Over the weekend, 5 Cannons completed at the Queensland Short Course Championships in Brisbane.  

Coach Ken Crittenden was very impressed with all the Cannons and their outstanding achievements over the weekend.  

Highlights include: Tora Delac, aged 12 years qualified and nominated for 9 events.  

Tora swam extremely well, setting PBs in just about all her races.

Two of her best swims were:  50m Breaststroke in 39sec (with 1.93sec PB, 19th in Qld) and her 100m IM in a time of 1.15.07 (1.23sec PB, 17th in Qld).  

Thomas Ganter, 11 years had a super weekend of racing.  

A couple of his best swims include:  400m Freestyle in 5.23.46  (8.07sec PB, 11th Qld) and his 50m Breaststroke which he swam in 43.61sec, taking 3.3sec off his previous best.

Anisa Helou, aged 14 years loves racing 50m events.  

Her best swims include her 50m Butterfly and 50m Freestyle.  

Ehsan Helou, aged 15 years thoroughly enjoyed racing against Queensland’s Best.  

He too swam personal best times in just about all his events.  

Ehsan swam a fantastic time of 1.10.29 in his 100m Breaststroke with earnt him a Top Ten Ribbon (10th place in Qld).  

Zachary Trefz, also aged 11 years, swam excellent times in his 50m Butterfly and 50m Backstroke.   Congratulations to all the Cannons!!!  

The Cannons would like to commend Jax Clayworth, aged 9 years on his 3 NQ Records from earlier this year.  

Jax set 2 records for 100m Butterfly and 1 record for 100m Freestyle.  

Club Night on Wednesday was lots of fun!  

Anton Bakx swam extremely well at his first Club Night and swam a super 25m Backstroke in 26.04s.  Lots of great swims on Wednesday.  

Well done, swimmers!  A big thank you to the parents, volunteers, and coaches for all their support!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannons Queensland SC Team Aug 2023. Photo supplied

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A wildcard entry to the National Junior Basketball Championships in Melbourne has left ten promising Mackay hoopers brimming with excitement.

The Mackay Meteors Under 14 Boys representative team will get the chance to rub shoulders with the finest basketball talent in their age group when they trek down south next month to compete at the prestigious carnival from September 23-29.

Mackay Basketball Association was quick to snap up an invitation to participate at the national titles after the late withdrawal of the Northern Territory squad.

It follows the Meteors’ strong performances at this year’s State Under 14 Championships in Townsville where they finished fourth under the guidance of Head Coach Francis Moala and Assistant Coach Jamie Novosel.

The young Meteors were formed as a representative team back in February and have shown plenty of raw talent under the expert coaching of Moala and Novosel.

They defeated Cairns and Townsville to clinch the Top of the North junior basketball series before making an impression with skilful performances at the State Championships.

This year’s Under 14 Meteors squad is comprised of juniors from the Renegades, Souths, Whitsunday, Magpies and North Mackay Magic clubs.

Rising prospects like guard Will Di Filippo, Archie Rooney, Sam Osborne, Jude Novosel, Parker Coleman, Caleb Cassells, Ryan Mapes, Harrison Bell, Coby Hughes and Lachlan Dore are relishing the opportunity to show their wares in Melbourne.

Three team members – Di Filippo, Rooney and Novosel – have family links to the Meteors franchise.

The young guns are the nephews of Mackay’s 2012 QBL championship-winning star trio Ryan Di Filippo, Luke Harvey and Mitch Gamblin.

Former Meteors back courter Gamblin – an uncle of Jude - gave the club sterling service as a star defender from 2010 to 2018 as did Archie’s uncle - power forward Harvey along with Will’s uncle Ryan Di Filippo.

In a cruel blow, promising junior Munotendwa Mhashu will miss the Championships due to injury.

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Mackay Meteors talented Under 14 boys representative team will compete at the upcoming National Under 14 Junior Basketball Championships in Melbourne

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Congratulations to Helen Truscott and Erin Clemett who made it to the semi-final of the Champion of Champion Pairs in Proserpine, with both ladies playing very good bowls.

