Mackay’s Emma Widdup’s Queensland Veterans Table Tennis Championships form continued into this week’s Tuesday night table tennis fixtures final.

After being undefeated in singles in the Queensland titles, Emma lost only one match all season and led her Alpha teammates Robbie Richards and Neil Brown to a 6-5 win over the Charlie team of Josh Brown, Andrew McHugh and Steven Whiting.

The Charlies led 5-4 after Steven won a nail-biting battle with Robbie -2, -11, 9, 6, 10 but Alpha came home to win the final two matches and take the final. Steven also featured in a marathon with Neil, winning -5, 3, 8, -8, 9.

Allan Edwards, George Camilleri and Rhonda Payne teamed to win the division 2 final 7-4 over Peter Goodson, Lee Brake and Kevin Scates.

The match was 4-all going into the final round of singles, but wins by George, Rhonda and Allan over Kevin, Peter and Lee gave them victory. The closest match of the night was Rhonda’s win over Peter -10, 8, 9, -6, 8.

Charlie (Jye Callander, Roy Murray and Noreen Fredericksen) won the division 3 final over Alpha (Simon Hogan, Tiffany Camilleri) 9-2.

Noreen and Simon played a lengthy battle, Noreen up 8, -6, -10, 7, 9.

Emma, Graham Drury and Noreen won the leading player awards.

The annual Mackay Closed championships will be played this month, with graded events on Tuesday and veterans on Thursday. Contact Donna 0400 769 560 for details.

By Charlie Payne

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Emma Widdup in action at the table. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

Sue Philp’s serve of the day won the honours in the Jan Meng Memorial Doubles tournament at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre.

Sue teamed with Steve Mathieson to win over Branko Vucurovic and Kim Daffy in straight games, but you could say she had a bit of luck.

Her final serve was going long, but just touched the edge to give victory 9, 8, 8.

Roy Murray and Helen Ware won the consolation final over Bryan Marshall and David Butler 1, -10, 4, 10.

The popular event is held annually in memory of the late Jan Meng, who was a long-time organizer of the Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures.

The Avril Hodges Memorial Trophy annual Tuesday morning championships was played last Tuesday, September 13.

By Charlie Payne

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Sue Philp and Steve Mathieson hold aloft the Jan Meng Memorial Doubles table tennis trophy, with runners-up Branko Vucurovic and Kim Daffy. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

Monday morning mixed pairs winners were Michele Stockton and Kees Struik followed by Sandra Sommerfeld and Elaine Buckton. Lucky draw winners were M. Leotta and Robert Hall.

Wednesday ladies’ day was taken out by S. Gilbert and Michele Stockton. Runners up was the triple of Lesley Baumgarten, Narell Schmidtke and Joyce Camilleri.

Thursday mixed pairs winners were Margaret Fogg and Brian Perrin. Darrell Kane and Col Carey came second. Greens vouchers were won by Ian McDonald, Bruce McCubben and Hilary Jones-Rowen.

Friday mixed pairs best card and $75 each went to Doug Giddings and Tony Allsop, who has just returned from holiday. The break obviously did him good. Lucky draws went to Asko Helenius and Rob Hobbs for the winners, and Andrew Coates and Margaret Creese in the second round.

Saturday men’s pairs day winners were Mick Mackenzie and Glen Royes,  with Col Carey and Vic Gaudion runners up.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

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Darrell Kane in action

Joyce Camilleri does not drop her bowl

Whilst many local runners enjoyed the 28km and 56km Whitsunday Trail Fest at Airlie Beach last weekend, a social run and sausage sizzle was hosted by Mackay Road Runners at John Breen Park.

Approximately thirty runners enjoyed the optional 1,2, or 3 loop options consisting of 2.3km per loop. The fresh morning temperatures and sunny conditions turned on a beautiful day for the scenic vistas of the Gooseponds parklands as runners set off around 7am.  

Darrin Pullen was in fine form scorching over the course with talented junior runner, Millie Bishop who also set a sizzling pace. Welcome back to runners who joined the very social avid bunch including Stuart Sprott, Peter Ford, Alana and Vivian Knesevic, Ollie and Alleny Gorrin, Jan Smith and Werner Van Der Linde. Jose Short, Julie Whibley, and Teresa Hackney enjoyed the course after recent marathon efforts in other events.

