The start of the new year of golf rounds saw 28 Whitsunday Members attend in hot conditions to play for the January Monthly Medal.

A Grade Men’s winner went to Lew Tuck followed by Jason Whitney on countback from Geoff Harrison, Men’s B Grade went to Ron Jamieson with Wilf Herweg runner-up.

Ladies’ A grade winner was Tiina Randmae followed by Pauline Redpath, Ladies’ B Grade winner was claimed by Vicki Tuck with Karen Rix runner-up.

Nearest the pins went to Lew Tuck, Dean Kercher, Pauline Redpath, Penny Wardroper, Jason Bourke and Vicki Tuck.

Longest drives were Ritchie Atkins, Dean Kercher, Tiina Randmae and Karen Rix.

Congratulations to all and thanks to our sponsors Airlie Panel & Paint, Master Butchers Whitsundays.

Next Sunday will be a single stableford.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan.

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The Mackay Cutters will kick-off their 2023 Hostplus Cup season in only two months, with the first game lined up against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls on March 11.

The Cutters managed to secure three out of four home games in the opening four rounds of the competition, with rounds two, three and four being played at BB Print Stadium.

The Cutters women in the all-new BMD Premiership will follow the same format as the men for the first six rounds, with round seven to be confirmed.

The Hastings Deering Colts U21 competition will start more than a month later, with round one a home game for the young Cutters side on April 22 against the Devils. However, the Harvey Norman U19 side will start their campaign first, with three away games, commencing on February 25 against the Pride.

The QCCS Mackay Cutters are optimistic for a stellar season, with exciting signings already announced last year.

Scotland Rugby League World Cup representative Kyle Schneider has re-signed with the QCCS Mackay Cutters. Schneider made three appearances for Scotland, finishing the World Cup with an 80-minute game against Fiji.

Kim Williams, Head of Football was contacted by Nathan Graham, Scotland’s Head Coach a couple of months before the World Cup.

“Any time we can help a player to play for his country, play for his heritage, that’s something, as a club, we need to be really proud of and keep supporting in the future,” Kim said.

Two more major re-signings for the season are Hiale Roycroft and Luke Webley, who will again turn out for the Cutters in 2023 after agreeing to terms last year.

Both players were priority signings for new Head Coach Michael Comerford after impressive performances throughout season 2022.

Coach Comerford said Hiale’s value to the squad goes well beyond his on-field contributions as he is a genuine leader within the club and a mentor to many of our young forwards.

“His commitment to self-improvement is an inspiration to our playing group and he is also a tireless worker within the community.”

Coach Comerford also said that Luke had a breakout season in 2022 where he cemented a spot in the 2nd row for the HostPlus Cup side, despite still being eligible for the Under 21s.

“He is a local Junior who has progressed rapidly through our pathways system to stamp himself as a genuine 1st Grade player in the HostPlus Cup.

“Luke’s signature for 2023 was a high priority for the Cutters as we believe he is a player who can progress to the next level with another season of Cup under his belt.”

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Heat, humidity, blustery breezes, lots of soft sand, snakes and hills all provided unique challenges for more than twenty runners who took part in a New Year’s Day run with the Mackay Road Runners.

Club Captain and Race Director, Jim Ford designed a loop course optional event with plenty of tough challenges where runners could choose from one to four loops. The day was made interesting by runners being confused about left and right turns at crucial sections of the course. Those who went astray made it back to the finish line clocking up the right number of kilometres for their chosen distance.

Paul Mackenzie made light work of the challenging steps and abundance of soft sand as well as supporting other runners when a snake came out to investigate.  Well done to Lily Leven who got a bit spooked by the wildlife, however, bravely finished the run in her usual commendable time. Luke Leven, who also put in a good solid 10km effort, needed Santa to have delivered a compass for Christmas. However, in all fairness, the trails were very tricky and when you go at his speed, it can be tough to see the markers.

Great to see new runners as well as the usual committed suspects having a great start to the year including Andrew Short, Jose Short, Adam Knesevic, Alana Knesevic, Natasha Joynson, Carmel Mahon, Peter Ford, David Isbister, Brownie, Alexa and Krystal.

