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.”

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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.

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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

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The Whitsunday Sportspark hosted an enormous round of Rugby Union last weekend

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford event sponsored by the Club.

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Grace Nott, with 37 points, followed by runner up Leanne Swan, 37 points. Men's winner Vince Hargraves, 39 points, runner up on a countback was Colin Pett, 38.

Pin shots to Lynelle Riley, Carol O'Connell, and Donna Wright, with Kim Bennion claiming an OBP.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Margaret Whyte, with Ladies’ winner Joy Hose, 36 points, second Grace Nott, 35, and third on a countback Claire Garrod, 34.

Pin shots to Grace Nott, Meg Garrod, Julie Mawson, and Robyn Slade.

Men’s winner was Glenn Wright, 43 points, second to Jeff Day, 41, and third to Nathan Donaldson, 40. Pin shots to Chris Matheson, John Storrie, and Rodney Wells.

Peter Swan won the Car wash voucher with an OBP and the Club congratulated Pauline Martin on her hole in one on number seven during Saturday's competition.

This weekend's competition is a 4BBB Aggregate Medley stableford event sponsored by Jeff Day Plumbing.  

Representatives from the Club will play in the Ladies’ Bowen open today, Friday, April 28, for which the Club wishes them good luck.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Pauline Martin with her first ever hole in one this week at Bowen Golf Club

Wednesday ladies’ winners Grace Nott, third place Annie Mason

Marg Whyte trophy winners: ladies’ winner Joy Hose, Mens third place-getter Nathan Donaldson, Sponsor Marg Whyte, ladies second place getter Grace Nott, and third place getter Claire Garrod

Proserpine Veteran Golfers cancelled their trip to Home Hill this week after last minute heavy rainfall left the course unplayable – but not to be deterred, 25 players entered a Proserpine Comp.  

The early players did well but the tail enders copped a drowning as the weather crept down the coast from the north.

Captain Ken Granger won for the men with 70 on a countback from Steve Mitchell, with Peter Fox third with 71.

Helen Deighton took out the ladies with 72, Heather Luvis, 75, and Elspeth Scotford, 78. Pin shots went to Colin and Jenny Hounsell on two, Jenny again on nine, Peter Fox on 13 and Heather Luvis on 16.

Next Tuesday is ANZAC Day and thus no Veteran’s Competition. But there will be PGC two ball Ambrose, shotgun start at 11.00am.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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This week’s Nine-hole stableford at Whitsunday Green Golf Club was won by Josh Tripcony on 24 points, with second place on 20 Jimmy Millar, and third place to Cameron Mutch, 19.

The Club’s Friday 9-hole stableford was an incredible effort by all competitors, with first place to Andrew Gomez with 21 points, second with 20 on the countback to Glenn Rees, and third place to Michael Bond, 20.

Sunday’s 18-hole stableford first place getter was Glenn Rees, second place Alan Clinch, and third Tyson Flavel. Nearest the pin was Tyson Flavel and Glenn Rees.

This Sunday will be the Club’s Monthly medal tee off at 10.00am

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club

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Whitsunday Green golfers AJ Shoesmith, and Jim, North, and Beau Hodges

The format of this week’s Whitsunday Golf Club's Sunday Stableford competition was changed from a 4BBB to single Stableford

Blustery conditions complicated the game particularly on the more exposed greens.

LADIES: ALL IN

Winner: Tiina Randmae with 34 points

R/Up: Elise Hodgson with 32 points

Third: Pam Casey with 25 points

MENS' A GRADE:

Winner: Jason Bourke

R/Up: Jason Whitney

MENS' B GRADE:  

Winner: Don Cameron

R/Up: Paul Nicol

NTPs: Tiina Randmae and Jason Bourke on the second, ElisE Hodgson on the ninth and 16th, and Ritchie Atkins on the 13th.

Longest Drives: Ritchie Atkins and Don Cameron for the men, Tiina Randmae and Elise Hodgson for the ladies.

To top off their day, David Hoy and Tina Cook enjoyed the free drink that came with the NAGA, courtesy of Aaron and Tracey Watts.

Next Sunday will be a single Stableford with some of our travellers returning which should brin our numbers closer to normal. Happy golfing.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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After a week of hot weather and northernly winds ahead of Whitsunday Sailing Club’s Twilight Race, relief was in sight and the fleet headed out for last week’s Wednesday twilight race.

