Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Tuesday’s winners were Ray Muir, Maureen Hyde and Deb Retchless defeated Neale Chittenden, Joe Cukela and Bill Price. Gus Murray, Barry Donn and Dennis Madeley defeated John Hayson, Skin Querro and Laurie Land. Stumpy Adams, Sue Shearing and Shirley Jones defeated Bron Tolcher, Isabel Wheeler and Boof Querro. The jackpot didn’t go off. Club Competition for the week: Men’s Open Single Final was won by Allan Rolfe who defeated Ron Hyde. Men’s Open Pairs: Mark Drummond Allan Rolfe defeated Laurie Land and Kevin Daniels. Men’s B Singles Final: N Chittenden defeated Kevin Baxter. Ladies B Singles Deb Retchless defeated Lindy Suann. Sunday’s Mother Day afternoon winners were: John Hayson and Lorraine Knight who defeated Skin Querro and Laurie Land. Boof Qurerro and Wheeler K Jewell defeated Celly Jeal, Deb Retchless and Kennedy Whitton. Eileen Dunn, Maureen Hyde and Greg Colquhoun defeated Bill Myers, Gavin Charles and Allan Rolfe. Lindy Suann, Sue Shearing and Graeme Read defeated Alex Beaumont, Shirly Jones and Stuart Jeal who also won the Jackpot. Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren Winners John Hayson and Lorraine Knight with Men's President Graeme Read Photo supplied
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The week started on Tuesday with the continuation of Women’s Pairs and social bowls, which saw skipper David Bradley with lead Regan Maher become the pairs winners of the day. Wednesday afternoon social bowls had 28 participants, and the highest score of the day went to the team of skipper Noel Crosbie with lead Mervyn Stewart, who won 32–19 over skipper Phil O'Brien and Desmond Ballance. Wednesday night Business House Bowls saw about 30 bowlers attend, run by Bob and Yvonne Spees, with results to be announced next week. Friday afternoon saw the arrival of 16 bowlers from the Christian College, and what a talented group they are. Mr Richardson, Aishmeen Sandhu, and Shaniah Saremo are an awesome pairs team and could become very successful future representative bowlers if they choose to pursue the sport. Cooper Wilde is also a very talented sportsman and a fantastic asset to the school. Special mention must also go to Ryan Clark and Elliana Langshore, who could develop into excellent bowlers if they continue to apply themselves and build their skills. This program will give all the students valuable lessons in teamwork and demonstrate what sport can do for classroom development and success in understanding subjects that may have previously seemed difficult. We look forward to continuing to work with the students. Saturday morning Scroungers saw the last spot for the afternoon finals up for grabs, and John Matterson, who has just returned to the club after major heart surgery, proved he is still a very good bowler by winning the final spot against Andy McDougall and Tony Whitehorn. The previous winners lined up for the final: Des Ballance, Maureen Barnard, David Cleary, Alan Pershouse, John Askew, Betty and Tony Whitehorn, Dennis Donadelli, and, to everyone’s surprise and delight, John Matterson. He continued his brilliant form, winning the coveted trophy in the final. Sunday afternoon’s social bowls saw two games of pairs and one game of triples. Liz and Arthur McManus teamed up with Des Ballance and won 26–15 over Stacey Hadlow’s team of Lou Rogan and Alma Rose Mawson. However, the winners of the day, with the lowest winning margin drawn out by Club Manager Fiona Greener, were the team of “Take the Money Tony” Whitehorn with Dawn Dowell, who won 21–20 over skipper Margo Stanley and Brett Simpson. The men’s singles in A Grade, B Grade, and Seniors have now reached the semi-finals, with results to be published soon. Men’s and Women’s Pennants also commence this weekend. Free lessons continue on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and all are welcome. John Askew presents John Matterson with his Scroungers Trophy after his well-deserved win. Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson John Matterson receiving the trophy after his well-deserved victory. Photo supplied
