Mackay Area Fishing Stocking Association hosted another great family friendly fishing tournament at Eungella Dam over the May Day long weekend, putting the region on the national fishing stage once again.

The 18th World Sooty Championship has been a popular fishing tournament for many anglers who are keen to target the vast quantity of stocked Sooty Grunter. This tournament is as unique as it is fun.

If you haven’t heard about the 2023 INDT World Sooty Championship, it is the only fishing tournament for Sooty Grunter, hence the tournament’s name. It is also the main fundraiser for MAFSA to operate and maintain the Rob Symons Hatchery in Rural View as well as promote the Stocked Impoundment Permit fishery at Eungella Dam.

MAFSA Chairman Tim Swann explains, “this year for the World Sooty Championship, on top of record numbers of anglers and boats, we have been able to work with Mackay Regional Council, Mackay Isaac Tourism, Mackay Airport and Reef Marine in attracting and hosting Mark Berg to fish our tournament.

“This highlights the attraction of Mackay’s stocked impoundment fisheries to national angling celebrities as well as other travelling anglers looking for world class fishery and is proof that MAFSA continues to work towards a better fishing future for the Mackay region.”

The event saw nearly 70 boats registered to compete with 107 anglers looking to score as many points for the bag of six Sooties over the three sessions from Saturday morning to Sunday lunch time.

“This three session format has proven to be popular over the years with allowing the public and the spectators, mainly kids, an opportunity to see these big brutes up close in the holding tank at the end of each session,” explains Mr Swann.

“These fish are then released by an army of helpers to be returned to the water to be hopefully caught again next year.”

This break in the sessions on Saturday also allows everyone to gather for a release of juvenile Sooty fingerlings from Bass, Barra and Barcoo who have been a regular supplier to MAFSA of quality Sooties to restock Eungella Dam with funds from the SIP scheme.

Even if you find the fish in big numbers, you still need the biggest overall length and the best bag of six fish with each millimetre worth one point to win. Around 180 Sooties being caught was attributed to an action-packed weekend.

The first session saw our regular bridesmaid in Mick Slade hold the lead on Saturday lunch with 2163mm to Peter Behrens with 2119mm with a few ex-WSC champions, Daniel Grech, Keegan Hayden and Ricky Wetherall, just a couple of fish behind.

Junior angler Darcy McFarlane was out to good lead on Saturday morning with 1168mm with only one fish to previous junior world champ in Balin Tweddle and last year’s biggest Sooty Winner Cohen Olsen.

Session two saw some regular WSC anglers change their plan and some persevere and with some good numbers returned we saw the lead change at the close of the day with Daniel Grech on 2379mm in the lead over Mick Slade by a mere 6mm sitting on 2373mm. Keegan finished strong in 3rd on 2244mm and a few others nipping at the heels of the leader.

Juniors did manage a few more fish this session but no one managed the numbers to give Darcy a concern with Michael Paton in 2nd on 830mm and Finn Gee in 3rd on 716 and all juniors looking to the Sunday session for a few more fish.

Session three saw an uninterrupted day with a slightly earlier start to last year and we like to keep the scoreboard covered until the presentation so no one could keep track of anyone else which means you just have to find the Sooties and upgrade your bag if possible.

Everyone in the top 20 found fish on Sunday which was promising and some found more Sooties or bigger Sooties which made for an exciting last session.

Mick Slade was lucky enough to hold onto the lead with 2517mm over Trent Power with 2508mm to crown Mick the 18th World Champion. Congratulations Mick!

Nick Moore was a very close 3rd place with 2497mm which is only 20mm behind Mick, just one more upgrade in his bag of 7 Sooties could have been the game changer for Nick but not this year unfortunately. Daniel Grech finished 4th on 2460mm which proves he can still find fish with a bag of 8 and his boating partner Daniel Curry finished in 8th with a bag of 8 as well, these two anglers did well to find that many.  

Keegan finished in 5th with a bag of 10 Sooties and a late upgrade on Sunday with last year’s World Champion Ricky in 6th with a bag of 6 just in time on Sunday. Peter Behrens found the most Sooties with a bag of 12 and a few small upgrades. Damien Casey found some good Sooties on Sunday for a late dash but only managed a bag of five and Ivan Baulch rounded out the top 10 with a bag of five, this made for an exciting finish.

We also saw a senior angler take out the largest overall Sooty over the juniors in recent years with a solid 496mm Sooty from Robbie Brook who fished surface lures for the majority of the last session on Sunday and he was fishing his 16th World Sooty Championship.

