Thrills and Spills at Queensland Mud Trials

The annual Queensland Mud Trials held in Sarina thrilled audiences once again, with competitors travelling across Queensland, as far west as Mount Isa, and New South Wales, as far south as Boomi, to participate.

It was truly a grudge match, with New South Wales versing Queensland in the matches, tensions running high, and audiences eager for the smoke of engines working.

Separated into five categories – Junior, Standard, Buggy, Bombs, and Top Gun – the competitors took the track of mud, spraying the audience, and testing their vehicles’ engines.

In one case, Junior competitor Eli Thomsett’s car erupted into smoke and fire on the last lap of his first heat.

His car, Backchat, has since been repaired, but Eli is already working towards the 2024 competition, where his sister, Millie, will join him with her car Mudicorn.

“It was a really successful day,” said Nell Thomsett, in charge of Sarina Mud Trials communications and Eli’s mum.

“We support Variety, and this year we donated $6,000 to Variety.

“We also support the local Scouts, who came in and collected all the cans from the event for their fundraising and had the Mackay Girls Basketball team on the gates.”

The Sarina Mud team also sold commemorative 35-year anniversary memorabilia, celebrating the massive milestone.

And everyone gets involves.

“The parents start racing, then the kids start,” said Nell.

“I would start but next year I’ll have two kids racing, and we can’t tow a third car!”

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Engines tested, and expectations exceeded, the 2023 Queensland Mud Trials was a massive success. Photos by Nell

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The Pioneer Valley played host to the Corry Cycles ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge on Saturday May 6, attracting over 100 adventure-seekers from across the country.

The ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge celebrates the life of former Mackay Christian College student Zach Roberts, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident at the age of 18 and has become a beloved tradition in the Mackay community since its inception in 2013.

The challenge features four stages of intense adventure activity, including a 40km MTB, 10km kayak, 10km trail run and 30km road cycle.

Angus Wicks and Sam Palmer stole the show who, both aged 16, competed in their first full Challenge, taking out the Junior Pairs category.

The duo had been working their way up to this moment for many years, starting with the MINI MACH Adventure Challenge and setting their sights on the full ZACH MACH.

"We're incredibly proud of Angus and Sam's achievement," said Event Director Nikki Giles.

"It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to complete ZACH MACH, and for them to do it at such a young age is truly impressive."

Angus and Sam's determination and teamwork was on display, crossing the finish line with a time of 5 hours and 51 minutes.

"We're so happy to have completed the ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge and to have won our category," said Angus.

"It's been a goal of ours for a long time, and it feels amazing to finally achieve it."

"We've been training for this moment for a while, and we're grateful for the support of our families, friends and coaches who helped us get here. It's an incredible feeling to know that all our hard work has paid off," agreed Sam.

Women Solo Category Winners:

1st Bridie Ruff 4:46:21

2nd Bec Wood 5:23:40

3rd Kelly Chappell 5:55:45

Men Solo Category Winners:

1st Mitch Nissen 4:11:33

2nd Kurt Brunker 4:47:14

3rd Allan Jefferson 4:50:22

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L-R Angus and Sam on the podium

L-R Angus and Sam during the MTB course

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson opening this year’s Corry Cycles ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge. Photos supplied

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results May 9, 2023:

Division 1:

Ferrari (Andrew McHugh, Robbie Richards, Lee Brake) d Mercedes (Mark Sleeman, Geoff Denman, Daniel Warfield) 9-2. Andrew d Geoff -6, 6, -9, 10, 7.

BMW (Emma Widdup, Ian McKay, Ivan Perkins) d Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan) 6-5. Barry d Ivan 2, -5, 6, -12, 6.

Lexus (Graham Brake, Mark Poplawski, Allan Edwards) d Audi (Mick Ruhl, Janice Kent, Duncan Treloar) 7-4. Allan d Janice -7, -5, 5, 7, 8.

Division 2:

Isuzu (Andrea Nicholson, Donna Abbott, Simon Hogan) d Mazda (Rymer Tabulo, Peter Goodson, Lily Boland) 6-5. Rymer d Donna -7, -10, 5, 7, 5.

Nissan (Graeme Walker, Will VanDeKaa, Matthew West) d Honda (Ishan Rana, George Camilleri, Mark Stam) 9-2. Will d George -7, 8, -8, 8, 11.

Division 3:

Hyuandi (Ollie Hamelink, Duncan Sheridan, Noreen Fredericksen) d Kia (Aarnav Reelh, Virginia Clayton, Craig VanDeKaa) 10-1. Aarnav d Ollie 11, -11, -9, 3, 9.