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Whitsunday Weightlifting Club wrapped up a successful Parabench Development Competition last weekend as part of the 2026 North Queensland Games, with four athletes competing across the age and ability spectrum in what proved to be an inspiring day of sport at St Catherines Catholic College in Proserpine. Held on Saturday 2 May and run in partnership with Para Powerlifting Australia, the event drew competitors from across the region — from Townsville to Mackay — ranging in age from 21 to 64 years. The standard of lifting impressed all in attendance, with athletes at very different stages of their para-sport journey each delivering standout performances. Taking out first place in the women's division was Australian representative Trish Wallace from Townsville, who benched an impressive 64kg. Local para-athlete Di Jackson claimed second place with a 33kg lift, while first-time competitor Sigrid Eitler took third with 30kg — a remarkable debut on the competition platform. In the men's division, Mackay athlete Bryce Jackson took first place with a 62kg bench. Club founder, president and head coach Leanne Knox said the day exceeded expectations. "Although it was a small competition, it helped raise awareness of our club's capacity to train people with all kinds of disabilities," she said. "There is a place for everyone in our club." Knox is encouraging anyone living with movement limitations or other disabilities — as well as carers — to reach out and explore how strength training can benefit their physical, mental and social wellness. The club also celebrated a significant equipment milestone, with a specialist bench built thanks to local business Airlie Sail and Shade (Paul Mitchell) and club member Ian Cordell, alongside a bench received through the Para Uplift Program via the Australian Institute of Sport. With competitors eyeing national and international competition, the future looks bright for para-sport in the Whitsundays. To find out more, contact Whitsunday Weightlifting Club on 0411 199 427. Competition results: Female 1st: Trish Wallace - 64kg bench 2nd - Di Jackson - 33 kg bench 3rd Sigrid Eitler - 30 kg bench Male 1st Bryce Jackson - 62 kg bench. Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Weightlifting Club Competitors and volunteers after a successful competition. Photo supplied
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U13 Prem pushed Magpies FC in a physical contest, with Connor Miller scoring early before a late goal flurry saw Magpies claim a 4-1 win. Meanwhile, the U13 Div 1 side celebrated its first victory of the season, defeating Country United 5-1 behind a brace from Oakley Wilson and strong team performances throughout, particular in the back line. U14/15 Prem side dominated Mackay Lions with a clinical attacking display, highlighted by a Shannon Matthews goal and Eli Wallis double in a commanding 4-1 win. Meanwhile, U14/15 Div 1 suffered late heartbreak, with Wanderers Red snatching a 2-1 victory despite strong performances from Alex Draper and keeper Jackson Paroz. Men’s Div 2 ground out a hard-fought 1-0 win against Country United after Jared Leaman capitalised on a late goalkeeping error, while Division 1 stayed patient to secure a physical 2-0 victory, with Sam Reynolds and Ian Wilson on target against a stubborn Country United outfit. Whitsunday United’s Women’s Prem team battled hard against Wanderers FC, with Michelle Sothmann opening the scoring in a competitive clash before Wanderers FC secured a 3-1 win. Strong performances from Nicole Wilkinson, Keely Salter and Bre Campbell highlighted the team’s determination ahead of next week’s matchup against Country United. WUFC’s U23s delivered a dominant 11-0 win over Magpies FC, with Aaron Kinsella scoring four goals and two apiece for Finlay Farrell, Seb Shand and Pepe Perea. An impressive clean sheet for goalkeeper Josh Healey. The Premier Men followed with a commanding 4-1 victory against Magpies FC, highlighted by Ethan Rose’s penalty and a Reef Peel hat-trick in a fast, physical clash. Goal Keeper - Josh Healey Contributed with thanks to Joscelyn O’Keefe
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The Whitsunday Sportspark’s ‘Festival of Football’ was a decisive success for the local venue, which hosted three games of high-tier football last Saturday in front of crowds of over 1500.
Three games, the first between the Mackay Cutters Women and the North Queensland Cowboys Academy Squad followed by the Mackay Cutters Colts against the Whitsunday Brahmans, and finally the North Queensland Cowboys Young Guns facing the Cutters A-Grade, clashed on the field with Cutters taking the glory in a clean-sweep, three games to none.
