The Bowen Bowls Club held a successful Ladies Fours Carnival last week with the teams on the green displaying some beguiling bowls.

Fourth place went to the team of Margaret Wilson, Merle Elphinstone, Robyn Stitt, and Lyn Danvers, just shy behind third placed side of Wanda Goodwin, Linda Erickson, and Kay O’Sullivan.

In the final between the teams of Florence Keft, Gail Meng, Rhonda Meng, and Ahondi Ray, and Betty Nicolle, Margo Stanley, Ladda Purdie, and Betty Whitehorn, the latter came out the victors.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Bowen Bowls Club Ladies’ Fours Carnival winners Betty Nicolle, Margo Stanley, Ladda Purdie, and Betty Whitehorn with Lee from sponsors S&W Crane Hire

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On Tuesday afternoon at Airlie Beach Bowls Club Col Morris was at his best alongside Di Dobbins, with the pair claiming the win against Tony Whitehorn and Dawn Dowell, 21-15.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls was witness to a runaway victory by Tony Kelly and Ladda Purdie – who showed everyone why she’s the fourth best ladies bowler in Queensland.

They defeated the visiting bowler Dale Henry who had teamed with Mark Mawson 28-9.

Wednesday night Business House Bowls had fantastic performances with Whitsunday Gold Coffee team defeating last season’s finalists PRD in a nail biting last end victory 9-8. Other victories to Lara Hadlow’s racing team and Tuk Tuks

Saturday morning saw the return of Scroungers and first round winners Margo Stanley, Andy McDougall, Russell Jackson, and John Askew go into the final with And McDougall playing superbly to beat Russell in the final to secure another victory, with Tony Whitehorn for the third time winning the B Grade prize money.

Sunday afternoon social bowls saw John Trembath, Lu Rogan, and Keith Bates at lead effortlessly win 22-13 over Lynne Skeen’s team of Paul Tobias and Elaine Hadlow.

Whilst this was going on in Mackay at South Suburban’s club the final of the area’s Mixed Pairs Championship was underway with Shane and Vicky Spann pulling off a wonderful last end victory 23-22 with three points on the last end to claim an astonishing victory.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club members Lu Rogan, John Trembath, and Keith Bates after their amazing victory on Sunday afternoon

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Tuesday morning fixture results March 7, 2023

Division 1:

Pelicans (Charlie Payne, Branko Vucurovic, John McGee, Veronica Shepherd) d Magpies (George Camilleri, Delma Knight, Noreen Fredericksen) 10-4. John d Noreen 8, -9, 7, -9, 8.

Cockatoos (Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Peter Goodson, Don Boettcher) d Doves (Michael Ibbotson, Pam Joyce, Kevin Abbott, Coral Morgan) 10-4. Don d Kevin 8, -2, 7, -11, 5.

Division 2:

Parrots (Bryan Marshall, Judi Hicks, Marie Taylor) d Owls (Kim Challender, Robyn Bushell, Helen Ware) 7-5. Helen d Marie 5, -3, 10, -2, 5.

Ibis (Iris Grasso, Louise Gould, Fred Saliba) d Kookaburras (John Hamelink, Ken Best) 9-3. Ken d Louise -8, 5, 9, -13, 4.

Division 3:

Eagles (Sharon Muller, Frank Caruana, Glenda Dutton) d Storks (Madge Saunders, Thelma Caruana, Allison Day) 8-4. Sharon d Thelma -8, 7, -6, 8, 3.

Hawks (Gloria Vella, Pam Keune) d Pigeons (Bill Hey, Myles Dutton) 7-3. Pam d Bill 6, -11, 5, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures March 7, 2023:

Division 1:

Donic (Andrew McHugh, Barry Patterson, Graham Drury) d Victas (Daniel Warfield, Anne Sheridan, Steven Whiting) 11-0. Graham d Steven -4, -3, 2, 9, 8.

Tibhar (Allan Edwards, Mick Ruhl, Vince Boeske) d Joola (Emma Widdup, Robbie Richards) 7-4. Robbie d Allan 4, -8, -10, 9, 8.

Division 2:

Yasaka (Ian McKay, Duncan Sheridan, Peter Goodson, Lily Boland) d Stiga (Aanav Reelh, Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Matthew West) 11-3. Peter d Aanav -5, 6, 4, -4, 9.

Andro (Janice Kent, Graeme Walker, Mark Sleeman, Will VanDeKaa) d Radak (Ishan Rana, Andrea Nicholson, George Camilleri, Delma Knight) 10-4. Janice d George -4, 5, -11, 9, 9.

