Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Olympic gold medallist Cate Campbell made a splash in the Whitsundays over the weekend, inspiring the region’s next generation of swimmers during a special regional swim clinic at the Proserpine Swimming Pool. Hosted by Whitsunday Regional Council, the clinic was arranged to coincide with Campbell’s visit to the region as a guest speaker for Council’s State of the Region event. The opportunity allowed local young athletes to learn firsthand from one of Australia’s most celebrated Olympians. Swimmers from Whitsunday Swimming Club, Cannonvale Cannons and Bowen Swimming Club took part in the day, which featured tailored coaching sessions for three age groups — 6 to 9 years, 10 to 13 years, and 14 years and over. Participants received practical guidance, training tips and encouragement from Campbell both in and out of the pool. The event also gave young swimmers the chance to meet Campbell personally, take photographs, hold her Olympic gold medals and collect autographs, creating lasting memories for many aspiring athletes. Whitsunday Region Mayor Ry Collins said the clinic highlighted the importance of inspiring regional youth ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, opportunities like this show young people that the pathway to the Olympics can begin right here in regional communities like the Whitsundays,” Mayor Collins said. Council thanked the participating swimmers, families and local clubs for helping make the clinic a valuable and inspiring experience for the region’s future athletes. Gold medallist Cate Campbell with junior swimmers Photo supplied
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Amanda Camm has acknowledged the ongoing work of volunteers supporting Scouts Queensland at Rowallan Park, with a recent donation of marquees to assist with activities at the site. The park’s history has been carefully preserved by long-time locals like Bob Hodda, who has spent precisely 70 years working on and supporting the grounds. His knowledge provides a unique connection to Rowallan Park’s past and its role in generations of local Scouting. Among the stories connected to the site is the history of a bridge located on the property, which was brought in many years ago with the support of Ron Camm - Ms Camm’s great uncle. Originally costing £300, the structure has stood the test of time and remains a lasting feature of the park today. Rowallan Park continues to be an important base for Scouts activities in the Mackay region, while also holding a number of historically significant features, including the former location of the Munbura railway station, the Mervyn Johnstone Memorial Building, and South Sea Islander burial mounds. Ms Camm said supporting local Scouts groups is an important investment in young people and the wider community. “Scouts plays a valuable role in helping young people build confidence, resilience and practical life skills,” she said. “Rowallan Park provides a unique environment for those experiences, supported by volunteers who are deeply committed to both the site and the community.” Ms Camm also recognised the contribution of long-serving locals like Mr Hodda. “Locals like Bob have dedicated decades to this place, and that commitment is something the whole community can appreciate,” she said. Rowallan Park continues to support youth development, outdoor education, and community connection through its long-standing role in Scouting across the Mackay region Contributed with thanks to the office of Amanda Camm, Member for Whitsunday Support for Scouts Queensland at Rowallan Park was strengthened through a recent marquee donation acknowledged by Amanda Camm, while also recognising the 70-year contribution of local volunteer Bob Hodda in preserving the site’s rich community and Scouting heritage. Photos supplied
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The 2026 MSA National Short Course Championships celebrated 50 years of Masters excellence at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre from 28 April to 2 May, followed by the National Open Water Swim at Raby Bay on 3 May. More than 800 swimmers from across Australia and overseas came together for six days of racing, camaraderie, and celebrations. The North Mackay Sinkers fielded a team of six swimmers and one volunteer, contesting full programs of individual events, relays, and the concluding open water swim. Championship functions, a welcome event, and special 50‑year activities added to an already memorable week. All six pool swimmers performed above expectations, with numerous PBs challenged or broken — a testament to the quality coaching from Millie at DMR Leisure Memorial Pool. Championship Highlight – Cam McEvoy’s Lightning Swim A standout moment of the meet was Cam McEvoy’s blistering 25 m freestyle, stopping the clock at 9.32 seconds — a new Masters short‑course record and an electric moment that had the entire venue buzzing. His swim added an extra layer of excitement to an already historic championship. Pool Highlights – Medal Winners & Standout Performances Geoff Robinson: Gold – 200 Free, 800 Free. Silver – 400 Free, 100 Free Nigel Dalton: Silver – 400 Back, Bronze – 25 Back, 50 & 100 Back – 4th Pierre Craven: 400 IM – 4th Sue Dalton: 25 Breast – 4th Relays: The Sinkers Men’s 240+ relay team delivered four strong swims, finishing under nominated times in every event and proving once again how popular and competitive Masters relays can be. National Open Water Swim – Raby Bay The inclusion of an OWS at Nationals — often missing from the program — was a welcome addition, attracting over 140 swimmers across the 1.5 km and 3 km distances. 