Holden (Tiffany Camilleri, Trent Day, John McGee) d Ford (Alok Rana, Steve Crocker, Val Austin) 9-2. Trent d Steve -6, -9, 7, 10, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures May 9, 2023:

Division 1:

Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) d Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) 9-3. Charlie d Peter 9, -5, -5, 9, 8.

Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) d Blue (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) 7-5. Branko d George 5, -5, -8, 8, 6.

Division 2:

Orange (Helen Ware, Gloria Vella) d White (Marie Taylor, Kim Daffy) 7-3. Helen d Marie 9, 5, -8, -9, 9.

Purple (Iris Grasso, Ken Best, Judi Hicks) d Pink (Robyn Bushell, John Hamelink, Fred Saliba) 8-4. John d Ken 6, 5, -9, -7, 8.

Division 3:

Grey (Sharon Muller, Ian Dodds, Allison Day) d Tan (Thelma Caruana, Madge Saunders, Trish Zamparuti) 9-3. Madge d Sharon -9, 6, 8, -9, 7.

Aqua (Pam Keune, Robyn Giles) d Lime (Frank Caruana, Glenda Brookes, Carmel Cristaldi) 7-5. Robyn d Frank -6, -7, 13, 9, 10.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Aarnav Reelh is among juniors in action in Tuesday night table tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Eight of Mackay’s best young cricketers have been drafted into the Brisbane Premier League’s prestigious Junior Twenty20 competition.

Exciting prospects Haiden Mellifont, Liam Zurvas, Nick Beardmore, Cameron Tomerini, Connor Muller and Jack Law will line up for the Northern Kings franchise at the three-day tournament to be staged during the school holidays from September 18-21 in Brisbane.

They will be joined by Magpies young guns Myles Cochrane, who will line up for the Kings in the Under 16s division and Jacob Whitby, who was drafted by the Kings for the Under 14s competition.

Mellifont is a prolific run scorer at the top of the order for the Pioneer Valley Cricket Club in the Mackay Cricket Association; 16 year old Zurvas is a talented leg-spinning all rounder with first grade champions Mackay Magpies and talented quartet of leg spinner Beardmore, off spinner Tomerini, Muller and emerging 14 year old all rounder Law are products of the Brothers Cricket Club.

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Of Inaugural Great Barrier Reef Rays

Former Australian Test cricket captain Tim Paine will lead new franchise the Great Barrier Reef Rays in this year’s Brisbane Premier League 100 Ball competition.

The international keeper, who announced his retirement from first class cricket at the conclusion of Tasmania’s final Sheffield Shield match of the season, was snapped up by the Rays at the recent BPL player auction.

Paine will skipper the inaugural Rays outfit – based in Mackay – during the intense three day competition from August 11 to August 13 in Brisbane.

With a combined 70 Test matches and one day internationals under his belt, Paine’s appearance in the team is an incredible opportunity for regional players to learn and develop their skills from one of the legends of Australian Cricket.

Paine, who played 154 first class matches, will be joined by Melbourne Stars hot shot batsman Nick Larkin, who has linked with the Rays as an inter-state recruit.

Great Barrier Reef Rays joined the competition with the aim of providing more opportunities and access to development for regional players from Central and North Queensland.

Promising 20-year-old Mackay Magpies off spinner Isaac Borg and Northern Suburbs all rounder Lane Kohler were named in the Rays’ 14-man Senior squad.

Great Barrier Reef Rays full team list: Tim Paine (captain); Nick Larkin; Angus Lovell; Blake Maher; Sam Lowry;  Liam Smith; Mitch Doolan; Noah McFadyen; Raveesh Srivastava;  Lane Kohler; Sam Yabsly; Lachlan Holmes; Reece Neyland  and Isaac Borg.

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Saturday saw the Mackay Brothers travel to the Whitsunday Sportspark to take on the PWRU Raiders at 3.30pm.

Prior to the big game there were a couple of games for the local girls and women’s teams as well, these were between a combined Mackay Whitsunday group and visiting Emerald and Rockhampton teams.

The girls kicked off with some U14 seven a side games leading up to U16 ten a side games then a combined girls/women’s fifteen a side game of modified rules took to the field.

It was great to see the girls/ladies back on the paddock for a run around.

Afterwards the senior men take to the field. As they always do, Brothers came to play and even though they were short on numbers they played hard and were not going to give territory away lightly.

