A total of nine children participated in the first of six ‘Footy For Fun’ training sessions at the Whitsunday Sportspark on Monday night.

The sessions are dedicated to teaching children aged four to eight years the basics of Touch Football in the hope that it will inspire them to progress further and join a team as they get older.

Over 200 people regularly play Touch Football in the Whitsundays and compete in a range of divisions which offer everything from a family grade, where kids can play with their parents, right through to young aspiring professionals in the sport.

During the first Footy For Fun session, the kids learnt the basics of how to catch the ball, dodge past each other and score a goal.

Next week they will play a real game.

Any parents who are interested in signing up their children for the next five weeks can still do so, just head to the Whitsunday Touch Facebook page for details.

Training sessions are from 5pm until 5.40pm every Monday at Whitsunday Sportspark.

This Week’s Results

A Grade

Won In the Crear 8 v Raiders A 5

Won Vipers 10 v Concrete Feet 7

Won Trusty 18 v Whitmonday Eagles 4  

B Grade

Won Full Boar v The Guinea Fowls Forfeit

Won Ray White Mudcrabs 5 v G.E.T. Touch  4

BYE Slippery Salmons

C Grade

Won Fumble This v Whitsunday Warriors Forfeit

Won Touch it 9 v Stingers 4

Won Flametree Flames 11 v Raiders C 1

BYE OnTime

Family Grade

Won Untouchables 7 v Mainlanders 3

Won Raiders Family 7 v Misfits HamoRent 5

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Nine youngsters joined the first Footy For Fun session

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The Cannonvale Cannons are eagerly awaiting their 2023 Club Championships next Saturday to mark the official end of the local swim season.

Over 40 swimmers prepared this week by participating at the Cannons’ Club Night, surprising coaches with new personal bests.

Club official Jane Delac presented Zach Trefz and Connor Lee with the Chocolate Awards for best personal bests.

Club Upgrades were presented to Bianca Anderson, Zane Clayworth, Miller Eaves, Harry Crisp, and Jax Clayworth, and the Swim Star Award presented to Piper Walker.  

Highlights from Club Night included: Top performers by personal best were Charlie Doherty, Levi Smith, and Jax Clayworth.  

Thomas Ganter swam an excellent time of 3.08.65 in his 200-metre IM which was a massive 23.83 second personal best.  

Andie Reynolds also swam a fabulous 200-metre IM, taking 7.71 seconds off her previous best time.  

Declan Dichiera and Matilda Nicholes performed well in their respective 100-metre IMs, finishing close together. Declan swam a 3.88 second personal best and Matilda swam a 4.13 second personal best.  

Ava Hudson swam fantastic times in her Backstroke and Breaststroke races, while Lucas Korosec, six, smashed his 25-metre Butterfly and 50-metre Backstroke times.  

Addie Sanders swam a brilliant 50-metre Backstroke in 59.34 second.  Max Smith swam a smooth 25-metre Butterfly in 35.06 seconds.  

One of Owen Maher’ best swims was his Butterfly - he improved his time by 2.15 seconds.

Trace Quick keeps getting quicker every week: he swam personal bests in his Butterfly and Breaststroke.

Sister pair Millah and Piper Walker both swam extremely well in their Breaststroke and achieved personal bests.

Well done to all the swimmers who participated at Club Night and special mention to swimmers who swam one or two personal bests:  Don Algie, Gracie Laguna, Connor Lee, Stevie Lee, Miller Eaves, Sophie Fletcher, Roxy Groom, Ty Hayes-Williams, Zane Clayworth, Harry Crisp, Harris Delac, Bianca Anderson, Clare Anderson, Harry Chegwidden, Indi Smith, Zach Trefz, Celeste Orenshaw, and Isaac Pisaniello.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Cannonvale Cannon Piper Walker was this week’s Swim Star Award recipient

Zane Clayworth holding his Club Upgrade certificate earnt at the Cannonvale Cannons’ weekly Club Night

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Whitsunday United Football Club teams began their respective seasons over the past two weeks with the majority of teams taking the field last Saturday, which acted as a “proper season kick off for the club.”

