Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner was Janice Bates 32 points, runner up on a countback Grace Nott 31 points. Men’s winner on a countback Brendan Nott 36 points, runner up Hayden Williams 36 points.

Saturday was the men’s B & C grade open. B grade gross winner Craig Newell, gross runner up Bradley Low, nett winner Donald Williams, nett runner up Gregg Aplin.  

C Grade Gross winner John Storrie, gross runner up Andrew Need. Nett winner Ken Todd, Nett runner up Ian Rhodes. Pin shots to Robert Byles and Adam Hagy. Longest drive to Adam Eathorne.

Sunday was the men's A & A1 open. A Grade winner Joshua Reid, gross runner up Michael Neaton, Nett winner Chris Goulevitch, Nett runner up Craig O'Keefe.  

A1 Grade winner after a 5 hole playoff was Greg Fairs, gross runner up Daniel Windridge. A1 nett winner Kurt Gaudry, nett runner up Graham Seaborne. Pin shots to Marsh Bott and Matt Allen. Longest drive to David Zillfleisch

This weekend's competition is a 4 ball aggregate medley stableford sponsored by LiveLife Pharmacy.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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A and A1 Grade winners. Photo supplied

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Junior golfer, Jack Hayes-Williams has been selected in the North Queensland 10-12 year school team and will compete at the Sunshine Coast this week. Jack is heading to the competition in good form after winning the Club's Sunday Stableford with an impressive 42 points, great round and best of luck in the School State Titles! Karen Rix was the runner up with 35 points.

It was another big week of competitions at the Club, with Steve Mitchell victorious in the Tuesday Stableford and Michael Cragg in 2nd place.

The Ladies competed for the Airllywood Voucher on Wednesday with Tiina Randmae on 38 points the lucky winner, Pam Casey had another solid round to take 2nd place.

60 players were out on Thursday in tough damp and windy conditions, Adam Maggs came first in Division 1 with 35 points on a countback from Ryan Wilkes, and Peter Lindsay also on 35 points won Division 2, with Paul Nicol in 2nd place on 34 points.

Brent Franke edged out Rob Webb on a countback with 19 points to win the Metropole Friday 9 hole competition and Saturday saw Lyn Muller win the ladies Allenbuild Stableford, again in very tough conditions, Elspeth Scotford claimed 2nd place with 31 points.

Our new member Tracey Cousemaker scored an amazing eagle on 11, holing out in 2 shots, and Ann Gardel was our only NTP winner.

Shaun Tyrrell put together a great round 0f 39 points to win the Men’s Division 1 in the Allenbuild Stableford, with Dave O’Connor claiming 2nd place only one point behind.

Jim Sherrington also found the conditions favourable, carding 39 points to win Division 2, and Jesse Street close behind too, on 38 points.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.

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Junior golfer Jack Hayes-Williams. Photo supplied

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The Sunday Stableford saw only 13 players in the running. The weather again looked dubious on the drive in to the course, but players were lucky with only a couple of very light drops of rain. However, the wind kicked in again, as the scores indicate, and the more exposed greens caused a few wayward putts.  

Ladies A Grade:  

Winner: Anna Winterbourn with 31 points

Runner up: Tiina Randmae with 25 points

Ladies B Grade:

Winner: Karen Rix with 35 points

Runner up: Robyn Whitham with 27 points

Men’s A Grade:

Winner: Geoff Harrison with 27 points

Runner-up: Gerald Lovell with 24 points

Men’s B Grade:  

Winner: Don Cameron with 33 points

Runner up: Ron Jamieson with 27 points

NTPs Ladies’: Karen Rix (9th) and Anna Winterbourn (13th)

Men: Don Cameron (9th) and Geoff Harrison (13th)

Longest Drives: Tiina Randmae and Linda Wardroper for the ladies, Gerald Lovell and Leigh Jones for the men

NAGAs: Sponsored by Aaron and Tracy Watts were Linda Wardroper and Mark McDougal, who will enjoy their free drinks.

Sunday 21/5 is the Ladies’ and Men’s foursomes Championships - trophy event.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

Placegetters: L to R: Karen Rix (Ladies’ B winner), Don Cameron (Men’s B winner), Anna Winterbourn (Ladies’ A winner), Geoff Harrison (Men’s A winner). Photo supplied

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This week’s 9-hole stableford competition was won by Glenn Rees with a 23 point win, second place on 21 points was Tyson Flavel and third Peter Henderson with 18 points.

On our 9-hole Friday stableford competition we had Glenn Rees taking first place again with a 21 c/b, second place with 21 points Tyson Flavel and third on an 18 c/b Andrew Gomez.

