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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Better Built Sheds

Bowen Golf Report

August 24, 2023

Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event for the men and an eclectic for the ladies sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Kim Bennion 31 nett, Runner up Janice Bates 31 nett.  

Mens winner Lee Tiller 40pts, runner up Neil Steicke 39pts.

Saturday was a 4 ball aggregate medley stableford sponsored by LiveLife Pharmacy.  

Thank you for your continued support of our club.

Winners with a great score of 75pts were Elona Lynch and Morag Parker, 2nd place on a countback Ben Bon and Brett Richards 70pts, 3rd place Kaleb Brunker and Joshua Fraser 70pts.

LiveLife Pharmacy also had prizes for individual winners with Elona Lynch winning the individual ladies event with a great score of 45pts and Lee Tiller winning the Mens's with 39pts.  

Pin shots to Greg Carlyon, Geoff Fellows, Dwayne Bartlett, John Brown, Pauline Martin, Jacquie Miller, Debbie Breeze.  K

evin Cross and Craig Newell both had an OBP and Gordon Haslberger had an Eagle.

This weekend's competition is a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Sportspower.  

Don't forget to check the club's Facebook page for this week’s dinner specials.

Joker is worth $3000.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

LiveLife Pharmacy winners - Elona Lynch & Morag Parker

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Proserpine Golf Report

August 24, 2023

24 players in the Tuesday Stableford, with Laurie Dakin in form to wins the Men’s competition, with Gary Scotford a close 2nd and Trish McNeill winning the Ladies.

Tiina Randmae secured 2nd place. Elspeth Scotford cleaned up on the NTP’s.

Jenny Hounsell was the winner of Marlene Gray’s Wednesday Stableford with 43 pts, Trish McNeill in 2nd place on 37 pts, Anna Winterbourn claimed 3rd place with 34 pts.

Noelene Spurway, Robyn Whitham and Di Chard were the NTP winners.

Thursday Men’s Competition Division 1 winner with an excellent 66 nett was Ross Tong, followed by Troy Smith on 68 nett and Ritchie Atkins in 3rd place on 69 nett.

Division 2 winner was Chris Pham on 66 nett also, followed by Ken Lovett and Barry Shuwalow both on 71 nett.

The Ladies Competition was won by Janelle Ernst of Tropics Golf Club followed by Lyn Muller.

NTP winners: Phil Luckett, Chris Brett, Brian Smith, Allen Roberts, and Trish McNeill.

The Met 9 Hole Run on Friday was won by Brent Franke with 21 pts, Karlene Lloyd played well for 19 pts beating Ross Tong on a countback for 2nd place.

Cameron Mutch and Ryan Kenny were the NTP winners.

Ross Tong continued his good form to win the Division 1 men’s competition with 67 nett, beating Brent Franke on a countback.

Andrew Colborne won 3rd place with 69 nett. Division 2 was won by Vic Feldman on 65 nett, with Ned Davies on 71 nett and Barry Mortimer on 72 nett.

Tina Badenhorst played well to win the Ladies with 69 nett, closely followed by Trish McNeill on 70 nett and 3rd place went to Pauline Redpath on 74 nett.

NTP winners were: Tiina Randmae, Di Chard, Rob Stanley, Scott Milne, Andrew Colborne, and Vic Feldman.

Sunday’s competition was won by Lenny Booroff with a very nice 40 pts, followed by Renae Maxwell on 38 pts and in 3rd place was Peta Thomas on 36 pts.

No one managed to hit the greens to win a pin shot.

Contributed with thanks to the Pro Shop Team at the Proserpine Golf Club

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Proserpine Veterans Golf Report

August 24, 2023

37 players took to the course last Tuesday.  

Good to see a great turnout on a such a beautiful day.

There were some terrific scores, Trevor Paroz taking out the men's with 39, followed by Laurie Dakin on 38 and Gary Scotford on 36.  

Mandy Patterson was the ladies winner with 36, Tiina Randmae on 32 and Leanne Alexander on 31.  

Pin shots went to Barry Mortimer and 3 B graders who had it in the hole - Barry Shuwalow, Wilf Herweg and Harry Milne on the 2nd.