First up were the newly minted Division One and Two Men’s sides, with both teams travelling to Dolphin Park to face Magpies and Dolphins, respectively.

The Division Two Men struggled against Dolphins in the first match of the day, going down quickly in the initial 20 minutes, conceding four goals.

Soon they steadied the ship and mounted a counter offensive, rallying and gaining the upper hand while pressing for victory.

But it wasn’t to be so: the Division Two Men lost out 6-4, having hit the post four times in the second half. The side were understandably disappointed not to have come away with either the points shared or better, yet were proud to have fought back from such a large deficit.

The Division One Men managed to grab a well-earned draw against a much younger Mackay Magpies team – despite most of the team comprising of players backing up from the previous Division Two game.

On Saturday, Whitsunday United hit pitches across Mackay with most teams tasting success and showing they were in for title challenges this season.

The Under 13 Premier boys kicked off with that winning feeling, ending their first game with 2-1 against Mackay Wanderers.

They set the tone for the Under 15 Division One boys, who stole away with all three points in a 1-0 last minute win against Wanderers – an absolute thriller.

The Women started off in great form, too. Against City Brothers, the reserves team celebrated a draw a nil all draw, while the Premier girls were more than convincing.

The Women’s side were free scoring – ending their match with a 4-0 win – and considering it was the first time a lot of the ladies played together, both women’s results were truly impressive.

In the Men’s Reserve grade, United were bettered across the park, with the game closing out at 4-1 in Mackay Magpies favour.

To bring an end to the weekend’s fixtures, the Premier Men’s side started off the season with the same opening game result as last year – a draw against a solid Magpies outfit.

Although trailing 3-1, a quickfire double to Harry Hodgen saw the Whitsunday team steal the draw.

The season may have kicked off, but the local club is still able to accommodate players in the Senior age groups and even in U15.

If you have played before and are keen to join in, the club asks you to enquire at 0419 343 345 for more information.

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The Whitsunday United Under 13 Premier boys side celebrate a strong showing where they won 2-1 against Mackay Wanderers

The Women’s Premier side grin after their big win, 4-1 against Mackay Magpies

United’s Women Reserves team were happy after a shutout 0-0 draw

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A well-deserved 19th hole was appreciated Sunday after the members of Whitsunday Social Golf played a very hot 18 in a single stableford event.

Ladies’ A grade winner on the day was Anna Winterbourn and runner up Pauline Redpath, Ladies B Grade was claimed by Joanne Moynihan with roundup going to Pam Casey.

Men’s A Grade winner went to Darren Reynolds roundup Jason Bourke, while Men’s B grade winner was Mark Callaghan and roundup was Ron Jamieson.

Longest drives went to Ritchie Atkins, Mark Callaghan, Anna Winterbourne, and Pam Casey, while nearest the pins were Mark Callaghan, Jason Bourke, Anna Winterbourn, Pauline Redpath, and Joanne Moynihan.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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Whitsunday Social Golf players Darren Reynolds, Joanne Moynihan, Anna Winterbourn, and Ron Jamieson

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This week’s Friday 9-hole stableford competition at Whitsunday Green Golf Club was won by Michael Bond with a 21 point on a countback.

Michael was followed in second place by Dee Norman on 21 countback, and third went to Tim Harris with 21 points.

On Sunday it was the Club’s 18-hole skins competition -- and a very warm one at that.

Taking first place was Robert Lodders with seven Skins, second and third place was a tie between Michael Bond and Jake Day – both with six Skins.

Nearest the pin was Glenn Scott and Marc Belke.

And catching up readers on the Club’s 4 ball better ball on February 19: Cory Belke and Jack Hayes-Williams with a NET 41.5 against experienced adult players.

This Sunday will be 18-hole 4 ball better ball tee off at 10.00am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club

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Cory Belke and Jack Hayes were the winners of the Whitsunday Green Golf Club’s recent 4 ball better ball

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Proserpine Veterans Golf Club hosted  27 players, 10 ladies and 17 men for its March Monthly Medal last weekend.