This week Karli Burns, Carol Savage, Karina Dunn and Denise Mezzen will represent the Mackay Bowls Club in Champion of Champion Fours at Marian.

In Calen, Karina Dunn and Janice Nielsen will compete in the postponed Champion of Champion Senior and B Grade Singles.

Mackay Bowls Club’s very own Albert Wicks, Alf Padgen and Mona Towsend feature in the latest edition of Queensland Bowler magazine in an article showcasing that age is no barrier.

Tuesday Social Play saw 25 players turn up for an afternoon of bowls.

Results:

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

Winner of Losers: John Schatkowski, B Williams , Barry Paskins.

Thursday Scroungers: Denise Mezzen def Brian Williams in the final.

Contact the club if you are interested in an afternoon of Thursday social bowls; men, ladies and visitors are welcome.

Friday Social Play

Winners of Winners: Kristine Robinson, Janice Nelson.

Runners up: Denise Mezzen, Peter Nelson, Val Edwards.

Club Competition continues Saturday and Sunday in both Men and Ladies.

Saturday Afternoon Ladies 3 Bowl Triples final: E Clements , L Nielsen,, R Schatkowski v D Mezzen, M Mayfield, D McMamara

Men’s Senior Singles:

Steve Cassidy v Barry Jenner

Peter Molloy v Trevor Mayfield

The winners of these games will play off in the final on Sunday afternoon.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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By Amanda Wright

Mackay's BMX racing scene is buzzing with excitement as two exceptional brothers from the Mackay and District BMX Club, Dylan Secher and Beau Secher, prepare to represent Team Australia at the UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. The world-class event is set to host over 8,000 talented riders from more than 120 countries, competing over eleven intense days of thrilling action.

The UCI BMX Racing World Championships, known for showcasing the best amateur riders worldwide, will provide an extraordinary platform for the Secher brothers to test their skills and compete against the world's best BMX racers.

Beau Secher will be vying for success in the fiercely contested 11-year-old boys' category, bringing his boundless enthusiasm and determination to the world stage. Meanwhile, his older brother, Dylan Secher, will be taking on the challenge in two classes: the highly competitive 12-year-old boys' category and the Cruiser 12 and under class. Dylan's impressive 8th ranking in Australia for the 12-year-old boys reflects his dedication and commitment to the sport.

The local BMX club expressed their admiration for the brothers' hard work and achievements, stating, "Watching these young athletes grow and excel in their passion for BMX racing has been truly inspiring.

“We are immensely proud of Dylan and Beau and wish them the best of luck at the UCI BMX Racing World Championships.

“They have worked incredibly hard for this moment, and we have no doubt that they will shine on the world stage."

The Championships will run from August 3 to August 13, promising spectators a thrilling display of speed, skill, and adrenaline-pumping action.

For those unable to witness the excitement in person, live streaming of the event will be available on SBS on Demand, allowing BMX enthusiasts and sports fans alike to follow the action from the comfort of their homes.

May the wind be at your back, and the thrill of victory be in your grasp. Go, Dylan and Beau!

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Beau and Dylan Secher in Glasgow, Scotland, arriving at the track

Beau Secher

Dylan Secher

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Sarina Crocodiles have a rich rugby league history in the Mackay region with some of Queensland’s modern-day legends donning the club’s famous colours in their junior days.

Maroons and Kangaroos legends Martin Bella, Wendell Sailor, Dale Shearer and Daly Cherry-Evans are famous products of the Crocodiles along with enforcer Kevin Campion and went on to carve out illustrious top-grade careers in the NSW and National Rugby League.

North Queensland Cowboys strong man Rueben Cotter – who helped Australia win the Rugby League World Cup last year – is the latest representative star off the Crocodiles’ production line to make an impact in the NRL competition.

The teak-tough Cotter also picked up the Wally Lewis Medal for Origin Player of the Year after helping Queensland defeat NSW 2-1 in this year’s interstate series.

