The Mackay Bridge Club Championship Pairs was played over the last three weeks, with the same partner each week. This was a fiercely fought competition with Joy Robinson & Geoff Taylor prevailing as club Championship Pair 2023.

Monday 19 June 2023 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Monica Darley / Ted Cullinan

3rd David Ting / Eric Goodchild

1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

2nd Thelma Caruana / Joy Robinson

3rd Marilin Robins / Margaret Jennings

Tuesday 20 June 2023 Evening 8 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan 2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley 4th Marilin Robins / Faye Wright

Wednesday 21 June 2023 –10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

2nd Marie McGuire / Nancy Wix

3rd Ming Ting / Debra Goodchild

4th Ted Cullinan / Geoff Taylor

E/W

1st Eric Goodchild / David Ting

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

4th Robert Carless / Joy Robinson

Thursday Evening 22 June 2023 - 3 Table One Winner Green Points

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd Mick King / Ann Whitmore

3rd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

4th Annie Lynch / Geoff Taylor

Friday 23 June 2023 – Mackay Club Pairs Championship 2023 – Week 3 of 3 - 9 Table Mitchell Red Points

N/S

1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole

4th Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders

E/W

1st

2nd Diane Stokes / Anne Lutz

3rd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th Geoffrey Patterson / Susan Wright

Mackay Bridge Club Pairs Championship 2023 Final

1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

3rd Christine Nice / Diane Cox

5th Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

7th Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

2nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

4th Diane Stokes / Anne Lutz

6th Geoffrey Patterson / Susan Wright

8th Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders

Saturday 24 June 2023 – Nation Wide Pairs Week 12 of 23 - 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Julie O’Neill / Margaret Lane

2nd Anne Lutz / Annie Lynch

3rd Ted Cullinan / Noel Saunders

4th Christine Nice / Faye Wright

5th Marie McGuire / Joyce Deguara

E/W

1st Ken Seaniger / Joy Robinson

2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright

3rd Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore

4th Laura Howland / Antonia Tarradas

5th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

Sunday 25 June 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Dawn Field / Anne Lutz

2nd Susan Ross / Joyce Deguara

E/W

1st Ann Whitmore / Sandy Patterson

2nd Diane Stokes / Joy Block

Contributed by Joy Block

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Mackay has cemented itself as Queensland’s regional skateboarding capital and the event that earnt our town the crown is returning in September.

FMS Rumble on the Reef is the largest skateboarding event in the southern hemisphere and brings skateboarders young and old, from amateurs to professionals, to the sugar city to shred the Sugar Bowl for a week of action.

Local business Field Mining Services (FMS) has once again signed on as naming rights partner for the event, confirming their support until 2025 in a move that Managing Director Donny Fraser said acknowledges the growth and solidifies local support for the sport.

“It’s starting to get a bit of structure like the other sports,” he said.

“Participation doubled over Covid and trying to build it has been very challenging but it’s people like them who allow us to take it to that next level.

“They’re really showing the community that they care by investing in sport, arts and music.”

Mr Fraser said the relationship between the tournament and the Mackay region has fundamentally changed skateboarding in Australia.

“Our sport owes a huge gratitude to Mackay for backing us to be able to create a future for our kids,” he said.”

“It’s the best place we could possibly ask for and the support from the city, the tourism industry, and the local community has been unmatched.”

The unique event promises a week of chaotic action, inviting locals to witness the future of Australian skateboarding across street and bowl events.

Rumble is a highlight on the skateboarding calendar, with plenty of competitors returning year after year including last year’s champion Rome Collyer and runner-up Daniel Woolley, most backing up from Olympic Games qualifying events.

“We’ve been doing this a long time so what we’re starting to see now is some of our juniors are now in the opens, guys like Daniel Woolley, I think we’ve seen him since the under 12s and he came second last year,” Mr Fraser said.

2023 will also be the second year Rumble welcomes representation from the Pacific Islands, with skaters from Fiji, the Solomon Islands and New Zealand making the trek and Papua New Guinea preparing a team for 2024.

Mr Fraser said the Oceania region performs well above its weight in professional sport and is developing a league to rival the biggest in the world.

“Bringing them here, having them learn, having them compete, it’s creating a presence that’s worth investing in,” Mr Fraser said.

“It’s a step in the right direction for those countries to show that they’re getting out there.”

