The Club Competition at Wangaratta Bowls Club was fierce this week, with first winner in Men’s A Singles Steve Roome, who defeated Graeme Read.

The Ladies’ B Singles game was won by Teresa Willshire, who defeated Jocelyn Defranciscis. The final of the B Singles between Pat Tracey and Teresa Willshire will be held this Saturday afternoon.

Sundays social results: Winners were Gwenda Lydom, Denise Wallace, and Allan Rolfe against Toni Bowen, Roger Mumby ,and Graeme Read.

Other games: Merle Elphinstone, Deb Retchless, and Fely Duncan defeated Bill Myers, Isobel Wheeler, and Pat Tracey. Kevin Baxter and Kennedy Whitton defeated Laurie Land and Mark Drummond, while Jocelyn Defranciscis, Robyn Stitt, and Kevin Jewell defeated Deb Beel, Penny Warren, and Barry Beel.

The Club wishes its District Players - Denise Wallace and Penny Warren - good bowling in the State District Side Competition to be held next week at the Sunshine Coast, May 3-6.

Whitsunday Regional Councillor Michelle Wright presented the players with ‘Go Whitsunday’ biros to distribute to scoring players (seconds) throughout the tournament.

In the first three days, North Queensland will play six games at Club Maroochy and three at Club Kawana.

The final day, three more games will run in a playoff for whichever Division they reach over the previous days. The games will be livestreamed by Bowls Queensland.

Winter Bingo commences at the club on Friday, May 5. Be at the club by 9am for a 9.30am start with a free morning tea at half time.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Grace Nott, with 37 points, followed by runner up Leanne Swan, 37 points. Men's winner Vince Hargraves, 39 points, runner up on a countback was Colin Pett, 38.

Pin shots to Lynelle Riley, Carol O'Connell, and Donna Wright, with Kim Bennion claiming an OBP.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Margaret Whyte, with Ladies’ winner Joy Hose, 36 points, second Grace Nott, 35, and third on a countback Claire Garrod, 34.

Pin shots to Grace Nott, Meg Garrod, Julie Mawson, and Robyn Slade.

Men’s winner was Glenn Wright, 43 points, second to Jeff Day, 41, and third to Nathan Donaldson, 40. Pin shots to Chris Matheson, John Storrie, and Rodney Wells.

Peter Swan won the Car wash voucher with an OBP and the Club congratulated Pauline Martin on her hole in one on number seven during Saturday's competition.

This weekend's competition is a 4BBB Aggregate Medley stableford event sponsored by Jeff Day Plumbing.  

Representatives from the Club will play in the Ladies’ Bowen open today, Friday, April 28, for which the Club wishes them good luck.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Pauline Martin with her first ever hole in one this week at Bowen Golf Club

Wednesday ladies’ winners Grace Nott, third place Annie Mason

Marg Whyte trophy winners: ladies’ winner Joy Hose, Mens third place-getter Nathan Donaldson, Sponsor Marg Whyte, ladies second place getter Grace Nott, and third place getter Claire Garrod

Proserpine Veteran Golfers cancelled their trip to Home Hill this week after last minute heavy rainfall left the course unplayable – but not to be deterred, 25 players entered a Proserpine Comp.  

The early players did well but the tail enders copped a drowning as the weather crept down the coast from the north.

Captain Ken Granger won for the men with 70 on a countback from Steve Mitchell, with Peter Fox third with 71.

Helen Deighton took out the ladies with 72, Heather Luvis, 75, and Elspeth Scotford, 78. Pin shots went to Colin and Jenny Hounsell on two, Jenny again on nine, Peter Fox on 13 and Heather Luvis on 16.

Next Tuesday is ANZAC Day and thus no Veteran’s Competition. But there will be PGC two ball Ambrose, shotgun start at 11.00am.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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This week’s Nine-hole stableford at Whitsunday Green Golf Club was won by Josh Tripcony on 24 points, with second place on 20 Jimmy Millar, and third place to Cameron Mutch, 19.

The Club’s Friday 9-hole stableford was an incredible effort by all competitors, with first place to Andrew Gomez with 21 points, second with 20 on the countback to Glenn Rees, and third place to Michael Bond, 20.

