Tuesday afternoon Ladies Day at Airlie Beach Bowls Club hosted a spectacular display of bowls by Regina Aqualina, and Robin and John Brown in an impressive victory.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls had a huge winner in John Askew’s team of Tony Kelly and Eric Barnard.

The side were at their ultimate best time after time and commanding a 32-15 win for the prize mone, whilst Mario De Martini took home the Health Hub Award.

Wednesday night Business House Bowls: Hadlow Racing and Tuk Tuks finish on top and will play each other this week for their name on the trophy.

Thursday afternoon will see the final of the school’s three bowls triples with a sausage sizzle and prize giving to end the term.

Saturday morning was the return of Scroungers, and the first round winners Tony Whitehorn, Russell Jackson, Betty Whitehorn, and John Askew.

The semi-finals were between Tony and Betty Whitehorn, which Tony won. The second semi-final was between John and Russell, with Russell winning that contest, but the final belonged to Tony with a fantastic win. Margo Stanley won Group B.

Sunday afternoon had a big roll up and it was again the Tony Whitehorn show with an impressive victory with his talented team of Dawn Dowel and Lu Rogan.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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In Capricornia Rugby League Squads

Six of Mackay’s best young rugby league prospects will showcase their skills in coming weeks at one of the State’s best showpiece schoolboy tournaments.

Emerging St Patrick’s College colts in halfback Jaxon Purdue, hooker Xavier Kerrisk, fullback Will Shears, lock forward Kayne Smith, centre Tenzin Cantor and prop Tyler Shandiman are players to watch when they line up for the Capricornia 18yrs team at the Queensland School Sport State Championships in Townsville on May 22-23.

The tournament is the breeding ground for future NRL, State of Origin and Kangaroos stars and a stepping stone into the code’s highly competitive professional ranks.

Queensland Country Under 17s playmaker Purdue and classy number nine Kerrisk along with dashing custodian Shears and ball playing lock Smith are already contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys and have bright futures in the game.

Shears and Smith impressed Cowboys officials during a Young Guns pre-season camp in Townsville while Cantor and Shandiman add size and strength to a powerful and well drilled Capricornia representative squad that is tipped to figure in the State Championship play-offs.

All six are key players for Ian Schifilliti’s much vaunted St Patrick’s College Open Boys team that are strong contenders for this year’s Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup titles.

The super six are also trump cards for the Mackay Cutters Under 18s side that are currently entrenched in the top six of the Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup competition after five rounds.

Meanwhile five St Patrick’s College students feature in the Capricornia 14-15yrs rugby league representative squad that will also compete at the Queensland School Sport State Championships in Townsville on May 22-23.

Young guns Adam McSherry, George Gofton, Sam Anderson, Norm Campbell and Eli Cookson were selected after strong performances at schoolboy and Junior League level.

McSherry, a premiership winning five eighth with the Brothers Bulldogs, will skipper the Capricornia team.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Mackay rugby league stars l to r Xavier Kerrisk, Tyler Shandiman, Kayne Smith, Jaxon Purdue, Will Shears and Tenzin Cantor will represent Capricornia at the Queensland School Sport Rugby League State Championships in Townsville from May 22-23. Photo supplied

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The first round of the three-round-three-person ambrose sponsored by Whitsunday Concrete Constructions and Proserpine Golf Club was played last weekend with 30 players forming teams to compete.

The winning team at Whitsunday Social Golf for round one on 61.5 nett was Darren Reyolds, Vicki Tuckm and Scott Vlismas.

Second place on 62.3 went to Jason Bourke, Pam Casey, and Clay Coles, and third place  on 62.5 was Roger Vandenberg, Karen Rix, and Don Cameron.

Longest drivers were claimed by Darren Reynolds, Mark McDougall, Penny Wardroper, and Karen Rix.

Nearest the pins were Jason, Pam, Clay, Dave Hoy, Anna Winterbourn, Ron Jamieson, Karen, Roger, Don, Scott, Vicki, and Darren.

NAGA award went to Paul Nicol, Pauline Redpath, and Tiina Randmae.

Next Sunday will be the Club’s April monthly medal.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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The weather was the winner last week at Proserpine Golf Club, defeating everyone on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

The Club managed to head back on the course on Friday for the 9-hole social competition where Paul Gray led the way, winning the Metropole Hotel Voucher on 20 points, and narrowly defeating Harry Milne on a countback.

Michael Cragg came in third with 19 points and the Club’s new member Karlene Lloyd carded an impressive 18 for fourth position.