Vic Feldman (also in the hole) and Laurie Dakin on the 13th, and Geoff Harrison and Barry Shuwalow on the 16th.

The ladies, Lyn Muller and Tiina Randmae on the 2nd, Elspeth Scotford and Paula McQuat, both in the hole for a birdie, on the 13th.  

Mandy Patterson and Tiina Randmae on the 16th.

There will be no Vets competition next Tuesday.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Trevor Paroz and Mandy Patterson

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Whitsunday Green Golf Report-26

August 24, 2023

This week’s 9-hole stableford competition was won by Terry Kimpton on 23 pts, second was Glenn Rees with 22 pts and third place going to Dee Norman with 20 pts.

A terrific job by all.

On Friday our 9-hole stableford prawn run was our newest member Donovan Pettiford taking the win with 23 pts, second Tim Walton on 20 pts and third Glenn Rees with 19 pts.

Our Sunday skins 18 holes competition Jake Day taking the win on 39 pts, second was Deeray Fo’ou on a 36 c/b and third Donovan Pettiford with 36 pts.

Nearest the pin was Adam Singleton and Perri Simpson.

This Sunday 28th May will be our 18 hole (Stroke) Monthly Medal tee off at 10:00am, hope to see you all there.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Green Club

Jake Day wining the Sunday Skins competition. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday Golf Report

August 24, 2023

Sunday 21st of May saw the Whitsunday Golf Club playing their Club 4some Trophy Event.

It was a chilly 10 degrees but quickly warmed up to a beautiful 25, unfortunately it was a very depleted field due to many members away.

Congratulations to Ron Jamison and Mark McDougal for their win in the Mens Competition and Karen Rix and Pauline Redpath for the Ladies competition.

Runner up for the Mens were Scott Vlismas and Darren Renoylds and Linda Wardroper and Anna Winterbourn for the Ladies.

Contributed with thanks to Pauline Redpath

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Airlie Beach Parkrun

August 24, 2023

This week, in stunning conditions, 74 people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km waterfront course. 22 were first timers and 8 recorded new Personal Bests.

Several milestones were achieved; Claire completed her 25th parkrun, Josiah completed his 50th, Josh his 100th, Andrew his 200th and Tim his 250th.

Tim is the first 'local' parkrunner to complete 250 parkruns.

The event was made possible thanks to RD Maree and her team of fabulous volunteers: Nick, Kara, Maverick, Bossie, Craig, Susanne, Shane, Debbie, Wendy, Laura, Louise, Jarrod, Lynne, Joanne, Chris, Alicia, Chris, and Rachael.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015.

Since then, 4,885 participants have completed 25,017 parkruns covering a total distance of 125,085 km, including 2,901 new Personal Bests.

A total of 404 individuals have volunteered 3,691 times.

This Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun will use course 'B', which will meet at 6:50am for a briefing near the Garden Bar and Bohemian Raw, Coral Sea Marina. 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.

Everyone is welcome.

Contributed with thanks to Parkrun Airlie Beach

Andrew finishing his 200th park run, and Tim with his 250th

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Whitsunday Outrigger Report-22

August 24, 2023

Just the best weather for our social paddling afternoon!

Such a great outlet from our jam-packed weeks for everyone-experienced paddlers or brand new to our fantastic sport.

Favourable winds allowed us to make our leisurely way over to Town Beach where a little further paddling technique was given-and time for a photo of this week’s team.

Outrigger Whitsunday have 5 OC6 that are paddled Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

The clubs’ social team take advantage of an OC6 that only weighs 65kgs- with its highly advanced design and strong yet light hull, it requires much less effort for paddlers to accelerate and to catch any bumps out on the bay.

If you would like to give outrigger paddling a go, just contact the club on its Facebook page or Michelle Lynes 0421 159 852

Left-Kerrie, Robyn, Bolinda, Joanne, and Andrew in Outrigger Whitsunday’s lightweight OC6

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Cannons Enjoy Pioneer Swim Carnival

August 24, 2023

22 Cannonvale Cannons braved the cool conditions to compete at the Pioneer Short Course Transition Meet held in Mackay on Sunday.  

Coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden were very proud of all the young swimmers and would like to thank all the wonderful parents who assisted with officiating and managing the team.  Highlights include:  

8 Years and Under:  Eloise Chegwidden swam PBs in all her races.  

She was very pleased with her 2 silver medals and gold medal.  

Zane Clayworth swam a super 25m Butterfly in 30.04sec (3.22sec PB) to earn 3rd place.

One of Evelyn Doherty’s best swims was her 50m Backstroke (with a 1.88sec PB) which earnt her 2nd place.  

Indigo Harland aged 6 years smashed her 25m Butterfly time swimming a 14.35sec PB.  

Indigo’s sister, Koa swam an impressive 50m Breaststroke in a time of 1.00.65 (a 1.45sec PB) which earnt her 2nd place.  

Lucas Korosec had a very successful carnival, coming home with three gold medals and 1 bronze medal.  

8 – 10 Year Olds:  Ruby Harland, Harris Delac, Indianna Smith, Celeste Orenshaw, Adelaide Sanders, and Matilda Nicholes swam extremely well, swimming 5 or 6 PBs and all swam an excellent time in their 100m IM.  

Isaac Pisaniello also swam a super 100m IM and won his 50m Freestyle.

Jax Clayworth had an awesome carnival, swimming PBs in just about all his events and winning four of his events.

Don Algie came home with gold medals for his 50m Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Backstroke.  Jasper Korosec enjoyed all his races.  

11 Years and Over:  Tora Delac, Isabella Pisaniello and Charlie Doherty swam extremely, achieving PBs in most of their events.  

Tora did a massive 20.66sec PB in her 200m IM (2nd) and Charlie swam a 39.48sec PB in his 200m Backstroke (3rd place).  

Isabella’s best swims include her 50m Breaststroke (3rd) and 50m Butterfly (3rd).  

One of Dylan Reynolds best swims was her 100m IM which she swam a 11.14sec PB.  

Congratulations to all the Cannons!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Cannonvale Canons taking out big wins at swimming competition

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Whitsunday Touch Football

August 24, 2023

WTA was happy to welcome NQTA Referees Director Joe Lo Grande to our last round of Touch on Monday.  

Joe was able to assess three of our referees and we are proud to announce that Tim, Callan and Claudia are our new Level 2 Referees.  

Congratulations, your untiring efforts have been rewarded.

Next Monday WTA’s Finals Series begins:

First Week

1 v 2 Winner goes straight to Grand Final

3 v 4 Loser eliminated  

Second Week

Loser of 1v 2 plays winner of 3 v 4  

Winner goes to Grand Final

Third Week

Grand Final

Round Twelve Results

Mixed A

Trusty (12) defeated Concrete Feet (2)

Vipers (8) defeated In the Crear (6)

Mixed B

Ray White (7) defeated Slippery Salmons (5)

Touch It defeated Guinea Fowls – on forfeit

Whitmonday Eagles (4 ) defeated Full Boar (1 )

Mixed C

Fumble This (8) defeated On Time (2)

Whitsunday Warriors (9) defeated Stingers (6)

Flametree Flames defeated Raiders C

Mixed C (Family)

Untouchables (5) drew Mainlanders (5)

Escapees /Misfits (11) defeated Raiders Family (5)

Ladder Results

A Grade

1st Trusty

2nd In The Crear

3rd Vipers

4th Raiders A

5th Concrete Feet

B Grade

1st Ray White Mudcrabs

2nd Slippery Salmons

3rd Touch it

4th G.E.T. Touch

5th Whitmonday Eagles

6th Full Boar

7th The Guinea Fowls

C Grade

Fumble This

Flametree Flames

Whitsunday Warriors

Stingers  

OnTime

Raiders C

Family Grade  

Untouchables

Mainlanders

Escapees Misfits

Raiders Family

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NRL Gala Day Trophy Triumph

August 24, 2023

For Mighty St Patrick’s Red League Rookies

Meet the promising St Patrick’s College Red rookies that captured the NRL Gala Day Trophy last week at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

Under the guidance of Sports Co-ordinator Mercy campus Matthew Paul, the Mackay colts underlined their depth of talent       with impressive victories in the preliminary rounds before toppling Bowen State High School 8-4 in the Year 7/8 trophy decider.