1.5Km: Gold – Nigel Dalton and Geoff Robinson 3km: Bronze – Dan Stampa, 4th – Pierre Craven A Championship Effort – In and Out of the Pool The 2026 Championships, delivered solely by Masters Swimming Queensland, were widely praised as a high‑calibre, exceptionally organised national event. A special shout‑out goes to our own super‑volunteer, Gerri Kissner, who was a “Gold‑medal performer” in her own right — contributing across timekeeping, medal table duties, and countless behind‑the‑scenes roles throughout the five days of pool competition. Looking Ahead With Nationals complete, the Sinkers now turn their focus to: MSQ State Championships in July, where a large and enthusiastic team is already preparing. Regional meets across North Queensland. Our own blue‑ribbon event, the Whitehaven Beach Open Water Swim in October A huge congratulations to all Sinkers who represented the club with pride, spirit, and sportsmanship at this milestone national event. Contributed by Dan Stampa The men’s relay team contested across several events. L – R: Nigel Dalton, Pierre Craven, Paul Ardvidson, Dan Stampa Gerri Kissner the Sinkers Super supporter and volunteer Geoff Robinson, swam into medals at the pool and open water swim Sue Dalton race ready for the start of the 50 m Butterfly Dan Stampa starts the 100m butterfly Cam McEvoy (L) pictured with Pierre Craven (R), treated us all to a blistering 25m free (9.32) Photos supplied
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The Mackay Contract Bridge Club keeps growing with new members joining each year. Bridge is a game of dedication, which requires continuous play to keep learning. Experienced players tell Novice players, (beginners), it takes at least 5-8 yrs to feel like you know what your doing. The Mackay Contract Bridge Club holds many events for Novices. Friday was the Unders and Overs Pairs green point event, which allowed Novices to play with an experienced player. The turn out was excellent. Some beginners are hesitant at first to play with more experienced players, but the more experience you get the quicker you learn the game. A big thank you was extended to all the experienced players who played with the novices in the competition and gave them the opportunity to experience a competition with support from the club. Weekly Results Monday 27 April 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 2nd Diane Morgan / Sandy Ford 2nd Jan Harris / Helen Van Den Broek 3rd Karen Caldwell / Sue Mayer-Miller 3rd Jewel Schmidt / Janine Rodgers 4th Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes 3rd Louise Renton / Joy Block Tuesday Evening 28 April 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Terry Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek 2nd Ann Whitmore / Frances Brown Wednesday 29 April 2026 – Unders and Overs Pairs 13 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st John Hunt / Eric Goodchild 1st Alan Brown / Martin Pearce 2nd Jewel Schmidt / Patricia Garner 2nd Patrick Rasmussen / Mary Rose Ramsden 3rd Michelle Hall / Diane Morgan 3rd Geoff Taylor / Diane Cox 4th Vicki Howard / Janine Rodgers 4th Monica Darley / Christine Fitzpatrick 5th Sue Mayer-Miller / Kath Poole 5th Mick King / Susan Ross 6th Shirley Worland / Diane Stokes 6th Sandra Morris / Helen Goldston Thursday Evening 30 April 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points 1st Janine Rodgers / Frances Brown 2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless 3rd Griffin Bancroft / Mick King Friday 1 May 2026 –- 8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 2nd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait 2nd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix 3rd Christine Nice / Diane Cox 3rd Lynne O’Neill / Terry Sheedy Saturday 2 May 2026 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Faye Wright / Marilin Robins 1st Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild 2nd Josie Cowley / Terry Sheedy 2nd Griffin Bancroft / Jan Harris 3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 3rd Christine Nice / Mary Rose Ramsden 5th Alan Brown / Frances Brown 5th Robert Carless / Anne Lutz Contributed by Joy Block Louise counting her points Christine, looking like she won that hand, and Martin, in thought. Photos supplied
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We have had a great deal of rain this winter, however here at our little club the precipitation was in the form of tears as we lost one of the greats on Thursday night when our own Nik Fernbach finally succumbed to the big C and passed away sadly on Thursday night.
