Champions Crowned

Branko Vucurovic is again the Avril Hodges Memorial Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures A grade champion.

Branko won his second successive title this week, overcoming Tony Bowman in the final.

The two both play a defensive style mixed with attack and there were many long rallies, but Branko’s overall consistency proved too much in the final.

George Camilleri and Mike Ibbotsen won the doubles against Branko Vucurovic and Peter Goodson.

The division 2 final went to Marie Taylor from Louise Gould. Marie teamed with Robyn Bushell to win the doubles from Iris Grasso and Cheryl Pearson.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Branko Vucurovic and Tony Bowman after the A grade final of the Avril Hodges Memorial Tuesday morning table tennis annual championships. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

Cricket is a way of life for outstanding Mackay juniors Jack Law, Matilda Wiggins and Maddie Searle.

The promising trio are pictured with local cricket legends and experienced educators Adam Knezevic and Chris Dunn after helping St Patrick’s College secure a unique treble of North Queensland Secondary Schools Twenty20 Challenge titles.

Following the Senior Boys championship triumph last month, the College unveiled its depth of talent to bring home the Junior Boys and Girls trophies with resounding victories at Harrup Park.

Aggressive stroke play from young guns Jack Law and Ben Garner and a stunning five wicket haul by Cooper Boyce piloted St Patrick’s (6-112) to an impressive victory over Proserpine State High (7-111).

Law cracked a superb 38 off 22 balls – thumping six boundaries and a six – while Garner hit five boundaries in a classy knock of 30.

The pair shared an opening stand of 58 before Boyce posted 14 runs to back up his figures of 5-16 with the ball.

Proserpine High were best served by talented all-rounder Jack Valmadre who hit 28 runs and snared 2-15.

There was no stopping St Patrick’s in the Junior Girls trophy decider after they registered a formidable total of 3-208 with top knocks from Matilda Wiggins (39 retired), Elisha Holdsworth (34 retired), Maddie Searle (26 retired), Holly Wardrop (26 not out) and Paytton Thompson (25 retired).

St Patrick’s lost their first wicket with the score on 146 and second wicket at 2-207.

Matilda Wiggins and Indy Jorgensen also shone with the ball as St Patrick’s rolled Proserpine for a paltry 78 with Kobe Manley top-scoring with 14.

Wiggins (3-6) and Jorgensen (3-11) collected three wicket hauls with support from Holly Wardrop (1-3), Eeden Thompson (1-8) and Paytton Thompson (1-9).

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s cricket stars Jack Law, Matilda Wiggins and Maddie Searle display their North Queensland Secondary Schools Twenty20 Challenge trophy with Mackay cricket legends Adam Knezevic and Chris Dunn

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Mackay Magpies have capped a successful campaign in the 2023 Junior League senior ranks with a deserved premiership treble.

Fresh from their Grand Final triumph in the Under 14 Girls competition, the Magpies have added the Under 20 and A Grade Men’s titles to their trophy cabinet.

In a top quality Under 20s decider at BB Print Stadium the Magpies edged out Brothers 26-18 with star five eighth Jaxon Purdue stealing the show.

The Queensland Schoolboys five eighth lined up against his great St Patrick’s College teammate Xavier Kerrisk and earned the spoils with another classy display.

In a game of fluctuating fortunes, Purdue and winger Balin Burnett crossed for try doubles with fullback Jaffahl Skillington scoring another to keep the Bulldogs at bay.

The Magpies forward pack led by props Levi Love and Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis, hooker Jaxn Sign, back rowers Jack Thorburn and skipper Reville MacPhee, lock Harry Thorpe and Liam Doherty provided the go-forward in an absorbing contest.

Brothers remained in the hunt with solid games from hooker Kerrisk, Hudson Camilleri, lock Noah Cookson, back rowers Patrick Vella, Reece Morris and centres Will Whippy and Rory Woodall.

The Magpies registered a 26-6 victory over Brothers in the A Grade decider with Zane Wallace, Kahlani Mooney, Joshua Kilpatrick, Andrew Borg and Maika Tudravu crossing for tries.

Brothers trailed 8-6 at the break but couldn’t contain the rampaging Magpies in the second stanza.

With clever halves Kayla Shepherd and Imogen Healy calling the shots, the Bulldogs were crowned A Grade Women’s champions after toppling Moranbah Miners 18-4.

Back rower Charlie Jackson, Keegan Irelandes, hooker Zoe Aitken and Alicia Martin nabbed tries for Brothers with star schoolgirl forwards Gracie Watt and Chelsea McLeod turning in powerhouse displays.

