Mackay NBL1 Basketball Triumphs Over Townsville

Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes confirmed their NBL1 North championship credentials with rollicking victories over the Townsville Flames and Heat last Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

Superb performances from star guards Denesha Bobongie and Davida Dale inspired the Meteorettes to a 90-69 triumph over the reigning champions while superstar recruit Isaac White produced another top class display to mastermind an 82-64 win over the Heat in the main game.

Jamiey Doevendans’ Meteorettes overcame a slow start to sink the Flames and notch their first win of the season with top games from Bobongie, Dale, Phoebe Holmes, Madison MacDonald, Hannah Jensen and Jaye Willis.

They led 19-11 at the first break; 46-28 at half time and 73-45 at the end of the third quarter with the dynamic Dale and skilful Bobongie stamping their mark.

Young gun Bobongie, a former Australian Sapphires junior representative, turned in a mighty showing with 26 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks on 12/18 shooting with the flamboyant Dale just as impressive.

The 26 year old American guard finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and seven steals and proved instrumental in the 21-point victory.

17 year old guard Holmes contributed 14 points.

Mackay Meteors made it back-to-wins after taming a powerful and well drilled Heat side in humid conditions.

Meteors coach Joel Khalu praised his charges for their wholehearted effort and will to win – keeping the Heat at bay with bustling defence.

Leading the way was maestro guard White who followed up his opening round 40 points effort with another masterclass performance.

The off contract Tasmanian JackJumpers guard demonstrated his silky skills for Mackay by finishing with 34 points, eight steals, five rebounds and five assists to spearhead a rousing 18 point win over the Heat.

White was ably supported by Djery Jean Baptiste (12 points and eight rebounds), guard Isaiah Lee (11 points, two assists and two steals), guard Tyler Williams and shooter Kye Medhurst as the Meteors led 23-17, 52-33 and 63-55 after the three breaks.

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Photo credit: Kieron Place Art & Photography

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Round Two of the Mackay Rugby Union competition got under way at the Whitsunday Sportspark last Saturday and saw the Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders take on southern neighbours the Kuttabul Camel Boks.

Last time the two teams met was last year’s semi-final.

Whitsunday Raiders took an early lead with a penalty goal from Jack Briskey in the fourth minute and then another penalty goal by Niall Clancy in the ninth minute.

Kuttabul has always had a big physical presence up front in the forwards and Saturday was no exemption. The Raiders tight five were not going to be intimidated by this physical presence and showed this at the breakdowns as well as the scrums.

It took 23 minutes before the Raiders showed some fast feet and great ball control which saw young Niall Clancy go over for the first five-pointer.  

Just before the half time break Raiders number 8 Waikato Nepia-Katipa crossed the line for the Raiders second five-pointer.

This gave the home team a 16 point half time lead in the hot humid conditions.

During the second half the Kuttabul men showed a bit of stamina and managed to break the Raiders line for a seven-pointer but with two minutes to go the Raiders long term work horse and captain Cameron Meurant crossed for his first try for the year to give the home team a 21-7 win.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

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Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders player Sam Crane on the run

Raiders forwards marauding the ball up field

Accredited Referees

The recent Level 1 Referee Accreditation Course has boosted the number of WTA’s accredited referees.

It shows that the association’s pathway for developing Junior referees is successful.

Full credit to our young members for taking on this responsible role.

Accredited refs are now wearing the NTA endorsed shirts and certainly make an impression on the field.

There will be no Touch for the next two weeks of school holidays.

The Competition and Touch for Fun will return on April 17.

Contributed with thanks to Alita DeBrincat.

Round Seven Results

Mixed A

Trusty (14) d Concrete Feet (4)

In the Crear (10) d Vipers (5)

Mixed B

Whitmonday Eagles (10) d The Guinea Fowls (6)

Ray White Mudcrabs (8) d Full Boar (0)

Slippery Salmons (6) d GET Touch (2)

Mixed C

Fumble This (6) d Flame Tree Flames(3)

Touch It (4) drew Raiders (4)

Whitsunday Warriors (8) d On Time (3)

Mixed C (Family)

Escapees (4) d Raiders Family (3)

Mainlanders (4) drew MissFits (4)

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The newly qualified referees

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There were six matches scheduled in this week’s Airlie Beach Darts Premier League on Sunday morning.

Jamie Maher took on Jayden Lloyd, Hawkeye Ricking was against Arthur McMinn, Andy Peel against Joe Wilson, Jayden Lloyd played Seumas Rose, Arthur McMinn had another match this time against Andy Peel, and finally Jamie Woods against Gary Robbie.

Jayden Lloyd got out to a fantastic start against Jamie Maher taking a 4/1 lead before Jamie rallied to win four straight legs to take a narrow 5/4 advantage.

Jayden won the next leg to tie the game up at 5 all, before Jamie won the next two legs and the match in a close 7/5 encounter.

