
North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club Hosts Goosepond Triples Carnival North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club recently hosted its annual Goosepond Triples Carnival at the Goosies Club, attracting 60 players from clubs across the Mackay district. Ladies President Hilary Jones-Rowan welcomed competitors along with sponsors Gardian, Mortgage Choice and Goosepond Sport and Recreational Club before the day’s competition got underway. Players contested three games throughout the carnival, with lunch and afternoon tea provided by Goosies staff during the breaks in play. North Mackay’s team of L. Bowers, L. Deguara and L. Lemke claimed first place after a strong day on the greens. Second place went to South Suburban’s L. Howland, V. Dempsey and J. Rogers, while fellow Suburban bowlers L. Coad, H. Ray and J. Lewis finished third. North Mackay representatives D. Mackenzie, C. Corbett and D. Gordon secured fourth place. Three round one winners and two lucky card winners were also recognised during presentations. President Hilary Jones-Rowan thanked all players and supporters for attending and wished everyone well for future competitions. Winners today (L) Lorna Bowers,Lorraine Lemke and Lois Deguara and David Fisher and Ben Phillips from Gardian and Mortgage Choice. Third place winners today ( L) H. Ray and J.Lewis and Lorna Coad (absent) Second place winners (L) L. Howland, V. Dempsey and J. Rogers. Photo supplied DESIGNER NOTE: **2ND ARTICLE** North Mackay Men’s Bowls Club Crowns A Grade Singles Champion North Mackay Men’s Bowls Club recently held its A Grade Singles final, with Chris Banney and Geoff Ollett facing off in a highly anticipated championship decider. Both players produced quality bowling throughout the match, with several tightly contested heads keeping spectators engaged across the final. After a strong performance under pressure, Geoff Ollett secured the club’s A Grade Singles title for this year. Congratulations were extended to both bowlers on an excellent contest and sportsmanlike display. Contributed by Sue Hazledine A grade finals winner Geoff Ollett and runner up Chris Banney. Photo supplied
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Two talented swimmers from the Mackay Cyclones Swimming Club are set to represent Mackay on the national stage after qualifying for the 2026 Australian Swimming Trials in Sydney from June 8th–13th. Ehsan Helou and Audrey Bryan have both achieved qualifying times in the highly competitive 50-metre breaststroke event and will take to the pool on Day Three of the meet, June 10th, against many of Australia’s top swimmers. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the pair and reflects years of dedication, perseverance and hard work in the pool. Cyclones coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier praised the swimmers for the resilience they have shown throughout their journeys to reach the elite level. “These athletes understand better than most the highs and lows that come with elite sport — the setbacks, challenges and moments of disappointment,” she said. “But their qualification is proof that persistence, resilience and hard work do pay off when everything finally comes together.” The success of Helou and Bryan also reflects the commitment of Pokarier, whose passion for developing young swimmers has helped build a strong culture of resilience, discipline and belief within the Cyclones squad. The club described the qualification as a significant milestone and said the entire Cyclones community was proud of both athletes. The Australian Swimming Trials are among the country’s premier events, with swimmers competing for national selection and representative honours. For Helou and Bryan, qualifying alone places them among the nation’s best breaststroke swimmers and caps off a strong long-course season for the Mackay Cyclones squad. Their success is also proving an inspiration for younger swimmers within the club, demonstrating what can be achieved through resilience, commitment and belief. As the countdown to Sydney begins, the Mackay swimming community will be proudly cheering on two of its own.
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AT THE TABLE MACKAY TABLE TENNIS RESULTS 26th May 2026 Tuesday Evening Fixtures Division 1: Cockatoos (Mick Ruhl, Mark Sleeman, Neil Brown) won 7-4 over Curlews (Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan, Geoff Cowan), Geoff was to strong for Mark (5,-8,-7,6,6). Canaries (Yilin Jiang, Josh Brown) defeated Budgies (Emma Widdup, Graham Drury) 6-3, Yilin and Josh got home against Emma and Graham in close 5 sets (-6,-5,7,10,9). Geese (Steve Whiting, Lee Brake, Janice Kent) came back to win 7-4 over Bowerbirds (Trent Day, Allan Edwards), Trent made a great come back against Lee to win (-12,-6,7,6,14) Division 2: Parrots (Delma Knight, George Camilleri, Liz Burton) defeated Owls (Rod Mahumas, Ricky Zhan, Peter Goodson) 8-3, Liz got the better of Peter in 5 sets (6,8,-8,-8,10). Doves (Will VanDeKaa, Daniel Warfield, Noreen Frederickson) just got home 6-5 over Eagles (Andrea Nicholson, Ollie Hamelink, Rachel Fiesta), Ollie and Rachel won a massive marathon against Noreen and Daniel (-9,14,-14,13,9). Galahs (Remy Zhan, Donna Abbott, Mark Stem) were to strong for Kites (Ian McKay, Matt West, Daryl Ross) 9-2, Ian won close battle against Mark (-5,6,8,-7,7). Division 3: Great wins by Logan Brown, Craig VanDeKaa, Tiffany Camilleri and it is very close battle for the top positions. Tuesday Morning Fixtures Division 1: Orion Orbiters (Andrea Nicholson, Veronica Shepherd, John McGee) overcome Eclipse Spin (Cheryl Pearson, Kevin Abbott, Daryl Ross) 8-4, Daryl come home strong against Veronica (4,11,-5,-10,4). Nova Smashers (Doug Dungavell, Ross DeBoer, Judy Zahn) beat Astro Aces (George Camilleri, Peter Goodson, Sally Muir) 7-5, Doug outlasted George in close 5 sets (-6,6,11,-6,6). Division 2: Spartan Spin (Ian Dodds, Gloria Vella, Helen Ware) defeated Samurai Swords (John Hamelink, Thelma Caruana, Coral Morgan) 10-2, Ian battled to get home against Coral (9,-8,7,-6,8). Ninja Strikes (Frank Caruana, Pam Keune, Chris Collins) drew 6-6 with Viking Raiders (Kim Daffy, Louise, Gould, Josie Davis), Kim came back to win over Pam (11,-11,-4,8,8). Division 3:Celtic Smash (David Muir, Trish Zamparutti, Myles Dutton) outlasted Mongol Power (Gerry Synnott, Laurie Bradshaw, Glenda Dutton) 7-5, Trish and Myles just beat Glenda and Laurie in 5 sets (-7,8,7,-8,6). Aztec Warriors (Kim Challendar, Janelle Keune, Glenda Brookes) won close battle over Gladiator Grip (Sharon Muller, Iris Grasso, Madge Saunders) 7-5, with Kim getting home in 5 sets against Iris (10,9,-6,-10,8). Liz Burton Peter Goodson. Photos supplied
Read the full storyMackay Contract Bridge Results The Mackay Novice players competed in the 2026 Australian Wide Novice Pairs Competition on Tuesday. Sixteen Mackay pairs competed against other players all over Australia. The Mackay Winners were Annette Howe & Jewel Schmidt N/S and Janice Mansfield & Joy Block E/W. Many new players who finished beginner’s lessons in March participated with excellent results. Well done to all it, was an extremely close finish. Weekly Results Monday 25 May 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 2nd Ming Ting / Diane Stokes 2nd Joy Hold / Rodney Miles 3rd Lorna Shuttlewood / Geoff Taylor 3rd Sandra Wallace / Pamela Armstrong Tuesday 26 May 2026 – 2026 Australian Wide Novice Pairs 8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Jewel Schmidt / Annette Howe 1st Janice Mansfield / Joy Block 2nd Jennifer Cameron / Errol Morris 2nd Susan Ross / Laura Howland 3rd Lynne O’Neill / Christine Fitzpatrick 3rd Jean Penridge / Helen Goldston Tuesday Evening 26 May 2026 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy 2nd Faye Wright / Janine Rodgers 3rd Vicki Howard / Richard Wix 4th Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott Wednesday 27 May 2026 –10 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Monica Darley / Frances Brown 1st Terry Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood 2nd Janine Rodgers /Schmidt 2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown 3rd David Ting / Eric Goodchild 3rd Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz Thursday Evening 28 May 2026 – 4 Table One Winner – Green Points N/S E/W 1st Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st Griffin Bancroft / Mick King 2nd Faye Wright / Adrian Westcott 2nd Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore Friday 29 May 2026 –- 11 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix 1st Ming Ting / David Ting 2nd Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy 1st Debbie Ludkin / Diane Cox 3rd Patricia Garner / Christine Nice 3rd Lynne O’Neill / Annette Howe Saturday 30 May 2026 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown 1st Janet Hansen / Diane Stokes 2nd Marilin Robins / Janine Rodgers 2nd Vicki Howard / Geoffr Cowan 3rd Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood 3rd Patricia Garner / Martin Pearce Sunday 31 May 2026 – Novice and Mentors 7 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Joy Hold / Terry Sheedy 1st Martin Pearce / Jennifer Cameron 2nd Griffin Bancroft / Debbie Ludkin 2nd Debra Goodchild / Annette Howe 3rd Faith Hutchinson / Geoff Cowan 3rd Rodney Miles / Geoffrey Patterson 1 - Winners - Annette, Jewel, Joy & Janice
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Wednesday 20/4/23 winners were Sue Roscoe, Pam Louis, Donna Gordon.
Runners up in a pairs game were Sue Hazledine and Daphne Offield.
Currently we are playing in our Championship Singles and B Singles both of which are very close to the finals. Our Goosepond Ladies 3 Bowl Triples was held at the club on Wednesday the 26/4 with teams from all around the district attending. Thanks to the many clubs who are participating in this exciting event, and good luck to all.
Contributed by Sue Hazledine

