Our visitors are gradually arriving, so it was great to see some playing on Tuesday.

Winners for the afternoon were Tracey Roach, Merle Elphinstone, and Kevin Jewell who defeated B Huppatz, Sue Shearing, and Bob Hyde.

The jackpot didn’t go off.

Men’s Red Pennant was held in Bowen over the weekend.

Clubs travelled from Thuringowa, South Townsville, Magnetic Island, Brandon, and Macknade as well as the local clubs Wangaratta and Bowen Bowls Club.

With a lot of stiff competition Thuringowa A were the victors.

Thanks to all the ladies who held the fort at the club and produced some great meals, as well as the ladies umpiring and keeping the bar open.

Best of luck and good bowling to our Ladies’ Blue Pennant teams who are playing in Townsville this week.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Rolfe

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Wangaratta Men’s Red Pennants Tea

Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner on a countback was Elona Lynch 35 points, runner up Leanne Swan 35 points. Men’s winner Wesley Smith 40 points, runner up on a countback John Brown 39 points.

Saturday's competition was a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Sportspower. Thank you for your continued support of our club. Ladies’ winner on a countback was Trish Sellen 36 points, runner up Denise Bianco 36 points. Men's winner with a cracker score of 46 points was Vince Hargraves, runner up Gregg Aplin 42 points.

This weekend will be a split round for the June Monthly medals. Men play on Saturday and ladies on Sunday. Both competitions are sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf Club. Don't forget to check the club's Facebook page for this week’s dinner specials.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Scott Mason was a clear winner in the Club's Tuesday Stableford, with 42 points, followed by Louis Neethling on 38 and Allen Roberts on 34 points. NTP's went to Trish McNeill and Allen Roberts.

Wednesday was a small field for the Ladies, Trish McNeill the winner on 38 points and Ann Gardel runner up on 29 points. Trish also won the NTP. Jalen Jarvis was the winner of the Men's Wednesday Stableford with 35 points ahead of Nathan Holohan and Michael Jarvis, both on 34 points.

There was a large field on Thursday, with Rehab Hull winnng the Ladies division on 34 points, with Pauline Redpath and Trish McNeill only a point away on 33, NTP's were won by Trish McNeill and Di Chard.

Dave O'Connor is showing great form and won the Men's Division 1 on 37 points ahead of the ever-consistent Allen Roberts on 35 points, Owen Clarke won 3rd place with 35 points.

Division 2 was taken out by Tim Langford on 37 points ahead of Barry Mortimer and Trevor Paroz, both on 35 points. NTP's were won by Sean Gower Trevor Nosworthy and Benn Ryan.

The Met's 9 Hole Run was won by Troy Smith on 17 points, closely followed by Brian Allen on 16 points and Chris Pirlo rounding out the podium with 15 points. Tom Petersby and Brian Allen took home the vouchers for the NTP's.

95 players turned out on Saturday for the MBW Stableford, Lew Tuck submitting a 40 point round to win the Men's Division 1 ahead of Fraser Simpson and Paul Gray on 38 points.

Division 2 was won by Billy O'Connor with a very nice 41 points ahead of Jim Sherrington and Benn Ryan on 39 and 37 points respectively. NTP winners: Fraser Simpson, Michael Cragg, Ross Tong and Scott Grigg.

Tiina Randmae's recent flurry of golf playing paid off to win the Ladies MBW Stableford carding a very tidy 38 points, 4 shots ahead of second place getter Jill Farinelli on 34, Di Chard in 3rd place with 33 points. Anna Winterbourn and Elspeth Scotford were the most accurate winning the NTP's.

Our new member Bailey Neumann was ahead of the field on Sunday with a handicap reducing 43 points! Ryan Wilkes shot a 5 under par round of 65 to win 2nd place with 41 points - very impressive golf Ryan!

Brendan Spann won 3rd place with 40 points. NTP winners: Brendan Spann x 2, Sam Deicke, Ryan Wilkes and Tessa Aitken.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.

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Whitsunday Golf Club fielded 28 players on a very nippy Sunday morning to play a 2 ball Ambrose.  

A very cool morning and heavy dew made the first few holes harder than WGC are currently used to, but sunshine warmed the day as golfers changed from long sleeves and jumpers to short sleeves and no jumpers to enjoy the balmy winter day so typical of our “winter”.  

