Whilst the senior Men’s Premier sides struggled for numbers and results against Lions on the weekend, the Premier Women continued the winning form with a dominant performance against Mackay Rangers at Rangers Park.

The solid 4-1 win was punctuated by a stunning long-range goal by Willow Gaffney striking the ball well outside the box and finding the top corner.

Dani Kinnear set up another great goal with a perfectly placed corner. The win makes it two from two for the Premier Women.

The Reserve Women went down 3-1 to Rangers; a great effort for the many players having their first season in the sport.

Both Premier Men’s sides were short of players, but not effort, and took on strong Lions outfits and despite minimal substitutes, made the home team work for their spoils.

The Reserves were unable to hold onto an early lead, eventually losing 4-2, whilst the Premier Men conceded two early goals and were unable to reply in a 2-0 loss.

On Friday night the Division One and Two lads travelled to the Wanderers fields and continued their good form. Div Two looked likely to take their first win but ended with a 1-1 draw.

Similarly, the Div One boys had a constant tussle and narrowly lost in the dying minutes, 3-2.

Under 13 Premiers faced a tough and aggressive Magpies outfit and despite a great effort went down 2-0.

A similar result for the U15 Division One side who couldn’t buy a goal despite many shots and near misses – both young sides have made a good start to the season and shown lots of promise.

The Under 15s continued their winning ways beating Magpies 5-0 and looking strong contenders for finals already.

Coach Peter Farrell was happy with how the club was tracking across all age groups: “Lots to work and build on but great attitude and effort throughout the club.

“This will be a great year again for Whitsunday United.”

This weekend the Men play at Whitsunday Sports Park, with League One Men against Rangers on Friday night from 7pm and the Premier Squads against Wanderers on Saturday night from 5pm.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

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Whitsunday United’s Under 15 Premiers satisfied after another strong performance, wining 5-0 against Mackay Magpies

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Wangaratta Bowls Club’s jackpot went off in the game between the teams of Roger Mumby, Kevin Jewell, and Greg Colquhoun, and Deb Retchless, Robyn Stitt, and Linda Smith on Tuesday.

Roger’s team were the winners, and in the other game, Tracy Stanford, Sue Shearing, and Marg Wilson defeated Stumpy Adams, Merle Elphinstone, and Lyn Danvers.

On Saturday afternoon, Bowen St Mary’s Catholic School students, together with teachers and parents, came to the club for a fun afternoon on the green.

“It was great to see the young people out having fun learning to bowl and members enjoyed teaching them the ropes,” Club member Penny Warren said.

Club Competition Ladies’ handicapped consistency results: Jocelyn Defranciscis defeated Deb Retchless; and Robyn Stitt defeated Penny Warren.

Men’s A Singles: Allan Rolfe defeated Mark Drummond. This Sunday morning ladies’ pairs will be playing.

Sunday social bowls resulted in the winners coming out on Rink Two, they were Bron Tolcher, Denise Wallace, and Fely Duncan who defeated Jocelyn Defranciscis, Laurie Land, and Mark Defranciscis.

Other games: Merle Elphinstone, Penny Warren, and Greg Colquhoun defeated Gwenda Lydom, Deb Retchless, and Kevin Daniels.

Bill Myers, Sue Shearing, and Allan Rolfe defeated Lindy Suann, Kevin Jewell, and Kennedy Whitton, while Robyn Stitt and Mark Drummond defeated Linda Scells and Pat Tracey.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Proserpine Bowls Club launched into its full competition calendar last week with every rink hosting either a social or competitive match-up.

On Wednesday, the club hosted social bowls with two games of triples played with very close outcomes.  

Alen Sanderson, Bruce Uhe, and Sandy Daffara defeated Jim Bownds, John Anderson, and Warren Wilson, 18-16. Pat Bownds played double lead in the game between the team of Pat, Mike Harrison, and Heather Brown, and Pat, Barry Zillmann, and Peter Lawton, which ended 16-13.