The Magpies proved too strong for Brothers in the Under 14 Girls Grand Final – chalking up a 16-0 victory with tries by dashing centre Jade Geiger (2), half back Veanna Sweet and second rower Tayla Hayles.

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Mackay Magpies captured the Under 14 Girls premiership with a 16-0 Grand Final triumph over Brothers

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Seventeen Mackay members, including the director Geoff Taylor, attended the Yeppoon Congress two weekends ago. Open Pairs Winners were Alan and Francie Brown with Janelle Conroy and Monica Darley third. In the Open teams, the Holewa team, Max and Di, and Janelle and Monica were third. The Morris team, Sandra Morris, Annie Lynch, Ted Cullinan and Noel Saunders, finished above their ranking with second in B Grade.

Weekly Results

Monday 28 August 2023 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Jan Harris / Helen Van Den Broek 1st Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank

2nd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 2nd Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait

3rd Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes 3rd Victor Mason / Antonia Tarradas

Monday Eclectic August 2023

1st Diane Stokes

2nd Antonia Tarradas

3rd Helen Van Den Broek

Tuesday Evening 29 August 2023 - 4 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 1st Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley 2nd Sandra Morris / Frances Brown

Tuesday Evening Eclectic August 2023

1st Diane Morgan

2nd Eric Leivesley

3rd Janelle Conroy

Wednesday 30 August 2023 – Auswide Open Pairs – 9 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 1st Ming Ting / David Ting

2nd Alan Brown / Janelle Conroy 2nd Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank

3rd Eric Leivesley / Terrence Sheedy 3rd Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

Wednesday Eclectic August 2023

1st David Ting

2nd Eric Goodchild

3rd Ming Ting

Thursday Evening 31 August 2023 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3rd Patricia Garner / Mick King

Thursday Evening Eclectic August 2023

1st Anne Whitmore

2nd Frances Brown

3rd Terrence Sheedy

Friday 01 September 2023 - 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown 1st Victor Mason / Josie Cowley

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

3rd Joyce Deguara / Toni Large 3rd Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

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Open Winners Frances and Alan Brown

3rd Open Teams - Monica Darley, Janelle Conroy, Award Presenter, Diane and Max Holewa. Photos supplied

Mona Townsend, a true stalwart of the bowling green, celebrated her 90th birthday this year. She continues to be an active and vibrant force in the world of lawn bowls, participating in a wide array of competitions, including carnival, PAHs, and club Championship Fours, Triples, Pairs, and Consistency Singles.

One of the most memorable highlights of Mona's bowls career was when she skippered the Club Champion Triples Team to a resounding victory. What made this achievement even more special was that her team consisted of members spanning the entire spectrum of age, including the oldest, youngest, and newest club members.

Mona's unwavering commitment and passion for the sport extend beyond personal glory. She remains an invaluable member of the Ladies Pennants team, and it's only now, at the age of 90, that Mona is considering learning to use a bowling arm.

Off the greens, Mona is a tireless worker, always ready to assist in the running of raffles and cent sales. Until recently, she held the committee position of Match Chair, demonstrating her dedication to the sport.

Mackay Bowls Club Weekly Results

Tuesday Social Play Winners: Arthur Nayler, Richie Mroz.

Tuesday Social Play Winner of Losers: Peter Nelson, Col Stevens, Janice Nelson.

Thursday Scroungers Final: Kees Struik def. Neal Holt.

Friday Social Play Winners: Peter Nelson, Gary Williamson, Val Edwards.

Men's Open Triples: K. Tranberg, D. Wootton, N. Wilson def. S. Makin, C. Molloy, P. Molloy.

Men's B Singles: R. Bell def. D. Currey.

Mixed Pairs: J. Nelson, G. Edmonds def. K. Catanzariti, D. Wootton.

Ladies Consistency Singles: C. Savage def. D. McMamara.

Two Bowl Triples: E. Clements, J. Nielsen, R. Schatkowski def. H. Truscott, J. Caban, W. Pomery.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Men and Under 12s travelled to Rogers Oval in Mackay for Preliminary Finals and a shot at Grand Final appearances.

Sea Eagles Senior Men missed out on the Grand Final in a heartbreaking loss to Eastern Swans by the narrowest of margins 76 – 77.

The Swans got the jump on Sea Eagles early taking a 22-point lead into the half time break after which the game tightened up.

