Sports

Cannons Earn State Honours at School Sport Championships

Cannons Earn State Honours at School Sport Championships

Cannonvale Cannons swimmers have achieved outstanding success, with 15 athletes selected to represent North Queensland at the Queensland Representative School Sport Championships in Brisbane. Selection in the North Queensland team is a significant achievement, with the region spanning from Proserpine to Ingham and west to Charters Towers. Competing outside of club swimming, this pathway brings together the very best school-aged swimmers across the region. The 13–19 years team featured Jax Clayworth, Hamilton Anflous, Tyler Bennett, Thomas Ganter, Tora Delac, Celeste Orenshaw and Roxanne Groom. Coach Kate and committee member Jane Delac also supported the team as managers, while Tora Delac was named Team Captain, an honour reflecting her leadership and commitment. Jax Clayworth delivered a standout performance, claiming silver in the 200m Butterfly and bronze in both the 400m Freestyle and 400m Individual Medley, along with two additional top ten finishes. Thomas Ganter secured a top ten placing in the 200m IM, while Roxanne Groom placed 8th in the 200m Breaststroke. In the 10–12 years division, Lucas Korosec, Miller Eaves, Mackenzie Bennett, Eloise Chegwidden, Maeve Dichiera, Zane Clayworth, Alex Trefz and Harris Delac all represented the region with pride. Eloise Chegwidden was crowned Queensland State Champion in the 50m Breaststroke, swimming a personal best 39.75. Lucas Korosec achieved personal bests in 10 of his 11 events, earning bronze in the 50m Backstroke and three top ten finishes. Miller Eaves impressed with a 15-second personal best in the 200m IM. The Cannons also celebrate recent North Queensland Age Champions: Miller Eaves (10 years), Eloise Chegwidden (10 years), Jax Clayworth (12 years) and Tora Delac (15 years). A fantastic achievement and a strong finish to the season, with only the 2026 Australia Age Championships in April remaining on the calendar. Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec Captions 1 - 15 Cannonvale Cannons swimmers have been selected to represent North Queensland. Photo supplied

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club Weekly News

Airlie Beach Bowls Club Weekly News

The days may be getting shorter, but the standard of bowling at the club continues to improve each week. Tuesday afternoon saw 20 bowlers competing, with Lyn Graham and Sue Dakin taking out the winners’ prize. Stacey Hadlow and Sue Walker claimed second place after an entertaining and skilful session. On Wednesday (25/3), 17 bowlers took to the green in a day superbly run by Mervyn Stewart. The standout team was Warren Mills, lead Duncan Smith, and second Terry Clarke, who delivered an impressive 27–10 victory. Wednesday night Corporate Bowls continues to be dominated by “Girl Power,” with Maureen Barnard, Gail Simms, Sue Dakin, and skipper Cathy Russell remaining unbeaten after eight straight wins. Flame Tree, represented by Craig Kennedy, Brendan Rock, and Ben Dooland, sit in second place. A new competition will begin after schools return in April. The Men’s Pairs over the weekend produced outstanding performances. In a thrilling final, Manny Isgro and Luke Kinnear defeated Harry Quad and Andy McDougall 19–16 in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. In the Ladies Fours final, Elaine Kippen’s team—Sandra Argo, Dawn Dowell, and Kathryn Remmeswaal—played strongly, but Joan McGrath, Lyn Graham, Vicki Spann, and Ladda Purdie proved too consistent and claimed victory. Scroungers Round 5 will be held on Easter Saturday (9:30 am start), with Social Bowls on Easter Sunday at 1 pm (names in by 12:30 pm). Don’t forget: Tradies vs Non-Tradies begins in June. Captions Skipper Joan McGrath with lead Lyn Graham , Vicki Spann, Ladda Purdie who relentlessly wore down their competitors for an outstanding performance of skilful bowls Photo supplied

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Proserpine Vets Golf Club News