Winners: Pam Casey and Lew Tuck with a nett 59.25  

Runners-up: Darren Reynolds and Scott Vlismas with 65.75

3rd: Jason Bourke and Clay Coles with 66.5

NTP : were won by Darren Reynolds and Scott Vlismas on the 2nd, Mark McDougal and Brendon Meharry on the 13th and Anna Winterbourn and Ron Jamieson on the 16th

Longest Drives: went to Ritchie Atkins and Scott Vlismas, Tiina Randmae and Elise Hodgson

NAGAs: The NAGA drinks were won by Scotty Wardroper and Dean Kercher, but in their absence, a drink sponsored by Aaron and Tracy Watts went to Sally Little instead, as next up the list.

There is no WGC competition next week as PGC are holding the Men’s and Ladies’ Foursomes Championships.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

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L-R: Sally Little, Darren Reynolds, Pam Casey. Photo supplied

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No golf at Prossie this week as a contingent of 30 travelled to Gladstone to compete in the Gladstone Veterans Open.

Prossie was well represented in the results.

Andrew Albergo, Neil Cawthorne, Geoff Harrison, Lyn and Larry Muller and Vic Feldman all placed in a field of 112.

The winners for our own competition were Robyn Whitham,37, Kathryn Borer 36 and Lyn Muller 34.

The men: Neil Cawthorne 38, Larry Muller 37 on a countback from Andrew Albergo. Tuesday still at Gladstone, the results were ladies Lyn Muller 37 on a countback from Tessa Aitken, Robyn Whitham 35 and Helen Deighton 34.

The men: Peter Fox 39, from Mick Wright (our driver) 37 and John Strelec 35. Thursday, we played with the Calliope Vets.  

The ladies winner was Jenny Hounsell 33 from Tiina Randmae 31.

The men: Geoff Harrison 35 and Gerald Lovell 33.

Next Tuesday we are hosting the next round of the Croker Shield.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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30 Veteran golfers travelled to Gladstone for Veterans Open

We had a huge day of darts at the Airlie Bowls Club on Sunday morning, with the Masters Round taking place. Jamie Woods, as the defending champion, was looking to take home his third trophy of the year, along with the Genesis Cup and the Celtic Cup already in his possession.

Round 1 as always is a Premier League round, with valuable league points up for grabs.

The top two went head-to-head in the first match of the day, with Jamie Woods putting a stop to Joe Wilson’s fine run of form, defeating him by 7 legs to 2, and taking top spot in the league for himself in the process.

Seumas Rose dispatched Gary Robbie in fine fashion by a 7/1 scoreline. Kameron Reason didn’t drop a leg in his 7/0 win over Hawkeye Rick, and Jamie Maher defeated Jayden Lloyd by 7 legs to 2.

In the Semi’s, Jamie Woods defeated Seumas Rose 4/1, and Arthur McMinn defeated Kameron Reason by the same 4/1 scoreline.

In the preliminary final’s, Jamie Woods defeated Art McMinn 4/1, and Jamie Maher defeated Kameron Reason 4/2 who qualified as best loser in the previous round.

The final was a repeat of the Genesis Cup final between Jamie Woods and Jamie Maher, where Woodsy won on that day by a 4/1 scoreline.

Jamie Maher scored well to begin this encounter and lead the way in both of the first two legs by getting to a finish before his opponent. Unfortunately for him though, he didn’t finish off his work, missing his doubles, giving Woodsy the opportunities that he so often puts away, and did again here, punishing his opponent by winning the first 2 legs, arguably against the run of play.

At 2 nil down though, Jamie fought hard and deserved to level the match at 2 all, giving himself a chance of lifting his first trophy at the club, but unfortunately for him, the doubles were hurting him, and where Jamie was slack, Woodsy was clinical, checking out in the 5th leg, and stretching his lead to 3/2, just one away from victory.

It was neck and neck in the 6th leg, with both players down to a finish, both finding themselves in the mad house, desperately looking for a double 1 checkout, Jamie to square it, and Woodsy to finish it, and after what seemed like an eternity, Woodsy finally pinched it, winning the Masters title for a second time in two years, by 4 legs to 2.