On Sunday, John Anderson and Peter Lawton had the narrowest of wins defeating Mary Hedgelong and Warren Wilson, 22-21, in a game of 2/4/2 Pairs.

In the other game of Triples Mike Harrison played double second: Alen Sanderson, Mike, and Heather Brown defeated Bruce Uhe, Mike, and Sandy Daffara, 24-16.

Saturday morning there were games of Club Championship Singles played: Warren Wilson defeated Ross Reville in the first of the day, 25-21; and Scott Hamilton defeated Barry Saroglia 25- 19 in the second.

And in the last two, Luchie Gardel defeated Toby Craig 25-21; and Gavin Milne defeated Jim Quod 25-19.  

Club Championship Pairs were played in the afternoon between Toby and Marcus Craig against Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley, ending 17-14. Barry Saroglia and Gavin Milne defeated Bryan Davy and Luchie Gardel, 19-16, and Todd Leys and Ross Reville defeated Jim Quod and Dale Haack, 31-10

There will be Club Championship games of Singles, B Singles and Pairs played this Saturday, 9.00am.

An expression of Interest sheet is on the club board - Pennants competition begins April 15.

On Sunday, March 26, the Club will host visiting bowlers playing social bowls and staying for a BBQ after the game. The combination will be provided at just $20 per person.

The club extends its wishes of luck to Wayne Handley, Michael Kinnear, Shane Kinnear, Grahame Kinnear, and Barry Saroglia, who are all playing in the Northern Challenge at North Mackay Bowls Club this coming weekend.  

A special mention to Proserpine Bowl’s Club member Scott Kinnear, for his efforts, with the assistance of his brother Shane as his Director, at the International Blind Bowlers Carnival held at Tweed Heads.

Scott played in the B4 Section and came home with Gold Medals in both the Singles and the Mixed Pairs.

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H. Wilkinson, Maureen Barnard, and Alan Pershouse had a great social win to start the week off at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club on Tuesday before the afternoon sessions of semi-finals.

The semi-finals of the Ladies’ singles was decided and will be played between Ladda Purdie, Betty Nicole, Carol Crosbie, and last year’s champion Henny Tattam.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls was host to a brilliant display of bowls by Bobby Spees, Rick Galea, and Stacey Hadlow.

Wednesday night Business House Bowls saw wins to Splash of Colour, Tuk Tuks, and Hadlow Racing Team in some dominant displays.

Friday afternoon and Saturday and Sunday was the Men’s Fours Competition, which hosted amazing performances from all contestants.

Peter Barratt’s team of Alan Pershouse at lead, Terry Clarke second, and John Fielding third ran away winners from a gallant performance by Rick Brunnell, Andy McDougall, Ted Cullen, and Noel Crosbie, 23-13.

Saturday morning, Shane Spann’s team of John Matterson, Ash Warland, and Ray Edwards beat a gutsy Steve Lawrie, John Brown, Keith Bates, and Tony Kelly, 25-12. Whilst Bobby Spees team of Rick Galea ,Col Morris, and Stacey Hadlow overcame Warren Mills team of Andrew Butler, Nik Fernbach, and Dennis Ling, 27-18.

Saturday afternoon, Club champion Manny Isgro, Bob McMahon, Russell Jackson, and Bob Fenney lost to Rod Howard’s side of Mark Mawson, John Askew, and John Trembath, 27-19.

Sunday morning semi-finals had Peter Barratt’s team coming back from 10 points down to beat Shane Spann’s team and go into the final; whilst Rod Howard’s team played brilliantly to defeat Bobby Spees team, 29-11.

The final saw Peter Barratt’s team running away with the game, and with three ends to go and 13 points in front, they looked the winner.

But the never say die attitude of Rod Howard’s boys saw John Trembath, Mark Mawson, and John Askew score five on the last end to win 25-24.

