Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders hosted the Slade Point Rugby club at home on Saturday in front of a good home crowd.

It was a first half battle for both teams, neither giving an inch in attack nor defence, with Slade Point repelling four attempts by the Raiders to cross the line and coming close themselves on a number of occasions.

Half time saw the scoreboard reading nil all with 40 mins to go and it wasn’t until the 49th when Raiders left wing Rhys Ward got a pass from the base of a ruck in our own 22.

Ward put the foot down to get past his opposite number, side stepping the cover defence and flying down the sideline before a little kick chase to get around the fullback and came away with the first try.

A great individual display of his skills, converted by Niall Clancy and the raiders led seven-nil until the 57th.

Slade Point crossed the line and made the score 7 all and the game was again in the balance until Raiders’ fullback Jack Briskey crossed the line in the 65th, taking it to 14 -7.

The 74th minute saw the Slade boys cross the line again for a 14-12 scoreline.

It took the Raiders until the last five minutes of the game to show some ascendancy and put another two on the board to end the game as a 26-12 hard fought win.

Raiders sit top of the MRU competition table and head into the game against Moranbah Bulls at the Sportspark this coming Saturday.

And next weekend, the Sportspark will hold the Anzac triple-header, an expanded competition on Saturday, April 22.

Featuring six clubs – Moranbah Bulls, Kuttabul Boks, Whitsunday Raiders, Mackay Cities, Brothers Mackay and Bowen Mudcrabs - there will be plenty to look forward to over the three games, in what is no doubt one of the biggest game days of the season.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

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The Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders had a tough-fought win against Slade Point last weekend

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The week started off with Tuesday Ladies Day at Airlie Beach Bowls Club where a brilliant display from Tony Whitehorn and Rhonda Lloyd had the highest winning margin.

Tina Schubert and Sandra Argo were the second big winners after progressing to the semi-finals with a surprising win over Ladda Purdie and Elaine Hadlow.

Wednesday afternoon’s Jackpot Bowls was won by Mens President Peter Barrett as skipper with Keith Bates at lead and Rick Galea.

The men were runaway victors for the money, and Stacey Hadlow went home with the prestigious Health Hub Award.

Friday afternoon saw the resumption of the final of the Men’s Triples which was brilliantly won by John Fielding, Russell Jackson, and Manny Isgro.

Saturday and Sunday had home and away games for Division Four, with Division One playing Proserpine at home on Saturday with an overall team win of three points but losing two games.

On Sunday at Sarina only Mannys team won but the other two teams went down gallantly.

Division Four travelled to Seaforth and won one and lost one, but lost on aggregate.

At home on Sunday against Mackay the Division Four team bounced back with a big win and the second team faded for a draw but got the points 4.5 to .5.

Divisions Five played at Sarina and lost but made amends with a great result on Sunday against a strong South Suburban club, 46-32, just losing on one rink but a huge win on the second.

Division Six also won on Sunday, 39-29, with one team just going down but a wonderful win for John Askew’s team.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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On Wednesday at Proserpine Bowls Club plenty of players from Airlie Beach took the chance to have some grass practice ahead of upcoming Symons Shield and Pennants.  

Tina Schubert, Wendy Pomeroy, and Joan McGrath defeated Bruce Uhe, Alan Pershouse, and Noel Crosbie 22–11 in the first game of the week.

Meanwhile, Lyn Graham, Elaine Kippen, and Heather Brown defeated Henny Tattam, Vicki Spann, and Carol Crosbie, 20-14.  

Jim Bownds, Mike Harrison, and Philip Brown drew 22 all with Alen Sanderson, Pat Bownds, and Warren Wilson.

On Saturday, Division Five Pennants played Airlie Beach at Proserpine, with Proserpine winning one of the two rinks and winning the match 40-24, scoring four match points plus 16.  

Division One played Airlie Beach at Airlie Beach, with Proserpine winning two rinks but losing the match 58-55, winning two Match points minus three.

On Sunday Division One played Souths Suburban at Proserpine with Proserpine defeated on all three rinks, earning no Match Points with a minus of 52.  

Division Five played St Helens at St Helens, with Proserpine losing both rinks, winning no Match points, and with a minus 30.

In Competition games played this week, Club Championship Singles saw Shane Kinnear defeat Marcus Craig, 25-14, and Scott Hamilton defeat Harry Craig, 26-9.  

