What a huge crowd we had for the second round of the Croker Shield 2023, 45 PGC Vets and 20 PV Vets who graced our course with their humour and fun attitude to golf.

We also welcome new member, Ross Tong who joined PGC Vets and played his first game with us.

It was a pretty coolish day with a strong wind which made putting on the more exposed greens tricky and carried a few drives off course.

PGC Vets won the day taking out the first 11 places, with an aggregate score (top 8 scorers) of 300, PV with 252, which took the cumulative totals to: PGC 574, PV 520.  

The top 8 players for PGC Vets were Peter Lindsay, Rehab Hull, Anna Winterbourn, Lyn Muller, Peter Lewis, Laurie Dakin, John Roser and Harry Milne.

The top 8 for PV were Sally (Mora) McDonald, Terence Duffy, Herman van Uitert, Paul Tilse, Ken Wolfenden, Richard Treloar, Joe Wilkinson, and Don Bloxsidge.

Next Tuesday we will be hosting the Whitsunday Vets.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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By Chris Karas

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Mackay rugby league stars Xavier Kerrisk, Jaxon Purdue, Kai Simon and Matthew Watts are well versed on the traditions of Queensland Origin football.

The talented quartet were part of an elite 37-man squad that spent two days training at the Maroons’ recent Under 18 Emerging Origin camp at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre in Brisbane where participants were given a taste of life as an Origin player.

The Emerging Origin program aims to help develop highly skilled rugby league players for Queensland representation with hooker Kerrisk, five eighth Purdue, centre Simon and power running forward Watts from the Mackay Cutters junior nursery earmarked for higher honours.

Kerrick and Purdue will spearhead St Patrick’s College Mackay in this year’s Cutters Cup, Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup competitions.

They were joined in the Emerging Origin camp by boom Redcliffe juniors in prop Michael Waqa, second rowers Zac Garton and Larry Siala, hooker Mitch Rogers and front rower Aholoka Toia who starred in the Dolphins’ Under 18 Mal Meninga Cup premiership winning side and Townsville Blackhawks trio of prop Jamal Shibasaki, back rower Elijah-Shane Tapau and half back Reece Foley.

The two-day camps are staged to give players of significant potential an insight into what it takes to play State of Origin football for Queensland.

Several aspects are covered including the Maroons players’ physical and mental preparation, team culture along with testing, field sessions and recovery.

Squad members listened to talks from Maroon legends Darius Boyd and Matt Gillett about the demands of being a State of Origin player and the sacrifices it takes to be successful.

Head Coach Nathan Cross said the camp had a strong focus on development, connection and encapsulating the Queensland Origin brand.

“We aim to give the players a deep understanding of what representing Queensland is all about and the core values that underpin our culture” said Cross.

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Rising Mackay rugby league half back Jaxon Purdue at the Queensland Emerging Under 18s Origin camp

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Mackay Table Tennis Association Tuesday night fixtures May 23, 2023:

Division 1:

Lexus (Graham Brake, Steven Whiting, Allan Edwards) d Mercedes (Geoff Denman, Graham Drury, Mark Sleeman) 7-4. Steven d Geoff -4, -11, 8, 14, 5.

Ferrari (Lee Brake, Andrew McHugh, Robbie Richards) d Jaguar (Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan, Tim Sheehan) 8-3. Lee d Anne 7, 11, -6, -7, 10.

BMW (Emma Widdup, Ian McKay, Ivan Perkins) d Audi (Duncan Treloar, Neil Brown, Janice Kent) 8-3. Ivan d Duncan -5, -9, 9, 5, 8.

Division 2:

Nissan (Matthew West, Graeme Walker, Will VanDeKaa) d Mazda (Peter Goodson, Lily Boland, Tony Bowman) 6-5. Graeme d Peter -6, 12, 9, -14, 9.

Isuzu (Andrea Nicholson, Donna Abbott, Steve Mathieson) d Honda (Ishan Rana, George Camilleri, Mark Stam) 9-2. Andrea d George -4, 3, 6, 7.

