Sarina Beach Fun Run 2023

The sun rose across Sarina Beach as hundreds of runners and spectators gathered for the Cruisin’ The Coast Fun Run on Sunday, May 21.

With about 150 runners registered in the event’s fourth year, the 2023 Cruisin’ The Coast provided a competitive yet social event in challenging yet picturesque conditions across a variety of distances.

Raising funds for the Sarina Surf Life Saving Club and sponsored by Community Bank Sarina, Fun Run Coordinator Neil John said the event was about getting people onto the beach for a bit of fun.

“We’re on the beach every weekend with lifesaving and we want to share our beautiful beach with everybody in the area,” he said.

“We basically put all the profits back into patrolling equipment, nipper equipment and helping to run our programs on the beach.

“It’s a really scenic run and the weather’s beautiful.

“We’d love to see people down here for next year; the more, the merrier.”

Fun Run In The Sun

Cruisin’ The Coast Fun Run Results

Permanent Way Solutions Under 10s Beach Run 1km

1st Baxter Allen – 4:34

2nd Caitlin Pearce – 6:15

3rd Phoebe Pearce – 6:25

Wilmar Sugar Beach Run 3km

1st Lane Brady – 16:10

2nd Lily Norrie – 17:32

3rd Brianna Renehan – 18:06

Ray White Sarina Beach Run 5km

1st Zane Saye – 21:02

2nd Kyran Holt – 25:04

3rd Rylan Gordon – 25:41

Community Bank Sarina Walk 5km

1st Carol Davies

2nd Maree Franettovich

3rd Ann Fordyce

Daly Bay Beach Run 10km

1st Aaron Ford – 41:57

2nd Nick Glass – 47:43

3rd Caroline Pigerre – 52:25

North Queensland Bulk Ports Half Marathon

1st Paul McKenzie – 1:37:52

2nd Mick Vivian – 1:41:06

3rd Rolly Lisle – 1:42:32

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L-R Sarina Surf Life Saving Club President Trent Vernon, Rolly Lisle, Mick Vivian, Sarina Community Bank Chair and Deputy Mayor Karen May, Paul McKenzie and Fun Run Coordinator Neil John. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Bring Home Year 9/10 Karen Murphy Cup

Star Mackay Cutters rugby league half back Brandon Finnegan is celebrating his first win of the 2023 season.

The skilful playmaker coached the St Patrick’s College Year 9/10 Girls Blue team to Karen Murphy Cup success last week at the Mackay Junior League Fields to snap a lengthy personal losing streak.

It has been a frustrating period for the 25 year old maestro number seven who last tasted victory in the QRL Hostplus Cup with the Cutters on August 6 last season in a 34-16 win over Central Queensland Capras at BB Print Stadium.

After missing early round matches with a knee injury, the clever half has tried valiantly to lift the struggling Cutters, who are still chasing their first triumph in the 2023 competition.

But his fortunes changed when the St Patrick’s Blues eclipsed the St Patrick’s Reds team 16-8 in the schoolgirls final to regain the Karen Murphy Cup trophy.

Promising half back Courtney Harris and second rower Lucy McKendry – both products of the Walkerston Wanderers JRLFC – were officially named Players of the Tournament.

They were ably supported by talented lock Cianna Faulkner, dashing fullback Zoe Ziegeler and tireless hooker and middle forward Tilly Clark.

Both St Patrick’s sides topped their respective Pools to qualify for the trophy decider with the Blues toppling Mackay Christian College (24-0), Pioneer High (12-0) and Mackay State High (12-8) in preliminary matches and the Reds rolling Holy Spirit College (8-0), Sarina High (20-0) and Moranbah (24-4).

Under the guidance of coach Lauren Jones, the Reds led 4-0 in the Grand Final after an early try from half Keeley Logan and added another by middle Kelsi Hazeldine before the Blues demonstrated their class with a four try blitz from Harris, McKendry, Clark and middle Scarlett Ford to clinch the title.