The Ladies section travelled to Northern Beaches last Tuesday for the Symons Shield and were just pipped by Sarina Club in the Semi-Final. No Tuesday Social at the Club due to rainy weather. Thursday Scroungers was played with 15 players with Whare Herewini def Karina Dunn in the final.
A weekend of Men’s Pennants was played with home and away games with wins to all our teams.
Saturday Division 2 v Marian away
Aggregate score Mackay 66 to Marians 37. Result 5 points to 1.
Division 4 v City at Home
Aggregate score Mackay 40 to City 41. Results 0.5 to 4.5.
Division 6 v Sarina
Mackay 48 to Sarina 36 Resuts 6 points to 0
Sunday Division 2 v Wests Tigers at Home
Aggregate Score Mackay 94 Wests Tigers 42 Results 6 points to 0
Division 4: v Seaforth away
Aggregate Score Mackay 46 to Seaforth 25 Results 5 POINTS TO 0
Division 6 at Home
Aggregate Score 48 to RSL 31 Results 4 points to 1.
This Weekend sees the playing of the Prestige Fours with 16 Teams competing over two days.
Come on down to the club and watch some exciting bowling from members all over the district.
Friday Social Day from 1pm. The ladies are hosting and inviting all members and visitors to join them in social Bowls.
Contributed by Mike Irving
Mackay & Wests pennants Div 2