Division 3:

Hyundai (Duncan Sheridan, Noreen Fredericksen, Ollie Hamelink) d Holden (John McGee, Tiffany Camilleri) 6-5. John d Duncan 9, 10, -9, -9, 7.

Ford (Steve Crocker, Val Austin) d Kia (Sasha Palod, Virginia Clayton). Virginia d Val 4, -3, 8, 10, 6.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures May 23, 2023:

Division 1:

Blue (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) d Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) 7-5. Noreen d John 5, -9, -9, 7, 8.

Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) d Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) 9-3. Branko d Donna -4, -12, 8, 7, 4.

Division 2:

Purple (Iris Grasso, Ken Best, Judi Hicks) d White (Kim Challender, Marie Taylor, Kim Daffy) 9-3. Ken d Marie 8, 8, -5, -4, 6.

Orange (Coral Morgan, Louise Gould) d Pink (Robyn Bushell, Fred Saliba) 7-3. Louise d Fred -9, -5, 17, 4, 10.

Division 3:

Grey (Sharon Muller, Ian Dodds) d Lime (Thelma Caruana, Glenda Brookes, Myles Dutton) 7-5. Ian d Thelma 4, -7, 3, -10, 5.

Aqua (Pam Keune, Robyn Giles, Glenda Dutton) d Tan (Madge Saunders, Cheryl Aprato) 9-3. Cheryl d Glenda 17, -9, 6, 7.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Sashia Palod in action at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Elite Mackay Road Runners have battled for nearly thirty years to get their name on coveted The Grove 10km Handicap Trophy and today was no different when Oliver Rule took a resounding win in the historical event.  Oliver’s form of late has been nothing short of classy as he bolted from his handicap start to take on and hold off the rest of the field in the technically tricky course which included a seriously challenging ascent and descent of Apsley Way, Andergrove.

President Tim Magoffin and Vice-President Brendan Bishop welcomed over sixty runners and supporters to the annual event which was held in very cool conditions.  All runners were set off on their official Club handicap with the winner of the Award to be the first male or female member to cross the line. Lauren Connor’s brave effort in her very first ever 10km was rewarded with an outstanding second place behind the talented Oliver Rule.  

Heli Talinurm made a welcome return to running, taking gold in the 5km from her handicap start.  Jarrod Mackie registered an excellent 5km time to be the first male home based on his handicap start. Runners enjoyed the perfect running conditions despite the temperature being in single figures as they warmed up prior to their race start. The bright cloudless sky and low knots assisted runners produce some excellent performances with personal best times recorded by several runners including Carolyn Mapes.

Many thanks to Yuwi Country and The Grove for allowing use of their tree covered car park for a couple of hours, much appreciated!  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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2022 The Grove 10km Handicap Champion, Heli Talinurm hands the coveted trophy to 2023 Champion, Oliver Rule

Chrissy Evangelou takes time out from the BMA Mackay Marina Run organising committee to slot in an easy 5km at The Grove Handicap Trophy event

Michael Feenaghty strides out well in the 5km despite a niggly injury

Joe Grech, Mick Vivian and Werner VanDerLinde relax after The Grove 10km Handicap Championship event. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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By Chris Karas

Rugby league young guns Xavier Kerrisk and Jaxon Purdue have enhanced their sporting reputations with selection in the Queensland Secondary Schools Under 18s representative team.

The dynamic St Patrick’s College Mackay duo were named in a powerful Maroons schoolboys’ squad after stand out performances for the Capricornia region at last week’s State Secondary Schools Carnival in Townsville.

Both played key roles to help Capricornia reach the Championship final against South Coast with the classy Kerrisk – rated one of the best young hookers in Queensland – also named Player of the Tournament and joint Player of the Final with rival Bailley McConnell.

Kerrisk and the skilful Purdue are both Mackay Cutters junior products and contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys.

