It has been a case of so close but yet too far for the embattled Mackay Cutters rugby league team in this year’s Hostplus Cup competition.

Languishing near the bottom of the table, the Cutters have produced some courageous performances in recent weeks – only to be overpowered in the dying moments.

Tweed Heads Seagulls found a way to snatch two competition points over the Mackay combination last Saturday night at BB Print Stadium when they posted a hard fought 32-28 triumph.

Ace half back Brandon Finnegan gave the Cutters a deserved 28-26 edge over the sixth placed Seagulls when he dashed over for his second try of the match and converted with seven minutes left on the clock.

Shortly after the Seagulls regained the lead when winger Kaleb Ngamanu crossed out wide with half back Toby Sexton also potting a last-minute penalty goal to secure victory.

It was another heart-breaking loss for Michael Comerford’s brave warriors who have been competitive in most of their fixtures this season.

Finnegan opened the scoring with a converted try after three minutes before the Seagulls hit back with snap tries by winger Ryland Jacobs and centres Jojo Fifita and Lee Turner to open up a 16-6 lead.

In a game of fluctuating fortunes, Tweed Heads lock Jaron Purcell gave the visitors a 22-12 lead with a converted try before Mackay prop Garrett Smith crashed over to score and keep his side in the hunt.

The local crowd cheered wildly when Finnegan skirted the defence to nab a vital try and conversion and give the Cutters a narrow lead.

EARLIER the Seagulls recorded a thrilling 21-20 victory over the Cutters in the Hastings Deering Under 21 Colts fixture.

The Seagulls led 21-16 before Cutters winger Mackenzie Novosel crossed for a last minute try - with five eighth Henri Stocks missing a potential match-winning conversion.
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Photo credit: Marty Strecker

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By Amanda Wright

The Mackay Cycling Club held its highly anticipated annual Hamilton Shield Handicap last weekend, providing riders with an exhilarating challenge on the newly redesigned Stockroute Loop course. Departing from tradition, the finish line was strategically relocated outside the clubhouse, offering competitors a swift and level sprint finish fuelled by a favourable tailwind. The revamped route, which now incorporates Lorne Road, passing by McLennan Park, proved to be a game-changer, eliminating the need for riders to navigate a part of the busy Bruce Highway.

The hilly terrain presented a demanding test for participants, who showcased their skill and resilience under the sunny yet windy conditions. It was a hard day on the saddle for the sprinters of the club, who struggled to keep up with the climbers over the Stockroute Road lumps. Whizzing past picturesque paddocks of ripening cane, currently being harvested for the upcoming crush, riders relished the scenic backdrop that Mackay's countryside had to offer. However, as the competition continues in the following weeks, cyclists will remain vigilant, keeping a watchful eye out for cane trains, harvesters, tractors, and potential hazards caused by cane remnants on the roads.

Andy Pate broke away from his bunch with more than a lap to go, taking a commanding lead of more than five minutes over the riders chasing from scratch. It was a close finish, with Andy holding his lead to cross in first while the bunch sprinting from behind were agonisingly close to competing for the shield.

Amongst the fast-finishing field of riders, Tim Ffrost emerged as the fastest male cyclist and was second across the line, displaying exceptional speed and endurance with a great time of 1 hour, 1 minute, and 38 seconds. Equally impressive, Tracey Borchardt claimed the title of the fastest female rider, conquering the challenging course in just 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 22 seconds. Meanwhile, Matthew Schatkowski's excellent performance secured his position as the leading junior rider.

As the dust settles on the Hamilton Shield Handicap, the Mackay Cycling Club looks forward to its upcoming event, the Eungella KOM (King of the Mountain) race, set to take place on July 9, providing another opportunity for the climbers to shine.

Results

1st Andy Pate

2nd Tim Ffrost

3rd Jarrod Sampson

4th Glen McDermott

5th Luke Schatkowski

6th Tracy Borchardt

7th Craig Larsen

8th Matthew Schatkowski

9th Peter Ransome

10th Jody Walker

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L-R: Tim Ffrost, Matthew Schatkowski, Andy Pate, Jarrod Sampson

Tim Ffrost leads the sprint to claim fastest rider

Matthew Schatkowski was the fastest junior rider

Jody Walker, Michael Novikov and Shane Edwards had fun finishing the race

Peter Ransome (left) and Tracy Borchardt

The Mackay region recently hosted Australia’s best golfers for three legs of the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series.