Proserpine Vets Golf Club News

On Tuesday a single Stableford competition was played in difficult soggy conditions which was reflected in the low point scoring. Congratulations to the ladies winner Leanne Alexander (second week in a row) and Craig McLean (runner up last week) for the men. RESULTS LADIES Winner: Leanne Alexander 29 points R/Up: Elspeth Scotford with 26 points Rundown: Lyn Muller (26), Heather Luvis (25) and Paula McQuat (23) MEN Winner: Craig McClean 30 points R/Up: John Roser with 29 points Rundown: Mark Richards also with 29 points on a count back, Louis Neethling, John Oates and John Wallace all with 27 points PIN SHOTS Ladies: A Grade - Lyn Muller, Elspeth Scotford and Heather Luvis B Grade - Tiina Randmae and Paula McQuat Men: A Grade - John Roser and Craig McClean B Grade - Barry Mortimer and John Oates CHIP INS Trevor Peroz, Barry Mortimer and Vic Feldman (x2) NAGAs For a ball each Jenny Hounsell and Wilf Herweg DRAWS: MEMBERSHIP jackpots to $20 next week WEEKLY RAFFLE $50 to Robyn Whitham UPCOMING EVENTS: Next week 31/3/26 - MARCH 2026 Monthly Medal and count your putts DITTY There are 3 roads to ruin: gambling and golf. The most pleasant, the quickest but the surest is with golf Contributed with thanks to John Roser. 1 – Winners, Craig McLean and Leanne Alexander

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Wangaratta Bowls Club News

Wangaratta Bowls Club News

On Tuesday afternoon the elusive jackpot that has been accumulating from last year finally went off in the game between Lindy Suann Robyn Stitt and Alby Vigar who defeated Stumpy Adams Sue Shearing and Ron Hyde. In the other game it couldn’t have been any closer with a draw between Bron Tolcher Shirley Jones and Maureen Hyde against Andy Nayland Skin Querro and Deb Retchless. Club Competition is now underway. In the Men’s A Singles A Rolfe defeated S Jeal and K Daniels defeated M Drummond. Consistency for the Ladies C Jeal defeated T Willshire and L Scells defeated M Hyde. Winners for Sunday afternoon were Gordon Querro Maureen Hyde and Kennedy Whitton defeated Toni Bowen Cliff Queero and Pat Tracey, In the other games Andy Nayland Ron Hyde Greg Colquhoun defeated Penny Warren Alby Vigar and Allan Rolfe and Teresa Willshire Gavin Charles and Kevin Daniels drew with Deb Rethchless Graeme Read and Stuart Jeal. The jackpot number did come out but players decided to build up the bank. Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren 1 - President Deb Retchless with Stumpy Adams, Sue Shearing, Ron Hyde, Alby Vigar and Lindy Suann.

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Woolworths Happy Easter

Proserpine Golf Report

August 24, 2023

24 players in the Tuesday Stableford, with Laurie Dakin in form to wins the Men’s competition, with Gary Scotford a close 2nd and Trish McNeill winning the Ladies.

Tiina Randmae secured 2nd place. Elspeth Scotford cleaned up on the NTP’s.

Jenny Hounsell was the winner of Marlene Gray’s Wednesday Stableford with 43 pts, Trish McNeill in 2nd place on 37 pts, Anna Winterbourn claimed 3rd place with 34 pts.

Noelene Spurway, Robyn Whitham and Di Chard were the NTP winners.

Thursday Men’s Competition Division 1 winner with an excellent 66 nett was Ross Tong, followed by Troy Smith on 68 nett and Ritchie Atkins in 3rd place on 69 nett.

Division 2 winner was Chris Pham on 66 nett also, followed by Ken Lovett and Barry Shuwalow both on 71 nett.

The Ladies Competition was won by Janelle Ernst of Tropics Golf Club followed by Lyn Muller.

NTP winners: Phil Luckett, Chris Brett, Brian Smith, Allen Roberts, and Trish McNeill.