The pair recently participated in the Queensland Under 18s Emerging Origin camp and will now focus on helping St Patrick’s College go one better at this year’s Confraternity Games Rugby League Championships in Brisbane later this month.

Promising Capricornia fullback Mutua Brown, from The Cathedral College in Rockhampton, also forced his way into the Queensland Schoolboys squad.

The trio will line up for the Maroons at the National Secondary Schools Championships that will be staged at Redcliffe during July.

There was more good news for St Patrick’s College when emerging forward Sam Anderson was chosen in the Queensland Secondary Schools Under 15s White squad.

Anderson joins fellow Capricornia reps in The Cathedral College Rockhampton second rower Jake Armstrong and five eighth Archie Lloyd and St Brendan’s Yeppoon hooker Jay Marsh in the Maroons squad to compete at the National Schoolboys Under 15 Championships at Port Macquarie during September.

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Mackay hooker Xavier Kerrisk was named Player of the Tournament at the Queensland Secondary Schools Rugby League Championships

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Steer Meteors Into NBL 1 North Top Four

Mackay Meteors have rediscovered their championship groove in the NBL 1 North basketball competition.

Joel Khalu’s marauding charges gathered momentum when they registered their seventh victory in eleven matches after trouncing the Cairns Marlins 107-76 last Saturday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

The win avenged a seven-point loss on the road to the Marlins earlier this month and keeps the Meteors entrenched in the top four.

Spearheaded by champion point guard Isaac White and key guard Tyler Williams, the Mackay men had too many big guns for the visitors as they stamped their authority from the outset.

The Meteors powered their way to a 34-14 lead at the end of the first quarter and led 60-34 at half time and 89-62 at the end of the third break.

White was at his mercurial best as he blitzed the Marlins with accurate shooting and super court craft to finish the match with 33 points, eleven assists, six rebounds and two steals.

Also effective for the Meteors were hot shot Williams who notched 23 points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals; Shane Temara (14 points and six rebounds); Amarco Doyle (11 points and five boards) and Isaiah Lee (10 points, six rebounds and two assists).

The Marlins were best served by Tad Dufelmeier (20 points, seven assists and four rebounds) with Lachlan Anderson contributing 19 points and four boards and Ky Stattmann (13 points, four rebounds and two assists.

In the womens fixture the Dolphins rolled the Meteorettes 82-73 in an entertaining match.

New Cairns import Jennifer Coleman capped a superb debut with 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals.

The Dolphins led 24-18 at the first break and controlled the play to notch their fifth win after ten matches.

Leichan Williams contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds; Teyahna Bond 17 points and five boards; Taylor Mole 17 points and five rebounds and Shaneice Swain nine points, four boards and two assists.

Brittany Reeves produced a stand out display for the Meteorettes with 23 points, 16 rebounds and two steals and was supported by

Denesha Bobongie (12 points, seven rebounds and four assists); Ellie Collins (10 points) and Davida Dale (seven points, nine rebounds, seven assists and five steals).

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Isaac White. Photo credit: Chris Karas

McDonald's Mackay Meteors beat the Cairns Marlins 107 - 76. Photo credit: Keiron Place Art & Photography

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In his first season as Mackay Mavericks coach, Brad Somerville exceeded expectations by leading the local gridiron club to the Reef Bowl, coming agonisingly close to their first ever title.

“All we wanted to do was play great football and improve throughout the year so the fact that we were able to get there was amazing for the boys,” he said.

“They really put in 110% to get us there.”

With the 2023 preseason approaching, Mr Somerville is excited by the growth the sport has seen, exemplified by the announcement of the club finding a new home at Western Suburbs Leagues Club.

“It really sures up gridiron in Mackay moving forward,” Mr Somerville said.

“It allows us to take the next step forward as a football program.

“They’ve got strategic plans out there for future developments, so we want to be involved in that.”