In B Singles, Toby Craig defeated Bruce Uhe, 25-3, and Isaac Elliott defeated Todd Leys, 25-7.

In Social play on Sunday afternoon, Lindsay Park, Heather Brown, and Mike Harrison defeated Alen Sanderson, Heather Brown, Grahame Kinnear, and Mary Hedgelong, 23-10.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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On Sunday at Wangaratta Bowls Club four games of triples were played – each quite close.

Winners for the afternoon on account of ends were Deb Retchless, Laurie Land, and Graeme Read who drew with Kevin Baxter, Robyn Stitt, and Barry Beel.

In other games Bill Myers, Isobel Wheeler, and Kennedy Whitton defeated Deb Beel, Kent Moriarty, and Kevin Jewell, while Denise Wallace, Penny Warren, and Mark Drummond defeated Gwenda Lydom, Linda Scells, and Greg Colquhoun.

The final game was won by the team of Merle Elphinstone, and Lyn and Geoff Danvers, who defeated Irene Laird, Sue Shearing, and  Pat Tracey.  

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, with Ladies’ winner on a countback Penny Stewart, 39 points.

Women’s runner up was Trish Sellen, also 39 points, while Men's winner was Jeremy Chrzanowski on 38, runner up on a countback Kevin Clark, 37.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by the Original North Australian Hotel.

Ladies’ winner was Carol O'Connell, 37 points, runner up Helen Fellows on 34.

Pin shots to Penny Stewart, Carol O'Connell, Judy Atkins, and Julie Martin who also won the Car Wash voucher.

Men’s winner was Kevin Cross, 43 points, runner up Scott Pearce, 40.

Pin shots to Malcolm Martin, Rhyce Layton, Graeme Baker, and Ben Fellows, with Malcolm Martin and Craig Van Veen both with OBP's.

This weekend's competition is a single stableford event sponsored by Margaret Whyte. Don't forget to wear purple, Marg's favourite colour.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Ladies’ Saturday winners Carol O'Connell and Helen Fellows

Allen Roberts edged out Wilf Herweg on a countback in Tuesday’s Stabelford at Proserpine Golf Club.

Both men carded 39 points and were followed in third place by Jim Cochrane on 38 points, while NTPs were won by Allen Roberts and Len Booroff.

The ladies teed up for the Wednesday Stableford in fine numbers, with Trish McNeill the winner on 39 points ahead of 20 other competitors.

She was closely followed by Pauline Redpath on 37, and Beryl Nosworthy in good form on 34 points. Toni Clauss, Trish McNeill and Ann Gardel were the NTP winners.

Aaron Prosser and Adam Tester were back on the winner’s podium for Division One and Two, respectively, in the Thursday Stableford.

Nathan Holohan runner up in Division One on 39 points, and Brent Daniels in third place on 37 points.

Russell Reardon also played well with a handicap equalling 36 points, beating James Devery on a countback.

NTP winners: Steve Mitchell, Adam Maggs, Gavin Kerwand and Trish McNeill

George Steane shot a par round to win the 9-Hole Met Run on Friday afternoon, carding a very nice 22 points.

Troy Smith betting his handicap to shoot 20 points beating Billy O’Connor on a countback. Paul Gray and Tom O’Brien were the NTP winners.

Saturday’s event was a nett competition, Diane Chard led the ladies in with a very nice 71 nett, beating Mandy Patterson on a countback.

Tiina Randmae came third, only one shot back on 71 nett.

Sherri Meade and Pam Harrison won the two NTP’s up for grabs, while the men’s field was divided into two divisions, with Vincent Collins winning on 66 nett.

Jon Miller shot a one under par round to finish in second place on 67 nett, and Jason Bourke was in third place on 68 nett.

Division Two was won by Jack Paroz on 64 nett, followed by Billy Ruddell on 66 nett and Mark Cranston in third place also on 66 nett.

NTP winners: Pat Camm, Steve Kelly, George Steane, and Rod Wecker.

John Clark was on fire on Sunday to win the Club Stableford with a scorching 42 points, three ahead of second placed Nathan Holohan, and Ken Granger one back from second on 38 points.

Aaron Prosser was the NTP winner.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop

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The Mark Nicol memorial ambrose was held on Sunday for Whitsunday Social Golfers who arrived in force, with a field of 26 players vying for the trophy.

