Schools from Mackay, Cairns, Townsville and Capricornia descended upon Harrup Park last week as it hosted the AFLQ Schools Cup North Queensland Championships.

North Queensland’s up and coming Australian rules football players from Junior, Primary and Secondary male and female divisions battled it out from August 15-16, with the six triumphant schools to compete at State Finals in Maroochydore in October.

It was the first time Mackay hosted the tournament which brought over 1,000 visitors to the region, with AFL Queensland agreeing to bring it back in 2024.

“We absolutely love coming to Mackay,” said AFL Queensland's Participation and Programs Manager - Schools, Inclusion and Diversity, Jeff Neumann

“Mackay Regional Council are great partners of us bringing it here with a really big push to have it here in 2023 and 2024.

“We want to make sure school footy is fully accessible to every student, no matter your location or your total school enrolment.

“The results are a great outcome, but the most important thing is we’re bringing all of these schools together to compete.”

Local schools Mackay West Primary School (Primary Male, Primary Female), St Patrick's College (Junior Female, Senior Female) and Moranbah State High School (Junior Male, Senior Male, Senior Female) all competed, with Moranbah being the most represented school from the region.

“For Moranbah, to have three teams, it’s a big achievement for a state high school 200 kilometres from the coast,” said Moranbah State High School Senior Male Coach Jason McKane.

“We’re a proud club, a lot of kids play footy together, and then school footy gives those kids who don’t play club footy on the weekend a chance to experience AFL and grow the game.”

Moranbah State High School’s Senior Female placed third in their division, while the Senior Male and Junior Male teams placed fourth.

“We had a lot of fun and even though we lost both our games, I reckon all the boys had fun,” said Moranbah State High School Senior Male Captain Harry Malone.

“(Moranbah) is a small club but a lot of people get around it.”

Results

Senior Female

The Cathedral College (Rockhampton) 22 def Ryan Catholic College (Townsville) 21

Senior Male

St Augustine’s College (Cairns) 77 def Chanel College (Gladstone) 23

Junior Female

St Andrew's Catholic College (Cairns) 22 def Emmaus College (Rockhampton) 11

Junior Male

St Augustine’s College (Cairns) 49 def St. Brendan's College (Yeppoon) 48

Primary Female

Farnborough State School 27 def Ryan Catholic College (Townsville) 4

Primary Male

Holy Cross (Cairns) 57 def Mackay West Primary School 0

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Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The Mackay Surf Life Saving Club is excited to welcome returning and new Nippers for the upcoming Nippers season, with a Sign On Day this Sunday, August 27.

Come along to the club headquarters on Mackay’s Harbour Beach from 10am to 12pm this Sunday and learn the lifesaving sport of Nippers.

With a series of ‘come and try’ days scheduled for September, this is a great chance to meet the crew and get all the information you need.

Complete with surf education, fitness, and beach skills, these ‘come and try’ mornings are a fantastic chance to give it a go, with the club providing stinger suits, boards, and every other piece of equipment.

“We had a really fun season last year, it was great to see our nippers grow not only in numbers but also in their individual confidence in the surf and with learning about being a lifesaver,” said Josh Grant, Director of Surf Sports.

“Our parent helpers are fantastic as well, getting involved with their children and building our club culture.  It really is a family oriented and welcoming sport.”

For more information about Nippers, contact the Lexie Schiffer, the Junior Activity Coordinator, on juniors@mackayslsc.com.au

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Nippers brings confidence, teamwork and mateship to your children

Mackay Nippers are small in numbers but usually dominate when taking on big clubs.  Harry Madden (front) in the process of taking out the U10 Beach Flags at last year’s Branch Championships. Photos supplied.

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Cape Hillsborough will be a sea of sails when Mackay’s Central Queensland Blokart Club (CQBC) holds its annual regatta from September 8 to 10.