Division 3:

Butterfly (Val Austin, Trent Day, Virginia Clayton) d Xiom (Donna Abbott, Craig VanDeKaa, Ollie Hamelink) 10-1. Donna d Val 8, -7, 4, 8.

Gewo (Noreen Fredericksen, John McGee, Tiffany Camilleri) d Nittaku (Jye Callander, Duncan Sheridan, Steve Crocker) 10-1. Noreen d Steve -15, 7, 8, -3, 9.

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Pam Joyce and Don Boettcher in action in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photo: Charlie Payne

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A six-year bond between two of the finest rugby league prospects in Mackay has blossomed into an enterprising combination for St Patrick’s College whiz kids Xavier Kerrisk and Jaxon Purdue.

Saddling up for their final season at the College, the dynamic duo are hungry for success in 2023 and eager to bring home more silverware.

It is shaping as a busy campaign for the Queensland Country Under 17 representatives who will spearhead a powerful St Patrick’s College first grade outfit in the various schoolboys competitions this year.

Kerrisk, a skilful hooker in the Emerging Maroons Under 18s squad, and classy half back Purdue are both trump cards in new coach Ian Schifilliti’s top grade side that shapes as a force to be reckoned with.

Both 17-year-old colts have signed scholarship deals with the North Queensland Cowboys and remain an integral part of the club’s Development Program.

After impressing officials at a Cowboys pre-season camp before Christmas both players are eager to show their wares in top company.

Xavier and Jaxon were recently named in the Capricornia 18yrs representative squad to compete at the Queensland School Sport State Championships in Townsville on May 22-23.

The pair will be joined by St Patrick’s teammates in lock Kayne Smith, fullback Will Shears, centre Tenzin Cantor and prop Tyler Shandiman.

Ever since they first teamed up at Mercy College as fresh-faced 13-year-olds the duo have shared an uncanny bond on the football field that has yielded plenty of success.

Purdue and Kerrisk quickly formed a lethal spine combination as playmaker and hooker with dashing fullback Shears to help the College lift the Cowboys Challenge Shield premiership trophy in 2021.

Last year they left their mark as St Patrick’s reached the final of the prestigious Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup competitions – turning in clever performances to underline their enormous potential.

As a just reward the pair were selected in the 2022 Confraternity Rugby League Merit Team along with centre Kai Simon and lock forward Henry Thorpe with St Patrick’s current Sports Co-ordinator Mercy campus Matthew Paul named Honorary Coach in recognition of his 20 years of sterling service to schoolboy rugby league.

Both Purdue and Kerrisk began their careers as six-year-olds with their respective Norths Devils and Walkerston Wanderers JRL clubs and after 12 consecutive seasons service will focus on their schoolboy commitments in 2023.

The pair have each appeared in three Mackay & District Junior League Grand Finals with Jaxon celebrating a premiership triumph in Under 16s and Xavier collecting two championship medals in Under 14s and Under 17s.

They are also key players for the Mackay Cutters Under 18s team in the Mal Meninga Cup series and have featured prominently in the team’s early round victories over Northern Pride (24-4) and Central Capras (36-24) and last Saturday’s narrow 24-20 loss to the Townsville Blackhawks at Jack Manski Oval.

Ball playing skipper Purdue has sparked the attack while livewire Kerrisk has grabbed six tries in three games with his sharp bursts from dummy half.

By Chris Karas

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Great mates Jaxon Purdue and Xavier Kerrisk will again form a crack combination for St Patrick's College on the rugby league field this season

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Schoolboy swim sensations Ethan Banks, Kaiden Neilsen and Mia Bradford were in a record breaking mood at the recent St Patrick’s College Swimming Carnival staged at the Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex.

Seventeen-year-old Banks stole the show by smashing four existing records on the day to cap a memorable championship meet.

The outstanding prospect was crowned Year 12 Boys Champion after setting new records for the 50m freestyle (28.81 sec); 50m backstroke (34.63 sec); 50m breaststroke (38.78 sec) and 50m butterfly (32.06 sec).

Superfish Kaiden produced mighty performances in the pool to clinch the Year 7 Boys Champion trophy.

The versatile 12-year-old broke three records on the day after capturing the 50m freestyle (30.93 sec); 50m breaststroke (41.21 sec) and 50m butterfly (36.65 sec) titles.

There was also plenty of joy for Kaiden’s elder sister Mackenzie Neilsen, who was named Year 9 Girls champion after powerful performances in the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly events.