Due to the strength in numbers this year with the raiders, a couple of up and coming young players were assigned to Brothers team for parts of the game.

The Raiders started to combine together and perform the plays that have had numerous hours of practice this season and at the end of the eighty minutes were 81 points in front.

This score does not do the players from Brothers justice, as their commitment to the game did not waiver and we wish them a better round 2 to the season.

Best on field for the Raiders were Niall Clancy 1 point, Shakane Costello 2 points and Joel Hoffmann 3 points.

The Raiders have a bye next weekend which will then lead into the end of Round 1 against a strong Mackay Cities redmen at home, kicking off at 3.30pm at Whitsunday Sportspark Saturday, May 27.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence.

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Raiders came out on top over the weekend. Photo supplied

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Monday 8 May 2023 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild

3rd Geoff / Cowan / Sandy Patterson

4th Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

5th Susan Ross / Nancy Wix

6th Geoff Taylor / Frances Brown

Tuesday Evening 9 May 2023

5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan

2nd Diane Cox / Janice Mansfield

3rd Eric Leivesley / Janelle Conroy

4th Geoff Cowan / Terrence Sheedy

Thursday Evening 11 May 2023

6 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2nd Diane Stokes / Ann Whitmore

3rd Mick King /Patricia Garner

4th Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

5th Annie Lynch / Geoff Taylor

Wednesday 10 May 2023 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Sandra Morris / Jan Harris

2nd Antonia Tarradas / Ian Cruickshank

3rd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

4th Joy Brunette / Don Poole

5th Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell

E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

2nd Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait

3rd Annette Howe / Geoff Taylor

4th Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson

5th Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

Friday 12 May 2023 –8 Table Mitchell - Green Points

N/S

1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

2nd Julie O’Neill / Monica Darley

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Simon Barnes

4th Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild

E/W

1st Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

2nd Geoff Cowan / Gwen Liddell

3rd Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood

4th Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson

Saturday 13 May 2023 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore

2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Geoff Taylor

3rd Faith Hutchinson / Simon Barnes

4th Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

5th Marie McGuire / Joyce Deguara

E/W

1st Ken Seaniger / Joy Robertson

2nd Patricia Garner / Laura Howland

3rd Geoffrey Patterson / Frances Brown

4th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

Sunday 14 May 2023

1st Joy Block / Ian Cruickshank

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Marilyn Wilson-Nichols

3rd Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell

4th Faith Hutchinson / Simon Barnes

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On Saturday night, the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club hosted its annual Awards Night at Mirage’s Whisper Restaurant. The Cannons would like to commend its hardworking committee for organising a very successful season of swimming and the coaching team lead by Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden.  

Coach Mark Erickson thanked all the coaching team – Ken Crittenden, Jarrod Keys, Shay Wilmot, Giselle Burton, Kate Thomson, Giselle Burton, Rylee Erickson, Sofia Penglase-Fortunato, Sharanne Maclean, Raylene Rasmussen and Haylee Eaves.  

Outstanding Achievements:  

Swimmer of the Year Award was presented to Jy Parkinson for swimming in the finals at the Australian Age Swimming Championships.  Jy was also named Senior Male Trainer of the season.  

Sportsperson of the Year was presented to Holly Perrin. Holly was also named the Female Senior Trainer of the season.  

Junior Trainers of the Year were presented to Harris Delac and Andie Reynolds.

Level 3 Trophies were presented to Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson.  

Mudie Family 70s Club: Ehsan Helou and Jasmine Gerlforsma (swimming 100m Freestyle in under 70s).  

Level 2 Trophies: Eloise Chegwidden, Don Algie, Ruby Harland, Jax Clayworth, Celeste Orenshaw, Declan Dichiera, Holly Perrin, Thomas Ganter, Isabella Pisaniello, Nelson Malady, Tora Delac, Isaac Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds, and Matilda Nicholes.  

Level 1 Trophies:  Tiana Bell, Sophie Fletcher, Harris Delac, Remy Hedges, Charlie Doherty, Anisa Helou, Zach Trefz, Indi Smith, Ehsan Helou and Jasmine Gerlsforma.  

Club Medals: Maeve Dichiera, Liam Filewood, Evelyn Doherty, Alessa Penglase-Fortunato, Alex Trefz, Jack Ganter, Levi Smith, Lukas Trevaskis, Lucas Korosec, Lochlan Jamieson, Murphy Jamieson, Jasper Korosec, Millie Groom, Miller Eaves, Abi Maher, Stevie Lee, Billie Jamieson, and Koa Harland.  