The Reds were best served by playmaker Logan, dashing fullback Madi Mooney and prop Sophie Searle.

Contributed by Chris Karas

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Brandon Finnegan’s all conquering St Patrick’s College Blue rugby league team celebrate their Karen Murphy Cup Year 9-10 schoolgirls trophy win over St Patrick’s College Red last week at the Mackay Junior League Fields

Karen Murphy Cup-winning coach Brandon Finnegan and team manager Vikki McGrath with Players of the Tournament – St Patrick’s Blue second rower Lucy McKendry and half back Courtney Harris

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Men's Pennants were played on the weekend with some results not going the Mackay Club’s way.

Division 2 Played Pioneer Valley on Saturday away with an aggregate Score of 44 all, points 2.5 to 2.5. On Sunday they played Marian at home and didn't get the result they wanted, aggregate score 58 to 50, points 1 to 5.

Division 4 played Airlie Beach at home on Saturday with an aggregate score of 44 to 54, points 0 to 5. On Sunday they played City away with an aggregate score 57 to 44, points 4 to 1.

Division 6 carried on their winning way playing Arlie Beach on Saturday at home with an aggregate score of 67 to 27, points 5 to 0. On Sunday they played Sarina at home with an aggregate score of 50 to 28, points 5 to 0.

This weekend is the last games in Men's Pennants, with Ladies Pennants starting on Wednesday 24th May with Mackay Club playing at North Mackay.

Ladies B Singles and Pairs have been finalised with B Singles Winner Janice Nelson, runner-up Thelma Fry.

B Grade Pairs Winners Janice Nelson and Kerry Catanzariti, runners-up Thelma Fry and Toni Blucher.

Tuesday Social Play Winners of Winners Arthur Nayler, Whare Herwini, Rod Kleinschmit, Barry

Paskins.

Winners of Losers Albert Wicks, Alf Pagden, Mick d'Alessio.

Thursday Scroungers Mick Coll def Carol Savage.

Friday Social Play Peter Nelson and Val Edwards def Kristine Robinson and Barry Jenner.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Ladies from the North Mackay Bowls Club celebrated a momentous occasion earlier in May as they commemorated the club’s 75th birthday. President Lidia McCarthy extended a warm welcome to members from all clubs in the Mackay district, as well as esteemed guests from Bowls Queensland, including Directors Colleen Ryan and Carmel Gibb. Past Presidents and special guests were also in attendance, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The festivities commenced with a delightful morning tea, featuring a selection of cakes, biscuits, tea, and coffee. Following the refreshments, the attendees headed to the rinks for a series of enjoyable and friendly games, beginning with a closest-to-the-'spider' challenge on each rink.

At lunch, Lidia took the opportunity to deliver a heartfelt speech, recounting the club's humble beginnings and acknowledging the tremendous effort put in by numerous individuals. She expressed her gratitude to President Eric Gallettly and Ray McCarthy from the Men's Club for their involvement, as well as North Mackay Bowls Club Chairman Neil Blucher, who shared insights into the club's formation. To mark the occasion, President Lidia invited the special guests from Bowls Queensland and Margo Stanley from the MDLBA to assist in cutting the beautifully decorated birthday cake.

The excitement continued with the highly anticipated super cent sale, featuring an array of prizes. The success of the event would not have been possible without the presence and support of the bowlers, non-players, past presidents, and special guests, and a heartfelt thank you was extended to all who attended.

In the spirit of friendly competition, the winners of the anniversary games were announced: June Cousen, Leanne Lewis, and Maureen Blucher claimed the top spot, while Pam McDermott, Marie Bragg, and Betty Whitehorn emerged as the runners-up.

Contributed by Suzanne Hazledine

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Cutting the celebratory 75th anniversary cake. L-R: Margo Stanley, Colleen Ryan, Lidia McCarthy, Carmel Gibb

A commemorative plaque awarded from Bowls Queensland to the North Mackay Bowls Club Ladies Section. L-R: Lidia McCarthy, Colleen Ryan, Carmel Gibb and Helen Fleming

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It is back to the drawing board for the Mackay Cutters first grade rugby league team after a Suncorp Stadium shellacking against the Dolphins in the QRL Hostplus Cup competition last weekend.

