Two long-time rivals battled for the Mackay table tennis open women’s championship last week.

Emma Widdup and Anne Sheridan have been teammates and competitors since they were in their teens, both first winning Mackay Closed women’s titles as juniors in the 1990s. Between them have won an estimated 15 championships.

Emma repeated her feat of winning all her matches at the recent Queensland Veterans Championships in Mackay, taking out every event she contested at the closed titles.

She also won the mixed open doubles with Andrew McHugh, beating Mick Ruhl and Andrea Nicholson, but her most treasured win was in the women’s doubles with veteran Coral Morgan, over Anne Sheridan and Janice Kent.

“It was most special because last year in the final against the same pair we were down 9-10 and I served a fault,” she said.

“After that game last year I did a Kerry Saxby walk around the hall to process my disappointment - Coral cheekily said she’d play with me again this year only if I didn’t fault to lose the match.”

Perennial winner Mick Ruhl has taken out another Mackay Closed men’s championship at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre.

Mick defeated another former title winner Andrew McHugh, to bring his tally of titles to eight.

Emma Widdup kept up her good form to win the women’s open singles from Anne Sheridan, building on her form at the Queensland Veterans Championships in Mackay when she was unbeaten in singles.

Emma and Anne will play in the Australian Veterans Championships in Darwin next month. Nine Mackay players will compete at the titles.

Persistence paid off for Branko Vucurovic, who won the singles and doubles crowns at the Avril Hodges Memorial tournament at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre.

Branko won the singles final -11, 8, 9, 5 over Charlie Payne, and teamed with Donna Abbott to take out the doubles over Steve Mathieson and Coral Morgan.

Using a steady, defensive style, most players find it very hard to get on top of Branko.

David Butler won the B singles final over Noreen Fredericksen, and John Hamelink and Ian Dodds won the doubles over Robyn Bushell and Sharon Muller.

The tournament is played in memory of Avril Hodges, a popular figure who was one of the main organisers of the Tuesday morning fixtures during the 70s.

The fixtures will now break for the school holidays and resume on October 5. New players are welcome, contact Iris Grasso 0419 702 392.

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Mackay Rangers Football Club are finalising preparations for its annual

eight-a-side soccer tournament to be staged at Eric Homan Park at Cremorne

during the October long weekend.

With $6000 in prizemoney and titles up for grabs, football enthusiasts

are in for a treat when the two-day carnival kicks off on Saturday

October 1.

The unique eight-a-side concept is an Open Men’s and Women’s competition for players aged 17 years and older, drawing teams from far and wide including Sarina, Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Hall Creek, Emerald, Townsville, Innisfail, Cairns, Brisbane, Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast.

An added highlight is the Penalty Shootout competition which is

traditionally staged on the Saturday night when participating teams put

forward a goalkeeper and striker to compete for $150 cash.

Mackay Rangers boast a proud 54 year history in the Football Queensland Whitsunday Coast Premier League Association where they have annexed numerous championship titles and produced a host of talent among the Men’s and Women’s grades.

The Carnival is traditionally run each year on the October long weekend

with round fixtures and finals held over the Saturday and Sunday and is

one of only a handful of senior competitive Football Gala events that

are staged in Queensland.

For further details and registration inquiries contact Mackay Rangers FC

eight-a-side co-ordinator Andrew Susani 0400 000 990.

Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas.

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Monday 12 September 22 – Under and Overs Teams Event

1st Under - Angela Welks and Cheryl Machen, Overs – David Ting and Karin Le Roux

2nd Under – Griffin Bancroft and Marylin Wilson – Nicoll, Overs – Terrence Sheedy and Janelle Conroy

Tuesday Evening – 13 September 2022 – 3 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Terrence Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek

2nd Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Janel Hansen / Diane Morgan

Wednesday 14 September 22 – 8 Table Mitchell

1st Janet Hansen / Del Ryan 1st Sandra Morris / Jan Harris

2nd Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait 2nd Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell

3rd Karin Le Roux / Nancy Wix 3rd Noel Bugeia / Doone Mitchell

4th Ming Ting / David Ting

1st Mick King / Patricia Garner

2nd Graeme Smith / Diane Stokes

3rd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

Thursday 15 September 2022 – 4 Table One Winner

Friday 16 September 22 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Karin Le Roux

2nd Graeme Smith / Nancy Wix 2nd Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore

3rd Monica Darley / Del Ryan 3rd Susan Wright / Clare Wallace

4th Marie McGuire / Diane Stokes 4th David Ting / Ming Ting

Saturday 17 September 22 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Ken Seaniger / Terrence Sheedy 1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Christine Nice / Faye Wright 2nd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

3rd Geoff Taylor / Del Ryan 3rd Diane Stokes / Ann Whitmore

4th Janine Rogers/ Mick King 4th David Ting / Ming Ting

5th Doone Mitchell / Lorna Shuttlewood 5th Susan Wright / Patricia Garner

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With an abundance of natural sporting skill in its ranks, long

established St Patrick’s College remains a rugby league stronghold in

the Mackay region.