The Met 9 Hole Run on Friday was won by Brent Franke with 21 pts, Karlene Lloyd played well for 19 pts beating Ross Tong on a countback for 2nd place.

Cameron Mutch and Ryan Kenny were the NTP winners.

Ross Tong continued his good form to win the Division 1 men’s competition with 67 nett, beating Brent Franke on a countback.

Andrew Colborne won 3rd place with 69 nett. Division 2 was won by Vic Feldman on 65 nett, with Ned Davies on 71 nett and Barry Mortimer on 72 nett.

Tina Badenhorst played well to win the Ladies with 69 nett, closely followed by Trish McNeill on 70 nett and 3rd place went to Pauline Redpath on 74 nett.

NTP winners were: Tiina Randmae, Di Chard, Rob Stanley, Scott Milne, Andrew Colborne, and Vic Feldman.

Sunday’s competition was won by Lenny Booroff with a very nice 40 pts, followed by Renae Maxwell on 38 pts and in 3rd place was Peta Thomas on 36 pts.

No one managed to hit the greens to win a pin shot.

Contributed with thanks to the Pro Shop Team at the Proserpine Golf Club

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Proserpine Veterans Golf Report

August 24, 2023

37 players took to the course last Tuesday.  

Good to see a great turnout on a such a beautiful day.

There were some terrific scores, Trevor Paroz taking out the men's with 39, followed by Laurie Dakin on 38 and Gary Scotford on 36.  

Mandy Patterson was the ladies winner with 36, Tiina Randmae on 32 and Leanne Alexander on 31.  

Pin shots went to Barry Mortimer and 3 B graders who had it in the hole - Barry Shuwalow, Wilf Herweg and Harry Milne on the 2nd.

Vic Feldman (also in the hole) and Laurie Dakin on the 13th, and Geoff Harrison and Barry Shuwalow on the 16th.

The ladies, Lyn Muller and Tiina Randmae on the 2nd, Elspeth Scotford and Paula McQuat, both in the hole for a birdie, on the 13th.  

Mandy Patterson and Tiina Randmae on the 16th.

There will be no Vets competition next Tuesday.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Trevor Paroz and Mandy Patterson

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Whitsunday Green Golf Report-26

August 24, 2023

This week’s 9-hole stableford competition was won by Terry Kimpton on 23 pts, second was Glenn Rees with 22 pts and third place going to Dee Norman with 20 pts.

A terrific job by all.

On Friday our 9-hole stableford prawn run was our newest member Donovan Pettiford taking the win with 23 pts, second Tim Walton on 20 pts and third Glenn Rees with 19 pts.

Our Sunday skins 18 holes competition Jake Day taking the win on 39 pts, second was Deeray Fo’ou on a 36 c/b and third Donovan Pettiford with 36 pts.

Nearest the pin was Adam Singleton and Perri Simpson.

This Sunday 28th May will be our 18 hole (Stroke) Monthly Medal tee off at 10:00am, hope to see you all there.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Green Club

Jake Day wining the Sunday Skins competition. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday Golf Report

August 24, 2023

Sunday 21st of May saw the Whitsunday Golf Club playing their Club 4some Trophy Event.

It was a chilly 10 degrees but quickly warmed up to a beautiful 25, unfortunately it was a very depleted field due to many members away.

Congratulations to Ron Jamison and Mark McDougal for their win in the Mens Competition and Karen Rix and Pauline Redpath for the Ladies competition.

Runner up for the Mens were Scott Vlismas and Darren Renoylds and Linda Wardroper and Anna Winterbourn for the Ladies.

Contributed with thanks to Pauline Redpath

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Airlie Beach Parkrun

August 24, 2023

This week, in stunning conditions, 74 people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km waterfront course. 22 were first timers and 8 recorded new Personal Bests.

Several milestones were achieved; Claire completed her 25th parkrun, Josiah completed his 50th, Josh his 100th, Andrew his 200th and Tim his 250th.

Tim is the first 'local' parkrunner to complete 250 parkruns.