Full results for the Whitsunday Trail Fest Airlie Beach were not to hand at time of print, however, there was much excitement from Mackay ladies, Tahnee Malagueno, Ainslie Heinke and Jaylene Harrison, who took out the female team event.

This Sunday’s Shields Stampede 5km and 12km event commencing 4pm will be hosted at the residence of life members Merv and Wendy Shields at 21 Karl Langer Crescent, Mt Pleasant.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Jose Short (obscured at left), Darrin Pullen (centre) and Millie Biship (right) lead the charge from the start in the multiloop Gooseponds Circuit

David Isbister (left) enjoying the Gooseponds Circuit in perfectly cool and sunny running conditions

Julie Whibley enjoying the scenic vistas of the Gooseponds Circuit. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse

Talented Mackay athlete Marik Srsen dreams of one day running out for the Brisbane Broncos in a National Rugby League fixture at Suncorp Stadium.

If potential and determination is any guide, then the 13 year old Mercy College Mackay student is well on the way to achieving his sporting goal.

The dynamic custodian – who captained the Magpies club to an Under 13s premiership last Saturday at the Mackay & District Junior League Grand Finals – is part of an elite group of local prospects attached to the Brisbane Broncos Junior Academy.

Young Marik is one of four Magpies juniors in the Broncos Academy train-on squad along with teammates Mason Muscat, a skillful hooker and regular captain who missed the Grand Final with a damaged hand; promising five eighth Nate Frost and outstanding half back Isaac McFarlane.

They are joined by classy Proserpine five eighth or half back Koby Johnson-Follett.

All five participate in Rugby League Excellence classes where they focus on fitness and skill sessions under the guidance of the Broncos Junior Development Coaching Panel.

Marik was a standout in the Grand Final victory over the previously unbeaten Proserpine Brahmans – scoring a try and inspiring team mates to a stunning 28-0 triumph at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

Now in his eighth season with the Magpies, the tough tackling Srsen showed enormous potential as a lock forward and hooker before making the switch to fullback earlier this year.

Marik appreciated the extra space from the back to roam in attack and spearheaded the Magpies to many a victory with his power running game.

When the Magpies lost skipper Muscat with a broken wrist during the Under 13 finals series, the fiercely competitive Srsen was a logical choice to lead the team in action for the vital games ahead.

He scored a crucial try as the Magpies rolled archrivals Wanderers 22-18 in the preliminary final before stamping his mark in the title decider.

Marik’s consistent performances last season at Junior League and schoolboy representative level earned him the Junior Magpie of the Year Award as well as the prestigious Doug Knight Rugby League Trophy at the Mackay & District Sportsperson of the Year Awards – a tremendous achievement.

The versatile colt represented Capricornia as a second rower at the Queensland Under 12 Schoolboys Championships in Cairns – turning in strong performances to help the team finish a respectable third.

Athletics is another of Marik’s special sporting loves.

He competed for Mackay Athletics Club before joining the team at All Sports Sprint & Endurance Training (ASSET) to be coached by sprint gurus Tina and Luke Morse.

And he is reaping the rewards – winning the recent Capricornia Secondary Schools 400m Sprint championship in the Under 13s age group in a time of 60.04 seconds and finishing third in the 200m final.

With his rugby league commitments drawing to a close, Marik will step up his sprint training as he prepares for the Queensland Secondary Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane next month.

By Chris Karas

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Broncos Academy fullback Marik Srsen in action for newly crowned Mackay Junior Rugby League Under 13 premiers Magpies

Magpies skipper Marik Srsen (left) and injured hooker-captain Mason Muscat hold aloft the Mackay JRL Under 13s premiership trophy after skittling the previously unbeaten Proserpine Brahmans 28-0 in last Saturday's Grand Final

Capricornia Secondary Schools 400m sprint champion Marik Srsen proudly displays his athletics ribbons

It was finals day at North Mackay Ladies Club last week, with close bowling filling the rinks at Goosies Sporting Club for the conclusion of three competitions.

