What’s one thing the Mackay region loves more than its beaches?

Racing stuff on its beaches.

The revs could be heard from blocks away as motorbikes sped from one end of Grasstree Beach to the other.

Marketed as the only legal beach races of its kind in Australia, The Motorcycle Beach Races promises a unique and fun day out for the whole family every year, bringing motorsport to a tropical paradise.

The races brought plenty of sand-flying action to Grasstree Beach near Sarina last Saturday, with a huge day of races and entertainment filling the schedule.

Thousands of rev-heads of all ages lined the shore to watch riders from all over the country reach outrageous speeds up and down the beach.

Townsville’s Kayden Downing was crowned King of the Beach for 2022 after a big day of races, winning 250cc 4 stroke, 300cc 2 stroke and 450 class races

Townsville’s Kayden Downing took out his first King of the Beach title. Photo credit: Powerhouse MX Media

Kayden Downing, Josh Grajczonek, Peter Jerkic and Damien Koppe taking on the corner at Grasstree Beach. Photo credit: Dave Lovi Photography

Andrew Mcliesh and Daniel O’Brien went toe to toe in the final street bike, with Mcliesh getting the win. Photo credit: Powerhouse MX Media

Greg Brooks dominated on the quads. Photo credit: Powerhouse MX Media

Brayden Bradford won the first Junior Lites 250m race. Photo credit: Powerhouse MX Media

‍

Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams tackled Mackay City Hawks and Junior Swarks at Harrup Park on the weekend, wearing black armbands to pay tribute to young Cody Gibbs who lost his battle with cancer this week.

Sea Eagles Under 14s started their game in an inspired fashion setting out to do Cody proud and were able to kick four goals to the Swarks nil whilst kicking into the strong breeze.

The trend continued with Sea Eagles combining to display some of their best football yet this season. Under 14s finished the game strong with a blowout win 67–7.

Sea Eagles Under 17s took on an undermanned Swarks side with the young team taking off to continue their winning streak 60–0.

With opportunity available to change it up through the midfield, Michael Pettiford, Ryan Mansfield, and Mason Andrews successfully combined under the guidance of ever reliable Aidan Allen-Fancke.

Foxx LaMonica played a great game around the ground as did Brodankye Cornwall and Jacob Dewis up forward, both showing how to score and set up goals.

Bailey Wishart showed his ability to play any position successfully stepping into the forward line.

Sea Eagles now look forward to the top of the table clash with the Saints at home this week in the game to watch at 11:40am.

Senior Men took on the Mackay City Hawks where another slow start saw them completely out played in the first half.

Showing more enthusiasm in the second half Sea Eagles prevented the Hawks from scoring a goal, however, were unable to capitalise on opportunities to score themselves losing the game 12 – 42.

Sea Eagles Senior Women were outgunned this week but battled hard all day against a talented Mackay City Hawks side losing 2 – 122.

Sea Eagles Under 12s took on the Swarks playing a phenomenal game and showing improvement against tough opposition eventually losing out 19 – 47.

Sea Eagles play at home this weekend in Pride Round taking on the ever-tough opposition of North Mackay Saints.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

The Sea Eagles wore black armbands for their games over the weekend as tribute to local boy Cody Gibbs

‍

It was a dour weekend of results as Whitsunday Brahmans faced off against Mackay Magpies at Les Stagg oval for their NAIDOC Week round on Saturday, taking on the travelling side in three games across three grades.

The Under 20s were the first to fall in a series of three losses at Les Stag, losing out to 12-30 against the Magpies.

Under 20’s coach Trevor Nosworthy said they were “out enthused by a strong Magpies side in the first half.”

“We worked our way back into the game well in the second, but unfortunately weren’t able to turn opportunities into score board points.”

Jack Dwyer was strong through the middle with Jett Hiscox showing great versatility again this week.

The reserve side didn’t fair much better against the Sugar City travellers, losing out 20-46 in a second-half blowout.

Reserve Grade Coach Matt Court said it was much of the same story as the U20s.

“We can’t compete for the full 80mins; we can match it with any team in the comp but we always end up self-destructing and going away from doing the simple one percenters,” he said.

“When we play smart footy we play good footy and put points on with ease.”

He said fatigue was entering the sides game every week, which leads to those silly decisions.

Finally, the A Grade clash was upon the home fans, and it produced the closest of the three matches.

As part of NAIDOC Week celebrations, the A Grade Brahmans pulled on an Indigenous Jersey streaked with red footprints representing those passed on from massacre, and blue circles to represent the Proserpine River and Cedar Creek Falls.

It was designed by local artist, Leo Gabey.

The kangaroo paws in black represent the Proserpine Rock Wallaby, and hands with a boomerang signified hunting of that very same species of marsupial, and six dots across the jersey represented the Gabey family and elders.