The event was made possible thanks to RD Maree and her team of fabulous volunteers: Nick, Kara, Maverick, Bossie, Craig, Susanne, Shane, Debbie, Wendy, Laura, Louise, Jarrod, Lynne, Joanne, Chris, Alicia, Chris, and Rachael.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015.

Since then, 4,885 participants have completed 25,017 parkruns covering a total distance of 125,085 km, including 2,901 new Personal Bests.

A total of 404 individuals have volunteered 3,691 times.

This Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun will use course 'B', which will meet at 6:50am for a briefing near the Garden Bar and Bohemian Raw, Coral Sea Marina. Parking is free in the lowest carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery & Cafe.

The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social, and supportive environment. You can walk or run the 5k course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead if you want to!), lend a helping hand as a volunteer in a wide range of super-easy roles, or simply spectate and socialise on the sidelines.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

Everyone is welcome.

Contributed with thanks to Parkrun Airlie Beach

Andrew finishing his 200th park run, and Tim with his 250th

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Whitsunday Outrigger Report-22

August 24, 2023

Just the best weather for our social paddling afternoon!

Such a great outlet from our jam-packed weeks for everyone-experienced paddlers or brand new to our fantastic sport.

Favourable winds allowed us to make our leisurely way over to Town Beach where a little further paddling technique was given-and time for a photo of this week’s team.

Outrigger Whitsunday have 5 OC6 that are paddled Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

The clubs’ social team take advantage of an OC6 that only weighs 65kgs- with its highly advanced design and strong yet light hull, it requires much less effort for paddlers to accelerate and to catch any bumps out on the bay.

If you would like to give outrigger paddling a go, just contact the club on its Facebook page or Michelle Lynes 0421 159 852

Left-Kerrie, Robyn, Bolinda, Joanne, and Andrew in Outrigger Whitsunday’s lightweight OC6

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Cannons Enjoy Pioneer Swim Carnival

August 24, 2023

22 Cannonvale Cannons braved the cool conditions to compete at the Pioneer Short Course Transition Meet held in Mackay on Sunday.  

Coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden were very proud of all the young swimmers and would like to thank all the wonderful parents who assisted with officiating and managing the team.  Highlights include:  

8 Years and Under:  Eloise Chegwidden swam PBs in all her races.  

She was very pleased with her 2 silver medals and gold medal.  

Zane Clayworth swam a super 25m Butterfly in 30.04sec (3.22sec PB) to earn 3rd place.

One of Evelyn Doherty’s best swims was her 50m Backstroke (with a 1.88sec PB) which earnt her 2nd place.  

Indigo Harland aged 6 years smashed her 25m Butterfly time swimming a 14.35sec PB.  

Indigo’s sister, Koa swam an impressive 50m Breaststroke in a time of 1.00.65 (a 1.45sec PB) which earnt her 2nd place.  

Lucas Korosec had a very successful carnival, coming home with three gold medals and 1 bronze medal.  

8 – 10 Year Olds:  Ruby Harland, Harris Delac, Indianna Smith, Celeste Orenshaw, Adelaide Sanders, and Matilda Nicholes swam extremely well, swimming 5 or 6 PBs and all swam an excellent time in their 100m IM.  

Isaac Pisaniello also swam a super 100m IM and won his 50m Freestyle.

Jax Clayworth had an awesome carnival, swimming PBs in just about all his events and winning four of his events.

Don Algie came home with gold medals for his 50m Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Backstroke.  Jasper Korosec enjoyed all his races.  

11 Years and Over:  Tora Delac, Isabella Pisaniello and Charlie Doherty swam extremely, achieving PBs in most of their events.  

Tora did a massive 20.66sec PB in her 200m IM (2nd) and Charlie swam a 39.48sec PB in his 200m Backstroke (3rd place).  

Isabella’s best swims include her 50m Breaststroke (3rd) and 50m Butterfly (3rd).  

One of Dylan Reynolds best swims was her 100m IM which she swam a 11.14sec PB.  