The over 70’s final was played between Dorothy Pratt and Lois Deguara. It was a very close competition with Dorothy coming out the winner for this year.

The under 70’s final was also played between Cheryle Corbett and Debbie Mackenzie with Cheryle being the eventual winner after a close tussle.

Also played was the B Pairs final with Lydia McCarthy and Margaret Fogg versus Shirley Bartolo and Margaret Creese, who was a sub for Anne Smith. Another really close and nail-biting finish. Congratulations go to Shirley and Margaret on this occasion.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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Over 70’s ladies Lois Deguara and winner Dorothy Pratt

Under 70’s ladies Winner Cheryle Corbett and Runner Up Deb Mackenzie

B Pairs final ladies. L-R: Winners Margaret Creese and Shirley Bartolo. Runners up Lydia McCarthy and Margaret Fogg

Mercy College Mackay cricketers have added another trophy to their impressive sporting honours list.

The Intermediate Girls cricket team were recently crowned Street Smarts North Queensland Secondary Schools Twenty20 Challenge champions after dominant performances in Mackay.

Angela Beardmore’s talented line up eliminated Rockhampton’s The Cathedral College in a third-round fixture before securing the championship title with a six-wicket victory over Whitsunday Anglican College in the final.

Outstanding prospects Kiana Dunn and Elisha Holdsworth were instrumental in the Twenty20 trophy success, turning in superb displays with both bat and ball.

Holdsworth carved out an unbeaten 49 and boom all-rounder Dunn (29) as Mercy College (1-93) eclipsed their Rockhampton rivals who were earlier dismissed for 87 with pace ace Dunn snaring 2-3 off four tidy overs.

The promising pair also made an impact in the title decider with Holdsworth retiring on 26 along with Matilda Wiggins (24 retired) and Alex Wood (11 not out) as Mercy compiled 6-100 after routing Whitsunday Anglican for a meagre 46.

Seam bowler Wood (2-4) and tearaway Dunn (2-9) were the chief destroyers with sharp spells as the Mercy team showed its champion qualities.

MEANWHILE the combined Mercy/St Patrick’s College Senior Girls cricket team was denied a second successive StreetSmarts Secondary Schools Twenty20 Challenge State title after bowing out to Rockhampton Grammar in a third-round fixture.

A superb 86 by Meg McCarthy in a team tally of 154 wasn’t enough for the reigning trophy holders as Rockhampton cruised to an eight-wicket victory.

There was no joy also for the St Patrick’s/Mercy College Senior Boys team who finished runners up in the North Queensland Secondary Schools Twenty20 Challenge.

Ignatius Park College Townsville (6-105) claimed the title after eclipsing the St Patricks/Mercy tally of 5-103.

Batting mainstays Haiden Mellifont (30 runs off 35 balls), Etienne Pretorius (22 runs off 27 balls) and Liam Zurvas (22) kept St Patrick’s/Mercy in the hunt with solid contributions.

Cody Sadler (36 runs off 19), Taj Petersen (27 not out) and John McLean (17) guided Ignatius Park to victory after Jack Hutchins (2-24) and Christian Payne (2-25) had earlier shone with the ball.

TEN Mercy College cricketers will represent Capricornia at the Queensland Secondary Schools Cricket Championships in Brisbane next month.

Charles Lott, Cameron Tomerini, Jack Muller, Connor Muller and Etienne Pretorius gained selection in the Boys 13-15yrs squad while Kiana Dunn, Matilda Wiggins, Holly Wardrop, Madeleine Searle and Eeden Thompson feature in the Girls 13-15yrs line up.

By Chris Karas

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Mercy College Mackay’s triumphant Intermediate Girls cricket team that lifted the North Queensland Secondary Schools Twenty20 Challenge Trophy. Standing l to r Sylvie Cahill, Lilly Miotto, Alex Wood, Mya Youman, Sophie Searle, Angela Beardmore (Team Coach); kneeling Maddy Searle, Kiana Dunn (co-captain), Elisha Holdsworth (co-captain), Holly Wardrop, Matilda Wiggins, Patrick Hoare (Team Manager). Absent: Tahlia Anderson and Poppy Goodman

After the Mackay City Ladies Bowling Club recently voted Life Membership to Dawn Field, she organized “Dawn’s Day Out”. An afternoon of 2 Bowl Triples, sponsored by Dawn herself, filled the green with club members. The lucky winners received generous prizes. Lots of fun was had by everyone, as well as lots of good bowling.

