From the warm tropics of northern Queensland to the frosty southern temperatures of the Australian Capital Territory, at the northern tip of the Australian Alps.

That is the future lifestyle for promising St Patrick’s College rugby league forward Mark Morrow after securing a three-year NRL contract with the Canberra Raiders.

The power running forward is bound for the nation’s capital when he completes his schooling in Mackay and has already impressed Raiders officials with his natural athletic prowess, work ethic and skill set while attending a pre-season camp at the club’s headquarters in Braddon.

As the 2023 season moves into full swing, the 15-year-old Morrow is determined to make every post a winner when he trots onto the field for St Patrick’s in the region’s schoolboys competition ranks; club side Mackay Wests Tigers in the Mackay & District Junior League or the Mackay Cutters in the Under 16 Cyril Connell Cup series.

It is undeniably a heavy match schedule but one the super fit Morrow will definitely relish when the first ball is officially kicked off for the new season.

A delighted Mark described his trip to the ACT as “a memorable experience” and a valuable introduction and education on NRL operations.

“I met the Raiders NRL squad at the camp and was over the moon when Kangaroos World Cup star Jack Wighton came over and made me feel welcome,” beamed Mark.

“We had a talk about my rugby league journey to date and Jack passed on tips on how to improve my game,” he added.

The impact forward was part of a squad of 24 top juniors aged between 15 and 18 from across Queensland and NSW invited to trial with the Raiders down south.

Morrow chalks up a 10-year service milestone with his beloved Tigers this season when he lines up for the Under 16 black and golds.

He remembers playing in his first trophy decider for the Tigers back in 2017.

“We lost to the Townsville Western Lions by three tries to one (12-4) in the final of the Gorden Tallis Cup,” Mark recalled.

Mark participated in the Broncos Rugby League Academy from the age of 12 and the Cowboys Academy since turning 14 before linking with the Raiders.

He represented Capricornia at the Queensland School Sports Rugby League State Championships in Under 11s, Under 12s and Under 15s and last year also lined up at the State AFL titles as a defender.

Mark is one of the big guns in a powerful and hungry St Patrick’s Year 10 team that is on the prowl for another Cowboys Challenge Shield title.

Having tasted defeat after the bell in last year’s Challenge Grand Final this Raider in waiting is determined to get his hands on the trophy in 2023.

By Chris Karas

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Emerging St Patrick’s College rugby league forward Mark Morrow will swap the sun and tropics for chilly winters when he takes up a three-year deal with the Canberra Raiders

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Monday - mixed pairs draw was won by Lidia McCarthy and Ray McCarthy. Second draw winners were Vic Gaudian and Peter Miller, and the lucky prize draw was won by Marie Duck and D Evans.

Wednesday - NMBC Ladies Section winners were Lyn Tennant and Isla Comelli. Runners up were Debbie Mackenzie, Gloria Sam and Doris Dodds.

Wednesday was also the semi-final of the ladies club championship 4’s with the final played on Thursday morning. The final winning team players are Marie Bragg, Chris Hall, Michele Stockton, Dorothy (Nuggie) Pratt. Valiant runners up were Donna Gordon, Coral Francis, Deb Mackenzie, Lorna Bowers.

Thursday – Goosies first prize was taken out by Andrew Coates and Shayne Trannore. Second draw winners were Vern Mietzel and Pat Elgey.

Kitty Toucher was not won!

Friday - Mixed pairs best card winners were Col Crocker and Tom Crocker. Winners of the lucky draw were Vern Mietzel and Wayne Mietzel. Runners up were Eric Galletly and Shirley Bartolo.

Saturday - NMBC Men’s section winners were Kenny Dwyer, Shayne Trannore and Ernie Sealy. Runners up Eric Galletly, Asko Helenius and Kenny Lane.

Contributed by Ian Rowan and Suzanne Hazledine

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“A” Grade Fours and NMBC Singles

Club Championship 4’s winners Chris Hall, Marie Bragg, Nuggie Pratt and Michele Stockton

Runners up Lorna Bowers, Deb Mackenzie, Donna Gordon, Coral Francis

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While the Mackay Cutters took to the BB Print Stadium field on Saturday, a few key players were absent after being called into the Cowboys squad for their first Pre-season Challenge match against the Dolphins.

Hooker Kyle Scheider and halfback Adam Cook took to the field in Cairns on Sunday as the Cowboys played out a 22 all draw against the NRL’s freshest franchise.