Sunday’s 18-hole stableford first place getter was Glenn Rees, second place Alan Clinch, and third Tyson Flavel. Nearest the pin was Tyson Flavel and Glenn Rees.

This Sunday will be the Club’s Monthly medal tee off at 10.00am

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club

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Whitsunday Green golfers AJ Shoesmith, and Jim, North, and Beau Hodges

The format of this week’s Whitsunday Golf Club's Sunday Stableford competition was changed from a 4BBB to single Stableford

Blustery conditions complicated the game particularly on the more exposed greens.

LADIES: ALL IN

Winner: Tiina Randmae with 34 points

R/Up: Elise Hodgson with 32 points

Third: Pam Casey with 25 points

MENS' A GRADE:

Winner: Jason Bourke

R/Up: Jason Whitney

MENS' B GRADE:  

Winner: Don Cameron

R/Up: Paul Nicol

NTPs: Tiina Randmae and Jason Bourke on the second, ElisE Hodgson on the ninth and 16th, and Ritchie Atkins on the 13th.

Longest Drives: Ritchie Atkins and Don Cameron for the men, Tiina Randmae and Elise Hodgson for the ladies.

To top off their day, David Hoy and Tina Cook enjoyed the free drink that came with the NAGA, courtesy of Aaron and Tracey Watts.

Next Sunday will be a single Stableford with some of our travellers returning which should brin our numbers closer to normal. Happy golfing.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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After a week of hot weather and northernly winds ahead of Whitsunday Sailing Club’s Twilight Race, relief was in sight and the fleet headed out for last week’s Wednesday twilight race.

With 10 knots from the southeast, together with flat seas and a colourful sunset, it was a perfect way to celebrate the middle of the working week.

First out of the blocks was Treasure VIII (Rob Davis), leading the Division 2 fleet away, taking the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize along the way.  

Some aggressive moves on the starting line saw some of the line honours favourites pushed out, allowing Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) to create an early lead, with QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) and Wide Load (Shannan Hart) in pursuit.

Reignition (Charles Wallis), having started well behind the fleet, managed to work through to fourth place at the finish, just behind Treasure VIII, keeping Smooth Criminal (Iyas Shaheen) and Wide Load behind.  

On corrected time, Treasure VIII took the honours over Bobby’s Girl by just 2 seconds, with Wide Load a further 30 seconds back.

In Division Three, newcomer The Point (Kyle Rose) got off to a great start, leading the fleet away before being overtaken by Matchless (Terry Stevens), who in turn was fending off challenges from Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) and Shiraz (John Cable).  

A mid fleet battle ensued, with Rossgo (Greg Hammon), The Point and Lighthorse, with Rossgo doing best in the conditions to finish fourth on elapsed time.

After handicaps were applied, Shiraz came out on top with Rossgo second and The Point third. A dead heat for fourth place between Matchless and Wobbly Boot gave the competitors something to talk about after results were announced back at the club house.

Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm, with limited crewing positions available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

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Wednesday 12/3/2023: Social bowls played. Winners were: Sue Roscoe, Bev McDonald, Sheryl Cuttriss. Runners up were: Sue Hazledine, Lesley Baumgarten, Pat O’Neill. We also saw the semi-final of the Championship Triples played, with the winners to play on Thursday morning.

Thursday 13/3. Once again, spectators were shown an amazing game of bowls. Each end was so close and could have gone either way. But the eventual winners were Marie Bragg, Val DePinto and Dorothy (Nuggy) Pratt. Our valiant runners up were Lurline Ford, Maryann Bartolo and Dorothy Wise. Congratulations to our winners and to all players who played in each game.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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Photo supplied: Sue Hazledine

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Cutters Ten Try BMD Premiership Romp

Mackay Cutters are proving a force to be reckoned with in the 2023 Queensland Rugby League BMD Womens premiership.

Last Saturday at Brisbane’s Totally Workwear Stadium, Marco Peters’ talented charges again demonstrated their championship credentials by trouncing the Brisbane Tigers 48-4.

It was the Cutters’ fourth win of the season and after five rounds the team shares top spot on the ladder with the undefeated Souths Logan Magpies and Burleigh Bears on eight points.

Outstanding fullback Jasmine Peters and centre China Polata capped superb games for the Cutters by each grabbing doubles in the ten try rout.