Congratulations to Jamie Woods, it was a great battle to the end, with many more like it to come.

Thank you as always to our sponsors Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing and Master Butchers Whitsundays.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.
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Image: Jamie Woods adding yet another trophy to the cabinet at the Airlie Bowls Club.

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The Abell Point Yacht Club in Airlie Beach in conjunction with the Whitsunday Sailing Club is hosting a brand-new yacht race on Sunday 18 June 2023.  

With only a couple of weeks left to enter, this race will see participants racing around the four Molle Islands of West Molle (Day Dream Island), South Molle, Middle Molle and North Molle.

There will be three divisions - Multihulls, Monohulls with Spinnakers and Monohulls without Spinnakers.  

The race will be altered depending on the weather of the day.

For entry forms, notice of race and sailing instructions go to abellpointyc.com.au and click on Round the Molles Race in the events page or follow the Abell Point Yacht Club on their Face Book page.

Presentations will be held after the race from 5.30pm onwards at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

So come on, get your entries in now and be a part of this exciting new race around the beautiful Whitsunday Islands.

Contributed with thanks to Abell Point Yacht Club.

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Sarina Beach Fun Run 2023

The sun rose across Sarina Beach as hundreds of runners and spectators gathered for the Cruisin’ The Coast Fun Run on Sunday, May 21.

With about 150 runners registered in the event’s fourth year, the 2023 Cruisin’ The Coast provided a competitive yet social event in challenging yet picturesque conditions across a variety of distances.

Raising funds for the Sarina Surf Life Saving Club and sponsored by Community Bank Sarina, Fun Run Coordinator Neil John said the event was about getting people onto the beach for a bit of fun.

“We’re on the beach every weekend with lifesaving and we want to share our beautiful beach with everybody in the area,” he said.

“We basically put all the profits back into patrolling equipment, nipper equipment and helping to run our programs on the beach.

“It’s a really scenic run and the weather’s beautiful.

“We’d love to see people down here for next year; the more, the merrier.”

Fun Run In The Sun

Cruisin’ The Coast Fun Run Results

Permanent Way Solutions Under 10s Beach Run 1km

1st Baxter Allen – 4:34

2nd Caitlin Pearce – 6:15

3rd Phoebe Pearce – 6:25

Wilmar Sugar Beach Run 3km

1st Lane Brady – 16:10

2nd Lily Norrie – 17:32

3rd Brianna Renehan – 18:06

Ray White Sarina Beach Run 5km

1st Zane Saye – 21:02

2nd Kyran Holt – 25:04

3rd Rylan Gordon – 25:41

Community Bank Sarina Walk 5km

1st Carol Davies

2nd Maree Franettovich

3rd Ann Fordyce

Daly Bay Beach Run 10km

1st Aaron Ford – 41:57

2nd Nick Glass – 47:43

3rd Caroline Pigerre – 52:25

North Queensland Bulk Ports Half Marathon

1st Paul McKenzie – 1:37:52

2nd Mick Vivian – 1:41:06

3rd Rolly Lisle – 1:42:32

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L-R Sarina Surf Life Saving Club President Trent Vernon, Rolly Lisle, Mick Vivian, Sarina Community Bank Chair and Deputy Mayor Karen May, Paul McKenzie and Fun Run Coordinator Neil John. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Bring Home Year 9/10 Karen Murphy Cup

Star Mackay Cutters rugby league half back Brandon Finnegan is celebrating his first win of the 2023 season.

The skilful playmaker coached the St Patrick’s College Year 9/10 Girls Blue team to Karen Murphy Cup success last week at the Mackay Junior League Fields to snap a lengthy personal losing streak.

It has been a frustrating period for the 25 year old maestro number seven who last tasted victory in the QRL Hostplus Cup with the Cutters on August 6 last season in a 34-16 win over Central Queensland Capras at BB Print Stadium.

After missing early round matches with a knee injury, the clever half has tried valiantly to lift the struggling Cutters, who are still chasing their first triumph in the 2023 competition.

But his fortunes changed when the St Patrick’s Blues eclipsed the St Patrick’s Reds team 16-8 in the schoolgirls final to regain the Karen Murphy Cup trophy.

Promising half back Courtney Harris and second rower Lucy McKendry – both products of the Walkerston Wanderers JRLFC – were officially named Players of the Tournament.