Paul Gray and John Roser were the Nearest The Pin winners.

Kenny Todd and Conrad Werner edged out their nearest competitors by just one point on Saturday with 45 to take out the 4BBB stableford competition ahead of Mark Richards and Jill Farinelli on 44 pts.

Kelvin Stephens and Lewis Tuck in third position with close 43.

There were only 2x2 shots for the day - Brian Allen and Andrew Colborne - and the NTP winners were John Wallace, Tina Badenhorst, Paul Joice, and Trish McNeill.

Contributed with thanks to The Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop Team

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Ella Bounden is a name to watch in the world of swimming. At the young age of 13 years, she is already piquing interest and achieving goals one can only dream about.

Ella started swimming at six years old, always having swam with the Pioneer Swimming Club.  Ella’s growth as an athlete and focus to her goals in the sport of swimming is phenomenal at such a young age.  

She tells us her favourite coach to date is “Igor of course” – he has fostered this love and mentored a strong and formidable athlete. Ella tells us she loves how Igor can tailor training for each of the swimmers in the squad to ensure they are each being challenged every session.

Ella’s “pet” stroke is Backstroke – the 50 or 100 metre events. The 2022-2023 season has seen Ella break an extraordinary number of personal bests but also achieve qualifying times for State and National events! Ella swam at the December 2022 McDonald’s Queensland Championships, the February 2023 Hancock Prospecting Queensland Sprint Championships and now has qualified and will attend the 2023 Australian Age Championships in April. Ella’s next goal is to join the Junior World Championship Trials – watch out!

She tells us she looks up to Australian Swimmer, Isaac Cooper. He also loves Backstroke but she loves his determination to keep trying despite what gets thrown at him.

Ella is excited for Nationals in April – not just because it is Nationals, but because it is something different, exciting, and new to experience. The Pioneer Swimming Club has not had a swimmer qualify for nationals in a long time and she is excited to represent the club on this stage. The Club is certainly proud of her!

Ella is such a delight in our club – she is always happy, always smiling and always focused and eager to swim. She tells us she loves her club – “it is fun, inclusive and a great environment” but she also loves how the club is always doing something, be it training, club nights, carnivals, dinners and barbeques.  

The Club looks forward to hearing Ella’s experience at Nationals and wish her the best of luck!

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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The moment Ella Bounden knew she made a national time

Ella at NQ Champs. Photos supplied

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Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single par event sponsored by the Club, with Ladies’ winner Kim Bennion on a comfortable +3.

Runner up for the women was Bonnie Kohlhase, 0, and Men’s winner on a countback was Paul Martin +2, followed by Kurt Bidgood, also +2.

Saturday’s competition was a 4BBB stroke event for the Men's double Matchplay qualifier with winners on 61 nett in the men’s Craig Newell and Michael Mawson.

Runners-up were Greg Fairs and Tom Wikander 62 nett.

Sunday was the ladies double Matchplay qualifier and winners with 63 nett were Jo Kukura and Julie Martin, while runners up were Meg and Claire Garrod, 64 nett.

Pin shots to Leanne Swan, Grace Nott, Annie Mason, and Julie May.

The Club will host another split round again this weekend: Men and Ladies will play a stroke event for the April Monthly medals; Ladies play on Saturday and Men on Sunday.  

Both competitions are sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf club.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Bowen Golf Club’s Ladies’ 4BBB winners

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The Cannonvale Cannons hosted their last weekly Club Night for the swim season last Wednesday, beginning the occasion with a presentation to its National Team representatives.

Swimmers Jacob Bell, Holly Perrin, Jy Parkinson, Ehsan and Anisa Helou, and coach Mark Erickson will represent the region in attending the Australian Age Championships and were presented with a special pack and shirt by the local swimming club.

The Cannons also extended their best wishes to Isabella Pisaniello, Ruby Harland, Don Algie, Jax Clayworth, Anis and Ehsan Helou, Remy Hedges, Holly Perrin, Jacob Bell, and Jy Parkinson in their selection for the North Queensland School Swim teams at the Queensland championships this week in Brisbane.  

At the Club Night, Club Official Jane Delac presented Jax Clayworth and Ehsan Helou with Club Records.  

Jax set records for 50-metre Butterfly - in 38.6 seconds - and the 100-metre IM in 1.29.55, while Ehsan set a record for 50-metre Breaststroke in a time of 34.06 seconds.

The Chocolate Awards for the best personal bests were presented to Bianca Anderson, Millie Groom, and Harris Delac.  