On Sunday we had our 18-hole stableford with Donny Pettiford taking the win on 39 points, second place on 38 points Tyson Flavel and third Dean Barnard on 37 points.

Nearest the pin was Glenn Rees and Dean Barnard. A very good week for Glenn Rees and Tyson Flavel, great job gentlemen.

This Sunday will be 18-hole skins tee off at 10.00am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club

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The 9-hole stableford competition winner Glenn Rees. Photo supplied

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Volleyball runs in the veins of Proserpine State High School sport star, Lillian Kelly.

Lillian has recently qualified for the Under 16s Australian Women’s team, competing at the Asian Championships, and will head to China in the next school holidays, while also qualifying for the Queensland School Sport (QSS) team and will be travelling to Canberra in June.

Lillian began playing volleyball in Year 7, following in her mum’s sporting footsteps, and the teachers at Proserpine State High School urged her on.

“I guess the teachers at this school, they get you into it, because they like it too,” Lillian said.

“If there was no volleyball at this school, I would not be where I am today.”

Lillian will head to Canberra to stay at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to have some team training before travelling to China with the team.

She is one of eight Queenslanders, two from Victoria, one from South Australia, and one from New South Wales.

“Queensland’s pretty dominant in the sport.”

“Honestly, I was so stoked [to get this opportunity] - it’s crazy!

“I’m playing for Australia. And they said a while ago that my group is targeted for the Brisbane Olympics, which they’ve already started scouting for.”

“That’s good because I’ve always wanted to go to the Olympics. And it never even started off as volleyball, I was going to play a different sport.”

If Lillian’s team were to win the Asia Championships, they will be invited to the compete in the World Championships in 2023.

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Lillian Kelly never intended to become so prolific in competitive volleyball. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

It has been a mammoth start to the season for Whitsunday Athletics Club, as they come off the back of a successful Mackay Track and Field Carnival.

Whitsunday Athletics Club took seven athletes to the carnival on the May long weekend, with amazing results.

Just 12 years old, Oliver Dibben scored gold in four of his events, the 400 metre, 800 metre, 1500 metre and 3000 metre, breaking the previous records.

“He broke the previous records by between five and 20 seconds,” said club president Tracey Croucher.

“He trains in the off season and his dedication and determination shows.”

Lilli Carcus came 3rd in her 1500 metre race-walk event, and Korbin Dibben placed 2nd in discuss, with Seth Carcus placing 2nd in discuss, the 100 metre and 200 metre track events.

“All our athletes placed on the podium,” said Tracey.

“But we compete to work on our personal bests and our sportsmanship.”

The Whitsunday Athletics Club trains out of Proserpine State High School and is open to anyone in the community.

“At the moment, we have 65 members, which has grown significantly in the past few years.”

The club is also always looking for volunteer coaches and trainers.

The next competition on the calendar is Townsville’s Festival of Athletics in June, with the “massive carnival” in Bowen coming up in August.

“We’re likely to take 20-odd athletes to Bowen, because the carnival is so large,” Tracey said.

If you wish to become a member or volunteer your coaching skills, you can reach them on their Facebook, Whitsunday Athletics Club Inc.

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Back row left to right. Annette Wilson, Oliver Dibben, Korbin Dibben. Front row left to right. Lilli Carus, Seth Carus, Penelope Shields and River Shields

Seven athletes, aged seven to 60, competed at the Mackay Track and Field Carnival. Photos supplied

This week 85 people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 16 were first timers and 18 recorded new Personal Bests.

The event was made possible thanks to RD Dan and his wonderful team of 15 volunteers: Nick, Kara, Megan, Wade, Susanne, Ashley, Ken, Jarrod, Lynne, Dennis, Joanne, Anne, Justin and Chris R.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark).

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.

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.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

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Everyone is welcome at parkrun. Photos supplied

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Even though the offshore winds were high, the 15 knot south easterly breeze on Pioneer Bay was perfect for the Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race on Wednesday.  

A fleet of 16 boats and a combined crew list of over 100 participants made a spectacular sight from the Airlie Beach shoreline.

A change in wind direction just before the start threw a few challenges for the skippers, with Reignition (Charles Wallis) jumping the gun and having to return to restart.  

This left Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) in the box seat to take the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize.  

Even though Reignition was last away, by the first rounding mark they were back in contention, catching and passing Smooth Criminal (Iyas Shaheen) and hunting down QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) for dead heat for second place on the water.  

After an uneventful race, Treasure VIII (Rob Davis) won on handicap corrected time, with Reignition second and Wide Load (Shannan Hart) third.