Latest Sarina junior to earn a Queensland representative jumper is Mackay Cutters half back sensation Emily Bella, who recently guided the Maroons Under 19s Girls team to an Origin triumph over the Blues at Redcliffe.

Emily turned the game when used as an interchange hooker and caught the eye of talent scouts at the venue.

The exciting prospect is on the radar of several clubs including the Cowboys as she chases an NRLW contract and is keen to secure her immediate future.

She spent her formative junior rugby league years with the Crocodiles before joining the Walkerston Wanderers and Mackay Brothers clubs.

Emily along with her cousin Martin Bella, Sailor and Cherry-Evans attended St Patrick’s College Mackay where they all shone in their own right.

Cherry-Evans, who chalked up his 300th NRL appearance for the Manly Sea Eagles last weekend against St George-Illawarra, started his league career with the Crocodiles in the Mackay Junior League before stints with Souths Sharks and Mackay Brothers.

His father Troy Evans was a Sarina Crocodiles enforcer before developing into a ‘hardman’ for Norths Devils and Redcliffe Dolphins in the Brisbane premiership during the 1980s and 1990s.

By Chris Karas

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Queensland Under 19 Origin hero Emily Bella and Mackay raised State coach Deanna Turner celebrate the Maroons’ triumph over NSW

Daly Cherry-Evans is a former St Patrick’s product who played for the Crocodiles as a junior

Reuben Cotter won the Wally Lewis Medal for Origin Player of the Year

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures August 1, 2023

Division 1:

Joola (Andrew McHugh, Geoff Denman, Janice Kent) d Donic (Ivan Perkins, Anne Sheridan, Ian McKay) 9-2. Janice d Ian -7, 6, 8, 9.

Radak (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake, Graham Brake) d Andro (George Camilleri, Robbie Richards, Barry Patterson) 8-3. Lee d Barry 10, 9, -7, -6, 8.

Tibhar (Vince Boeske, Steven Whiting, Tim Shehan) d Butterfly (Neil Brown, Allan Edwards, Graeme Walker) 8-3. Neil d Vince 9, 9, -7, -10, 10.

Division 2:

Xiom (Duncan Sheridan, Duncan Treloar, Ishan Rana) d Stiga (Tony Bowman, Donna Abbott, Leo Gilbert) 6-5. Ishan d Tony 8, -10, 8, -5, 8.

Nittaku (David Ting, Will VanDeKaa, John McGee) d Yasaka (Noreen Fredericksen, Andrea Nicholson, Peter Goodson) 9-2. John d Peter -9, -8, 10, 12, 9.

Victas (Steve Crocker, Mark Sleeman, Steve Mathieson) d Gewo (Wayne Wormald, Matthew West, Trent Day) 6-5. Steve d Trent 6, -7, -7, 7, 6.

Division 3:

Epsilon (Anaya Reelh, Jye Callander, Virginia Claytron) d Gamma (Mark Stam, Alok Rana, Craig VenDeKaa) 6-5. Craig d Anaya 7, -3, -10, 1, 10).

Beta (Simon Hogan, Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhaliwal) d Zeta (Praneesh Cheruku, Bill Hey) 9-2. Kade d Praneesh -5, 7, 8, -6, 5.

Alpha (Rymer Tabulo, Misha Palod, Ollie Hamelink) d Delta (Saisha Palod, Aarnav Reelh, Val Austin) 7-4. Rymer/Misha d Aarnav/Val 5, 7, 6, 3, 7.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures August 1, 2023

Division 1:

Blue (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) d Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) 7-5. John d Bryan 6, -9, 11, -7, 3.

Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) d Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) 8-4. Steve d Pam 9, 9, -9, -10, 9.

Division 2:

Purple (Iris Grasso, Ken Best, Judi Hicks) d Orange (Helen Ware, Louise Gould, Gerry Synnott) 11-1. Ken d Louise -11, 2, -14, 4, 7.

White (Wayne Wormal, Marie Taylor, Michael Ibbotson) drew Pink (Robyn Bushell, John Hamelink, Fred Saliba) 6-all. Michael d Robyn -8, -3, 7, 10, 10.