Juniors managed to find a few Sooties on Sunday too and the McFarlane boys gave each other a run for their money with Isaac landing the largest junior Sooty at 492mm over Darcy’s 491mm fish. Isaac managed to claw back into 3rd place with 1200mm with a bag of three behind Finn Gee with a bag of five Sooties for 1794mm. Darcy McFarlane rounded out the tournament with a bag of six Sooties and a total of 2377mm and was now crowned the junior champion! Congratulations Darcy!

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Pic: Mick and Darcy

Mick Slade and Darcy McFarlane

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When Bridget Franettovich was conceptualising how to honour her close friend Finley Smith, who tragically passed away from an epileptic seizure last year, she knew it had to consist of “cold drinks, cricket and great company.”

The Finley Smith Memorial Cup was the result, bringing six teams against each other for a day of social cricket while raising funds for Epilepsy Action Australia.

Finley was known as an ‘ambassador’ and ‘future leader’ within the Mackay Community.

“He meant a lot to a lot of people,” said Ms Franettovich.

“Everyone was super keen to get onboard; it’s a testament to the lives he impacted.”

‘The Marlins’ were the inaugural Finley Smith Memorial Cup winners on Saturday, with ‘Got the Runs’ finishing in second place.

Ms Franettovich hopes to raise $50,000 for Epilepsy Action Australia, Australia’s leading provider of epilepsy support and information.

“Fin will always be very missed by so many people but this way he’ll never be forgotten,” she said.

“It’s a good cause so other people don’t have to go through what his family and friends went through.”

To donate and find out more, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/finley-smith-memorial-cup.

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A day of “cold drinks, cricket and great company” was enjoyed by all in memory of Finley Smith last Saturday. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Monday 5 June 2023 – NWP Week 11 of 23 - 5 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 1st Frances Brown / Geoff Taylor

2nd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy 2nd Thelma Caruana / Joy Robinson

Tuesday 6 June 2023 Evening 4 Table One Winner Thursday 8 June 2023 Evening 3 Table One Winner

1st Sandra Morris / Vicki Howard 1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley 2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Ted Cullinan 3rd Peter Cowling / Ann Whitmore

4th Eric Goodchild / Marylin Wilson-Nichol 4th Annie Lynch / Geoff Taylor

Wednesday 7 June 2023 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Ted Cullinan / Geoff Taylor 1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 2nd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Joy Robinson / Victor Mason 3rd Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

4th Joy Brunette / Don Poole 4th Sandy Patterson / Geoff Patterson

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Friday 9 June 2023 – Mackay Club Pairs Championship 2023 – Week 1 of 3

N/S E/W

1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 1st Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

2nd Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 2nd Christine Nice / Diane Cox

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 3rd Victor Mason / Josie Crowley

4th Anne Lutz / Diane Stokes 4th Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson

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Saturday 10 June 2023 – 8 Table Green Points

N/S E/W

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

2nd Joy Robinson / Geoffrey Patterson 2nd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

3rd Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood 3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore 4th Mick King / Jan Harris

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St Patrick's College Triumphs In Aaron Payne Cup Clash

Schoolboy rugby league heavyweights St Patrick’s College Mackay and Ignatius Park College Townsville have opened their 2023 Aaron Payne Cup campaigns with a first-round epic battle at Leprechaun Park.

Ian Schifilliti’s powerful St Patrick’s line up earned bragging rights when they recorded an impressive 20-12 victory over the Townsville giants in the lead into this year’s Confraternity Rugby League Carnival in Brisbane.

Queensland Schoolboys representative five eighth Jaxon Purdue shone for St Patrick’s along with back rower Jake Bryan, fullback Will Shears and talented hooker Zac Keating.

Flying winger Bailey Anderson grabbed a hat-trick of tries as St Patrick’s thumped Cairns school Trinity Bay State High 42-10 in a second round Cup fixture at Townsville’s Brothers Leagues Club grounds.

Purdue, Shears and rampaging Capricornia representative prop Tyler Shandiman also played strongly.

In the Cowboys Challenge Year 10 series, St Patrick’s have posted stirring 26-6 victories over Ignatius Park and Trinity Bay State High with top performances from Queensland Under 15s forward Sam Anderson, Capricornia rep five eighth and skipper Adam McSherry, Canberra bound forward Mark Morrow, Caleb O’Brien and Hamish Donohoe.

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Under 13 Div 1 played their best game of the season on Saturday with a fantastic display of positive forward play and pressing to get the ball back at every opportunity.

Goals went to Oli, Lockie, and Caleb. Caleb’s second goal from just over half way was an absolute ripper against the run of play and sealed the win.

This 4-0 win was against a Lions side that had previously beaten us.