In the schools preliminary final Demika Quip, Xander Brett, and Alistair Adams defeated newcomer Thor Freeman, and Mayson McDowall.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club Men’s Fours Champions Mark Mawson ,Rod Howard, John Trembath, and John Askew

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The new-look Proserpine Whitsunday Rugby Union (PWRU) Raiders team travelled to Leprechaun Park, Mackay, to face off against multiple teams at the Mackay Brothers home turf in a round-robin preseason carnival.

In 25-minute halves, the Raiders adapted to full-contact footy once more in games against Brothers, Kuttabul Camelboks, Cities, and Moranbah in a great day for all teams to mix and match their combinations ahead of Round One on March 25.

The PWRU Raiders first game against Brothers was, to be expected, a physical affair. The arm wrestle between the sides in the first 15 was hard-fought before Raiders found their rhythm, running out eventual winners 42-7.

Free-flowing footy was the order of the day, with the ball thrown around by the backs, as well as some big runs by the forwards.

The second game saw Raiders take on Moranbah Bulls in a high-spirited showing with some hard hits and strong runs from both, with Raiders eventually prevailing 27-5.

The tournament was an excellent showing for Raiders on the scoreboard, as well as an opportunity for the side to prepare for its first match against last year’s Premiers, the Bowen Mudcrabs.

A grand-final repeat at the Muddy’s home ground will be a trial by fire for Raiders, with kick off set for 3.30pm.

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Mackay Athletics Club runners have performed with distinction at major carnivals staged in Brisbane and the Whitsundays over the past fortnight.

Talented siblings Oliver and Toby Rule upstaged their decorated father Justin Rule after capturing gold medals at the Athletics North Queensland Cross Country Championships at Airlie Beach last Sunday.

18-year-old Oliver won the 8km race for Under 20s while kid brother Toby, 16, clinched a thrilling 6km event for Under 17s by 0.03 sec to claim a family milestone.

Their accomplished father Justin, the 2022 Athletics North Queensland Masters Athlete of the Year, picked up a silver medal in the Masters 8km race – just seven days after collecting 3000m Steeplechase gold and 8km bronze at the Australian Masters Athletics Championships in Sydney.

Liam Mumford celebrated a gold medal triumph in the Open 10km event while Abigail Sweeney grabbed a silver medal in the 4km Under 17s race.

Strong performances were also turned in by Aleshia Ware in the Open Race and Alliah Fallon and Isabella Read in the Under 13/14s division.

At the recent Queensland State Track & Field Athletics Championships held at the Sport and Athletics Centre in Brisbane, sprint queen Mikayla Webb brought home a silver medal for the 100m and bronze in the 200m in the Under 17s category.

Another dual medal recipient was Hayley Colless, who grabbed two bronze medals in the 90m hurdles and 200m hurdles for Under 15s competitors.

Other notable performances were turned in by Toby Rule, who finished sixth in the Under 17s 1500m with a personal best time of 4 min 10 sec and sixth in the Steeplechase, shaving 29 seconds off his PB.

Isabella Webb finished fifth in her Under 15s 100m heat and 13th overall preliminary; Damon Brown came fifth in his Open 100m heat and 20th overall while Trae O’Brien finished seventh in the Under 14s Long Jump and fifth in his 100m heat and 10th overall.

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Gold rush for promising siblings Oliver Rule and Toby Rule

Oliver Rule, 18, claims gold in the Under 20s 8km event

Liam Mumford strides to victory and a well-earned gold in the Open 10km race

Abigail Sweeney grabs a silver medal in the 4km Under 17s race

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The Mackay Cutters welcomed fans to BB Print Stadium for the first time in the 2023 season with five squads taking to the field throughout the day.

The BMD Premiership Cutters played their first home game ever against Tweed Seagulls, continuing their impressive form to start their debut season in the competition.

It looked good for the Cutters from the first whistle, with the home side going 100m off the kick off for Keegan Irelandes to score in the corner in the first minute.