Upgrade Certificates were presented to Evie Doherty, Roxy Groom, Declan Dichiera, Isaac Pisaniello, Stevie Lee, Jasper Korosec, Isabella Pisaniello, Zach Trefz, Zane Clayworth, Harry Crisp, Millie Groom, Abi Maher, and Anisa Helou.

Highlights from Club Night include - top performers achieving the most personal bestss:  Bianca Anderson, Clare Anderson, Liam Filewood, Indi Smith, Isabella Pisaniello, Isaac Pisaniello, Connor Lee, Jack Ganter, Roxy Groom, Ehsan Helou, Lucas Korosec, Celeste Orenshaw, and Charlie Doherty.  

Jax Clayworth swimming an excellent 200-metre IM in a time of 3.16.71 which was a 14.82 second personal best.  Addie Sanders swam an awesome 25-metre Butterfly in a time of 25.62 seconds.  

Roxy Groom swam an impressive time of 2.01.17 in her 100-metre Breaststroke and Connor Lee swam a 7.70 second personal best in his 50-metre Butterfly.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club swimmers Mark Ehsan, Holly Anisa, and Jacob will represent the region at the Australian Age Championships

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This week 82 participants ran, jogged, and walked the five-kilometre waterfront course with new personal bests achieved by Lotte, Hudson, Kendell, Ian, Stephanie, Leighann, Melissa, Rosalyn, Emma, Michelle, Grant, and Elizabeth.

Jack and Kaitlyn completed their first parkrun and visitors Bethan, Ewan, Claire, Patrick, Ben, Michael, Leah, Zoe, Colleen, Juanita, and Michele.

Several milestones were celebrated; 25 parkruns as a volunteer for Sarah; 50 volunteers and 50 parkruns for Tail Walker Lynne; 100 parkruns for Stuart; 100 parkruns for Michael; and 100 parkruns for Sue.

The event was made possible thanks to RD Kara and her team of 14 fabulous volunteers: Nick, Kathryn, Andrea, Nathalie, Toma, Darlene, Ashley, Jolie, Aiden, Gus, Lynne, Dennis, Joanne and Emma.

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.

The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social and supportive environment. 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.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

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Most of the wonderful Airlie Beach parkrun volunteer team

Stuart completed his 100th parkrun last weekend

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This week’s Airlie Beach Darts Premier League action began with a round three catch up match between Gary Robbie and Dom Friend.

Dom came flying out of the blocks, hitting a 180 and a few 140s in his 7/4 victory over Gary. Dom didn’t have it all his own way, though, as Gary lead the contest 3/1 during the early stages, showing positive signs for his season.

Both Gary and Dom featured again later in the day: Dom was held 6/6 with Andy Peel, whereas Gary’s day got worse, suffering a heavy 7/0 loss to Joe Wilson, who currently sits a point behind the league leader.

The round was closed out with an entertaining 6/6 draw between Arthur McMinn and Jamie Maher.

Arthur showed a lot of fight in that match, trailing 6/3 win before winning three legs on the trot to earn a valuable point.

Finally, Jamie Woods had a comfortable 7/1 win over Hawkeye Rick to go joint second on the table, equal with Joe and a point behind league leader Dom Friend.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing, and Master Butchers Whitsunday. Thank you for supporting our club.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Round 4 Table

1. D Friend 7 pts

2. J Wilson 6 pts

3. J Woods 6 pts

4. S Rose 3 pts

5. A Peel 3 pts

6. A McMinn 3 pts

7. K Reason 3 pts

8. J Maher 3 pts

9. J Lloyd 2 pts

10. G Robbie 2 pts

11. H Rick 0 pts

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2019 and 2022 league champions Andy Peel and Dom Friend doing battle at the Airlie Bowls Club on Sunday morning.

A strong south easterly wind, with gusts in excess of 25 knots, was the order of the day for the Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race on Wednesday.  

A number of boats in the 13-boat fleet chose to reef their sails to ensure a more comfortable race, while not sacrificing speed.  

Treasure VIII (Rob Davis) again made a perfectly timed start to take out the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize, maintaining good performance against the faster boats for much of the race.  

Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) led the fleet around the first rounding mark, with QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) close behind.  

Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) struggled in the strong conditions and fell away from the leaders, having a great battle against Treasure VIII, while the heavier boats, Wide Load (Shannan Hart) and Twister (Kevin Fogarty) performed best in the strong wind.

On corrected time, Twister took the honours over Wide Load and Treasure VIII.

Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) was too keen to get a good start, resulting in a recall and having to restart in the next race.