Winner for the men was Steve Mitchell with 71 points on a countback from Ken Granger, also 71, with John Roser 72 on a countback from Colin Hounsell, 72 too.  

The Ladies Monthly Medal winner was Lyn Muller, 73 points, followed by Leanne Alexander, 74, and Tiina Randmae, 75.

Pin Shots went to Wilf Herweg, 2nd and 18th, Phill Luckett, 13th, Lyn Muller and Tiina Randmae 2nd, Leanne Alexander and Paula McQuat, 13th, and Mandy Patterson on the 18th.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Proserpine Golf Club’s Tuesday Stableford was won by Heather Luvis on 71 nett, on a countback from Ken Granger and Ross Tong.

Diane Chard won the nearest the pin (NTP).

Wednesday Competition: 15 ladies played in the Wednesday Stableford, with Toni Clauss shooting a very impressive 40 points to win the Airllywood voucher.

Heather Luvis, on a score that would have won any other day, on 38 points was in second place, and Tiina Randmae with 36 points in third.

Lyn Muller, Trish McNeill, and Pauline Redpath (twice) were the winners of the pin shots.

Adam Maggs won the Wednesday Men’s Competition with 35 points and Ryan Wilkes in second place on 33 points.

Thursday Competition: Simon Della Santa was the winner of the Division One, Thursday Stableford with 39 points, followed by Michael Cragg on 36, and Brad Fleet on 35.

Harry Milne was the clear winner of Division Two also on 39 points, with Len Borooff in second place with 32 points and Trevor Paroz 3rd with 31 points.

NTP’s: James Devery, Yoko Fitton and Jacob Nightingale x 2

Saturday Competition: 78 players competed in the Allenbuild Stableford, and new club member Jordyn Albergo won the ladies with 45 points.

She was followed by Lyn Muller on 36 points and Diane Chard on 31 pts.

NTP’s Lyn Muller and Trish McNeill.

Adam Maggs was in form to win the Men’s competition with 37 points, ahead of Nathan Holmes and Jackson Gray, both on 36 points.

NTP’s: Ken Granger, Larry Muller, Brett Norris, and John Clark

Sunday Competition: Darren Reynolds was ahead of the field on Sunday with a very nice 41 points, closely followed by Thomas MacLean on 39 points. Aaron Prosser in third place with 36 points.

Anna Winterbourn narrowly defeated Peta Thomas on a countback with 33 points, and Pauline Redpath in third place on 31 points.

NTP’s: Aaron Prosser, Thomas MacLean, Jacob Nightingale, Karl Kirkwood, Pauline Redpath, Peta Thomas

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop

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

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Lynelle Riley, 37 points, runner up Morag Parker, 37 also. Men’s winner on a countback was Kailan Batchelor, 37 points, with runner up John Courtney, who rounded out the 37-score quartet.

Saturday’s competition was the Men's monthly medal and qualifier for single match play.

Winner on a countback was Marcus Yasso, 66 nett, runner up Brett Richards, 66.  

Sunday was the ladies monthly medal and single match play qualifier.  Winner on a countback was Jo Kukura, 69 nett, runner up Sarnie Eisemann, 69 nett.

Pin shots to Pauline Martin twice, and Grace Nott and Julie Mawson once.

This weekend’s competition is a 4BBB stableford event for the Easter turkeys.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Ladies March monthly medal winner Jo Kukara and runner up Sarnie Esiemann

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Round Two of the Airlie Beach Darts Club 2023 season kicked off with the annual Champion of Champions fixture at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club.

This year the fixture featured two worthy champions: Dom Friend and Jamie Woods.

The standard was high for so early in the season, with both players hitting high checkouts and scoring heavily throughout. Dom managed to take an early lead, which he would never relinquish, running out a 7/3 winner.

Dom backed that win up with a second win of the day, this time a 7/0 win over Hawkeye Rick, which leaves Rick bottom of the ladder after two weeks.