Nik was a true gentleman and a wonderful clubman, helping all the new players find their feet and a multiple club champion with too many titles to write about including Champion of Champions titles as well.
Nik was a former architect and came to our club in 2013 and was admired by one and all.
He never complained about his illness, and always had a big smile beaming from his fabulous heart of gold and had a fantastic ‘never give in’ attitude.
Words cannot express the huge loss and void that we all will miss without his presence at our little family club.
The district has lost a true champion with one of the club’s legends, one of nature's wonderful gentlemen gone but will never ever be forgotten by all his friends at the ABBC.
We all will be thinking about his beautiful family that he has left behind and we all will be left lamenting his absence.
Vale Nik Fernbach.
Tuesday afternoon bowls saw the team of Tony Whitehorn with Pip Heddles at lead and Alan Pershouse at second easily account for the rest of the field with an effortless victory, with Col Morris taking home the prestigious Health Hub Award.
Sunday afternoon saw Betty Whitehorn as skipper lead her team of Demika Quip at lead showing her enormous potential with Keith Bates at second comfortably account for the rest of the players with a commanding performance, whilst Dawn Dowell take home the prestigious Health Hub award.
Finally, the Champion of Champions Mens Pairs was being played at the Marian Bowls Club, with a fantastic win by our own Manny Isgro and Harry Quod with a great victory over Seaforth in the final.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.
Our Champion bowler Nik Fernbach. Photo supplied
On Wednesday and Thursday Proserpine hosted the MDLBA Champion of Champion Pairs.
The weather wasn't always kind but through the goodwill of all involved and the work done on the green in preparation, the event went through with only the one rain enforced stoppage.
Great bowls were played throughout the two days with each and every game being played with utter commitment to the task at hand.
Winners were the Airlie Beach team of Carol Crosbie and Betty Nicolle, backing up last year's win in this event, Runners Up were the Seaforth team of Thelma Barfield and Jean Blackburn.
On Sunday we welcomed visitors from Airlie Beach, St George's Basin, and Swan Hill.
John Burnett, Carol Smith and Heather Brown defeated Lee King, Philip Brown and Lindsay Flood 26 - 6; Arthur Griffith, Bruce Uhe and Neville Smith defeated Alen Sanderson, Peter Lawton and Sandy Daffara 24 - 21; Kayla, Martin Corr and Warren Mills defeated Juanita Matterson, Stacy Hadlow and John Matterson 15 - 9.
On Saturday Philip Brown (subbing for Isaac Elliott) and Andrew Bell played in the Champion of Champion Pairs at Marian.
Our boys led throughout the game to be passed in the last end being defeated by Seaforth 15 - 17.
Heather Brown will be playing in the Champion of Champion Singles being held at St Helens on Thursday and Friday this week.
This event was rescheduled from July 25 and 26 when we had the beginnings of the heavy rain. Let's hope that we get a reprieve from wet weather for a while.
Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.