Redcliffe produced a nine try blitz to trounce the embattled Cutters 52-10 in a curtain raiser to the Melbourne Storm v Dolphins NRL fixture and heap more pain on Michael Comerford’s winless charges.

After ten consecutive losses the demoralised Cutters face an uphill task of qualifying for the finals.

They led 6-0 after a converted second minute try by winger Walter Lauenstein before the dominant Dolphins turned on the style with a barrage of four pointers to set up an emphatic victory.

Wingers Jack Bostock and Brayden McGrady, fullback Trai Fuller and second rowers Jeremiah Simbiken and Mason Teague crossed for tries as Redcliffe established a commanding 28-6 lead at the break.

There was no respite after the interval with centre Albert Kelly, interchange players Ryan Jackson and Harrison Graham and half back Cody Hunter all notching four pointers for a rampant Redcliffe side.

The talented Hunter capped a fine display with a personal points tally of 20 through a try and eight goals.

It was a mixed week for key Mackay playmaker Brandon Finnegan after earlier coaching the St Patrick’s College Year 9-10 girls rugby league team to a Karen Murphy Cup title.

Finnegan tried hard to spark the disappointing Cutters who play host to the seventh placed Brisbane Tigers this Saturday afternoon at BB Print Stadium at 6pm.

UNBEATEN Redcliffe claimed bragging rights after slamming the Cutters 32-10 in their top of the table Hastings Deering Under 21 Colts clash at Jim Lawrie Oval, Brighton.

The Dolphins powerful forward pack paved the way for a fourth successive victory with strong running and jarring defence – piling on four tries by prop Tevita Toloi, winger Brenton Baira, second rower Noah Lutui and hooker Taniela Otukolo after dynamic Cutters centre Kai Simon had opened the scoring after six minutes.

Redcliffe led 22-6 at lemons with Lutui and replacement hooker Ayden Hoad bagging second half tries before Mackay hooker Kobe Bone grabbed a late consolation four pointer.

It was the Cutters first loss in the Colts competition and they face another tough assignment this Saturday at BB Print Stadium when they line up against the third placed and undefeated Brisbane Tigers at 3.45pm.

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Results of B4, over 2 weeks Red Points

1st Robert Carless / Janelle Conroy

2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

3rd Jan Harris / Mick King

4th Ken Seaniger / Joy Robinson

5th Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore

Monday 15 May 2023 – REMEMBRANCE DAY PAIRS – Week 1 of 3 - 9 Table Mitchell Red Points

N/S

1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown

2nd Marie McGuire / Joyce Deguara

3rd Geoff Patterson / Noel Bugeia

E/W

1st Max Holewa / Eric Leivesley

2nd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

3rd Sandy Patterson / Mick Robins

Tuesday Evening 16 May 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

2nd Janet Hansen / Lorna Shuttlewood

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley

2nd Marilin Robins / Faye Wright

Wednesday 17 May 2023 – Week 10 of 23 Nation Wide Pairs 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

2nd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

3rd Antonia Tarradas / Ian Cruickshank

3rd Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders

E/W

1st Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

4th Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

Thursday Evening 18 May - 4 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Sandy Patterson / Jan Harris

2nd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

1st Robert Carless / Ken Seaniger

2nd Patricia Garner / Mick King

Friday 19 May 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell - Green Points

N/S

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Joyce Deguara / Toni Large

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

2nd Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood

3rd Monica Darley / Joy Robinson

Saturday 20 May 2023 – 2nd Round of B4. 8 Table Mitchell Red Points

N/S

1st Mick King / Jan Harris

1st Julie O’Neill / Frances Brown

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Del Ryan

E/W

1st Robert Carless / Janelle Conroy

2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

3rd Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore

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The B4 winners were Janelle Conroy and Robert Carless

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Mackay Road Runners embarked on a challenging vertical journey with the inaugural Jo's 70 Steps race last week, featuring an updated race name to reflect the altered course due to renovations.