The Cutters women walloped the Cowboys women 44 to 8 in the least close fixture of the day before the Colts won against the Brahmans 16-4.
In the main event, the Cowboys Young Guns put up a fight before being felled by Cutters 24-16 – a game that was extremely tight at times with some free-flowing, exceptional footy.
Whitsunday Sportspark spokesperson Justin Butler said it was an incredibly successful day for both the Cutters on the field and for the Whitsunday Sportspark volunteers off it.
“The last big game of similar vein held here back in 2013 hosted a crowd of roughly 800 people, and we were expecting around 1000 – we smashed those numbers with an estimated 1500,” Mr Butler said.
“And the footy was good – it was in perfect conditions, not too hot, a little overcast. You could tell there was a huge appetite for it and the feedback from the Cutters was, how big can we make events here? How many more people can we get in?
“It's paved the way for the Sportspark to host significant events in the future. That’s a significant event for any sport, not just league. We might end up with a Brisbane Roar for soccer or whatever it may be.”
The event was made possible by an enormous roundup of volunteers from across the Sportsparks five codes.
The Mackay Cutters and North Queensland Cowboys Young Guns collided in a massive ‘Festival of Football’ at Whitsunday Sportspark on Saturday, February 18
The Sportspark saw crowds of roughly 1500 people turn up for the high-quality rugby league, the likes of which haven't been seen for a decade in Airlie Beach
The Cutters claimed the win across each of the three games
The tightest affair was between the North Queensland Cowboys Young Guns and the Mackay Cutters, which ended 24-16
Matt Strecker Photography
Hilly scenic views were a highlight for the Mackay Road Runners’ (MRR) second race of the 2023 program as they challenged themselves to an undulating 5/10km Rural View Lookout event.
The annual event is surprisingly popular with the local contingent of runners despite the many ascents and descents to test the legs and the lungs.
Hopefully, no one overdid it as the conditions were extremely humid with little breeze amongst the peaks and troughs of the Rural View loop.
Newly appointed MRR Vice President Brendan Bishop was great in his first outing, offering a respectful thanks to Traditional Owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.
Brendan then passed on important notices and updates before advising the two loop course description from Wallman’s Court to the Rural View lookout and return. Brendan thanked Andrew Short for his excellent work once again in setting up the course with multiple signs directing runners through the course.
First male in the 5km was newcomer Jared Mackie, who did a sensational 5km run over the gruelling course ahead of second placed Oliver Rule and Darrin Pullen.
Likewise, talented junior runner, Millie Bishop easily accounted for the 5km to be first female ahead of Jo Hughes and Mel Harris.
Damian Rutland was sensational in the 10km marginally taking the win from speedsters Paul Mackenzie and Mick Vivian.
Alana Knesevic continued her amazing form with a sound win over second placed Jose Short who was only 10 seconds ahead of a fast finishing Carolyn Mapes.
Well done to runners completing their individual event, with excellent performances from new runners Walker Murray and Grant Holstrom in the 10km and Jared Mackie and Lauren Connor in the 5km.
Congratulations and welcome to them as well as the return of our existing members.
This Sunday the MRR will host its first Club Championship run of the 2023 season from Queens Park carpark, Shakespeare Street entrance.
To accrue club championship points and handicap points, runners must be a member of MRR, therefore, don’t miss out, register online asap at mackayroadrunners.com.au.
Contributed by Janelle Tilse
Wednesday Ladies Social Bowls played on the 15th February.
The winning team was a pairs game with Fleur Warner and Margaret Goldston. Runners up were Gloria Sam, Judith Snow and Wendy McGee.
Club Championship pairs is now underway with results in coming weeks.
Contributed by Sue Hazledine
On Saturday, the Mackay Bowls Club played a Ladies v Men Challenge.
Congratulations to the men who were victorious defeating women on all rinks.