Tournaments were held in Sarina, Mackay and the Pioneer Valley, completing the five-round North Queensland Series.

“It’s giving local amateurs the feel of playing with these professionals that they see on TV,” said PGA Australia Queensland and Northern Territory Tournament Coordinator Garrett Skinner.

“Something that not every other sport gets the opportunity to give.”

Kicking off in Sarina Golf Club across June 3-4, the CMR Recycling Sarina Pro-Am proved a successful outing for Coffs Harbour-based Andrew Campbell, who finished with a two-stroke lead over Queenslander Shae Wools-Cobb with Will Bruyeres a further shot behind in outright third.

Continuing at Mackay Golf Club from June 8-9, Lismore’s Sam Brazel turned despair into inspiration to record a one-stroke victory at the PIMS Group Mackay Pro-Am at Mackay Golf Club.

One of the most accomplished players on the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series circuit, Brazel finished 46th at the CMR Recycling Sarina Pro-Am, arriving at Mackay Golf Club determined not to make the same mistakes twice.

“I was pretty motivated,” Brazel said.

“I played pretty poorly and let a few things get to me in Sarina so had a bit of a point to prove.

“I’ve got good memories here, I know the course fairly well and wanted to come and get the job done.”

Fellow New South Welshman Brendan Smith and Queenslander Dillon Hart finished one stroke behind.

The Mackay series wrapped up at Pioneer Valley Golf Club on June 11, where Brett Rankin extended his dominance for a fourth straight win at the Roy Powell Security Pioneer Valley Pro-Am while Dillon Hart broke through as the pair shared top honours.

Three players shared third spot with Tim Hart, Nathan Page and Zach Maxwell all posting rounds of 6-under 66 to finish one back.

The Pioneer Valley Pro-Am also served as the conclusion to the five-round North Queensland Series sponsored by Mackay Regional Council, going to Sarina Pro-Am champion Andrew Campbell at 18-under par with Shae Wools-Cobb and Brad Burns sharing second at 16-under par.

The adidas PGA Pro-Am Series continued with The Mining Towns Series in Middlemount, Moranbah and Tieri.

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Sarina Golf Club President Brad Cook, Andrew Campbell, Clubhouse Manager Kylee Fowler and CMR Recycling sponsor Peter Bourke from CMR Recycling

Andrew Itzstein and Mark Johnston of PIMS Group, Sam Brazel and Mackay Golf Club President George Jenkins

Brett Rankin, Mayor of Mackay Regional Council Greg Williamson, a Pioneer Valley Golf Club representative and Dillon Hart (right). Photos supplied: PGA Australia

Mackay Bowls Club held the B4 Carnival with 14 teams from around the district playing four games on Saturday and three games on Sunday.

Good close bowls were played all weekend with lots of laughter and banter.

First place went to Barry Paskins, Jim Wallace, Col Stevens, Peter Carter.

Runner up team of Jim Lette, Des Berges, Luke Mills, Ivan Butson.

Third place team of Antony Shepherd, Whare Herewini, Ron Ponds.

Fourth Position of Tony Gibson, Col Marks, Glen Petrie, Josh Iseman.

Big thanks to Brad Robertson for all his work to make it a big success.

Ladies played Pennants on Friday morning against Sarina but the weather wasn’t kind to them having to stop for a downpour before the sun returned and games were finished.

Friday afternoon a Knockout Competition was played with 3 Bowl Pairs and was well supported by Ladies and Men.

Results:

Tuesday Social Play (26)

Winners of Winners

John Schatkowski, Whare Herewini, Barry Paskins.

Winners of Losers

John Jorgensen, Greg Thomson, Trevor Mayfield.

Thursday Scroungers

Justin def Geoff

Men’s Open Pairs

Steve Cassidy def Grant Edmonds in a very Close Game.

Friday June 24 Ladies Hosted Social.

Saturday June 25: Finals CH/CH Pairs Carol Savage and Karli Burns v H Truscott and E Clements.

Men’s Competition will recommence this weekend.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Games being played in B4 competition. Photo credit: Mike Irving

Holy Spirit College’s First VII Netball and Confraternity Rugby League Teams are gearing up to join the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) and Rugby League (QISSRL) Carnivals in Brisbane from 25-30 June 2023.