Returning to the sandy flats for the 15th year, the CQBC Annual Cape Hillsborough Regatta has become the second biggest blokarting event in Australia, welcoming competitors from Victoria, southeast Queensland, Capricornia, Whitsundays and north Queensland.

With strong links to sailing, blokarting is a rapidly growing sport that involves maneuvering a wind-powered, three-wheeled kart along the hard, sandy expanses of the beach, following similar rules and format to yacht racing.

CQBC President and Founder David Moore grew up sailing yachts in New Zealand and discovered the sport after moving to Mackay and working in waterskiing and catamaran sailing on Brampton Island.

“It’s my love of sailing that put me there,” Mr Moore said.

“As I got older, I was getting a little bit old for getting out on these high-speed yachts.

“Blokarting is what we call armchair sailing; you’re sitting in a seat with a seat belt and helmet on.

“You’ll find a lot of blokarters are retired people because you can still do your sailing, but you can do it without wearing yourself out with old age.”

Competitors will race two configurations of kart - production class and performance class - across four weight divisions for each configuration.

16 races will be held over the weekend, with an accumulation of points to determine the champions.

Operating under Marine Park Permits and Public Liability Insurance, Mr Moore encouraged the public to come along and have a look as he aims to get more people involved in the club.

“The public can bring a chair with them, sit under a gazebo, watch us silly buggers run around the track, be in the shade and have a day out,” he said.

There will also be a sausage sizzle and cold drinks available for purchase, with all money raised going back into the club.

Local blokarters will then travel to Yeppoon in February 2024 where National Titles are being held.

WHAT: CQBC 15th Annual Cape Hillsborough Regatta

WHEN: September 8 to 10

WHERE: Cape Hillsborough

This is a free event.

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David Moore founded the Central Queensland Blokart Club 18 years ago. Photo supplied

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The 1.609 kilometre out and back course was held from the beautiful Mackay Marina Breakwater precincts in perfectly cool and sunny running conditions for this year’s annual North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) Open Magic Mile and the Podiatry Mackay Junior Magic Mile.

All runners were very excited to run the 1609 metres distance on the spectacular breakwater, although not sure if they had time to take in the views in the fast and furious sprint distance event.  

The U13 and U18 Podiatry Mackay Magic Mile entrants raced first with the NQBP Mackay Magic Mile participants let out of the gates when the last junior crossed the finish line.  

U13’s Amelia Dobbin placed 1st ahead of Peppa Burchill, whilst in the boys, Aziel Dobbin claimed gold ahead of Hughie Bishop (2nd) and Duke Burchill (3rd).  

U18 girls had a scorching race with Abi Sweeney snatching first ahead of Lily Leven with Millie Bishop collecting bronze.  

The U18 male was also a sizzling affair with Toby Rule taking the top podium place ahead of very fast finishing Jarrod Mackie (2nd) and Luke Leven (3rd).  

The NQBP Open Magic Mile was a sprint from the start, with all runners vying for top prizes from local Marina businesses as well as valuable club championship points.  

The home straight saw an exciting sprint finish as Oliver Rule led from the bend in pole position, however, Angus Jacobs dug deep to outpace the youngster in the final 100 metres, desperately lunging across the finish line to claim victory.  

Nick Rewald had an amazing race behind the duo claiming third ahead of the quality field.

A welcome return to local racing was Demi Caldwell who had a sensational run to be rewarded with the top prize ahead of a gutsy effort by Alana Knesevic and newbie on the block, Greta Petersen.

The coveted Magic Mile Milo Award was presented to Jen White who enjoyed one of her best runs with the club since she became involved this year.  

This Sunday’s Sladie Sand Dunes trail run also doubles as a Pre Father’s Day weekend run, commencing at 7am from the Lamberts Beach playground.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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The Podiatry Mackay Junior Magic Mile off and running at the Mackay Marina Breakwater

Open male and female NQBP Mackay Magic Mile awardees, Alana Knesevic (2nd), Oliver Rule (2nd), Mackay Road Runners Club Patron Mr Col Meng, Angus Jacobs (1st), Nick Rewald (3rd), Greta Petersen (3rd) and Demi Caldwell (1st). Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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The Hostplus Cup Mackay Cutters had local fans cheering as they played out their last game of the 2023 season, achieving their first win at home for the season.