Division 3:

Tan (Cheryl Aprato, Madge Saunders, Bill Hey) d Lime (Cheryl Pearson, Carmel Cristaldi, Myles Dutton) 8-4. Cheryl P d Cheryl A 5, -6, 6, -11, 9.

Aqua (Pam Keune, Rhonda Griffiths, Glenda Dutton) d Grey (Ian Dodds, Allison Day) 7-5. Pam d Ian -7, 7, 4, -6, 8.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Pam Keune was part of the winning Aqua team in Division 3. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Mackay Cutters dynamo Jasmine Peters is relishing her new role in the NRLW premiership.

The strong running Peters has left her mark in the early rounds of the competition with the North Queensland Cowboys with pundits describing her as “a sharp attacking weapon”.

Her powerful bursts from fullback inspired the Cutters to a semi-final appearance in the Queensland Rugby League’s BMD Premiership earlier this season and the try scoring merchant has made every post a winner since linking with the Cowboys.

Peters has switched to centre for the NRLW campaign and has caught the eye of keen judges with slick performances against Gold Coast Titans, Newcastle Knights and the Brisbane Broncos.

The emerging number three turned in a solid display in the Cowboys’ 40-12 loss to the Broncos last Saturday at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium and hopes she can replicate that fine form for the remainder of the series.

New Zealand international and Brisbane centre Mele Hufanga grabbed the limelight with a powerhouse performance for the visitors.

The former Tongan rugby star etched her name in the record books with a spectacular four try haul as the Broncos ran amok after the interval.

Hufanga’s solo achievement equalled the NRLW record for most tries in a match.

The Cowboys trailed 18-12 at the break but struggled to contain the rejuvenated Broncos who piled on 22 unanswered points in a second half blitz.

With Jillaroos great Ali Brigginshaw calling the shots at half back, there was no stopping the Brisbane outfit as they ran in eight tries in a dominant showing.

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Three-time Indigenous All-Stars centre, Jasmine Peters

The winning NRLW Cowboys team after defeating the Newcastle Knights last month

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The North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club has been keeping the bowls rolling with some exciting social matches. On July 17th, the winning team consisted of Lesley Baumgarten, Wendy McGee, and Lidia McCarthy, with Pam Louis and Bev McDonald as the runners-up.

Moving to July 24th, Bev McDonald, Pam Louis, and Jean Schmidtke clinched victory, while Sue Roscoe, Lesley Baumgarten, and Lidia McCarthy took the second spot.

In the latest action on August 2nd, the winning pair was Ann Smith and Sue Hazledine, with Bev McDonald, Narell Schmidtke, and Jean Schmidtke as the runners-up.

As the club approaches the finals, the under 70’s and over 70’s competitions, along with the Consistency contests, are all shaping up for an exciting finish.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine.

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Division 4 Ladies for 2023 L-R: Pam Louis, Min Andrew, Brenda Trannore, Wendy McGee, Rondelle McDermot, Margaret Creese, Sue Hazledine, Helen Fleming, Maureen Blucher

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Eight teams battled in the final of the Whitsunday Zone GNOT Gold Points event on Saturday at the Mackay Contract Bridge Club. Team Conroy came out on top winning the event.

Monday 31 July 2023 – 6 Table One Winner Green Pts

1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Frances Brown / Vicki Howard

3rd Monica Darley / Joy Robinson

4th Margaret Jennings / Marilin Robins

5th Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

Tuesday 1 August 2023 Evening - 4 Table Mitchell Green Pts

N/S E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley 1st Terrence Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek

2nd Faye Wright / Marilin Robins 2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

Wednesday 2 August 2023 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Janet Hansen / Alan Brown 1st Eric Goodchild / David Ting

2nd Sandra Morris / Jan Harris 2nd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

3rd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 3rd Susan Wright / Bob Ellis

4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 4th Geoff Patterson / Sandy Patterson