The U13 prem team took the lead against Wanderers after a sublime pass from Shannon Matthews sent Matthew onto goal and although his shot was well saved, Sam kept the pressure up and was rewarded with the goal.

A well taken penalty by Wanderers evened the score with the game finishing 1-1.

15 Div 1 lost against Wanderers 2-1. Some great passing and movement we just lacked the killer shot on goal. Special thanks to the U13 boys who stepped up to help us out - Cohen, Will, and Matt.

The Paddy's Shenanigans Div 1 and 2 teams faced off against Lions.

Unfortunately, WUFC struggled to create many chances, falling 2-0 behind at the break to scrappy goals. The second half, with the wind behind the team, was a different affair, but the equaliser never came, going down 2-1.

Our Div 1 team faced up to Lions expecting another tough match up.

However, the opposition had a number backing up with many injuries in the squad.

Lions went up 1-0 early on, but WUFC took control, hitting 3 unanswered goals, including a 40-yard screamer from veteran Richard Draper.

A comfortable 6-2 win makes it 4 wins in a row at home.

The Reserve women got some valuable points on the board this week with a 4-2 win over Country.

Kiki opened the scoring early for the ladies and continued to work tirelessly the entire game to put pressure on the Country defence.

Upfront Maddy put away two nice goals to keep Whitsundays in front the entire game and from the middle Steph’s runs paid off with the fourth goal of the game.

The Premier ladies continued to dominate with a 14-0 win over Country.

Despite dominating possession, and having many opportunities, the final touch lacked finesse and they went into half-time break only 4-0 up.

The second half Whitsunday ran away with the game with the attacking group working together to keep the pressure firmly on Country Final tally of scorers was Willow(4), Lena(3),Laura(3),Steph(2),Bre and Eva one each.

Whitsunday Men Ressies were unfortunate to come away without any points against Brothers.

The team started well with Andrew Johnstone scoring a cracker within 5 minutes.

The lads pressed to try rescue the game but ended up losing 4-2 after chasing the game.

It was a different story for the Premier Men against City Brothers.

The lads applied relentless pressure going into the break with a commanding 4-0 lead with another from Sherro and two from Smithy.

The second half saw the team playing the best football they have played all season carving apart a helpless Brothers.

The second half saw Sherro complete his first hat trick for the club and Delors finishing off a phenomenal team goal in fantastic fashion.

The full-time whistle blew with Whitsundays finishing 6-0 winners.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic.

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Luke Swift never an easy man to tackle. Photo supplied

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Last Saturday saw the top of the table Whitsunday Raiders travel to Lions Sports Park Mackay to take on the 6th place Kuttabul Camelboks.

It was going to be a challenging match for the number one placed Raiders side as they were without eight of their regular run-on players due to injury or work commitments. This meant that the Raiders would have to play uncontested scrums, and as a result field one less player meaning it would be 15 against 14 for the full 80 minutes.

Kuttabul are renowned for their physicality and their ability to rise to the occasion, especially at home, which is exactly what they did.

Scoring 5 tries to the Raiders 1 in the first half, leaving the Raiders in the unusual position of being behind 31 - 5 at half time.

Second half saw the true spirit of the Raiders shine through, with an inspirational comeback scoring two tries in the second half and keeping Kuttabul scoreless. Final score Kuttabul 31 Raiders 17.

Best on field for the Raiders were new man David Aspil with 3 points, Tom Humphries with 2 points and Darragh Lynch with 1 point.

Raiders head to Mackay this Saturday in a bid to maintain their Number One position on the ladder, taking on Slade Point at 3.30pm at the Cathy Freeman Oval.

Contributed with thanks to Steve Ward

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For both Year 6 St Catherine’s Catholic College boys, rugby union is in their blood, and making the North Queensland team for rugby union is a dream come true.

Jamar Tabua has been playing rugby, both league and union, since he was 10-years-old, following in the footsteps of his dad.

“My dad just signed me up because he played footy and wanted me to play footy,” Jamar said.

“And I just turned out to be gunfire!”

Cooper Robinson has been playing the sport since he was six, with both his parents avid fans of the sport.

“My dad says, ‘play your own game, don’t worry about anyone else’,” Cooper said.

The boys have been playing together for years, with Cooper getting Jamar into the game initially.

“I started when I was 10,” Jamar said.

“Because he got me into it. We played this carnival together and I was a gun. I got the MVP of the game.”

Both boys have aspirations of making it big in the sport and playing professionally.

Cooper has the short-term goal of making the Far North Queensland Rugby team when he is 14, and Jamar is looking into his future, hoping to make it into the Junior Cowboys.