Madam Butterfly Mia dominated her age group – scooping the pool with record-breaking victories in the 50m freestyle (29.5 sec); 50m backstroke (35.75 sec); 50m breaststroke (43.38 sec) and 50m butterfly (33.25 sec) to earn the tag of Year 11 Girls Champion.

It was Mia’s fourth successive record in the 50m freestyle event. Her leading times of 29.69 sec (Year 8 – 2020); 28.31 sec (Year 9 – 2021) and 28.13 sec (Year 10- 2022) still stand today in the College record books.

Promising 13-year-old swimmer Audrey Bryan made it back-to-back Age Champion titles when named Year 8 Girls champion following her initial success as a Year 7 student in 2022.

Last year Audrey dominated her age group – creating new Aquatic records for the 50m freestyle (28.25 sec); 50m backstroke (36.60sec); 50m breaststroke (39.38 sec) and 50m butterfly (32.60sec).

It was a proud moment for the Noon family when siblings Wyatt Noon (Year 8 Boys Champion); Zanthia Noon (Year 10 Girls Champion) and Amelia Noon (Year 12 Girls Champion) achieved a unique treble.

There was double reason for Amelia to celebrate when she posted new records for Year 12 girl swimmers in the 50m backstroke (44.31 sec) and 50m butterfly (43.35 sec).

Karli Davis, 17, set a new Year 12 Girls record for the 50m freestyle (36.69 sec) and 17 year old Lillian Keeble for the 50m Breaststroke (48.72 sec).

16-year-old Jack Henderson followed in the footsteps of his famous brother Tom by claiming the Year 11 Boys Champion crown after setting new records for the 50m freestyle (29.16 sec) and 50m breaststroke (39.93 sec).

Brodie Carlill, 15, also collected a record double in the Year 11 Boys 50m backstroke (35.22 sec) and 50m butterfly (34.68 sec).

Other Age champions included Isabelle Miles (Year 7 Girls); Rourke Bagley (Year 9 Boys) and Declan Grady (Year 10 Boys).

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick's College Age Swimming champions pictured l  to r: Matthew Paul (Sports Coordinator Mercy Campus; Year 7 Girls Isabelle Miles, Year 7 Boys Kaiden Neilsen, Year 8 Girls Audrey Bryan, Year 9 Girls Mackenzie Neilsen, Year 8 Boys Wyatt Noon; Year 9 Boys Rourke Bagley, Year 10 Girls Zanthia Noon and Year 10 Boys Declan Grady

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Saturday afternoon saw the Mackay Bowling Club play Wests Tigers for the Tigers Head Challenge  with 52 players competing In Triples and Fours with Mackay Club coming out eventual winners.

A good afternoon of bowls was had by all, and some friendships made.

This weekend the Marian Shield is played at Marian and Gargett. Teams to represent Mackay Club are Glen Luck, Greg Thompson, Jim Wallace and Barry Paskins; Kevin Tranberg, Mick Coll, Peter Molloy and Noel Wilson; Brian Williams, Colin Marks, Joe Crocker and Ross Dunstan; Chris Molloy, Tony Hollows, Trevor Mayfield and Bruce Bridger.

Tuesday Social Play (22)

Winners of Winners: Robyn Schatkowski, Eddie Roberts

Winners of Losers: Arthur Naylor, Col Stevens, Brian Williams

Thursday Scroungers (12)

Kees Struik def Katrina Robinson

Friday Social Play

Col Stevens, Denise Mezzen def Robyn Schatkowski, Liz McIntosh.

Carol Savage, Barry Jenner def Perer Carter, Karina Dunn

Ladies Championships Results

Leanne Jenner, Julie Caban def Dot McNamara, Marie Mayfield.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Wednesday March 8

Winners of our social games today were: Lesley Baumgarten, Narell Schmidtke and Lorraine Lemke.

Runners up were: Jan Comelli and Jean Zamparutti.

Wednesday was also the final in our B pairs competition with Lyn Tennant and Helen Goldston playing Pam Louis and Helen Fleming.

It was anyone’s game to the last end, it was a very exciting game to watch.

The ladies went end for end and showed some lovely shots.

Our eventual winners were Lyn Tennant and Helen Goldston.

Congrats ladies and you all played lovely bowls.

It also happened to be International Women’s Day, and a lovely raffle was conducted with lucky winners Narell Schmidtke and Neddy Thomsen taking home the spoils.

Championship Singles and B Singles competitions are now underway.