Tweed hit back with a crafty dummy half try in the 9th minute, shortly followed by a Cutters double from Sareka Mooka and Katie Green.

Some nimble footwork from the visitors on the stroke of half time saw the teams hit the sheds at 12-12.

Tweed were the first to score in the second half in the 43rd, but it was all the home side from there with Vanique Malayta, Emily Bella and Sareka Mooka all scoring second half tries to finish 26-16 victors.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Hostplus Cup Cutters looked to bounce back from a heavy round one defeat, taking on the Northern Pride.

The visitors leapt out of the gates, with two tries in the first ten minutes seeing them to an early 10-0 lead.

A meticulously executed cut out ball to Josh Smith saw the centra open the Cutters’ account in the 21st minute, with the home side going into half time 10-6 down.

Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano scored for the home side in the 63rd minute, taking full advantage of a sin binning after Pride winger Rhy Young was given ten for a professional foul.

With the Cutters in the lead for the first time in the match, Pride prop Jaymon Moore dashed the home fans’ hopes with a barnstorming try in the 72nd minute, his second for the match.

Three goal line dropouts from the Pride in the last few minutes gave the Cutters a sniff in a tense finale, however the visitors were able to hang on for a 16-12 win, handing the Cutters their second loss of the season.

Showing positive signs for the future of Mackay rugby league, all three junior squads took to BB Print Stadium for the first time this year, resulting in two wins and a draw.

The Cyrill Connell Challenge Cutters took to the field first, downing Northern Pride in a convincing fashion with a 34-4 victory.

The difference couldn’t be split between the Mal Meninga Cup Cutters and Pride, with five tries and three conversions each resulting in a 26-all draw.

The Harvey Norman U19s followed with a huge 38-0 victory over their Northern Pride counterparts.

The Cutters will return to BB Print Stadium this Saturday with the Cyril Connell Challenge, Mal Meninga Cup, Harvey Norman U19s and Hostplus Cup squads taking on the Townsville Blackhawks and the Hastings Deering Colts getting their season preparations underway with a trial match.

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Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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Last weekend saw the men’s grade cricket finals bring the 2022/23 season to a close, headlined by Magpies going two from two at the freshly opened Great Barrier Reef Arena.

The first grade Magpies celebrated their Poole Cup premiership, toppling favourites Walkerston after winning the Twenty20 Shootout final earlier in the year.

After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Magpies registered 8-196 off their 40 overs with impressive contributions from Andrew Borg (50), Mathew Borg (27), Jaxn Sign (24), Ben Zurvas (23) and Isaac Borg (18 not out).

Adam Knezevic and Liam Newbery took two scalps each for Walkerston with Neil Gustavson and Chris McEldowney taking one each.

In reply, Walkerston were bundled out for 126 in the 36th over with Isaac Borg the chief destroyer finishing with four wickets, supported by Liam Zurvas, Andrew Borg and Adam Zurvas taking one wicket each.

There were solid batting performances from Tom Vandenberg (22), Sam Vassallo (20), Luke Jackson (20), Chris McEldowney (17) and Riley Jackson (16 not out) but to no avail as the perennial champions succumbed under lights.

Off spinner Isaac Borg was crowned player of the match after bagging the superb figures of 4/14 off eight overs and hitting 18 not out in an unbroken stand of 19 with Liam Zurvas (8 not out).

Meanwhile, the second grade DBCT Cup final between Brothers and Norths proved to be a quick-finishing affair.

Brothers won the toss and elected to bat, with opener Ian Kelly starring (58) alongside second drop Lucas Tomerini (40).

No other batsman scored above five runs, seeing Brothers bowled out for 115 off 28 overs.

Norths’ Josh Jones shone with the ball, taking five wickets alongside Aaron Durelli with three and Lachlan Brett with two.

Norths made quick work of the run chase, achieving the total in 15.2 overs with the loss of three wickets.

Russel Counsell led the way with 68 with help from Jack Lyons (11) and Shawn Day (10 not out).