The 23rd QISSN Carnival is being hosted by St James College at Nissan Arena with a major sponsor being Central Queensland University. The 43rd QISSRL Carnival is being hosted by St Laurence’s College at the College and their Runcorn Playing Fields.

Mrs Alison Wales, Principal, said “Holy Spirit College is proud to be a part of the QISSN and QISSRL Carnivals.

“Participation in competitions of this standard is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their skills and sportsmanship.”

The First VII Netball Team has been playing strong in the local Schoolgirls Netball Competition and were Minor Premiers.

Margie Sugars, HSC Netball Coordinator, said “I am so proud of our girls as they strive to reach their best performance.

“Team participation, leadership and sportsmanship are vital at this level.”

The Confraternity Rugby League Team debuted recently in the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Aaron Payne Cup competing against the top North Queensland rugby league school teams.

HSC’s Sports Program Leader, Thomas Westcott said, “For us, it’s about gaining experience and developing our players for the long haul.”

Nathan Thompson, HSC’s Rugby League Coordinator, said “As we aim to develop our squad, their inclusion in the local Cutters Cup Competition and the Aaron Payne Cup is certainly giving them opportunities to progress their game.

“A number of our boys are Mackay Cutters representatives, and we have great prospects in our Year 9/10 team for the future.”

With a solid preparation, including Strength and Conditioning sessions with 21Laps Performance Training, both teams are ready and raring to go.

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MEET THE TEAMS

1 (Netball)

(l-r): Back – Mrs Hayley Keith (Manager), Jorja Bell, Stella Brooks, Jessica Haworth, Ruby Coleman, Addison McMurtrie, Miss Danielle MacGregor (Assistant Coach), Mrs Margie Sugars (Coach). Front – Ava Symons, Elizabeth Lee (Vice-Captain), Brea Jansen (Captain), Anna West (Vice-Captain), Stephanie Schembri

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2 (Team)

L-R Back: Mr Ian Ballantyne (Manager), Mr Tom Westcott (Assistant Coach), Flynn Marchant, Benjamin Schembri, Jack Ecker, Rylan Misztela, Matthew Dorl, Lachlan Dempsey, Lachlan Kerr, Mr Adam Vanderlinde (Trainer), Mr Nathan Thompson (Coach).

L-R Front: Matthew Castorina, Keegan Hutton, Nikolaus Djukic, Balin Burnett, Alex Haworth, Kalan Morris, Caleb Brady, Kai English.

Absent: Kade Adamson, Will Canino, Thomas Deguara, Denzell English, Xavier Nott, Caleb Owens, Isaiah Wilson

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3 (Rugby Captains)

HSC QISSRL Team Co-Captains, Balin Burnett and Alex Haworth, are set to take the field with their teammates

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4 (Netball Captains)

HSC QISSN Team – Brea Jansen (Captain), Anna West (Vice Captain) and Elizabeth Lee (Vice Captain) ready to lead their team

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GAME DRAWS

QISSN Team – Division 3 Pool C – Candice Adams Trophy

Monday 26 June

Round 1 – 8:00am, HSC vs St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, Ascot (Court 7)

Round 2 – 10:00am, HSC vs Aquinas College, Ashmore (Court 5C)

Round 3 – 11:00am, HSC vs St Ursula’s College, Toowoomba (Court 7)

Tuesday 27 June

Round 4 – 12:00pm, HSC vs Carmel College, Thornlands (Court 4)

Round 5 – 1:30pm, HSC vs Chisholm Catholic College, Cornubia (Court 3)

Wednesday 28 June

Round 6 – 8:30am, HSC vs Sunshine Coast Grammar School (Court 7)

Round 7 – 10:00am, HSC vs Shalom College, Bundaberg (Court 7)

Thursday 29 June

Finals (Rounds 1 and 2) – determined by results on 26-28 June

Friday 30 June

Finals (Round 3) – determined by results on 29 June QISSRL Team –

Division 2 Pool A – Confraternity Cup Monday 26 June Game 1 – HSC vs Our Lady of the Southern Cross College (Field 1)

Game 2 – HSC vs St Teresa’s College (Field 6)

Tuesday 27 June

Game 3 – HSC vs St Columban's College (Field 4)

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Kangaroos internationals Martin Bella, Wendell Sailor, Brett Dallas, Shannon Hegarty, Daly Cherry-Evans and former Dally M Player of the Year Ben Barba share one thing in common.

