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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Brothers Bulldogs reign supreme in the Mackay Junior League after being crowned 2023 Junior Club Champions and lifting three premiership trophies and a Plate title.

The famous club also collected the Ivan Bradford Award for most teams in a Grand Final – highlighting the outstanding development work implemented by officials.

On an action-packed program at BB Print Stadium, the Bulldogs underlined their depth of emerging talent by registering Grand Final victories in the Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17 Boys age divisions and a Plate trophy in the Under 14 Boys category.

The famous Brothers club have enjoyed a bumper season in the Junior League with the Under 14 Girls finishing runners up to the Magpies in their competition and both Under 16 Boys teams reaching the semi-finals.

Now the Bulldogs are poised to add more silverware to their trophy cabinet when the Under 20s side tackles the Magpies in this Saturday’s Grand Final at BB Print Stadium at 11am after thumping Wests Tigers 42-16 in a preliminary final.

Brothers and Magpies will also feature in the A Grade decider this Friday at 5pm after the Bulldogs tipped out Sarina Crocodiles 24-16.

A proud Bulldogs President Andrew Battaia said club officials were ecstatic with the meritorious achievements of their junior and senior teams this season.

“We have enjoyed lots of success which is a testimony of the hard work put in by players and the coaching staff,” revealed Andrew, who is one of the most respected mentors in the Mackay Cutters junior representative system.

Battaia and coach Peter Bowman masterminded the Under 13 Brothers Blue team’s 22-14 victory over the Magpies.

Promising forwards Will Bowman, Brock Peberdy, Tayt Rowe, Blake Battaia, Jordan Ramos and Alex Webster paved the way for the Bulldogs with strong running and jarring defence and were supported by classy five eighth Harper Shields, centre Benji Calicetto and fullback Noah Allen.

Rowe and Bowman collected try doubles as the Bulldogs dominated after the break. The Magpies were best served by lock Flynn Taylor, half back Cooper Venz and prop Ashton Schultz.

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Brothers Under 15s preserved a proud Grand Final-winning record by toppling Moranbah Miners 34-26.

Fresh from engineering St Patrick’s College to a State Regional Championship mid week, gun five eighth Adam McSherry and impact forward Eli Cookson again stamped their mark.

McSherry scored two of the Bulldogs six tries and booted five goals in a top display while Cookson turned in a powerhouse effort with support from fullback Calvin Ramos and half back Grange Womal.

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Cowboys signing Kayne Smith spearheaded Brothers’ 22-12 triumph over Souths Sharks in the Under 17 trophy decider.

The St Patrick’s College lock produced a non-stop effort along with five eighth Niko Djukic, centre Rylan Misztela and fullback Giovanni Kumani.

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Proserpine Brahmans Under 14s avenged last year’s Grand Final loss to the Magpies with a hard fought 16-10 victory in a gripping encounter.

The Magpies led 10-4 following tries by bench centre David Phineasa and crafty hooker Mason Muscat before dynamic Brahmans half back and former Broncos Academy colt Koby Johnson-Follett turned the match with two crucial solo four pointers.

In a dramatic finish, talented Magpies fullback Marik Srsen had a try disallowed for an incorrect play the ball by winger Braithe Williams in the lead up.

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Wests Tigers captured the Under 16s premiership trophy after a resounding 32-8 victory over Souths Sharks.

Led by emerging back rower Mark Morrow and forwards Kereama Gartner, Lachlan Starr, Jack Townsend and half Joshua Toby the Tigers powered to a six tries to two triumph.

Centre Jt Brice and fullback Mason Ryan-Ellul also impressed for the Wests side.

Queensland Schoolboys lock Cohen Jackson, prop Anthony Sorbello, five eighth Kaden Muscat, centre Billy Cruden and fullback Reuben Saron tried hard for the Sharks.

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Brothers Blue lifted the Under 14s Plate with an 8-4 victory over Moranbah Miners.

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Brothers Bulldogs teams celebrate three premiership titles and a plate in the Junior Rugby League Mackay competition

Wests U16: Wests Tigers took out the U16 premiership title

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Nearly forty runners and supporters braved the very cooling but sunny sea breezes for the running of the annual Sladie Sand Dunes trail running event from Lamberts Beach. The Lamberts Beach/Slade Point nature reserve has an outstanding variety of options for a challenging event including soft sand, undulating sand dunes, bush trails and hilly ascents and descents with tricky steps and footfalls to carefully navigate.  