This allowed Shiraz (John Cable) to lead the fleet away, with Matchless (Terrence Stevens) close behind.

After a slow start, Wobbly Boot soon joined the action at the front of the fleet, making it a 3 way battle, with the lead constantly changing.  

On the last leg of the course Wobbly Boot made a decisive move, hitting the front at the crucial time to take line honours from Matchless and Shiraz.  

Further back, both Rossgo (Greg Hammon) and Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) missed the start, sailing in close formation to finish 4th and 5th, while Lama (Louie Tuck) followed them home.  

On corrected time, Shiraz took the honours over Rossgo and Masquerade.

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

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Greg Hammon’s boat Rossgo at full power in theWhitsunday Sailing Club Twilight Race on Wednesday

The Cannonvale Cannons hosted another successful Wednesday Club Night last week before leading into Saturday’s Club Championships.

Five Cannons also chased National qualifying times by participating in a time trial in Proserpine, with all making the cut: Jy Parkinson, Jacob Bell, Holly Perrin, Ehsan Helou, and Anisa Helou.

The five Cannons will travel to the Australian Age Swimming Championships held during the April school holidays on the Gold Coast.  

At the Wednesday night Club Night, Jy Parkinson and Jacob Bell were presented with special Queensland Development squad caps.  

Three Cannons set new pool records at the Collinsville/Scottsville Amateur Swimming Carnival in weeks prior: Eloise Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, and Isabella Pisaniello; and Jax Clayworth also set a new Cannonvale Club record last week for 50-metre Butterfly.  

The Cannons commended Matilda Nicholes on taking out this week’s Swim Star Award, while this week’s Chocolate Awards were presented to Holly Perrin, Tora Delac, and Thomas Ganter for the best personal bests.

Upgrade Certificates were awarded to Thomas Ganter, Zane Clayworth, Lucas Korosec, Bianca Anderson and Zach Trefz.  

Highlights from Club Night include: Top performers of the night based on personal bests were Alessa Penglase-Fortunato, Isabella Pisaniello, Indi Smith, Zach Trefz, Declan Dichiera, Evie Doherty, Bianca Anderson, Harry Crisp, Charlie Doherty, and Jack Ganter.

Harry Crisp, aged eight, swam a super 50-metre Freestyle in 56.34 seconds, a 3.59 second best.

Harris Delac, aged nine, swam an excellent 100-metre IM in 1.55.31 – a 3.84 second personal best. While brothers Zane and Jax Clayworth both swam fantastic times in their respective Butterfly events.  

Congratulations to all the other swimmers who swam personal bests: Don Algie, Tora Delac, Miller Eaves, Thomas Ganter, Millie Groom, Ty Hayes-Williams, Gracie Laguna, Connor Lee, Stevie Lee, and Millah Walker.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Eloise Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, and Isabella Pisaneiello set new Collinsville pool records while representing the Cannonvale Cannons at the Collinsville/Scottsville Amateur Swimming Carnival

Cannonvale Cannon Matilda Nicholes with her Swim Star Award from last week’s Cannons Club Night

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The Whitsunday Sailing Club’s weekly twilight races were hosted in perfect sailing conditions on Wednesday, with 16 yachts on the water.

While the easterly breeze was ideal, it abated during the afternoon, dropping to just four knots by the time the last boats finished.

A close start put Wide Load (Shannan Hart) just ahead of QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) to take the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize, but that was the only time that these two boats headed the fleet.

At the first rounding mark, a race long battle commenced between Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez / Iyas Shaheen) and Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale).  

There was little to separate these two boats, with the lead swapping a number of times.

It was a lonely race for Treasure VIII (Rob Davis) in fourth place, while Twister (Kevin Fogarty) and Wide Load had another close battle further back.

While just 12 seconds separated the first two boats, it was Smooth Criminal who took the line honours and handicap prizes, with Bobby’s Girl and QMS Ponyo taking the minor placings.

Division Three saw Rossgo (Greg Hammon) lead the fleet away, but it was Matchless (Terrence Stevens who led the fleet at the first mark.

In the light conditions Aquatarius (Tom Parker) was in second place, despite the heavy boat usually struggling in those conditions.  

A quiet day saw Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) behind Rossgo, while Shiraz (John Cable), Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic), Lighthorse (Di Forster), and Norbert G (Ghigo Casalini) followed further back.  

On corrected time, the honours went to Matchless, with Rossgo second and Aquatarius third.

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.

Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results.