The addition of one extra step on the High Street side of the Rotary Lookout prompted the adjustment.

While the number 70 has been quoted as the official count, debates persist among runners who, in the midst of their exertion, often lose track of the steps while struggling to catch their breath.

The handicap start race saw highly ranked runners commence their chase from the rear, based on a handicap time, as they aimed to surpass their fellow participants.

This unique concept caters to both slower and faster runners, ensuring that everyone gets to experience the thrill of the race with a chance of victory.

The run commenced from Gordon White Library and ascended towards the summit of The Rotary Lookout via Pollock Street.

The runners then descended on the other side into High Street before embarking on the steep ascent/descent back to the starting line.

Toby Rule and Luke Leven, who relished in the challenge of the two-loop 10km course, had a unique perspective of the route as the cheering crowd welcomed them across the finish line.

Impressive performances were witnessed from a group of passionate athletes who were energised and invigorated after participating in Legends on the Lawn.

Hamish Donnellan, Travis Carlton, Walker Murray, Oliver Rule, Justin Rule, Abigail Sweeney, Tahnie Malagueno, Carolyn Mapes, Carmel Mahon, Carmel Grech, Lily Leven, Jan Smith, Lauren Connor, Alleny Gorrion, Shane Donnellan, Jo Hughes, Lorraine Perry, Leanne Connor, Toni Enright, Werner Van Der Linde, Ollie Gorrion, Alan Zamparutti, David Isbister, Stuart Sprott, and the highest backmarker, Angus Jacobs, who made a much-awaited return to the racing scene, all displayed exceptional running abilities.

This Sunday’s Mackay Road Runners event, the Grove Handicap Trophy, is a historical race with a trophy awarded for the first male or female to cross the finish based on their 10km handicap start time.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Lauren Connor sprints to the finish line in the Jo’s 70 Steps 5km

Crystal Hawkins had a great outing in the Jo’s 70 Steps event conquering the many serious ascents with ease

Travis Carlton and Carmel Mahon enjoy the downhill start before the hills in the Jo’s 70 Steps 10km event

Toni Enright bolts from her handicap start time in the Jo’s 70 Steps 5km from Gordon White Library carpark

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Pioneer Swimming Club made waves with its highly anticipated Short Course Transition Meet, held at the Mackay Aquatic Centre on Sunday, May 21. Swimmers from Townsville, Ayr, Proserpine, Cannonvale, Rockhampton, Emerald, and Yeppoon flocked to the event, which has grown in popularity over the years, traditionally having been a half day meet and now a full day meet.

The support from surrounding clubs, as well as Pioneer Swimming Club's own members and new financial sponsor, Harvey Legal, played a vital role in ensuring the success of the meet.

Among the highlights of the meet was Pioneer Swimming Club's inaugural win of the Highest Points Club Trophy, awarded to the club with the highest aggregate points. The introduction of the All-Age Relay added an extra thrill to the day, fostering camaraderie and excitement among competitors and clubs.

The Pioneer Short Course Meet holds a special place in the North Queensland swimming calendar as it traditionally marks the beginning of the Short Course Season. Swimmers strive to achieve qualifying times for the upcoming Hancock Prospecting Queensland Short Course Championships in Brisbane, scheduled for August.

As Pioneer swimmers wrap up their successful home carnival, they now set their sights on the upcoming Cannonvale Cannons Carnival on June 17, an eagerly anticipated event in the Swimming North Queensland calendar. The club continues to excel, showcasing their talent and determination in the pool.