Also, Di Faulkner and Ashlee Knight were recently awarded as outstanding achievers for the club.

Di Faulker won Club Open Singles, the District Open Singles and the Zone Open Singles. She now plays in the State Finals in October.

Ashlee Knight played for Queensland in the Interstate Series against NSW (under 25’s). Queensland came home as the proud winners.

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Winners for Dawn’s Day Out: Dawn Field, Robyn & Barry Knott, Hazel Chiconi

Winners are grinners: Mary Burston, Fay Petterson, Marlene May

Outstanding achievers for the City Lady Club Members, Di Faulkner and Ashlee Knight

Anne-Marie Kehres is championing the sport of mountain biking for the Whitsundays in more than one way.

The Proserpine local, who recently returned from the National Mountain Bike Championship Cross Country Marathon XCM with a national title and a championship jersey, is an extreme advocate for her favourite extreme sport.

For her, it was passion, discipline and unbridled commitment which helped her win, each born from a place of vulnerability matched by strength – as well as a photograph taken years before.

“At a previous tournament in 2020, I sat on the number one podium as a joke. I’d come dead last and I told my husband to take a photo of me sitting there. I’ve had that photo blown up and put on my wall as a goal,” Kehres said.

“I’m a huge believer in the power of the subconscious mind and that, somehow, somewhere, that goal would be met.”

It was two years before Kehres, at the Championships in Wagga Wagga two weeks ago, was ready to challenge that goal on the torturous 75-kilometre distance course with a fire in her belly.

“Everything fell into place that day; I felt well. I was very excited and there’s nothing better,” she said.

But there was a mishap: coming off the bitumen into the track, there was a small, muddy dip and Kehres underjudged and had a crash. But here’s where grit came into play.

“It was good in a sense,” Kehres said.

“My competitors went ahead of me and as soon as I got back on the bike, my brain switched. I said: no this isn’t happening today and I’m going to catch up, that jersey is mine.”

She conquered Wagga Wagga’s course and gained the top accolade in the process – a National title and a championship jersey.

“As I crossed the finish line, I looked at this lady I was riding with and said, did I just do that, and I started crying. The only reason I sometimes believe it’s happened is looking at the jersey. It just goes to show you’re capable of doing whatever you put your mind to,” Kehres said.

It’s another win in a long series of top spots the local rider has claimed, and another landmark in a journey that started over 20 years ago.

“I had a chronic disease that plagued me for 25 years – an eating disorder – where in my late 20s and early 30s I weighed no more than 30 kilos. Doctors would look at me and say, how are you still alive?” she said.

“Mountain biking is one of the things that God placed in my life to save me from my eating disorder.

“I was born and raised in Lebanon in the war, and my escape was going into the olive fields and the bush. Now, if life gets too much, I still go into the bush – just now on a mountain bike.

“I was in America and somebody introduced me to the bike and I loved being out in nature in the bush already. It was a perfect match.

“It takes your mind away and you can listen to the harmony of the birds, the wind, and it grounds you. It brings you back to what life’s about.”

Now, Kehres wants to impart the gift of mountain biking to the entire region through advocating on its behalf. Something she’s been doing as Secretary of the Whitsunday Mountain Biking Club.

“Because it’s such a grounding sport – it gets you one with nature – it helps with anxiety and getting you back into the world,” Kehres said.

“I want people to be able to experience that. I want my kids to experience that; because I try to show my boys that even if you’re older, even if you were slow, you can put your mind to something and do it. But you need to be disciplined and be faithful to yourself.

“That’s what I think people can get from mountain biking.”

Kehres wants to bring in more trails to the region in a wider range of levels -  green, blue, and black. Having access to those and being able to train the region’s up and comers and progress them is her goal.