“I’m going to play my hardest at Ipswich and look out for scouts,” Jamar said.

The boys, with three other boys from St Catherine’s, travelled to Townsville to compete in the trials.

Of the 80 boys at the Townsville NQ trials, Jamar and Cooper are two of 23 who made the team, and will travel to Ipswich later in the year, to compete in the state trials.

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Cooper Robinson and Jamar Tabua qualify for North Queensland Rugby Union. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

On Wednesday afternoon, Torpedoes who have been consistently training were invited to a special training session.  

During this session, swimmers enjoyed using the new backstroke ledges and the new dive block kickers.  

The coaches would like to commend Declan Dichiera, Jasper Korosec, Lucas Korosec, Koa Harland, Levi Smith, Indi Smith, Roxy Groom, Alex Trefz, Connor Lee, Stevie Lee, Harris Delac, Abi Maher and Evie Doherty.  

On Sunday, a couple of Cannonvale Cannons travelled to Townsville to participate in the Townsville “Club to Club” Ocean Swim.  

Congratulations to Jacob Bell (M12-19) and Nelson Malady (M10 – 11) who both achieved 2nd place in their age groups.  

Jacob swam in the 2km event and swam a time of 28.46.90 and Nelson swam in the 1km event and swam a time of 19.54.37.  

The Cannons would also like to commend Kyle Pevitt-Scott who swam the 2km event in 33.20.50.  Coach Mark Erickson accompanied Raylene Rasmussen through the 2km swim, and they both enjoyed a leisurely Sunday morning pace.  

During the week, the Cannons hosted the Annual General Meeting.

The Cannonvale Cannons are looking forward to hosting their winter carnival this Saturday.

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Jacob Nelson Raylene and Mark at Townsville Strand. Photo supplied

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Last Monday night marked the thrilling conclusion of WTA's Winter Season, as four exhilarating Grand Finals took place.

We extend our thanks to the teams, as well as their families and friends, for supporting our club. With great anticipation, we eagerly await an even grander and more spectacular Grand Final night in the upcoming season.

Mixed A Grade and Mixed Family Grade delivered the tightest contests.

In A Grade Trusty and In the Crear went try for try with the scores locked 5 all deep into the second half until Trusty were able to break the deadlock with 2 late tries.

Similarly in Family Grade no team could gain an ascendancy with scores locked at full time. Escapees/Misfits prevailed in the Drop Off.  Escapees/Misfits 7 Mainlanders 6.

B Grade and C Grade followed a similar path with the winners establishing an early lead that was never threatened.

B Grade Slippery Salmons 5 Ray White 2.

C Grade Fumble This 5 Stingers 1.

WTA extends its thanks to the referees who officiated in the Grand Final. Special thanks to Ian and Bruce experienced referees from the Burdekin Touch Association for helping out.

WTA’s Summer Season will start after the school holidays.

Contributed with thanks to Alita DeBrincat.

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Mixed A Grade Grand Final Winners – Trusty

Slippery Salmons win the B Grade

The team of referees

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Another week is over and its nearly halfway through June already.

The Ladies penants is in full swing and once again we are doing well in all divisions.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls brilliantly run by Rick and Galea and Merve Stewart saw 22 bowlers chasing the jackpot prize, however it never went off and will Jackpot into next week.

The bar was set high, and it was the team of Nik Fernbach with newcomer Greg and Tony Whitehorn who ran away with the first prize money.

On Friday saw the semi-finals of the Whitsunday Christian College and the improvement in the children has to be seen to be believed and it's going to be another girl’s grand finale.

Saturday and Sunday saw the 23rd running of the June Carnival with 16 teams competing for big cash prizes.

The weekend was also had great sponsors and PRD, Hadlow Racing Team, to name a few.

Fiona Greener was just run off her little feet and with Ray also working tirelessly for the highly successful tournament.

All teams were rewarded with prizes but there can only be one team to win this prestigious event and that belonged to Manny Isgro and his team consisting of Russell Bramich at third, Peter Petersen at second, and Peter Wright at lead.

Congratulations must go to them on their sterling performance.

Amanda Camm was also on hand with great sponsorship for the event.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Amanda Camm being presented with her sponsorship appreciation award by Margo Stanley, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the event was highly successful. Photo supplied

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Results of Competition Games:

Club Mixed Pairs: Andrew Peebles, and Helen Jacobsen defeated Sue Fox, and Steve Roome.

Wednesday Social: MaryEllen Pratten, Daryl Tuttle, and Steve Roome defeated Keith Kirk, Allen Williams, and Ross Scanlon.

Peter, Gavin, and Thomson defeated Dave, Jill, and Geoff.