Visit www.rumbleonthereef.com for more information.

WHAT: FMS Rumble on the Reef 2023

WHEN: Tuesday, September 19 to Saturday, September 23

WHERE: The Sugar Bowl, North Mackay

This is a free event.

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L-R Last year’s FMS Rumble on the Reef champions Daniel Woolley, Rome Collyer and Dani Campbell. Photo supplied

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We are blessed to live in Paradise especially in winter and with the cold weather presenting itself in NSW and Victoria.

We have welcomed Greg and Glenys Pepyat back from Victoria, Ken, and Cheryl Warner from Taralgon Victoria ELS Van Souest from Blue Hills Bowls Club Cranbourne East Victoria, as well as Hugh and June Shaw from Belmont NSW.

We wish them all a very happy stay.

Tuesday afternoon Social Bowls saw some great contests; however, it was the tenacious team of the highly improved and very lovely Maureen Barnard who teamed up with Ladda Purdie for an outstanding victory over the rest of the field with Jill Spencer a club favourite winning the prestigious Health Hub award.

Wednesday afternoon Social Bowls brilliantly organised by Merve Stewart and Rick Galea saw 22 bowlers competing for the top prize and it was Rick Galea with the popular Stacey Hadlow winners with a commanding 15-point win whilst the very wily Nick Fernbach took home the fantastic Health Hub award.

Thursday afternoon school finals saw each young bowler receive a trophy for their sterling efforts with a special mention to James Hou the Quip girls and Charlotte who all thoroughly deserved their trophies.

Margo Stanley has done a wonderful job with them all.

Saturday morning Scroungers returned for another season with the club's hard working and one of nature's gentlemen John Askew organised a big round.

First round winners were Russell and Di Jackson, Karen Jensen, Kevin John Trembath, and Andy McDougall into the semi-finals with the final being played by Kevin John Trembath and Karen Jensen with Karen proving too strong as was the first winner of the season, whilst Gary Kiff won the B Division prize.

Finally, Sunday afternoon had a huge turn up with 39 bowlers vying for the prize money great games on every rink with our chairman Ash Warland leading his capable team of Dawn Dowell and Michael Jacometti taking home the biscuits.

The Ladies Pennant teams continue their quest this week and we wish them all good luck.

Contributed to thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Karen Jensen the big winner of Saturday Scroungers. Photo supplied

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With the cooler weather down south, we are enjoying the company of many visitors who are enjoying travelling to our town and their game of bowls with us.

On Wednesday we had three games of social bowls played.  

Philip Brown and Sandyi Daffara defeated Arthur Griffith 18 - 17 in one of those games of changing fortunes.  

Jim Bownds, Pat Bownds, and Neville Smith defeated John Anderson, Pat Bownds, and Mike Harrison 25 - 17.  

Sandra Ross, Bob Ross, and Heather Brown defeated Jan Botes, Bruce Uhe, and Carol Smith 31 - 11.

On Sunday in social bowls John Burnett, Arthur Griffith, and Heather Brown defeated Margy Burnett, Bob Ross, and Mike Harrison 31 - 12;  John Anderson and Sandy Daffara defeated Alen Sanderson and Peter Lawton 25 - 20.

With our bowlers who have returned from their play in the Australian Open, we are so proud of how all of our members who participated flew the flag for Proserpine and showcased both their skills on the green and the relaxed friendliness that we all enjoy.  

Special congratulations to Scott Kinnear and his director who brought home the ultimate prize for his part of the event with first place in the Vision Impaired Singles and Runner Up in the Vision Impaired Pairs.  

Scott is truly having one of those years that we all dream about.

Club Championship Fours will be completed this weekend with the Semi Finals being played on Saturday morning and Finals Saturday Afternoon.  

Semi Finals are Harry Craig, Isaac Elliott, Toby Craig and Marcus Craig versus Ken Watts, Kendall Watts, Gavin Noonan, and Brett Saroglia; Shane Kinnear, Todd Leys, Scott Hamilton, and Gavin Milne versus Michael Kinnear, Luchie Gardel, Grahame Kinnear, and Barry Saroglia.  