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisolm

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Smooth Criminal leading Bobby’s girl in the Whitsunday Sailing Club Twilight Race

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Onlookers may have been confused while watching Whitsunday Outriggers Canoe Club participate in ‘Huli’ practice two weeks ago in the Whitsunday waters.

The local club embarked from Shingley Beach to New Beach, and whilst in the Pioneer Bay, tipped themselves out of their vessels.

Outrigger Club member Paul Tobias said a Huli is essentially when an outrigger capsizes, caused when the outer float leaves the water, rotating 180-degrees.

“This is a rare occurrence, as the ama [outer float] provides canoe stability, but when a Huli happens, all paddlers find themselves in the water,” Mr Tobias said.

“A couple of times a year, the routine for recovery needs to be practiced and last Saturday morning for Whitsunday Outriggers, it was Huli time.”

After a safety briefing at Shingley Beach from club president Terry Kemp and coach Glen Bray, the Huli crew across to New Beach to Huli.

Safety and teamwork were essential, with each member, depending on their seat in the canoe, allocated a task -- from collecting the paddles, to righting the canoe and bailing out the water.

Four, six person ocean canoe crafts (OC6) went over during the Huli, leaving the outriggers drenched, but with good water safety and team work, four relatively speedy recoveries.

Mr Tobias said his own previous practice took place a month ago in surf off the Victorian beach of Torquay, “where the water temperature is quite different to the beautiful Whitsundays.”

“Well done to all 22 paddlers on Saturday,” he said.

And last Wednesday, senior representatives from Tassal visited Shingley Beach to view the latest addition to the outrigger fleet – a direct outcome of their sponsorship.

The recently launched six person Matahina ocean canoe is already a vital part of the OC6 training and racing canoes for Outrigger Whitsunday.

“Thanks to Heidi Smith, Senior Manager, Environmental, Social and Governance at Tassal, and Kylie Davies, Senior Manager Projects and Growth, for your company’s ongoing support,” Mr Tobias said.

Contributed with thanks to Paul Tobias

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Whitsunday Outriggers Canoe Club participated in a ‘Huli’ last weekend, pictured here during a safety briefing for the capsize safety practice

Outriggers with their new boat courtesy of Tassal, as well as representatives from the aquaculture company

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The Whitsunday Moto Sports Club held a successful Round 2 of its Club Championships on Saturday, March 18.

Great numbers competed in both the club’s Cadet and Senior classes – with brand new karters Luke and Cruz racing for the first time this meeting.  

The club’s next race day will be Saturday, May 20, where they will be hosting the North Queensland Series.

Winners:

Cadet 9

1. Brook Nolan

2. Sophie Accatino

Cadet 12

1. Cruz Patroni

2. Aston Mills

3. Luke Nolan

KA3 Snr Lt

1. Damien White

2. Emilee Ceccato

3. Daniel Spurway

TaG Light

1. Lara Hadlow

TaG Heavy

1. Leo Rodriguez

2. Peter Matthews

3. Bryan Reitano

TaG Res Light

1. Ethan Ventura

2. Liam Gibson

3. Dylan Dunstan

TaG Res Heavy

1. Doug Penningh

2. Dave Sturgeon

Contributed with thanks to Tracey Stroud

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It was a massive day of darts coming up this weekend for the Airlie Beach Darts Club with the season’s first trophy up for grabs.

Round One had valuable Premier League points up for grabs, and the winners advanced to the knockout stages of the Celtic Cup competition.

The defending champion was Jamie Woods, who started off with a comfortable 7/1 win over Jamie Maher. Joe Wilson hit a 180 in his 7/0 win over Hawkeye Rick, and Jayden Lloyd recorded a 7/2 win over Andy Peel.

The last two matches of the round were a little closer than the others, with Gary Robbie beating Jayden Lloyd 7/5 in a Round Two catch up match, and Kameron Reason and Seumas Rose played out a six-all draw.

A few of the best losers, as well as the winners, advance to the quarter finals, with results as follows: Quarter Finals- A Peel 4-2 S Rose, J Woods 4-0 K Reason, J Wilson 4-0 J Maher, J Lloyd 4-3 G Robbie. Semi Finals - J Woods 4-3 A Peel, J Wilson 4-0 J Lloyd. Celtic Cup Final - J Woods 4-0 J Wilson

Congratulations to Jamie Woods for successfully defending his title, unlucky to Joe who played well all day; and congratulations also to Seumas Rose for winning the meat raffle.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, and Master Butchers Whitsunday.

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Airlie Beach Darts Club raffle winner Seamus Rose and Celtic Cup winner Jamie Woods

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