The beleaguered side secured their third win of the season, joining round 22 opponents Western Clydesdales on 10 premiership points and finishing the season 14th on the ladder.

In the first clash between the two sides since the Clydesdales returned to the state competition, the Toowoomba-based visitors drew first blood in the fourth minute before Cutters’ winger Walter Lauenstein scored a quickfire double to open the home side’s account.

A short kick off got the Clydesdales immediately back in the game, but a 28th minute try to interchange player Brandon Russell saw the Cutters hit the sheds with a 16-12 lead.

The home side then turned it on in the second half, showing the home crowd what they’re capable with tries to Kobe Bone in the 45th minute, Rayden Burns in the 67th and Bayley Gill in the 70th.

A consolation try to Clydesdales winger Jerome Taulaga came in the 74th minute before Cutters five-eighth fittingly put the icing on the cake, getting the crowd to their feet with a 77th minute try.

Five out of seven conversions for Brandon Finnegan saw the Mackay Cutters defeat the Western Clydesdales 38-18.

Earlier in the day, a huge second half comeback resulted in a thrilling two-point win for the Hastings Deering Colts Cutters again taking on the Western Clydesdales.

The see-sawing affair opened with a first minute try to Cutters hooker Seth McGilvray, before the visitors piled on three first half tries to finish 4-16 at the break.

The Cutters then crawled their way back into the contest with second half tries to Corey Shepherd, Kane Simon, Tyrese Parter and Liam Doherty.

With the lead changing back and forth, the Clydesdales five-eighth Nicholas Carrie secured a second half double, including a 75th minute try that had the scores at 28-26 with a kick to come.

Kai Duggan was unable to add the extras, the visitors falling two points short at full time.

The Hastings Deering Colts Mackay Cutters finished the 2023 season on 17 competition points, placing ninth on the ladder and falling agonisingly short of playing finals.

Both teams have already made key recruitments ahead of the 2024 season, including the signing of experienced international Mahe Fonua.

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Saturday saw wins to both the Hastings Deering Colts and Hostplus Cup Mackay Cutters sides. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Founders Teams Winners

After three weeks of fierce competition between eight teams with a minimum of four players, each playing with a different partner each week, Team Conroy has taken first place. Team Conroy consisted of Janelle Conroy, France Brown, Janet Hansen & Alan Brown.

Weekly Results

Monday 14 August 2023 – ANNE HIRD MEMORIAL TROPHY Week 2 of 3

N/S E/W

1st Diane Stokes / Debra Goodchild 1st Ian Gaskell / Edward Kleise

2nd Antonia Tarradas / Anne Lutz 2nd Joy Block / Monica Darley

3rd Jewel Schmidt / Nancy Martin 3rd Faye Wright / Mary Cruickshank

Tuesday 15 August 2023 Evening - 3 Table One Winner Mitchell Green Pts

1st Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan

2nd Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

3rd Alan Brown / Susan Gibson

Wednesday 16 August 2023 - 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Joy Brunette / Don Poole 1st Eric Goodchild / David Ting

2nd Ming Ting / Debra Goodchild 2nd Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

3rd Alan Brown / Janelle Conroy 3rd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

Thursday Evening 17 August 2023 - 6 Table One Winner

1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2nd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

3rd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

Friday 18 August 2023 – NWP 16 of 23 - 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

3rd Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix 3rd Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell

Saturday 19 August 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown 1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Faye Wright 2nd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

3rd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 3rd Geoffrey Patterson / Patricia Garner

Contributed by Joy Block

Janelle Conroy, Alan Brown, Frances Brown and Janet Hansen. Photo supplied

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Albert Wicks, 93, is Mackay Bowls Club’s oldest active member. Albert regularly plays social Triples on Tuesday using his original bowls with only a walking stick for balance.