On the day, bowls and the club were the winners with 30 members enjoying an afternoon of good bowls and friendship.
Mick Irving, Mick Coll, Steve Cassidy def Val Edwards, Hazel Chiconi, Carol Savage
Alan Summerfield, Gary Blackburn Brian Williams def Helen Truscott, Julie Caban, Wendy Pomeroy
Alan Bartlett, Peter Molloy, Chris Molloy def Janice Nelson, Robyn Schatkowski
Barry Jenner, Col Stevens, Barry Paskins def Denise Mezzen, Marie Mayfield
Col Marks, Greg Thomsen, Trevor Mayfield def Tony Blucher, Thelma Fry, Leanne Jenner
Leanne Jenner, Barry Jenner, Peter Taaffe
Robyn Schatkowski, Whare Herewini, Barry Paskins
Thursday Scroungers
Whare Herewini def Mick Coll
Barry Jenner and Marie Mayfield
Leanne Jenner and Lyn Jackson
Ladies Championships fours and pairs start on Friday (today) as well as Social Bowls.
Men’s Club Championships start on Saturday with open fours and open pairs starting at 1.00pm.
Barefoot social bowls is on Sunday starting at 3.00pm. Everyone welcome.
Players are reminded that Wests Tigers Challenge is on Saturday 12th March.
Contributed by Mike Irving
With an event sponsored by Bushman’s Bakery, it was extremely appropriate that the winning team of Goosies’ ‘Under the Shed’ tournament was named the ‘Dough Makers’!
It’s a major event for the local bowls club in North Mackay, attracting bowlers from across Queensland to have a crack at the $12,000 prize pool. As a Bowls Australia Tier 3 ranked event, bowlers know they will face fierce competition in the mission to land nearest the jack.
Held last weekend on the 18 and 19 February, it was a heavily contested event, and though the competition was tight with many games being decided by one or two points, many return each year for the camaraderie. This year, 32 teams competed over the two days, each playing five games to determine the winner.
The winning team was Peter Grant, Paul Goldston, Gary Simmons and Peter Blackburn.
It was a very successful weekend for the North Mackay Club as well as Mackay Bowls in general.
Contributed by Ian Rowan
Teams at Goosies in the Under the Shed competition
The final game for The Dough Makers
The winning team, the Dough Makers
A young footballer who recently dipped his toes in futsal is now saving up to travel to Barcelona in June to represent Australia in the indoor game.
12-year-old Blake Potter first kicked a football at the age of four.
It’s been his lifelong dream to play professional football but when his Mackay State High School Football Academy coaches selected him in their futsal team for last year’s Whitsunday School Titles, representative futsal beckoned.
From there, he was selected to represent Queensland Country, gelling with a team of boys he’d never met or played with, before being selected to represent U13 Australia in Barcelona in June.
“It felt really good,” said Blake.
“I was a bit shocked actually.”
Blake and his family moved to Mackay early last year from Melbourne, where Blake played with various football academies and clubs including in the NPL Club Oakleigh Cannons system.
He’s played for both Magpies Crusaders and Mackay Lions since relocating and looks to develop his skills through futsal.
“Futsal’s definitely more fast paced, and you need indoor footwork but outdoor is more of a controlled game,” said Blake.
“Your foot skills really develop a lot, playing futsal, which he can transfer into the outdoor game,” agreed his mother, Amber Potter.
Blake has been working hard to fund his Spain trip, with local businesses paying him to drop pamphlets in letterboxes throughout town.
“When he found out he’d been selected and we showed him the cost, he said, ‘Can I get a job to help?’” said Amber.
“I was really proud of him, wanting to chip in and make it happen.”
As well as letterbox dropping, Blake has asked people in his neighbourhood to donate their cans and bottles, where he cashes them in to save for the trip.
Amber has also been putting together hampers with products donated from local businesses and started selling raffle tickets earlier this week.
“The local businesses have been so generous, it’s blown me away,” she said.
Anyone interested in buying raffle tickets or assisting in selling them can email Amber at info@twilightevents.com.au.