Having chalked up two Grand Final appearances in both the prestigious

Confraternity Shield Rugby League and Aaron Payne Cup secondary schools

competitions this season, the depth of talent has never been stronger.

This was evident when the Wanderers club squared off with Northern

Suburbs Devils in the recent Mackay and District Junior League Under 17

Grand Final in Mackay.

No less than 18 members of the St Patrick’s College first grade Class

of 2022 featured in the title decider with Wanderers claiming the

premiership honours after a stirring 24-18 victory.

Talented Wanderers’ five eighth Ethan Van Kerkwyk was judged best

player on the ground after a superb display in the number six jumper –

igniting the attack with his sharp running and creating opportunities

with clever passes and a sound kicking game.

Van Kerkwyk was one of 15 St Patrick’s top grade players in a powerful Wanderers line-up that also included boom hooker Xavier Kerrisk, fullback Kai Simon, half back Will Shears, back rowers Hudson Galletly and Jack Clark and lock forward Reece Morris.

Other St Patrick’s students that helped the Wanderers lift the Under

17 trophy were centre Leo Gupwell, props Patrick Shanks and Oscar

Tweddle, centre William Veitch, Lachlan Cocco, forwards Campbell

Grisan-Hodges and Hunter Harris and 16-year-old Jeff Peady.

St Patrick’s young gun Jaxon Purdue spearheaded the Devils’ title

charge along with school colleagues in lock forward Levi Love and second

rower Tyler Shandiman.

Playmaker Purdue gave Norths an early 12-0 lead when he collected a try

double and booted the extras inside the opening 16 minutes.

Soon after the Wanderers put points on the board with a Simon penalty

goal before strong running centre Veitch (24th minute) and back rower

Clark (31st minute) burst through for tries to set up a 14-12 advantage.

When the dynamic Shears scooted over for his side’s third try after

48 minutes that was converted by Simon and the Wanderers had surged ahead

20-12.

Nippy hooker Braedyn Roberts kept the Devils in the hunt when he

burrowed over for a second half try in the 55th minute with Purdue

potting the extras.

Grisan-Hodges responded minutes later when he crashed over for a

deserved try to seal the premiership for Phillip Davies’ well-drilled

charges.

Wanderers had trump cards in Van Kerkwyk, Simon, Shears and Kerrisk –

all part of a formidable St Patrick’s College spine – while the gifted Purdue was at his classy best for Norths until sustaining an injury late in the first half.

Impact forwards Levi Love and Tyler Shandiman turned in wholehearted displays for the Devils, who suffered only two losses during the preliminary rounds to finish minor premiers on 22 points and with the best defensive record in the competition.

Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas.

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Pioneer Swimming Club held its first club night of the season on Thursday, 8 September 2022 at the Pioneer Swim Centre.  The night was a great start to the season with returning swimmers excited to welcome many new members and their families to the club – sharing a barbeque and an evening full of fun racing.

There were many personal bests achieved – swimmers having shaved seconds off their previous season’s times, several swimmers challenging themselves by taking on distances they had never attempted in a race setting before and even one new member overheard boasting how proud they were to have made new friends.

The club will be hosting its long course carnival on 1 and 2 October 2022 at the Pioneer Swim Centre.  If any families are thinking about making the plunge into the sport of swimming, this would be a great event to attend and experience the excitement and fun this sport brings, even if just to observe for the weekend.

The club will also continue to hold an almost weekly club night and we encourage families to “come and try” Pioneer Swimming Club.  Simply contact the club either via Facebook or email the club secretary, Tahnie Malagueno, secretary@pioneerswimclub.com.au.

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Five past presidents were among 93 bowlers who celebrated the 80th anniversary of Sarina Ladies Bowls Club.

The roll-up included 78 bowlers from clubs throughout the district, four past members and extra guests.

A two-hour game of bowls was followed with a little entertainment from several Sarina lady members, then a lovely lunch and cent sale to finish the day.