Winger Laitia Moceidreke and centre Gehamat Shibasaki also played for their contracted club after appearing for the Cutters 18 and five times respectively in 2022.

Moceidreke, who played one NRL game for the Cowboys in 2021 and was the top try scorer for the Cutters in 2022, starred with two tries, including a clutch final-minute four-pointer to guarantee the draw.

The Dolphins were the first to score in the seventh minute followed by Moceidreke opening the Cowboys’ account just four minutes later.

The Cowboys led 18-4 after 32 minutes before the Dolphins made their way back into the game, leading 18-22 with eight minutes to play.

Moceidreke crossed untouched in the final minute to even things up at 22-22.

Schnieder’s consistency in attack and defence was on display, including a pinpoint kick in the 62nd to set up a try that was ultimately disallowed, and Townsville junior Cook got his first taste of the big time, donning the Cowboys jersey for the first time and taking the field with about 30 minutes to go.

“It’s obviously something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” Cook said after the game.

“When I got on there, I was just trying to do my role and make sure we completed the sets and I thought we did that.”

Looking to the 2023 Cutters season, Cook said he’s looking forward to a good year.

“We’re looking really good,” he said.

“Commo’s (Coach Michael Comerford) got a good group of boys there ready to go so I'm looking forward to a good season.”

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Cutters’ halfback Adam Cook donned the Cowboys jersey for the first time on Sunday. Photo supplied: North Queensland Cowboys

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Over seventy runners braved the heat wave conditions as they competed in a one, two or three loop course around the beautiful, mostly shaded Gooseponds from the Willis Street dog park carpark.  

The social event was a great start to the formal 2023 season with the first handicap points run on next Sunday morning at Wallmans Rd cul-de-sac, Rural View.  

All runners must register online so that they are immediately eligible for club championship and handicap points towards end of year trophies.  

Also check out the 2023 calendar on the website www.mackayroadrunners.com for weekly events, times and locations.  

Please check regularly in case of any updates or changes to the program.

Many thanks to Mr Colin Meng who has once again generously accepted to be the Mackay Road Runners Club Patron, bringing his reign to over 15 years.  

Col also formally announced the first race of the season with a welcome speech before cutting the ribbon to open the 2023 season.

Thanks to Col and his family for also providing Zooper Doopers for a much needed boost of hydration post-race.  

The continuing temperatures can be fatal; therefore, all runners must ensure they seriously maintain their hydration levels throughout the week as well as on training and race days.

Thanks to Tim Magoffin and Andrew Short for setting up the course for the event, merchandiser Jo Hughes, registrar Julie Whibley and timekeeper Arthur Dick as well as the many helpers assisting in pack-up afterwards.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Over seventy Mackay Road Runners joined Patron Col Meng (standing far left) as he opened the first official run of the 2023 formal program

Jordan Miller enjoyed a lap of the Gooseponds with his kids

L-R Tim Magoffin, Therese Hackney and Alan Zamparutti share a laugh

Birthday boy Stuart Sprott turned 79 on the first run of the season and is going strong too

Toby Rule leads over seventy runners out of the starting chute. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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Footy returned to BB Print Stadium on Saturday, giving punters a look at what they can expect from the Mackay Cutters in 2023 with four teams playing their first trials of the season.

The Cutters hosted the Central Queensland Capras with Cyril Connell Challenge, Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup, Harvey Norman Under 19 Girls and Hostplus Cup teams all facing off.

The Cyril Connell Challenge sides were the first to take the field, with the under-16 boys kicking off in the heat of the early afternoon.

The arm wrestle of the first half finished with the Cutters and the Capras tied at 8-8, but the home team kicked into gear in the second half, finishing strongly with a 20-8 win.

It was the under 18 boys to run out next, with the Mal Meninga Cup sides facing off in an edge-of-your-seat thriller.

It was looking dire for the Cutters, as the visitors went into half time with a 0-16 lead, but an inspired second half effort saw the Cutters score 20 unanswered points to finish 20-16 victors.

The difference couldn’t be split between the Harvey Norman U19 Girls squads, with an 8-8 half time score resulting in an epic 16-16 draw at full time.

Finally, the Hostplus Cup squad showed positive signs under new coach Michael Comerford, defeating their central Queensland rivals 24-10.

The Cutters travel to Airlie Beach this weekend with the Hastings Deering Colts, BMD Premiership and Hostplus Cup sides all taking the field at Whitsundays Sports Park on Saturday.