Champion Mackay Meteors point guard Isaac White has secured a two year deal with the Brisbane Bullets for NBL24.
The prolific points-scoring maestro – who has lit up the NBL1 North Conference with superb performances on court in the early rounds – is a major gain for the Bullets who finished ninth and failed to qualify for the 2022-23 NBL Finals.
White was at his mercurial best during the Mackay team’s arduous triple header road trip last week – steering the undefeated Meteors to impressive wins over Brisbane Capitals (96-90), Northside Wizards (93-78) and Southern Districts Spartans (100-90) and top of the standings after five rounds.
The high energy guard posted 36 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals against the Capitals last Friday night with support from Tyler Williams (22pts, five rebounds, four assists and two steals) and Christian Maran (10pts, five boards, five assists and three steals).
White backed it up with classy performances against the Wizards (26pts, eight rebounds, three assists and steals) and Spartans (40pts, eight rebounds and assists and one steal) over the weekend as the all-conquering Meteors zoomed into top spot.
Dynamic guard Williams capped three solid games with 17pts, five boards, four steals and two assists against the Wizards and 18pts, five rebounds, three assists and five steals against the Spartans.
Other Meteors to shine were forward Shane Temara (17pts, eight rebounds and three assists) and guard Isaiah Lee (16pts, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals).
Meanwhile, the Mackay Meteorettes struggled to produce their best in a gruelling schedule - crashing to 37 point losses to the Capitals (92-55) and Wizards (99-62) and Spartans (76-63).
Talented forward Ellie Collins turned in consistent performances with 10pts and two assists against the Capitals; 16pts, five rebounds and three steals against the Wizards and 15pts, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal against the Spartans with support from centre Charli Bliss and guards Phoebe Holmes and Davida Dale.