Before June, Blake will join a team representing Mackay at the Northern Regional Futsal Titles in Brisbane in April.
12-year-old Blake Potter will travel to Barcelona in June to represent Australia in futsal. Photos supplied
Division 1:
Pelicans (Charlie Payne, Branko Vucurovic, John McGee, Veronica Shepherd) d Magpies (George Camilleri, Delma Knight, Charles Hamlett) 9-5. Branko d George 7, 8, -11, -8, 9.
Cockatoos (Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Peter Goodson, Don Boettcher) d Doves (Michael Ibbotson, Pam Joyce, Kevin Abbott, Coral Morgan) 10-4. Peter d Kevin 6, -6, 5, -6, 10.
Division 2:
Owls (Kim Challender, Robyn Bushell, Helen Ware) d Parrots (Bryan Marshall, Marie Taylor) 8-4. Marie d Kim -5, -6, 6, 10, 9.
Kookaburras (John Hamelink, Ken Best) d Ibis (Iris Grasso, Louise Gould) 7-5. Louise d John 5, 9, -14, 9.
Division 3:
Eagles (Sharon Muller, Frank Caruana, Glenda Dutton) d Storks (Madge Saunders, Thelma Caruana, Allison Day) 9-3. Glenda d Allison -10, -6, 4, 8, 11.
Hawks (Pam Keune, Gloria Vella, Trish Zamparuti) d Pigeons (Ian Dodds, Bill Hey, Myles Dutton) 9-3. Gloria d Ian 7, -8, -8, 7, 1.
Division 1:
Tibhar (Mick Ruhl, Timothy Shehan, Allan Edwards) d Joola (Robbie Richards, Emma Widdup, Neil Brown) 7-4. Robbie d Timothy 9, -11, -7, 4, 9.
Victas (Anne Sheridan, Steven Whiting, Geoff Denman) d Donic (Graham Drury, Andrew McHugh, Daniel Warfield) 7-4. Andrew d Steven -8, 8, 9, -10, 9.
Division 2:
Radak (Lee Brake, Andrea Nicholson, George Camilleri) d Andro (Janice Kent, Graeme Walker, Mark Sleeman) 9-5. Andrea d Graeme 6, 10, -5, -5, 11.
Yasaka (Ian McKay, Duncan Treloar, Peter Goodson, Lily Boland) d Stiga (Graham Brake, Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Matthew West) 9-5. Ian d Tony -5, 6, 11, -6, 8.
Division 3:
Gewo (Simon Hogan, Rymer Tabulo, Aarnav Reelh) d Nittaku (Steve Crocker, Jye Callander, Duncan Sheridan) 8-3. Aarnav d Steve 9, -7, -5, 9, 1.
Butterfly (Virginia Clayton, Val Austin, Trent Day) d Xiom (Leo Gilbert, Ollie Hamelink, Donna Abbott) 8-3. Virginia d Donna -4, -5, 7, 9, 9.
The Mackay Cricket Dixon Homes T20 Shootout season came to a close on Saturday with a double header on Great Barrier Reef Arena, headlined by the Division 1 decider between Pioneer Valley and Magpies.
Pioneer Valley picked up the bat first after winning the toss, with openers Jack Sambell and Mitchell English forming a solid opening partnership.
Sambell was the first to go, departing for 23 runs off 21 deliveries in the fifth over, with bowler Todd Dixon striking again on the very next ball.
English went on to top score with 30 runs off 28, with the rest of the order struggling to keep the scoreboard ticking, leaving Pioneer Valley with 7/98 from 20 overs.
Dixon led the bowling attack finishing his four overs on 3/20, while Liam Zurvas and Andrew Borg both finished the innings with a wicket each and two run outs accounting for the other two wickets.
Magpies had an equally shaky innings, with only number five batsman Jaxn Sign getting settled at the crease.
Sign top scored with 35 off 49 not out and was assisted by Kai Higham with 14 and Blake Ryan with 13 in chasing down the total, reaching 7/99 with one ball remaining.