Jack Muller and Harrison Kelly took a wicket each for Brothers in the unsuccessful defence of their total.

On Sunday, Souths Sharks and Pinnacle took to Great Barrier Reef Arena vying for the third grade One Day Shield.

Souths batted first after winning the toss, getting bowled out in the 33rd over for 108 runs thanks to Ashish Rana (20), Varinderpal Singh (17) and Chirag Mitra (15).

Wickets were shared across Matthew Boyd and Damien Russell with three each, Adam Hughes with two and Justin Teys and Albert Jeffs with one each.

Damien Russell led the chase for Pinnacle with 32 alongside John Gauci (19) and Brodie Lyon (12), chasing down the total with three balls and one wicket to spare in a nail-biting finish.

Muhammad Wahab led Souths’ defence with three wickets with assistance from Arun Chandrasekar, Sarajpal Singh, Iqbal Singh and Chirag Mitra with one each.

Saturday’s Fourth grade final between Pinnacle and Eastern Swans at Pinnacle resulted in a resounding win by the visitors.

Winning the toss, Swans elected to bat and finished their allocated 35 overs on 9/154 thanks to contributions from Kerrod Morris (43), Terry Bailey (29) and Brodie McCormac-Black (25 not out).

Kulwinder Singh led with the ball for Pinnacle, taking four wickets with Gupreet Sarao taking two and Akhil Devarpalli and Ashley Fry taking one each.

Pinnacle were unable to build any momentum in the run chase, losing their ten wickets in 25.3 overs for 62 runs, with Kulwinder Singh’s 14 the only double digits contribution.

Four wickets each to David Manning and Brodie McCormac-Black ensured the Swans victory, with Rocklyn Miller and Terry Bailey also taking on each.

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Mackay Bowls Club had a full week of Bowls with teams competing in the Marian Mill Shield at Gargett on Saturday.

They were beaten in their first game by Northern Beaches who eventually won the Shield.

On Saturday afternoon at club, a Mens Open Fours game was played with M Irving , R Fry, M Coll, S Cassidy def J Smith, L Dorgin, R Casey, T Casey on the last end 16/15 - a good close game was played.

Ladies Championships Pairs: C Savage, K Durns def J Nielsen, W Pomeroy

Ladies CH of CH singles: C Savage def l Jenner.

The Mackay Club Ladies Section PAH will be played on Friday April 14.

Players must register their names on the nominations form at the Clubhouse.

RESULTS:

Tuesday Social Bowls (24) Players:

Winners of Winners

Barry Jenner, Whare Herawini, Barry Paskins

Winners of Losers

Julie Caban, Marie Mayfield, Dot McMamara.

Thursday Scroungers (12):

Brian Williams def Jim Wallace.

Friday Social Play:

K Robinson, R Schatkowski, def   B Jenner, J Caban

J Nielsen, D Mezzen, def L McIntosh, V Edwards

Players are reminded that Pennants Competition begin on April 15-16 for rounds 1 and 2.

If you are unavailable or don't want to play Pennants put your name on the Sheet in the Clubhouse.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Photo credit: Mike Irving

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Social ladies’ bowls played on Wednesday March 15.

Results: Winners Neddy Thomsen, Wendy McGee and Dot Wise.

Runners up Sue Roscoe, Pam Louis and Daphne Offield.

There was no Ladies Social bowls this week as the Club hosted the District Master Pairs on both Wednesday March 22 and Thursday March 23.

Congratulations to all those who played in that great competition.

Coming up on the club calendar is the Goosepond 3 Bowl Triples competition, to be held on the April 26 2023, and players from our district clubs and as far as Townsville will be playing on the day.

Promising to be an amazing event for the club.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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Basketball is a way of life for Mackay’s respected coaching guru Jamiey Doevendans.

Whether it is planning the Mackay Meteorettes’ charge towards the NBL1 North women’s title or simply devoting his spare time to assisting the St Patrick’s College Boys and Girls basketball programs, you will find this revered hoops mentor approaching his work with a genuine passion.