Winners are eligible to play in the Champion of Champion Fours being held at Mackay Club on the weekend July 22, 23.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Director Shane Kinnear with Scott Kinnear Vision Impaired Singles Champion at the 2023 Australian Open held on the Gold Coast. Photo supplied

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There was no social play on Monday as Wangaratta and Bowen Bowls Club hosted the North Queensland District Ladies Purple Pennant.

With two days of great bowls Gold City/Alligator Creek won overall with Jubilee (Townsville) coming second. The Wangaratta ladies put up a great performance and only went down in the last game to come in third with Brandon and BBC following.

Well done ladies.

On Tuesday, things got back to normal and everyone who watched the previous two days got into action themselves.

Winners came out on Rink 3.

They were Brenda Jablon, Simon Fitzgerald, and John Robinson who defeated Denis Walker, Alan Almond, and Penny Warren.

Runners Up were Kate Barry and Ron who defeated Jan Nick and Frank.

The jackpot didn’t go off.  

Fun Friday is becoming a popular event.

Resting Touchers were awarded to K Almond, A Almond, Ron, and Lee.

Winners for the afternoon were V Schilling, A Almond, and M Hyde defeated D Schilling, K Almond, L Knight.

Marie, John, and Ron defeated Barry, Lee, and Greg.

Keith and Louise defeated Diane and Denis.

Dianne, Steve, and Lindsey defeated Shirley, Jan, Sharon.  

The jackpot didn’t go off.

Winners for Sunday afternoon were Sherm Elliot, Isobel, and Graham who defeated France, Lizi, Merle, and Michael.

Runners Up for the mango were S Jablowski, L Barber, and A Rolfe defeated G Lydom, J Healey, and N Dawson.

I understand the jackpot did go off.

Congratulations to Robyn Stitt, Denise Wallace, Penny Warren and Fely Duncan who came into third prize money at the Cane Fire Fours at Ayr on the weekend.

Good luck and good bowling to our Men’s Dunn Cup team of Geoff Danvers, Allan Rolfe, Mark Drummond, and Greg Colquhoun playing next weekend at Alligator Creek in Townsville.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Wangaratta Ladies Purple Pennant teams. Pat Tracey, Isobel Wheeler, Irene Laird, Bron Tolcher, Lyn Danvers, Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, Deb Retchless. Photo supplied

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

Ladies’ winner was Raewyn Glover 44pts, runner up Karon McKenzie 39pts.

Men’s winner Kaleb Brunker 41pts, runner up on a countback Kevin Cross 39pts.

Saturday's competition was a stableford event sponsored by P&O Meehan Menswear for the Men and Commonwealth Bank for the ladies.

Ladies winner was Denise Bianco 43pts, runner up on a countback Julie Mawson 38pts. Men’s winner Matthew Ruff 48pts, runner up Marcus Yasso 39pts.  

Pin shots to Akeam Power, Xanthe Power, Alan Detry, Michael Tilden, Dylan Not with and IBP & the Car Wash Voucher, Grace Nott, Meg Garrod, Janice Bates, Robyn Slade with an OBP.

Coming Up:

This weekend's competition is a split round with the July Monthly Medals.  

Men play on Saturday, ladies on Sunday.  

Both competitions are sponsored by Queens Beach Motor Hotel & Bowen Meat and Supply.  

Joker is worth $3500.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Saturday competition winners - Denise Bianco & Wendy Tracey (3rd) with Sarnie Eisemann representing CBA and Matthew Ruff with Pauline Martin representing P&O Meehans Menswear.

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Tuesday's stableford was a close game with Ross Tong coming out on top with 39 pts, followed by Nick Appruzzese and Adam Maggs both on 38pts.

NTP's: Ash Law and Sam Deicke.

Wednesday saw the ladies tee off in the afternoon for the Captains Day, Jenny Hounsell was the clear winner on 42 pts, Elspeth Scotford and Paula McQuat in the rundown with 34 pts each.

Long drives went to Trish McNeill and Rehab Hull, NTP's Jenny Hounsell, Marlene Gray, Elspeth Scotford and Jacqui Wall.

In the Men's Competition, Aaron Prosser was the winner on a countback from Nathan Holohan both on 37 pts.

Steve Kelly took out the Division 1 win on 40 pts on Thursday, Brendan Spann and Wayne Temby completing the podium.

John Dodds was too good in Division 2 with 39 pts, closely followed by Barry Mortimer and John Roser.