Sea Eagles began to dominate around the ground in the last term and piled on 6 unanswered goals to hit the lead with only 2 minutes left on the clock.

Swans only goal for the quarter came in the last minute ending the Sea Eagles season in a hard-fought final.

Sea Eagles Under 12s found they’re on switch early this week and came out firing against Moranbah Bulldogs in the early morning match up to win 45 – 2 and earn their place in the Grand Final.

Finishing the first quarter 7 points ahead it was onward and upward for the smallest of Sea Eagles dominating the game until the end with only 2 points scored against them.

Saturday September 9 sees Sea Eagles Under 17s and Under 12s both head to 2023 AFLQ Mackay Grand Finals at Bakers Creek.

Sea Eagles Under 17s match up against their season nemesis Moranbah Bulldogs whilst Under 12s take on Eastern Swans.

Get down to Mackay to support Sea Eagles in what should be some cracking matches.

Caption 1: U12 Fergus King tackles Moranbah

2: U12 Hunter Cornwall Best on Ground. Photo Credit: Cody Fowler

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Whitsunday Touch Football has welcomed a group of new players, sharing the sport of touch footy with individuals living with intellectual and physical impairments.

The eight-week program is called All Abilities Touch Football and is an inclusive program for people of all abilities to learn Touch skills and play the sport in a supported environment.

The Whitsunday Touch Football Club is one of seven Queensland clubs to endorse the program and has signed up over 20 participants.

It all started a year or two ago, when Club Treasurer, Justin Butler, began to see a familiar face at the weekly games.

“He just asked if he could come along and play, and I said ‘of course, bring your boots,” Justin explained.

“I didn’t realise he wouldn’t be able to play in the regular comp, so I looked into alternatives. And we found the All Abilities Program was the perfect opportunity.”

Alongside Club President Alita DeBrincat, the club hosts the participants each week, teaching them touch skills.

“Some of the guys are throwing soft balls, some just come down to watch, some are playing a round, there’s all different levels,” Alita explained.

“The carers come down too and talk about how good it is for the participants to get out and do something different,” she said.

Once the program has concluded, the club are bringing on an All Abilities team, to play alongside the regular team.

“The goal for this year is to showcase these guys before our carnival grand final, have them playing for a bit,” Justin said.

The All Abilities program is open for all individuals and all types of abilities.

“If you want to give it a go, just rock up. Whitsunday Sportspark, Mondays at 2pm. Come along,” said Justin.

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Whitsunday Touch Football Club is one of seven clubs to endorse the new All Abilities Touch Football Program. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

With 5 teams of 10 in the final’s series, there was plenty to cheer about for the orange army in Mackay.

And with 4 of those five progressing, there is still plenty more to cheer about next week!

The day started early with the Under 13’s Div 1.

The game started positively with a lot of possession in the first half and with a full bench, the side was looking confident.

The breakthrough finally came with only 3 minutes left to play; Whitsunday striker Oli threaded the ball through defenders to a waiting Angus in front of goal.

Winning it 1/0.

The U15 Prem team played Lions in an absolute nail biter of a knock out semi.

With only minutes to go, Finlay Farrell kicked a superb corner for Jacob Logan to find the net to level the scores at full time.

After extra time, the teams were still locked at 2-2 leading to a penalty shootout.

The Premier ladies took their game to extra time as well in what was a fast, physical game against Lions.

These two teams have been season long rivals and both came out determined to win.

In a tight tussle, it was Lions who managed to break through first with their only real goal scoring chance up to that point.

It was a disappointing loss, with a score line that doesn’t reflect how close the game really was, but the side goes on to play next week confidant of gaining a place in the grand final.

Our U23 Men went into their Semi with an extremely positive approach maintaining meaningful possession.

With 10 minutes to go, the team gambled the Rangers, and scored from a corner to bring the game to an end.

A big improvement from last season’s finish and a stepping stone for next year!

Our Premier men were crowned premiers Tuesday night and faced the same team they beat 3-0 mid-week.

The pressure paid off as Harry Hodgen got on the end of a well weighted ball from James Sherridan and beat the fullback before slotting the goal to put Whitsundays up 2-0.

5 minutes later Harry was at it again and this time slotted the ball in the opposite corner to put Whitsundays in a commanding position at half time.

Wanderers did grab a consolation goal late on, but the damage had already been done.

A confident 4-1 win sees Whitsundays into another Grand final and a chance to do the double.