Last weekend, the Pioneer Swimming Club held its season-ender Presentation Night at Goosies Sport & Recreation Club. A phenomenal number of members and their families attended to celebrate their achievements the past season.
There were too many awards to name but highlights of the night were:
1. Overall Highest Points was awarded to Annaliese Miles – this award is provided to the member who obtains the most accumulative points over the season at our weekly Club Nights (points are received for attendance but also for the largest personal bests each week).
2. President’s Award was awarded to Joleigh Strydom – this award was bestowed on Joleigh because she displays kindness and respect towards others; is a great role model in the squad; tries her best and shows good sportsmanship; encourages others and takes on advice and feedback with a positive attitude and smile on her face.
3. Outstanding Swimmer for the Season was awarded to Jade Bounden – Jade received this award acknowledging her qualification for and attendance at Nationals, medalling twice at State level competitions and for her outstanding performance throughout the season.
4. Coach’s Awards were given to the swimmers who displayed great commitment to the sport, made outstanding performances throughout the season, received State medals and/ or qualified for National level competitions. Coach Igor presented these awards to Alex Moss, Madison Malagueno, Ella Bounden and Jade Bounden.
5. Encouragement awards were also given to Abigail Mawire, Joleigh Strydom and Zahli Herring.
Congratulations to all our swimmers!
We could not have held this event without the help of our fantastic sponsors such as Greenman Property Services who assisted financially for the function costs; Spotlight who provided all the decorations for the evening – the room looked amazing; and Bonny Cakes who went above and beyond in making a stunning and delicious cake and cupcakes. We thank each of you immensely for your generous support!
Contributed by Pioneer Swimming Club
Coaches' Award presented to Jade Bouden, Madison Malagueno, Alex Moss and Ella Bounden
Highest Points Intermediate Boys presented to Jackson Birch, Henry Porter & Elliott Shillington
Our juniors Maxim Demin and Rex Traeger ready to present Coach Igor his gift from the club
Party time. Photos supplied by Pioneer Swimming Club

Norths Devils rugby league coach Dave Elliott had reason to smile after a successful homecoming to Mackay last weekend in the QRL Hostplus Cup.
It was a pleasant “reunion” for Elliott as he masterminded a thumping 42-16 victory against his out of touch ex-charges who slumped to a sixth successive loss.
The reigning premiers produced a second half points spree as they overpowered the listless Cutters through their powerful and dominant forward pack.
Elliott was Head Coach of Mackay last season, his capable assistant Michael Comerford taking over the Cutters’ coaching reins and enduring a horror start to the 2023 campaign without a win after six rounds.
The Cutters jumped to an early 8-0 lead following neat tries by sharp utility back Flynn Camilleri before Devils hooker Zakaria McGuire fooled the defence to score after 24 minutes.
An Adam Cook penalty goal soon after gave Mackay a 10-6 advantage – but it was shortlived with Norths wingers Tony Tumusa and Jonathon Reuben crossing for converted tries to give the visitors an 18-10 lead at the break.
There was no stopping the Devils after the interval as lock forward Liam Horne, Cook Islands international Moses Noovao-McGreal, prop Viko Puluvea and former Indigenous All Stars hooker Kieran Moseley all nabbed tries within 23 minutes with half back Bryce Donovan potting six goals to establish a resounding victory.
Meanwhile, the Mackay Cutters chalked up their fifth win of the season in the BMD Womens premiership after slamming Norths Devils 28-6 to maintain second spot on the ladder.
The Cutters were in a menacing mood in the first half as they put on a five try blitz to open up a commanding 22-0 lead at the half time break.
Elusive winger Katie Green (2), centre China Polata and halves Alicia Martin and Tahlulah Tillett all grabbed tries with hooker and skipper Emma Manzelmann landing one conversion.
The crafty Manzelmann scored the Cutters lone try of the second half to keep the pressure on premiership pacesetters Souths Logan Magpies, who remain undefeated on 12 points.
Mackay Colts opened their Under 21s campaign with a crushing 50-32 victory over Norths Devils in the curtain raiser.
The young Cutters produced a superb second half display to skittle the Devils with a nine try rout in blustery conditions.
Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