The Mackay Mavericks also welcomed a new roster of coaching staff, with many of the players coming on as coaches including Saige Webber as Offensive Coordinator, Ben Clement as Line Coach, Chase Ayres as Defensive Coordinator and John Williams as Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Mr Somerville said the growth in coaching staff as well as the growth in sponsorship is positive for the sport, with plans for women’s and junior competitions in the works.

“We’re hoping to keep it growing,” he said.

“We want to get as many numbers to training and games as we can, and we want our home games to be a spectacle this year.”

With the game of Gridiron requiring a large roster of players, Mr Somerville said the club is still looking for players, coaches and volunteers.

“Anyone who’s thought about it, anyone who wants to keep fit in the rugby league offseason, anyone who’s interested in even helping out, we’re after all sorts of people,” he said.

Message Mackay Gridiron on Facebook or Instagram to express your interest and keep an eye out for the Mavericks’ first home game.

“It won’t just be a game,” Mr Somerville said.

“It’ll be very American.”

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Mackay Mavericks came agonisingly close to their first title in the 2022 season. Photo supplied

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Pipped By Tigers In Hostplus Cup Thriller

Mackay Cutters Rugby League Club paid homage to their champions of yesteryear but couldn’t share the spoils after another heartbreaking Hostplus Cup loss at BB Print Stadium last weekend.

Brisbane Tigers pipped the courageous Cutters 30-28 in a QRL top division thriller to move into second spot but can consider themselves lucky after surviving a monumental challenge from the home side.

A last gasp try by winger Jaylan To’o gave the Cutters an opportunity to salvage a deserved draw – but Brandon Finnegan’s sideline conversion attempt shaved the upright.

It was a cruel twist for Finnegan and his team mates who played superbly in their best performance of the season against a quality Tigers team.

The classy Finnegan marshalled the Mackay team with aplomb and figured in a classic goalkicking duel with rival half back Jack Miers – with both kickers landing spectacular goals from the sideline in a n epic contest.

Earlier members of the Cutters’ triumphant 1993 State League and 2013 Intrust Super Cup premiership-winning sides formed a Guard of Honour as the Mackay players took the field.

And the Cutters made an early statement – spinning the ball wide with passing rushes as centre Blake Paskins and the elusive To’o crossed for tries in the opening six minutes to give Mackay a 12-0 lead.

The Tigers hit back when fullback Tahj Wood swooped on a loose ball to score before power running Mackay forward Hiale Roycroft crashed over for the Cutters third try that was converted by Finnegan.

At 18-6 a major upset was brewing with the Cutters controlling the rucks and menacing the Tigers with their bustling defence and strong running.

But the Tigers found a new lease of life and notched two quick tries by back rower Joe Chan and winger Kane Bradley as both sides went to the break locked at 18-all.

In a second half arm wrestle, Tigers’ utility Zak Taibi grabbed a crucial try in the corner before Cutters’ five eighth Adam Cook responded as Mackay levelled proceedings.

Bradley gave the visitors the edge when he nabbed a second try with eight minutes left on the clock with Miers potting the extras from the sideline for a six-point lead.

Mackay launched another raid and set the scene for a gripping finish when the athletic To’o snared his second try in the dying moments.

The entire Cutters team deserve special mention for a wholehearted performance and go into this Saturday’s tussle with Sunshine Coast Falcons at Sunshine Coast Stadium with a confidence boost.

In the Hastings Deering Colts fixture the second placed Brisbane Tigers eclipsed the Cutters 30-14.

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Mackay Cutters guard of honour. Photo credit: Chris Karas

Mackay Cutters were narrowly defeated by Brisbane Tigers 30-28. Photos supplied: Mackay Cutters

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After Sunshine Coast resident Scott Smith had a work accident in 2005 resulting in the amputation of his right leg, discovering the Queensland Amputee Golf Association (QAGA) changed his life.

“I used to play socially with mates and then I found QAGA and joined up and it’s been great,” he said.

“It’s a very big thing for your personal wellbeing, the social aspect of it as well, getting out and meeting new people, amputees in the same situation as you are and hearing their stories.

“It just inspires you to get out and play.”