Congratulations to all the Cannons!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Cannonvale Canons taking out big wins at swimming competition

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Whitsunday Touch Football

August 24, 2023

WTA was happy to welcome NQTA Referees Director Joe Lo Grande to our last round of Touch on Monday.  

Joe was able to assess three of our referees and we are proud to announce that Tim, Callan and Claudia are our new Level 2 Referees.  

Congratulations, your untiring efforts have been rewarded.

Next Monday WTA’s Finals Series begins:

First Week

1 v 2 Winner goes straight to Grand Final

3 v 4 Loser eliminated  

Second Week

Loser of 1v 2 plays winner of 3 v 4  

Winner goes to Grand Final

Third Week

Grand Final

Round Twelve Results

Mixed A

Trusty (12) defeated Concrete Feet (2)

Vipers (8) defeated In the Crear (6)

Mixed B

Ray White (7) defeated Slippery Salmons (5)

Touch It defeated Guinea Fowls – on forfeit

Whitmonday Eagles (4 ) defeated Full Boar (1 )

Mixed C

Fumble This (8) defeated On Time (2)

Whitsunday Warriors (9) defeated Stingers (6)

Flametree Flames defeated Raiders C

Mixed C (Family)

Untouchables (5) drew Mainlanders (5)

Escapees /Misfits (11) defeated Raiders Family (5)

Ladder Results

A Grade

1st Trusty

2nd In The Crear

3rd Vipers

4th Raiders A

5th Concrete Feet

B Grade

1st Ray White Mudcrabs

2nd Slippery Salmons

3rd Touch it

4th G.E.T. Touch

5th Whitmonday Eagles

6th Full Boar

7th The Guinea Fowls

C Grade

Fumble This

Flametree Flames

Whitsunday Warriors

Stingers  

OnTime

Raiders C

Family Grade  

Untouchables

Mainlanders

Escapees Misfits

Raiders Family

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NRL Gala Day Trophy Triumph

August 24, 2023

For Mighty St Patrick’s Red League Rookies

Meet the promising St Patrick’s College Red rookies that captured the NRL Gala Day Trophy last week at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

Under the guidance of Sports Co-ordinator Mercy campus Matthew Paul, the Mackay colts underlined their depth of talent       with impressive victories in the preliminary rounds before toppling Bowen State High School 8-4 in the Year 7/8 trophy decider.

It is a second championship title for the young St Patrick’s warriors who won the Mackay Secondary Schools Year 7/8 rugby league premiership last month.  

St Patrick’s Red defeated Pioneer State High, Moranbah State High White and Mackay State High in the lead up to the Final.

Led by rampaging props Nate Faulkner and Tom Mulherin, the Reds forwards laid the foundations for victory with powerful performances with lock Flynn Taylor, hooker Mason Muscat and back rowers Seth Collins, Angus Barns, Theo James, Jude Fidler, Blake Battaia, Tayt Rowe, Connor Peno and back up hooker Zac Johnson turning in strong displays.

Elusive centres Harper Shields and Jaden Chimes posted the Reds’ two tries in the Grand Final.

Talented halves Darcy Cabassi and Matt Fenech provided slick service to a St Patrick’s backline loaded with talent and featuring top fullback prospect Nathan Simon, wingers Sonny Doring and Kooper Tomlinson and the versatile Kade Coburn.

David Casale’s St Patrick’s Blue and Blake Paskins’ St Patrick’s White sides also chalked up victories in the Pool fixtures.

Other schools to enter teams in the NRL Gala Trophy included Moranbah State High, Sarina State High, Mackay Northern Beaches State High, Pioneer State High, Mackay State High, Mirani State High and Mackay Christian College.