This week most of the jackpots went off so there were a lot of happy bowlers.
Monday’s winners were D Richards, R Agg, and S Roome defeated Merle, Izzy, and I Wheeler.
Runners Up were J Steele, R Barr-kemp, and K Armstrong defeated J Velten, P Howie, and M Ritchie.
On Tuesday winners were S Pearson, K Russo, and M Loughhead defeated B Tolcher, M Gleeson, and M Hyde.
Runners Up R Mumby, H Donoghue, L Jackson, and P Aykens defeated A Kayser, D Hallas, P Madden, and B Russo.
Winners for our Fun Friday afternoon were C Bellingham, G Yates, and K Joynes defeated J Breakwell, K S/Collins, and G Crawford.
Runners Up J Romanis, L Harris, and J Gibbs defeated R Murrell, Mark Col, and Taylor.
Friday night barefoot bowls was back on this week with a great sausage sizzle.
Winners for the night were Bamby, Deb, Helen, and Ally defeated Bruce, Bob, Evan, Ian Martin, and Gus defeated Frank, James, and Dennis.
Some of our ladies played in the Ayr Classic Triples this week and played extremely well with Penny Warren’s team of Jacinta Wallace and Denise Wallace winning the event.
Fely Duncan’s team of Robyn Stitt and Lyn Danvers coming in second. Well done ladies.
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.
Winners of Ayr Classic Triples: Penny Warren Denise Wallace Jacinta Wallace
Sunday's Winners Tracey Trophy: (Sponsor) Pat Tracey Glen Harvey Carol Bellingham Keith Aykens Neil Tracey (Sponsor). Photos supplied
With only 3 rounds remaining in the regular season, points were at a premium on Sunday at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club. Every player was looking to jockey into position for a final push towards this year’s finals series.
Only 4 of Sundays matches were from round 17, the remaining 5 were rescheduled fixtures from earlier in the season.
In round 17, Jamie Maher defeated a very spirited Hawkeye Rick 7/5, Hawkeye lead for much of that match, and Gary Robbie defeated Art McMinn by the same 7/5 scoreline.
Joe Wilson and Jamie Woods both had 7/0 wins over Jayden Lloyd and Andy Peel respectively.
In the catch-up games from previous rounds, Joe Wilson defeated Hawkeye Rick 7/1, Kameron Reason beat Jayden Lloyd by 7/1, and Andy Peel won his contest against Gary Robbie 7/3.
Joe Wilson beat Jayden Lloyd for the second time on the day, this time by 7/2, and Jamie Woods had it a little bit tougher against Andy Peel in their second bout of the afternoon, same result just a different scoreline, Woodsy winning this one 7/3.
Both Jayden Lloyd and Joe Wilson hit a 180 apiece, and the highest checkout of the day went to Gary Robbie for his very nice 120.
Thank you to our sponsors Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, and a special thanks to Master Butchers Whitsunday & MBW On the Barbie for donating a meat tray to raffle off on the day, thank you very much!
Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.
Andy Peel in action staring down the board on Sunday morning at the Bowls Club. Photo supplied
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Wednesday’s competition was a single stroke event for the August midweek monthly medals sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.
Ladies’ winner on a countback was Joy Hose 67 nett, runner up Debbie Cantwell 67 nett.
Men’s winner Peter May 66 nett, runner up on a countback Benny Bon 68 nett.
Sunday's competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.
Men’s winner Glenn Bianco 40pts, runner up Robert Byles 39pts.
Ladies’ winner Chris Heinrich 41pts, runner up Leanne Swan 40pts.
COMING UP
This weekend's competitions begin on Saturday with a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Home Hardware.
Sunday is the 27-hole mixed foursomes’ event, sponsored by Refrigerated Technologies.
Joker is worth $4100.
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.
More wet and trying conditions at golf this week but this didn't stop the players though!
The Proserpine Open Weekend was very busy with the weather finally clearing by Sunday.