All are products of Queensland’s famous rugby league nursery at St Patrick’s College Mackay and were ‘discovered’ by talent scouts while competing in the schoolboy ranks.

On the eve of the 2023 Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League Confraternity Carnival – the premier rugby league competition for Catholic and independent secondary schools in the State – former St Patrick’s player David Paul reflected on his winning era at the College.

Paul, now the foundation principal at St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School at Rural View, is one of a select band of former St Patrick’s students to figure in four successive Confraternity Shield-winning teams from 1988 to 1991.

Having won an impressive eight titles since the competition’s inception in 1980, St Patrick’s can boast a proud history in the five-day tournament.

The Class of 2023 – under the expert coaching of former Italy World Cup rugby league international Ian Schifilitti – are one of the strong contenders for this year’s championship to be hosted in Brisbane by St Laurence’s College from June 25 to June 30.

Principal Paul took a trip down memory lane when he recalled St Patrick’s memorable Shield triumphs over St Brendan’s Yeppoon in 1988 and 1990; St Mary’s Toowoomba (1989) and St Augustine’s Cairns (1991).

“Our coach was Mackay Brothers legend Mick Wombat Aprile and we fielded some strong sides during that era,” reflected Paul, a power running second rower or prop in his heyday.

“Chris Sammut was our captain in 1988 - a clever half back with organisational skills who steered us around the park,” said David.

“We beat a St Brendan’s side that featured a young Julian O’Neill in the final.”

The following year St Patrick’s were led by second rower Chris O’Brien and edged out St Mary’s Toowoomba 10-8 in the final – courtesy of a late try by centre Paul Agnew.

Under the inspirational leadership of back rower Peter Phillips and attacking class of Brett Dallas, the St Patrick’s colts lifted the 1990 trophy after a 26-0 triumph over St Brendan’s in the final at Yeppoon.

Phillips, who passed away recently, was later named Player of the Carnival.

The hard-working Paul was one of eight St Patrick’s youngsters selected in the 1990 Confraternity Development Team that travelled to play tour matches against the Gold Coast and Tweeds Heads Seagulls.

Other St Patrick’s players honoured were fullback Michael Ellemor, wingers Brett Dallas and Bernard Bond, centre Paul Agnew, lock Anthony Bella, second rower Peter Phillips and prop Michael Harris with Paul appointed tour captain.

The team was coached by former Australian Test winger Lionel Williamson and managed by Melbourne Storm official Paul Bunn.

“Our fullback Butch Fatnowna took out the Player of the Carnival award in 1991 after we defeated St Augustine’s 21-8 in the final at Charters Towers to make it four trophies in a row,” recollected Paul, who played Junior League with Brothers and Souths before coaching his primary school rugby league teams at St Brendan’s.

“Butch went on to play for the Brisbane and London Broncos during his professional career and could have been anything” he added.

By Chris Karas

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David Paul

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures June 13, 2023:

Division 1:

Farrari (Lee Brake, Andrew McHugh, Robbie Richards) d Mercedes (Tony Bowman, Mark Sleeman) 9-1. Andrew d Mark -9, 9, 4, -10, 8.

Jaguar (Barry Patterson, Tim Sheehan) d BMW (Emma Widdup, Ian McKay) 5-4. Tim d Ian 4, -9, -8, 3, 3.

Division 2:

Nissan (Graeme Walker, Will VanDeKaa, Matthew West) d Mazda (Rymer Tabulo, Peter Goodson, Daniel Warfield) 7-4. Peter d Graeme -9, 5, -9, 11, 8.

Isuzu (Steve Mathieson, Andrea Nicholson, Donna Abbott) d Honda (George Camilleri, Mark Stam, Ishan Rana) 6-5. George d Donna -6, 10, 9, -9, 1.

Division 3:

Holden (Tiffany Camilleri, Trent Day, John McGee) d Hyuandi (Ollie Hamelink, Alok Rana, Noreen Fredericksen) 9-2. Alok d Tiffany -10, 9, 4, -8, 6.