This Sunday’s Shawn’s Summer Series commences from Magpies Sporting Complex Club carpark, Glenella.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Mackay Road Runners Club Secretary, Julie Whibley (left) with Helen Leven and Dulcie the cattle dog

Jose Short takes in the views after the gruelling upward steps section

Paul Mackenzie making the soft sand and the challenging steps section look easy

Alana Knesevic takes an early lead on husband, Adam Knesevic in the first 3km loop

Happy New Year to everyone that lives here in paradise, and what wonderful news we have from our board, whom are set on making our bowls club a great place for patronage.

Starting with $5 per year membership for all non-dedicated bowlers and some great new food offerings to be announced shortly. If you want to come and get discounted drinks etc all you pay is $5 for 12 months membership.

We also hope to announce shortly a major sponsorship for our school children’s program currently being finalised by our own workaholic Margo Stanley which will involve Cannonvale state school, Proserpine state school, last year’s winners St Catherine’s school and of course the Christian College school.

Last year our Men’s Team finished 20 points in front of every other Bowls Club in our district including the big clubs from Mackay, so if you’re keen to learn, free lessons are available at the club from resident coaches Margo Stanley and Mark Mawson.

Don’t hesitate to contact the club where Bar Manager Fiona Greener, is ready to take on all comers.

Manny Isgro, Nik Fernbach and John Fielding all had an amazing year for the boys, whilst Betty Nicole, Carol Crosbie, Lyn Graham, Betty Whitehorn and Helen Hunt had amazing performances for the girls.

Tony Whitehorn, Rick Galea and Col Morris also did amazing work around the club.

Some very sad news came with the passing of Bob Ward just before Christmas, he will be very sadly missed and not having him around will be hard for all members.

Bobby Ward is probably already arranging bowls games in heaven.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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The victorious Men’s team whom performed admirably. Photo supplied

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Adam Maggs played well last Wednesday in very heavy conditions to score 36 points, with John Clark and Brian Allen coming in 2nd and 3rd with 33 and 31 points respectively.

Adam and Brian also won the nearest the pins on the day.

On Thursday, 62 players played with visitor Ben Rosenthal coming in first place in Division One with 40 points, closely followed by Darren Reynolds on 39 points and Brett Norris on 36 points.

Jalen Jarvis, also on 40 points won Division Two with Scott Milne edging out Logan Devery on a countback with 39 points.

NTP’s were won by: Brendon Meharry, Brendan Spann, Paul Nicol and Ben Rosenthal.

Saturday results: Tiina Randmae was the best of the ladies on Saturday with 34 points, followed by Sherri Meade on 32 and Peta Thomas on 28 points. Sherri won 2 NTP’s and Tiina also won a NTP

Ben Raymant enjoyed the heavy conditions posting 40 points to win the men’s competition, ahead of Andrew Colborne and John Dodds, both on 35 points.

NTP’s – Brad Fleet, Sam Marschke and Shaun Tyrell. Only two people managed to score in the two shot club, Rob Stanley and Shaun Tyrell.

On Sunday, 10 players were in good enough condition on New Year’s morning to play a competition! Well done!

Michael Jarvis was the winner with 38 points, followed by Karl Kirkwood and John Clark on 36 points.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club.

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While many of the Cannonvale Cannons had a break from swim training over Christmas, there was a dedicated crew who have kept up their swim fitness. Every afternoon, swimmers enjoyed a blend of fitness and fun during training sessions.  

The coaches would like to commend Koa Harland, Ruby Harland, Tate Harland, Mason Harland, Harris Delac, Tora Delac, Declan Dichieria and Maeve Dichieria, Isaac Pisaniello and Isabella Pisaniello, Zane Clayworth and Jax Clayworth for consistently attending swim training and trying their best.  

Zach Trefz has been one of the top trainers over the past few weeks. He puts in a mighty effort in every set. On Friday afternoon, swimmers enjoyed a game of water polo. Senior ‘stand out’ players were Lucas O’ Toole, Tora Delac, Connor Lee, Austin Edwards-Bland, Mason Harland and Jax Clayworth. Not to be out done, the junior top performers were Declan Dichiera, Ruby Harland, Koa Harland and Andie Reynolds.  

This week, swimmers kickstart 2023. The coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson are very excited that 20 swimmers have signed up to do a goal setting workshop and junior swimmers have signed up to participate in a dive workshop.  