The Women's Open was won by Nudgee player Sheree Hasson, with Trish McNeill of Proserpine runner up.
The Mixed Open was won by Mary Ann Harrigan and Mitch Thomas of Mackay Golf Club, with Leanne Alexander and Darren Reynolds claiming second place.
The Men's Open was won by Ryan Wilkes of Proserpine Golf Club with Jon Miller, also Proserpine Golf Club winning runner up.
Congratulations to the winners of all grades.
Thank you to all who contributed over the weekend and especially to our sponsors, Whitsunday Food Service, Beaumont Tiles and Reef Gateway Hotel.
Lyn Muller won the August PD Law Monthly Medal on Wednesday, ahead of Pauline Redpath and Ann Gardel.
NTP Winners: Rehab Hull, Trish McNeill and Pauline Redpath.
The Venue Smart Thursday Monthly Medal Division one winner was John Roser on a countback from Ryan Wilkes.
Paul Nicol was the Division two winner from Jim Cochrane.
NTP Winners: Brendan Spann, Gary Scotford, Ryan Wilkes and Sam Deicke.
Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.
What a cracking day out there today with 73 Veteran Golfers taking part in the Whitsunday Group competition hosted by Proserpine Golf Course.
The Ladies’ winner today was Elspeth Scotford on a countback from Mandy Patterson, each with a very commendable 31 points.
Jacqui Wall, Heather Luvis, and Helen Deighton took the next 3 places with 30 points each with Julie Williams next with 29 points on a countback from Robyn Whitham.
The winner in the men’s competition was Geoff Harrison with 35 points, a clear winner from the runner-up, Louis Neethling on 34 points on a countback from Gary Scotford, Vic Feldman and Frank Broucek and Perry David.
Next on 33 points were Steve Mitchell and Barry Shuwalow followed by Neil Cawthorne, Larry Muller and John Roser on 32 points.
Good scoring fellas.
Next Tue 8/8 is Day 2 of Wintersun at PGC and 15/8 is Wintersun in Mackay. Good luck to everyone playing in the carnival, let's hope for fine weather.
Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.
Geoff Harrison, Elspeth Scotford, Mandy Patterson, and Louis Neethling. Photo supplied
This week’s 9-hole stableford competition saw Donna Henderson take the win with 23 pts, second Glenn Rees on 21 pts and third place with 20 pts Sacha Walton.
Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Kerrin Taylor take a win with 22 pts, second with 20 pts was Paula Wronski and third place with 19 pts was Fred Tammist.
On Sunday we had our 18-hole stableford which Dean Barnard first place with 42 pts, second place with 41 pts was Elise Hodgson and third was Danny York with 40 pts.
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.
Dean Barnard. Photo supplied
What a wonderful weekend we had celebrating 50 years at our Two Day Annual on the 22nd and 23rd July.
Record numbers of 69 shooters travelled from Burdekin, Charters Towers, Gympie, Mersey, and Spring Bay – Tasmania, Mackay and Sarina, Tamworth, and Silkwood to compete over the weekend.
We started our weekend off with a social Friday night BBQ followed by a big breakfast Saturday morning prepared by Geoff, Andrew, Kerry, and Jeannie to get everyone ready for a big day of competition.
After the completion of Day One everyone settled in for a friendly get together.
The ladies in the kitchen did not disappoint with the amazing dinner they prepared for Saturday night, and everyone had a wonderful time being entertained by Geoff and his music.
President Bill Gall read out the Minutes from the first meeting ever held on the 13th November, 1973 and Greg Maltby gave an informative speech regarding the history of the club.
Alan Maltby one of the founding members of the club attended the Presentation on Sunday to present the Maltby Family Memorial trophy to the winners.
On Sunday we started all over again beginning with a hearty breakfast.
The wind had picked up making for some challenging competition during the day.
