Sunset Bay Outrigger Canoe Club has returned from a strong showing at the Australian National Long Distance Titles, held in Mooloolaba from May 23–25, 2025. With just nine senior paddlers attending, the team still managed to bring home a haul of medals and proud performances. Friday brought cool conditions, but it didn’t take long for Bryan Wilkinson and Steph Lomas to find their rhythm, earning a silver medal in the 16km Senior Master OC2. New club member Peter Drew made a bold debut in a fiel
Read the full storyLocal Women Pack Power At Weekend Self-Defence Workshop Over the course of a weekend, a diverse group of women and girls, spanning various ages and physical abilities, came together to learn practical self-defence techniques aimed at increasing personal safety both at home and in the community. The sessions were led by Helle Smith, who also runs the Northern Beaches Karate Club (Shyto-Ryu), and supported by Sergeant Steve Smith from the Crime Prevention Unit, along with Volunteer in Policing, G
Read the full storyThe ladies at the club have been busy contesting the Championship Triples, which commenced on Tuesday, 21st May, with the final played on Thursday, 29th May. As expected, the competition was fierce, with many closely fought ends and the head often tightly packed with both teams’ bowls. After a strong display of skill and teamwork, the eventual winners were Marie Bragg (Lead), Val DePinto (Second), and Nuggie Pratt (Skip). The runners-up were Daphne Offield (Lead), Jean Schmidtke (Second), and
Read the full storyYoung rookie ballers are progressing nicely, showing improved skills each week. They’re playing harder, stronger, and with growing confidence – all while keeping the fun alive. A special highlight came when Asher Rootes was ecstatic after hitting a live pitched ball from Zac Hargraves for the first time. Ollie Baxter also impressed, showing great form behind the plate with confident catching. The Joey Ball troupers are also having a great time, with plenty of enthusiasm on the field. A big than
Read the full storyWednesday’s competition was a single stableford event at Bowen Golf Club, with men’s winner Greg Fairs 40 points, and runner up Rob Byles 39 points.
Ladies’ winner on the day was Marg Need, 39 points, while runner up was Wendy Tracey, 36 points on the countback.
Saturday was a Stableford competition sponsored by Tim Warren Auto Airconditioning and Electrical.
Ladies’ winner Freddy Lynch, 38 points on countback, while runner up was Pauline Martin with38 points, too.
Men’s winner Marcus Yasso finished with 40 points on countback, and runner up was Ryley Malone, also on 40 points.
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott
: Tim Warren winners Freddy Lynch, with runner up Pauline Martin, and runner up Ryley Malone
Mid-June saw the end of the FISHi Veteran's Opens for another year, with 35 players out on the green for the final day, seven of whom were out of towners.
The weather was fine, although a bit windy, and the course was in good condition. Women's Champion was Tina Randmae with a great score (39), second Vickie Wallace (37), and third Leanne Alexander (38).
The Men's Champion was Vic Feldman with the top score of 40, second Trevor Paroz (35) and third Barry Mortimer (34).
Nearest the pins for the Women went to Marieta Smith (2nd), Elspeth (9th in the hole and 16th) and Robyn Whitham (13th).
The Men's nearest the pins went to Trevor (2nd), Vic (9th and 13th), and Nick Apruzzese (16th).
Winners for closest to the snake up the 18th were Ken Granger and Debbie McCowan, while the lucky winners of the FISHi seafood tray were Jan and Barry Shuwalow.
Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat
Jan and Barry Shuwalow, winners of the FISHi seafood tray
The weekly competition winner this week was Terry Kimpton with 20 points, Ron Thynne came in second with 20 points and new player Brayden Davies was third on 19 points.
The Prawn Run was won by Wayne Singleton who took first place on a count back win 21 points. Second was Glenn Scott also with 20 points and third Brayden Davies with 20 points.
Sunday was the first Monthly medal for the new year’s cycle, won by Adam Singleton with a nett 48 followed by Wayne Singleton with 52 taking the count back placing over David Thomas also on 52.
Best off the stick was Justyn Durbin.
Nearest the Pin was Glen Scott and Elise Hodgson. This Sunday will be the Club Championships for a 27 hole round win, with great prizes on offer.
Registrations are being taking this week and must be in by Friday.
Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross
Scott Hayes
Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams tackled Mackay Magpies in a fantastic day of footy at Whitsunday Sports Park.