All seventeen jerseys were auctioned off after the game.

It was a more tense affair than the previous games, with a final score of 12-26 as Magpies came out the victors three from three.

Brahmans face off against Brothers in Mackay this weekend to reignite their fighting spirit against an old rival.

Brahmans suffered at the hands of three travelling Magpies’ teams last Saturday

‍

With the weeks counting down, every single point matters as finals rapidly approach.

In mid-week Kameron Reason bolstered his top eight finals chances by beating Lorraine Woods 7/1 to get within a point of Alan Green currently occupying the last finals place in eighth and Aaron Paull in seventh.

Alan Green had a mixed day on Sunday losing his first match to Joe Wilson 7/4, but quickly bounced back beating Gary Robbie 7/5 in a tight, final match of the day.

That win for Joe Wilson over Alan Green keeps him in top spot for another week, and the only player with a 100 per cent record intact.

Elsewhere Jamie Woods suffered his first loss of the season with a 7/4 defeat to Jamie Maher.

Jamie Maher backed that win up with a 7/0 win over Ross Gallichan, which means Jamie Maher leapfrogs Jamie Woods into 2nd place on the ladder.

Another trophy is up for grabs next weekend, as well as valuable league points, with The Players Club Captain on the line for the first time.

The Premier League is proudly sponsored by Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing, thank you for your support.

As It Stands

1. J Wilson 22pts 2. J Maher 20pts 3. J Woods 18pts 4. A Peel 18pts 5. D Friend 16pts 6. S Rose 11pts 7. A Paull 10pts 8. A Green 10pts 9. K Reason 9pts 10. G Robbie 7pts 11. N O’ Hara 5pts 12. J Lloyd 4pts 13. L Woods 2pts 14. R Gallichan 2pts

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Jamie Maher who dished out a first defeat of the season to Jamie Woods at Mika on Sunday

‍

The Proserpine Whitsunday Brahmans U13 Boys team has shown the rest of the region what they’re made of, making it all the way to the grand final of the Nate Myles Cup in Cairns.

It’s the first time a Proserpine Whitsundays Junior Rugby League Club has made it that far in the competition.

The Brahmans took 19 players to Cairns for the tournament over the June 25-26 weekend, ultimately going down in the grand final 8-16 to Townsville club Souths Bulls.

The grand final loss brought the team’s six-match tournament winning streak to an end, with the Brahmans finishing the pool stage on top of the table with 96 points for and only 8 points scored against them.

They then faced Innisfail Brothers in the semi-final, keeping their opponents scoreless and winning 8-0 before going down in the grand final in a competitive contest.

“I’m very proud of them,” said coach Justin Follett.

“Our preparation was good; the boys were focused – they love going to tournaments.”

“Everyone was happy to put their shoulder to the wheel, help their mate out and help the team out.

“We had to play a few kids in different positions, but they stepped up and did the right thing and played for one another.”

29 teams from Rockhampton to Cairns participated in the carnival.

“We matched them,” said Mr Follett.

“From Cairns to Rockhampton and every team in between, we took them on and we did really well.”

Team captain Koby Johnson-Follett used his “footy brain” to direct his team around the park and lead them to the grand final, supported by standout performances from Ashton McDermid, Ryver Court, Riley Snow and Evan Beale.

“I could mention all of them,” said Mr Follett.

“I’m very proud. But I’m proud of everyone involved in the boys’ success; thank you to the support staff and Kim Bates especially.

“She just organised the whole thing, it was awesome.”

This U13 Brahmans Boys are the first ever Whitsunday side to make it to the grand finals of the Nate Myles Cup

The young guns were on an unbeaten run of six matches before the final

Coach Justin Follett said he was proud of his group of little warriors

‍

This coming Saturday is a special round of footy for a local team, with the home game at Whitsunday Sports Park in AFL Mackay’s Pride Round.

Whitsunday Sea Eagles’ Women’s team will be the feature game of the day as they face off against Mackay Saints, kicking off at 1.15pm on July 16.

In solidarity with the United States’ celebration of Pride Month over the course of June, the local football side will wear special Pride Round guernseys.

Between Captain of Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Women’s Team, Georgie Carland, and another player, Sam Todd, sponsorship for the special guernseys was sought and granted by Ray White and Shirtfront Solutions.

“They look absolutely fantastic,” Ms Carland said.

The guernseys are a twist on the regular Sea Eagles kits, with these featuring a rainbow pattern. As a certificate of appreciation, both sets of sponsors were gifted with their own guernseys.

Women’s Captain Georgie Carland said this was an “extremely important round of footy” for the local team; both in terms of competitive spirit, as well as for LGBTQI+.

“Not only does it showcase women’s sport in the Whitsundays but also promotes the importance of LGBTQI+ awareness in our community,” Ms Carland said.