Contributed by Chris Karas

St Patrick’s College Red standing L-R: Angus Barns, Jaden Chimes, Darcy Cabassi. Flynn Taylor, Nate Faulkner, Tom Mulherin, Connor Peno, Kade Coburn, Zac Johnson, Blake Battaia, Matt Fenech, Matthew Paul (coach), Harper Shields; front Tayt Rowe, Mason Muscat, Kooper Tomlinson, Sonny Doring, Theo James, Jude Fidler, Seth Collins and Nathan Simon

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Sarina Bowls Club News

August 24, 2023

Sarina Bowls Club celebrated and remembered all the fallen soldiers on Anzac Day. After a minute’s silence, 64 bowlers all in great spirit enjoyed an afternoon of two games of bowls, good music, many laughs and afternoon tea.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

The winning team was from left Brian Adams, Greg Hughes, sponsor Les Smith, Ken Blinco and Andrew Adams with the Anzac shield

Tom Flanagan and Bill Roots in the Anzac spirit at Sarina Bowls Club. Photo credit: Rita Hughes

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Cutters Named In Origin Squad

August 24, 2023

Four Mackay Cutters have been named in the Queensland Maroons squad ahead of the opening game of the women’s State of Origin series in Sydney.

Emma Manzelmann, Shannon Mato, Romy Teitzel, and China Polata have all been named in the extended squad after leading the Cutters to the BMD Premiership semi-finals in the club’s debut season in the competition.

“We’ve picked in-form players on the back of a really strong BMD Premiership competition,” Maroons head coach Tahnee Norris said.

"This year’s competition has gone from strength to strength and we’ve seen a number of players force their way into the squad following consistent performances over the past few months.”

The Maroons will enter camp on Friday, May 26 to prepare for the opening game of the State of Origin series at CommBank Stadium on Thursday, June 1.

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North Mackay Ladies Bowls News

August 24, 2023

3/5/23: Wednesday Social games winners are Gloria Sam, Wendy McGee and Marie Duck. Runners up are Carmel O’Lauchlan, Donna Gordon and Lidia McCarthy.

10/5/23: Wednesday Social games winners are Shirley Bartolo, Jean Schmidtke, Anne Smith and Joyce Camilleri. Runners up are Betty Mulhall, Helen Goldston, Pat O’Neill and Daphne Offield.

17/5/23: We celebrated our 75 anniversary with our PAH at Gooseponds Sport and Recreation Club. With players from all of our district clubs invited to this special event.

18/5/23: We commenced Ladies District Pennant games, good luck to all players who are playing in Division 1,2,3 and 4 this year.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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All Conquering Cutters Colts In Tip Top Shape

August 24, 2023

Mackay Cutters first grade team may be searching for its first victory in the Hostplus Cup this season, but the club’s heavy investment in youth is reaping dividends.

After four rounds, the all-conquering Cutters share top spot in the Hastings Deering Under 21 Colts competition and shape as an early contender for this year’s title.

The Mackay colts chalked up their third win of the 2023 series after toppling the Burleigh Bears 22-14 in blustery conditions at BB Print Stadium last Saturday to maintain their unbeaten record.

The Bears drew first blood after three minutes when winger Jeremiah Tamepo crossed before Mackay five eighth Henri Stocks and hooker Ethan Roberts posted tries in the space of eight minutes with goalkicker Stocks adding the extras for a 12-4 lead at the break.

Mackay extended their lead after the interval when interchange William Gething crashed over for his team’s third try of the afternoon.

Burleigh responded with tries by second rower Adam Christensen and a second for flyer Tamepo to bridge the gap before the Cutters sealed victory when winger Braydon Dunbar skirted the defence to nab a crucial late try.

Despite the Colts loss, the Bears capped a memorable day with the club clinching an historic seventh BMD Womens premiership and the first grade team roaring to the top of the Hostplus Cup table after trouncing the Cutters 42-6 in the main game.

Burleigh had too many big guns for the Cutters, producing a five-try second half blitz to grab the outright competition lead.

The Cutters matched the visitors for the opening 30 minutes until Bears skipper Sami Sauiluma scored the first of his two tries.

The Bears led 16-6 at the interval but punished the Cutters after the break with their powerful forwards strolling through tackles to lay on tries for Matthew Koellner, Jacob Alick,  Ken Maumalo, Tom Steadman and Sauiluma.