The Cannons would like to commend all the swimmers who participated throughout the season and congratulate all the swimmers who achieved top times in the Cannonvale pool to win these special trophies and awards.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Club Medal awardees

Level 2 Trophy winners

Trainer Awards for 2023. Photos supplied

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In the build-up to the ninth annual Airlie Beach Fight Night, Whitsunday Martial Arts (WMA) have released their three-month Experience Program.

Designed to train contestants like a fighter, the commitment to the course is huge but the rewards are great.

“It’s made for people who have never done combat sports or martial arts before,” said Dan Zealand from WMA.

“It’s a great way to kick-start a change in your lifestyle.”

Participants are expected to commit to a minimum of eight training sessions per week.

They will also receive mentoring and nutrition advice and receive the benefits of challenging themselves as part of the broader WMA community.

“This is one of the toughest and greatest challenges,” said Dan.

“You will eat, train and prepare like a fighter and you will even have the opportunity to step into the ring like a fighter at the end of the 12 weeks if you choose.”

Local fighter, Chris Smith, began competing this way – he entered the training program and lost 50kg before fighting professionally for WMA.

Airlie Beach Fight Night will be the culmination of the 12 weeks Experience Program and takes place at the Whitsunday PCYC on September 23.

The event is set to be another huge success with over 15 fighters already signed-up.

The large grandstand will take centre stage and there will be ring side seating and special VIP tables available.

The venue is also fully licenced, and it is set to be an exciting night for all involved.

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The two WMA coaches, Anton Zafir and Dan Zealand, with a local fighter. Photo supplied

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In Crucial NBL1 North Basketball Fixtures

Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes hope to exact revenge when they host the Darwin Salties in NBL1 North action this Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

Still smarting from road trip losses to Cairns and Darwin last weekend, both Mackay franchises are eager to turn the tables on the Salties after disappointing results in the Northern Territory.

Since winning their opening five matches, Joel Khalu’s Meteors have stumbled to four consecutive defeats.

Cairns guard Ky Stattmann spearheaded the Marlins to an upset 96-89 triumph over the Meteors at Early Settler Stadium last Friday night.

Stattman bagged 30 points and eight rebounds in a top display as the home side kept the visitors at bay in a tight contest.

Mackay was best served by champion guard Isaac White, who posted 35 pts, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in a classy performance with support from guard Tyler Williams (18pts, seven boards, three assists, two steals) and forward Shane Temara (13pts and three rebounds).

Darwin Salties eclipsed the Meteors 102-88 with talented guard Jerron Jamerson contributing to the victory with 29 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals.

The Salties jumped to a 30-14 lead after the opening quarter and led 60-36 at the half time break and maintained the pressure.

White shone for the Meteors with 31 points, six rebounds and two assists; centre DJ Baptiste notched 20 points and 12 boards and Williams (12pts, six rebounds, two assists and two steals).

Unbeaten Darwin Salties made it seven consecutive wins after sinking the Meteorettes 82-56.

Spearheaded by guard Erin Bollmann (32pts, nine rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks) the Salties led all the way in a dominant performance.

Davida Dale top scored for Mackay with 17pts, five rebounds and four steals with support from Brittany Reeves (14pts and 13 boards), Charli Bliss (8pts and four rebounds) and Courtney Virgo (6pts, five steals and four rebounds).

The previous night the Meteorettes suffered an 86-64 loss to the Dolphins, who snapped a three game losing streak with ace guard Sheneice Swain (21 pts, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks) leading the way.

Mackay got value from the flamboyant Dale (14pts, 8 rebounds, three assists and two steals), Reeves (14pts and six boards) and Bliss (8pts and nine rebounds).

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Another busy week starting on Tuesday with Carol Crosbie at lead with Tina Schubert second and the brilliant Ladda Purdie our Thai princess winning comfortably from the rest of the field.

This was the situation with Wednesday afternoon’s Jackpot Bowls, run by Merve Stewart with Ladda Purdie again showing her red-hot form with a huge win with Nik Fernbach at lead and Helen Ward at second from 22 players with Mark Mawson on Tuesday and Tony Kelly on Wednesday winners of the prestigious Health Hub award.

The new format of Scroungers was a huge success at Business House Bowls with Ian Whittaker bowling beautifully.

The Mens Pennants continued with Division 1 too strong for North Mackay, collecting maximum points but were sadly unable to beat Proserpine on Sunday on their very heavy rink.

Division 4 lost by 3 points on Saturday but returned to best form on Sunday with Tony Whitehorn’s team bowling outstanding bowl’s winning 32-7 for a victory.