“This round is particularly significant to a number of girls on my team, as well as myself, not to mention the importance to our families and friends.”

The Sea Eagles are inviting locals to come down and support the team as they take it to the Saints tomorrow afternoon in their brand-new kits.

‍

Ladies’ pennants finished with both First division and Fourth Division a credible five with special mention going to Carol Crosbie and Elaine Kippen, Jill Mazlin-Peterson, and Robin Brown.

Wednesday afternoon’s social bowls welcomed all the interstate sun seekers, Bev Wilson with husband Leon, Bev Hetherington, Paul and Jane Sproson, and Cheryl and Ken Warner amongst the 30 bowlers competing for the prize.

John Askew leading his team of Lyn Graham and Graham Cowling obliterated all comers with Elaine Mawson winning the prestigious Health Hub award.

Saturday morning Scroungers round two resumed with a big roll up and first round winners were Peter Barratt, Margo Stanley, Alan Pershouse, John Brown, Nik Fernbach, and Betty Whitehorn,

The final was played by Peter Barratt and Alan Pershouse, with Alan returning to previous great form with a commanding victory.

The club was represented at the Sarina eight-a-side Champion of Champions with skipper Warren Mills with Andy McDougall, Maureen Barnard, and Helen Ward in mixed fours.

Elaine Kippen and Jill Mazlin-Peterson played Ladies’ pairs and Col Morris and Mark Mawson played Men’s pairs, coming fifth overall.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls saw 34 bowler’s competing welcoming from Belmont Park Bowls Club in Auckland NZ the lovely couple Karin and Mike Leyden , with Henny Tattam’s team taking home the chocolates and Jody Kraguljac travelling with Peter Hallion and Frank Gibbons from Goolwa South Australia winning the prestigious Health Hub award.

The A grade Fours Final was a hard fought contest with skipper Shane Spann, Tim Taylor, John Matterson, and John Fielding overcoming Manny Isgro’s team of Bob McMahon, Russell Jackso, and Terry Clarke.

Well done to all players.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Col Morris, Andy McDougall, Elaine Kippen, Maureen Barnard, Mark Mawson, Jill Mazlin-Peterson, Helen Ward, and Warren Mills at Sarina for the Champion of Champions weekend

‍

Last week's wet weather meant that social bowls on Wednesday was not played.

On Saturday morning two games of Senior Singles were played: Garry Alexander defeated Vince Olsen 25-15; Bryan Davy defeated Jim Quod 26-18.  

The other scheduled game between Sandy Daffara and Arthur Griffith has been postponed until Wednesday this week.

In the Club Championship Fours there was a mix-up and Stephen Summers stepped in to play the first few ends in place of Warren Wilson.  

Warren Wilson, Martin Corr, Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley defeated Harry Craig, Duwaine Hiscox, Toby Craig. and Marcus Craigh 24-15.  

Wayne's team will be playing in the Champion of Champion Fours at Souths Suburban on July 23 and 24.

Club Championship Pairs Final was played: Michael Kinnear and Grahame Kinnear defeated Gavin Milne and Barry Saroglia 28-17.

Michael and Grahame will play in the Champion of Champion Pairs at Souths Suburban on August 6 and 7.

On Sunday we had a great roll up for Social Bowls:  Gavin Noonan, Arthur Griffith and Lino Michallef defeated Kendall Watts, Grahame Stewart, and Peter Lawton 21-15.  

Ken Watts, Bob Preston and Jim Quod defeated Alen Sanderson, John Lahney and Philip Brown 26-13.  Velia Stewart, Mike Harrison, and Heather Brown defeated Tom Jessop, Mary Hedgelong, and Barry Zillmann 26-18.

All bowlers need to be aware that the green will be closed Monday and Tuesday this week for spraying. Social bowls will be available Wednesday.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Club Championship Fours Winners Martin Corr, Warren Wilson, Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley

‍

The rain dampened the bowls early in the week but soon picked up on Fun Friday with eight rinks playing.

Fun Friday, July 8: Winners for the afternoon France Wilmann Allen Connelly Donna Leeson d Linda Atkinson Colin Taylor Lindsay Harris. Runners Up Darrell Brian Heidi d Lorraine Judy Ros. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Barefoot Bowls started again on Friday Nights. Next week, a sausage sizzle before the game which starts a 6pm to 8pm – all welcome.

Winners for the night Roger, Neville, and Leigh defeated Sandra, May, Jean, and Joan, with others winners Louise, Deb, and Jenny beating out Rob, Brian, and Alec, as well as Peter, James, and Denise winning against Maree, Anita, and Wendy.