Contributed by Suzanne Hazledine

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Helen Goldston and Lyn Tennant

Helen Fleming and Pam Louis

Narell Schmidtke and Neddy Thomsen

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After a positive preseason, the BMD Premiership and Hostplus Cup Mackay Cutters travelled to Brisbane over the weekend to take on the Wynnum Manly Seagulls in Wynnum.

The Cutters made their highly anticipated BMD Premiership debut, defeating the Seagulls 30-8 in their first game together.

They completed a dominant first half 14-0 up thanks to tries from Alicia Martin, Zoe Cook, Shannon Mato and Samara Luta.

Luta crossed for her double early in the second half with Katie Green finishing the job with a try in the 57th to finish the game 30-8.

Coach Marco Peters told Queensland Rugby League he couldn't be prouder of the team.

"The girls just competed, which is what we wanted," he said.

"Effort was there all the way through.

“Good to be one from one.

"That was our first real game together... we'll get that cohesion going from now.”

The Hostplus Cup Cutters then took to the field, hoping to follow on from a strong end to their 2022 season.

The Seagulls scored early with Delouise Hoeter crossing in the eighth minute, followed by Cutters centre Flynn Camilleri opening the visitors’ account in the 24th.

With a Seagulls try and penalty goal late in the first half, the home side hit the sheds with a 14-6 lead.

After a relatively close start to the match, it was one way traffic throughout the second half.

Five unanswered tries, including one in the first minute of the second half, saw the home side run away to a 44-6 victory.

Also on Saturday, three junior Cutters squads travelled to Townsville to take on the Townsville Blackhawks in round four of the Cyril Connell Challenge, Mal Meninga Cup and Harvey Norman U19s.

The teams again returned to Mackay with mixed results, with the Cyril Connell Challenge Cutters going down 18-10, The Man Meninga Cup Cutters losing a close one 24-20 and the U19s girls walking away 24-18 victors.

All five teams return to BB Print Stadium this weekend for the first home game of the season, with gates opening at 10:00am.

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The BMD Premiership Cutters started their inaugural season with a win while the Hostplus Cup Cutters went down in Wynnum. Photos supplied

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The annual Construct Health Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology Mackay Road Runners 3km Club Championship was held in very humid conditions early Sunday morning from Queen’s Park car park.  

Over fifty competitors charged from the gun over the flat and fast course, however the steamy weather did play havoc with a lot of the runners’ lung and leg capacity, especially over the testing 3km sprint distance.

First placed Damian Rutland burst out of the gates with Hamish Donnollan, Luke Leven, Paul Mackenzie, Liam Mumford, Walker Murray, Rodney Elworthy, Nick Rewald, Jarrod Mackie, Matt Graves, Joe Grech, Michael Scholer, Grant Holmstrom, Derek Woods and Shane Donnollan hot on his heels.  

Damian maintained his extreme pace leading the field across the finish line first ahead of Hamish, Liam, Paul and Construct Health’s Nick.

A gut busting effort from Alana Knesevic saw her take gold in the female section ahead of fast finishing Lily Leven.  

Both girls ran an amazing race against a lot of great talent including Carolyn Mapes, Milly Bishop, Tahnie Malagueno, Carmel Mahon, Carol Dawes and Crystal Hawkins.

Winners and runner ups were rewarded with amazing prizes from the Construct Health Team who have sponsored the 3km event for several years.  

All runners were vying for valuable overall and age category club championship points as well as handicap points toward their season total.

Track training is of great benefit to sprint distance racing as well as endurance racing, therefore, runners can take advantage of Club Captain Jim Ford’s track training weekly Wednesdays at 5.30pm at the Aquatic and Recreational Centre.  

Everybody is welcome to attend, don’t need to be a Mackay Road Runners member and you don’t have to be just a runner.

This Sunday’s Whibley’s Wander 5km/12km will commence at 6:30am from 25 Duncan Street, West Mackay.

Many thanks to Julie and Andrew for opening up their home to a lot of smelly, sweaty runners to do their thing.

The handicap start race will commence at 6:30am sharp with runners being sent off on their official club handicap time.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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The Construct Health Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology Team celebrate with Mackay Road Runners 3km Club Championship winners and runners up – L-R Hamish Donnollan (2nd) and Damian Rutland (1st), Thomas, Nick, Dylan, Sarah, Lily Leven (2nd) and Alana Knesevic (1st)

Garry Thomas (sitting) takes a well-earned rest after a great sprint effort in the Mackay Road Runners 3km Club Championship

Over fifty junior and senior runners took part in the Mackay Road Runners 3km Club Championship from Queens Park

Legendary Mackay Road Runners champion runner, Judy Zahn (in her early seventies) still has the talent for a great 3km effort. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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The Mackay Marina Run calendar of events was officially launched last Friday before hundreds of social runners gathered for the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run across the Forgan Bridge.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor officially opened affairs earlier that day, thanking sponsors for their support.