Monday 17 April 2023 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia
2nd Marilin Robins / Margaret Jennings
3rd Barbara Tait / Margaret Lane
4th Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes
1st Terrence Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood
2nd David Ting / Ming Ting
3rd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
3rd Debbie Ludkin / Sandy Patterson
Tuesday Evening 18 April 2023 - 5 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Lorna Shuttlewood /
2nd Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
5th Faye Wright / Marilin Robins
2nd Mick Robins / Diane Cox
4th Janine Rodgers / Nancy Wix
Wednesday 19 April Unders and Overs – 9 Table Green Points
N/S
1st Louise Renton / Anne Lutz
2nd Janice Mansfield / Barbara Tait
3rd Elrae Trueman / Terrence Sheedy
4th Diane Stokes / Nancy Wix
E/W
1st Joy Brunette / Joy Block
2nd Monica Darley / Ian Gaskell
3rd David Ting / Sandra Morris
4th Josie Cowley / Vicki Howard
Friday 14 April 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Pts
N/S
1st Noel Bugeia / Terrence Sheedy
2nd Vic Mason / Josie Cowley
3rd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson
4th Noel Saunders / Mary Cruickshank
E/W
1st Ming Ting / David / Ting
2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson
4th Diane Stokes / Marie McGuire
Saturday 15 April 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Pts
N/S
1st Monica Darley/ Kath Poole
2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Geoff Taylor
3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
4th Antonia Tarradas / Faye Wright
5th Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell
E/W
1st David Ting / Ming Ting
2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright
3rd Mick King / Jan Harris
4th Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Saunders
5th Margaret Lane / Julie O’Neill
Contributed by Joy Block

Schoolboy basketball prodigies Max Cain and Amarco Doyle aim to swap their text books for NBL1 North Championship medals when they saddle up with the Mackay Meteors this season.
The 17 year old whiz kids are entrenched in Joel Khalu’s high flying Meteors team that have opened the 2023 NBL1 North Basketball League in style with impressive victories over the Rockhampton Rockets, Townsville Heat, Brisbane Capitals, Northside Wizards and Southern Districts Spartans in recent weeks.
Both St Patrick’s College Mackay Year 12 students are two of the most promising basketballers in the League with bright futures ahead of them.
Mackay Meteorettes Head Coach Jamiey Doevendans – who co-ordinates the St Patrick’s College basketball program – believes the duo have stepped up a class this season and are both destined for bigger things.
“We have two absolute gems in Max and Amarco and I know that Joel is monitoring their development closely,” revealed Doevendans.
“They are both outstanding prospects and have made a seamless transition into the Meteors top grade lineup with mature performances on court.”
Cain, a talented shooting guard in his third season with the club, is one out of the box.
At the tender age of 16, he was blooded in the Meteors’ Class of 2021 that captured the NBL1 North Championship title with an impressive 2-0 series victory over Cairns Marlins in the final.
Last year the former North Mackay Magic junior product carried that experience into a stand out tournament for the Under 18 Queensland North representative team that competed at the Basketball Australia National Championships on the Gold Coast.
“Max has the ability to create opportunities with the ball in hand when in offense mode and leads by his actions on court,” said Doevendans.
“He is a versatile player that can shoot the ball in pressure situations and a strong defender.”
Doyle, a Queensland South representative, was a dominant figure at last year’s State Under 18 Championships – leading the North Gold Coast Seahawks from a winless regular season to finish in the top four at the tournament.
“Amarco is a super athletic power forward in his second season with the Meteors that can shoot from long range, protect the rim and dunk with the best of them,” Doevendans added.
By Chris Karas
Mackay Meteorettes Head Coach and St Patrick’s College Basketball Co-ordinator Jamiey Doevendans with four of his top pupils - Ben Devitt, Mackay Meteors young guns Max Cain and Amarco Doyle and Baxter Norsworthy