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Congratulations to the Mackay team on winning the Australia Day Swiss Teams in Townsville held 28th and 29th January 2023. This is a fabulous win, as it was a very competitive event. Team - Max, Diane, Janelle and Terry.

Big Congratulations to Eric Goodchild receiving first place in the James Sullivan Silver Master Award 2022 and Terry Sheedy receiving first place in the James Sullivan Grand Master Award.

Weekly Results

Monday 6 February 2023 – Week 3 of 23 Nation Wide Pairs 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd Alan Brown / Frances Brown

3rd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

4th Monica Darley / Robert Carless

E/W

1st Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

2nd Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait

3rd Maria Setiyawan / Geoff Taylor

4th Angela Wilk / Ming Ting

Tuesday Evening 7 February 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell One Winner

1st Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Janine Rodgers / Jan Harris

3rd Ken Seaniger / Maria Setiyawan

4th Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan

Wednesday 8 February 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd Janet Hansen / Del Ryan

3rd Maria Setiyawan / Frances Brown

4th Monica Darley / Kath Poole

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

2nd Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

Thursday 9 February 2023 –5 Table One Winner

1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2nd Geoff Taylor / Faye Wright

3rd Richard Wix / Patricia Garner

4th Mick Robins / Ann Whitmore

Friday 10 February 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole

2nd Monica Darley / Victor Mason

3rd Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders

4th Joyce Deguara / Toni Large

E/W

1st Christine Nice / Maria Setiyawan

2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

4th Anne Whitmore / Julie O’Neill

Saturday 11 February 2023 – 12 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

2nd Antonia Tarradas / Christine Nice

3rd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

4th Vicki Taylor / Toni Large

E/W

1st Ted Cullinan / Noel Saunders

2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

3rd Janine Rodgers / Terrence Sheedy

4th Helen Van Den Broek / Joy Brunette

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Di, Max, Janelle and Terry won the Australia Day Swiss Teams in Townsville

Eric Goodchild receiving first place in the James Sullivan Silver Master Award

Terry Sheedy receiving first place in the James Sullivan Grand Master Award

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Proserpine Golf Club hosted 22 competitors in the Club’s Tuesday Stableford competition with Michael Jarvis the winner on 39 points, followed by Gary Scotford on 37, and Karl Kirkwood on 36, with Brad Fleet winning the NT.,  

On Wednesday the ladies competed for the PD Law Monthly Medal, with Lyn Muller too good for the rest of the field with a very nice 70 nett, closely followed by Diane Chard on 71, and Trish McNeill on 72 nett.

NTP’s: Trish McNeill, Marlene Gray, Toni Clauss, and Pam Harrison.  

Thursday’s Venue Smart Division One Monthly Medal was won by Gary Scotford on 71 nett, followed by club patron Billy Woods on 71. The Division Two Monthly Medal clear winner was Peter Elms on 64 nett, followed by Adam Tester on 67.

NTP’s: Nick Apruzzese, Mark Davidson, Gary Scotford, and Adam Tester.

Unfortunately, Saturday and Sunday’s competitions were a wash out.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Pro Shop

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On Wednesday at Proserpine Bowls Club Bruce Uhe and Barry Zillmann defeated John Anderson and Warren Wilson, 19-12, in a game of Three Bowl Pairs.

Alen Sanderson played double lead in a game of Triples which saw himself, Philip Brown, and Mike Harrison draw against, Heather Brown and Mary Hedgelong – with Allen too - 13 all.

On Sunday, Carol Crosbie played double lead in the game between her team of Mike Harrison, and Philip Brown against Bruce Uhe and Heather Brown, with the former side coming out the victor 24-11.

The final match of the week was tightly contested but Alen Sanderson and Peter Lawton defeated John Anderson and Sandy Daffara, 18–15, in the end.

Proserpine Bowls Club extended its thanks to those the diligent workers keeping the club in tip-top shape during the holidays which meant a smooth transition back to the season.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club has seen a surge of high-class action over the past week with the summer heat bringing out the best in the members.

Tuesday afternoon's bowls games proved to be scintillating, with the guile of club skipper Margo Stanley and her partner Betty Whitehorn, who is currently in a purple patch, proving to be too much for their opponents Neil Moore and Karen Jensen.

Wednesday's Jackpot Bowls was equally impressive with Graham Cowling and Mark Mawson emerging as the big winners of the day.

The Wednesday night Business House Bowls also saw some exciting games, but they were cut short due to a tropical storm.

The Saturday morning Scroungers event had three first round winners in Betty Whitehorn, Andy McDougall, and Warren Mills.