Mackay square off with Redcliffe this Saturday in a curtain raiser to the Dolphins v Melbourne Storm NRL clash at Suncorp Stadium from 5pm.

Mackay Cutters Colts continue to impress. Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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Young Cutter Striving Towards Colts Debut

August 24, 2023

Fast Facts

Full name: Corben John Becker

Club: Mackay Brothers Under 20s/Mackay Cutters Hastings Deering Colts

Height: 181cm

Date of birth: 14/07/2004 (18 years)

Birthplace: Mackay

Position: Halfback/Fullback

Nickname: Corbs

Favourite NRL Clubs: Brisbane Broncos, Melbourne Storm, North Queensland Cowboys

Favourite Player: Johnathan Thurston

Occupation: Apprentice electrician

When Corben Becker received a call from a former coach late last year, he was ecstatic to receive the news.

It was a coach he’d played for at Walkerston Wanderers, who also assistant coaches the Hastings Deering Colts Mackay Cutters, giving him the call up to join the squad.

Corben has been training with the Mackay Cutters Under 21s squad and played one trial game, working hard to ensure a debut.

“I’m just taking it all in,” Corben said.

“I’m the younger half of the team so I’ve just been training and getting more experience for the years to come.”

Corben’s rugby league journey started at just five years old when he joined Brothers Junior Rugby League Club.

His family relocated to the Sunshine Coast where he continued to develop his skills at Gympie Devils and Noosa Pirates before returning to Mackay and Brothers.

Finishing his junior career at Wanderers, Corben returned to Brothers to play U20s before joining the Cutters system.

The dynamic and fleet-footed backrower is honoured to be a part of the team, taking every opportunity to learn from those around him.

“Everyone just helps you out; the culture here’s amazing,” he said.

“Your teammates are always boosting you up and you’re always trying to work yourself up to be as good as or better than the other people in your position.

“I’m just trying to play my best footy, not let my team down and play for my family.”

As a local who is following his rugby league dreams in his hometown, Corben’s advice to other young players is to keep learning.

“Always ask questions,” he said.

“Make sure you take in what the coaches tell you and put in 100% effort at training.”

Looking forward to his Colts debut, Corben is excitedly watching his team start their 2023 season with an undefeated run after three rounds.

“We haven’t lost yet,” he said.

“We’ve just got to keep up the grind and make sure we play more than a half of football.”

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“Once a mud racer, always a mud racer”

August 24, 2023

Thrills and Spills at Queensland Mud Trials

The annual Queensland Mud Trials held in Sarina thrilled audiences once again, with competitors travelling across Queensland, as far west as Mount Isa, and New South Wales, as far south as Boomi, to participate.

It was truly a grudge match, with New South Wales versing Queensland in the matches, tensions running high, and audiences eager for the smoke of engines working.

Separated into five categories – Junior, Standard, Buggy, Bombs, and Top Gun – the competitors took the track of mud, spraying the audience, and testing their vehicles’ engines.

In one case, Junior competitor Eli Thomsett’s car erupted into smoke and fire on the last lap of his first heat.

His car, Backchat, has since been repaired, but Eli is already working towards the 2024 competition, where his sister, Millie, will join him with her car Mudicorn.

“It was a really successful day,” said Nell Thomsett, in charge of Sarina Mud Trials communications and Eli’s mum.

“We support Variety, and this year we donated $6,000 to Variety.

“We also support the local Scouts, who came in and collected all the cans from the event for their fundraising and had the Mackay Girls Basketball team on the gates.”

The Sarina Mud team also sold commemorative 35-year anniversary memorabilia, celebrating the massive milestone.

And everyone gets involves.

“The parents start racing, then the kids start,” said Nell.

“I would start but next year I’ll have two kids racing, and we can’t tow a third car!”

Engines tested, and expectations exceeded, the 2023 Queensland Mud Trials was a massive success. Photos by Nell

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