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PHOTOS:

1:

Sarina Ladies Bowls Club president Rita Hughes, centre, with Mackay District president Lynn Jackson and Bowls Queensland representative Colleen Ryan at the club’s 80th anniversary celebrations. Photos: Contributed

2:

Mackay District president Lynn Jackson and Sarina president Rita Hughes cut the cake

3:

Sarina Ladies Bowls Club bowlers at the club’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

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The Past Presidents Day, ladies vs men, held at Goosies last Monday was a huge success, with all 16 rinks filled. Once again men won the day, and all present voted to continue this event annually. Play was followed by nibblies.

There is a “Come and Try” day being held at Goosies club on Tuesday, 11th October commencing at 6pm. Please register at the club at 5.30pm. This will be a free fun evening, giving any prospective bowlers a chance to try the sport. Bowls will be supplied, and all ages are welcome.

Our annual prizegiving dinner for both ladies and men will be held on Monday, October 24. Tickets will be available shortly from reception.

Social Bowls

Monday mixed pairs winners were Graham Moore and Don Agnew, followed by Gloria Sam and Helen Rose. Lucky draws were won by Phyllis Morgan and Terry Willey.

Wednesday ladies’ day was won by Lois Deguara, Sandra Sommerfeld and Ann Bailey, with Daphne Offield, Jean Comelli and Margaret Armitage in second place. Great to see Margaret back playing after a long layoff due to ill health.

Friday mixed pairs winners were Asko Helenius and president, Eric Galletly. Lucky draw winners were Lydia McCarthy and Jean Schmidtke, followed by visitors, R and D. McClay. Tony Allsop missed the $500 kitty toucher by about 25cm.

Saturday men’s day was taken out by John Priest and Ray McCarthy with Alan Cooney and Darren Addie filling second place. Andrew Coates and Ernie Sealy won the jackpot.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

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46 BMX riders from Mackay and District BMX Club are travelling to Cairns this week to compete in the Auscycling Queensland State Championships.

The Championships will be held on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 September at Cairns BMX Club.

The Mackay riders are hoping to bring home a prestigious Q plate, to celebrate their state ranking.

Mini Wheeler Mia Moy, 4, is the club’s youngest member competing, with Club President Brett Wilson, Chris Bolger, Adam Mustapha and Brendan Knights, showing the younger riders how it’s done.

Riders competing for the prestigious Superclass title include Brock de Silva and Tristyn Kronk.

Chasing the Junior Superclass Men’s title are Tyler Morgan, Connor Parish, Tyler Smith and Brodie Wilson.

Sarah Tickle will compete for the Junior Superclass Women’s title.

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Belief and will power have propelled the Magpies Under 13 rugby league

team to a stunning premiership triumph in the Mackay and District Junior

League competition.

The Magpies capped a memorable season after turning ‘giant killers’

by toppling the previously undefeated Proserpine Brahmans 28-0 in the

recent Grand Final at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

All conquering Proserpine – who dominated their age division all

season – saved their worst performance until last.

They were rattled from the outset by a determined Magpies side that

tackled like trojans and bustled the minor premiers into error with

swarming defence and an excellent match plan.

Promising Magpies second rower Tyran Attard was the best player on

ground – ripping the Brahmans’ defence to shreds with his powerful

running and clever off loads and nabbing three tries to earn the

official Player of the Match award.

Attard stamped his mark by crashing over for two first half tries in

the 8th and 25th minutes with five eighth Nate Frost converting and

booting a penalty goal to give the Magpies a handy 14-0 lead at the

break.

When back rower Luke Clarke, Attard and fullback Marik Srsen posted

three second half tries in the space of 14 minutes there was no stopping

the marauding Magpies outfit.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the boys”, beamed winning Magpies

coach Michael Muscat post-match.

“The team was busted for much of the season with injuries to key

players but found a way to get the job done.

“Our match plan was to slow down the ruck and apply constant pressure

to their go-to players which they did with tremendous effect.

“The boys have had some great tussles with Proserpine over the years

and really believed they could go all the way and win the competition.”

In a superb team effort the Magpies’ tough-tackling forward pack laid

the foundations for victory with classy halves Frost and half back Isaac

McFarlane and the inspirational Srsen spearheading the attack.

Star utility Darcy Cabassi – deputising for injured hooker and

skipper Mason Muscat – created havoc with his darting runs and snappy

service on the fringes.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Proserpine colts who recorded

three wins over the Magpies (26-14, 12-10 and 30-14 in the major semi

final) before the Grand Final showdown.