“At the moment, all our mountain biking trails are black,” Kehres said.

“We’ve got champion mountain bikers who live in the region who’ve got nowhere to train on. Imagine the tourism and what that could bring to the area if we hosted a national championship some day – a Commonwealth Games.

“We’ve got the region; we’ve got the most beautiful views. All you need is elevation, which we have – it’s just about making it work now.

“I’d love to see riders from our region grow and prosper and achieve even more national acclaim.”

Local Anne-Marie Kehres has achieved an incredible feat in Mountain Biking, and wants the rest of the region to get in on the sporting fun

Kehres claimed a National title and championship jersey as winner of the National Mountain Bike Championship Cross Marathon XCM

From humble beginnings as a slow rider, Kehres said it was persistence and personal motivation that led her to the big win

Kehres’ new national championship jersey, which she says she can hardly believe she won

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Monday, August 29: Airlie Beach Bowls Club hosted its Spring Fling Carnival with 10 teams participating.

First place went to Terry Clarke, Bev Taylor, Ted Cullen, and Karen Jensen. Second place were Robin and John Brown, Margo Stanley, and John Askew, with the best dressed going to Joan McGrath, Regina Aqualina, Vicki Spann, and Henny Tattam.

Tuesday: Skipper Betty Nicole with Nicki Buller teamed up to beat the rest of the field.

Wednesday afternoon social bowls saw 20 bowlers vying for the prize with Bill Gordon at lead Bobby Ward at second and skipper Col Morris too strong for the rest of the field.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls’ penultimate round saw a shock defeat of PRD by Hadlow Racing and Woolies Allsorts, Tuk Tuks and Aaron DeBrincatts team all going for gold to be crowned Champions.

Friday saw the final of the club’s school competition between Hazel Farrell, Alice Wheeler, Roy Blain, Jack Pini, Harry Craig, Corey Stroud, Katarna Bunk, and Demika.

Played in pairs, first place went to year eight students Corey Stroud and Harry Craig. Winners of the girl’s competition were Demika and Katarna Bunt.

The weekend saw the Pratt Cup being played all over Mackay with Airlie Beach’s team of fours competing.

John Askew, Stephen Lawrie, Peter Barratt and Skipper Bob McMahon with the pairs team of Mark Mawson and Luke Kinnear took part, whilst Warren Mills played singles.

The Airlie Beach teams played remarkably well to make the semi-finals and finished third.

Sunday social bowls: John Fielding took out the prestigious Health Hub award whilst Henny Tattam and Tony Whitehorn beat the other 26 bowlers.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Bowen Bowls Club claimed third place at Airlie Beach Bowls Club Spring Fling Carnival with a team of Gavin Charles, Steve Roome, Sue Fox, and Helen Jacobsen.

Sunday Scroungers: winners Steve Roome and Lee Welsted.

Club Singles Final: The winner was Shane Spann and Runner up Gus Munro.

Wednesday Social Bowls: Keith Kirk, Allen Williams, Helen Jacobsen defeated Mary Ellen Pratten, G Dent, D. Hindmarsh.  Bev Smith, Paula Welsted, Gus Munro defeated Lorraine McArthur, Jane Gilbert, Peter Hindmarsh.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

Club Singles final winner Shane Spann and Runner up Gus Munro

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Monday Triples: Winners for the afternoon were Ken De Wallace, Chris Frew, and Peter Donoghue.

Tuesday saw a full green as they celebrated President Margaret’s Day, players travelled from South Townsville, Alligator Creek, Jubilee, Ayr, and Airlie Beach as well as local members and visitors.

A morning game sponsored by Fitzgerald Funerals Townsville saw winners C Campbell, Bob Dykstra, Beryl Cornford, and Heather Jorgensen.

Second place went to Pam Breakwell, Mary Whitbread, Chris Robinson, and Elaine Kippen, and third Place to Carolyne Jones, Lorraine Knight, Penny Warren, and Leslie Bates.

NQ Patron Wilma Berryman won the spider.

Fun Friday: winners for the afternoon were Judy Christie and Kevin Baxter.