The coaches are also impressed that so many swimmers are keen to improve their cardiovascular fitness and build their endurance and muscle strength. Swimming is a great workout because you need to move your whole body against the resistance of the water.  It tones muscles and builds strength. Some swimmers train for fitness and fun and others train for competition.  

The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club resumes Club Nights from January 11 and the first carnival of the season will be held in Ayr on January 14. New swimmers and their families are welcome to come and try club swimming.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Dive practice during the last week of December

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The Whitsunday’s premier triathlon club had an enormous December, being represented at two amazing events to end 2022.

Greg Martin completed the full Ironman in Busselton, Western Australia, representing the Whitsunday Triathlon Club (WTF), while Mark McConkey and Karen Maddock completed the Taupo 70.3 half Ironman in New Zealand.

Mr Martin – or ‘Marto’ to his friends - turned 60 this year and completed his fifth Ironman since he turned 20, roughly one each decade.

His triathlon career has taken him to competitions at home in Australia, and abroad to France and Switzerland.

Locals Mark McConkey and Karen Madden trained hard with the aim of conquering the 70.3 in New Zealand in December.

Mr McConkey had completed many half Ironman distance events but this was Ms Madden’s first endeavour at this distance as an individual.

The pair travelled all the way to Lake Taupo in New Zealand for this iconic event, which they both completed totally spent but thrilled.

They were confronted with a cold, freshwater swim unlike the warm Whitsunday waters.

Mr McConkey said he “looked up at one stage to see a Maori War canoe fully crewed keeping an eye on swimmers!”

The 500-metre run uphill to transition was daunting with the cold and rainy conditions. Trying to change into cycle gear was a real challenge.

The bike course on open roads also had challenging head winds, cross winds and steady drizzle. Both entered the run course with heavy legs and sodden gear when halfway through, the sun came out and both came home with severe wind and sun burn.

“Overall, a very picturesque course with some tough conditions and challenging sections but well worth the experience of completing a Half Ironman,” Mr McConkey said.

Whitsunday Triathlon Club President Michael Kimpton said they were extremely proud of the efforts its members.

“They train hard, focus on achieving and enjoy the friendship of the sport of Triathlon,” Mr Kimpton said.

“Everyone is now looking forward to our home event the Airlie Beach Triathlon on July 30. Looking forward to as many locals as possible to give it a go, and to the rest of the community for support and encouragement.”

Mr Kimpton said volunteers were still being sought and are an essential part of making this event happen.

“Feel free to visit our website and check out the benefits of helping to keep this Iconic annual race going,” he said.

“Well done, Marto, Karen, and Mark. Looking forward to bigger and better challenges in the future as our club blossoms with new exciting talent.”

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Locals Mark McConkey and Karen Madden competing in New Zealand in December

Greg Martin completed the full Ironman in Busselton, Western Australia. Photos supplied

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Images:

1: Andrew Wallace (left) is happy to support the very wet Shawn’s Summer Social Series from Valley Street, North Mackay with (background) Emma Johnson, Natasha Joynson, Kim Saron and Jo Hughes

2: L-R Back - Andrew Wallace, Carmel Mahon, Andrew short and Alan Zamparutti. Front - Janelle Tilse, Kim Saron, Jo Hughes, Mel Esau and Paul McKenzie

3: Carmel Mahon has an excellent 10km over the very hilly course in rainy conditions

4: Ricky Parker enjoying one of his final runs with Mackay Road Runners before leaving for Brisbane next year

5: Alan Zamparutti enjoying the cooler conditions on reaching the pinnacle of Rotary lookout from Pollock Street

6: Tracey Brown enjoying the steady warm up before taking on the testing High Street section of the course

7: Derek Woods easily scales the 70 steps from High Street to the Rotary Lookout summit

8: Kim Saron happy with the final downhill section of the 5km. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse

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The final Shawn’s Summer Social Series 5/10km run before Christmas was held in very damp and cool conditions as compared with the previous weeks’ hot and humid temperatures.

Over twenty runners enjoyed the cool spell as Race Director and Club Captain Jim Ford announced the testing course which left from the Mackay North High School end of Valley Street.  

The run started with a slight uphill section before taking on the very steep unforgiving High Street ascent.  

The slippery surfaces made for serious footwork concentration especially on the descents with rain tumbling down throughout the entire event.