After hard games against Saints the week before, all teams were looking to turn it around and come home with wins.
In the senior matchup, Magpies were first to the scoreboard against a struggling Sea Eagles team, winning out the first quarter two goals to zip.
Whilst Sea Eagles had their fair share of the footy in the second, inaccurate kicking meant Magpies were able to pile on another five goals. The home side saw a half time deficit of seven goals, however the game turned upside down in the second half with Sea Eagles lifting their level of play to take back the match.
Backline was led by Jake Turner and Alex Rodgers, midfielders Jake Smith and Brent Downie stepped up, and Sam Keating and Eden Wishart worked together to hit the scoreboard.
The vocal home crowd played their part, building with excitement as Sea Eagles managed eight goals to Magpies zero in the second half to take out the win.
Sea Eagles Senior Women had a fantastic 89–0 win against Mackay Magpies managing to kick their highest ever score.
Deakoda Costello snagged four up front, whilst Mia Trinder played her usual high standard of footy. Georgie Carland held the defence together and Sheridan Callcott showed her ever improving skills around the ground.
Penny Turner bagged four goals in her first ever AFL game and the younger squad of Under 18s had outstanding games with Makayla Rataj and Jade Healey both scoring goals.
Sea Eagles Under 17s had another win under their belt against a struggling Magpies side and were able to expand their ever improving skills to come away comfortable winners 94 – 34.
Under 14s Sea Eagles also had a comfortable win 72 – 12 with the team able to work well together to provide the forward line multiple opportunities to hit the scoreboard.
Get down to Mackay this weekend to support the Sea Eagles Senior Men taking on Eastern Swans at Rogers Oval from 1.20pm.
Contributed with thanks to Kaz Morrison
It was a hard-fought win for the senior Sea Eagles men on the weekend
Photography: Cody Fowler
Whitsunday United saw most teams record a win or a draw at worst, starting off with the U14's, who led the way with both teams still undefeated two thirds through the season.
The top-of-the-table Premier side overcame a fast-starting Lions on the weekend to eventually roll over them, winning 4-1.
Man of the Match Reef Peel put in a huge attacking effort, scoring two goals.
The U14 Div1 side had a 5-1 win over Magpies, with Jacob Godden the outstanding performer with three goals and involvement in every play.
The U16's frustrating run continues, despite matching the top of the table and undefeated Lions side across the park.
The home side went down 2-0 as Lions capitalised on a defensive mix up, which led to a converted penalty in the last minute.
The side relied on seven U14 players backing up to fill the bench.
The Whitsunday Women played at home with the Div1 side storming to a strong 2-0 win against Dolphins. Goals to Lucia Bates and Mabel Gudes sealed the win.
Belle Howard took out player of the Match for her strong attacking runs from defence and composure on the ball. The side is now within striking distance of the top four with several games in hand.
The Premier Women had a frustrating game drawing 2-2 against a Rangers side that fought hard the whole game.
The Men’s reserves faced a determined onslaught from the Crusaders which took the visitors to a 4-1 lead, but the local lads rallied and came back to even the score at 4-4.
Nicholas Hansen starred, scoring two, whilst Josh Lowe and Philip Mcallister adding the extras. The draw keeps the side third on the ladder.
The Premier Men continued their winning form, taking a comfortable and impressive 3-0 win against the third placed Crusaders.
In a fast-paced match, the home side was never troubled and treated the crowd to some great football. Jimmy McEvoy-Bowe, an own goal, and Ben Smith the scorers, putting the side in second place with games in hand.
The school holidays don’t mean no football for the kids. Whitsunday's United FC has partnered up with Sargent Sport and Seven Football to run a three-day clinic during the school holidays – July 6 - 8, 8am from 11am.
The clinic will be run at Whitsunday Sports Park by WUFC Premier players and experienced coaches - Scott Ferries and Scott Boldy. Go to www.whitsundayunitedfc.com/events to book
Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic
Men Reserves Kiel Crocker charges forward in attack
U16 Prem Alex Grossi with a nice touch forward
Photography: Penny Grossi
After a four-year hiatus, a long-running charity bowls event commemorating the life of a much-loved Proserpine local returned to raise $1990 for the Leukaemia Foundation.
Sixty-four bowlers were out in force at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club on Saturday morning for the Richard ‘Dick’ Todd Memorial Bowls.