With a nett score of 60, the Trophy was claimed by Pam Casey and Lew Tuck, with runners up on 63.25 were Elise Hodgson and Chris Bartlett, and in the rundown Jason Bourke and Clay Coles came in on 64.5.

They were closely followed by Pauline Redpath and Dean Kercher on 64.75.

Nearest the Pins went to the teams of Caly and Jason, Lew and Pam, Dean and Pauline, Tiina Randmae and Jo Moynihan, and Mark Rutherford and Mark Callaghan.

Longest drives were claimed by George Meharry, Don Cameron, Penny Wardroper. and Linda Wardroper.

The Bradfords went to Scott and Linda Wardroper.

The Club extended thanks to the Reef Gateway Hotel for support each week of prizes and sustenance.  

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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Whitsunday Social Golfers Pam Casey, Lew Tuck, and Elise Hodgson

Another warm one out there this week for Proserpine Veteran Golfers who continue to get good numbers despite the heat with ten ladies and 23 men out on the course.

On the full 18 holes, John Oates took out first place with a great score of 39 on a countback from Wilf Herweg, 39, and Jimmy Cochrane on 38.

Lyn Muller was the ladies’ winner with 35, Jan Shuwalow 34, and Paula McQuat 31.

Pin shots went to Ken Granger and Steve Mitchel on two, Wilf Herweg, and Steve again on eight, Gary Scotford and Phil Luckett on 13.

Lyn Muller and Jan Shuwalow on two, Lyn again and Tiina Randmae on eight, Elspeth Scotford, Jan Shuwalow, and Paula McQuat all in the hole on 13.

Next Tuesday there will be no competition at Proserpine Golf Course as the Club heads to Home Hill for the Whitsunday Veterans Competition.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Proserpine Veteran golfer Lyn Muller

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A young Proserpine State School Student has been selected to play Basketball for North Queensland and he is thrilled to see all his practice and training has paid off.

Jamie Henderson is 12 years old and began playing Basketball last year with the Next Stars Sports Academy in Cannonvale.

He participated in the Whitsunday Trials last year and since then he has used every spare moment to practice and fine-tune his skills.

“Everyone thought I should play basketball because I am so tall for my age,” said Jamie.

At 179 centimetres he is the tallest kid in his class, but his height was just the impetus to try the sport, it is his talent on court that got him noticed by the scouts.

Jamie’s dad, Nick Henderson, said that while other players are cocky on the court, his son is cool and calm.

“He always picks the most arrogant player who thinks he’s ‘all that’ and then he just hounds him and never lets up until he’s got him,” said Nick.

“He never loses his cool or reacts when other players having a go at him, he just ignores them!

“He can also slip into any team and play really well – I think these are the reasons he caught the judges eye.”

Jamie participated in the trials three weeks ago and was part of a team of 10 boys and 10 girls from Proserpine State High School who went to Townsville to vie for a place.

He was the only boy to be selected.

For his next event Jamie will head back in Townsville in May for a four-day tournament where 10 players will be selected to be play for Queensland and if he is successful, he will travel to a major competition in Perth.

Jamie was born in Shepperton Victoria and moved to the Whitsundays eight years ago.

A talented Power Forward, Jamie said he loved attending the trials and that it was awesome to compete in a bigger setting with four basketball courts playing at the same time.

Back in his local town, Jamie can be found at the Cannonvale Basketball Courts between three and four times a week, where he plays for two hours each session.

When asked what advice he has for other aspiring sports players he said to never give up.

“If you don’t make it the first time, just keep practicing, it’s about trial and error,” he said.

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Year 7 Proserpine State High School Student, Jamie Henderson, has been selected to play Basketball for North Queensland. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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The inaugural Genesis Cup round for Airlie Beach Darts Club was held on Sunday morning at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club after the Easter break.

Plenty of players went into the weekend in fine form, with Round 1 having valuable Premier League points on offer before the remainder of the competition -- a dog fight to the end with the eventual winner claiming the second trophy of the year.

It was a fantastic day of darting action from start to finish, with Jamie Woods hoisting aloft the Genesis Cup for the first time.

The Club extended thanks to its sponsors: Mika Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, and Master Butchers Whitsundays.