Kameron Reason inflicted an impressive 7/4 win over Andy Peel, and Jamie Woods bounced back in style after that defeat to Dom with a 7/1 win over Arthur McMinn.

Finally, the round was finished off with Joe Wilson recording his first win of the year with a 7/3 win over Jamie Maher.

The members Jackpot wasn’t won, and will be $180 next week.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Tattooing, and Master Butchers Whitsunday.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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Dom Friend in action at the Airlie Bowls Club for the Airlie Beach Darts Club Round Two fixture on Sunday morning

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Tuesday’s winners at Wangaratta Bowls Club were Lindy Suann and Michael Parra, who defeated Deb Retchless and Sugar Brunker.

Other winners were Stumpy Adams and Kevin Jewell against Bron Tolcher and Terry Feaks.

Congratulations to the Wangaratta Team of Merle Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler, Robyn Stitt, Lyn Danvers, and Margaret Wilson in gaining fourth place at the Bowen Bowls Club Fours carnival last weekend.

Competition is now in full swing with games to be played Saturday and Sunday.

Ladies’ handicap consistency results: Bron Tolcher defeated Margaret Wilson, Teresa Willshire defeated Denise Wallace, Penny Warren defeated Irene Laird.

Round 1 of Club Fours results: Denise Wallace, Teresa Willshire, Linda Scells, and Penny Warren defeated Robyn Stitt, Lyn Danvers, Margaret Wilson, and Fely Duncan.

Round 1 of Men’s Club Fours: Bill Myers, Greg Colquhoun, Peter Hinschen, and Geoff Danvers defeated Laurie Land, Kent Moriarty, Mark Drummond, and Allan Rolfe.

Sunday social bowls resulted in the winners coming out on Rink 3, with Merle Elpohinstone, Penny Warren, and Geoff Danvers winning against the team of Gwenda Lydom, Isobel Wheeler, and Sugar Brunker.

Other games saw Barry Beel and Mark Drummond defeat Terry Blair and Kevin Jewell, while Gary Goodwin and Laurie Land defeated Wanda Goodwin and Deb Retchless.

In the final game of the weekend, Rod Mumby, Linda Scells, and Allan Rolfe joined the winner’s circle, beating the team of Bron Tolcher, Sue Shearing, and Pat Tracey.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Wangaratta Bowls Club Sunday winners Club President Mark Drummond, Geoff Danvers, and Penny Warren

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Proserpine Bowls Club had an eventful week on the rinks starting with pairs on the first rink with Bruce Uhe and Heather Brown defeating Warren Wilson and Sandy Daffara, 10-7 in the first half.  

Warren and Heather defeated Bruce and Sandy in the second half, 7-0, and on the other rink, Alen Sanderson and Noel Hale played Mary Hedgelong and Peter Lawton, then Mary and Noel played Alen and Peter.

On Saturday afternoon there was a good showing for a Men's Social bowls afternoon and Presentation Day.

The Club thanked its sponsors for last year's competition, Gardels Solar and Electrical and Anything Environmental.  

In very hot conditions there were four games of triples played.

On Sunday Proserpine Bowls Club hosted a game of Triples between Heather Brown, Sandy Daffara, and Jim Quod’s team and Mike Harrison, Peter Lawton, and Bruce Uhe. The game ended 28-8 in Ms Browns’ team’s favour.

Clubman Scott Kinnear is playing in the International Blind Bowlers Association team on the Gold Coast, and currently holds medal positions in both events entered.

Nominations have now closed for the Club Championship Singles, Pairs, and Fours and players will be advised soon on the draw and scheduled playing times.  

It is asked that players make themselves available to play when drawn, with weeks’ worth of notice to be given of drawn games.

Club selectors will begin selecting Pennants teams for the upcoming Pennants Season, and at present has nominated for Division 1 and Division 5.  

This will require 20 players over five weekends: April 15/16; April 22/23; May 13/14; May 20/21; and May 27/28.  

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Proserpine Bowls Club Bowler of the Year 2022Wayne Handley

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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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