The Bowen Rugby Union Club have brand-new grandstands for their spectators, courtesy of Queensland Country Bank’s Good for Good Community Grants program.
The new $25,000 grandstands, which were installed last week, have been a welcome addition for the club, which previously struggled to provide enough seating for those attending games.
Bowen Rugby Union Club Coach Tom Andison said the grandstands are a “game-changer” for the club, enabling them to attract bigger crowds and ensure there is safe and adequate seating available.
“As the club grows in strength, our supporter base has grown, meaning we need more accessible and comfortable seating options,” said Mr Andison.
“The grant helps us create a more welcoming environment for the community and also gives us confidence to host more events and carnivals.”
Queensland Country Bank Regional Manager Darrell Burgess said he was thrilled to be able to give back to the Bowen community through the Good for Good Community Grants.
“As a member-owned bank, we take great pride in being able to give back to the communities who support us,” said Mr Burgess.
“The fields of the Bowen Rugby Club provide a central meeting place for the broader community to come together and enjoy a range of sporting activities.”
Queensland Country Bank Area Manager Darrell Burgess, Bowen Rugby Union Club Coach Tom Andison, and Queensland Country Bank Executive Manager Retail Banking Andrew McArdle with the $25,000 grant for the club’s new grandstands
Image: Supplied, Queensland Country Bank Area Manager

Whitsunday United’s Division Two Men had a frustrating result going down 4-2 away to Lions on Friday night, despite having most of the possession.
Player of the match for Whitsundays was Caleb Vanderdrift, who was tireless on the right-hand side in both attack and defense, and Cynan Hughes scored his first senior goal.
The Division One Men came out of the box and were immediately on top of Lions, getting multiple chances, but Lions snatched a goal against the run of play.
Stefan Tarne pegged one back, but in the second half, Lions come out with renewed vigour and the game ended 3-1.
U13 Prems came out strong against Dolphins, grabbing an early goal and a second in the second half. A late Dolphins reply led to a nervous finale but the team held out to win 2-1.
U13 Div One had an early 2-0 lead against a determined Dolphins team and added another to make it comfortable. Player of the match Tyrell.
U15 Prems played top of the ladder City Brothers in a tight affair. Jack Robertson was outstanding in goals throughout, but City Brothers came out firing after the break, scoring to take a one nil lead to win.
U15 Div One against top of the table Lions conceded three quick goals. Whitsundays ground their way back into the game.
Div One Women put in a solid performance against Wanderers, with Alex scoring the first goal early in the match. Goalkeeper Dani came out for a run in the second half, scoring twice for a final score of 3-0.
Premier Women had a strong 3-0 win against Wanderers. Tireless work from the forwards and midfield.
Premier Men played an Australia Cup fixture at home on Sunday evening. The first half was a dominant display by the home side but Lions hung on and to their credit capitalised to win the match 3-0.
Next weekend is a huge home round for the Club with nearly all teams taking the field at home.
The Whitsunday United’s women reserve side are in strong form this season
The club’s U13 Prems happy with a good win

The Whitsunday Sports Park and Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders hosted four games of rugby union last Saturday for the ANZAC round of the Mackay Rugby Union competition.
The ANZAC Round featured two Moranbah Bulls’ teams, with the Kuttabul Camel Boks, Mackay City Redmen, and the Bowen Mudcrabs, and Mackay Brothers bringing a team each.
For the first time in some time, the Raiders were able to field two teams as well – it was a serious weekend of football.
The day started with a Welcome to Country ceremony by local elder Uncle Harold before the Bulls second XV took on the Raiders second XV.
A cracker game ensued with Raiders coming away with a 25-10 victory, and the shadow players each getting a great hit out.
The next match was between Brothers and last year’s premiers, Bowen Mudcrabs. The Muddies come away with their second win of the season, after a forfeit from Kuttabul last week, and the 52-21 score does not indicate the games true nature.
Bowen had the first half ascendancy but Brothers fought back in the second half to score their 21 points.
Airlie Beach RSL subbranch treasurer John Schweitzer then took the microphone to deliver The Ode for all fallen ANZAC men and women. Young Ethan Smith from Proserpine State high then performed the Last Post and Revelle.
At the completion of the anthems, the game of the day kicked off between the Bulls and the Raiders.
The top of the table clash lived up to the hype with the Bulls leading 12-10 at the break and coming away eventual winners 26-20.
Finally, the Kuttabul boys took on the hot favourites, Mackay Cities, and found themselves ahead at half time 14-10.
The halftime break saw them find another gear and they ran away 50-10 winners of the final game for the day.
Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence
The Whitsunday Sportspark hosted an enormous round of Rugby Union last weekend