5th Debbie Ludkin / Cath Willis 5th Victor Mason / John Ludkin

Thursday Evening 3 August 2023 - 5 Table One Winner

1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

2nd Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Jan Harris

4th Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

Friday 4 August 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix 1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Joyce Deguara / Toni Large 2nd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 3rd Geoff Cowan / Joy Robinson

4th Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson 4th Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

Saturday 5 August 2023 – Whitsunday Zone GNOT Final - 8 Table Mitchell Gold Points

Team Team Members

1st Conroy Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor / Monica Darley / Ken Seaniger

2nd O’Neill Julie O'Neill - Sandra Morris - Patricia Garner - Sandy Patterson

3rd Morgan Diane Morgan / Janet Hansen / Frances Brown / Alan Brown

4th Leivesley Eric Leivesley - Tex Sheedy - Max Holewa - Diane Holewa

5th Sheffield Marilyn Scopelliti / Ellie Sheffield / Betty Andison / Renate Feige

6th Robins Marilin Robins - Anne Lutz - Antonia Tarradas - Christine Nice

7th Breeze Deb Breeze / Lydie Martin / Sue McInnes / Maureen Gallichan

8th Goodchild Debra Goodchild - Ming Ting - Eric Goodchild - David Ting

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GNOT Finalists from Left to Right: Geoff Taylor, Janelle Conroy, Monica Darley and Ken Seaniger

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Ian Schifilitti was renowned for his dedication and work ethic as a professional rugby league journeyman.

The industrious forward – who represented Italy at the Rugby League World Cup – was highly regarded during his playing career in the Townsville region and English Super League for his tenacity, courage, ball play and copybook defence.

Those admirable traits have rubbed off on his St Patrick’s College Mackay team that has just secured the minor premiership in the Aaron Payne Cup.

The all-conquering Mackay colts edged out Kirwan State High 22-16 to extend their winning streak and set up a semi-final showdown this week with St Augustine’s Cairns.

While proud of his charges’ efforts during a crippling injury crisis, the respected mentor faces a selection headache in the finals with ten key players returning to bolster the team.

“Reducing my 30-man squad to 17 remains a difficult proposition with so many of our fringe players stepping up in recent weeks to push their claims,” coach Schifilitti revealed.

St Patrick’s College can now claim to be the powerbase of northern Queensland school rugby league after wrapping up both the Aaron Payne Cup and Year 10 Cowboys Challenge minor premierships and the Girls team finishing runners up at the QISSRL Confraternity Shield Carnival.

The College is on track to secure a championship double with both sides preserving their undefeated records after rousing victories over Kirwan State High in Townsville.

Boosted by the return of Queensland Schoolboys reps Xavier Kerrisk and Jaxon Purdue and a slick display by centre Will Shears, the Mackay giants grabbed a psychological edge over their rivals.

It has been a tremendous team effort by the senior Mackay colts who have all contributed to the minor title with courageous performances.

Promising fullback Hayden Cumming, wingers Bailey Anderson and Hunter Harris, centres Tenzin Contor, Will Whippy and Reuben Saron, five eighth Bailey Venz and forwards Darcy Clark, Tyler Shandiman, Diesel Costigan, Jake Bryan, Kayne Smith, Hudson Clark and Cohen Jackson, Darcy Daly, utility Nelson Fenlon, Javan Ramsamy, Harrison Considine, Mikey Hinchy, Lachlan Starr and Jack Townsend have also shown dedication to training and a will to win despite the College fielding depleted line-ups.

“We even had to blood 15-year-old forward prospect Mark Morrow in the top grade and he rose to the challenge,” said Schifilitti.

“I am just so proud of their commitment and the energy they take into each game,” he added.

Morrow, who has signed a three-year contract with the Canberra Raiders, is one of the big guns in a powerful and hungry St Patrick’s Year 10 team that is on the prowl for another Cowboys Challenge Shield title.

Coach Tom Gaviglio has the side in tip-top form.

Having conceded only three tries in this campaign, the St Patrick’s outfit are warm favourites to sink Mackay State High in this week’s semi-final and book a berth in this year’s Grand Final.