“15 years has put this particular run on the map for Australia,” he said.

“This is an iconic event.

“The half marathon is the second biggest half marathon in Queensland.”

Event Founder Sandy Strong said the event has grown from 60 runners in its first iteration to a record participation of 3,300, with approximately 80% of runners being local.

“Every year we hope to break the record so we’re hopeful again,” he said.

“When I first started running, there was hardly anyone in the streets running and now, running is such a popular sport.

“I don’t know whether Mackay is moving in line with the trend or we’re ahead of the trend but there’s lots of people running in Mackay.”

WHAT: Mackay Marina Run

WHERE: Mackay Harbour

WHEN: Sunday, June 4

REGISTRATION: mackaymarinarun.com

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Mackay Marina Run thanked sponsors BMA, North Queensland Bulk Ports, Daly Bay, Isuzu, MM Electrical, City Fitness and more

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Pioneer Dolphins travelled to Townsville for the weekend of March 4-5 – our last carnival for the Long Course season. Swimming North Queensland held a fantastic meet at the Long Tan Memorial Pool. Our Dolphins swam strong, swam confident and swam with pride!  

Highlights of the weekend include:

• Many individual medals and personal best times being achieved by the team.

• Scores of medals in the relays.  A phenomenal and record total of 25 teams were entered by Pioneer Swim Club over the various relays and results were achieved by both the young and more experienced swimmers.

• Ella Bounden achieving a National Time in her 50m Backstroke – not only attaining a personal best once but twice on Saturday!

• Jade Bounden achieving a National Time in her 50m Freestyle – also attaining a personal best on Saturday and then again on Sunday!

• A legend comeback for retired Pioneer, Ben Miles – swimming in 2 of the relays.

• Madison Malagueno receiving Age Champion for 10-year-old female.

• Receiving compliments from another club on how supportive and united our club is and how wonderful it was to see each of our swimmers highly respect their coach.

What a representation and dominance by Pioneer! Coach Igor could not have been prouder, sporting a smile from ear to ear. His swimmers have been training hard under his guidance and mentoring. The results speak for themselves!

Ella and Jade will now travel to Nationals in April – stay tuned for our article on this exciting trip.

Whilst this may be the end of the Long Course season, the Short Course season will soon commence. Pioneer Swimming Club looks forward to seeing how our swimmers develop their skills over this next season.  

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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Pioneer Swimming Club at NQ Championships in Townsville

Isabelle, Madison, Ariah and Georgie receive 3rd place in their relay

Isaiah, Elliot, Oden and Ralph received 3rd place in their relay

Jade and Ella achieve National Times

Lily, Ava, Bethany and Olivia received 3rd place in their team relay

Madison achieved Age Champion for 10YO Females

Makenna, Joleigh, Annaliese and Madison received 1st place in their relay

Viktor, Jade, Kylie and Ben received 2nd place in their relay

Vitalyi, Jack, Nate and Alex received 3rd place in their relay

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This week the weather was a lot better and good numbers turned up with 28 for Tuesday Social bowls and 20 for Scroungers on Thursday.

This Saturday the Mackay Bowling Club will host Wests Tigers for the Tigers Head Challenge.

Teams will be mixed fours or triples.

A good afternoon of Bowls will be enjoyed by everyone.

Selected teams will be on the noticeboard.

No Men’s Competition will be played on March 11 or 12.
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LADIES Championships Pairs:

Marie Mayfield, D Mc MAMARA V L JENNER, J CABAN K CATANZARITI, D MESSEN V K ROBINSON, M TOWSEND.

Sunday 12th March 1pm

Thelma Fry, k Catanzariti, K Robinson, M Townsend v K Dunn, D Mezzin, Carol Savage, K Burns.

Results:

Tuesday Social

Winners of Winners - Leanne Jenner, Barry Jenner Peter Taaffe

Winner of Losers - Karie Catanzariti, Carol Savage, Brad Robinson.

Thursday Scroungers

Kees Struick def Geoff Jolley

Friday Social Play

Winners - Denise Mezzen, Col Stevens

Runners Up Barry Jenner, Val Edwards

Competition Matches were played over Saturday and Sunday with some close results in Men’s Open Singles, Men’s Open Pairs, Men’s B Singles, Ladies Championships Triples.