Besides being a past committee member, Albert’s pervious bowling achievements include Club Pairs and Triples Championships, Senior Singles Champion as well as District Finalist in Pairs and Triples. Alberts experience and knowledge is invaluable for all bowlers, especially at Annual General Meetings.

Ross Dunstan competed in Men's Champion of Champions at North Mackay last weekend, giving it his best.

The Cattle Creek Shield will be played this weekend at Marian and Gargett Clubs.

Team 1: T Mayfield, B Crocker, R Casey, J Smith.

Team 2: N Wilson, G Edmonds, C Marks, P Carter.

Team 3: R Dunstan, R Blanchard, B Robertson, B Jenner.

Team 4: B Bridger, E Roberts, A Gibson, T Hollows.

Tuesday Bowls welcomed visitors Carol and Hugh from Port Pirie, Colin from Bendigo and Ned from Ballarat joining local bowlers.

Winner of Winners: Leanne Jenner, Barry Jenner, Peter Taaffe.

Winner of Losers: Julie Caban, Karina Dunn, Marie Mayfield.

Thursday Scroungers: Carol Savage def Mike Irving, Geoff Jolley.

Friday Social Play

Winners: Kirstine Robinson, Janice Nelson.

Runners Up: Peter Nelson, Erin Clements.

Close games were witnessed in Club Championships last weekend, continuing this weekend with Ladies Consistency Singles being played on Friday Afternoon; Ladies 2 Bowl Triples on Saturday Afternoon; Ladies U/65 Singles Sunday Morning; and Ladies 2 Bowl Triples, Men's Open Triples and Men's B Pairs on Sunday Afternoon.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Bowler Albert Wicks proves age is no barrier at 93 years old. Photo credit: Mike Irving

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Celebrate Dual Challenge Titles

Aaron Payne Cup

North Queensland Cowboys bound half back Jaxon Purdue demonstrated his class as rugby league powerhouse St Patrick’s College completed a unique championship double last week in Townsville.

The famous Mackay sporting nursery unveiled several Cowboys’ stars of the future when they slammed Kirwan State High 32-10 to lift the Aaron Payne Cup premiership trophy at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Played as a curtain raiser to the NRL clash between the Cowboys and Cronulla Sharks, the St Patrick’s colts proved too strong for their rivals with playmaker Purdue showing local supporters his array of skills in a taste of things to come.

Purdue’s outstanding display earned him the Player of the Grand Final and Most Valuable Player of the competition awards and capped a memorable 24 hours for the college.

The previous day, St Patrick’s toppled Ignatius Park College 24-10 to clinch the Cowboys Challenge Shield at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

Both St Patrick’s teams etched their names in the record books by winning the prestigious North Queensland schoolboy competitions undefeated.

Ian Schifilliti’s first grade charges overcame an injury crisis to regain the Cup with Queensland Schoolboys reps Purdue and hooker Xavier Kerrisk leading the charge.

Cowboys fans would have marvelled at the performance of Purdue, who scored two of St Patrick’s six tries and created others to show why he is regarded one of the best young prospects in the State.

The talented half - along with the crafty Kerrisk, centre Will Shears and lock forward Kayne Smith - is contracted to the Cowboys and ready to take the leap into professional ranks in 2024.

Elusive winger Bailey Anderson also collected a try double with five eighth Bailey Venz and lock Kayne Smith grabbing four pointers as the St Patrick’s juggernaut dominated from the outset.

Goalkicking winger Hunter Harris completed the rout with three conversions.

Rising fullback Hayden Cumming, centres Shears and Tenzin Contor and wingers Anderson and Harris capitalised on the slick service from halves Purdue and Venz to launch many an attacking raid.