First competitor off a scratch start was the speedy Paul Mackenzie who revelled in the tough conditions ahead of Hamish Donnellan and Joe Grech. First female was a very in form Alana Knesevic who easily skimmed over the 12.9km three loop distance.  Excellent efforts were also seen by Grant Holmstrom, Shane Barben, Andrew Wallace, Walker Murray, Martin Lambert, Carolyn Mapes, June Bradley, Geeta Ariani, Lily Leven, Natasha Joynson, Carmel Mahon, David Isbister, Alan Zamparutti, Riley Matsen, Lauren Connor, Andrew Short, Leanne Connor and Mick Vivian.

This Saturday will be held with the very successful parkrun at the Botanic Gardens, West Mackay.  Due to the number of volunteers required to run this weekly event, Mackay Road Runners members will be on hand to assist as volunteers where needed.  The 5km event commences at 7am with no check in required however, if you have a parkrun barcode, please bring along to be scanned into the records.  Those runners who wish to add to the 5km distance are welcome to do additional loops of the scenic course.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Paul Mackenzie was ecstatic with his 3 loop 12.9km run

Whilst warming down post run, L-R Geeta Ariani, Alana Knesevic, Carolyn Mapes, Lauren Connor, Leanne Connor and Lily Leven get a great view of the breaching whales at Lamberts Beach

Walker Murray cruised the Slade Sand Dunes event

Natasha Joynson enjoying the Sunday morning off road loop style event at Lamberts Beach. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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No social bowls was played on Wednesday, August 23, however, the ladies did play the Graded 4’s competition and it was a very close one.

Lois Deguara’s team won the honours this year, with her team of Lyn Maguire as lead, Helen Fleming as second, Sheryl Cuttriss as third and Lois Deguara as skip, with a very nice 7 and 5.

Second was team Lorraine Lemke with 6 and 22, while third was team Lidia McCarthy with 6 and 9.

Super effort to all those who played in the competition.

There was once again no social bowls this Wednesday, August 30, with Graded 3 Bowl triples to be played.

Contributed by Suzanne Hazledine

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Lois Deguara’s Graded 4’s Competition winning team. Photo supplied

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Anne Hird Memorial Winners - Beanies For Brain Cancer

The Anne Hird Memorial Shield was played over the last three weeks with each Novice playing with three different ‘Over 100mp’ each week. Anne’s husband David Hird, who sponsors the event, presented the prizes which included Beanies for Brain Cancer. Diane Stokes finished on top of the leaderboard, but as Di was a previous winner of the shield the award went to Ian Gaskell the next best ‘Under 100mp’ Novice.

Weekly Results

Anne Hird Final Novice Results

Leader Diane Stokes Winner Ian Gaskell

3rd Peter Cowling 4th Anne Lutz

5th Susan Ross 5th Joy Block

Monday 21 August 2023 – ANNE HIRD MEMORIAL TROPHY Week 3 of 3

N/S E/W

1st Janine Rodgers / Barbara Tait 1st Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy

2nd Diane Stokes / Joy Robinson 2nd Alan Brown / Victor Mason

3rd Shelley Lewis / Faye Wright 3rd Richard Wix / Ian Gaskell

Tuesday 22 August 2023 Evening - 4 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley 1st Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy 2nd Sandra Morris / Frances Brown

Wednesday 23 August 2023 - 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Ming Ting / David Ting 1st Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

2nd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 2nd Alan Brown / Janelle Conroy

3rd Sandra Morris / Jan Harris 3rd Geoff Taylor / Ted Cullinan

Thursday Evening 24 August 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless 1st Terrence Sheedy / Richard Wix

2nd Susan Ross / Jan Harris 2nd Sandra Morris / Annie Lynch

Friday 25 August 2023 - 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Joyce Deguara / Toni Large 1st Gwen Liddell / Geoffrey Patterson

2nd Ming Ting / David Ting 2nd Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Rohan Aturaliya 3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

Saturday 26 August 2023 – 6 Table One Winner - Green Points

1st David Ting / Ming Ting 2nd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

3rd Nancy Wix / Richard Wix 4th Geoffrey Patterson / Terrence Sheedy

Sunday 27 August 2023 – Beginners 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell 1st Nancy Wix / Joy Block

2nd Annette Howe / Terrence Sheedy 2nd Sandy Patterson / Diane Stokes

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David Hird (Sponsor) Ian Cruickshank (Partner), Ian Gaskell (Winner) and Richard Wix (Partner), absent Eddie Kleise

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Doubles brought out fierce rivalry when the Jan Meng Memorial Trophy was decided at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre last Tuesday.

Don Boettcher and Fred Saliba won the trophy ahead of Pam Joyce and Gerry Synnott, while the consolation final was won by Donna Abbott and Bill Hey from Doug Dungavell and Cheryl Pearson.