All Members are reminded tickets for the monster raffle will be on sale from the Bar.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Expressions of interest last year in playing schoolboys netball have proved a life changer for talented 18-year-old Mackay athlete Ben Pease.

From a reluctant participant to Queensland representative honours in the space of six months – that has been the incredible journey for the versatile colt with a solid background in basketball and AFL.

Ben will represent the Queensland Suns Under 20s side at the National Boys Netball Championships to be staged in Perth from April 7 to 17.

The skilful centre or wing attack forced his way into the Suns’ train-on squad after superb performances at the Suns’ representative trials in Brisbane last December.

It was a significant moment for the netball rookie who volunteered to play the sport before last year’s Queensland Independent Schools Sport Netball Championships in Mackay.

When organisers introduced a Boys Netball competition to the annual event in 2022 it was the likes of Ben and his St Patrick’s cohorts that put their hands up for consideration.

Under the guidance of Malea Ballantyne, Nadine Becker and Sarah Gibbs an eleven man squad - comprised of schoolboy athletes with strong links to basketball, AFL and boxing – was formed and etched their names in history.

Leading into QISSN, the boys finished runners up to Emerald State High School at the Vicki Wilson Cup round robin tournament staged in Yeppoon where they registered three wins from four matches played.  

Pease was an instant success during QISSN and underlined his potential by earning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player  

Award and being named along with shooter Will Randell in the inaugural All Stars Boys Team.

With a determined Pease leading the way the St Patrick’s rookies adapted quickly as they mastered the fundamentals of netball – dominating matches through their incredible fitness and eye hand coordination.

Strong performances at QISSN and later at the Vicki Wilson State Championships earned the crack centre a trial for a berth in the Queensland Suns Under 20s squad.

Growing up in Emerald, an adventurous Ben showed interest in motocross racing and competed in various Queensland titles before taking up basketball where he shone as a small forward with the local Chargers from the age of 12.

When the Pease family moved to Mackay at the end of 2020, versatile Ben turned his hand to AFL and proved a midfield sensation with the Bakers Creek Under 17s and A Grade squads.

So impressive was the super-fit teenager that he was asked to participate in the Northern Hub of the Gold Coast Suns AFL Academy which is based in Mackay.

Currently residing in Byron Bay where he works as a station hand, Ben is keen to stamp his mark at the National Men’s Netball Championships in Perth next month and later in the Brisbane Men’s Netball League.

He still has a strong passion for Australian Rules Football and will continue his career with the Ballina Bombers club in the Northern Rivers AFL competition.

By Chris Karas

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Queensland Suns Under 20 Boys Netball centre Ben Pease has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the sport. He is pictured in action during QISSN and displaying his Most Valuable Player Award and All Stars Team medals

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On Sunday 26th February the NMBC held its AGM at Goosies. The Club is in a strong position with its finances reflecting the increasing revenue and support from patrons. The biggest challenge is the significant increase in insurance premiums and the ability to find cover for cyclones in central and north Queensland.

There were two contested Board positions: The Chairperson and the Finance Director. Neil Blucher was successful in being voted in as the new Chairperson and Ian Beveridge retaining the Finance Director position. The remaining Board positions were all confirmed as per 2022.

Ron Bowers was given the honour of a Life Membership in recognition of 40+ years of continuous service and membership of the Club.

Contributed by Ian Rowan

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Ron Bowers being presented with his Life Membership by outgoing President Roland Dingle

Mackay City Ladies Bowling Club celebrated their 30th year last month.

Special visitors Carmel Gibbs from Bowls Queensland and Lynette Jackson, Margot Stanley and Leanne Lewis from MDLBA joined the City Ladies for their special PAH on February 22.

Everyone enjoyed a game of bowls, ‘spiders’, luncheon and Cent Sale.

Lady President Marie Frederickson, presented special tributes to Norma Farrell, Doris Munro, Pauline Jones and Dawn Field as Foundation Members of the club.

A big thankyou to all members who assisted in the organising and running of the day.

Contributed by Shirley Sturgeon

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A lucky Phyllis Morgan wins her first ever ‘spider’.

Foundation members Dawn Field, Pauline Jones, Norma Farrell and Doris Munro with current President Marie Frederickson.

Bowls Qld representative Carmel Gibbs, President Marie Frederickson and Ladies District President Lynette Jackson cutting the 30th birthday cake.