The annual event – which took a break during the Covid pandemic – has raised funds for charities across the Whitsundays since its inception in 2011.
Named for local Dick Todd, the event commemorates the Proserpinian’s life – which was tragically cut short after a lung cancer diagnosis.
Started by his brother Ken Todd, the event is an encapsulation of Dick’s enjoyment of both the sport of bowling and his ability to bring the community together – while having a bit of a drink and a laugh.
Ken Todd said the event has previously raised funds for the Proserpine hospital, as well as money for a young, local girl who was fighting cancer.
“We always know where it’s going, and it’s always for a good cause. This year, we’ve put it to Leukaemia Foundation because we had someone from our group whose wife passed away from it this year,” Mr Todd said.
“The idea is, come in as colourful clothes as you can. Dicky would have loved it.”
His daughter, Debbie Todd, said the same: “He was a big bowler and he loved to be happy, to sing and dance. Especially with the drinking on the side!”
“It’s a good way to remember and celebrate his life, as well as raise money for causes.”
The event had multiple sponsors contributing to its raffle and auction, which were the main fundraising portions of the day.
Dick Todd’s family (pictured here) have been running a charity bowls event in his honour for almost ten years
Sixty-four bowlers were out in force on the day, enjoying the sun, fun, and drinks, as well as raising funds for Leukaemia Foundation
Mama Africa Raiders travelled down the Bruce to take on Kuttabul Camelboks at Lions Park, on Saturday in a first versus second match-up.
Historically, games between the two have been close, physical and entertaining encounters, and Saturday’s match was no different.
The game was summed up by its last five minutes, where Raiders defended their try line, combating much bigger opposition with a never die attitude.
Coach Andrè Houston said a large percentage of the squad have played more rugby over the past two months than professionals do.
“Their Rugby commitment, representing Mackay Stingers, U19s, and Men’s Central Queensland weekend training camps, travelling for these and our own Club duties, is an indicator to why our boys started flatter today,” he said.
“We lead the whole game, but they had to dig deep to prevent Kuttabul from scoring in the last five. I applaud their determination and character”.
It was a back and forth, end to end affair, with Raiders showing flair with ball in hand to make line breaks.
The travelling side didn’t hit their natural flow and rhythm, with Kuttabul disrupting Raiders with accurate tackling, strong running, and strong set pieces.
The boot of Niall Clancy kept the Raiders ticking over, scoring 12 points for the day. Individual brilliance by Cayden Yuskan saw him score two tries. Brother duo Joel and Dylan Hoffmann combined to score, too.
The team’s standout was their attitude in their own 22-metres for that last five minutes, preventing Kuttabul from scoring to even the match up.
“Defence builds character,” Houston said.
“They could have easily given up, but the bond between these young men is amazing; they never want to let each other down.”
Cayden Yuskan’s stand out performance bagged him three players points. Matarae Tauroa picked up two for high work rate, and Dylan Hoffmann, for his ever presence in the back line, gained one point.
This weekend Mama Africa Raiders will be hosting the Moranbah Bulls at home to close out Round two.
The Club will also hold their annual Old Boys Day, inviting any ex-players, near or far, to come enjoy the day. Kick-off at 3.30pm.
The night will feature after match live entertainment, intermingling with past and present players, and the Wallabies vs England test match shown live on TV.
The Club wished its nine players the best of luck at the QLD Representative Carnival, representing both U19s and Men’s Central Queensland in Toowoomba this weekend.
Raiders will host their Old Boys matchday this weekend, welcoming past and present players to Whitsunday Sportspark
Raiders remain top of the table having conquered the Camelboks
Every few years, coach Mark Erickson designs a new Beast swim set, with this year the return. It featured three variations: an eight-, four-, or two-kilometre Beast.
Mark was surprised and impressed by the swimmers’ efforts on the morning, which featured swimmers like Jane Delac, who smashed the eight-kilometre set in three hours.
Jane swam one-kilometre Free, 2 x 500-metre Pull, 4 x 250-metre Kick, 3 x 400-metre IM, 800-metre Kick, 5 x200-metre Free, 20 x 50-metre Not Free, and 10 x 100-metre Choice.
Congratulations to the four-kilometre Beast swimmers: Lola Fisher, Cheryl West, Kay Corskie, Robin Arndale, Sharanne Maclean, Lisa Maher, Kate Thomson, Sonya Khatiwala, Sally Archibald, Nicole Murphy, and Julie Mitchell.