Lui Populin made a presentation to Lachlan Furini for the Encouragement Award and Jackson Zarb was presented with a small gift of appreciation for all his hard work over the weekend helping out with the traps etc.
All overall and first place winners were presented with an engraved Yeti celebrating our 50 Year Anniversary.
Bill and Kerry Gall, Colin and Cheryl Edgerton were both honoured and surprised to be presented with a beautifully engraved Yeti water bottle by the members of the club for all their hard and tireless work that they have dedicated to the club over the years.
The weekend was a huge success and what a way to celebrate our fifty years, it was great to see everyone pitching in and helping out from the Office, Canteen, Kitchen as well as the traps, clubhouse etc, too many to name individually but your support is very much appreciated.
We would like to thank our Sponsors Whitsunday Regional Council, Abbot Point Operations, Greg Maltby, Lui Populin, Pilcher Industries, Corrsafe, Diamond Protective Coating, Michael and Susie Populin and Grant Cox for your support.
Our next day of competition will be held on Sunday 27 August.
Contributed with thanks to Cheryl and Colin Edgerton.
High Guns Sponsored by Michael and Susie Populin Back L-R M Populin OA J Sebastiani, AA G Rea, A G Vassalini, B A Ford, C T Bartlett, Front L-R Jnr R Zarb, Lad B Rea, Vet A Lord
Ev 1 30T Medley sponsored by Whitsunday Regional Council Back L-R J Furini, T Caruso, B Rea, K Green, T Bartlett, A Vassalini, A Lord Front L-R A Lemphers, B Beazley, B McBow, B Bonanno, R Zarb
Ev 2 30T PS C'ship Sponsored by Abbot Point Operations Back L-R A Ford, Presenter N Munro, A Lemphers, R Warwick, K Green, L Hopkins, T Caruso, R Mikkelsen Front L-R G Rea, K Zarb, B McBow, B Bonanno, R Zarb
This week, the rain paused and 104 great people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course.
28 participants were first timers and 9 recorded new Personal Bests.
Milestones celebrated included; Penelope and River completed their 10th parkruns, Addison completed her 25th parkrun and Jarrod has volunteered for 25 weeks.
Photos supplied
The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club is back in action.
30 swimmers participated in the first Club Night of the new season on Wednesday.
It was great to see familiar faces and some new swimmers enjoying the night.
At the start of Club Night, the Cannons acknowledged swimmers who set Club Records at the Winter carnival.
Congratulations to Holly Perrin (200m Back), Lucas Korosec (25m Fly), Jax Clayworth (100m Free, 50m Fly and 100m Fly), Ehsan Helou (50m Breast) and Jy Parkinson (100m Free, 50m Fly, 200m Fly) for setting new Club Records!
Harris Delac was presented with the Chocolate Award for the biggest PB.
Congratulations to Isabella Pisaniello, Zach Trefz, Alex Trefz and Matilda Nicholes who were presented with Upgrade Certificates!
Top performers on Wednesday night: Jax Clayworth, Harris Delac, Thomas Ganter, Lucas Korosec and Trace Quick who all swam extremely and set PBs in most of their events.
Highlights include: Zane Clayworth, aged 7 years swam a brilliant 50m Backstroke in 56.34s, taking over 8 sec off his previous best time.
Tora Delac swam a super 200m Backstroke in 2.57.71, a 7.92 sec PB.
Isabella Pisaniello, aged 12 years swam a fantastic time of 1.38.87 in her 100m Butterfly.
Trace Quick swam an excellent 25m Backstroke, achieving a 12.83 sec PB.
Charlie Doherty smashed his 100m Freestyle time, setting a 5.05 sec PB.
Congratulations to all the other swimmers who achieved PBs: Don Algie, Evie Doherty, Miller Eaves, Liam Filewood, Jasper Korosec, Celeste Orenshaw, Alex Trefz and Zach Trefz.
A big thank you to all the volunteers, coaches and parents who assisted with Club Night!