The dedicated Douvendans takes over the reins as Head Coach of the Meteorettes this season in the NBL1 – an opportunity and challenge that he relishes.

But the experienced campaigner gets as much enjoyment with teaching youngsters the finer points of basketball and celebrates a milestone this season when he chalks up a decade of yeoman service with aspiring hoopers at St Patrick’s College.

“It is a significant milestone and one that I am definitely proud of,” revealed Jamiey.

“I thoroughly enjoy working with the school’s basketball program and preparing the players for the annual Champion Schools tournament on the Gold Coast.

“There is so much untapped potential in both the boys and girls ranks and hopefully I can play a role in the students’ basketball development.”

You can find the decorated coach putting the students through their paces on a regular basis at the College courts – honing their skills in preparation for the big tournaments ahead.

Douvendans has achieved plenty of success previously in the Mackay Basketball NBL1 program.

He was an assistant coach with the Mackay Meteors men’s team for three years, figuring in two QBL championship-winning campaigns before switching over to the Meteorettes program as an assistant coach for seven seasons.

During this period, he helped guide the women to another QBL title and two more Grand Final appearances.

Testimony of the College’s depth of basketball talent is the selection of eleven students in various Queensland and Capricornia representative squads.

13-year-old young guns Cooper Currie, Treyce Ciantar and Usai Bickey were named in the Emerging Queensland Under 15s team that competed at a National interstate tournament in Melbourne earlier this year as part of the Future Development Program.

When Toowoomba hosts the Queensland School Sport State 13-16yrs Basketball Championships from May 11-14, there’ll be a host of St Patrick’s players featured in the Capricornia line ups.

These include Mackay Meteorettes shooter Charli Bliss, who will compete in the 17-18yrs Girls division; Cooper Garnham and Julius Jurd (13-16yrs Boys division) and Tahlia Jensen, Eden Catip, Lily Mapp, Mackensie Brown and Hannah Jensen (13-16yrs Girls division).

By Chris Karas

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Jamiey Douvendans discusses the finer points of basketball with St Patrick’s College senior players Ben Devitt, Max Cain, Amarco Doyle and Baxter Norsworthy

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When Magpies stalwart Brad Zurvas and his three sons Ben, Adam and Liam padded up for the club in a late season fixture in the Mackay Cricket Association first grade competition last summer, they each experienced a slice of history.

It is believed to be the first time that a father and three sons have played a top grade match together since the Magpies were formed back in 1961.

This unique feat was achieved against the Souths Sharks at Jack Lancaster Oval in a game that featured several milestones.

As well as being Brad’s retirement match, talented keeper-batsman Ben posted his maiden top grade century – an unbeaten 110 off 147 balls that included two sixes and nine boundaries in an emphatic victory over the Sharks.

The name Zurvas has been synonymous with Magpies Cricket Club for nearly four decades.

Last Saturday Ben skippered the Magpies to another milestone achievement when he lifted the Poole Cup first grade premiership trophy after defeating favourites Walkerston in the Grand Final at Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Ben was joined by siblings Adam and Liam as the Magpies (8-196) skittled Walkerston (126) to bring home the club’s first top grade trophy double after earlier winning the Twenty20 Shootout title.

Raised in Sarina, Brad played his early cricket with the local Crocodiles club alongside his rugby league mates before grabbing an opportunity to play in the Mackay Cricket Association.

He joined the Farleigh Magpies as a promising 15-year-old keeper-batsman back in 1986 and has been a permanent fixture ever since.

It is a real family affair with Brad the current Magpies Cricket Club President and a proud Life Member along with his tireless wife Julie, who serves as the Seniors Co-ordinator.

Entrenched in the Magpies top grade XI are gifted sons Adam, Ben and teenager Liam who has just returned with the Capricornia schoolboys representative side from the Queensland Secondary School Cricket Championships in Maroochydore.