Excellent running came from Paul Mackenzie who took the lead early maintaining a great pace to cross the line first marginally ahead of the talented committed field of runners including Derek Woods, Ricky Parker, Andrew Short, Mel Esau, Carmel Mahon, Alan Zamparutti, Andrew Wallace, Steve Brown, Tracey Brown, Natasha Joynson, Kim Saron, Jo Hughes and Emma Johnson.

There will be no Shawn’s Summer Social Series event this Sunday due to the very special Christmas Day occasion, however the informal training sessions will continue on Wednesdays at the Aquatic & Recreational Complex at 5.30pm weather permitting.  

The following Sunday run for the Shawn’s Summer series will re-commence 5:30pm from the Seabreeze Tavern, Lamberts Beach on New Year’s Day – what a great way to start the year!

Mackay Road Runners look forward to another successful association within the community by bringing weekly running events to suit everyone, including the BMA Mackay Marina Run on 4th June.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Images:

1: Daphne Offield; Hilary Jones-Rowan; Lois Deguara; Lyn Maguire; Bev Woodward; Elaine Buckton

2: Vice President Maureen Blucher

3: Raffle Ticket Sellers: Sheryl Cuttriss and Pam Louis

4: Games Coordinator: Debbie Mackenzie; Vice President: Maureen Blucher; President Lidia McCarthy; IPP: Lorraine Silman; Secretary: Helen Fleming

5: Marie Duck; Margaret Armitage; Carmel Bell; Cheryle Corbett; Marion Delaney

6: President Lidia lining up as Skip

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North Mackay Ladies ended their season with a newly elected President, Lidia McCarthy. Maureen Blucher was elected as Vice President.

The club celebrated the end of play in 2022 with a Christmas lunch and fun games of bowls with 55 ladies attending.

Raffle ham winners were: 1st Prize Carmel O’Loughlin; 2nd Prize Isla Comelli and 3rd prize Val de Pinto. The doll (dressed and donated by Margaret Armitage) was won by Karla Wallman, daughter-in-law of Daphne Wallman. As usual a collection was taken up for a children’s charity and this year the club donated $300 to Riding for the Disabled.

North Mackay Ladies return for more fun on the green on Wednesday 18th January, 2023 when it will honour its past Presidents and life members.

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This year has been “extraordinary” for Airlie Beach Bowls Club where is has exceeded expectations, finishing 2022 as the number one Bowls Club of the Mackay District and surrounding areas.

Members of the club put in some exceptional performances throughout the year, with highlights including the performances of Betty Nicole and Carol Crosbie.

As well, Men’s club champion Manny Isgro proved his excellence, exceeding his own high standards and showing that anything is possible with practice – with Nik Fernbach also embodying that same mentality.

Members Harry Quod, Shane Spann, John Fielding, Peter Barratt, Luke Kinnear, Warren Mills, Andrew Butler, Russell Jackson, Mark Mawson, Rod Howard, and Bob McMahon representedour Division One team and finishing a very credible second.

Other wonderful players that achieved fantastic success were Col Morris, Andy McDougall, John Askew, and John Brown.

On the ladies’ side there was Margo Stanley, Lyn Graham, Bev Taylor, Juanita Matterson, Jill Spencer, and Jill Mazlin-Petersen all excelling with district bowls success.

And a special mention must go to the club’s fantastic Vice Chairperson, Karen Jenson, whom was awarded the Club Person of the Year, with efforts far and beyond the call of duty.

Ms Jensen effectively led Airlie Beach Bowls Club this year, organising many functions, projects, promotions, and catering without any fuss and sacrificing her own bowls to do so.

Betty and Tony Whitehorn, Rick Galea, Ash Warland, Terry Clarke, Bob Spees, Tim Taylor, and Merve Stewart also deserve special thanks for their efforts.

We look forward to what the new year will bring and all be hopeful that we can exceed our expectations for 2023.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Club Chairman Ash Warland , with Mens President Peter Barratt giving Karen Jenson the Club person of the Year award

Tuesday’s game at Wangaratta Bowls Club resulted in a win for Penny Warren and Deb Retchless who defeated Robyn Stitt and Irene Laird.

The final game for the year was played on Sunday afternoon at the club with members out in full force enjoying the afternoons play with a cool sea breeze blowing.

Winners on Rink Three were Irene Laird, Mark Drummond, and Ray Brunker who defeated Maree Brunker, Denise Wallace, and Geoff Danvers.