It is a second championship title for the young St Patrick’s warriors who won the Mackay Secondary Schools Year 7/8 rugby league premiership last month.  

St Patrick’s Red defeated Pioneer State High, Moranbah State High White and Mackay State High in the lead up to the Final.

Led by rampaging props Nate Faulkner and Tom Mulherin, the Reds forwards laid the foundations for victory with powerful performances with lock Flynn Taylor, hooker Mason Muscat and back rowers Seth Collins, Angus Barns, Theo James, Jude Fidler, Blake Battaia, Tayt Rowe, Connor Peno and back up hooker Zac Johnson turning in strong displays.

Elusive centres Harper Shields and Jaden Chimes posted the Reds’ two tries in the Grand Final.

Talented halves Darcy Cabassi and Matt Fenech provided slick service to a St Patrick’s backline loaded with talent and featuring top fullback prospect Nathan Simon, wingers Sonny Doring and Kooper Tomlinson and the versatile Kade Coburn.

David Casale’s St Patrick’s Blue and Blake Paskins’ St Patrick’s White sides also chalked up victories in the Pool fixtures.

Other schools to enter teams in the NRL Gala Trophy included Moranbah State High, Sarina State High, Mackay Northern Beaches State High, Pioneer State High, Mackay State High, Mirani State High and Mackay Christian College.

Contributed by Chris Karas

St Patrick’s College Red standing L-R: Angus Barns, Jaden Chimes, Darcy Cabassi. Flynn Taylor, Nate Faulkner, Tom Mulherin, Connor Peno, Kade Coburn, Zac Johnson, Blake Battaia, Matt Fenech, Matthew Paul (coach), Harper Shields; front Tayt Rowe, Mason Muscat, Kooper Tomlinson, Sonny Doring, Theo James, Jude Fidler, Seth Collins and Nathan Simon

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Sarina Bowls Club News

August 24, 2023

Sarina Bowls Club celebrated and remembered all the fallen soldiers on Anzac Day. After a minute’s silence, 64 bowlers all in great spirit enjoyed an afternoon of two games of bowls, good music, many laughs and afternoon tea.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

The winning team was from left Brian Adams, Greg Hughes, sponsor Les Smith, Ken Blinco and Andrew Adams with the Anzac shield

Tom Flanagan and Bill Roots in the Anzac spirit at Sarina Bowls Club. Photo credit: Rita Hughes

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Cutters Named In Origin Squad

August 24, 2023

Four Mackay Cutters have been named in the Queensland Maroons squad ahead of the opening game of the women’s State of Origin series in Sydney.

Emma Manzelmann, Shannon Mato, Romy Teitzel, and China Polata have all been named in the extended squad after leading the Cutters to the BMD Premiership semi-finals in the club’s debut season in the competition.

“We’ve picked in-form players on the back of a really strong BMD Premiership competition,” Maroons head coach Tahnee Norris said.

"This year’s competition has gone from strength to strength and we’ve seen a number of players force their way into the squad following consistent performances over the past few months.”

The Maroons will enter camp on Friday, May 26 to prepare for the opening game of the State of Origin series at CommBank Stadium on Thursday, June 1.

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North Mackay Ladies Bowls News

August 24, 2023

3/5/23: Wednesday Social games winners are Gloria Sam, Wendy McGee and Marie Duck. Runners up are Carmel O’Lauchlan, Donna Gordon and Lidia McCarthy.

10/5/23: Wednesday Social games winners are Shirley Bartolo, Jean Schmidtke, Anne Smith and Joyce Camilleri. Runners up are Betty Mulhall, Helen Goldston, Pat O’Neill and Daphne Offield.

17/5/23: We celebrated our 75 anniversary with our PAH at Gooseponds Sport and Recreation Club. With players from all of our district clubs invited to this special event.