“Watching the boys develop their cricket throughout the grades has been a proud moment for both Julie and I,” revealed Brad.

“I had a break from the game in my early 20s and made a comeback when Adam first expressed an interest in playing the sport,” he reflected.

Adam, 22, has blossomed into a stylish top order batsman and handy seam bowler while 20-year-old skipper Ben shows natural leadership skills and is one of the competition’s best young keeper batsmen.

Coming up through the Mercy College and Holy Spirit College cricket ranks, Ben was identified as an exceptional talent.

He was named in the Queensland Open Schoolboys team and also represented Queensland Country at both Under 19 and Under 21s level – a testimony of his ability with the gloves and bat.

All eyes are on whiz kid Liam, a Year 12 student at St Patrick’s College, who at the age of 16 is one of the youngest competitors in the Mackay first grade DBCT Poole Cup premiership series.

By Chris Karas

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Catherine McAuley College held their Swimming Carnival on Friday 10 March at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex, with excellent weather, and enthusiastic students combining to make the day a great success.

House spirit was alive with a sea of colour, war cries, and many with no voice by the end of a day filled with noise, laughter, fun and constructive rivalry.

Students and staff from the College all entered the spirit of the day, with more than 70 competitive races along with the additional whole of house swims adding points to the final tally for the day. The atmosphere of this carnival was enhanced by the additional student cohort now including years 7 and 8 as the Catholic College moves into its second year of quality faith-based education and learning.

College Staff also participated in the event, winning the silver medal in the Students versus Staff race. Staff were also freed up to provide supervision and other roles and join in the energy of the day via the use of electronic timing to one hundredth of a second. No challenging those results!

Catherine McAuley College would like to sincerely thank the staff at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex for their outstanding assistance which also contributed to the success of the day.

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One of Mackay’s largest and longest-running basketball clubs has teamed up with Wests Tigers to ensure the future of the sport in the Pioneer Valley.

Formed in 1981, Renegades Basketball Club is considered one of the big three basketball clubs in the region with 43 men’s and women’s teams from under 8s up to division 1.

The club, however, has never had a base to operate out of, host meetings or run training sessions.

“We’ve been around since 1981 … surviving on backyard patios and meetings at local clubs,” said Renegades President Guy Simpson.

“We’ve never had a home base.”

With the number of basketball teams in Mackay growing by 21% over the last 12 months, facilities are becoming harder to acquire for training purposes.

“The reality is every club in Mackay is struggling to get a venue to bounce a ball on of an afternoon for the kids,” Mr Simpson said.

Meetings with Wests began in early 2022 with the hopes of establishing Renegades as the basketball club of choice for the Pioneer Valley.

“Being a country boy myself, I grew up in Calen, I know what it’s like not to have representation and I reckon the Pioneer Valley’s a great fit for us,” Mr Simpson said.

“Hopefully we can have from under 8s, starting at that level and filtering through, we get enough of that age group that they can even train out here in the valley and save them commuting all the way into town every week.”

The Pioneer Valley has been without a basketball club since Midgets Basketball Club, junior club of Australian basketball coach Sandy Brondello, folded about 15 years ago.

Integral to the Renegades’ plans are the expansion plans of Wests Tigers.

Following the purchase of a neighbouring 25ha cane farm, Wests Tigers are in the process of creating a master expansion plan to enhance the sporting facilities available to the people of the Pioneer Valley.

“It is our club’s vision to provide a sporting complex for as many sports as we can,” said Wests Chairman Brett Leach.

“When I played sport as a young bloke, we all trained at pretty ordinary facilities, and we all travelled.

“When kids look to play sport, they want to see where they’re training and where they’re playing and the more professional that club can be, not only as a club but also the facilities, the more it’ll attract people to the sport.”

The Renegades have been involved in the planning process of Wests’ expansion, which looks to include four outdoor, undercover basketball courts and one indoor court.