A combined start between the multihulls and Division 3 saw more chaos, as Matchless (Terrance Stevens) was squeezed out on the line, then having to avoid Shiraz (John Cable).  

This allowed Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) an opportunity to break away from the fleet from the start, heading the race from start to finish.  

Both Matchless and Shiraz made up sufficient ground to cross the finish line in second and third places, albeit almost 3 minutes adrift.  

A strong performance by Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) saw them finishing in fourth place, sufficient to take the handicap win over Lighthorse (Dianne Forster) and The Point (Kyle Rose).

Back at the club, the vibe was high as results were announced, while Wobbly Boot took the weekly special prize awarded by Soft Rigging Solutions.

Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm.

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

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The crew of Wobbly Boot. Photo supplied

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The annual Mackay Athletics Club Track and Field Carnival attracts competitors of all ages and all classes from across Queensland, including Olympians and world ranking competitors.

The event took place over the May long weekend and included the likes of Olympic long jumper Henry Frayne, Australia and Oceania long jumper Henry Smith, and world champions in javelin throw Howard McDonald and Neil Janse.

Within the weekend, Mackay locals were a force to be reckoned with, breaking various records for the carnival.

Local records brokens:

Women 100 Metre Under 18 Years – Mikayla Webb – 12.61

Men 200 Metre 13 Years – Ethan Woods – 25.84

Men 200 Metre Under 20 Years – Ngakau Ufton – 23.83

Men 200 Metre Open – Damon Brown – 23.34

Men 45-46 200 Metre 30-49 Years – Chris Carney – 27.92

Girls 1500 Metre 11 Years – Ayla Moon – 5.22.83

Girls 300 Metre 12 Years – Alleah Fallon – 12.06.98

Men 3000 Metre Under 18 Years – Toby Rule – 9.20.07

Boys 1500 Metre Race Walk 12 Years – Dante Brown – 10.54.69

Boys 60 Metre Hurdles 9 Years – Jack Goddard – 11.93

Boys 200 Metre Hurdles 12 Years – Noah Porter – 38.75

Men 2000 Metre Steeplecase Under 18 Years – Toby Rule – 6.36.84

Men 3000 Metre Steeplecase Under 20 – Oliver Rule – 11.08.64

Boys Long Jump 12 Years – Justice Simpson – 4.65m

Men Long Jump Open – Damon Brown – 6.63m

Boys High Jump 10 Years – Elias Boatman – 1.25m

Girls Shot Put 2kg 10 Years – Vogue Miles – 7.77m

Men Shot Put 5kg Under 18 Years – James Galea – 45.07m

Men Hammer 5kg Under 18 Years – James Galea – 41.51m

Men Throw Pent Under 18 Years – James Galea – 3211

M70 60 Metre – Daniel Conroy – 10.73

W40 800 Metre – Mel Esau – 2.50.38

M45 800 Metre – Justin Rule – 2.23.99

W40 1500 Metre – Mel Esau – 6.00.30

M45 5000 Metre – Justin Rule – 18.35.70

W40 80 Short Hurdles – Madeline Simmons – 15.60

M45 3000 Metre Steeplecase – Justin Rule – 12.09.12

M35 Long Jump – Benjamin Ross – 5.26m

M70 Triple Jump – Daniel Conroy – 6.42m

M55 Discuss – Kevin Galea – 31.54m

M80 Javelin – Anthony Galea – 13.01m

W40 Throws Pent – Cathryn Hoare – 1770

W45 Throws Pent – Tammy Meyer - 1517

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Competition from across Queensland, with many records broken

One of the biggest events on the Mackay Cycling Club calendar, the annual Mackay Open was held over the May long weekend.

With about 40 competitors in total, the two-day event attracted competitors from Newcastle, Rockhampton, Emerald, Sunshine Coast, and one from Townsville.

“We were low on numbers this year, due to the long weekend,” said Luke Schatkowski, coordinator of the event.

2023 saw the introduction of a new classification of racing, called General Classification, which incorporates all individual racers’ times into one time, to better understand how the racer stands against competition.

“It’s in the interest of racers to finish as close as possible to the next person,” said Luke.

The three other races include the Open Race, the Rogers Family Shield, and the Individual Timed Trial, with four grades of competitors.

Luke said the 2023 event saw massive support from local businesses and organisations, including Caneland Central, ATOM, Smart State Rentals, Crane Hire Mackay, CMR Recycling, and Valenhold.

“I think we’ve got a full committee, with all eight positions full, that is able to branch out into the community.”