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Victorious U13 Div proceed to the next round of finals

U15 Prems win in a penalty shoot out

Premier men in a torrid battle with Wanderers win through to the grand final. Photos supplied

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Perfectly aligned with Queensland Mental Health Week, Healthy Kids Project will be hosting their inaugural Happy Hike early next month.

No matter age, ability, or experience, the Happy Hike encourages everyone in the family to take on one of two hikes in Airlie Beach, in order to promote positive mental and physical wellbeing.

Hikers can complete the Airlie Creek Hike, a short 850 metre track which winds through the hills of Airlie Beach, offering some of the best views of the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands, and only taking about one hour to complete.

For more seasoned hikers, Honeyeater Lookout is an eight-kilometre walk, with picturesque views overlooking Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays, and only taking about three hours to complete.

“This will be our second hike of the year, but the first Happy Hike, tied with mental health organisations,” explained Tim Oberg, organiser of Happy Hike.

“We plan to make Happy Hike an annual event and spread the concept out across Queensland and across Australia.”

“The Happy Hike works within our four pillars of health, Move, Eat, Feel, and Rest. We know that being in nature and being active in nature is some of the best things to do for our health.”

To learn more about the Healthy Kids Project, or the Happy Hike, visit healthykidsproject.com.

WHAT: Happy Hike Airlie Beach

WHERE: Café On 3 is the Meeting Place

WHEN: Sunday October 8, from 8.30am

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Spring has arrived, the birds are singing and preparing their nests for new arrivals and the flowers are blooming and so has our bowls starting on Tuesday with 14 teams.

All ladies competing for the Spring Fling 56 smartly dressed ladies all competing for the top prize, which was won by Margo Stanley's team with lead Marie Duck and second Dorothy Wise both from North Mackay with our own little champion Betty Nicole at 3rd.

Congratulations ladies well played, whilst Robin Brown and Pam Collins's team won the best dressed with their beautiful spring hats, a wonderful performance, and a fantastic day was had by all whom came from far and wide.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls ably run by Mervyn Stewart saw new resident Steve Callaghan and his team take home the winner’s prize and the jackpot didn't go off.

Saturday morning there was no Scroungers as Airlie was involved in BPL in Townsville which was won by Manny Isgro, Warren Mills, and Johnny Fielding who will be off to Rockhampton for the next round.

Whilst in Seaforth the clubs Pratt Cup was being played. Bob McMahon just back from his Asian adventure proved too strong in the singles and Ted Cullen and Russell Jackson brilliantly won their pairs against stiff opposition and the fours were gallantly beaten but Rod Howard's men went through because of the singles and the pairs victory.

However, in the semi-finals on Sunday morning against Seaforth, they proved too strong and went through to the Grand Final against South Suburban with their enormously talented team.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Airlie Beach Ladies’ Bowls best dressed team. Photo supplied

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On Wednesday we had a good turn up for Social bowls.  

Bruce Uhe and Peter Lawton defeated Ted Cullen and Russell Jackson 16 - 14 in a game of traditional pairs, in practice for the upcoming Pratt Cup.  

Alen Sanderson and Philip Brown defeated Jim Bownds and Paul Gerbich (visitor from Queenbeyan) 19 - 17 in a game of 3 bowl Pairs.  

Mark Mawson, John Askew, and Arthur Griffith defeated Pat Bownds, John Askew, and John Anderson 24 - 16.

Saturday, we had a team competing in the Pratt Cup at Wests Tigers.  

Singles, pairs, and Fours all had wins in the morning game against Mackay City.  

The afternoon game against Seaforth was a tightly fought match.  

Proserpine had a win in the Fours (Shane Kinnear, Jonathan Bye, Barry Saroglia, and Gavin Milne), the Pairs (Andrew Bell and Wayne Handley) went down by one shot and the Singles (Michael Kinnear) fought back from an early deficit to be defeated 25 - 20.  

Seaforth went on to defeat Airlie Beach in the next round and were defeated by Souths Suburban 2 - 1 in the Final.

On Sunday afternoon John Burnett, Alen Sanderson and Philip Brown defeated Margie Burnett, John Anderson, and Peter Lawton 23 - 14.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Alen Sanderson showing good style at Social Bowls on Sunday afternoon. Photo supplied

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It has been another big week for Wangaratta Bowls.

Ladies President Margaret’s Day was a great morning followed by a scrumptious lunch.

Our North Qld District officials together with bowlers from Thuringowa, Brandon, Ayr, our southern visitors, and local members made it a memorable day for Margaret.