Contributed by Pioneer Swimming Club

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Club President Kylie Smith awarding Pioneer Club Captain, Viktor Lee the Highest Points Award

Mayor Greg Williamson attended the meet, pictured with Makenna Malagueno, Madison Malagueno and Ella Bounden

Members of the Pioneer Swimming team

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To Epic Hoops Victory Over Salties

Mackay basketball wizard Isaac White stamped himself the ultimate warrior in the NBL1 North competition with another stellar performance last Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

The champion point guard piloted the Meteors to a thrilling 92-86 victory over the Darwin Salties.

White was at his inspirational best as he posted 34 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and 12/14 at the free throw line to sink the Salties in yet another best on court showing.

It was the Meteors sixth win of the season and avenged last weekend’s loss in Darwin - snapping a four match losing streak that left a relieved coach Joel Khalu with plenty of positives for the championship task ahead.

The gritty Salties – led by former Meteors pin up players Jerron Jamerson and Viliami Foketi – played hard ball from the opening whistle and led 28-22 at quarter time; 51-42 at the half time break and 70-69 at the end of the third quarter.

With trump card White leading the way, the Meteors rallied in the final quarter with centre DJ Baptiste (16 points, 19 rebounds, five assists and four blocks) and talented guards Tyler Williams (15 points, six boards and five steals) and Isaiah Lee (10 points, seven assists and four rebounds) stepping up in supporting roles to clinch a vital win.

Mackay Meteorettes won plenty of admirers after a pulsating 76-75 loss to undefeated competition leaders Darwin in the early game.

The young Mackay outfit came very close to causing a boilover with gifted guard Davida Dale’s last-gasp throw brushing the basket in a pulsating finish.

Mackay stunned the visitors by establishing a 28-21 lead at quarter time and trailed 38-37 at the main break and 60-50 moving into the final quarter.

Promising forwards Brittany Reeves (22 points and ten rebounds) and Denesha Bobongie (17 points, four rebounds and two steals) spearheaded the Mackay challenge with support from rising centre Charli Bliss (10 points and six boards) and the dynamic Dale (10 points, ten  rebounds, seven assists, five steals and two blocks).

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Photo credit: Kieron Place Art & Photography

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Mackay dad daughter duo Terry and Kylah Norris recently represented the district at the NQRA Kings long range shooting competition held in Townsville during May.

The pair comfortably took out 1st and 2nd place in the coveted Kings long-range competition after also taking the top two spots in the lead up competition “The Wilson”.

The local family made the pilgrimage to Townsville earlier in the month where they competed against shooters from right across Australia over five days of hotly contested competition.

Terry and Kylah shoot in the Sporter-Hunter class, where they shoot “off the shelf” rifles in the prone position from the ground.

The 2-day Wilson and 3-day Kings competitions were shot at distances between 500 metres right out to 900 metres.

The pair showed real class and were able to create a sizable gap in the points to 3rd place and the rest of the field in both competitions.

The Wilson competition has a possible 300 points available if a competitor can shoot perfect scores and The Kings has 400 points up for grabs.

Terry only dropped one point in each competition and Kylah, hot on his heels, only dropped two points in each.

Kylah also took out the under 25 trophy which is scored across all the disciplines.

The pair will now have a break before ramping up for more competitions later this year.

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Kylah and Terry Norris with their combined haul

Great shooters, great mates. Photos contributed: Terry Norris

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The local cricket scene is gearing up for an electrifying showdown as Australia A Men and New Zealand A Men prepare to battle it out in a thrilling series. The highly anticipated competition will feature two four-day fixtures and three one-day matches, with two of the games set to take place at the newly redeveloped Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay this September.

The impressive $25.1 million project at Harrup Park has solidified Mackay's status as a premier cricket destination. With a new covered grandstand, top-notch facilities for players, match officials, and broadcast TV crews, as well as a capacity to accommodate up to 10,000 spectators, the revamped venue has confirmed Mackay’s place as a national destination for cricket.

Fans at the Great Barrier Reef Arena will witness a captivating day-night pink-ball match during the second four-day fixture, taking place from September 4th to 7th, 2023. Following that, on September 10th, fans will be treated to an intense one-day game at the same venue.