They were ably supported by talented lock Cianna Faulkner, dashing fullback Zoe Ziegeler and tireless hooker and middle forward Tilly Clark.

Both St Patrick’s sides topped their respective Pools to qualify for the trophy decider with the Blues toppling Mackay Christian College (24-0), Pioneer High (12-0) and Mackay State High (12-8) in preliminary matches and the Reds rolling Holy Spirit College (8-0), Sarina High (20-0) and Moranbah (24-4).

Under the guidance of coach Lauren Jones, the Reds led 4-0 in the Grand Final after an early try from half Keeley Logan and added another by middle Kelsi Hazeldine before the Blues demonstrated their class with a four try blitz from Harris, McKendry, Clark and middle Scarlett Ford to clinch the title.

The Reds were best served by playmaker Logan, dashing fullback Madi Mooney and prop Sophie Searle.

Contributed by Chris Karas

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Brandon Finnegan’s all conquering St Patrick’s College Blue rugby league team celebrate their Karen Murphy Cup Year 9-10 schoolgirls trophy win over St Patrick’s College Red last week at the Mackay Junior League Fields

Karen Murphy Cup-winning coach Brandon Finnegan and team manager Vikki McGrath with Players of the Tournament – St Patrick’s Blue second rower Lucy McKendry and half back Courtney Harris

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Men's Pennants were played on the weekend with some results not going the Mackay Club’s way.

Division 2 Played Pioneer Valley on Saturday away with an aggregate Score of 44 all, points 2.5 to 2.5. On Sunday they played Marian at home and didn't get the result they wanted, aggregate score 58 to 50, points 1 to 5.

Division 4 played Airlie Beach at home on Saturday with an aggregate score of 44 to 54, points 0 to 5. On Sunday they played City away with an aggregate score 57 to 44, points 4 to 1.

Division 6 carried on their winning way playing Arlie Beach on Saturday at home with an aggregate score of 67 to 27, points 5 to 0. On Sunday they played Sarina at home with an aggregate score of 50 to 28, points 5 to 0.

This weekend is the last games in Men's Pennants, with Ladies Pennants starting on Wednesday 24th May with Mackay Club playing at North Mackay.

Ladies B Singles and Pairs have been finalised with B Singles Winner Janice Nelson, runner-up Thelma Fry.

B Grade Pairs Winners Janice Nelson and Kerry Catanzariti, runners-up Thelma Fry and Toni Blucher.

Tuesday Social Play Winners of Winners Arthur Nayler, Whare Herwini, Rod Kleinschmit, Barry

Paskins.

Winners of Losers Albert Wicks, Alf Pagden, Mick d'Alessio.

Thursday Scroungers Mick Coll def Carol Savage.

Friday Social Play Peter Nelson and Val Edwards def Kristine Robinson and Barry Jenner.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Ladies from the North Mackay Bowls Club celebrated a momentous occasion earlier in May as they commemorated the club’s 75th birthday. President Lidia McCarthy extended a warm welcome to members from all clubs in the Mackay district, as well as esteemed guests from Bowls Queensland, including Directors Colleen Ryan and Carmel Gibb. Past Presidents and special guests were also in attendance, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The festivities commenced with a delightful morning tea, featuring a selection of cakes, biscuits, tea, and coffee. Following the refreshments, the attendees headed to the rinks for a series of enjoyable and friendly games, beginning with a closest-to-the-'spider' challenge on each rink.

At lunch, Lidia took the opportunity to deliver a heartfelt speech, recounting the club's humble beginnings and acknowledging the tremendous effort put in by numerous individuals. She expressed her gratitude to President Eric Gallettly and Ray McCarthy from the Men's Club for their involvement, as well as North Mackay Bowls Club Chairman Neil Blucher, who shared insights into the club's formation. To mark the occasion, President Lidia invited the special guests from Bowls Queensland and Margo Stanley from the MDLBA to assist in cutting the beautifully decorated birthday cake.

The excitement continued with the highly anticipated super cent sale, featuring an array of prizes. The success of the event would not have been possible without the presence and support of the bowlers, non-players, past presidents, and special guests, and a heartfelt thank you was extended to all who attended.