The trophy is played annually by Tuesday morning fixture players in memory of the late Jan Meng, who for many years organized the fixtures.

Many thanks to Iris Grasso, Pam Joyce, Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson and others who helped make sure the event ran smoothly.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results August 22, 2023:

Division 1:

Donic (Ivan Perkins, Anne Sheridan, Ian McKay) d Andro (Robbie Richards, Barry Patterson, George Camilleri) 8-3. Anne d Barry 9, -4, 9, -7, 11.

Joola (Janice Kent, Andrew McHugh, Geoff Denman) d Tibhar (Steven Whiting, Tim Shehan, Vince Boeske) 6-5. Vince d Janice -5, 12, 6, -6, 7.

Butterfly (Graeme Walker, Emma Widdup, Allan Edwards) d Radak (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake, Graham Brake) 6-5. Graham d Graeme -9, 5, -8, 8, 8.

Division 2:

Xiom (Duncan Sheridan, Duncan Treloar, Ishan Rana) d Yasaka (Andrea Nicholson, Peter Goodson) 8-3. Ishan/Duncan d Andrea/Peter -10, -10, 8, 9, 8.

Stiga (Leo Gilbert, Tony Bowman, Donna Abbott) d Victas (Mark Sleeman, Steve Mathieson, Steve Crocker) 7-4. Mark d Donna 9, -10, -9, 3, 8.

Gewo (Trent Day, Lily Boland, Matthew West) d Nittaku (David Ting, Will VanDeKaa, Daniel Warfield) 7-4. Matthew d Daniel 6, -6, 10, -9, 7.

Division 3:

Zeta (David Symons, Bill Hey) d Epsilon (Anaya Reelh, Virginia Clayton) 6-3. Bill d Anaya 9, 10, -6, -8, 9.

Delta (Aarnav Reelh, Val Austin, Michael Ibbotson) d Gamma (Craig VanDeKaa, Mark Stam, Alok Rana) 6-5. Aarnav v Mark 10, 5, -7, -9, 11.

Alpha (Ollie Hamelink, Rymer Tabulo) d Beta (Simon Hogan, Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhaliwal) 6-5. Rymer/Ollie d Kade/Simon 7, 7, -10, 11.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning Jan Meng Memorial Doubles Tournament:

Don Boettcher/Fred Saliba d Pam Joyce/Gerry Synnott; consolation Donna Abbott/Bill Hey d Doug Dungavell/Cheryl Pearson.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Fred Saliba and Don Boettcher have a firm grip on the Jan Meng Memorial Trophy, which they won from Gerry Synnott and Pam Joyce Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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From Grand Final heartbreak to undefeated Queensland Regional champions in the space of twelve months – that is the fascinating journey experienced by the Year 10 St Patrick’s College Mackay rugby league team.

The Cowboys Challenge Shield winners backed up their Grand Final heroics with a resounding 44-0 victory over Rockhampton’s Emmaus College in the State Regional Championship decider at BB Print Stadium.

It was another mighty performance from Tom Gaviglio’s all-conquering charges as they capped a memorable 2023 season with back-to-back trophies.

Turn the clock back twelve months and several members of the current Mackay squad were left gutted after conceding a try after the bell in the 2022 Cowboys Challenge Grand Final against Kirwan State High.

Their mission to succeed this season came to fruition with superb efforts in both championship finales.

From the moment livewire winger Trae Cora posted a hat-trick of tries to give his side a 16-0 lead at the break, there was no stopping the rampant St Patrick’s lineup.

Cora’s third try was a special after gun half back Adam McSherry burst through and off loaded to powerhouse forward Mark Morrow who linked with the flanker to score in a sweeping 60 metre movement.

The tries flowed after the interval with centre Billy Cruden dashing over from a passing rush; the quick-stepping McSherry and forward Declan Grady bursting through to nab fine solo tries before pivot Cooper Cavill completed the rout with a deserved double.

Impact forward Lincoln Hale booted the final conversion after number one kicker McSherry (3) and Cora (2) had earlier potted goals.

Back rower Morrow – who is contracted to the Canberra Raiders – was the best forward on ground and menaced the Emmaus defence with his bullocking runs and jarring defence.

Other players to impress were centre Norm Campbell, fullback Hamish Donohue and forwards Kereama Gartner, hooker Cooper Deguara, Eli Cookson and Liam Dickens.

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MEANWHILE

Records continue to tumble for schoolboys rugby league powerhouse St Patrick’s College Mackay.

The Aaron Payne Cup winners roared into this week’s Queensland State Championship decider against Palm Beach-Currumbin State High School after slamming Rockhampton’s Emmaus College 28-6 in a State semi-final at BB Print Stadium.