NTP's: Bob Ross, Dave Telford, Greg Walker, and Steve Kelly.

121 players turned out for the Annual BC Construction Day on Show Friday, Dave Dodds, Dave Hoy, and Roger Vandenberg ahead of the pack with a scorching 53.5 nett, followed by Sam Deicke, Brendan Spann, and Lew Tuck.

Ben Raymant, Finbar O'Flynn and Scott Lee were in 3rd place.

Long Drives were won by Toni Clauss and Ben Smith, NTP's: Chris Bartlett, Leve Homes, Nathan Holohan, Mick Kavanagh, Renae Maxwell, Dean Barnard, Lew Tuck and Anna Winterbourn.

The MBW Stableford winners were Rod Wecker, Mata Browne, and Jill Farinelli.

2nd place in the ladies was Rehab Hull followed by Kath Borer, Marlene Gray and Di Chard won the NTP's.

Division 1 Men's 2nd place getter was Brian Allan followed by Simon Dellla Santa, and Division 2 2nd place winner was Craig Smith, followed by Chris Brett.

The Men's NTP's were won by Tim Deffner, Larry Muller, Brodie Hodgson, and John Bissell.

Mata Browne continued his great form on Sunday to card a very impressive 43 points to edge out Theunis Venter Jnr on 42 points and Chris Pham on 41 pts.

All handicap reducing scores! NTP's: Ryan Wilkes, Jon Miller, and Trent Tetley-Bishop.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.

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Our weekly 9-hole stableford saw Craig Kennedy take the win with 22 pts, second Sam Cartwright with 21 pts and third with 21 pts Michael Norman.

Jay Angel took the win with 18 pts on Fridays 9-hole stableford, second saw Tim Walton with a 16 c/b and third Lorri Thynne with 16 pts.

Sunday’s 18-hole monthly medal for June was a great turn out. First place we had Dean Barnard, second place Asher Ventham and third place went to Cory Belke.

Nearest the pin was Dean Barnard and Tyson Flavel.

This Sunday 2nd July will be 18-hole stableford tee off anytime.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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Tyson Flavel

Wayne Singleton, Asher Ventham, Deeray Fo’ou and Adam Singleton

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With only four games scheduled last weekend, many sides got a chance to take a well-earned rest.

The Divisional men travelled down to Mackay on Friday to take on Country United.

First off the rank were Div2 and in a hard fought game, they had more than their share of opportunities and possession but just couldn’t capitalise.

In fact, despite having arguably the better of play, and having had a goal disallowed, they trailed 1-0 till the final minutes when Chris White smacked in a long-range ball for a well-deserved equaliser.

1-1 the final result.

Div 1 were disappointed not to get a better result against the young Country side that was full of running. The Whitsunday side controlled the ball well and played some great football but failed to convert opportunities to goals.

Some miracle long range goals from Country saw them run out winners, 3-0.

The Men’s U23’s had a match up with close rivals Mackay Rangers.

The Whitsunday’s side started the game trying to play their standard style – based on quick low passes, however, a bumpy pitch made it difficult to string passes together.

The home team, used to this ground played the long ball game and were rewarded when the bounce of the ball was misjudged by Rowan and with his attempts to recover a supposed penalty was conceded.

Rangers converted opening the scoring for the day.

Whitsundays applied pressure themselves and won a penalty of their own which was unfortunately put wide.

From this point the game because very physical as both sides tried to get on top.

Early in the second half, new recruit Agustine received a second yellow putting Whitsundays down to 10 men.

The situation became harder as Rangers scored again making the score 2-0.

However, the Whitsundays team came together and piled the pressure on even with a player less and pulled back a goal through debutant Nico.

The pressure was taking its toll on the Rangers side who struggled to keep possession.

The Whitsunday determination paid off with Jarrod Clarke scoring his first goal for the club making the final score 2-2.

A man down, 2 goals behind and zero subs.

An incredible fight back by the boys who left with a well-deserved point!

The Whitsunday Premier Men came up against a well organised Rangers side desperate to take a win and prove themselves contenders.

Early on Whitsunday’s struggled to play their free-flowing football on a rough field and were lucky not to be down at halftime as Luke pulled off a string of quality saves towards the end of the half.

A solid rev up at half time did the trick with Whitsundays dominating the first 15 minutes of the second half which finally saw a goal from the inform Tommy Torzsok.