“It’s going to be up to us to provide the infrastructure that’s needed for them to be able to play their sport,” said Mr Leach.

“This club can’t afford to do what we’d like to do for our community without the help from local, state and federal governments,” added Wests Director Mick Baker.

“This is about planning for the future of basketball in our region out here in the valley.

“It’s about making sure we get this relationship right now so that in the future it’s a strong bond.”

Wests Tigers are holding a community consultation day on June 17 where anyone involved in Pioneer Valley sport can view the plans and make comments and recommendations.

“At the moment it’s purely a dream, nothing’s locked in,” said Mr Baker.

Renegades Basketball Club are holding a sign-on day at Mirani State School next Wednesday, March 29 from 5:00pm ahead of the President’s Cup Season starting in term 2.

For more information, email renegadesmackay@hotmail.com.

As Mackay Basketball finals get underway, 25 of the Renegades’ 43 teams will participate in the finals of the Championship season this weekend at the Mackay Basketball Association.

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L-R Rob Cunningham (Renegades Vice President), Guy Simpson (Renegades President), Helen Bartolo (Renegades Life Member), Ian Nicholas (Original Committee Member) Alan Edwards (Life Member and original committee member), Kingsley Theiber (Wests General Manger), Mick Baker (Wests Director) and Brett Leach (Wests Chairman). Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

25 Renegades teams will play finals this weekend. Photos credit: Deanne Woods Photography

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Mackay endurance king Justin Rule has continued his medal-winning achievements on the Masters Athletics circuit.

The 48-year-old iron man was one of three Mackay Athletics Club competitors to stamp their mark at the recent Australian Masters Athletics Championships in Sydney – bringing home gold in the 3000m Steeplechase and a bronze medal in the 8km Cross Country in the Mens 45-49yrs category.

Clubmates Maddy Simmons and Mel Esau also impressed in the Women’s 40-44yrs division by collecting a swag of medals in field and track events.

German-born Simmons, 41, clinched a silver medal in the 80m hurdles and bronze in both the triple jump and pole vault to add to her 80m hurdles gold and pole vault silver at the 2022 National Masters in Townsville.

40-year-old Esau – who only took up athletics earlier this year – grabbed silver medals for Queensland in the 4 x 100m (180+) and 4 x 400m (120+) Relay finals.

She also reached the finals of the 60m, 100m, 200m and long jump events and recorded a personal best time in the 400m for her age group.

But it was the super fit Rule – named Athletics North Queensland Masters Athlete of the Year in 2022 – who enhanced his reputation with standout performances in recent weeks.

At the World Masters Cross Country Championships last month in Bathurst, the lanky Mackay runner finished a creditable 13th in a strong international field in the 6km short course event.

A highlight for Justin was navigating the course alongside legendary Australian long distance running champion Steve Moneghetti, who claimed the 60-69yrs world title.

Rule also teamed up with Joanna Bailey (Northern Territory) to finish 11th in the Mixed Relay.

Since entering major Masters events in 2020, a rejuvenated Justin has collected a swag of medals including two gold (steeplechase and 5000m) and three silver (400m hurdles, 800m and 1500m) at the Oceania Championships in Mackay and the Pan Pacific Championships on the Gold Coast where he captured two gold in the 1500m and 5000m); two silver (steeplechase and 800m) plus a bronze in the Beach Mile.

The former Brisbane Grammar student made a comeback to athletics when sons Oliver and Toby joined the Mackay Athletics Club.

Last Sunday at the Athletics North Queensland Cross Country Championships at Airlie Beach, Justin was upstaged by the duo when 18-year-old Oliver won gold in the 8km Under 20 event and Toby, 16, grabbed gold in the 6km Under 17 race.

Justin had to settle for silver in the 8km Masters event.

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Talented Mackay athletes Mel Esau, Justin Rule and Maddy Simmons collected a swag of medals at the recent Australian Masters Athletics Championships in Sydney. Photo credit: Chris Karas

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