18/5/23: We commenced Ladies District Pennant games, good luck to all players who are playing in Division 1,2,3 and 4 this year.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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All Conquering Cutters Colts In Tip Top Shape

August 24, 2023

Mackay Cutters first grade team may be searching for its first victory in the Hostplus Cup this season, but the club’s heavy investment in youth is reaping dividends.

After four rounds, the all-conquering Cutters share top spot in the Hastings Deering Under 21 Colts competition and shape as an early contender for this year’s title.

The Mackay colts chalked up their third win of the 2023 series after toppling the Burleigh Bears 22-14 in blustery conditions at BB Print Stadium last Saturday to maintain their unbeaten record.

The Bears drew first blood after three minutes when winger Jeremiah Tamepo crossed before Mackay five eighth Henri Stocks and hooker Ethan Roberts posted tries in the space of eight minutes with goalkicker Stocks adding the extras for a 12-4 lead at the break.

Mackay extended their lead after the interval when interchange William Gething crashed over for his team’s third try of the afternoon.

Burleigh responded with tries by second rower Adam Christensen and a second for flyer Tamepo to bridge the gap before the Cutters sealed victory when winger Braydon Dunbar skirted the defence to nab a crucial late try.

Despite the Colts loss, the Bears capped a memorable day with the club clinching an historic seventh BMD Womens premiership and the first grade team roaring to the top of the Hostplus Cup table after trouncing the Cutters 42-6 in the main game.

Burleigh had too many big guns for the Cutters, producing a five-try second half blitz to grab the outright competition lead.

The Cutters matched the visitors for the opening 30 minutes until Bears skipper Sami Sauiluma scored the first of his two tries.

The Bears led 16-6 at the interval but punished the Cutters after the break with their powerful forwards strolling through tackles to lay on tries for Matthew Koellner, Jacob Alick,  Ken Maumalo, Tom Steadman and Sauiluma.

Mackay square off with Redcliffe this Saturday in a curtain raiser to the Dolphins v Melbourne Storm NRL clash at Suncorp Stadium from 5pm.

Mackay Cutters Colts continue to impress. Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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Young Cutter Striving Towards Colts Debut

August 24, 2023

Fast Facts

Full name: Corben John Becker

Club: Mackay Brothers Under 20s/Mackay Cutters Hastings Deering Colts

Height: 181cm

Date of birth: 14/07/2004 (18 years)

Birthplace: Mackay

Position: Halfback/Fullback

Nickname: Corbs

Favourite NRL Clubs: Brisbane Broncos, Melbourne Storm, North Queensland Cowboys

Favourite Player: Johnathan Thurston

Occupation: Apprentice electrician

When Corben Becker received a call from a former coach late last year, he was ecstatic to receive the news.

It was a coach he’d played for at Walkerston Wanderers, who also assistant coaches the Hastings Deering Colts Mackay Cutters, giving him the call up to join the squad.

Corben has been training with the Mackay Cutters Under 21s squad and played one trial game, working hard to ensure a debut.

“I’m just taking it all in,” Corben said.

“I’m the younger half of the team so I’ve just been training and getting more experience for the years to come.”

Corben’s rugby league journey started at just five years old when he joined Brothers Junior Rugby League Club.

His family relocated to the Sunshine Coast where he continued to develop his skills at Gympie Devils and Noosa Pirates before returning to Mackay and Brothers.

Finishing his junior career at Wanderers, Corben returned to Brothers to play U20s before joining the Cutters system.

The dynamic and fleet-footed backrower is honoured to be a part of the team, taking every opportunity to learn from those around him.

“Everyone just helps you out; the culture here’s amazing,” he said.

“Your teammates are always boosting you up and you’re always trying to work yourself up to be as good as or better than the other people in your position.

“I’m just trying to play my best footy, not let my team down and play for my family.”

As a local who is following his rugby league dreams in his hometown, Corben’s advice to other young players is to keep learning.

“Always ask questions,” he said.

“Make sure you take in what the coaches tell you and put in 100% effort at training.”

Looking forward to his Colts debut, Corben is excitedly watching his team start their 2023 season with an undefeated run after three rounds.

“We haven’t lost yet,” he said.

“We’ve just got to keep up the grind and make sure we play more than a half of football.”

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