Alistair Houghton, Timothy Cridland and Cody Filewood finished with two wickets each and English with one, but it wasn’t enough in the end.
Another extremely close game was played out earlier in the afternoon, with the Division 2 final between Pioneer Valley and Norths playing out in an eerily similar fashion.
Pioneer Valley again won the toss and chose to bat, with openers Haiden Mellifont and Cooper Spencer top scoring with 37 and 32 respectively, helped by Dean Zeller with 19 to get the batting side to a respectable 8/150.
Ashley Murphy did the damage with the ball for Norths, finishing with three wickets and assisted by Lachlan Brett and Christopher Bell with two each.
After losing the early wicket of Chris Day, Norths took on the chase calmly and efficiently, with a 50 from Shawn Day, 32 from Daniel Tatow and 30 from Russel Counsell helping them to 4/151, again with one ball to spare.
One wicket each for B Reginato and H Kirkwood and two run outs gave Pioneer Valley a chance, but Norths held on, scoring the winning runs with a thick edge past the keeper.
Magpies defeated Pioneer Valley in a closely fought Division 1 final
Pioneer Valley and Norths faced off in the Division 2 final, with Norths finishing on top. Photos supplied
With plenty of school sports underway, Mackay Northern Beaches State High School students enjoyed their first training sessions for the 2023 Pedal Prix season.
Pedal Prix is a STEM activity challenge tasking students with driving, maintaining and scrutinising human-powered vehicles.
Students were eager to get involved and begin learning about everything relating to Pedal Prix.
Mackay Northern Beaches State High School students have started training for the upcoming Pedal Prix season. Photo supplied
Round: Trial 3
Venue: BB Print Stadium
Date: Sat February 25
Kickoff: 6.00pm
1 Logen Dillon
2 Jake Riley
3 Joshua Smith
4 Flynn Camilleri
5 Kyle Krisanski-Kennedy
6 Adam Cook
7 Brandon Finnegan
8 Garrett Smith
9 Kyle Schneider
10 Hiale Roycroft
11 Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano
12 Luke Webley
13 Matthew Vessey
14 Bayley Gill
15 Adam Cuthbertson
16 Asher O’Donnell
17 Robson Stevens
18 Jack Hoffmann
19 Jaylan To’o
20 Joel Brown
21 Walter Lauenstein
22 Kane Simon
23 Henri Stocks
24 Hayden Pace
25 Dario Takitaki
Some of Mackay’s most promising junior cricketers will pad up for Capricornia at the Queensland State Schoolboys Cricket Championships to be staged in Maroochydore from March 5-8.
Classy opening batsman Haiden Mellifont is one of seven St Patrick’s College players named in a strong Capricornia Boys 16-19yrs representative squad that will compete against rival regions at the four-day event.
The team will be coached and managed by local Mackay cricket legends Adam Knezevic and Chris Dunn, who are both teachers at St Patrick’s College.
17-year-old Mellifont, a regular top order batsman in the Pioneer Valley Cricket Club reserve grade X1, will skipper the team during the prestigious Carnival and will be joined by Mackay school colleagues Liam Zurvas, Joel McFarlane, Nick Beardmore, Liam Newbery, Cameron Tomerini and Etienne Pretorius.
Other squad members include Colby Rudd (The Cathedral College Rockhampton); Cayden Kent and Rory Connor (Rockhampton Grammar School); Caden Keirsnowski (Gladstone State High) and Liam Welsh (St Brendan’s College Yeppoon).
The talented Zurvas, an accomplished keeper-batsman from the Magpies Cricket Club, is also established in the Mackay Cricket Association’s second grade ranks along with dashing top order batsmen McFarlane and Pretorius (Walkerston); batting all-rounder Liam Newbery (Walkerston); leg spinner Nick Beardmore and off spinner Cameron Tomerini (Brothers).