Winners for the afternoon were Bev, Leah, and Ron who defeated Joan, Paula, and Jane.

Sunday Social: Lorraine McArthur, Tracey Roach, and Peter Bruce defeated Eddy Neylon, Mark Rogers, and Gavin Charles.

Daryl Tuttle, and Ron Gould defeated Peter Thomson, and Lee Welsted.

Peter Wilson, Jill Brabon, and Brett Lampard defeated Joan Edwards, Paula Welsted, and Jane Gilbert.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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Wednesday Winners, Bev, Ron, and Leah. Photo supplied

This week's early Wednesday morning social bowls were called off due to rain overnight.  

This meant that everyone was keen as mustard for some wonderful bowls on Sunday afternoon.  

Alen Sanderson and Sandy Daffara defeated John Anderson and Barry Zillmann 19 - 12 in a game of 2/4/2 Pairs.  

Lee King, Bruce Uhe and Heather Brown defeated John Burnett, Arthur Griffith and Mike Harrison 18 - 12 in a game of Triples.  

It has been good to follow the progress of our bowlers who are currently away at the Australian Open competing.  

At the time of writing this, the singles sectional play has one more day to be played before moving on to pairs and fours.  

There are some high-quality bowlers who will be showcasing their games and enjoying the variety of opponents.  

We wish our bowlers a wonderful experience over the two weeks of play and that they come back and share the stories of their experiences.

We are back to normal times for this week's social bowls with names in by 1pm please ready for a 1.30pm start.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Fun Friday winners were Alan Connolly and V Palmer who defeated Roger Mumby and Kay Connelly. John Blementer, Ron Hyde and Ann Fitz defeated Simon Keith, Barry H, Frank F, A Huppatz defeated Jan Dawson and B Russo, and R Stitt, J Stamp and L Palmer defeated Greg Lee, G Howie. The jackpot didn’t go off.  

Winners for Sunday afternoon were Gwenda Lydom, Allan Pearson, Bob Russo and Jim Steele defeated Bill Myer, Roger Mymby, Alan Purson and Geoff Danvers. Runners Up Merle Elphinstone, Maureen Hyde and Dot Slater defeated John, Irene and M Willimamson.

Others J Christie, J Healey and S Fuller defeated L Collins, L Knight and K Jewell. C Dunbar, L Scells and M Richie defeated A Kayser, Land K Armstrong. Pam L Danvers Michael defeated Terri Brian B P Tracey, Steve Sanmone, L Nightingale, K Russo, P Howie defeated T Bowen, M Connolly, I Wheeler and R Hyde.

C Bellingham, S Shearing and K Whitton defeated J Hayson, J Walsh and A Rolfe. M Nesbitt, K Sheldon and B Colquhoun defeated S Pearson, J Breakwell and Norm. The jackpot didn’t go off.                                                                       

Contributed with thanks Penny Warren.

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Caption: Sunday’s winners. Photo contributed

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With the winter break coming up after this week’s round of darts, all the guys will be hoping to go into that break with a win to keep the ball rolling.

The action got underway at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club with Hawkeye Rick taking on Seumas Rose.

Both players down at the wrong end of the table but hoping to improve on current form.

The match was even enough throughout with Rick to his credit showing an improvement compared to recent weeks, giving Seumas a run for his money, but experience came into it in the end, with Seumas capable of going up a gear when needed to win the contest 7/4.

Jamie Maher went top of the league briefly when he defeated Kameron Reason in a one-sided affair by 7 legs to nil, but that was quickly cancelled out with Jamie Woods 7/2 victory over Arthur McMinn shortly after.

The round was closed out with a 6 all draw between Gary Robbie and Kameron Reason in Kameron’s second match of the day, where he slotted home a lovely 180 to take a point, and a maximum for his day’s efforts, not bad at all.

We’ll be back in action in a few weeks’ time after a small break, see you then.

The Premier League is proudly sponsored by Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach and Master Butchers Whitsunday, thank you for your support.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stroke event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies’ winner was Wendy Tracey 72 nett, runner up Claire Garrod 73 nett.

Men’s winner Douglas Power 66 nett, runner up Cliff Querro 67 nett.

Saturday's competition was an 18-hole 2 ball ambrose medley sponsored by Tropix Refrigeration.  

Thank you to the Woodward family for their continued support of our club.  

Winners were Daniel Windridge and Andrew Menzies, 2nd James Miller and Xanthe Power, 3rd place Paul Martin and Rhyce Layton.

COMING UP

This Saturday's competition is a single stableford event sponsored by Sporte Leisure.  

Joker is worth $3200.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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