In Crucial NBL1 North Basketball Fixtures

Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes hope to exact revenge when they host the Darwin Salties in NBL1 North action this Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

Still smarting from road trip losses to Cairns and Darwin last weekend, both Mackay franchises are eager to turn the tables on the Salties after disappointing results in the Northern Territory.

Since winning their opening five matches, Joel Khalu’s Meteors have stumbled to four consecutive defeats.

Cairns guard Ky Stattmann spearheaded the Marlins to an upset 96-89 triumph over the Meteors at Early Settler Stadium last Friday night.

Stattman bagged 30 points and eight rebounds in a top display as the home side kept the visitors at bay in a tight contest.

Mackay was best served by champion guard Isaac White, who posted 35 pts, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in a classy performance with support from guard Tyler Williams (18pts, seven boards, three assists, two steals) and forward Shane Temara (13pts and three rebounds).

Darwin Salties eclipsed the Meteors 102-88 with talented guard Jerron Jamerson contributing to the victory with 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.

The Salties jumped to a 30-14 lead after the opening quarter and led 60-36 at the half time break and maintained the pressure.

White shone for the Meteors with 31 points, six rebounds and two assists; centre DJ Baptiste notched 20 points and 12 boards and Williams (12pts, six rebounds, two assists and two steals).

Unbeaten Darwin Salties made it seven consecutive wins after sinking the Meteorettes 82-56.

Spearheaded by guard Erin Bollmann (32pts, nine rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks) the Salties led all the way in a dominant performance.

Davida Dale top scored for Mackay with 17pts, five rebounds and four steals with support from Brittany Reeves (14pts and 13 boards), Charli Bliss (8pts and four rebounds) and Courtney Virgo (6pts, five steals and four rebounds).

The previous night the Meteorettes suffered an 86-64 loss to the Dolphins, who snapped a three game losing streak with ace guard Sheneice Swain (21 pts, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks) leading the way.

Mackay got value from the flamboyant Dale (14pts, 8 rebounds, three assists and two steals), Reeves (14pts and six boards) and Bliss (8pts and nine rebounds).

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Another busy week starting on Tuesday with Carol Crosbie at lead with Tina Schubert second and the brilliant Ladda Purdie our Thai princess winning comfortably from the rest of the field.

This was the situation with Wednesday afternoon’s Jackpot Bowls, run by Merve Stewart with Ladda Purdie again showing her red-hot form with a huge win with Nik Fernbach at lead and Helen Ward at second from 22 players with Mark Mawson on Tuesday and Tony Kelly on Wednesday winners of the prestigious Health Hub award.

The new format of Scroungers was a huge success at Business House Bowls with Ian Whittaker bowling beautifully.

The Mens Pennants continued with Division 1 too strong for North Mackay, collecting maximum points but were sadly unable to beat Proserpine on Sunday on their very heavy rink.

Division 4 lost by 3 points on Saturday but returned to best form on Sunday with Tony Whitehorn’s team bowling outstanding bowl’s winning 32-7 for a victory.

Division 5 had a team victory over North Mackay on Saturday with John Matterson’s team winning 32-10 ensuring a team victory and on Sunday Steve Lawrie’s team ensuring a team win getting maximum points with a 31-10 victory over Proserpine who were gallant in defeat and finally Division 6 on Saturday had a team win although John Askew’s team went down by 3 Merve Stewart’s team won by 11 to ensure a team victory.

Our victorious Penants team with members of the Division 4 and 5 teams happy with their efforts

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Wednesday Social:

Winning Skips were Peter Bruce, Dot Slater, and Gavin Charles.

Wednesday overall winning team were Dot Slater, Ross Scanlon and Mary-Ellen Pratten (absent).

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Bowen Bowls winners PeterBruce, Dot Slater, and Gavin Charles. Photo supplied

On Wednesday for Social Bowls, we welcomed Russell Jackson, Alan Pershouse, and Andrew Butler from Airlie Beach who were taking the opportunity to have a game in preparation for this weekend's pennants.

Jim Bownds, Bruce Uhe, and Sandy Daffara defeated John Anderson, Pat Bownds, and Russell Jackson 27 - 15; Arthur Griffith, Alan Pershouse, and Heather Brown defeated Alen Sanderson, Philip Brown, and Andrew Butler 24 - 17.

Sunday's Social bowls numbers were down due to the number of players playing in pennants.

Heather Brown played double third.

Margy Burnett, John Burnett, Heather Brown, and John Anderson defeated Lee King, Alen Sanderson, Heather Brown, and Arthur Griffith 20 - 16.

Division 1 Pennants had a great weekend defeating Northern Beaches on Saturday 63 - 45 having wins on all 3 rinks so taking 6 points plus a margin of 28.

On Sunday the teams were firing again defeating Airlie Beach 68 - 36 earning 6 points plus a margin of 32.

This should put Division 1 into 2nd place.

Division 5 didn't have quite as happy a weekend having two away games on fast synthetic greens and player unavailability due to Mother's Day.

They had a loss to Souths Suburban on Saturday and a loss to Airlie Beach on Sunday.

They will be looking forward to the comfort of grass next Saturday.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Close town rivalry with Proserpine playing Airlie Beach in Pennants. Photo supplied

WTA’s Footy for Fun Program for Juniors finished last Monday and a new season will kick-off in August. Some fifteen Juniors participated in the program having fun learning and practicing some of the important skills of Touch Football.

The Juniors showed they made real progress over the course of the six weeks with running in heaps of tries in their final game.

Round Ten Results

Mixed A

Concrete Feet defeated Vipers (on Forfeit)

In The Crear (11) defeated Raider A (3)

Mixed B

Slippery Salmons (10) defeated The Guinea Fowls (5)

Ray White defeated GET Touch (on Forfeit)

Touch It defeated Full Boar (on Forfeit)

Mixed C

Whitsunday Warriors (10) defeated Raiders C (3)

Stingers (10) defeated On Time (7)

Flametree Flames (5) defeated Fumble This (2)

Mixed C (Family)

Escapees/Misfits (11) defeated Raiders Family (3)

Mainlanders (6) drew against Untouchables (6)

Contributed with thanks to Alita DeBrincat.

Caption: The first Footy for Fun program was a great success. Photo supplied

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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