There was no stopping the Mackay girls from the moment classy hooker and captain Emma Manzelmann fooled the Tigers defence to score the opening try after three minutes with Alisha Foord converting.

The Cutters jumped to a massive 26-0 lead at the break following further tries to centre Libby Surha, the elusive Peters and Polata, Tillett and winger Katie Green in a dominant first stanza.

Mackay had too many big guns for their Brisbane rivals and posted another four tries after the interval when Polata, Peters, Mato and prop Makenzie Weale all crossed during a 15 minute blitz.

Meanwhile, barnstorming Brisbane Tigers centre Solomona Faataape was best on ground in his side’s 24-16 triumph over the Cutters in the Hostplus Cup.

Faataape crashed over for his first try in the 6th minute after Mackay winger Kyle Krisanski-Kennedy had earlier stunned the hosts with a neat four pointer within 60 seconds from kick off.

The Tigers regained the lead when centre Marion Seve dashed over to score his team’s second try before Mackay hit back when rugged back rower Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano burst through tackles to score and bridge the deficit to four points.

But two blockbusting tries by Faataape in the space of three minutes turned the match for Brisbane as they skipped to a 24-10 lead with 12 minutes left on the clock.

The Cutters gave their supporters hope when hard working lock and skipper Sean Mullany registered the Cutters’ third try after 73 minutes, but all to no avail.

Mackay are still winless after five rounds and face a moment of truth this Saturday afternoon at BB Print Stadium when they host the Norths Devils.

Both clubs are languishing near the bottom of the table with the Devils now under the guidance of former Cutters coach Dave Elliott.

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Dynamic running is a common trait for talented Mackay rugby league siblings Kai and Nathan Simon.

Seventeen-year-old Kai – who is contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys - proved a sensation at centre for St Patrick’s College last year in his final season in the schoolboy ranks.

With his bustling runs, turn of speed, raw power and radar boot the goalkicking ace piloted St Patrick’s to the finals of the Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup schoolboy competitions and the Walkerston Wanderers to an Under 17 Mackay Junior League premiership.

The powerfully-built three quarter was rewarded with selection in the 2022 Confraternity Shield Merit Team and the Queensland Country junior representative side that rolled City 38-20 in the annual Under 17s Challenge at Redcliffe – booting seven goals for a personal tally of 14 points.

While promising Kai has shone for the Mackay Cutters in this year’s Under 19 Mal Meninga Cup series, kid brother Nathan has stamped his mark in the Mackay Schools Rugby League Combined Year 7/8 Division 2 competition.

The dashing 13-year-old fullback was instrumental in St Patrick’s Navy’s 24-12 Grand Final victory over neighbours Mackay State High in the recent trophy decider at the Mackay Junior League Fields.  

Nathan’s elusive running and smart support play against his old school was a feature of the premiership triumph and capped an outstanding series for the Wanderers’ custodian.

He turned in consistent performances for the premiers with more than 200 running metres in each game, punishing defence and ability to counter-attack from all parts of the field.

Simon was ably supported by classy five eighth and skipper Matt Fenech, sharp centre Sonny Doring, rampaging prop Nate Faulkner, industrious back rowers Tayte Rowe and Angus Barns and skilful lock Flynn Taylor.

Contributed by Chris Karas

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Standing L-R: Kian Steyn, Tayt Rowe, Fynn Shears, Nathan Collis, Harper Shields, Blake Battaia, Matthew Paul (coach), Flynn Taylor, Caleb Presbitero, Connor Peno, Zac Johnson, Theo James, Jaden Chimes, David Casale (League Safe); front Jordan Ramos, Karana Gartner, Nate Faulkner, Matt Fenech (captain), Sonny Doring, Nathan Simon, Angus Barns and Cooper Freiberg

St Patrick’s Navy premiership-winning captain Matt Fenech (left) displays the Mackay Schools Sport Year 7/8 Rugby League Division 2 trophy with centre Harper Shields, one of the College’s most outstanding all round athletes. Photos supplied

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The final of the Queensland Women’s Selection Trials was held in Brisbane on April 3. Four Mackay members travelled down for the competition that was held over two weekends. Well done to the ladies that were selected (pictured).