With 10 knots from the southeast, together with flat seas and a colourful sunset, it was a perfect way to celebrate the middle of the working week.

First out of the blocks was Treasure VIII (Rob Davis), leading the Division 2 fleet away, taking the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize along the way.  

Some aggressive moves on the starting line saw some of the line honours favourites pushed out, allowing Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) to create an early lead, with QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) and Wide Load (Shannan Hart) in pursuit.

Reignition (Charles Wallis), having started well behind the fleet, managed to work through to fourth place at the finish, just behind Treasure VIII, keeping Smooth Criminal (Iyas Shaheen) and Wide Load behind.  

On corrected time, Treasure VIII took the honours over Bobby’s Girl by just 2 seconds, with Wide Load a further 30 seconds back.

In Division Three, newcomer The Point (Kyle Rose) got off to a great start, leading the fleet away before being overtaken by Matchless (Terry Stevens), who in turn was fending off challenges from Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) and Shiraz (John Cable).  

A mid fleet battle ensued, with Rossgo (Greg Hammon), The Point and Lighthorse, with Rossgo doing best in the conditions to finish fourth on elapsed time.

After handicaps were applied, Shiraz came out on top with Rossgo second and The Point third. A dead heat for fourth place between Matchless and Wobbly Boot gave the competitors something to talk about after results were announced back at the club house.

Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm, with limited crewing positions available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

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Wednesday 12/3/2023: Social bowls played. Winners were: Sue Roscoe, Bev McDonald, Sheryl Cuttriss. Runners up were: Sue Hazledine, Lesley Baumgarten, Pat O’Neill. We also saw the semi-final of the Championship Triples played, with the winners to play on Thursday morning.

Thursday 13/3. Once again, spectators were shown an amazing game of bowls. Each end was so close and could have gone either way. But the eventual winners were Marie Bragg, Val DePinto and Dorothy (Nuggy) Pratt. Our valiant runners up were Lurline Ford, Maryann Bartolo and Dorothy Wise. Congratulations to our winners and to all players who played in each game.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

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Photo supplied: Sue Hazledine

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Cutters Ten Try BMD Premiership Romp

Mackay Cutters are proving a force to be reckoned with in the 2023 Queensland Rugby League BMD Womens premiership.

Last Saturday at Brisbane’s Totally Workwear Stadium, Marco Peters’ talented charges again demonstrated their championship credentials by trouncing the Brisbane Tigers 48-4.

It was the Cutters’ fourth win of the season and after five rounds the team shares top spot on the ladder with the undefeated Souths Logan Magpies and Burleigh Bears on eight points.

Outstanding fullback Jasmine Peters and centre China Polata capped superb games for the Cutters by each grabbing doubles in the ten try rout.

There was no stopping the Mackay girls from the moment classy hooker and captain Emma Manzelmann fooled the Tigers defence to score the opening try after three minutes with Alisha Foord converting.

The Cutters jumped to a massive 26-0 lead at the break following further tries to centre Libby Surha, the elusive Peters and Polata, Tillett and winger Katie Green in a dominant first stanza.

Mackay had too many big guns for their Brisbane rivals and posted another four tries after the interval when Polata, Peters, Mato and prop Makenzie Weale all crossed during a 15 minute blitz.

Meanwhile, barnstorming Brisbane Tigers centre Solomona Faataape was best on ground in his side’s 24-16 triumph over the Cutters in the Hostplus Cup.

Faataape crashed over for his first try in the 6th minute after Mackay winger Kyle Krisanski-Kennedy had earlier stunned the hosts with a neat four pointer within 60 seconds from kick off.

The Tigers regained the lead when centre Marion Seve dashed over to score his team’s second try before Mackay hit back when rugged back rower Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano burst through tackles to score and bridge the deficit to four points.

But two blockbusting tries by Faataape in the space of three minutes turned the match for Brisbane as they skipped to a 24-10 lead with 12 minutes left on the clock.

The Cutters gave their supporters hope when hard working lock and skipper Sean Mullany registered the Cutters’ third try after 73 minutes, but all to no avail.

Mackay are still winless after five rounds and face a moment of truth this Saturday afternoon at BB Print Stadium when they host the Norths Devils.

Both clubs are languishing near the bottom of the table with the Devils now under the guidance of former Cutters coach Dave Elliott.

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