The Brahmans finished undefeated minor premiers on 26 points ahead of

the Wanderers (20 points) and Magpies (19 points) and during the season

scored a massive 510 points while conceding only 108.

Turning point for the Magpies was the 12-10 loss to Brahmans in the

final preliminary round at Proserpine Junior Sporting Complex – a

match that could have gone either way.

“It was after that game that the boys started to believe they could

hold their own against the Brahmans and gained plenty of confidence in

the lead into the finals,” said coach Muscat.

The nucleus of the Magpies team has played together since forming back

in Under 7s with Michael at the helm.

During the past seven seasons both the Brahmans and Magpies have

dominated the Mackay and District Junior League age divisions through to

Under 12s and have built a keen rivalry.

“As coach I’ve watched the team develop over the years and there is

a strong bond amongst them which is evident when they play,” said

Michael.

“The Grand Final victory is something they’ll cherish forever.”

Four of the Magpies’ top prospects – Srsen, Frost, McFarlane and

hooker Mason Muscat were selected to participate in the Brisbane Broncos

Junior Academy train-on squad where they have undergone extra fitness

and skills work under an elite coaching panel.

The Magpies’ premiership-winning Under 13 squad was: Marik Srsen

(captain), Charlie Cochrane, Johnny Ziegeler, Austin Armitage, Griffin

Borg, Nate Frost, Isaac McFarlane, Sangwani Chinula, Luke Clarke, Tyran

Attard, Joshua Kunst, Mason Muscat (captain – injured); Darcy Cabassi,

Cooper Elliott; Braithe Williams, Zac Robinson, Hunter Wood, David

Phineasa, Ngatimakea Tuiravakai, Jazon Chammen; Coach: Michael Muscat;

Manager Kylie Muscat; Trainers: Denis Clarke, Russell Ziegeler.

Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas

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The growing popularity of women’s rugby union was on display last Saturday as the Women’s Opens Grand Final was played between Kuttabul Bokettes and Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders.

A round-robin tournament was played between the Bokettes, Raiders and Slade Point Slashers earlier in the day with the Kuttabul and Proserpine Whitsunday clubs finishing on top to face off in the grand final.

The ultimate match was a one-sided affair, with the Bokettes scoring two tries in each half to win 26-0.

The grand final wrapped up the first ever season of women’s rugby in the Mackay region.

Bokettes captain Miranda Davidson said she couldn’t be prouder of her team.

“We’ve got girls from all different backgrounds … so for those girls to come out and have a crack and to see them develop over the season has been pretty impressive,” she said.

“We also have some girls that are juniors, 17-year-olds stepping up and playing in the senior division, too, which is pretty exceptional stuff.”

Miranda hopes to see the competition grow over the coming seasons.

“I really want to shout out to all the clubs that have had a crack at women’s union this season and all the coaches because the coaches have been by far the driving force,” she said.

It was Sharne Adams’ first season with the Bokettes after playing rugby league for Magpies and being invited to play by friends.

“Two of my mates from there (Magpies) are union girls, they have a union background,” she said.

With union on Saturdays and league on Sundays, Sharne’s weekends were all about footy and she says both are getting more popular.

“The growth’s been really good,” said Sharne.

“It’s just onwards and upwards from here.”

Sharne’s daughter Adelle has been playing league for three years and started come-and-try union sessions this year.

“I’ve learnt what you do when you get tackled,” she said.

She also learnt the difference between league and union tackles.

“You try and get the ball, but you can’t go passed the ball,” she said.

“If you go passed the ball it doesn’t count.”

Adelle says she looks forward to following in Sharne’s footsteps and playing club rugby.

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Mackay turned out in force to watch the stars of the AFLW take to Great Barrier Reef Arena last Saturday.

It was the Gold Coast Suns facing off against St Kilda, with both sides looking to bounce back from big defeats in round four of the 2022 competition.

With the sun shining above, fans of all ages took to the arena for the match, with mums, dads, boys and girls all donning their favourite guernseys.

Great Barrier Reef had previously hosted three elite women’s matches since the partnership between the Suns and Mackay Regional Council began in 2019; a partnership that was extended for four years in July.

“The Suns have made Mackay our second home for our AFLW team and we’ve had great support from the region every time we visit,” said Gold Coast Suns Chief Executive Mark Evans.

“We’re committed to bringing marquee AFLW matches to Great Barrier Reef Arena and continuing to grow women’s football in the region, which has seen a 50 per cent participation increase since 2018.”