Rising star Zurvas had reason to celebrate last Saturday when he joined elder brothers Ben and Adam in helping the Magpies capture the Division 1 Twenty20 Shootout trophy with a thrilling Grand Final win over Pioneer Valley at Great Barrier Reef Arena.
Jaxn Sign proved the hero with a fine knock of 35 not out as the Magpies (7-99) eclipsed the Valley’s 7-98 in the final over.
A dual Capricornia schools’ representative, the versatile Mellifont is also an outstanding hockey prospect and firmly established in the current Hockey Queensland Under 18 State squad for 2023.
Haiden hails from the strong Mackay Hockey Association and turned in consistent displays at an elite level last season.
He was named in the Queensland Representative School Sport 19yrs Hockey Merit Team and claimed the Best & Fairest trophy for his superb performances in the 2022 Mackay Hockey A2 Mens competition.
Mellifont impressed keen judges with classy displays for Queensland Gold at the Hockey Australia Under 18 Championships in Cairns last year.
Last Saturday he top-scored for Pioneer Valley with a dashing 37 runs off 27 balls in the club’s Division 2 Twenty20 Shootout Grand Final loss to Norths Cricket Club at Great Barrier Reef Arena.
Mellifont cracked four boundaries and shared an opening stand of 61 with keeper Cooper Spencer (32) as the Valley posted 8-150 off their allotted overs.
In reply, Norths trio Shawn Day (50 runs off 49 balls), Daniel Tatow (32 off 24 balls) and keeper Russel Counsell (30 off 27 balls) combined to help steer their side to victory with a ball to spare.
MEANWHILE emerging St Patrick’s College keeper/batter Haylee Holdsworth will represent Capricornia at this year’s Queensland Schools State Cricket Championships from March 13-16 at Rockhampton Cricket Grounds.
By Chris Karas
Classy St Patrick’s College batsman Haiden Mellifont will skipper the Capricornia representative X1 at the upcoming Queensland Schoolboys Cricket Championships in Maroochydore next month
The weekend of February 3 and 4 saw a small tribe of Dolphins head to Emerald for the Emerald Seals Swimming Carnival.
Brothers Ralph and Rex Traeger as well as brothers Nate and Isaiah Espartinez had a fabulous day with Ralph taking out 8-year-old Age Champion and Isaiah taking out 9-year-old Runner’s Up Age Champion.
The whole club was not able to attend this carnival, but all cheered from afar and followed the results closely. Well done to all boys for fantastic results!
Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno
L-R Ralph Traeger, Rex Traeger, Isaiah Espartinez and Nate Espartinez
Ralph 8-year-old age champion and Isaiah 9-year-old runner up age champion
Ready to race. Photos supplied: Tahnie Malagueno
Last Sunday, ten Australian athletes, including local cyclist Kyle Marwood, geared up for the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships, which is the premier virtual bike race in the world. The competitors raced across dozens of time zones and on two different days around the world. Primetime racing in Europe meant a pre-dawn challenge for the Aussies.
The World Championships had a different format this year, discarding the one-off scratch race in favour of a three race elimination style format. Although men’s world champion Jay Vine was unable to start, the Australian men’s team had the depth to challenge for results. Those with the most experience were 2022 silver medallist Freddy Ovett and fourth-place getter Ben Hill, two capable finishers on punchy terrain.
Last year, Sam Hill and Torben Partridge-Madsen provided valuable support to set up Australia’s one-two result, and they returned to the squad. Meanwhile, Josh Harris and local Mackay cyclist, Kyle Marwood, made their debuts. Marwood was a staple of last year's AusCycling Club Esports Series and made his national representative debut in the event. He is the owner of Mackay Cycles located in Ooralea and is a regular competitor at the Mackay Cycling Club's local races.
He geared up just after midnight and was supported by fellow Mackay Cycling Club members, Aram Drake and Jarrod Sampson in his garage, ready to tackle the world championship event in the early hours of Sunday morning.