Ford (Steve Crocker, Val Austin, Saisha Palod) d Kia (Craig VanDeKaa, Aarnav Reelh) 9-2. Saisha d Craig -9, 8, -9, 7, 10.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures June 13, 2023:

Division 1:

Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) d Blue 9-3. (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) 9-3. Charlie d George -7, 6, 10, -8, 12.

Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) d Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Coral Morgan) 7-3. Donna d Branko -3, -9, 7, 7, 15.

Division 2:

Purple (Iris Grasso, Ken Best, Judi Hicks) d White (Kim Challender, Marie Taylor, Kim Daffy) 9-3. Iris d Kim -11, 8, 7, -7, 10.

Orange (Helen Ware, Charles Hamlett, Gloria Vella) d Pink (Robyn Bushell, John Hamelink, Fred Saliba) 5-4. Helen d Robyn 7, 8, -8, -9, 7.

Division 3:

Lime (Trish Zamparuti, Glenda Brookes, Myles Dutton) d Grey (Sharon Muller, Carmel Christaldi, Allison Day) 7-5. Glenda d Allison 7, 7, -5, 2.

Aqua (Robyn Giles, Glenda Dutton) d Tan (Cheryl Aprato, Gerry Synnott) 5-4. Glenda/Robyn d Cheryl/Gerry -3, 10, -5, 11, 10.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Peter Goodson and Kev Abbott in action in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

Remembrance Pairs was held during May. Members played with a different partner over three weeks leading to a single winner. Well done to the Under State winner Sandy Patterson, playing with Mick and Marilin Robins and Margaret Jennings. Over State winner Frances Brown playing with Sue Ross, Janelle Conroy and Alan Brown.

Monday 12 June 2023 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Thelma Caruana / Joy Robinson 3rd Sandy Patterson / Jan Harris

2nd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 4th Eric Goodchild / David Ting

Tuesday 13 June 2023 Evening 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley 1st Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan

2nd Shelley Lewis / Frances Brown 2nd Ken Seaniger / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Lynne O’Neill / Alan Brown 3rd Eric Goodchild / Marilyn Wilson-Nicoll

Wednesday 14 June 2023 –10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 1st Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

2nd Joy Robinson / Victor Mason 2nd Marilin Robins / Margaret Jennings

3rd Joy Brunette / Don Poole 3rd Eric Goodchild / David Ting

4th Lynne Viegel / Cath Willis 4th Sandra Morris / Jan Harris

Thursday Evening 15 June 2023 - 3 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless 2nd Mick King / Ann Whitmore

3rd Louise Renton / Frances Brown 4th Peter Cowling / Janelle Conroy

Friday 16 June 2023 – Mackay Club Pairs Championship 2023 – Week 2 of 3 - 10 Table Mitchell Red Points

N/S E/W

1st Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 1st Diane Stokes / Anne Lutz

2nd Richard Wix / Janine Rodgers 2nd Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson

3rd Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild 3rd Victor Mason / Josie Crowley

4th Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 4th Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

Saturday 17 June 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild 1st Mick King / Jan Harris

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Geoff Taylor 2nd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

3rd Janine Rodgers / Nancy Wix 3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 4th Faye Wright / Christine Nice

Contributed by Joy Block

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Whitsunday Zone Teams Winners Alan Brown, Frances Brown, Lorna Shuttlewood (VP), Diane Morgan and Geoff Taylor

Sandy Patterson

Janelle Conroy, Sue Ross, Frances Brown (Winner) and Alan Brown. Photos supplied

The Pioneer Swimming Club travelled to Cannonvale for the Cannons Winter Short Course Meet on Saturday 17 June. Twenty Dolphins experienced the perfect weather – a glorious sunny warm winter’s day.

The personal bests achieved by our club at this meet were massive – the club’s numbers at squad training of recent, barely wavering since the start of the winter months.  

We thank Cannons Swimming Club for a fantastic meet!

Contributed by Pioneer Swimming Club

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Pioneer Swimming Club recently competed at Cannonvale. Photos supplied

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Just over forty runners completed the 5k, 15k, 30km event from Northview Gardens early Sunday morning.  

The new course was announced by Vice-President, Brendan Bishop who did a great job explaining the twists and turns with the 30km runners heading out to the Harbour via a West Mackay loop to the Botanic Gardens.  