Other winners were Greg Colquhoun, Penny Warren, and Allan Rolfe against Sue Shearing, Linda Scells, and Kennedy Whitton.

Deb Retchelss, Kent Moriarty, and Fely Duncan drew with Robyn Sitt, Lyn Danvers, and Pat Tracey.

Club Administration Member Penny Warren thanked members for the year on behalf of the club.

“I would like to wish all our members and supporters a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year,” Ms Warren said.

“We will recommence play on Sunday, January 8 of 2023 and are looking forward to another successful year on and off the green.”

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Some of Sunday’s winners at Wangaratta Bowls Club

Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Claire Garrod with 33 points, runner up Amanda Parter, 33 also. Men’s winner was Kailan Batchelor, 40 points, runner up Bradley Reinke, 38.

Saturday’s competition was a 4BBB event for Christmas Seafood sponsored by Rynn’s Seafood.

Winners Gary Marks and Greg Fairs finished with 46 points, with runners-up Robyn Slade and Bradley Reinke, 45 points.  

Pin shots went to Kurt Bidgood with an OBP, Wes Smith, Lee Tiller, Jeff Day, Rhiannon Nott, Bonnie Kohlhase, and Judy Atkins twice. Garry Thompson won the Car wash voucher.

Bowen Golf club would like to thank all the sponsors for their support during 2022 and wish all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2023.

This weekend’s competition is a stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf club.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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One half of the winning team Greg Fairs, One half of the runner up team Robyn Slade

Tuesday Competition at Proserpine Golf Club saw Paul Gray perform at the highest standard, setting a great score of 40 points on Tuesday and streaking ahead of the competition.

Aaron Pross and Brent Franke came in second and third with 34 and 33 points, respectively.

Wednesday Competition: 22 players played in the Wednesday Stableford medley. Trish McNeill won the ladies’ on 36 points and Ben Smith ahead of the pack on 39 for the men.

Aaron Prosser, Nathan Sothmann, Elspeth Scotford, and Tina Badenhorst all on 35 points in the run down.

NTP’s were wone by Trish McNeill, Adam Maggs, Paula McQuat, Aaron Prosser, and Tina Badenhorst.

Thursday Competition: A very nice 44 points by Jacob Nightingale helped him to win Division One on Thursday, with Brendan Spann in second on 41. Ken Lovett also scored a winning 40 to take out Division 2 with Rob Webb in second on 36.

NTP’s went to:  Jacob Nightingale, Adam Maggs and Nathan Sothmann by 2

Saturday Competition: The annual awards were presented on Turkey Day. 102 players out on the course and the winners of the Three ball ambrose were Hope Grunfeld, Gavin Kleidon, and ably assisted by the resident Professional, Roger Vandenberg, on 53.33 nett.

In second place was Caitlin Daly, Nicole Ryan. and Ben Smith, and on the third place podium was Tina and Frans Badenhorst with Scott Grigg.

Sunday Competition: 16 players backed up on Sunday after Turkey Day, Ryan Wilkes continuing his good form with 39 pts, followed by Simon Della Santa on 36 pts and Penny Wardroper 34 points.

NTP’: Simon, Ryan and Penny and Brian Allen.