Betty's husband, Tony Whitehorn, won the B division, continuing his success from last season.

The Saturday afternoon Men's Division tryouts for Pennants were well-organized by John Brown and John Fielding, showcasing the amazing talent in the division.

Sunday afternoon's Social Bowls, excellently organized by Lyn Graham, saw Craig Coleman as skipper with exciting new bowler Dawn Dowel at lead and reliable Neil Moore at second winning the event.

Article written with information from Mark Mawson

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Tips on navigating safely

• Visibility: Operate slowly in rain, fog, mist, smoke and glare. Take special care when travelling at night as potential hazards are harder to see. Ensure you operate at a safe speed.

• Other boats: Slow down in busy areas and when near moored or anchored boats, and remember — working boats and larger vessels may have difficulty manoeuvring.

• Navigation hazards: Slow down in shallow areas and when boating in unfamiliar water. Water depth can vary and change quickly in and around reef areas, and also in freshwater.

• Wind, waves and currents: These may affect the boat’s stopping and turning ability. The type of motor, hull and design will all impact on the boat’s manoeuvrability.

• Check your navigation lights are working and fitted correctly. We did have to assist one boat this year with the nav lights on the wrong sides! Did not know if he was coming or going!

Collision rules: The ‘International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea’ (COLREGs) are the traffic laws of the sea. They give clear indication about passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid collisions with other boats. All boat skippers must thoroughly understand and apply the rules in all situations.

Channels: When navigating in narrow channels, all boats should travel on the starboard or right-hand side of the channel and pass oncoming boats on the port side. If plenty of distance separates two passing boats, there’s no need to deliberately alter course to pass to the right of the other boat. The rule is simply there to remove doubt in the event of a close situation. Small boats (including sailing boats) should keep clear of large boats that have limited room to manoeuvre in channels.

Giving way: All boats, whether power or sail, must always take action to avoid a collision. Power boats ‘Look all around, give way to the right, turn to the right and stay to the right’.

Head on: When meeting head on, both boats are required to alter course to starboard (right), never to port (left). Any turn should be large enough to be obvious to the other boat.

Overtaking: If you are overtaking a boat, you can do so to either side of the boat you wish to pass.

However, you must keep well clear of the boat you are overtaking. This applies to both sail and powerboats. In narrow channels you must be particularly careful when overtaking. In all instances, make sure you do not cut in front of the boat you have overtaken.

VMRW membership is cheap insurance at just $90. You can join online at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/ .

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Activations keep on rolling on, and we are running at the same record level as last year at this stage.

Contributed with thanks to Mal Priday.

1: Don’t be a fool, follow the rules and avoid costly errors

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The youngest parkrunners took over the weekly event last Sunday, overseeing 79 people run, jog and walk the five-kilometre waterfront course.

Six visitors and a few first timers - Leighann, Rosalyn, Justin, and Connor - were welcomed, and seven recorded new personal bests: Jayden, Shay, Steve, Warren, Ian, Michala, and Leigh.

Airlie Beach parkrun also extended its congratulations to Max, who completed his tenth parkrun as a junior.

The event was made possible by Joshua and his team of 26 dedicated volunteers: Nick, Timothy, Kara, Kirsty, Kelly, Corrine, Nicole, Molly (photographer), Chloe, Lucy, Wendy, Mace, Calvin, Max, Carys, Rhiannon, Jess, Sebastian, Lilliana, Laura, Lynne, Dennis, Addison, Hudson, and Isla.

On Saturday, February 18, Airlie Beach parkrun will be conducting a Pride-themed day, celebrating the inclusivity of all at parkrun, especially the LBQT+ community.

The date aligns with WorldPride day and is supported by parkrun and Proud2Play. All participants and volunteers are encouraged to participate in rainbow sportswear.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at Bohemian Raw cafe.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

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Caption 1: Airlie Beach parkrun was taken over by the kids last week, who filled the volunteering roles of the successful weekly event

Caption 2: The youngsters took on every role at Airlie Beach parkrun

Caption 3: The Jones Family who travelled from Bowen to celebrate Shay's birthday with a parkrun

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Proserpine Veteran’s Golfers turned out in force on Sunday as 31 players arrived to take on the full course and posting some respectable scores.

The course’s back nine was still heavy due to rain, yet it didn’t put a dampener on Peter Fox who made a remarkable comeback from last week to take out first place with 38 points.