Results

A Grade:

1 Kyle Marwood

2 Cooper Sayers

3 Lawson Wotley

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B Grade:

1 Wade Mitchel

2 Luke Schatkowski

3 Douglas Bennett

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C Grade:

1 Hamish Wright

2 Tenille Galea

3 Mark Sheather

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D Grade:

1 Jason Lund

2 John Platts

3 Brendan Hoban

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2023 saw the introduction of Junior competitions

2023 Mackay Cycling Opens saw competition from NSW and QLD

The Rogers Family Shield has been fought since 1983, celebrating local legacy of cycling family of 12

Competition was fierce

Mackay Road Runners and Forsyth’s Accounting Services presented the 5th Annual Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield in honour of one of the Club’s most revered members.  Shawn passed away in 2018 from Pancreatic Cancer only six months after diagnosis. Well over eighty of Shawn’s family, friends, running mates and work buddies came together to support the event which raised much needed funds for Pancare (Pancreatic Cancer Research into treatment, care and support to sufferers and their families.)  Shawn’s sister and brother-in-law Sharon & Jeff Stewart-Harris as well as the Mackay Road Runners Club and major sponsor, Forsyths Accounting Services were the driving force behind the very successful event.  

Mackay Road Runners will donate the $10 race registration from sixty runners/walkers to Pancare plus funds raised from a number board raffle with prizes donated by Nanala Beauty, Harrup Park Country Club and Forsyth’s Accounting Services as well as the balance of Forsyth’s sponsorship funds and Mackay Road Runners Shawn’s Summer Social Series 2022/2023 donations which should see the donation balance in the vicinity of $1,500.

The 2023 Forsyths Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial Shield 10km champions are Tahnie Malagueno (personal best time) and Oliver Rule who took out the joint perpetual trophy ahead of some great running with second placegetters Lily Leven and Toby Rule only seconds off the pace. In the 5km event, Alana Knesevic had an amazing race, with a fast finishing Abigail Sweeney settling for silver.  Darrin Pullen was in excellent form taking out the first male in the 5km Shawn Claydon Memorial Trophy.

This weekend’s Mackay Road Runners’ event will be on Saturday morning from Casu Jacks café at the Mackay Marina.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Shawn Claydon’s family supporting the Mackay Road Runners Forsyths Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield

Tahnie Malagueno and Oliver Rule are joint winners of the Forsyths Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield

Darrin Pullen (right) takes gold in the 5km Forsyths Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield. (Female winner Alana Knesevic absent)

Mackay Mayor Cr Greg Williamson officially welcomed and started the 5th Forsyth’s Accounting Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield/Club Championship event

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Gold Coast Rollers demonstrated their durability and class to register a double triumph over the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes in NBL1 North action last Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

Top performances by American import Catherine Reese and guards Ariana Moorer, Jasmine Hooper and Carla Drennan piloted the Rollers to an emphatic 110-75 victory over the Meteorettes in the early fixture.

Both sides were locked 20-all at the end of the first quarter before Gold Coast gained the upper hand to lead 50-41 at the half time interval and 82-52 at the end of the third break.

The Meteorettes were hampered by illness but received value from flamboyant guard Davida Dale, who top scored with 21 points, eight rebounds, six steals and assists; rising centre Charli Bliss (14 points and eight boards); promising guard Courtney Virgo (12 points, two rebounds and assists), forwards Nikita Van Wyk (10 points and three rebounds), Madison MacDonald (9 points and two rebounds) and Denesha Bobongie (9 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals).

Meanwhile, former Mackay basketball junior Todd Blanchfield enjoyed a successful return to his old stamping ground by helping the Rollers sink the Meteors 101-89 in the main game.

Blanchfield and fellow Gold Coast guards Jason Cadee and Tanner Krebs were instrumental in the victory, utilising their vast NBL experience to inflict a second consecutive loss on the home side.

It was a fourth successive win for the reigning champion Rollers, who trailed 28-22 at the end of the first quarter before rediscovering their mojo in a gripping tussle.

Mackay superstar guard Isaac White kept his side in the hunt with 35 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals with support from clever guard Tyler Williams (22 points, seven rebounds and four assists), forward Shane Temara (16 points, five boards and two assists) and guard Samson Haughton (10 points, two rebounds and four assists).

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Meteors guard Isaac White. Photo credit: Kieron Place Art & Photography

Wynnum-Manly Seagulls and Burleigh Bears will feature in the BMD Womens rugby league championship trophy decider after posting epic semi final victories at Davies Park Brisbane last Sunday.

The Seagulls edged out the previously undefeated Souths Logan Magpies 30-28 in the morning clash before the Bears sent Mackay Cutters tumbling out of premiership calculations with a nail-biting 22-18 triumph.

An impressive Burleigh staved off a determined Mackay challenge to book a berth in the decider.