AFLW Returns To Mackay

The Gold Coast Suns eclipsed St Kilda in Mackay on the weekend, regaining their confidence after a 73-point thrashing at the hands of the Brisbane Lions the week before.

While the first major went the way of the Saints in the 7th minute, it was to be their only goal until the last quarter, with the Suns dominating the majority of the game.

The Suns had the match all but won in the third, keeping the Saints scoreless and slotting three goals of their own.

While St Kilda finished with a strong last quarter, the Suns were able to hang on, winning 5.12 (42) to 4.4 (28), claiming their second win of the season.

The Suns’ Charlie Rowbottom proved why she was picked first in the 2021 draft, collecting a game-high 30 touches, six clearances and laid nine tackles.

Kalinda Howarth also turned it on, booting Gold Coast's first goal to finish with two majors and 22 possessions.

Howarth, who is of Indigenous descent, celebrated her first goal with a special dance as the Suns wore their First Nations jumper.

Local stars Lauren Bella and Wallis Randell both performed well in front of their home crowds, with six and 11 disposals respectively.

Bianca Jakobsson was the Saints' leading ball-winner with 19 possessions, while key forward Caitlin Greiser slotted two goals to be St Kilda's only multiple goalkicker.

Gold Coast coach Cameron Joyce said he was impressed with his team’s performance.

"We knew the Saints had come in with some decent form and held Melbourne for the last three quarters as well, which I think can get underestimated,” he said.

“Just the way our girls went around the contest and were able to then get the ball forward for us and give us a chance to score, it was really pleasing."

The AFLW fixture is the first of many elite games coming to Great Barrier Reef Arena this spring, with the ground to host nine WBBL matches over a week in October.

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Image: The Gold Coast Suns took on St Kilda at Great Barrier Reef Arena on Saturday to claim their second win of the season. Photos supplied: Gold Coast Suns

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The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club congratulated Jy Parkinson, Jacob Bell, Holly Perrin, Remy Hedges, Austin Edwards-Bland, Ehsan Helou, and Anisa Helou for being selected for the SNQ State and National Development squad.  

The youngsters were invited to participate in a special swim clinic on Sunday led by Queensland Coach Barry Prime.  

Cannons’ Coach, Mark Erickson was also involved with coaching on the day and said that it was great to see all the top swimmers in NQ having an opportunity to meet up and to fine tune their skills.

Swimmers participated an athletic development session, kick and pull test sets, race specific training and recovery practice.  

Also this week, the Cannons hosted another successful Club Night.

Congratulations to Don Algie for setting a new 25-metre Butterfly record.  Congratulations to Addie Sanders and Celeste Orenshaw on their Upgrades.  

The club also presented Levi Smith with the Swim Star Award for swimming extremely well at last Club Night.  The Chocolate Awards went to Jack Ganter and Matilda Nicholes for the best personal bests.  

The Cannons also presented JX Caps and awards to: Anisa Helou (Gold), Ehsan Helou (Bronze), Isabella Pisaniello (Blue), Nathan Saunders (Blue), Daniel Saunders (Blue), Lukas Trevaskis (Bronze), Don Algie (Bronze), Tora Delac (Silver), and Jai Dennison (Blue).

As well, Austin Edwards-Bland (Gold), Rohan Gascoyne (Blue), Rory Gascoyne (Blue), Scarlett Gascoyne (Blue), Thomas Ganter (Blue), Matilda Nicholes  (Blue), and Isaac Pisaniello  (Blue), received their JX Caps.

Alongside them were Oliver Bond (Silver), Charlie Doherty (Blue), Nelson Malady (Silver), Remy Hedges (Silver), Lochlan Jamieson (Bronze), Taj Murray (Blue), Blake Hanks (Silver), Abi Maher (Blue), Tiana Bell (Blue), and Ruby Harland (Blue).

The Cannons are kickstarting the new season and would like to invite new swimmers and their families to “Come and Try” Club Night and to learn more about club swimming.  Club Nights are on every Wednesday from 5pm.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Addie S and Celeste O with Upgrades

Don Algie with record certificate Sept 2022

2022 finals got underway on Sunday, with some great darts on show.

Dom Friend was the first to make it to a preliminary final by defeating Jamie Woods 9/5. Dom’s finishing was the key to this one, with the match ultimately decided on the outer ring.

Although Woodsy hit a lovely 113 checkout in the match, Dom ultimately deserved the win as he performed well throughout.