The 5km and 15km runners started fifteen minutes after the 30km runners who were sent on their way at 6am.    

Paul Mackenzie and Mick Vivian were a great support to each other with Paul being the eventual victor in 2 hours 9 minutes earning himself maximum overall and age category club championship points.  

First female in the 30km, Carolyn Mapes admirably stepped up to the longer distance stopping the clock in 2hrs 44 seconds.  

Darren Pullen was in excellent form taking out the 5km with Lauren Connor securing the female 5km crown. Toby Rule took out the 15km event with brother, Oliver, close behind in second. First female in the 15km was Alana Knesevic.

This Sunday’s event will be the historical Farmer’s Long Gallop from Life Member Agnes Farmer’s home on 62 Evans Ave, North Mackay.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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First placed in the 15km Toby Rule and second placed Oliver Rule love a challenging event

Paul Mackenzie had a classy win in the 30km Club Championship

First placed female in the 15km, Alana Knesevic crossed the line in her typical smiley fashion

Carolyn Mapes scored a superb first place in the 30km. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

Whitsunday Sea Eagles hosted Bakers Creek and Moranbah at home on Saturday for a super fun Family Day event which also saw Sea Eagles on the winners list.

Sea Eagles Senior Men’s side were back on top overcoming Bakers Creek at home 80 – 33.

In what was a high pressure and scrappy game at times, the Sea Eagles experience and class got them over the line.

Hudson McGregor was strong in the ruck whilst Angus Blackwood and Brayden Wall gave Sea Eagles targets and opportunities up forward.

Sea Eagles Senior Women saw a slow start trailing Bakers Creek by a couple of goals from the get-go and remaining slightly behind for the game going down 38 – 53.

After a close loss last week Sea Eagles Under 17s were keen to put on a show at home and did just that winning 79 – 19 (adj) against Bakers Creek.

A strong start by the Sea Eagles put early pressure on the Tigers and by the end of the first half Sea Eagles were completely in control with a good even spread of contributors.

A strong start was important to Sea Eagles Under 14s after a tough loss last week and that came to fruition with a convincing 93 – 33 (adj) win over Bakers Creek.

It was great to see players giving different roles a go without intensity dropping off.

Sea Eagles Under 12s faced a full strength Moranbah for what was a tense and evenly matched encounter eventually running out winners in a close final term 35 – 28.

This Saturday 24th June sees all five Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams hit the road taking on Eastern Swans at Rogers Oval with Juniors from 9:15am and Seniors from 1:50pm.

Get to Mackay to support all teams where you can!

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Sea Eagles.

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Sea Eagles U14s dominated on the Family Fun Day. Photo supplied

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Saturday afternoon saw a full day of football action at the Sports Park culminating in big wins for the senior Premier squads.

The day started early with the U13 FQPL side taking on second place Magpies.

The home side put in a strong performance on the back of solid defence from Lauren, Sarah, and Karlee which helped keep the score goalless until very late in the game when Magpies managed to break the deadlock.

A last-minute goal as against the run of play gave the final score 2-0 to the Magpies.

Yet again, the U15 Div1 side did everything but win the game against Country.

In an evenly poised match, they played exception football and dominated possession but just could not find the back of the net.

Div2 men played against the U17 Lions on Saturday afternoon.

While the game was back and forth the Whitsunday team never really looked like getting into their stride. Failing to take chances that came their way the Whitsunday team eventually fell 4-1 to the young Lions squad.

Div1 men had an arm wrestle of a game against Sarina.

Going into the half 1-1. The Whitsunday front line were a constant threat, eventually taking the lead with a mazy run from Tate Butler who beat three Sarina players to score a beautiful solo goal, seeing the game out 2-2.

The Reserve women played out a frustrating draw with Rangers. The two teams were evenly matched in the first half which saw them go into the break nil all.

The ladies kept trying but couldn’t break through the defence and came away with a 1-1 draw.

Premier women continued their winning streak with a 10-0 win over Country (Orange).

Whitsunday were determined to come out strong, knowing that Country were sitting in the top 4 on the ladder.

The goals started early in the first half thanks to Steph who finished off a cross from Akema. Willow then demonstrated absolute class by curling a corner ball into the net, and not long after Lena got on the end of a corner to put Whitsundays further ahead.