Mr Smith has since become President of QAGA, bringing the QAGA Open back to the Mackay Golf Club for the second year in a row in August.

Mayor of Mackay Regional Council Greg Williamson said the 2022 event was the first to be held outside southeast Queensland in the Open’s 18 year history.

“When they first came here last year, they had such a great time that they’re coming back this year,” he said.

The QAGA Open will consist of a charity golf day on Friday, August 11, where social and corporate golfers will be able to play alongside the amputees before the tournament gets underway across August 12 and 13.

“They really do know how to have fun and the golf’s pretty good as well,” Mr Williamson laughed.

Mackay Golf Club President George Jenkins said last year’s event was a success.

“The club staff and our pro shop, they ran a really successful event last year and it’s a testament to that success that QAGA are back here again,” he said.

“It’s always exciting to have these events hosted here.”

Approximately 30 amputees are expected to compete in the 2023 QAGA Open with some coming from as far as Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, competing alongside local amputees.

The four-person-per-team Ambrose charity golf day is happening on Friday, August 11 from a 12:00pm shotgun start with the tournament to continue over August 12 and 13.

Contact Mackay Golf Club to register for the charity golf day and registrations for the world ranked QAGA Open are open now at golf.org.au.

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Mackay Golf Club President George Jenkins, QAGA President Scott Smith, QAGA Treasurer Ken Rowsell and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Mackay Bowls Club News

Men's Pennants fixtures have finished with for 2023 and Mackay Club have finished first in Division 6, Second in Division 2 and fifth in Division 4.

After not getting away to a good start in the first couple of rounds, the club got it together and won all of their next seven games playing some great bowls and claiming maximum points to secure the flag. Thanks to all the players who made themselves available and showing good sportsmanship and competitiveness throughout the competition.

Thanks to the selectors who had the job each week to select best teams as sometimes very hard with a lot of shift workers in the club. Well done, boys. Very appreciated.

The Club is holding Men's B Grade Fours Carnival on Weekend of June 17-18.

Information and nomination sheets are on the noticeboard and there are still a few vacancies.

Ladies Pennants continue this week with a home game against North Mackay.

Ladies competition continues this Friday with Single Finals Carol Savage v Karina Dunn; Championships Pairs Helen Truscott, Erin Clemett v Kerrie Catanzariti; Saturday June 3 Ladies Championships Fours Final; Sunday 4th June Ladies Championships Trebles.

RESULTS:

Tuesday Social Play (22)

Winners of Winners

John Jorgensen, Greg Thompson, Trevor Mayfield Winners of Losers Alan Bartlett, Robyn Schatkowski Thursday Scroungers (14) Carol Savage def Mick Coll

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Novice and B Grade winner for 2023 Phyllis Morgan

Mackay City Ladies 4’s winners Anna Forsyth, Ashlee Knight, Barbara Adams and Beth Dawes

Ladies Open Fours Winners of the Marie Gravino Shield Barbara Adams, Mary Orchard, Jenny Cecil and Kathy Mathews

Brand new members Beris Jeffrey, Rose Patroni and Grace Ryan receiving their Welcome Booklets from Janette Dark

Merle Cameron playing pennants at Airlie

Emma Pash enjoying her pennant game at Airlie. Photos supplied: Shirley Sturgeon

Division 6 Pennant Winners

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By Amanda Wright

In a race that left no wheel unturned, the Mackay Cycling Club paid homage to the Corry Family last weekend, with the adrenaline-pumping Corry Shield race. This highly anticipated annual event showcased the club's deep appreciation for the unwavering support of John, Len, Evan, Ryan, and other members of the Corry clan, who have been key spokes in the cycling community for generations.

The Corry Shield, a true tour de force, offered riders of all abilities an exhilarating challenge on the twisting and turning River Loops course in Erakala, pedalling their way through a fast and flat 48 kilometers.