Although Whitsundays went down to 10 men every player dug their heels in and grinded out an important 1-0 win before a few weeks off.

The win cements them in fourth spot on the ladder but with games in hand.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic.

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Rugby League is in Lahni Linneweber’s blood, with close family ties to the sport.

Joining the sport in 2019, Proserpine State High School student Lahni has been on a non-stop roll, working closely with the Rise Academy to move into the sport professionally once she completes high school.

The Rise Academy is a Queensland Rugby League run pathway program, to bridge aspiring players and coaches from community rugby league to the professional circuit, particularly the QRL rebel State Development Series

Lahni was selected into the Mackay Under 16s Girls team for the Rise Curtain Raiser for the Women’s State of Origin match.

Competing earlier this week, at the pre-game match, Lahni and the Mackay team versed the Townsville Rise team.

Selected out of 30 girls, Lahni was able to tour the Townsville stadium, meet with the female players and watch the Women’s State of Origin match live.

The Year 10 student usually competes as part of the Mackay South Sharks Under 16s girls’ team, travelling to Mackay two to three times a week for training and games.

Stepping forward for the Rise Academy allows new professional development opportunities for Lahni, bettering her position to be scouted for the sport.

Looking past Year 12, Lahni is looking to play the sport competitively, and is eager to welcome any opportunity to play rugby league on the big screens.

“I really want to play for the Sharks, professionally,” she said.

“And play for the Maroons one day.”

Next year, she is looking forward to North Queensland football opportunities to compete outside of Mackay, and to further develop her skills and techniques.

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With professional aspirations, Lahni Linneweber is welcoming all new opportunities. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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Saturday saw the Moranbah Bulls travel up to Airlie beach to play the Round 11, top of the table clash against the Raiders.

Both teams have had a pretty consistent year and the last time they met was a close 26-20 match in favour of the Bulls.

With both teams having a few of their regular players missing, it was still going to be a tight contest for the win.

Raiders line defence was the difference between the teams, and it wasn’t until the 26th minute when young Raiders speedster Rhys Ward crossed the line for the first five pointer of the game, bringing the score to 7-3 in favour of the men in green.

As half time drew near, the Raiders found themselves on the wrong side of the referee’s whistle and the Bulls slotted another 3 pointer to be 7-6 on the scoreboard, with the restart putting pressure on the Bulls.

It was Dylan Hoffmann who managed to find some space and cross for the Raiders second try of the game putting the Raiders ahead 14-6 at the half time break.

The second half was again a defensive battle that saw Niall Clancy slot his first of 2 penalties for the Raiders, 8 minutes into the half.

It wasn’t until the 55th minute before the scoreboard moved again to make the score 20-6.

It was the 79th minute when fullback Dylan Hoffmann again found space and crossed for his double, unfortunately Niall missed the conversion and Raiders took the win 25-6 to remain at the top of the MRU ladder after 11 rounds.

Best on field were Tristian Sainsbury 3pts, Joel Hoffmann 2pts and Rhys Ward 1pt.

This Saturday sees a competition wide bye so that the MRU players can participate in the QLD Country Championships in Rockhampton.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence.

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Hone Casey-Bloomer counter ruck through the middle. Photo credit: Hanny Spence Photography

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On Sunday, three Cannonvale swimmers participated at the Townsville Strand Ocean Swim.

Jacob Bell swam in the 4km Magnetic Island Qualifier Event and was the first swimmer to come out of the water.  

Jacob swam an impressive time of 52min 16sec.

He is keen to compete in the Magnetic Island to Townsville 8km swim in July.  

This will be Jacob’s 3rd year of swimming the 8km event.  

Jacob’s teammate, Kyle Pevitt-Scott also swam a fantastic time of 1.02.51.  

Alisha Rust participated in her first 2km event.

Alisha swam extremely well and completed the 2km event in 37min 9sec.  

All three came first in their respective age groups.

Congratulations, Jacob, Kyle, and Alisha!

Meanwhile, Coach Mark Erickson was in Brisbane on Saturday with the Queensland Swimming Possibles and Probables Swim Squad (170 swimmers).

Mark was invited to coach the Backstroke program for 23 top Queensland swimmers who were 13 – 17 years of age.  

He thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being a lead coach.  