In the engine room it was young props Cohen Jackson and Tyler Shandiman, back rowers Diesel Costigan, Harrison Considine and lock forward Smith that paved the way with non-stop displays.

Coach Schifilliti saluted the efforts of his all-conquering unit, heaping special praise on interchange players Hudson Clark, Reece Morris, Will Whippy, Darcy Daly, Javen Ramsamy and Jake Bryan.

“This Grand Final victory means so much to the boys who have put in hours of hard toil to reclaim the trophy,” revealed Schifilliti.

“It was a magnificent team effort and a title triumph so thoroughly deserved,” he added.

The proud mentor also praised his coaching staff in Assistant Chad Buckby and trainers Shane Mau, Will Gilbert and Patrick Daly.

“Everyone contributed to this incredible Cup win” concluded Schifilliti.

St Patrick’s will now focus on winning the 2023 Queensland State Championship and square off with Emmaus College Rockhampton in a challenge that doubles as a National Schoolboys Cup State semi-final in Mackay this week.

Winner of this clash advances to the State Championship Final to play the winner of the Allan Langer Trophy showdown between Palm Beach-Currumbin State High and Ipswich State High for the Phil Hall Cup.

Cowboys Challenge

St Patrick’s College have regained the Cowboys Challenge Shield after toppling rivals Ignatius Park Townsville 24-10 in the 2023 trophy decider staged at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

Talented hooker and skipper Cooper Deguara was named the official Player of the Grand Final for his tireless two try effort in a mighty performance from the undefeated champions.

For coach Tom Gaviglio it was a deserved premiership in his first year at the helm - with the Shield triumph erasing the memories of last season’s heart breaking after-the-bell loss to Kirwan State High.

Emerging forwards Mark Morrow, Ryan John, Caleb O’Brien and Declan Grady turned in superb performances along with fullback Hamish Donohue, half back Adam McSherry, five eighth Cooper Cavell, centre Norm Campbell and winger Trae Cora.

Key moment in the match was John’s classic try-saving tackle on a flying Ignatius Park fullback Lincoln Baker with the Mackay boys leading 18-10.

St Patrick’s lost Queensland Under 15 Schoolboys prop Sam Anderson early in the match with a damaged knee but led 14-0 at the break following tries by Deguara, a rampaging Morrow and prop Kereama Gartner.

Utility Billy Cruden scored after the break to extend St Patrick’s lead before Ignatius Park hit back with two quick tries.

Deguara sealed victory with a smart try to cap a best-on-ground display.

St Patrick’s will now meet Dolphins Cup champions Emmaus College Rockhampton in a Queensland Regional Grand Final challenge.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick's College players and officials celebrate their Aaron Payne Cup rugby league championship triumph at Queensland Country Bank Stadium

St Patrick's and Queensland Schoolboys half back Jaxon Purdue received the official Player of the Grand Final and the competition's Most Valuable Player awards for his superb performances in 2023. Photo credit: Michelle Bettini

Mackay Cutters Head Coach Michael Comerford with St Patrick’s hooker and Player of the Grand Final Cooper Deguara (left) and boom forward Mark Morrow

Jubilant St Patrick’s College players and officials celebrate their Cowboys Challenge premiership win over Ignatius Park College

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The North Queensland Sportstar Awards nominations will close at midnight on Friday September 1.

With 11 categories to nominate into, and more than $18,000 up for grabs, there is something for every sports star, recognising achievements of individuals and players who put their very best into their sport.

North Queensland Sports Foundation director and Mackay Regional Council councillor Laurence Bonaventura said the planning committee has been pleased with the response so far.

“We’ve received a good response from the North Queensland region with almost 100 nominations received to date,” Cr Bonaventura said.

“There are some key areas though where we are still chasing more nominations, including the team sports categories, service to sport and senior sporting categories,” he said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our local sporting heroes to be recognised in their hometown, so I encourage everyone to take the time to nominate Mackay region individuals and teams who have performed exceptionally at their sport.”

