Sports

MAC Athletes Shine At Emerald Carnival

MAC Athletes Shine At Emerald Carnival

A small contingent of Mackay Athletics Club (MAC) athletes travelled to the CH Track & Field Carnival at Emerald Athletics Club over the weekend, enjoying a warm and sunny day of competition. The team delivered a strong performance across the event, with several athletes achieving personal bests and record-breaking results. Ruby claimed third place in the high jump, while Lily recorded three personal bests throughout the day. Matilda broke two carnival records and also achieved a personal best in the 800m. Bronte had an outstanding carnival with five personal bests, finishing second in the high jump and third in the 800m. Amberley also added three personal bests to her results. Cathryn and Kevin both impressed, each breaking four carnival records during their events. Adding to the team’s contribution, Kym took charge in the discus cage as chief official while also managing to fit in a couple of throws of their own. The MAC athletes enjoyed a successful day of competition, showcasing the dedication and talent within the club. Photo source: Mackay Athletics Club

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Sinkers Celebrate National Championship Success

Sinkers Celebrate National Championship Success

Mackay Sinkers swimmers have returned with impressive results from the National Open Water Championships, claiming two gold medals and two bronze medals across the competition. In the 1.5km event, Nigel Dalton claimed gold in the 60–64 age group with a time of 27:42.38, while Geoffrey Robinson also secured gold in the 85–89 age group, finishing in 49:36.28. The club also celebrated success in the 3km event, with Daniel Stampa earning bronze in the 65–69 age group in 58:25.52, and Pierre Craven taking bronze in the 55–59 age group with a time of 51:27.11. The club congratulated Nigel, Geoff, Dan and Pierre on their outstanding performances. Back on home shores, members also enjoyed a Social Saturday swim, with a post-session warm-up featuring homemade turmeric pumpkin soup. The club thanked Annamaree and Alison F for preparing the soup, which was served after Jim's backboard set as the perfect winter recovery meal. Photo source: North Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club

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Mackay Contract Bridge Club Weekly Results

Mackay Contract Bridge Club Weekly Results

Christine Fitzpatrick began her Bridge journey only three years ago. Christine understands how daunting, although fun, learning and progressing in the Bridge World can be. Christine has impemented a day of play once a month for players with less than 5 master points. This day gives inexperienced players an opportunity to reinforce what they have learnt in lessons, exclusively at their own level. President Frances supported Christine’s idea and Robert Carless has kindly volunteered to assist. The first day of the program saw sixteen players attend with President Frances supporting in Christine’s absence. Monday 6 July 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points NWP N/S E/W 1st Janine Rodgers / Jewel Schmidt 1st Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy 2nd Ming Ting / David Ting 2nd Gwen Liddell / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes 3rd Joy Hold / Rodney Miles Tuesday Evening 7 July 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Mick King / John McGee 2nd Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy 3rd Martin Pearce / Glen Cocup 4th Terry Sheedy / Helen Van Den Breok Wednesday 08 July 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 2nd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood 3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole 3rd Sandy Patterson / Geoff Patterson 4th Sandra Morris / Jan Harris 4th David Ting / Ming Ting Thursday Evening 09 July 2026 –- 3 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Jan Harris / Anne Lutz 2nd Mick King / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 4th Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy Friday 10 July 2026 –- 7 Table Rover Switch One Winner Green Points 1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 3rd Mick King / Joy Block 4th Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes 5th Jewel Schmidt / Annete Howe 6th Pamela Finger / Janelle Conroy Saturday 11 July 2026 –- 11 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Chris Nice 1st Mick King / John McGee 2nd Alan Brown / Frances Brown 2nd Griffin Bancroft / Jan Harris 3rd Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood 3rd Martin Pearce / Patricia Garner 4th Sandy Patterson / Joy Hold 4th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 5th Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris 5th Sue Ross / Sue Mayer-Miller Sunday 12 July 2026 – Novice (Beginners) under 5 points. 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Jennifer Cameron / Glen Cocup 2nd Colleen Riddel / Pam Cassidy 3rd John Hunt / Patricia Wong 4th Mary-Jane Marsh / Louise Renton Contributed by Joy Block Christine Fitzpatrick pictured. Photo supplied

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Fog, Fitness And A Garmin Prize At Bonson's Scrub