In the spirit of friendly competition, the winners of the anniversary games were announced: June Cousen, Leanne Lewis, and Maureen Blucher claimed the top spot, while Pam McDermott, Marie Bragg, and Betty Whitehorn emerged as the runners-up.

Contributed by Suzanne Hazledine

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Cutting the celebratory 75th anniversary cake. L-R: Margo Stanley, Colleen Ryan, Lidia McCarthy, Carmel Gibb

A commemorative plaque awarded from Bowls Queensland to the North Mackay Bowls Club Ladies Section. L-R: Lidia McCarthy, Colleen Ryan, Carmel Gibb and Helen Fleming

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It is back to the drawing board for the Mackay Cutters first grade rugby league team after a Suncorp Stadium shellacking against the Dolphins in the QRL Hostplus Cup competition last weekend.

Redcliffe produced a nine try blitz to trounce the embattled Cutters 52-10 in a curtain raiser to the Melbourne Storm v Dolphins NRL fixture and heap more pain on Michael Comerford’s winless charges.

After ten consecutive losses the demoralised Cutters face an uphill task of qualifying for the finals.

They led 6-0 after a converted second minute try by winger Walter Lauenstein before the dominant Dolphins turned on the style with a barrage of four pointers to set up an emphatic victory.

Wingers Jack Bostock and Brayden McGrady, fullback Trai Fuller and second rowers Jeremiah Simbiken and Mason Teague crossed for tries as Redcliffe established a commanding 28-6 lead at the break.

There was no respite after the interval with centre Albert Kelly, interchange players Ryan Jackson and Harrison Graham and half back Cody Hunter all notching four pointers for a rampant Redcliffe side.

The talented Hunter capped a fine display with a personal points tally of 20 through a try and eight goals.

It was a mixed week for key Mackay playmaker Brandon Finnegan after earlier coaching the St Patrick’s College Year 9-10 girls rugby league team to a Karen Murphy Cup title.

Finnegan tried hard to spark the disappointing Cutters who play host to the seventh placed Brisbane Tigers this Saturday afternoon at BB Print Stadium at 6pm.

UNBEATEN Redcliffe claimed bragging rights after slamming the Cutters 32-10 in their top of the table Hastings Deering Under 21 Colts clash at Jim Lawrie Oval, Brighton.

The Dolphins powerful forward pack paved the way for a fourth successive victory with strong running and jarring defence – piling on four tries by prop Tevita Toloi, winger Brenton Baira, second rower Noah Lutui and hooker Taniela Otukolo after dynamic Cutters centre Kai Simon had opened the scoring after six minutes.

Redcliffe led 22-6 at lemons with Lutui and replacement hooker Ayden Hoad bagging second half tries before Mackay hooker Kobe Bone grabbed a late consolation four pointer.

It was the Cutters first loss in the Colts competition and they face another tough assignment this Saturday at BB Print Stadium when they line up against the third placed and undefeated Brisbane Tigers at 3.45pm.

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Results of B4, over 2 weeks Red Points

1st Robert Carless / Janelle Conroy

2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

3rd Jan Harris / Mick King

4th Ken Seaniger / Joy Robinson

5th Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore

Monday 15 May 2023 – REMEMBRANCE DAY PAIRS – Week 1 of 3 - 9 Table Mitchell Red Points

N/S

1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown

2nd Marie McGuire / Joyce Deguara

3rd Geoff Patterson / Noel Bugeia

E/W

1st Max Holewa / Eric Leivesley

2nd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

3rd Sandy Patterson / Mick Robins

Tuesday Evening 16 May 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

2nd Janet Hansen / Lorna Shuttlewood

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley

2nd Marilin Robins / Faye Wright

Wednesday 17 May 2023 – Week 10 of 23 Nation Wide Pairs 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

2nd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

3rd Antonia Tarradas / Ian Cruickshank

3rd Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders

E/W

1st Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

4th Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

Thursday Evening 18 May - 4 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Sandy Patterson / Jan Harris

2nd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

1st Robert Carless / Ken Seaniger

2nd Patricia Garner / Mick King

Friday 19 May 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell - Green Points

N/S

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Joyce Deguara / Toni Large

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

2nd Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood

3rd Monica Darley / Joy Robinson

Saturday 20 May 2023 – 2nd Round of B4. 8 Table Mitchell Red Points

N/S

1st Mick King / Jan Harris

1st Julie O’Neill / Frances Brown

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Del Ryan

E/W

1st Robert Carless / Janelle Conroy

2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

3rd Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore

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The B4 winners were Janelle Conroy and Robert Carless

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Mackay Road Runners embarked on a challenging vertical journey with the inaugural Jo's 70 Steps race last week, featuring an updated race name to reflect the altered course due to renovations.