The Bears dominated the opening stanza and opened up a commanding 22-4 lead at the interval following tries to Sienna Laing, Sophie Buller, Shaianne McGlone and Riley Jorgernson.

Elusive winger Katie Green scored the lone try for Mackay, who paid dearly for defensive lapses.

But in a tantalising twist, Marco Peters’ gallant Cutters outfit produced a stunning second half revival – keeping their rivals scoreless but to no avail.

Talented centre China Polata, interchange Vanique Malayta and second rower Romy Teitzel crossed for the Cutters to set up an enthralling finish.

Finishing with four tries each, goal kicking proved the difference with Mackay managing just a single conversion.

Northern Pride edged out Mackay 16-12 in an absorbing Hostplus Cup tussle last Saturday at Barlow Park Cairns.

It was the Cutters’ eighth loss from as many fixtures as the Pride came from behind to post their fourth win of the season.

After conceding an early try to prop Jayman Moore, the Cutters found their groove with centres Blake Paskins and Josh Smith and back rower Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano all nabbing four pointers as Mackay led 12-6 at lemons.

Pride hooker Chris Oswald fooled the defence to score after 46 minutes with Will Partridge adding the extras to level the scores at 12-all.

Second rower Ewan Moore proved the match winner for Pride when he burst through tackles to grab his side’s third try with four minutes left on the clock.

MACKAY recorded their second victory in the Hastings Deering Colts competition after toppling Pride 32-28 in the curtain raiser.

The Cutters led 28-0 at the break after Henri Stocks, Tyrese Parter, Ethan Roberts, Levi Love and Kobe Bone notched tries with Stocks booting four goals. Toby Strecker posted the Cutters sixth try after the interval after a Pride revival.

Mackay host the second placed Burleigh Bears this Saturday in Hostplus Cup action at BB Print Stadium at 3pm with Colts fixture at 12.45pm.

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles hosted their first full round at home with all teams playing North Mackay Saints with mixed results.

After a fast start by the Sea Eagles Senior Men in the first quarter the reigning premiers North Mackay Saints were able to reel them back in the second term to run out winners 45 – 82 at the final siren. The effort was there all day for Sea Eagles but in the end, Saints had a bit too much polish. Mitch Healey continued his great form and was supported well by Ryan Lee, Alex Rodgers and Michael Pettiford.

Sea Eagles Senior Women had a tough day on field losing 2 – 55 when all was said and done.

Sea Eagles Under 17s had a cracking day out coming home winners against the organised Saints outfit 57 – 46. Sea Eagles Under 17s are eager to show their skills and go one better this season and had their eyes on the prize against the Saints.

Under 14s Saints were a strong team across the field and proved to be a tough challenge for the Sea Eagles who lost 33 – 51 after drawing within 6 points in the final term battle.

The youngest Under 12s Sea Eagles opened the day at home chalking a win up against the Saints 32 – 18. The hard work at training is coming together for this mixed experience Sea Eagles team starting out this season.

This weekend sees City vs Country Senior competition in Mackay meaning Sea Eagles will host their next game at Whitsunday Sportspark May 20 against the Swans from 9:15am Juniors and 1:50pm Seniors.

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There was a little bit happening at the top end of the league this weekend with both Joe Wilson and Dom Friend in action.

While their rival at the top of the league Jamie Woods had the week off, it was an opportunity for both players to close the gap slightly on the current league leader.

We start with 2nd placed Joe Wilson and his match against Jayden Lloyd. Jayden currently sitting in 8th spot, was looking for his 3rd win of the year, which would leapfrog him over Kameron Reason into 7th on the ladder.

Joe, who suffered only his first loss of the year to Kameron last week, was looking to bounce back here with a win against Jayden.

The contest started out even enough with Joe winning the first 2 legs to nil. Jayden replied by winning the third leg to make it 2/1, but that was as close as he would get to Joe, who put the boot down and ran away with it, winning the match 7/1. Jayden would remain in 8th for now, and Joe closes the gap to Jamie Woods to 2 points.

Gary Robbie sealed his 3rd win of the year by defeating Hawkeye Rick 7/4. That win puts Gary into 6th place on the league table, Gary starting to show some good form. Rick too has shown signs of improvement in his first year at the club, with his first win, I’m sure, only around the corner.

The remaining results of the day saw Jamie Maher defeat Gary Robbie by 7/3 which keeps him within touching distance of the top 4, and Dom Friend beat Jayden Lloyd by 7/1, which keeps him to within 3 points of 2nd place Joe, both those matches were rescheduled matches from earlier in the season.

Thanks to our sponsors Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, and Master Butchers Whitsundays.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

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