A few weeks off now and the next game will be the top of the table clash against Lions.

The Mens Premier Reserves were looking to bounce back after last week’s defeat.

Kurt Ashley put the game to bed with 5 minutes to go with Whitsundays winning 4-1.

The Premier Men started their game with a bang through a Scott Boldy goal in the 3rd minute. Unfortunately, the lads didn’t play their best football for the remainder of the half and lacked the clinical touches they had the week before.

Whitsundays ran out 8-1 winners, but it was great to see Dolphins fight to the end with so many young talented players.

Contributed by Allan Milostic.

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Crossing education with agricultural fun, Melville’s Baby Animal Petting Farm is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main show.

Spend some time away with the baby animals in this private corner of the show, and don’t forget to take up the offer of feeding some of the larger animals when you get the chance.

“Otherwise, the animals won’t come over to you; the animals need a reason to come say hi,” said Craig Melville, one half of the couple behind the hit travelling farm.

This travelling petting farm has been a major attraction for Show Whitsunday, with adults and children alike flocking in for a warm snuggle and to feed the baby animals.

Boasting the very best of farm animals, including pigs, goats, chickens, guinea pigs, ducks, sheep, cow, and an alpaca, this is sure to entertain and amuse every member of the family.

This year, Melville’s is excited to introduce some special animals that are new to the petting farm.

Six mini lop eared rabbits, something that a lot of Queensland families won’t see so close and personal, plus four llamas, a donkey, quails, and the massive dinosaur chicken.

This travelling petting farm brings all the fun of farm-life straight to the clutches of our coastal living, with the best of exotic creature.

Don’t forget to say hi to Bindi and Mouse, the mother-child duo of miniature blue cattle dogs, who are always on show, up high on hay bales, with their matching bandanas. You can’t miss them!

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Try your hand at feeding the gentle creatures at Melville’s Baby Animal Petting Farm

The time just goes by so quickly and with the Australian Open on in Brisbane, we wish all our member’s good luck.

On Saturday the Club hosted the annual Dick Todd Memorial Bowls Day with proceeds going to the Leukaemia Foundation and also to Andy McLiesh, his wife Tammy and Family.

A fun day was had by all on the green with a fair bit of competitiveness.

There was a huge raffle with many donated prizes.

The Club put on a sausage sizzle for their lunch.

Thank you to everyone who attended on the day and helped raise much needed funds for 2 very worthy causes.

See you all next year.

The winners for the Sunday Social bowls were David Micklejohn, John Brown and Ladda Purdie with the highest winning score which was 35.

The winner of the Health Hub voucher was a visitor Greg Easil.

We had 24 players, 4 games of triples.

John Matterson defeated Col Morris 26 - 24 in the men’s singles game.

Mark Mawson defeated the much improved Duncan Smith who is now using a bowling arm with great effect and lost 25-19 in a seesawing game.

Friday afternoon saw the finals being played for Whitsunday Christian College to see who would represent the school in the Schools championship and some exciting games were played.

We saw great new talent with Mabel, Paige, Kyla and Lexie all playing strong, however the final bowl of the competition saw Demika and her partner whom have been practicing under the watchful eyes of Col Morris and winning on the last bowl of their tournament.

The weekend also saw John Fielding's team go to the Mackay Club's B Grade 4s competition and finish a credible 6th out of 16 teams.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Our bowlers who away participating in the Australian Open are playing some great bowls and meeting lots of new people.  

I'm sure that they will come back with a ton of stories to tell about their experiences.

On Wednesday for Social Bowls Jan Botes (local visitor), John Anderson and Sandy Daffara defeated Lee King, Arthur Griffith, and Mike Harrison 30- 13.

Alen Sanderson, Heather Brown, and Pat Bownds defeated Jim Bownds, Bob Ross (Visitor from Merimbula) and Bruce Uhe 22 - 15.

In Sunday afternoon Social Bowls John Burnett, Sandy Daffara, and Mike Harrison defeated John Anderson, Bob Ross, and Kendall Watts 16 – 14.

Alen Sanderson, Bruce Uhe, and Heather Brown defeated Lee King, Arthur Griffith, and Philip Brown 35 - 9.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Bob Ross, John Anderson, and John Burnett enjoying an afternoon of Social Bowls on Sunday. Photo supplied

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