Mackay Contract Bridge Weekly Results

Monday 10 April 2023 - 5 Table One Winner, Green Pts

1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Eric Goodchild / David Ting

3rd Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor

4th Frances Brown / Alan Brown

5th Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

6th Marilin Robins / Margaret Jennings

Tuesday 11 April 2023 – 4 Table One Winner Green Pts

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

4th Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

5th Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

Wednesday 12 April 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Pts

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2nd Marie McGuire / Nancy Wix

3rd Joyce Deguara / Mary Cruickshank

4th Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Sandra Morris / Jan Harris

3rd David Ting / Ming Ting

4th Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

Thursday 13 April 2023 – 3 Table One Winner

1st Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

2nd Jan Harris / Sandy Patterson

3rd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

Friday 14 April 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Pts

N/S

1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

2nd Monica Darley / Del Ryan

3rd Ming Ting / David / Ting

4th Joyce Deguara / Toni Large

E/W

1st Noel Bugeia / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Susan Wright / Clare Wallace

2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

Saturday 15 April 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Pts

N/S

1st Geoff Taylor / Del Ryan

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

4th Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell

5th Monica Darley/ Kath Poole

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Annie Lynch / Anne Lutz

3rd Frances Brown / Alan Brown

5th Susan Ross / Sandy Paterson

Contributed by Joy Block

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Janet Hansen, Frances Brown, Diane Morgan & Maria Setiyawan

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On Wednesday March 15, the Harvest Triples were held at Marian Bowls.

There were 16 teams that played two games of 15 ends.

Most of the district was represented and a good time was had by all.

First: Marian - Doris Fry, Judith Miller and Lyn Jackson.

Second: Suburban - Ahondi Ray, Rhonda Meng and Florence Keft.

Third: Northern Beaches - Debbie Adams, Lynda Leyshon and Jill Hancock.

Contributed by Lyn Jackson

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Mackay Bowls Club Ladies’ Section had a successful Presidents at Home day on Friday April 14 with a full green of 48 players from various clubs around the Mackay district.

The games were played with good sportsmanship and much laughter was heard.

After the game, players were invited to have lunch.

President Hazel and her executive were joined by MDLBA President Lyn, Treasurer Pam, Selector Carmel along with Men's Section President John and Board representative Ryan, and then participated in raffles and cent sale.

The winners for the day were E Bartollo, F Lette, C Kirwin, and J Caban.

Lucky card was won by L Large, J Murray, R Hughes, and C Savage.

President Hazel thanked all members for their donations of prizes and help they provided to make the day a success.

Tuesday Social Play (19)

Winners of Winners

Leanne Jenner, Barry Jenner, Peter Taaffe.

Winners of Losers

Ted Gill, Whare Herewini, Barry Paskins, Alf Pagden.

Thursday Scroungers (23)

Joe Crocker def Hookey Wilson

There were no competitions played over weekend due to Pennants Starting.

Ladies Section travel to Northern Beaches on April 18 for Symons Shield Two Bowl Triples.

The weekend of April 28-29 is Mackay Club Prestige Fours with a full rink playing over the weekend with $8,000 in prizes shared among the top eight teams.

Pennant continues this weekend with games both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday: Division 2 away at Marian, Division 4 at Home, Division 6 away at Sarina.

Sunday: Division 2 Wests Tigers at Home, Division 4 away at Seaforth, Division 6 RSL at Home.

Good Bowling to all this weekend.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Presidents Lyn and Hazel. Photo supplied

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It’s a narrative not unlike that of the Jamaican bobsled team.

An athlete preparing for a sport that takes place in the north American winter, training in tropical heat with not a flake of snow in sight.

The Iditarod is the biggest sporting event in Alaska; an annual long-distance sled dog race across 1,500 kilometres, seeing teams race through blizzards, sub-zero temperatures and gale-force winds.

Mackay’s Christian Turner was an unlikely late entry in the 2023 race, but the circumstances around his entry meant gave him a very good chance for success.

At 18 years old and living in Sydney at the time, Mr Turner moved to Canada where a love for snowboarding transformed into a passion for snow dog sledding.

“I got interested in the racing side of things and did a bunch of races in Canada, and decided that I wanted to do the big, long-distance races in Alaska,” Mr Turner said.

He undertook the intense qualification process required to enter the Iditarod and entered his first “last great race” in 2014.

Finishing the course in 11 days and four hours and placing 38th, Mr Turner said the experience was cold and brutal.