Jamie Maher was the second player to make it to the prelims, narrowly beating Joe Wilson 9/8 in a battle of attrition that neither player deserved to lose.

Joe had a 4/1 lead early in the match, but Jamie fought tooth and nail to get back into it at six all. It was leg for leg all the way to the end, with Jamie clinching it on a double 10 in the last leg of the match.

The winners of both those games earn the weekend off next week, with the preliminary finals taking place in two weeks’ time.

Andy Peel hit a nice 101 checkout on his way to victory over Aaron Paull in the first of two Elimination Finals by 9 legs to 3. Andy will now meet Jamie Woods in next week’s semi-finals thanks to that win over Aaron.

Seumas Rose beat Alan Green 9/3 in the other Elimination Final to earn his place in next weeks semis where he will meet Joe Wilson. Both of those men are currently in fine form and playing well, so that’s shaping up to be a cracker.

In the consolation finals series, Ross Gallichan defeated Nathan O’Hara 7/5 to reach this years Hetlock Cup final. Ross hit a sweet 171 in that match, and he now awaits the winner of the other semi final of that series between Kameron Reason and Gary Robbie which will be played next week at Mika.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie Live BBQ & Bar and Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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Joe Wilson in action, narrowly losing but with a second chance next week

Saturday saw the Mama Africa Raiders play a knockout semi-final against the Kuttabul Camelboks on their home turf at Whitsunday Sportspark.

It was a chance for Raiders to bounce back after their loss against Bowen in the preliminary final round. Even though the Whitsunday side were very disappointed in that previous loss, 11-14, they turned up for training and got on with the job at hand.

This semi-final was always going to be a battle, not only mentally, but also physically. Up against one of the bigger pack of forwards in the competition, the Raiders were ready to go to battle and the local rugby community turned up in numbers to support the men in green and black.

The Kuttabul forward pack were the first to score, crossing the line out wide, but were unable to convert, taking the lead 5-0, not for long though, as the raiders stood up and put on the pressure to come away with their own converted try taking back the lead 7-5.

Both teams were intent on pushing as hard as they could, and at the half time break, the Mama Africa Raiders were in the lead 17-13. Coach Andre Houston echoed one of his favourite sentiments: “The game is not won in the first three quarters; it is won in the last.”

Fifteen minutes into the second half the game was in the balance with Kuttabul ahead 32-27, and the crowd on the edge of their seats. As they have shown throughout the year, the Raiders were not about to let this game get away from them and stepped up a notch, taking control of the ball and with some straight runs, line breaks and quick ball through the hands managed to put a further 21 points on the board and take out the game 48-32.

Well done to all the Mama Africa Raiders players, coaches, and staff, second year running, into the grand final.

This will be played out between the Mama Africa Raiders and the Bowen Mudcrabs on Saturday, September 17 at BB Print stadium, Mackay. Check out the Proserpine/Whitsunday Rugby Union Club Inc. Facebook page for kick off times and any other information on the game.

Players of the day Joel Hoffmann three points, Brodie Elson two points, and Jack Briskey one point.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

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Tackler Kainoa Close-Houston, assisting Brodie Elson background Jack Briskey, side Kumya Gabey

Try scorer Connor Spence, 15, Aden Spence, and Rhys Ward

Niall Clancy, Joel Hoffmann (ball carrier) and Jye Hawkins

There were 32 players yesterday for Proserpine Veteran’s Golf Monthly Medal round where the temperature was nice but a tad windy leaving for a low scoring outing.  

The ladies’ winner was Tiina Randmae, with a nett 73, followed by Jenny Hounsell, 74, and in the rundown were Jacqui Wall, 75, Paula McQuat, 76, Marieta Smith, 77, and Di Chard, 77.  

The men’s winner was Frank Moloney with a great score of 68 nett, second was Nick Apruzzese, 69, and in the rundown were Geoff Harrison, 71, Wilf Herweg, 74, John Oates, 75, and Ken Granger, 76.  

Nearest the pin winners for the ladies’ were Di Chard, Vickie Wallace, Mandy Patterson, and Tiina Randmae. The men's winners were Geoff Harrison, Albert Pini, Frank Moloney and Barry Mortimer.

Our chip in winners were Tiina Randmae, Marieta Smith, Elspeth Scotford, Patrick Patterson, Albert Pini, and Peter Fox.  Least putts went to Jacqui Wall, 27, and Peter Fox, 27.  

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Frank Maloney and Tiina Randmae