It was another polished performance by Ian Schifilliti’s colts, who are chasing their first State Championship title in 23 years.

Talented winger Bailey Anderson demonstrated his scoring prowess by grabbing three of the Mackay team’s five tries in a standout performance.

A highlight was Anderson’s second four pointer on the stroke of half time after slick work by half back whiz Jaxon Purdue and sharp centre Tenzin Contor to give St Patrick’s a handy 16-0 lead.

Aided by a string of penalties and with promising halves Clancy Hohn and Isaac Walker calling the shots, the Emmaus side applied plenty of pressure – only to be met by ferocious St Patrick’s defence.

Earlier, the elusive Anderson crossed for the opening try after seven minutes – the result of a passing rush – before the skilful Purdue strolled over to score from dummy half to give St Patrick’s a ten-point advantage.

When the quick-stepping Hohn sliced through to nab a crucial try after the interval it gave the Emmaus side a glimmer of hope.

Anderson posted his hat-trick when he combined with Contor to score off a swirling Purdue kick before Hunter Harris potted a penalty goal to give the Mackay boys a 24-6 lead.

Dashing centre Will Shears sealed a comprehensive victory when he wrong-footed the Emmaus defence to collect a fine solo try before the bell.

St Patrick’s forwards provided the platform for success with hooker Xavier Kerrisk, lock Kayne Smith, Harrison Considine, Tyler Shandiman, Cohen Jackson, Diesel Costigan, Jake Bryan and Reece Morris turning in dominant performances.

In the other semi-final, Palm Beach-Currumbin State High lifted their 14th Allan Langer Trophy since 1993 after edging out reigning National Schoolboys Cup champions Ipswich State High 16-12 at Langlands Park.

PBC were best served by dynamic fullback and Player of the Match Ray Puru and middle forwards Brady Turner and Jett Jackson.

Now the scene is set for an enthralling tussle between two of Queensland’s most famous rugby league nurseries for the Phil Hall Cup.

The Reds nursery has produced 52 NRL players including former Kangaroos Ben Ikin and Darius Boyd and a prominent list of half backs in New Zealand international Jahrome Hughes, Cody Walker, Jamal Fogarty, Tom Dearden, Toby Sexton and recent Gold Coast Titans debutant Tom Weaver, who skippered PBC’s 2021 State Championship-winning side.

St Patrick’s were last crowned State champions back in 2000 – the same year Grant Rovelli’s super colts lifted the Confraternity Shield.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Mackay players savour their Queensland Regional Championship victory over Emmaus College Rockhampton. Photo by Michelle Bettini

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A tradition of football excellence returns to the region this month when Mackay Rangers FC prepares to mark four decades with its iconic 8 a Side Carnival.

Starting as a celebration of home ground enhancements back in 1983, the carnival has grown in stature and reputation.

Today, it stands proudly as one of Queensland’s remaining senior football carnivals.

This year's 40th Anniversary Carnival will be staged from Saturday September 30 to Sunday October 1 at the club’s home base at Eric Homan Park and promises to be special.

From Brisbane to Cairns, teams are gearing up to participate in the annual event - each bringing their own distinct flair and passion for the game.

With unique rules that include no offside and special points awarded not just for goals, the Carnival guarantees non-stop action and fervent competition for both men and women plus $6000 in prize money.

The Carnival also features a Penalty Shootout competition with raffles drawn throughout.

But it's more than just a game.

Mackay Rangers stalwart Liam Hutcheon said the Carnival has been a family affair with touching instances of fathers and sons and mothers and daughters sharing the pitch for the first time.

“The club is calling on the community to get behind this historic event,” said Hutcheon.

“Businesses are invited to contribute prizes, raffle items or gifts and such contributions not only elevate the event but also resonate with a broad audience of football enthusiasts, families and supporters,” he quipped.

“We are reaching out to let you know that there are still sponsorship opportunities available for this incredible weekend,” revealed Liam.

“Don't miss out on being a part of this thrilling event and getting your brand in front of a diverse audience of over 500 people attending our grounds each day,” he added.

Mackay Rangers FC continues to be at the forefront of nurturing football talent and passion in the region.

Through events like the 8 A Side Carnival, they not only provide entertainment but also contribute to the future of football in Queensland.

Nominations are now open and due September 17.

If you're interested in joining as a sponsor or would like more information contact Liam Hutcheon at hutcho_94@hotmail.com or Andrew Susani – Andrews@Coveng.com

For those interested in supporting or attending, more details can be found on Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/mkyrangersfc

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Mackay Rangers FC will host their 40th Anniversary 8 A Side Carnival on the weekend of September 30 to October 1 at Eric Homan Park

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