to their first home game this Saturday at the Whitsunday Sportspark - Ladies kicking off from 1.00pm against Slade Point, 3.00pm against Kuttabul Boketts, and Mens at 3.30pm against the Kuttabul Camelboks.

Contributed with thanks to Toni Ward

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Manaia Hauiti making a darting run in the Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders Union Senior Men’s win over the Bowen Mudcrabs

The Raiders celebrate Connor Spence scoring a try

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night results March 23, 2023:

Division 1:

Donic (Graham Drury, Andrew McHugh, Barry Patterson) d Tibhar (Mick Ruhl, Allan Edwards, Vince Boeske) 6-5. Andrew d Mick 8, 5, -3, -8, 4.

Joola (Emma Widdup, Neil Brown, Robbie Richards) d Victas (Geoff Denman, Anne Sheridan, Steven Whiting) 6-5. Rob d Geoff -7, 9, -2, 9, 8.

Division 2:

Radak (Lee Brake, George Camilleri, Rhymer Tabulo, Andrea Nicholson) drew Stiga (Graham Brake, Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Matthew West) 7-all. Lee d Graham 12, -8, 7, -8, 8.

Yasaka (Ian McKay, Duncan Treloar, Peter Goodson, Lily Boland) d Andro (Janice Kent, Graeme Walker, Mark Sleeman, Will VanDeKaa) 10-4. Lily d Graeme 3, -8, 12, -3, 9.

Division 3:

Gewo (Simon Hogan, Tiffany Camilleri, Craig VanDeKaa) d Butterfly (Virginia Clayton, Val Austin, Trent Day) 6-2. Simon d Trent -9, 7, -8, 9, 10. Simon d Trent -9, 7, -8, 9, 10.

Nittaku (Noreen Fredericksen, Duncan Sheridan, Steve Crocker) d Xiom (Donna Abbott, Leo Gilbert, Ollie Hamelink) 8-3. Leo d Noreen 6, -7, 8, -8, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures March 23, 2023:

Division 1:

Cockatoos (Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Peter Goodson, Don Boettcher) d Pelicans (Charlie Payne, Branko Vucurovic, John McGee, Veronica Keioskie) 8-6. Tony d Branko -10, -5, 9, 4, 11.

Magpies (George Camilleri, Delma Knight, Judy Zahn, Noreen Fredericksen) d Doves (Michael Ibbotson, Pam Joyce, Kevin Abbott, Coral Morgan) 10-4. Pam d Delma -2, 9, 7, -10, 7.

Division 2:

Owls (Kim Challender, Robyn Bushell, Helen Ware) d Ibis (Iris Grasso, Louise Gould, Fred Saliba) 8-4. Iris d Robyn -9, 13, 10, 9.

Parrots (Bryan Marshall, Judi Hicks, Marie Taylor) d Kookaburras (John Hamelink, Ken Best, Kim Daffy) 7-5. John d Judi 12, -6, -10, 9, 10.

Division 3:

Hawks (Pam Keune, Gloria Vella) d Storks (Madge Saunders, Allison Day) 7-3. Gloria d Madge -9, 4, 8, -10, 9.

Eagles (Sharon Muller, Frank Caruana, Glenda Dutton) d Pigeons (Thelma Caruana, Bill Hey, Myles Dutton) 10-2. Sharon d Bill 8, 7, -9, -8, 9.

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Mackay bowls club launched into full competition last week with rinks holding social or competition bowls. This Saturday, teams will be competing in Wilma Plane Creek Shield. Teams: C Molloy, G Luck, P Molloy, B Bridger B Williams, T Crocker, C Marks, R Dunstan K Tranberg, J Crocker, G Edmonds, N Wilson.

The Mackay Club (Ladies Section) PAH will be conducted on Friday April 14.

All ladies wishing to attend register your name on nomination form in the Clubhouse.

Members wishing to play in the 8-a-Side Champion of Champion competition: this has to run as a CH of CH Competition and played on Easter Monday April 10. The district Competition will be played on June 24 and 25. Make sure you are available for all events.

WEEKS RESULTS

Tuesday Social Play(24)

Winner of Winners

Alan Bartlett, Whare Herewini, Barry Paskins.

Winner of Losers

Peter Nelson, Col Stevens, Brian Williams Thursday Scroungers (15) Karina Dunn def Peter Carter

Friday Social Play

Leanne Jenner, Peter Carter, Whare Herewini, def Liz McIntosh, Barry Jenner, R Schatkowski.\

Club Championships were played in Triples, Singles, Pairs, for Women and Mens Competition with some very close games played.

This Friday Ladies Championships Singles will be played Saturday Afternoon. Ladies Championships Pairs with Mens B Pairs, Open Singles and Senior Singles and Sunday Mens Open Triples.