On Wednesday afternoon, 5 senior swimmers – Jy Parkinson, Noah Maltby, Mae Carter-Attwood, Holly Perrin, and Tora Delac attended a special training session.  

Coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson gave the swimmers the opportunity to work on their favorite stroke.  

The swimmers enjoyed the chance to improve their form stroke and to get some personalized feedback.  

By the end of the session, the coaches noted improvements in stroke counts and technique which was fantastic.  

Many of the Cannonvale swimmers will continue to train over the school holidays to maintain or enhance their fitness.  

Some competitive swimmers are preparing for the Queensland Short Course Championships, and some are training for the triathlon and ocean swim season.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Jacob Alisha and Kyle before the Magnetic Island qualifier

Jacob Bell and Savannah King

Jacob Bell finishing the 4km Ocean Swim

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Now in its 18th year, the Whitsunday Trail Fest is confirmed for September.

Hosted by the Whitsunday Running Club, the Whitsunday Trail Fest explores the very best of the region’s tracks, with a variety of different treks for the avid runner.

Beginning in 2005 by the Mackay Road Runners, the Whitsunday Trail Fest only had the 28-kilometre course but has now evolved to encompass the ultra-58-kilometre, the HoneyEater Challenge, and the Kids Beach Run.

The WTF58 Shokz Ultra begins at the Airlie Beach Soundstage, with the first stage of the trek to the stairs of Kara Cres.

Part two takes runners through to HoneyEater, where runners have spectacular views of the Coral Sea on their right.

Part three is through Bloodwood Camp, along the coastal ridges before making it to Repulse Creek.

This is a great spot to run through Jubilee Pocket and the Whitsunday islands, with a fantastic array of flora and fauna to greet runners.

The WTF28 is by far the most popular option for the Fest, with runners taking on Brandy Creek before going past Repulse Creek, Bloodwood Camp and Kara Cres.

The HoneyEater Challenge is a short 10.5-kilometre run, popular for beginners, where the trek runs through the clouds and has great views of the coral sea.

The last trail is the Kids Beach Bash, a quick dash across Airlie Beach Foreshore, so that every member of the family can get in on the Whitsunday Trail Fest.  

WHAT: Whitsunday Trail Fest

WHERE: Whitsundays

WHEN: Sunday, September 10

REGISTRATION: runwhitsundays.com.au. Registrations closes July 30

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The Whitsunday Trail Fest is on again this September

Champion Mackay point guard Isaac White is a basketballer in a big hurry.

The Meteors trump card continues to dazzle opponents in the NBL1 North Conference with his range of skills, durability and vision on court.

White is a key signing for the Brisbane Bullets’ 2024 NBL campaign but has one immediate goal – to lead the Meteors into this year’s finals series.

He was outstanding in Mackay’s 94-83 victory over the Townsville Heat last Saturday at Townsville Stadium as the Meteors produced a second half blitz to post their eighth win from 14 matches.

After a quiet first half, the mercurial White sprung to his best with 34 points, ten rebounds, six assists and six steals on 11/21 shooting from the floor and 12/13 at the foul line.

The victory keeps the Meteors in the top four mix after the Heat led at quarter and half time and by nine points during the third stanza before a whirlwind finish by the visitors.

Mackay scored 14 unanswered points before dominating the final quarter.

Other Meteors to shine were guard Tyler Williams (14 points, two assists and two steals); Isaiah Lee (13 points, two assists and two steals) and Brad Rasmussen (nine points, five rebounds and two steals).

TOWNSVILLE Flames staged a spirited revival to sink Mackay Meteorettes 81-75 in the early game.

Leading by 22 points at one stage, the Meteorettes faded badly as Alex Fowler piloted the Flames to a third consecutive triumph.

Mackay dominated the first half, opening up a 24-16 lead at the end of the first quarter and 48-28 at the main break.

With the talented Fowler leading the charge with 32 points, eight rebounds and three assists the Flames stormed home with massive momentum.

The Meteorettes were best served by Davida Dale (24 points, six rebounds and four assists); Courtney Virgo (17 points and four boards) and Brittany Reeves (11 points and 15 rebounds).

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Brittany Reeves scored 11 points for the Meteors against the Heat. Image: Keiron Place Photography

Isaac White scored 34 points in the Meteors win against the Townsville Heat. Image: Keiron Place Photography

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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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