Talented half back Adam McSherry, centre Norm Campbell, lock Caleb O’Brien, Queensland Under 15s prop Sam Anderson and hooker Cooper Deguara led the way in a 28-0 victory over Kirwan High.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College senior rugby league coach Ian Schifilitti is proud of his squad’s efforts in claiming the Aaron Payne Cup minor premiership

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A Mackay junior made his National Rugby League debut on the weekend, scoring the opening try for the Parramatta Eels in their round 23 win against the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Taking the field on the wing, Arthur Miller-Stephen scored in the left-hand corner just nine minutes into his first NRL game as the Eels went on to win 26-20 at CommBank Stadium, Sydney.

The 19-year-old, who played for Brothers Bulldogs Junior Rugby League and Mackay Cutters and attended Mackay State High School, has represented Queensland at both Under 16s and Under 18s levels.

Primarily a fullback, Miller-Stephen has been climbing the Parramatta ranks, spending most of last season in the NSW Under 21 competition, the Jersey Flegg Cup.

He made his NSW Cup debut in round 3 of the 2023 season and has appeared in seven NSW Cup games for the Eels, scoring three tries and contributing three try assists, 15 tackle busts and one line break, alongside an average of 134 running metres per game.

His junior club shared their elation on Facebook ahead of the young gun’s debut.

“We are all so very proud of him,” Brothers Bulldogs Junior Rugby League posted on social media.

“He has always been such a great kid, and was always an excellent ambassador for our club.

“Congratulations Arthur!”

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Arthur Miller-Stephen scored a try nine minutes into his debut for the Parramatta Eels. Photo supplied: Parramatta Eels

Miller-Stephen played his junior footy for Brothers Bulldogs Junior Rugby League. Photo supplied: Brothers Bulldogs Junior Rugby League Mackay QLD

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles travelled to Bakers Creek on Saturday to take on the Tigers with some great results.

Sea Eagles Senior Men have hit their straps at the right time of year with five wins in a row after smashing Bakers Creek Tigers 111 – 15.

Sea Eagles had more polish going forward with Leigh Sartori and Brayden Wall continuing to give options, take marks and kick goals.

Sea Eagles back line was superb with Mitchell Healey in dominating form across half back. Sea Eagles Senior Men take on Swans this Saturday for a challenge leading into finals.

Sea Eagles Senior Women worked hard against the Tigers however the scoreboard could not reflect the effort and skill put in by the entire team losing 18 – 61.

Sea Eagles and Bakers Creek Under 17s clashed for the fourth time this season with Sea Eagles keen to put in a solid performance after their last close encounter.

From opening bounce to final siren, the Sea Eagles group ran and linked up with some outstanding passages of footy winning 67 – 7 (adj).

Sea Eagles Under 14s bounced back to play a great game against the Tigers this week running different players through the midfield and taking the opportunity to mix it up with a convincing win 66 – 6 (adj).

Sea Eagles Under 12s took on North Mackay Saints in damp and swirling conditions at Bakers Creek coming away victorious 59 – 7.

Holding off a Saints resurgence in the second term a healthy margin was intact at half time enabling Sea Eagles to take out the game in the wet.

This Saturday 12th August sees the closing round of the home and away season before a week off prior to finals.

Sea Eagles Senior Men take on Swans in Mackay at 1:50pm whilst Senior Women and Junior teams trek out to Moranbah with games from 9:15am.

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Blake Tissington U17s

Tayla Oliver Senior Women. Photo Credit: Cody Fowler

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Although we are still in the middle of our winter sport season, Proserpine Junior Cricket is busy planning and preparing for the start of Australia’s sport season.

Proserpine Cricket is excited to announce the popular, free All Girls Program is back on 14th August 2023, running over 4 weeks.

Open to girls aged 4-12 years of all abilities, learn skills and Australia's game in a supportive and friendly environment, with qualified and experienced female coaches.

Proserpine Junior Cricket is passionate about the participation of girls in cricket.

Cricket is quickly becoming a popular sport for women and girls with mountains of opportunities, and over the last 5 years, our female membership has increased from 2 to over 30.