Division 5 had a team victory over North Mackay on Saturday with John Matterson’s team winning 32-10 ensuring a team victory and on Sunday Steve Lawrie’s team ensuring a team win getting maximum points with a 31-10 victory over Proserpine who were gallant in defeat and finally Division 6 on Saturday had a team win although John Askew’s team went down by 3 Merve Stewart’s team won by 11 to ensure a team victory.

Our victorious Penants team with members of the Division 4 and 5 teams happy with their efforts

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Wednesday Social:

Winning Skips were Peter Bruce, Dot Slater, and Gavin Charles.

Wednesday overall winning team were Dot Slater, Ross Scanlon and Mary-Ellen Pratten (absent).

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Bowen Bowls winners PeterBruce, Dot Slater, and Gavin Charles. Photo supplied

On Wednesday for Social Bowls, we welcomed Russell Jackson, Alan Pershouse, and Andrew Butler from Airlie Beach who were taking the opportunity to have a game in preparation for this weekend's pennants.

Jim Bownds, Bruce Uhe, and Sandy Daffara defeated John Anderson, Pat Bownds, and Russell Jackson 27 - 15; Arthur Griffith, Alan Pershouse, and Heather Brown defeated Alen Sanderson, Philip Brown, and Andrew Butler 24 - 17.

Sunday's Social bowls numbers were down due to the number of players playing in pennants.

Heather Brown played double third.

Margy Burnett, John Burnett, Heather Brown, and John Anderson defeated Lee King, Alen Sanderson, Heather Brown, and Arthur Griffith 20 - 16.

Division 1 Pennants had a great weekend defeating Northern Beaches on Saturday 63 - 45 having wins on all 3 rinks so taking 6 points plus a margin of 28.

On Sunday the teams were firing again defeating Airlie Beach 68 - 36 earning 6 points plus a margin of 32.

This should put Division 1 into 2nd place.

Division 5 didn't have quite as happy a weekend having two away games on fast synthetic greens and player unavailability due to Mother's Day.

They had a loss to Souths Suburban on Saturday and a loss to Airlie Beach on Sunday.

They will be looking forward to the comfort of grass next Saturday.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Close town rivalry with Proserpine playing Airlie Beach in Pennants. Photo supplied

WTA’s Footy for Fun Program for Juniors finished last Monday and a new season will kick-off in August. Some fifteen Juniors participated in the program having fun learning and practicing some of the important skills of Touch Football.

The Juniors showed they made real progress over the course of the six weeks with running in heaps of tries in their final game.

Round Ten Results

Mixed A

Concrete Feet defeated Vipers (on Forfeit)

In The Crear (11) defeated Raider A (3)

Mixed B

Slippery Salmons (10) defeated The Guinea Fowls (5)

Ray White defeated GET Touch (on Forfeit)

Touch It defeated Full Boar (on Forfeit)

Mixed C

Whitsunday Warriors (10) defeated Raiders C (3)

Stingers (10) defeated On Time (7)

Flametree Flames (5) defeated Fumble This (2)

Mixed C (Family)

Escapees/Misfits (11) defeated Raiders Family (3)

Mainlanders (6) drew against Untouchables (6)

Contributed with thanks to Alita DeBrincat.

Caption: The first Footy for Fun program was a great success. Photo supplied

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner was Janice Bates 32 points, runner up on a countback Grace Nott 31 points. Men’s winner on a countback Brendan Nott 36 points, runner up Hayden Williams 36 points.

Saturday was the men’s B & C grade open. B grade gross winner Craig Newell, gross runner up Bradley Low, nett winner Donald Williams, nett runner up Gregg Aplin.  

C Grade Gross winner John Storrie, gross runner up Andrew Need. Nett winner Ken Todd, Nett runner up Ian Rhodes. Pin shots to Robert Byles and Adam Hagy. Longest drive to Adam Eathorne.

Sunday was the men's A & A1 open. A Grade winner Joshua Reid, gross runner up Michael Neaton, Nett winner Chris Goulevitch, Nett runner up Craig O'Keefe.  

A1 Grade winner after a 5 hole playoff was Greg Fairs, gross runner up Daniel Windridge. A1 nett winner Kurt Gaudry, nett runner up Graham Seaborne. Pin shots to Marsh Bott and Matt Allen. Longest drive to David Zillfleisch

This weekend's competition is a 4 ball aggregate medley stableford sponsored by LiveLife Pharmacy.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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A and A1 Grade winners. Photo supplied

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