The 11 categories include:

• NQ Sportstar of the Year.

• NQ Rural and Remote Sportstar of the Year.

• Junior Sportstar of the Year.

• NQ Junior Rural and Remote Sportstar of the Year.

• Athlete with Disability Sportstar of the Year.

• Sports Team of the Year.

• Junior Sports Team of the Year.

• Masters Sportstar of the Year.

• Volunteer of the Year.

• NQ Service to Sport.

• Sporting Excellence Award.

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To Bring Home A Swag Of Medals

On the weekend of August 11-13, the Mackay Cyclones had nine athletes compete at the 2023 Hancock Prospecting Queensland Short Course Championships in Brisbane.

Over the course of the championships, the club achieved 26 top 10 spots, 50 out of 54 personal bests, five gold medals, three silver medals and two bronze.

Mackay Cyclones Swimming Club was given a ranking of 38th out of the 113 clubs in Queensland for the event.

It was some of the best results for the competing kids who trained hard in the lead up to these championships, their hard work achieving them some huge personal bests.

Coach of Mackay Cyclones Leigh-Anne Pokarier said all athletes stepped up to "next level racing ", as personal best times were not just beaten, they were smashed.

The team culminated everything that was worked on leading into the state event and put it on display to perfection.

Competing at the championships was Max Vernon, 15, 14-year-olds Jarek Taylor, Vaughn Wyatt, Mackenzie Neilson, Anneka O'Donnell and Izabella Wills, 12-year-olds Kaiden Neilsen and Jessica Britton and Dakota Daniel, 11.

Prior to the event, Izabella Wills had been informed of her selection for the Matt Levy Inclusive Futures Scholarship, one of five prestigious scholarships meaning she has been identified as a future talent for the Paralympic pathway.

Read on to find out how each swimmer finished.

Izabella Wills - S10 Multiclass swimmer

5 x Gold Medals (50m and 100m backstroke and 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle)

Kaiden Neilsen

1 x Silver Medal (400m freestyle, breaking the North Queensland record)

2 x Bronze Medals (200m freestyle, 200m individual medley)

Top 10 finishes in 200m backstroke (4th), 100m butterfly (5th), 100m backstroke (7th) and 50m backstroke (10th)

Mackenzie Neilsen

1 x Silver Medal (200m butterfly)

Top 10 finishes in 100m butterfly (5th) and 200m individual medley (9th)

Dakota Daniel (at her first ever state short course meet)

1 x Silver Medal (200m individual medley)

Top 10 finishes in 100m freestyle (6th), 400m freestyle (7th), 50m freestyle (8th), 100m butterfly (9th) and 200m freestyle (9th)

Jarek Taylor

Top 10 finishes in 200m backstroke (9th), 100m backstroke (10th) and 50m backstroke (10th)

Vaughn Wyatt

Top 10 finishes in 200m breaststroke (8th)

Contributed by Alisha Ness

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Back row L-R Anneka O’Donnell, Max Vernon, Vaughn Wyatt, Coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier, Front row L-R Jessica Britton, Mackenzie Neilsen, Dakota Daniel, Kaiden Neilsen, Izabella Wills

Kaiden Neilsen

Mackenzie Neilsen

Dakota Daniel

Izabella Wills

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night results August 15, 2023:

Division 1:

Tibhar (Steven Whiting, Tim Sheehan, Vince Boeske) d Donic (Tony Bowman, Anne Sheridan, Ian McKay) 8-3. Tim d Ian 2, -9, -9, 4, 5.

Radak (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake, Graham Brake) d Joola (Janice Kent, Andrew McHugh, Geoff Denman) 7-4. Mick d Andrew -10, 7, -9, 7, 10.

Butterfly (Emma Widdup, Allan Edwards, Graeme Walker) d Andro (George Camilleri, Robbie Richards, Barry Patterson) 8-3. Allan d George 6, 8, -7, 11.