Arthur McMinn won his first match 7/2 over Hawkeye Rick, and then backed that up with an impressive 7/4 victory over Andy Peel. That was Andy’s second loss of the day suffering at the hands of Joe Wilson earlier by 7/1, Joe topping the league table going into the Easter break.

Jamie Woods went joint top with Joe after his fine 7/4 win over Gary Robbie, who continues to play well this season, hitting 4 x 140’s in that match against Jamie, indicating that some wins are only around the corner.

The round was closed out with yet another close encounter between Seumas Rose and Jayden Lloyd, Jayden’s second match of the day, with both the players taking a share of the spoils between them with the match finishing in a 6/6 draw.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, and Master Butchers Whitsundays.

Premier League Round 5

1. J Wilson 8 pts

2. J Woods 8 pts

3. D Friend 7 pts

4. A McMinn 7 pts

5. J Maher 5 pts

6. S Rose 4 pts

7. J Lloyd 3 pts

8. K Reason 3 pts

9. A Peel 3 pts

10. G Robbie 2 pts

11. H Rick 0 pts

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Arthur McMinn had a good day on Sunday at the Airlie Bowls Club in the Airlie Beach Darts Premier League with two victories

Tuesday afternoon at Airlie Beach Bowls Club was home to a big performance from winners Elaine Hadlow, Dawn Dowel, and John Brown, 27-13.

Wednesday Noel Crosbie and Alan Pershouse won easily with a dominant performance before Wednesday night Business House Bowls saw an amazing final between Hadlow Racing Team and the Tuk Tuks team, with Hadlow winning to put their name on the trophy.

Wednesday afternoon in Mackay saw Carol Crosbie and Lyn Graham runners up in the Northern Beaches pairs representing the club in a gallant display.

In the Ladies Masters titles at South Suburban Ladda Purdie and Joan McGrath won the coveted trophy, defeating the South Suburban champions by one shot.

Saturday and Sunday saw the Men’s two bowl triples Club Championship begin and the final between Manny Isgro’s team against Harry Quod’s team ended 25-15.

Sunday afternoon social bowls saw the team of Tony Whitehorn with Mario De Martini at lead and Mark Mawson second easily beat the rest of the field with a great team performance.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club representatives Joan McGrath and Ladda Purdie at South Suburban after an amazing victory in the Ladies Master Pairs

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Summer's heat and humidity has made games this last week at Proserpine Bowls Club an exercise in maintaining grip and focus.

On Wednesday the Club had 11 players for games of social bowls: Alen Sanderson, Heather Brown, and Mike Harrison defeated John Anderson, Heather Brown and Sandy Daffara 32-18;  Jim Bownds, Betty Whitehorn, and Philip Brown defeated Pat Bownds, Mary Hedgelong and Bruce Uhe 27-15.

Saturday was all about competition games as the club races to try to get as much competition played before Easter and the imminent start of the Pennants Season.

Saturday morning in the Club Championship Singles Michael Kinnear defeated Philip Brown 28-10; Shane Kinnear defeated Todd Leys 25-6.  In the "B" Singles Kendall Watts defeated Mike Harrison 25-9.  

Saturday afternoon a game of Club Championship Fours was played.

This was always going to be a battle royale when you look at the names on both sides of the scorecard.

Shane Kinnear, Todd Leys, Scott Hamilton, and Gavin Milne took the honours this time winning 23-14 against Warren Wilson, Martin Corr, Jonathan Bye, and Wayne Handley.

Sunday afternoon, eight players played Pairs as a 2-4-2 format, and on Rink 12, Mike Harrison and Warren Wilson defeated Mary Hedgelong and Heather Brown 13-12 with thirteen ends played.  

On Rink 13, John Anderson and Philip Brown defeated Bruce Uhe and Barry Zillmann 17 - 8.

Social Bowls will be available on Sunday afternoon over Easter, weather permitting. Names in by 1pm ready for a 1.30pm start.

The Club attests that all draws have been put up on the windows of the bar to allow those wishing to organise to play their games at mutually agreed times, to know who their next opponent is.  

Those changing times please speak with Barry Saroglia, The Club’s Games Director.

Selectors will be working at the Club in coming days for possible Pennants teams combinations with the first two rounds being Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16.

Division 1 plays Airlie Beach on Saturday at the Beach and Souths Suburban at Proserpine on Sunday.

Division 5 play Airlie Beach at Proserpine on Saturday and St Helens at St Helens on Sunday.  

The Club extends congratulations to Wayne Handley and Grahame Kinnear who have been selected in the District Sides team to represent Mackay District at this year's District Sides in Coolum in May.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford event sponsored by the Club with first up winner in the Ladies Margaret Need with 37 points.

Runner up was Grace Nott with 35 points, while the Men’s winner was Ben Jacobson, 41, and runner up Gordon Brackley, 39.

Saturday’s competition was the Ladies Monthly Medal with winner Robyn Slade, 70 nett, and runner up on a countback Kim Bennion 71 nett.  