Genesis Cup Results Round 1

J Maher def H Rick 7/2

G Robbie def A McMinn 7/5

J Wilson def S Rose 7/3

J Woods def A Peel 7/2

J Lloyd def K Reason 7/4 (Rd5)

Quarter Finals

J Maher def K Reason 4/2

J Wilson def G Robbie 4/0

J Woods def A McMinn 4/1

A Peel def J Lloyd 4/2

Semi Finals

J Maher def J Wilson 4/3

J Woods def A Peel 4/3

Final

J Woods def J Maher 4/0

180’s x 1 - J Woods

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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Jamie Woods claiming his second trophy of the season at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club on Sunday

Outrigger Whitsunday has introduced a new session to its calendar where up to 18 new paddlers take to the water at each session – to enormous success already.

The new weekly Friday afternoon outrigger paddling is halfway through its first six-week social programme and is a great way for business owners, retirees, and visitors to explore the Whitsundays’ amazing back yard.

The friendly team environment is a fun way to exercise with no pressure to paddle at a competitive level, and it offers a unique way to experience the culture of an outrigger canoe.

“These new sessions are a terrific way for anyone to get out on to the water at a time when they may not ordinarily be able to,” Outrigger Whitsunday member Michelle Lynes said.

“It’s been extremely rewarding to watch new friendships being made as each member works together to get ready for the session and take our big canoes down to the water and then successfully learn how to paddle.

“Some sessions bring out the singer in the group, other times we watch the local wildlife or learn how to work with the different conditions that Mother Nature brings.”

The club also offers a social paddling time on Saturday mornings with bookings for either are essential.

Meet at Shingley Beach Fridays 4.30pm for 5pm on the water; Meet at Shingley Beach Saturdays 7am for 7.30am on the water.

Contact the club on their Facebook page or Michelle on 0421 159 852

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Outrigger Whitsundays has launched a six-week social programme for beginners to come and give the sport a go

Five Cannonvale Cannons’ swimmers had brilliant weeks at the Australian Age Swimming Championships on the Gold Coast.  

Coach Mark Erickson said he was proud of the Cannons and their outstanding achievements.

“It is not easy to qualify for the Australian Championships, let alone swim at the Australian championships,” he said.

“The five Cannons kept their nerves at bay and swam extremely well in this super competitive environment.”  

Jy Parkinson, 17-years-old, made the finals for all three of his Backstroke events.

Jy came ninth in Australia for his 50-metre Backstroke in a time of 27.51 seconds and for his 100-metre Backstroke in 59.01 seconds.  

He was placed 10th in the final for his 200-metre Backstroke with a time of 2.09.27.  

During the week, Jy also swam 100-metre Butterfly in a time of 58.87 seconds (23rd), 200-metre Freestyle in 1.57.10 (13th), 100-metre Freestyle in 54.12sec (30th) and 200m Butterfly in 2.14.91 (17th).  

Jacob Bell, aged 16, swam a 400-metre IM in a time of 5.01.25 which placed him 28th in Australia.

Ehsan Helou, 14, swam her 50-metre Breaststroke in 34.35 seconds, which placed him 50th in Australia.  

Ehsan’s sister, Anisa, aged 13, swam the 50-metre Butterfly in 31.44 seconds (with a 0.68 second personal best) and was placed 76th in the country.  

Holly Perrin, aged 15, swam the 50-metre Backstroke in 33.24 seconds and was placed 92nd in Australia.  

The Club extended its congratulations to Jy, Jacob, Ehsan, Anisa, and Holly on your fantastic achievements.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Anisa Jacob Holly Mark Jy and Ehsan on the Gold Coast

Cannons at the Australian Age Championships

Jy marshalling for the Backstroke final

The WTA’s Winter Competition resumed on Monday after a two week break for Easter holidays.

However, not all WTA members took a break. Two of our promising Junior Referees travelled to Townsville for the State Junior North Cup.

Lanie Hazeltine and Claudia Ansell took the opportunity to further their refereeing experience. In Townsville they were mentored by experienced referees. The girls commented that they learned a lot and really appreciated the supportive comments from the senior referees.

Claudia capped her efforts with selection to referee the U12 Girls Grand Final.

WTA is proud to support our Junior Referees.