He was followed by Colin Hounsell on a countback from John Strelec also on a countback from Gary Scotford.

Jenny Hounsell has found herself on a winning streak, claiming the ladies crown last weekend with 33 from Lyn Muller, 32, on a countback from Tiina Randmae.

Pin shots went to Warren Deighton twice, Colin Hounsell, Nic Apruzzese , Gary Scotford, Billy Jesser, Lyn Muller and Helen Deighton, and Jenny Hounsell with two also.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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On Tuesday, January 31, at Wangaratta Bowls Club, two pairs and one triples were played.

Robyn Stitt and Mark Defranciscis defeated Denise Wallace and Mark Drummond, while Rodney Mumby and Graeme Read defeated Deb Retchless and Allan Rolfe.

Gwenda Lyson, Isobel Wheeler, and Penny Warrend were the final side to join the winner’s circle, defeating Bron Tolcher, Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Linda Smith.

Sunday’s winners came out on Rink Three: Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, and Greg Colquhoun defeating Rodney Mumby, Isobel Wheeler, and Allan Rolfe.

Other winners were Laurie Land and Pat Tracey in the match against Linda Scelle and Sugar Brunker. Meanwhile, Deb Retchless, Penny Warren, and Geoff Danvers defeated Bill Myers, Denise Wallace, and Graeme Read.

The final game saw Kent Moriarty and Kennedy Whitton defeat Lyn Danvers and Mark Defranciscis.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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The weekly Wednesday Social games at Bowen Bowls Club hosted plenty of familiar faces in tight matchups.

Peter Bruce, Gavin Charles, and Doc Fordham claimed the victory over the team of Robyn Stitt, Jane Gilbert, and Ian Best.

Meanwhile, Mary Ellen Pratten, Lee Welsted, and Steve Roome defeated Peter Thomson, Ross Scanlon, and Mark Rogers.

Then Jan Randall, Allen Williams, and Jeff Tierney joined the winner’s circle, beating the side of Carol O’Connell,Lorraine McArthur, and Jill Brabon.

Ron Gould, Lou Fordham, Gus Munro who defeated Joan Edwards/Eddy Neylon, Paula Welsted,Daryl Tuttle.

The club would like to inform that there will be no social bowls this weekend as the Men’s Classic will be using the green.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Caption: One of Bowen Bowls Club’s winning teams from Wednesday Social Bowls, comprised of Ron Gould, Lou Fordham, and Gus Munro

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Last weekend the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club sent 22 athletes to compete at the Townsville Tourist LC Transition Meet.  

Coaches Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson were impressed with all the swimmers and their performances.  

The Cannons posted a total of 53 personal best times at the event and many came home with ribbons or medals.

The coaches were excited that Jacob Bell, Holly Perrin, and Remy Hedges were selected for the 13 years and over Skins events, with Jacob eventually finishing second, Holly fourth, and Remy seventh.  

Jacob Bell, Ruby Harland, and Celeste Orenshaw were very competitive at the Meet, swimming personal bests and top placing in the majority of their events.  

Charlie Doherty had a successful carnival: one of his top swims was his 400-metre Freestyle which he swam in 5.50.96 to earn first place and a 22.58 second personal best (PB).

Charlie’s sister, Evie, was very happy with her second place in the 50-metre Breaststroke, while Nelson Malady swam extremely well in his Butterfly events and 200-metre IM.  

Nelson finished second place in his 100-metre Butterfly - 1.36.96.  

Harry and Eloise Chegwidden both swam three PBs and Eloise came first in her 25-metre Freestyle, Backstroke and Breaststroke.  

Dylan and Andie Reynolds both swam three PBs, with Dylan’s best swim earning her first place in the 50-metre Backstroke in a time of 46.94 seconds.

Andie impressed with her 100-metre Freestyle which she claimed first place for in 1.33.26.  

Levi Smith was outstanding, winning all his races and swimming three PBs. His sister Indi also had a great weekend – her best swim coming in the 50-metre Backstroke.

Don Algie swam extremely well, and his best swim was his 200-metre Freestyle which earnt him first place and a 5.8 second PB.  

Even though Jax Clayworth, Thomas Ganter and Remy Hedges did not swim any PBs, they all won six or seven medals.  

Zane Clayworth, Tiana Bell, Jack Ganter, Indi Harland, Koa Harland, and Holly Perrin each had an enjoyable carnival, swimming personal bests and earning top placings their age groups.  

The Cannonvale Cannons extended its congratulations to club members and a big thanks to parents.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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