The upcoming series holds immense significance for players, as it offers them an opportunity to showcase their talents and compete for national selection in the highly anticipated 2023-24 summer of cricket.

Cricket Australia's Executive General Manager of High Performance & National Teams, Ben Oliver, highlighted the strategic importance of Australia A and National Under-19 opportunities. He stated, "Developing and extending our next tier of players is one of our highest priorities."

Terry Doolan, Chairman of the Harrup Park Country Club and Mackay Cricket Association, expressed his gratitude towards Cricket Australia for their unwavering support.

Doolan emphasised the local impact of hosting top-level matches at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, stating, "It will inspire participation, celebrate community, and promote the world-renowned natural wonders Mackay has to offer."

AUSTRALIA A V NEW ZEALAND A FIXTURES  

Monday 28 - Thursday 31 August, 2023, Allan Border Field

Monday 4 - Thursday 7 September, 2023 (D/N), Great Barrier Reef Arena

Sunday, 10 September 2023, Great Barrier Reef Arena

Wednesday, 13 September 2023 (D/N), Allan Border Field

Friday, 15 September 2023, Allan Border Field

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles hosted the first of two Indigenous Rounds on Saturday where Ngaro elders spent time with Junior teams.

All Sea Eagles teams took on Eastern Swans decked out in Indigenous guernseys created in conjunction with Ngaro people.

Thanks to Leo and Mark for their Welcome to Country and for taking time to celebrate our unique Australian culture with the Sea Eagles.

In a fiery clash against the ladder leaders the Sea Eagles Senior Men matched the physicality of the Swans throughout their match with scores even at first break.

Sea Eagles came out hard in the second with missed opportunities keeping Swans in the match. Swans hit the ground running in the third lifting their pressure around the ground leaving Sea Eagles trailing by 5 points headed into the last term.

Sea Eagles wanted it more and started taking control of play around the ground with the home crowd bringing them in winners 60 – 54 in a close entertaining match.

Sea Eagles Senior Women showed great commitment to each other against a full side of Swans who were able to keep up to Sea Eagles for the first half.

Sea Eagles rallied in the second half to put on a solid lead coming into the final term and after a gutsy effort without a break Sea Eagles won the day 42 – 30.

Under 17s took on the Swarks putting them through their paces and coming away with a 50-point win 69 – 19 remaining undefeated so far this season.

Sea Eagles fielded a full team of Under 14s enabling them to link well together for their best game this season winning 66 – 6 (adj).

Under 12s Sea Eagles were valiant against the undefeated competition frontrunning Swans going down 27 – 36 in a close game.

This Saturday May 27 Indigenous Round 2 sees further celebrations at Whitsunday Sea Eagles home ground Whitsunday Sportspark at 1.30pm prior to the Senior Womens and Mens matches against the Hawks.

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

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The Whitsunday Premier Women’s side put on another dominating performance with a 9-1 win over City Brothers in front of a home crowd.

The midfield once again directed the play with Lena and Laura instrumental in the centre, and Eva and Akema creating numerous chances through their runs down the sides.

In the forwards, Willow and Steph were a constant worry for the City defence with their attacking runs and shots.

Goal scorers were Willow with a hat-trick, two to Lena and one each to Eva, Bre, Steph and Akema.

The Premier Reserves came out strong against Brothers, however a defensive error saw the visitors score the first goal.

Shortly afterwards, a corner kick from Dani was finished with a beautiful header from Steph to equalise the score.

A penalty taken by Robyn in the second half gave us a 2-1 lead but relentless pressure from Brothers saw them score another goal in the 80th minute the final score being a draw 2-2.

The ladies would like to thank all of the supporters who came down last night to cheer them on.

Happy female football week!

The Div1 Men also put on a spectacular win in front of a boisterous home crowd.

The home side started well, controlling the majority of the game, and hit the front at the 30-minute mark with a brilliant first-time finish by Riley O'Grady.

A defensive error early in the second half allowed Magpies back in the game but it was one way traffic as their lack of substitutes told.