New swimmers and their families are always welcome to come along to Club Nights on Wednesday nights from 5pm.
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.
Backstroke starts at Club Night.
Harris Delac Chocolate award
Jax Clayworth Club Records. Photos supplied
Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night results July 25, 2023:
Division 1:
Andro (George Camilliei, Tony Bowman, Barry Patterson) d Tibhar (Steven Whiting, Tim Sheehan, Vince Boeske) 6-5. George d Tim -4, 8, -8, 7, 9.
Radak (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake, Graham Brake) d Donic (Ivan Perkins, Anne Sheridan, Ian McKay) 8-3. Lee d Ivan -4, 6, -7, 6, 3.
Joola (Janice Kent, Andrew McHugh, Geoff Denman) d Butterfly (Neil Brown, Allan Edwards, Graeme Walker) 8-3. Geoff d Graeme 6, 7, -8, -4, 3.
Division 2:
Victas (Mark Sleeman, Steve Mathieson) d Yasaka (Noreen Fredericksen, Daniel Warfield, Peter Goodson) 6-5. Steve d Daniel 8, -6, -7, 9, 8.
Xiom (Duncan Sheridan, Duncan Treloar, Ishan Rana) d Nittaku (David Ting, Will VanDeKaa, John McGee) 6-5. David d Ishan -13, 7, 6, 7.
Stiga (Leo Gilbert, Donna Abbott) d Gewo (Matthew West, Trent Day) 6-3. Trent d Donna 9, -6, -6, 9, 6.
Division 3:
Delta (Aarnav Reelh, Val Austin, Saisha Palod) d Zeta (David Symons, Bill Hey) 9-2. Aarnav d David -10, 11, -7, 5, 7.
Beta (Simon Hogan, Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhaliwal) d Epsilon (Anaya Reelh, Jye Callander, Virginia Clayton) 6-5. Simon/Nehmat d Jye/Anaya -5, 6, -10, 8.10.
Gamma (Craig VanDeKaa, Mark Stam) d Alpha (Misha Palod, Ollie Hamelink) 6-3. Mark d Misha 8, 14, -9, 9.
SERVING UP: Gerry Synnott serves in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne
North Queensland Cowboys have claimed one of the biggest scalps for their first ever win in the NRLW competition.
The new franchise showed its stout-hearted qualities with a spirited 31-20 victory over reigning premiers Newcastle last Sunday at Belmore Sports Ground.
Trailing 20-12, the Cowboys staged a remarkable comeback with four second half tries to bury the star-studded Knights.
Earlier, 18-year-old NSW half back Jesse Southwell engineered tries for Sheridan Gallagher and Shanice Parker as Newcastle jumped to a 10-0 lead after eight minutes.
The Mackay Cutters connection of hooker Emma Manzelmann and centre Jasmine Peters combined for the Cowboys opening try before winger Jetaya Faifua crossed to level the scores.
Jillaroos utility Kirra Dibb produced a standout performance to inspire the North Queensland team.
The crafty playmaker booted a penalty goal to give the Cowboys a 12-10 lead at the interval; potted a field goal to snap a 20-all deadlock midway through the second half and created two of North Queensland’s final three tries.
When Cowboys forward April Ngatunpuna was sin-binned for a shoulder charge the Newcastle side took full advantage with Gallagher and prop Rima Butler crashing over for tries to open up an eight-point lead.
But in a dramatic twist the North Queensland women took control by scoring an incredible four tries in the final 14 minutes – including a double to winger Vitalina Naikore – to record an amazing win.
Second-rower for the Newcastle Knight Caitlan Johnston
An international sporting trip to exotic Dubai is the just reward for top class performances by emerging 15-year-old Mackay cricketer Kiana Dunn.
The versatile St Patrick’s College student will represent the Australian Under 16 Girls Indoor Cricket team at this year’s World Series Under 18s tournament in the United Arab Emirates at the end of September.