Division 2:

Xiom (Duncan Sheridan, Duncan Treloar, Ishan Rana) d Victas (Mark Sleeman, Steve Mathieson, Steve Crocker) 7-4. Duncan T d Mark 8, 6, -14, -7, 6.

Stiga (Tony Bowman, Donna Abbott) d Nittaku (Will VenDeKaa, John McGee) 7-2. Tony d Will -6, -10, 7, 11, 8.

Gewo (Lily Boland, Matthew West, Trent Day) d Yasaka (Noreen Fredericksen, Andrea Nicholson, Peter Goodson) 9-2. Matthew d Peter -9, 7, 3, -6, 8.

Division 3:

Epsilon (Anaya Reelh, Jye Callander, Virginia Clayton) d Delta (Aarnav Reelh, Val Austin, Pawan Goti) 6-5. Anaya d Pawan -10, 3, -12, 8, 11.

Beta (Simoin Hogan, Nehmat Dhaliwal) drew Gamma (Craig VanDeKaa, Mark Stam) 4-all. Nahmat d Craig 7, 7, -10, -7, 7.

Alpha (Rymer Tabulo, Ollie Hamelink) d Zeta (Dave Symons, Bill Hey) 5-4. Rymer/Ollie d Bill/David -19, -6, 3, 7, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures August 15, 2023:

Division 1:

Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) d Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) 7-5. Charlie/Pam d Donna/Peter 8, -3, 6, -12, 11.

Blue (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) d Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) 7-5. Steve d John -9, -9, 3, 5, 5.

Division 2:

Orange (Helen Ware, Cheryl Pearson, Gerry Synnott) d White (Kim Challender, Michael Ibbotson, Kim Daffy) 7-5. Kim C d Gerry -8, 12, 1, 12.

Purple (Iris Grasso, Ken Best, Judi Hicks) d Pink (Robyn Bushell, John Hamelink, Fred Saliba) 7-5. Ken d Robyn 8, 6, -9, -10, 5.

Division 3:

Tan (Madge Saunders, Bill Hey) d Grey (Ian Dodds, Allison Day) 5-4. Ian d Madge -9, -9, 11, 4, 9.

Aqua (Pam Keune, Glenda Dutton) d Lime (Carmel Cristaldi, Myles Dutton) 7-3. Glenda d Carmel 3, -3, 4, 5.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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DOUBLE TROUBLE: Kim Daffy and Marie Taylor in doubles action at Tuesday morning Mackay Table Tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Friday Fever

Coral Morgan wanted another avenue for people of all ages to play table tennis in a friendly, non-competitive environment, so she instigated the Friday morning social session at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre several years ago.

Coral is pictured fourth from left in front, with her daughter Delma Knight behind, and the happy group at last week’s session.

The session is open to players of all ages and standards, and equipment is available.

Coral is a life member of Mackay Table Tennis and has been involved in the sport for many years.

Drop in on a Friday morning and give it a try, you’ll enjoy it.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Friday morning social table tennis players. Photo supplied

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Social ladies bowls results for August 16, the winning team consisted of Helen Fleming, Bev McDonald and Carmel Bell.

Runners up were Sue Roscoe, Jan Comelli, and Doris Dodds.

Thursday had three finals played on the rinks at Goosies Sport and Recreation Club with some very exciting and closely contested games. The Under 70’s game was between Hilary Jones-Rowan and Donna Gordon.

Both ladies were keen on the green, but Hilary took out the win.

The final of the clubs Consistency Competition was very exciting to watch between Lois Deguara and Nuggy Pratt.

Very consistent bowls were needed to win this event and both ladies showed their prowess.

Lois Deguara was the eventual winner.

Contributed by Suanne Hazledine

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Under 70’s L-R Winner Hilary Jones-Rowan and Donna Gordon

Over 70’s L-R Marie Duck and winner Pat O’Neill

Consistency L-R winner Lois Deguara and Nuggy Pratt. Photos supplied

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The racetrack came alive with thoroughbred competition and good-natured rivalry over the weekend with the annual Ben Bolt Cup.