Sunday afternoon Father’s Day Trophy was sponsored by local business P&O Meehan Menswear.

Winners were Lyn Madden, Barry Beel, and Lorraine Knight who defeated Deb Beel, Ron, and Pat Wilson. The jackpot didn’t go off.

It was great to see our 102-year Life Member Brian Winspear - one of the last surviving Airforce pilots from the bombing of Darwin - at afternoon tea. Brian kept the crowd entertained with his humour.

Mixed 4’s Competition saw Robyn Stitt, Isobel Wheeler, Margaret Wilson, and Mark Drummond defeat Denise Wallace, Barry Beel, Penny Warren, and Allan Rolfe.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Life member Brian Winspear

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Back in August, the first game of the year was a belter remainder for Proserpine State High School student cricketers where they travelled to Mackay to bring the season in against Mercy College.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, PSHS found it tough to get going in the early stages.

J.Valmadre (4) got the ball rolling over the boundary with his first scoring shot before the old “yes, no, yes, wait” call had him heading to the sheds soon after.

B.Valmadre did what he does best and tick the scoreboard over making 28 from 33 sending the cherry to the boundary 4 times before departing and PSHS were 2-50 at the 13th over mark.

This bought D.Pettierford (duck) in to partner K.Porter (3) but with the wind in their sails and bowling well, Mercy College soon had this pair back in the pavilion and PSHS in big trouble.

As we have come to expect from this special group of players and never say die attitude L.McDermid (15no) and J.Rock (11no) brought the innings to an end, giving our boys something to defend with their timely cameos and PSHS posting  a smallish total of 4-86 off 20overs.

Mercy College then bolted out of the blocks with the bat even after some tight bowling from Z.Henry (0-18), L.McDermid (0-9), L.Dwyer (0-9) they had raced to 0-48. A.Geisel (1-6) then produced a peach, sending the middle stump cartwheeling towards the airport runway.

This was followed by J.Valmadre’s brilliant throw from cover finding the inform N.Jackson short on 32, the score was 2-55 in the 12th and Mercy College were still sitting comfortable.

M.Logan(0-5) tighten things up with the ball and with some great fielding in the deep from F.Roganov, Z.Henry and K.Porter as well as W.Logan behind the stumps made Mercy College work hard for their runs. B.Valmadre(3-13) and players player Dangerous Donny Pettierford(5-11) who got to raise the pill for his five wicket haul, both had little success from their first overs and the hosts were 2-71 in the 15th over.

With their backs against the wall PSHS lifted and the next five overs showed no mercy to the college boys, ripping through their batsmen to be all out for 76 in one of the biggest turnarounds in the competition’s history.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Valmadre

The Proserpine State High School junior cricket team started off their season in memorable fashion

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On Wednesday at Bowen Golf Club, ladies and men played a single stableford sponsored by the club.

Men's winner on a countback was Peter Fitzgerald, 40 points, runner up John Martin, 40. Ladies’ winner on a countback was Penny Stewart, 38 points, runner up was Lisa Raisbeck, 38.

Saturday was the ladies’ September Monthly medal, where winner Janice Bates had 68 nett, runner up Joy Hose 71 nett.  

Pin shots to Bonnie Kohlhase, Julie Martin, Janice Bates, and Leanne Swan.

Sunday was the men's September Monthly medal with winner Andrew Menzies 63 nett, runner up Dylan Nott 66 nett.  

Both competitions sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf Club.

This weekend is a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Sportspower.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

September ladies’ monthly medal winner

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The threat of inclement weather deterred some from playing in the past week’s at Proserpine Veteran’s Golf, however the rain stayed away for a few surprisingly pleasant days.

Eight ladies and eleven men competed for a fun day with three clubs and a putter. Robyn Whitham took out the day for the ladies with a lovely 35 points followed by Paula McQuat, 30, and Jacqueline Wall on 28.

For the men it was Trevor Paroz on 34, John Roser, 33, and Frank Maloney, 32.  Pin shots went to Paula McQuat, Elspeth Scotford and Marieta Smith, Trevor Paroz, John Roser, Frank Maloney and Steve Mitchell.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Robyn Whitham

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