Fog, Fitness And A Garmin Prize At Bonson's Scrub

Mackay Road Runners thanked TriActiV8's Nikki Giles for once again sponsoring the Bonson's Scrub Road 6km and 12km runs at The Leap. Runners were treated to spectacular scenic vistas, although low cloud and fog created an eerie start to the challenging event. Around 30 competitors took part, all hoping to win a Garmin Forerunner 265S sports watch donated by Nikki. To be eligible for the prize, participants had to nominate their finishing time before the event and run without using their timing device, or with their watch screen taped over so it wasn't visible. Natasha Joynson was the delighted winner, estimating her finishing time to within just four seconds. Her husband, Craig Joynson, finished a close second in the competition, missing his predicted time by six seconds, while Lily Leven claimed a very respectable third place, finishing 16 seconds from her nominated time. The club's next event, Jo's 61 Steps Social 5km and 10km, will be held on Sunday, commencing at 7am from the Gordon White Library car park. Members and non-members are welcome, with a $2 race-day fee applying to all competitors. Participants are asked to arrive by 6.50am for the course briefing and club notices. Jim Ford's weekly track training sessions continue every Wednesday from 5.30pm at the ARC (Aquatic & Recreational Complex). The free one-hour sessions cater for all ages and abilities, with a $5 facility entry fee payable at the pool kiosk. The M-Test Open King and Queen of the Mountain 6.4km and the Podiatry Mackay/Laura Pettifer Inspirational Junior King and Queen of the Mountain 3km foot races will be held on Sunday, July 26, from Netherdale to the Eungella Chalet, starting at 7am. Competitors must register online via the Mackay Road Runners website, with further information to be released closer to the event. The Torque Tyres and Trailers King and Queen of the Mountain 6.4km cycle race will also be held in conjunction with the event. Registration details are available through the Mackay Cycle Club by contacting Kiah on 0429 820 020. Contributed by Janelle Tilse 1st Pic - Ryan Murray taking out first place in the 12km TriActiV8 Bonson’s Scrub Rd challenging event up Ian Reddacliff Rd, The Leap. 2nd Pic - Approximately 30 runners vying for the coveted Garmin Forerunner 265S sports watch. 3rd pic - TriActiV8 athletes’ Jose, Kate, Nikki and Murray get ready to race the TriActiV8’s Bonson’s Scrub 6k & 12k hilly run. 4th Pic - TriActiV8’s Nikki Giles (right) presents Natasha Joynson with the Garmin Forerunner 265S Sports Watch for taking out the closest ‘guess your time’. Photos supplied

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blacks rec

Whitsunday Touch Football Results

August 24, 2023

Semi Final Results

Mixed A

One  v  Two

In the Crear (7) defeated Trusty (6)

Three  v  Four

Raiders A (10) defeated  Vipers (6)

Mixed B

One  v  Two

Slippery Salmons (4) defeated Ray White (2) (Forfeit Slippery Salmons)

Three  v  Four

G.E.T. Touch (9) defeated Touch It (4)

Mixed C

One  v  Two

Fumble This (5) defeated Flametree Flames (0)

Three v Four

Stingers (13) defeated Whitsunday Warriors (7)

Mixed C (Family)

One v Two

Mainlanders (2) defeated Untouchables (1)

Three v Four

Escapees Misfits (11) defeated Raiders Family (5)

Winners of One v Two progress straight through to Grand Final on June 12.

Loser of One v Two progress to Preliminary Finals next week.

Winners of Three v Four progress to Preliminary Finals next week.

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Airlie Bowls Club News

August 24, 2023

Tuesday Ladies Bowls saw Ladda Purdie at skipper with Rick Galea at second and Nik Fernbach at lead with an overwhelming victory.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls saw Maureen Barnard with skipper Tony Whitehorn tie for the spoils with Keith Bates at lead with Ladies A Grade champion Betty Nicole, great bowling by both teams.

The final rounds of Men’s Pennants was concluded with outstanding results.

Firstly Division One Round 9 v Northern Beaches outstanding victory by Manny Isgro’s team and Warren Mills’s team with outstanding performances by John Trembath and Bob McMahon.

Shane Spann’s team lost but they earned 5 points and on Sunday v North Mackay wins to Shane Spann and Manny Isgro winning but overall score was a draw with Warren Mills team losing but they performed outstandingly.