Pin Shots to Penny Stewart, Carol O'Connell, Janice Bates, and Robyn Slade - who also claimed a hole in one on #9.

Sunday's competition was the Men's Monthly Medal, with Winner Hayden Menzies, 62 nett, runner up Dylan Nott, 66 nett.

This weekend, Bowen Golf Club’s competitions is sponsored by XXXX and Saturday’s stableford event will be members only.

Easter Sunday the Club will host a two-person ambrose open to all for a 12:30pm shotgun start. Grab a partner and book on 1golf or call the club on 47851206.  

Joker draw is on Thursday this week.  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 $2300.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Bowen Golf Club’s April monthly medal winner Robyn Slade

Ms Slade after her Hole in one

Over 40 players teed up for the Thursday competition at Proserpine Golf Club with the sandy greens working well for Nathan Sothmann, who won division 1 with 40 points.

This equates to a three under par round for Nathan, who was followed by Brad Fleet only one point behind on 39 points in Division 1, and Adam Maggs a further point behind on 38.

Barry Mortimer was in fine form to win Division Two with 40 points, and Laurie Dakin making a comeback with 39 points, and Paul Joice in third place with 38.

NTP winners: Adam Maggs, Michael Ward, and John Grosskreutz x 2.

24 players competed for the new Friday 9 Hole Met Run competition, Sam Deicke was the winner with 18 points, Nathan Sothmann second on 17 points on a count back from Roger Vandenberg on 17 points also.

NTP's were won by Nathan Sothmann and Adam Maggs.

The RGH Monthly Medal saw 96 players tee up. Toni Clauss continuing her winning streak winning on a count back from Lyn Muller, both on 74 nett. Mandy Patterson in third place with 75 points. Lyn Muller won both the NTP's.

Scott Dwyer's form was too good for the field in the men's competition, shooting a very nice 67 nett to win overall and the C Grade Division. Ash Morley Hart, also on 67 nett was runner up in C Grade with Mark McDougal securing third place on 69 nett on a count back from Jim Sherrington.

Michael Ward was the winner of A Grade with 68 nett, closely followed by Conrad Werner and Jason Bourke on 69 and 70 nett respectively.

Brian Allen's lesson paid off! He won the B Grade competition on 68 nett ahead of Allen Roberts and John Bissell, 69 and 71 nett.

NTP Winners: Cooper Cremor, Brendan Spann, Patrick Conen, Barry Mortimer.

Sunday's competition saw Gerald Lovell shoot a handicap altering 64 nett to win the Sunday Monthly Medal, ahead of Ben Smith and Brad Fleet both on 67 nett. Tiina Randmae on 69 nett was too good for the ladies outscoring Paula McQuat in 2nd place on 71 nett and Peta Thomas with 71 nett in third place.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop Team

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Whitsunday Social Golf’s April Monthly Medal was held last Sunday and the winners' vouchers went to Men’s A Grade winner Jason Bourke with a nett 69 on a countback from Darren Reynolds, Best Gross, and Chris Bartlett.

Men’s B Grade winner was Gerald Lovell on nett 64 with runner-up Scott Vlismas, 69, and Best Gross to Ron Jamieson.

Ladies’ A Grade winner was Tiina Randmae on nett 69 from Pauline Redpath on 72, and Best Gross  to Anna Winterbourn.

B Grade Ladies’ winner was Karen Rix on nett 75 with runner-up  Elise Hodgson on 78 Best Gross went to Linda Wardroper.

Nearest the pin prizes were awarded to Geroge Meharry, Don Cameron, Gerald Lovell, Pauline Redpath, and Joanne Moynihan.

Longest Drives went Darren Reynolds, Brendon Meharry, Anna Winterbourn, and Karen Rix.

The Club extended thanks to sponsors Airlie Panel & Paint, Master Butchers Whitsunday, and The Reef Gateway Hotel.

Next competition will be Sunday, April 16 for the Mark Nicol two-ball Ambrose.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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Karen Rix, Darren Reynolds, Tiina Randmae, and Ron Jamieson at Whitsunday Social Golf’s April Monthly Medal

Last week’s 9-hole stableford at Whitsunday Green Golf Club was won by Ben Doer on a 21 point countback.

Second place went to Mitchell Ireland on 21 points, and third place went to Tyson Flavel on 20 points.

The Club’s Friday 9-hole stableford competition was a close one with first place going to young Corey Belke on a 19 countback, second place on 19 points to Andrew Gomez, and third place going to Cameron Mutch, 17 points.

Sundays 18-hole stableford was a very warm turnout, taking the win with 40 points was Bob Nikolich, second place on 39 points countback was James Millar, and third place Mark Belke with a nice 39 points.

Good Friday the Club will be holding a four-ball-better-ball tee off at 10am and as per normal 9-hole stableford prawn run tee off anytime.

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

The team at Whitsunday Green extended its well wishes to all this Easter.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club

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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