Kiana, a talented opening batter and sharp pace bowler, earned selection after helping Queensland Under 18s clinch back-to-back National Indoor Cricket titles these past two seasons.
The promising all-rounder was the Maroons youngest player at age 14 when they defeated NSW at the 2022 National Championships in Melbourne and was later named in the Queensland All Stars team.
Dunn again showed her wares in Queensland’s triumphant 2023 side that also lifted the trophy with an impressive Grand Final victory over Western Australia in Ipswich.
A prolific run-scorer, wicket-taker and superb fielder, young Kiana is the perfect package for indoor cricket.
She has also represented Queensland at Under 22s level and is delighted to be part of the Australian Girls squad for the World Series championship.
“I’m excited to be visiting the city of Dubai that has hosted numerous International Cricket Council (ICC) events over the years,” beamed Kiana, who took up cricket at the age of eleven.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to represent my country against the best indoor cricket girls players from across the world,” she said.
Kiana has competed at Mackay Indoor Sports for the past five years and during that time has demonstrated her all round capabilities in park cricket with the Norths Cricket Club in the Mackay Cricket Association’s boys competition.
She has been a regular fixture in the Mackay-Whitsunday junior representative cricket teams and helped St Patrick’s College win the prestigious Queensland StreetSmarts Twenty20 Secondary Schools Challenge.
Kiana has impressed State outdoor cricket selectors who named her as part of the 20 player Queensland Under 16 junior provisional squad.
Her father Shane Dunn, a prominent all-rounder with Norths Cricket Club, has proved a major influence.
“My dad has always encouraged me to have fun at sport and gives valuable tips for my batting and bowling,” revealed Kiana.
When she’s not smashing runs or taking wickets on the cricket field, the capable Year 9 student can be found racking up goals on the netball court.
By Chris Karas
Mackay’s Kiana Dunn will represent the Australian Girls Indoor Cricket team at this year’s World Series Under 18s tournament in Dubai during September
Fourteen days can be a long time between drinks in the Queensland Rugby League Hostplus Cup.
Exactly a fortnight after nearly toppling premiership leaders Souths Logan Magpies in Proserpine, the Mackay Cutters came back to earth with a thud after a devastating 46-6 loss to Townsville Blackhawks at Jack Manski Oval.
Having played so bravely in a 14-12 defeat against the top ranked Magpies, the unpredictable Cutters were poised for a strong showing against the ninth placed Blackhawks on their away trip.
Things looked promising when livewire fullback Rayden Burns crossed for the opening try after 21 minutes with half back Brandon Finnegan adding the extras to give the visitors a 6-0 lead.
But things went pear-shaped from that moment.
A converted try by replacement half Jake Bourke levelled the scores before wingers Jodeci Baker-Tiraha and Robert Derby scooted over for four pointers to give the Blackhawks a 16-6 lead at the interval.
The try blitz continued in the second stanza with Baker-Tiraha and centre Zac Laybutt posting doubles and back rower Taniela Sadrugu crossing as Townsville notched up thirty unanswered points.
It was a disappointing display from the Cutters who had turned in encouraging performances in recent weeks to kick-start their campaign.
MEANWHILE the Cutters had no answer to a slick Blackhawks Under 21 outfit during a 48-0 whitewash in the Hastings Deering Colts competition.
Outstanding fullback prospect Ragarive Wavik was superb for Townsville – capping a best on ground display with a points haul of 20 from two tries and six goals.
The Blackhawks captain was electrifying in attack as the home side ran in nine tries with doubles from winger Jesse Yallop and boom second rower Jamal Shibasaki, hooker Jai Hansen, prop Tyrone Gunn-James and centre Elekana Suavai.
Mackay have a bye in the Hostplus Cup this weekend before squaring off with the Burleigh Bears on Saturday August 12 at UAA Park on the Gold Coast at 4pm.
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