Over 450 people came along for a fabulous day out, which featured five horse races.

Entertainment was as exciting on the track as it was off the track, with a host of activities that brought attendees together.

Many of the men participated in the tomato cart races while the women competed in the pumpkin races and the children enjoyed the hobby horse racing.

The next event on the Bowen Turf Club Calendar is the TAB Race Meet on Thursday, September 14, followed by the biggest showcase of the year – the Bowen Cup – which is due to take place on Saturday, October 14.

Results from the Ben Bolt Cup:

Race 1 - Maiden Plate 1000 metres

Lesotho Diamond

Time: 59.10 seconds

Margins: 3 lengths x 3/4 length

Race 2 - Filby's Motors

QTIS Benchmark 55 Handicap 1000m

Cudyado

Time: 58.54 seconds

Margins: neck x 1 length

Race 3 - Pilcher's Concrete

Benchmark 45 Handicap 1280m

Lightheadedness

Time: 1 minute 17.83 seconds

Margins: 1 1/4 lengths x 3/4 length

Race 4 - Hillery Group

Open Handicap 1280m

Valley of Dreams

Time: 1 minute 15.75 seconds

Margins: 1/2 neck x 1 length

Race 5 - Burdekin Vet Services

Ben Bolt Cup

Benchmark 65 Handicap 1470m

Higher Love

Time: 1 minute 28.60 seconds

Margins: neck x nose

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Winner of the Ben Bolt Cup

Winner of Race 4

Winner of Race 3

Winner of Race 2

Photo credit: Saskia Photography

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The annual Stonka Fishing Challenge 2023 was a huge success over the weekend, with hard competition and fantastic community spirit on show.

Featuring competitors across the region, and of any age and ability, the catches were impressive and triumphant for all.

Aside from the on-water comp, the event saw a wide variety of food stalls, bars, and live music at host venue Cape Gloucester Resort, as well as the tug-o-war and many other activities.

During the event, $12,000 in donations were gathered for the Leukaemia House in Townsville.

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Fierce competition at the annual Stonka Fishing Challenge. Photo credit: Facebook

As the days get longer and warmer and another spring is approaching our little club has had some amazing success and some wonderful events.

Last Tuesday we celebrated the life of our club patron Thelma Porter who died at the ripe old age of 105.

Thelma loved her bowls and played up to when she reached 100 years old and could've played on, and on Tuesday we all celebrated her long and full life with an event a wonderful turnout and her daughter Lane Telford put up the prize money for the first three winning teams.

Third place went to the team of Betty Whitehorn at skipper, with Eva McMahon whom returned to visit the club again and played brilliantly at second with Mark Mawson at lead.

Second best team on the day was ably led by skipper Tony Kelly whom with recently returned from her overseas tour and Maureen Barnard with Di Jackson.

Whilst the winners of the tournament were Tony Whitehorn at skipper with Lane Telford at second making her mother proud and the most impressive performance of the cheeky Dawn Dowell at lead, whilst Mark Mawson took home the prestigious Health Hub award. A great day was had by all.

The final of the Mens A Open singles was also played and it was Alan Pershouse with a fantastic exhibition of draw bowls beat a gallant Harry Quad in a nail biter and thus a new king was crowned, well done Alan.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw first round winners Betty Whitehorn, Karen Jensen, Ted Cullen and John Matterson, with Betty and John playing for the Round 7 prize in a close match it was John Matterson who took home the prize, with Mark Mawson the Group B winner.

Next Sunday afternoon will be the inaugural Memorial Day to celebrate the life of recently departed Nik Fernbach

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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The winning team from Tuesdays Thelma Porter day Tony Whitehorn with Dawn Dowel and Lane Telford. Photo supplied

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