The wet weather disrupted Whitsunday Touch Football on Monday, with only a handful of completed games before the conditions became unmanageable.
Meanwhile, Touch for Fun has kept several youngsters busy as they learn some of the skills of Touch Football.
This 6-week program is coming to an end with the last session Monday 8 May.
The Club said no games will be played next Monday, May 1, due to the public holiday.
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Touch

Airlie Beach Bowls Club has had one of the biggest days in its nearly 40-year history with a series of Men’s Pennants wins last weekend.
The Mens Pennants team led by Warren Mills in Division One were in spectacular form and the Club’s other Men’s Pennant sides – skippered by Peter Barrett and Shane Spann, respectively – won all their games.
Andy McDougall and Club chairman Ash Warland playing exceptionally, backed by Harry Quod.
Division 4 and Division 5 winners also played well-oiled bowls against the St Helen’s team, who could not match the brilliance of Rick Galea, John Matterson, Ted Cullen, and Duncan Smith.
Stacey Hadlow and Stevie Tattam played well, too, and should get a special mention alongside Tony Whitehorn and Bob Spees, who ensured the win in Division Four
There’s a few weeks break before Mens Pennants resumes, and Tuesday and Wednesday Sunday Social bowls, Wednesday night Business House Bowls, Scroungers on Saturday morning, and the school bowls will return.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson
The Men’s Pennant Players from Airlie Beach Bowls Club: Craig Coleman, Neil Moore, Stacey Hadlow, Rick Galea, Alan Pershouse, John Matterson, Tony Whitehorn, and Nik Fernbach. Seated: John Trembath, Noel Crosbie, and Stephen Lawrie

This week’s results from the Bowen Bowls Club Competition Games in the mixed pairs saw Lou Fordham and Wayne Crowhurst defeat Bev Smith and Mitch Wright.
Sue Fox and Steve Roome defeated Tiarna Rogers and Jason Wright in the second match of mixed pairs for the week.
The club’s Sunday scroungers winners were Lorraine McArthur, Ray Muir, Peter Bruce, Lee Welsted, and Ron Gould.
Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

Eight players enjoyed social bowls at Proserpine Bowls Club on Wednesday, with Bruce Uhe, Heather Brown, Sandy Daffara, and Carol Crosbie defeating Alen Sanderson, Mike Harrison, Philip Brown, and Warren Wilson, 18-14.
Alen and Heather only played four ends as Alen was scheduled for a competition game to be played at 3pm.
In B Grade Singles played on Wednesday afternoon, Harry Craig defeated Alen Sanderson 27-7.
Division 1 Pennants played an away game on Saturday against North Mackay. Proserpine won the match 63-53.
Proserpine earnt three Match points, two rink wins plus a margin of 10. Sunday's match was a home game against Sarina where Proserpine won the match 63-45, giving the Club a further three match points and one rink win, plus 18.
Division Five Pennants played at home on Saturday defeating Wests Tigers 43-39, earning Proserpine three Match points, one rink win plus four.
Sunday's match was an away game against North Mackay being defeated 28-57 taking away no match points and a minus 29.
On Sunday afternoon, Mike Harrison played double lead with Barry Saroglia. Mike, Mary Hedgelong, and Philip Brown defeated Mike Harrison/Barry Saroglia, Alen Sanderson, and Heather Brown 19-9.
On Sunday afternoon, two games of Club Championship Singles were played. Wayne Handley defeated Shane Kinnear 25-11; Andrew Bell defeated Scott Kinnear, 25-21.
The Club extended thanks to Isaac and Marcus who marked the games. Social bowls as usual on Sunday.
Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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