Sunday, July 10: With another good roll-up the winners were Colin June and Paul Barry defeating Anne Lindsay and Heidi Lawrie, runners Up for the ever-popular mango were Allan Gillies, Maureen Hyde, Peter Howie, and Joe Paynting defeating S Pearson, Marie Nesbitt, S Lockold, and Alan Rolfe.

Next Sunday is Skirts versus Shirts which will make an interesting afternoon.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Winners Fun Friday left to right: President Mark Drummond, France Wilmann, Donna Lesson, Allen Connelly

‍

Men's Winner on a countback was Tom Wikander 37 points, runner up Don Williams, 37.

Ladies' Winner Robyn Slade 36 points, runner up on a countback Linda Scells, 35. Pin Shots to Scott Tasker, Nathan Schleemann, Toss Eisemann, Dan Windridge, John Courtney (OBP), Morag Parker, Kerry Pedlar, Margie Tilbrook, Lorraine McArthur.

Tom Wikander also had an Eagle on hole 14.

This weekend’s competition begins with the Ladies and Men’s 27-hole Foursomes championships on Saturday, sponsored by Hayman Electrical and a Single stableford event for a club trophy on Sunday.  

Don’t forget to check the clubs Facebook page for this week’s dinner menu.  Takeaways still available.  

Please call the club on 4785 1206 if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order. Joker draw is $3300 this week.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Whitsunday Sands July winners

‍

This week Tyson Flavel won the weekly competition with a count back win over Rhys Bartholomew, both players had a score of 21 points. Glenn Rees was third with 20 points.

For the Friday Prawn Run it was a welcome back to Dave Telford with 22 points, followed by Chris Bartlett with 21 points and Glenn Rees third with 20 points.

For Sunday SKINS it was Rob Lodders who took the money with 11 skins.

Rhys Bartholomew was second with 8 skins and Tyson Flavel and Terry Kimpton both took 6 skins each. Glenn Scott and Glenn Rees took the Nearest the Pins.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Renae Maxwell Club Champion Ladies

‍

This week 76 motivated people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km oceanfront course, of whom 21 were first timers and 7 recorded new Personal Bests.

Well done to Darren, Sam, Jay, Gus, Jennie, Braxton and Rose. Many participants turned up in red, yellow and black for NAIDOC week.

The event was made possible by 13 fantastic volunteers: Nick, Justin (run director), Kathryn, Kara, Deb, Kirsty, Su, Ashley, Laura, Warren, Lynne, Dennis and Joanne.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach.

The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social and supportive environment.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

A personal best time for Braxton

Rosie achieved a personal best time

‍

‍

Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event with Ladies’ winner Lisa Raisbeck 37 points, runner up on a countback Leanne Swan, 36.  Men’s winner Robert Carmichael 44 points, runner up Nathan Vine, 41,.

Saturday’s competition was a single stroke event for the Men’s July monthly medal.  

Winner was Marcus Yasso with a great score of 71 off the stick for a 65 nett, runner up was Ernie Parker with 69 nett.

Sunday competition was the ladies turn with Kim Bennion winning with 70 nett, runner up Leanne Swan 71 nett.

Pin shots to Julie Martin, Jo Kukura, Janice Bates and Lorraine McArthur.  

Both competitions sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf club.  

This weekend’s event is a single stableford sponsored by Whitsunday Sands resort.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Ladies’ July monthly medal winner Kim Bennion

‍

The Mark Nicol Memorial Ambrose was held in late June with a total of 28 players participating for the trophy event.

Winners on the day were Lew Tuck and Joanne (Nicol) Moynihan on a nett 60, followed closely by Benn Ryan and Penny Wardroper on 64.

In the run down were Jason Bourke & Clay Coles, Aaron Watts and Tiina Randmae, Danny York and Dean Barnard.

Pins shots were claimed by Benn Ryan & Penny Wardroper, Dean Barnard and Danny York, Dean Kercher and Pauline Redpath.

Longest drives went to Lew Tuck, Mark McDougall, Penny Wardoper and Jacqui Wall.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

Benn Ryan, Penny Wardroper, JOanne Moynihan, and Lew Tuck

‍

There was a full field of veterans out and playing last Tuesday, with 33 in all: 15 women and 18 men.  

The conditions were extremely challenging with very strong, chilly winds and men's winner on the day was John Roser with a great score of 37 followed by Nic Apruzzese on 33 on a countback from Barry Mortimer.  

The ladies’ winner was Leanne Alexander on 34 continuing her excellent form on a countback from Jenny Hounsell with Elspeth Scotford third with 33.  

The pin shots went to Neil Cawthorne on 2 and 13, Leanne on 2 and 13, and B grade Tiina Randmae on 2, with Paula McQuat on 13.

The clubs Wintersun is fast approaching 1-9 August, please get your nominations in.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Ladies’ winner Leanne Alexander

‍