In a sprint to the finish, David O'Connell emerged as the champion, conquering the course in a time of 1 hour, 19 minutes, and 49 seconds. Chasing close behind, Michael Novikov claimed a well-deserved second place, while Brendan Hoban secured an impressive third-place finish.

Despite being known for his climbing prowess, Brendon Brauer claimed the title of the fastest male rider, in a time of 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 8 seconds, demonstrating great power along the flat course. On the women's side, Tracy Borchardt took the lead, showcasing her pedal power with a time of 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 3 seconds.

The Corry Shield race stands as a testament to the enduring support and tireless contributions of the Corry Family, who have been pivotal in steering the club toward success.

RESULTS

1st David O'Connell

2nd Michael Novikov

3rd Brendan Hoban

4th Jason Lund

5th Andy Pate

6th Brendon Brauer

7th Glen McDermott

8th Ethan Weiss

9th Tracy Borchardt

10th Craig Larsen

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles hosted the second of the Indigenous Rounds at home on Saturday where Acknowledgement of Country and respect of traditional owners was shown and celebrated prior to Senior games beginning. Thanks to the Hawks, Sea Eagles and Tigers for their participation and respect shown for this important part of Indigenous Round celebrations.

A scrappy first half of football in Senior Mens game between Sea Eagles and Hawks saw both teams goalless at the first break, with the second term leading Hawks to a 3 point lead at half time.

Sea Eagles came out determined to hit the scoreboard in the third converting opportunities and winning the quarter 6 goals to 1. Sea Eagles dominated the final term with their trademark run and carry piling on 6 unanswered goals to take out the win 96 – 49.

Sea Eagles Senior Women were in for a tough game against the experienced opposition of Mackay City Hawks. An even hit out in the first quarter saw Sea Eagles run through the midfield to keep within striking distance of the Hawks.

The arm wrestle took a turn for the worse in the second term losing a couple of Sea Eagles to injury and Hawks pulling away. Hawks skill was a class above seeing Sea Eagles Women run out the game with a loss 9 – 71.

Sea Eagles Under 17s ran out convincing winners 74 – 14 (adj) against Bakers Creek with the spread of goal kickers and conversion rate a highlight after struggling the last few weeks to convert good work into a solid score. All players did their part for what amounted to a training run for Sea Eagles Under 17s at full time.

Sea Eagles Under 14s took on a depleted Hawks side who were assisted by many Sea Eagles Under 12s filling in to make a highly competitive game. Hawks hit the lead and ran away with the game in the final quarter with Sea Eagles going down 21 - 43.

This Saturday 3rd June sees Whitsunday Sea Eagles play again at home against the Magpies. Come down and be part of the fun with Sea Eagles Juniors from 10:40am and Seniors from 1:50pm.

Contributed by: Whitsunday Sea Eagles

Photo Credit: Cody Fowler

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The Premier ladies continued their winning ways with a 9-0 victory over Dolphins. After a slow start, our ladies soon settled allowing the goals to flow. The central midfielders, Lena and Laura, directed much of the play once again, with strong supporting runs by Akema and Willow. Superb corners by Violet and Dani also created many goal scoring opportunities. The final list of scorers was: Lena with a hat-trick, doubles to Willow and Akema, and one each to Bre and Laura.

The Whitsunday premier Men played against Townsville side MA Olympic in the first round of the Champions League in Mackay. With the Townsville side unbeaten last year and winning 10 or 12 this year, they were clear favourites and expected to easily dispatch the Whitsunday side.

Our men came out firing and despite low numbers, not only managed to match the Townsville side, they bettered them and went into half time buoyant with a 1-0 lead that could have been more. The second half continued to bring chances with Harry Hodgen hitting the cross bar and Jimmy being denied only by a miracle save. Unfortunately, some rough play saw 3 red cards and Townsville ran out victors 3-1. An effort the Whitsunday lads can be super proud of.

Friday night saw the division 1 and 2 men come away with two losses against Wanderers in Mackay.