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Annual Award Recipients

Ladies Handicapped Matchplay Runner Up Leanne Alexander

Men’s Handicapped Matchplay Runner Up Jim Cochrane

Ladies Order of Merit - Wednesday Tiina Randmae 593

Men's Order of Merit - Thursday Barry Mortimer 356

Ladies Eclectic - Wednesday Moya Bradley 55.125

Ladies Eclectic - Saturday Ann Gardel 55.675

Men's Eclectic - Thursday Brendon Meharry 49.475

Men's Eclectic - Saturday Anthony Clinton 48.9

Ladies Medal of Medallist - Wednesday Trish McNeill 67 nett

Men's Medal of Medallist - Thursday - Div 1 Ritchie Atkins 69 nett

Men's Medal of Medallist - Thursday - Div 2 Rees May 72 nett

Ladies Medal of Medallist - Sunday Peta Thomas 71 nett

Men's Saturday Medal of Medallist - A Grade Sam Deicke 66 nett

Men's Saturday Medal of Medallist - B Grade Terry Handford 69 nett

Men's Medal of Medallist - Sunday Don Cameron 72 nett

Ladies Most Consistent - Saturday Trish McNeill 37 pts

Men's Most Consistent - Thursday Michael Cragg 42 pts

Ladies Medal of Medallist Renae Maxwell 62 nett

Men's Medal of Medallist - Overall + C Grade Ben Raymant 66 nett

Ladies Matchplay Champion Trish McNeill  

Men's Matchplay Champion Ritchie Atkins  

Men's Graded Matchplay Champion - A Grade Ryan Wilkes

Men's Graded Matchplay Champion - B Grade Michael Kavanagh

Men's Graded Matchplay Champion - C Grade Ben Raymant

Ladies Order of Merit Tiina Randmae 436

Men's Order of Merit Rob Stanley 424

Ladies Golfer of the Year Elspeth Scotford 67 pts

Men's Golfer of the Year Phil Batty 40pts

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop Team

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Men's Order of Merit Winner Rob Stanley with President Phil Batty

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This week’s stableford 9-hole at Whitsunday Green Golf Club was won by Ryan Kenny on 22 points, followed in second by Scott Hayes Williams on 22, and third went to Marc Belke with 21.

The Club’s weekly Friday 9-hole competition was won by Michael Bond on 22 points, coming in second was Neil Boland, also on 22, and third went to Tyson Flavel on 21 points.

On Sunday Whitsunday Green held its last Monthly Medal for 2022: 18-holes, taking the win was Brad Low on 52 nett, second with a close 53 nett was Elise Hodgson, and third was Adam Singleton on 54.

Nearest the Pin on Sunday was Jimmy Millar and Marc Belke. There is no competition this Sunday.

Club and Community Manager at Whitsunday Green Golf Club, Kate Cross extended from the team their well wishes to all members and guests for the holiday season.

“A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,” Ms Cross said.

“We are looking forward to having you play with us in 2023. Please see below for Christmas trading hours.”

Holiday Opening Times: Christmas Eve, 8am to 4pm; Christmas Day, closed; and Boxing Day 12pm to 6pm.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club

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Whitsunday Green’s 9-hole stableford third place finisher Brad Low

Image 1: Mackay Whitsunday girls Back L-R Kelsey Waldon, Sorayah Cross, Matilda Faulkner. Front L-R Matilda Wiggins, Kiana Dunn, Jade Gersch

Image 2: Mackay Whitsunday players joined forces with Central Queensland players to form the Central Infernos. Photos supplied

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A group of young cricketers from the Mackay Whitsunday and Central Queensland zones recently formed to represent the Central Infernos at the Queensland U15 Female State Cricket Challenge, led by Coach Paul Anderson and Assistant Coach and Paul’s daughter Ella of Mackay.

The U15 Central Infernos squad was selected from a carnival pitting Mackay Whitsunday, Central Queensland, North Queensland and Far North Queensland against each other, with Queensland Cricket selecting the Infernos from the Mackay Whitsunday and Central Queensland teams.

Kelsey Waldon, Jade Gersch, Kiana Dunn, Matilda Faulkner, Matilda Wiggins and Sorayah Cross were selected from Mackay Whitsunday with Paul and Ella in the coaching positions.

The Infernos came up against teams from north Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, the Darling Downs and Gold Coast and, despite winning one of five games, Paul said all players stood up to the task.

“They all played well and above what we expected from them, so they all tried their best and improved over the carnival,” he said.

“They all showed potential and all did something outstanding.”

Paul has coached at similar cricket carnivals for the last five years and said the quality of cricket has improved every year.

“This year, people were hitting a lot more boundaries, hitting sixes, the total scores teams were posting were much higher than in previous years, so the girls are certainly learning to play cricket in a more positive way,” he said.

18-year-old Ella came through the pathways system herself, playing at her first carnival at age 14 and filling the role of Assistant Coach at the last two carnivals.

“She really connects with the girls on a player level having been at the carnival before,” said Paul.

“She’s a good role model to have there for the younger girls and they really respect her input, and she respects them as well.

“It’s a really good thing to see those girls who have played in the pathway and are now coming back and taking up a coaching role.”

The official representative cricket calendar has wrapped up for 2022 with more games to be played in the new year.

“There’s certainly a lot of girls and women that want to play more representative cricket so we’re trying to organise some more games between Mackay Whitsunday and Central Queensland,” said Paul.

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