In their second year of top competition Division 4 were outstanding and ended up as Champions and will be playing in Division 3 next season. Congratulations must go to Tony Whitehorn, Nik Fernbach, Neil Moore, Peter Barrett and Stephen Lawrie all playing as a team of champions.

Team 5 have also finished on top but because of bad weather they must play West Tigers Mackay next Saturday morning with the winner to progress to Division 4.

Division 6 were gallant in defeat.

Sunday afternoon bowls saw a great win to Margo Stanley, with lead Robin Brown and at second was Elaine Kippen.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Manny Isgro whose vision was for the club to play competitive bowls in the district pennants. Photo supplied

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Bowen Bowls Report

August 24, 2023

The Men’s Red Pennants were held at Bowen and Wangaratta Bowls Club on the weekend.

Winning the Cat Shield were Rod Haywood, Lindsay Coves, Jack Haywood, and Kerry Martin from Townsville Thuringowa Bowls Club A Team.

Winners of the Red Pennants 2023 were Thuringowa Bowls Clubs, including Rod Haywood, Glen Shimeld, Peter Day, Graeme Drabsch, Kerry Martin, Justin Foley, Jack Haywood, Lindsay Coves, Ken McLean,Matt Grundy, and Graeme Robinson Col Paine.

Congratulations Thuringowa Bowls Club.

Social Bowls at Club this Sunday.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

Townsville Thuringowa Bowls Club A Team winning the Cat Shield this past weekend

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Pennants Complete For 2023

August 24, 2023

It has been fabulous to see the quality of bowls being played on the green this week in Pennants, Competition and Social play.  

Pennants season has finished for 2023 with Division 1 having two away games winning 60 -56 against Sarina on Saturday earning 3 Match points and 1 rink win; a small loss 61 - 66 against Northern Beaches on Sunday winning 0 Match points and 1 Rink win.  

Souths Suburban were the clear winners of Division 1 with Northern Beaches, Airlie Beach and Proserpine taking the next 3 places with very close results.  

Division 5 finished off the season with two home games. On Saturday the team rallied to come from behind to win 45 - 39 taking 3 match points plus 1 Rink Win against North Mackay.  

On Sunday the team were defeated by Souths Suburban 32 - 37 winning no Match points but scoring a draw on one rink to give the team 0.5 Rink Wins. This weekend's efforts moved us up into 5th position and saved us from relegation.

On Wednesday in Club Championship Singles Heather Brown defeated Pat Bownds 26 - 15. Thank you Mary Hedgelong for coming in to mark the game.

In Social bowls on Wednesday John Anderson and Mike Harrison defeated Alen Sanderson and Jim Quod 33 - 15; Arthur Griffith, Bruce Uhe and Sandy Daffara defeated Jim Bownds, Barry Zillmann and Philip Brown 20 - 18.

On Sunday afternoon Social bowls John Burnett, Arthur Griffith and Jim Quod defeated Margy Burnett, John Anderson and Kendall Watts 23 - 16; Alen Sanderson, Ken Watts and Mike Harrison defeated Lee King, Ken Watts and Heather Brown 19 - 14.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Wangaratta Bowls Report

August 24, 2023

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


Wangaratta Men’s Red Pennants Tea

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Bowen Golf Report

August 24, 2023

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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Proserpine Golf Club Results

August 24, 2023

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 Results

August 24, 2023

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.

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

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Proserpine Veterans Golf Report

August 24, 2023

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

30 Veteran golfers travelled to Gladstone for Veterans Open

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Masters Round

August 24, 2023

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.

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

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Round The Molles Yacht Race

August 24, 2023

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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Cruisin’ The Coast

August 24, 2023

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

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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Finnegan’s Fabulous Female Football Brigade

August 24, 2023

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

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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Mackay Bowls Club

August 24, 2023

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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75th Celebration A Friendly Riot On The Rinks

August 24, 2023

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

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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Your FREE Voice In Print

SARINA -  WALKERSTON – MIRANI – MARIAN – PAGET – OORALEA – MACKAY CITY – MACKAY NORTH – SLADE POINT – ANDERGROVE – BEACONSFIELD – NORTHERN BEACHES – FARLEIGH – MT OSSA – SEAFORTH – KUTTABUL - CALEN – BLOOMSBURY – PROSERPINE – CANNONVALE – AIRLIE BEACH – BOWEN – COLLINSVILLE – NEBO – MORANBAH

Locally Owned. Community Loved.