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Round Eight Results

Mixed A

Raiders A (8) v Concrete Feet (2)

Vipers (6) v Trusty (3)

Mixed B

Whitmonday Eagles (11) v Ray White (4)

GET Touch (7) v Full Boar (2)

Touch It (6) v Slippery Salmons (3)

Mixed C

Raiders C (9) v On Time (5)

Fumble This (7) v Stingers (4)

Flametree Flames (11) v Whitsunday Warriors (2)

Mixed C (Family)

Untouchables (7) v Misfits (4)

Mainlanders (8) v Escapees (2)

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The North Queensland Cowboys have announced two star Mackay recruits in the lead up to their inaugural NRLW season.

After a strong start in the Mackay Cutters first BMD Premiership season, Emma Manzelmann was unveiled as the first signing for the Cowboys with Jasmine Peters being announced soon after.

Born and raised in Mackay, Manzelmann returns to North Queensland after a premiership winning NRLW campaign with the Newcastle Knights as an integral signing for Cowboys’ maiden season.

“Growing up, there was not much women’s footy,” Emma said.

“Then when Cowboys said they were putting in a team, it was a dream and now that dream’s becoming true.”

Cowboys Sign Mackay Talent Ahead Of First NRLW Season

The pathway between the Mackay Cutters BMD Premiership and North Queensland Cowboys NRLW squads has made itself apparent, with two players from the inaugural Cutters campaign signing with the North Queensland outfit ahead of their first season.

Emma Manzelmann began her football journey with the Walkerston Wanderers under 7s and by 2019 she was a member of the Queensland under 18s and the inaugural Cowboys Women’s Academy.

The current Cutters’ number 9 announced herself to the senior rugby league world with a stunning two try performance in the North Queensland Gold Stars’ first ever game in Round 1 of the 2020 BMD Premiership.

Emma returned to the Gold Stars for the 2021 season and was named Player of the Year after a sensational campaign, earning herself a contract with the Newcastle Knights for the delayed 2021 NRLW season.

Returning to the Gold Stars in 2022, the dynamic dummy half helped the team to premiership success before appearing in all seven 2022 matches for Newcastle in their march to grand final glory, Emma’s second premiership of the year.

Cowboys NRLW Head Coach Ben Jeffries said Emma was earmarked early in the recruiting process.

“Emma was always one of our main targets,” he said.

“She is an elite talent who is homegrown and came through our pathways system, which made her signature a priority.”

Fellow Mackay product and try scorer in the Gold Stars’ 2022 grand final victory Jasmine Peters also announced a three-year deal with the Cowboys on Monday.

Peters played her junior football for the Norths Mackay Devils before graduating to the Cowboys Women’s Academy and playing two NRLW seasons with the Gold Coast Titans.

“It’s hard to believe ‘Jaz’ is still just 20 when you consider she’s a three-time Indigenous All-Star, who also brings Queensland under 19s and NRLW experience,” Mr Jeffries said.

“Jasmine will be a prominent figure in our backline, with her powerful carries and I know she is determined to test herself against the best within the NRLW space as she pushes for higher honours.”

The Cowboys also announced the signing of Cairns’ Tahlulah Tillett, another member of the 2022 premiership winning Gold Stars squad, as they build towards their first campaign in the NRLW.

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Mackay’s Emma Manzelmann was the first person to sign with the North Queensland Cowboys ahead of their inaugural NRLW season. Photo supplied: North Queensland Cowboys

Mackay Cutters captain Emma Manzelmann and backrower Jasmine Peters have signed with the North Queensland Cowboys. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The competition was hot when Sarina Bowls Club hosted the men's only 2023 Wilma Plane Creek Mill Shield.

One hundred and twenty bowlers from 12 clubs competed, playing three games on a reasonably hot day.

Lots of good bowling and friendship resulted between the 120 men fighting it out to see which club could take home the shield.

Northern Beaches and Souths Suburban led a close finish, both teams ending on 17 points each.

Northern Beaches won on overall margin of 67 and Souths Suburban second with 60.

Wilmar is the major sponsor of the day, and many spectators enjoyed watching some very competitive bowls.

Contributed by Rita Hughes

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Northern Beaches Bowls Club's winning team was Back L-R Kees Struik, Pete Petersen, Greg Kasper, Stevie Mau, Brodie Johnson, Jason McMullin, Steve Boyce, Bruce Wilson. Front L-R Mark Glew, Paul Foot, and selector Trevor Kelly. Also playing were Ricky Dunn, Barry Brown, Chris Gee and Stu Larkins. Photo credit: Rita Hughes

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