The addition of one extra step on the High Street side of the Rotary Lookout prompted the adjustment.

While the number 70 has been quoted as the official count, debates persist among runners who, in the midst of their exertion, often lose track of the steps while struggling to catch their breath.

The handicap start race saw highly ranked runners commence their chase from the rear, based on a handicap time, as they aimed to surpass their fellow participants.

This unique concept caters to both slower and faster runners, ensuring that everyone gets to experience the thrill of the race with a chance of victory.

The run commenced from Gordon White Library and ascended towards the summit of The Rotary Lookout via Pollock Street.

The runners then descended on the other side into High Street before embarking on the steep ascent/descent back to the starting line.

Toby Rule and Luke Leven, who relished in the challenge of the two-loop 10km course, had a unique perspective of the route as the cheering crowd welcomed them across the finish line.

Impressive performances were witnessed from a group of passionate athletes who were energised and invigorated after participating in Legends on the Lawn.

Hamish Donnellan, Travis Carlton, Walker Murray, Oliver Rule, Justin Rule, Abigail Sweeney, Tahnie Malagueno, Carolyn Mapes, Carmel Mahon, Carmel Grech, Lily Leven, Jan Smith, Lauren Connor, Alleny Gorrion, Shane Donnellan, Jo Hughes, Lorraine Perry, Leanne Connor, Toni Enright, Werner Van Der Linde, Ollie Gorrion, Alan Zamparutti, David Isbister, Stuart Sprott, and the highest backmarker, Angus Jacobs, who made a much-awaited return to the racing scene, all displayed exceptional running abilities.

This Sunday’s Mackay Road Runners event, the Grove Handicap Trophy, is a historical race with a trophy awarded for the first male or female to cross the finish based on their 10km handicap start time.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Lauren Connor sprints to the finish line in the Jo’s 70 Steps 5km

Crystal Hawkins had a great outing in the Jo’s 70 Steps event conquering the many serious ascents with ease

Travis Carlton and Carmel Mahon enjoy the downhill start before the hills in the Jo’s 70 Steps 10km event

Toni Enright bolts from her handicap start time in the Jo’s 70 Steps 5km from Gordon White Library carpark

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Pioneer Swimming Club made waves with its highly anticipated Short Course Transition Meet, held at the Mackay Aquatic Centre on Sunday, May 21. Swimmers from Townsville, Ayr, Proserpine, Cannonvale, Rockhampton, Emerald, and Yeppoon flocked to the event, which has grown in popularity over the years, traditionally having been a half day meet and now a full day meet.

The support from surrounding clubs, as well as Pioneer Swimming Club's own members and new financial sponsor, Harvey Legal, played a vital role in ensuring the success of the meet.

Among the highlights of the meet was Pioneer Swimming Club's inaugural win of the Highest Points Club Trophy, awarded to the club with the highest aggregate points. The introduction of the All-Age Relay added an extra thrill to the day, fostering camaraderie and excitement among competitors and clubs.

The Pioneer Short Course Meet holds a special place in the North Queensland swimming calendar as it traditionally marks the beginning of the Short Course Season. Swimmers strive to achieve qualifying times for the upcoming Hancock Prospecting Queensland Short Course Championships in Brisbane, scheduled for August.

As Pioneer swimmers wrap up their successful home carnival, they now set their sights on the upcoming Cannonvale Cannons Carnival on June 17, an eagerly anticipated event in the Swimming North Queensland calendar. The club continues to excel, showcasing their talent and determination in the pool.

Contributed by Pioneer Swimming Club

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Club President Kylie Smith awarding Pioneer Club Captain, Viktor Lee the Highest Points Award

Mayor Greg Williamson attended the meet, pictured with Makenna Malagueno, Madison Malagueno and Ella Bounden

Members of the Pioneer Swimming team

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