Proserpine Junior Cricket's girls have been invited each year to help open the Women's Big Bash in Mackay and meet their cricketing idols and have appeared on TV each time (including Kayo Sports).

To register for the free Girls Program head to: http://bit.ly/3Yp6zPq

The Proserpine Junior Cricket Association’s Annual General Meeting was held last month with a great turn out of members.

The AGM reflected on a successful previous season and saw the welcome of new members. The meeting also saw the voting in of the new committee for the 2023-24 season welcoming Mark Valmadre (President), Michael Hope (Vice President), Sharon Valmadre (Secretary) and Jess Hope (Treasurer).

The Club thanks the previous committee, coaches, and volunteers for their hard work throughout last season.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Junior Cricket Association.

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Proserpine Junior Cricket Girls with Brisbane Heat

Join the Junior Cricket league now for the summer season. Photos supplied

It was a do or die scenario for both teams on Saturday, as the Kuttabul Camel Boks travelled to Whitsunday Sportspark to take on the Whitsunday Raiders.

This was going to be a battle of the titans to see who progressed into the Grand final of the MRU competition.

Kuttabul are renowned for their strength in their forward pack and the Raiders were going to have to fight hard for the win.

The scoreboard changed a few times during the first half with Kuttabul having the wind behind them, they kept forging forward, but the Raiders defence had its usual solid form and the men in green repelled numerous attacks.

The half time score being 11-10 to the visitors, thanks to a try by winger Rhys Ward and a penalty goal, as well as the conversion to Niall Clancy keeping the game tight.

With the wind at their back for the second half, the Raiders used this advantage to turn the Boks around and put pressure on their defensive line.

Niall Clancy managed to slot another penalty through the sticks around the 60-minute mark and the backs throwing the ball around with confidence, it was Rhys Ward again going over in the corner after a kick and chase that saw the Raiders take a 20-11 lead going into the last 15 minutes of the preliminary final.

With a bit of frustration coming from this pressure the Raiders were putting on the Kuttabul men, it was Niall Clancy again who put the Raiders further in front with another penalty to end the game 23 -11 victors.

So, for the third year in a row the Whitsunday Raiders find themselves in another grand final, kicking off at BB print stadium Mackay 4pm this Saturday.

The men in green hope to see all our loyal supporters and sponsors at the game to cheer then on.  

Caption: Rhys Ward going in for his first of a double for the day. Photo credit: Hanny Spence Photography

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We have had a great deal of rain this winter, however here at our little club the precipitation was in the form of tears as we lost one of the greats on Thursday night when our own Nik Fernbach finally succumbed to the big C and passed away sadly on Thursday night.

Nik was a true gentleman and a wonderful clubman, helping all the new players find their feet and a multiple club champion with too many titles to write about including Champion of Champions titles as well.

Nik was a former architect and came to our club in 2013 and was admired by one and all.

He never complained about his illness, and always had a big smile beaming from his fabulous heart of gold and had a fantastic ‘never give in’ attitude.

Words cannot express the huge loss and void that we all will miss without his presence at our little family club.

The district has lost a true champion with one of the club’s legends, one of nature's wonderful gentlemen gone but will never ever be forgotten by all his friends at the ABBC.

We all will be thinking about his beautiful family that he has left behind and we all will be left lamenting his absence.

Vale Nik Fernbach.

Tuesday afternoon bowls saw the team of Tony Whitehorn with Pip Heddles at lead and Alan Pershouse at second easily account for the rest of the field with an effortless victory, with Col Morris taking home the prestigious Health Hub Award.

Sunday afternoon saw Betty Whitehorn as skipper lead her team of Demika Quip at lead showing her enormous potential with Keith Bates at second comfortably account for the rest of the players with a commanding performance, whilst Dawn Dowell take home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Finally, the Champion of Champions Mens Pairs was being played at the Marian Bowls Club, with a fantastic win by our own Manny Isgro and Harry Quod with a great victory over Seaforth in the final.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Our Champion bowler Nik Fernbach. Photo supplied

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