Good close games should be witnessed - spectators welcome to come and enjoy the weekend, the bowls and friendly atmosphere.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Photo credit: Mike Irving

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Men and Women kicked off their 2023 Season campaigns on Saturday with openers against Eastern Swans at Rogers Oval.

The first match of 2023 for the Sea Eagles Senior Women saw a different looking team with nine new players coming into the team - some moving up from Juniors and others new recruits.

After a relatively successful Preseason Carnival saw some wins on the board, the Sea Eagles Women showed what they are capable of this year, smashing the Eastern Swans 44–8 and opening their campaign for the cup in style.

Putting in some hard yards at preseason training is showing early rewards for the team coming together to work the ball forward and hit the scoreboard.

Sea Eagles Senior Men debuted eight players after a number of players moved in the off season.

The side’s first match up began in sluggish fashion with Eastern Swans getting the jump early putting a number of goals on the scoreboard.

Sea Eagles were able to work their way back into the game by the end of the second quarter leading to the Swans coming out again hard after half time to increase their lead.

Sea Eagles continued to gel and were able to reduce Swans lead to only 2 goals however were unable to make it over the line in the end losing 53–66.

With this weekend a bye and Easter to follow, Sea Eagles Seniors will resume their competition on April 15, with Senior Men travelling to the Hawks at Harrup Park and Senior Women heading out to Moranbah with Sea Eagles Under 17s to match the Bulldogs.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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The Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Women won their first game in a comfortable 44-8 against Eastern Swans

Image: Lucia Bates

Tuesday’s Winners were Stumpy Adams, Laurie Land, and Kevin Jewel against Gwenda Lydom, Denise Wallace, and Penny Warren at Wangaratta Bowls Club.

Tracey Stanford, Deb Retchless, Robyn Stitt, and Marg Wilson joined the winner’s circle for the Tuesday competition, defeating Bron Tolcher, Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Isobel Wheeler.

Club Competition Ladies handicapped consistency results went to Jocelyn Defranciscis, who defeated Robyn Stitt.

Ladies A Pairs: Denise Wallace and Penny Warren defeated Merle Elphinstone and Isobel Wheeler. And in the Men’s A Singles, Greg Colquhoun defeated Jason Wright.

Sunday social bowls resulted in the winners coming out on Rink 5: Merle Elphinstone, Penny Warren, and Kevin Jewell defeated Deb Retchless, Sue Shearing, and Kennedy Whitton.

Other results saw Robyn Stitt, Teresa Willshire, and Geoff Danvers defeat Irene Laird, Linda Scells, and Allan Rolfe. Roger Mumby, Isobel Wheeler, and Mark Drummond defeated Bill Myers, Lyn Danvers, and Kevin Daniels. Bron Tolcher, Laurie Land, and Greg Colquhoun defeated Lindy Suann, Graeme Read, and Pat Tracey.

On Saturday Bowen Bowling Board of Control second round of Men’s local pennant resulted in Bowen Bowls Club defeating Collinsville with three match wins eight rinks plus 90.

The final round will be played against Wangaratta in Collinsville in June.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Tuesday’s Winners were Stumpy Adams, Laurie Land, and Kevin Jewel against Gwenda Lydom, Denise Wallace, and Penny Warren at Wangaratta Bowls Club.Tracey Stanford, Deb Retchless, Robyn Stitt, and Marg Wilson joined the winner’s circle for the Tuesday competition, defeating Bron Tolcher, Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Isobel Wheeler.

Returning to BB Print Stadium for the second week in a row, the Hostplus Cup Mackay Cutters were once again unable to capitalise on a close match, finishing off a huge day of local rugby league last Saturday.

The Townsville Blackhawks were off and racing early, with fullback Jodeci Baker-Tiraha scoring in the second minute.

The Cutters were quick to hit back after second rower Luke Webley crossed to even things up in the first 10 minutes.

It was to be the only first-half try for the home side, with Mckenzie Baker scoring in the 15th and Baker-Tiraha scoring his second in the 23rd, giving the visitors a 6-18 lead at half time.  

The Blackhawks started their second half in a similar fashion, with tries in the 44th and 61st minutes to Mitchell Dunn and Robert Derby all but sealing the deal.

At 6-28, the seemingly insurmountable lead narrowed in the 67th minute as winger Jake Riley crossed for the home side’s second try.

Inspiring a late comeback, tries to Logen Dillon in the 71st minute and Hiale Roycroft in the 77th got the Cutters within striking distance but it was too little too late.  

The Blackhawks hung on to win 22-28, handing the Cutters their third loss of the season, losing by six points or less two weeks in a row.

Meanwhile, the BMD Cutters travelled to Townsville on Saturday to take on the Burleigh Bears, suffering the first loss of their inaugural season.

The Bears showed their intent early, scoring twice in the first 11 minutes before Sareka Mooka scored for the Cutters in the 25th.