Under 13 Division 1 team had a cracker game on Saturday winning 5-0 against Dolphins. In a full field team effort the goals came from Lockie, Harley and Oli, Tyson who worked hard in the mid with Players of the day awards going to Harley and Sam.

The Under 13 prems took the lead against Dolphins through Cohen Springbett's goal. However the team were a few players short and despite the stand in keepers, Luke Sunter and Zac Allison, making a number of important saves, the team were unable to hold onto their lead eventually going down 3-1.

The U15 Premier Team faced a hardworking and committed Dolphins side. A great defensive from captain Reece Matthews was a stand out for the team but the final result was 3 nil to the Dolphins.

It was a tough game for our Ressie women who came up against a very young and energetic dolphins team. The ladies worked hard to keep them at bay but unfortunately the final score was 3-0 to Dolphins.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic.

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Whitsunday Premier Women continue to dominate and are closing on Number 1 spot on the ladder. Photo contributed

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The Mackay City Redmen travelled to Airlie Beach on Saturday to finish off the first round of the MRU competition and play the Raiders for the first time this season.

It was listed as the game of the round due to the top three teams, Whitsunday, Moranbah, and Cities all having 20 competition points.

The Raiders had a game plan to counteract the physicality of the Cities forwards who were coming off a strong showing against Moranbah last week.

The Raiders had a bye last week and needed a strong hit out to improve their match fitness.

Both Connor and Aden Spence were running on for their 50th and 52nd caps respectfully for the Raiders and were keen to go hard.

Throughout the game the Raiders stuck to the game plan and by half time, had a lead of 41 points. Cities were always competing for the ball and their forwards running hard and straight.

By full time Connor Spence had run in three tries, Darragh Lynch and Rhys Ward had picked up doubles, Thomas Humphries had his first Raiders “meat pie” and Jack Briskey, Waikato Nepia-Katipa, Aden Spence and Tristian Sainsbury had each picked up a 5 pointer as well.

The Raiders finished with a 76 nil win and cemented the top spot at the end of round 1.

The hard yards are just around the corner as the 2nd and final round starts with another home game Friday night, 2nd June, against the Bowen Mudcrabs, which is also the second round of the Eclipse Financial Services Cup between these two teams.

Come on down and support the boys, kick off 7.30pm. Best on field for the Raiders Brodie Stallman 1pt, Rhys Ward 2pts and Joel Hoffmann 3 pts.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

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Niall Clancy stopping the big fella

Despite the cooler weather the past couple of weeks, the coaches were very impressed with swimmers’ attendance at training.

Congratulations to Nelson Malady who swam 1km last Saturday at the Townsville Open Water Strand swim. Nelson swam a terrific time of 21 minutes 36 seconds and was came 1st in his M10-11 age group.  

On Wednesday, the coaches ran a swim session for 7 female swimmers who had attended swim training regularly since Easter. Celeste Orenshaw, Roxy Groom, Millie Groom, Evie Doherty, Tora Delac, Mae Carter-Attwood, and Andie Reynolds were invited to a special swim session on pacing.  Coaches, Mark Erickson, and Ken Crittenden were very impressed with the girls and their efforts.  

On Friday afternoon, there was a “Duel in the Pool”, Team Kenny vs Team Raylene. Kenny’s relay teams won 3 out of the 4 relays, but Raylene’s water polo teams were too strong in both shallow and deep water.  

Well done to all the swimmers who participated – Tora Delac, Harris Delac, Charlie Doherty, Evelyn Doherty, Addie Sanders, Levi Smith, Indi Smith, Declan Dichieria, Maeve Dichieria, Connor Lee, Stevie Lee, Alessa Penglase-Fortunato, Millie Groom, Celeste Orenshaw, Andie Reynolds and Katarna Bunk.  

Surprisingly, on Sunday morning there were 16 adults in the pool training. It was great to see Lesley and Dan Condon (and their family) back in the Whitsundays for a holiday. Coach Mark was delighted to see parents of swimmers and ex swimmers coming down and enjoying a swim.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cold winter days do not deter the Cannons

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