In the first race of the men’s event, Marwood was amongst only three Australian riders in the top 30 who qualified for the second round. Freddy Ovett, who won the silver medal in 2022, progressed alongside Kyle Marwood and Ben Hill, who both made it through the first round in 29th and 30th respectively after a bunch sprint. Unfortunately, Marwood and Hill were eliminated in the second section of the race, which was the hilly component of the three-race challenge. Marwood finished 26th overall in the world. Ovett was the best-placed Australian, finishing in 6th overall.
Although Marwood did not medal, his participation in the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships was a significant achievement. It is a testament to his passion for cycling and dedication to the sport.
Kyle Marwood represented Australia last weekend in the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships
With gears clicking and wheels spinning, the Mackay Cycling Club's Criterium Series, sponsored by Mackay Cycles, has been a thrilling showcase of talent and endurance.
The second race of the three-event series saw more than 65 riders take to the roads of CQUniversity in Ooralea, pushing themselves to the limit as they sped around the circuit closed to traffic. From the U9 age group all the way up to seniors in A to D grades, the competition has been fierce, with riders vying for the top spot in their categories. With the final race of the series approaching, the riders are gearing up for one last push to the finish line, hoping to secure their place on the podium and claim victory in this thrilling test of skill and determination.
The Criterium Series has seen some fierce competition, with riders vying for the top spot in their respective categories. The in-form Kyle Marwood has been untouchable on the road, leading the A-grade after two events. Ben Sutton and Luke Schatkowski are tied at the top of the B-grade with one win each, while Mark Sheather has taken two from two to top the C grade. Mark Johnston also won both races in a heavily contested D grade to sit in first place.
In the juniors, Angus Wicks leads the U17 with two from two wins, while Peter Schatkowski and John Thomas are tied at the top of the U15 with a win each. Matthew Schatkowski leads the U13 with two from two, while Scott Bennett tops the U11 with two wins. Hamish Brennan rounds out the results, leading the U9 competition with two wins.
The Mackay Cycling Club's Criterium Series has showcased some exceptional cycling talent, and the final race promises to be an exciting event, with riders battling it out for top honours in their categories.
Cyclists took to the streets of the CQUniversity campus in Ooralea last weekend for race two in the Mackay Cycles Criterium Series. Photo credit: Photos By Nell
With a burst of energy and a flurry of activity, the Mackay Athletics Club Summer Series number 3 competition sprinted into action last weekend. Athletes from across Queensland took to the track and field, leaping, throwing, and racing with the skill and precision of seasoned pros. The event showcased a range of athletic disciplines, including the High Jump, Long Jump, Discus, Javelin, Triple Jump, 3000m, 60m, 100m, and the 800m. As runners exploded out of the starting blocks and jumpers soared through the air, the competition was a true testament to the spirit of athletics and the dedication of its participants.
The event was also extremely well supported by athletes from the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions.
The competition provided a fantastic opportunity for athletes to get some competing time in before various upcoming competitions. These include the Queensland Athletics Championships in Brisbane from the 9th to the 12th of March, which is now open to U13's through to the Open age group. The Australian Masters Championships in Sydney on the 10th and 13th of March, the Queensland Athletics 3000m Championships in Brisbane on the 1st of March, and the NQ Cross Country Championships at Galbraith Park in Cannon Valley on the 19th of March. Additionally, the Chemist Warehouse Australian Open and Under 20 Track & Field Championships will take place from the 30th of March to the 2nd of April in Brisbane, and the Chemist Warehouse Australian Junior (Under 13 to Under 18) Track & Field Championships will take place from the 13th to the 16th of April, also in Brisbane.
The Mackay Athletics Club Summer Series number 3 competition was a testament to the dedication and sportsmanship of athletes across the state. The event was made possible by the hard work and effort of the organizing committee, volunteers, and participants who made it a success. The Mackay Athletics Club can be proud of its efforts in supporting and promoting athletics in the region by providing an off-season series to prepare athletes for the upcoming year.
Athletes competed last weekend at the final of the Mackay Athletics Club’s Summer Series competition. Photo credit: Mackay Athletics Club
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