Tazmin Gray scored her second try for the Bears late in the first half, with the visitors hitting the sheds with a 4-16 lead.

The Bears piled on the tries in the second half, with a Caitlyn Ah Fook hat-trick helping them to a 34-4 lead with five minutes to go.

Two late consolation tries came to the Cutters thanks to Shannon Mato and Tahlulah Tillett, resulting in the Cutters going down 14-34.

Earlier in the day at BB Print Stadium, the Hastings Deering Colts Cutters went down to the Blackhawks 18-40, the Harvey Norman U19s went down 16-20, the Mal Meninga Cup squad went down 16-50 and the Cyril Connell Cup Cutters went down 4-24.

The Cutters return to BB Print Stadium this Saturday, with all six teams taking the field in a massive day of rugby league; gates open at 9:15am.

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Last week was a winless one, with all six Cutters squads experiencing losses. Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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Proserpine Bowls Club bowlers attended the annual Northern Challenge played at Northern Beaches in Mackay last weekend.

North Queensland came out overall winners with Mackay taking second and third place, with five Proserpine players taking roles in the Mackay teams.

Proserpine players Wayne Handley and Grahame Kinnear were selected to participate in District Sides at Coolum in May after their excellent performances.

On Wednesday, there were ten players for social bowls and Sandy Daffara and Bruce Uhe defeated Pat Bownds and Philip Brown 42-11; while John Anderson, Jim Bownds, and Warren Wilson defeated Alen Sanderson, Mike Harrison, and Barry Zillmann 29-10.

On Sunday, the club welcomed visitors from Capricorn Tourers Caravan Club for a game of Social Bowls – thanks to Bruce and Barbara Uhe for the work done in preparing food.

The participants had an absolutely fabulous day and will go away from our District with their game of bowls a highlight of their week in town.

Jenny Cox, George Baxter, and Jim Quod defeated Christine Hansen, Alen Sanderson, and Heather Brown, 19–15.

Michael Hong, Bev Burton and Philip Brown defeated Donny Wandery, Colleen McDonald and Yvonne Wilson 24-11.

Sonny Cox, John Anderson and Sandy Daffara defeated Gary Benney, Kay Hong, and Warren Wilson 24-8; and Marion Maxter, Mike Harrison, and Bruce Uhe defeated Mary Benney, Mike Harrison, and Mary Hedgelong, 23-10.

Pennants Season will begin soon. Available players may sign their name on the noticeboard sheet on at the club, or speak with Barry Saroglia.

The Singles game of Mike Harrison v Kendall Watts will be played on Wednesday starting at 4.00pm.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Capricornia Caravan Touring Club with Proserpine member Jim Quod at the Bowls Club on Social Bowls Sunday

In Girls Rugby League Trophy Decider

Mackay State High School are the Mackay School Sport Girls Year 7/8 Rugby League champions for 2023.

The Milton Street school staved off a spirited challenge from St Patrick’s College in wet conditions to claim the title with a 20-6 Grand Final victory at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

Bolstered by the recruitment of ace playmaker Vitea Parter from St Patrick’s in recent weeks, the Mackay State High girls showed their class and power to bring home the trophy.

Under the coaching of talented Mackay Cutters utility Harry Thorpe, the St Patrick’s outfit finished the season on a strong note.

“The girls improved with each match and recorded some impressive victories during the competition,” revealed a proud Thorpe post-match.

“Highlight was the recent win over Mackay State High where the girls played smart football in a top team effort,” he said.

“Unfortunately, they couldn’t reproduce their best in the Grand Final but the girls tried valiantly in abysmal conditions against a very strong MSH side” Thorpe added.

The loss of Magpies rugby league star Parter, an outstanding all round sportswoman, on the eve of the finals was a savage blow to the St Patrick’s camp.

Coach Thorpe and manager Nicole Martin praised the efforts of promising hooker Jade Williams, hard working second rower Jess McLennan, fullback Jacqueline ‘Gee Gee” Walsh, centre Stella Cullen, winger Indy Jorgensen, centre and utility forward Chelsea Webb and strong running forward Brianna Renehan.

“They led the way with strong performances each week and showed that determination and a never-say-die attitude can take you a long way,” said Nicole.

“Our girls were brave against a powerful MSH team and thoroughly deserved a crack at the title” she added.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Girls Year 7/8 team Standing L-R Cleo Daly, Chloe Townsend, Chelsea Webb, Jess McLennan, Isla Linwood, Asher Grigg, Mia Pullen, Lilah Lewis, Rose Bradley; front Hannah Ness, Mia Hill, Indy Jorgensen, Brianna Renehan, Jade Williams, Layla Bungay, Zakayah Day, Stella Cullen, Jacqueline Walsh. Absent: Rihanna Andrew. Photo supplied

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