Two goals followed from Ian Wilson and Aaron Morgan before a quick-fire hat trick from Tate Butler sealed a comfortable 6-1 win.

The youth sides struggled against Lions.

The U13 Prems put up a good fight against their unbeaten opponents, however, after a close first half, Lions ran away with the game 8-0.

U15 Div1 were unlucky after another brave and solid performance.

The U15 Prems also went down to Lions after a tough game.

The home team continued to battle but eventually went down 3 goals to 1 in a much-improved performance in front of their home fans.

Jack Robertson once again was solid in goals, whilst Luka Miller and Finlay Farrell worked tirelessly.

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The 2023 Whitsunday Women’s Squad with a big win. Photo supplied

Rising stars and Whitsunday residents Max O’Keefe, Reef Peel, Freddie Hazleton, and Corey Stroud recently represented Australia on behalf of the Australian Futsal Association on a two-week tour of the UK, returning just last week.

The boys were selected to represent their country in an action-packed tour of the UK on the back of their performance for Northern Queensland at the Australian Futsal Association (AFA) National Schools Futsal Championships in Brisbane last year.

Representing Australia U14 Boys the Whitsunday’s youngsters had the experience of a lifetime as they played competitive Futsal games in Scotland, England, and Wales.

The tour highlights included – competing in the Scossie Cup in Edinburgh, where Australian black team (featured) made it to the semi-finals, playing games against very strong sports academy teams in Peterborough and winning the Roy Miller Cup in Wrexham (Wales).

As well as all the tournaments and games the boys also experienced a range of training sessions with different overseas coaches, they watched live professional Football games (Scottish Premier League and English Championship League), they toured the home grounds of Manchester United and Liverpool FC and visited the sights of London.

The boys will once again take to the court with their school team from St Catherine’s Catholic College when they represent Northern Queensland in the AFA National Schools Championships 2023 at the Nissan Arena in Brisbane.

Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe

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Corey Stroud with the Australian Yellow

Max O’Keefe, Reef Peel and Freddie Hazleton with Australia Black. Photos supplied

As the mornings and evenings get colder and the days are still warm, we are just so lucky to live in this beautiful place in the world and our little bowling club just seems to get better and achieve more goals every week.

On Tuesday Ladies Day attracted 17 bowlers and Joan McGrat, Tina Schubert, Lynne Skeen, Dawn Dowell, Tony Whitehorn, Lane Telford, Pam Collins, and Di Dobbins with Di Jackson whose improvement is notable by all her peers, everyone bowled well.

Wednesdays Jackpot Bowls saw Tony Kelly’s team win everything with Graham Cowling and John Brown at lead and to cap off a huge day John also won the prestigious Health Hub award.

Tuesday also saw Betty Nicole and Carol Crosbie beat Karen Jensen and Vicki Spann in a nail-biting game to progress to the finals.

The second last weekend of the men’s Pennant Teams saw our Division One team win all three games on Saturday at home against Serena but lost to the very strong South Suburban team 2 games to one on Sunday and they will finish near the top of the ladder.

Division 4 won on both days against Mackay and Serena on Sunday and could easily win their division as can Division 5 with a win on Saturday and winning the points on Sunday as well with Rick Brunnell showing he still has all the skills.

Division 6 went down to Mackay on Saturday and also won on Sunday at home to RSL Mackay and unearthing a new talent in 14-year-old James Hou whom has only been learning for a month but bowled brilliantly on both days, as did David Meiklejohn with his hours of practice paying off.

The Ladies Pennants will begin next week, and the school’s competition is getting stronger each week with St Catherine’s school and the Christian College, all challenging whom will represent their school in the finals in Brisbane later on this year.

We have an abundance of talented students competing.

Lastly our Bar Manager Fiona Greener works tirelessly and makes the most delicious sandwiches for all to enjoy.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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John Askew who broke Rick Brunnell’s record of officiating at the club’s championships of singles, doubles triples and fours.