As usual Pat organised beautiful corsages for Margaret and the NQ Ladies, and also produced an iced fruit cake for the occasion.

To make Margaret’s day, Irene presented her with a beautiful Phalaenopsis Orchid.

Winners for the afternoon were Wilma Berryman, Irene Laird, Ron Hyde, and Pam Power.

Runners Up were Jocelyn Defranciscis and Michael Loughhead Grant.

Third place went to Viv Boskma, Marlenne Chappell, and Penny Warren.

Not only have the ladies had success on the green.

The men played like champions on the weekend to secure the annual Country Pennant Shield for 2023 defeating Brandon, Ayr, and Bowen Bowls Club.

Barefoot bowls continued onto Friday night with winners Bob and Denis defeating Alysn, Ian, Grant, and Teresa Lawrence defeating Kerry, Lori, Penny, and Wendy Hans Les David defeating Helga, Wazza, Jimmy, and Gus.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Wangaratta - Winners Country Pennant 2023

Winners Ladies President's Day L to R: Pam Power, Ron Hyde, Irene Laird, Wilma Berryman. NQ President Lynette Riches, Wangaratta President Margaret Wilson. Photos supplied

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20 players competed on Tuesday, with Brian Smith narrowly defeating Rees May on a countback with 38 pts.

Aaron Prosser claimed 3rd place.

NTP winners: Paul Williams and Paul Gray

Leanne Alexander sponsored the Wednesday Ladies competition, Tessa Aitken was on fire to win with 39 pts, closely followed by Trish McNeill on 38pts.

Pam Casey had the best front nine and Elspeth Scotford had the best back nine.

NTP winners: Trish McNeill and Pauline Redpath.

71 players ventured out in great weather on Thursday, Zac Esden shot a very nice 38 pts to win the Division 1 with Brent Daniels and Chris Brett in 2nd and 3rd with 36 pts.

Kenny Todd was on fire with a 44 pt round, followed by Benny Ryan on 40 pts and Barry Shuwalow on 38 pts.

NTP winners: Nic Apruzzese, Rob Stanley, Jan Porter, and James Devery.

Kev Cooper excelled with 23 pts, edging out Jack Hayes-Williams on a countback, Paul Skelton also played well with 22 pts. Karlene Lloyd was the NTP winner.

Tim Deffner played well under his handicap on Saturday to win the September, RGH monthly medal with 64 nett, ahead of Brad Vloedmans and Craig Smith on 65 and 68 nett.

Jon Miller was the winner of Division 1 and Matty Bower and Ryan Wilkes were 2nd and 3rd on 69 and 70 nett.

NTP winners: Larry Muller, Jon Miller, Clay Coles, and Tim Deffner.

Helen Deighton won the ladies RGH monthly medal on 72 nett, Penny Wardroper was in 2nd place and 3rd place was Jill Farinelli.

Mandy Patterson won both NTP’s.

Sunday saw Patrick Conen shoot a very tidy 67 nett, followed by Brad Fleet on 68 nett.

Penny Wardroper won the ladies with 70nett, closely followed by Diane Chard on 72 nett.

NTP winners: Levi Holmes, Penny Wardroper, Mata Browne, Peta Thomas, Brad Fleet and Ryan Wilkes.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Pro Shop team.

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Last Tuesday the Proserpine Vets travelled to Collinsville to compete in the Whitsunday Veterans Comp.  

Sixty-four players attended from Bowen, Proserpine, Home Hill, Ayr, and Collinsville.

It was a lovely day weatherwise and the course is looking much improved from our last visit, although the greens still prove challenging for some.

The Collinsville team put on a great day as usual.  

The ladies’ winner on the day was Lynne Widt, Collinsville, second was our Tessa Aitken and our Beryl Nosworthy third.

Well done Prossie.  

The men's winner was Frank Broucek from Bowen, second Michael Strickett also Bowen and Peter Dale Home Hill.

Next Tuesday will be our September Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Paul McQuat.

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Second place ladies winner, Tessa Aitken. Photo supplied

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The weekly 9-hole competition belonged to the Pettifords with Donovan in 1st place and Edwina in second.

Glenn Scott was just one point behind. On Friday it was Chris Barlett on 21 for the win followed by Justyn Durbin on 19 and Jay Steele with 18 points.

The Sunday Stableford saw Perri Simpson in first place with an impressive 43 points. Brad Low and Justyn Durbin both scored 39 points with Brad Low taking second with the countback.

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

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club.

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Image: Rob Lodders Club Handicapper. Photo supplied

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