But it only fuelled his love of the sport; returning in 2015, Mr Turner finished the race in a career best nine days and 16 hours, placing 15th.

It looked to be his last Iditarod until, eight years later, a unique opportunity presented itself when friend and three-time Iditarod champion, Mitch Seavey, injured his back and was unable to race.

“There’s only a couple of people in the world who are qualified and good to go so he got in contact with me and asked if I wanted to take his team,” Mr Turner said.

With the dogs already in Alaska, there was only so much training he could do in Mackay.

“As soon as I found out, I was hard into my cardio, running Mount Pleasant Hill and riding my bike about 10 kilometres every morning,” he said.

“A lot of the trail is snowy mountains where you’re helping the dogs up the hills, running beside the sled, kicking on the flats; the fitter you are, the easier it’s going to be for the dogs.”

Mr Turner then made the trip to Alaska, training with the dogs before embarking on his third Iditarod and his first in eight years, with a team that came with great expectations and unique challenges.

“Looking after the team is the biggest thing, because you’re out there in minus 40 and you’ve got to make sure they’re getting the right intake of food and make sure they’re wearing the right winter clothes,” he said.

“You’ve got to have a rapport with the dogs; them understanding you, understanding you’re the boss and knowing you’re not going to put them in a situation that they can’t handle.

“My team caught a virus about 500 miles in and basically, for the rest of the race, I was just trying to make it to the end.

“I went from sixth position back to 18th very quickly just because they weren’t eating.

“The race was over for me midway, so I was just trying to care for the dogs and make it to the end.”

Once the dogs were healthy again, Mr Turner persevered, clawing back to finish the race in 10 days and one hour, placing 13th.

“It was quite mentally draining knowing I had such a good team, and, without the virus, I think I would’ve been right up there,” he said.

Regardless of the result, Mr Turner said it was good to back in Alaska where the reception was glorious.

“At the start of the race, you’ve got thousands of people throughout the city having barbecues and cheering you on,” he said.

“It’s a big party, really.”

A builder in Mackay with a young family, Mr Turner said he has no real urge to recommit to the Iditarod but if a similar opportunity were to present itself, he wouldn’t be able to say no.

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Mackay builder Christian Turner finished 13th in the “last great race on earth”, the Iditarod, in Alaska in March. Photos supplied: Christian Turner

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After two successful seasons, the Century Cricket Competitions Brisbane Senior Tournament (formerly the Brisbane Premier League) is expanding throughout the state for its third iteration, welcoming the Mackay-based Great Barrier Reef Rays.

The Rays are one of two new teams to be added to the 2023 season, alongside the Eastern Comets Adelaide All Stars, with the tournament pitting 10 Senior teams against each other in two pools of five.

“Growth of the Brisbane competition was always on the Century Cricket roadmap, so it is very exciting for us to be expanding into regional Queensland,” said Stuart Giles, Chair of Century Cricket Group.

“We’ve always had a focus on showcasing regional talent in the competition, and by including a regional team such as the Rays, we get to see more of this than ever before.

“Century Cricket Brisbane 23 promises to be a fantastic season kick-off to a summer of cricket.”

Known as the best regional cricket ground in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef Arena will be the official Rays headquarters, with General Manager Adrian Young saying the Rays have strong aspirations to provide a pathway for regional cricketers from the North.

“We have high hopes and spirits even higher, and we’re eager to take our first steps towards making a mark in Century Cricket Competitions Brisbane,” he said.

“With determination, hard work, and unwavering community support, the boys from the Reef are ready to embark on an exciting journey towards becoming a fierce contender in the competition and are here to prove that talent from the north can compete with the best in Brisbane.”

Nominations to play in the Century Cricket Competitions Brisbane Senior Tournament are now open, closing on Friday, April 28, with the season to start in August.

For more information, visit brisbanepremierleague.com.

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Pioneer Dolphin, Ella Bounden, travelled to the Gold Coast this past week for the Australian Age Championships.

You will remember this budding star from a recent article.

Ella did her club proud swimming the 50m backstroke amongst the best of the best at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.  

Whilst she described her event as not going to plan, she still managed a personal best.

She loved the experience and looks forward to swimming at Nationals again next year.  

Congratulations Ella – you have inspired so many in your Club to reach for the stars!

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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