The swimmers completed 800-metre Free, 2 x 400-metre Pull, 4 x 200-metre Kick, 8 x 100-metre IM, and 2 x 400-metre Back or Breast.
The four-kilometre group thought the biggest challenge was the butterfly in the medleys and were pleased when that part ended.
Congratulations to Mick Pisaniello and Sofia Fortunato for completing the two-kilometre Beast.
Mick and Sofia swam 400-metre Free, 400-metre Pull, 400-metre Kick, 400-metre Back, and 400-metre Choice.
Both Mick and Sofia agreed the 400-metre Back was the biggest challenge.
Well done to all the swimmers who conquered the beast!
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen
Julie, Kay and Lola after the four-kilometre swim
Car enthusiasts from across the region will unite in their shared passion for motorsports at the return of Whitsunday Horsepower Day tomorrow on the Airlie Beach Sailing Club lawns.
Featuring the “genuine heroes of horsepower” – both drivers and their cars – the event is hosting upwards of a 75-vehicle display, an appearance by Supercar Driver Cameron Waters along with his Monster Energy V8, and vehicles from various racing categories.
The local community have been invited to the free entry event where rev-heads of the region will have a chance to revel in their passion.
Tevent will again contribute to local charities by raising funds and awareness for mental health groups including Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network, Real Mates Talk, and Kick On.
Appointed Chair of Whitsunday Horsepower Heroes Inc. Colin Thomspson, said they’ll have plenty of racing teams alongside their Formula 3s, 2s, and burnout cars to name a few of the displays.
“The target for us, and what we’re working towards, is making the day a prelude event to the Townsville 500,” Mr Thompson.
“We’ve really gone all out this year: we’ll have jumping castles, a riding bull, two choppers for joy flights - an R66 and an ex-Army Huey - and loads of raffles throughout the course of the day.
“There’ll be door prizes, food all day from Sailing Club and racing celebrities like Cameron Waters; so, come out, have a family fun day, see things that you can’t normally see, especially the race cars.”
WHAT: Whitsunday Horsepower Day 2022
WHEN: July 2, 9.00am to 5.00pm
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club
The Whitsundays will celebrate another engine infused Horsepower Heroes Day tomorrow with locals invited to join in on the fun
Image: R Jean Photography
Mackay Cutters young superstars were awarded for their outstanding performances in the club’s junior competitions this week.
The sugar city club announced its award winners at the club's presentation event for its Junior Representative Programs.
In the Cyril Connell Challenge, coach’s award went to Kale Oliver for his continued high-level representation in the competition. Whilst the Players’ Player Award went to Harrison Deguara.
Harvey Norman Womens Under 19s Coach’s Award was given to Libby Surha – another star performer in the side – whilst Players’ Player Award was picked up by Lily Peacock.
In the Mal Meninga Cup, Coach’s Award went to Will Gething, whilst the Players’ Player Award recipient was Xavier Kerrisk. Kerrisk was recently selected in the U19 Origin training squad.
The club’s representative level has cultivated and developed local athletes at a high level for the past three years, and a spokesperson from the Club said they were hoping to continue taking local players and transforming them.
The club also gave thanks to staff involved in the Junior Representative Programs over the season, particularly Andrew Battaia, Heath Cruckshank, Isaac Fatnowna, Mark Farmer, and Morgan Rodgers.
There were thanks given to Matt Sanders, Katrina Hazledine, David Bella, Abbi Johnson, Amanda Doull, and James Medway, too.
Mal Meninga Cup coaching staff David Stevens, Mark Bowden, Zac Schill, Laurie Shepherd, Jake Hawkins, Dee Curtis, and Bec Valmadre were honoured as well.
Mackay Cutters’ Mal Meninga Cup Junior Representative award winners Will Gething and Xavier Kerrisk with club representatives
Cyril Connell Challenge award winners Kale Oliver and Harrison Deguara
Tuesday 14 June 22 – 7 Pair Howel
1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
2nd Terrence Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek
3rd Eric Goodchild / David Ting
Wednesday 15 June 22
N/S N/S
1st Ted Cullinan / Geoff Taylor 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
2nd Janet Hansen / Del Ryan 2nd Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait
3rd Geoff Cowan / Noel Saunders 3rd Sandra Morris / Jan Harris
Thursday Night 16 June 22
1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan
2nd Marilin Robins / Doone Mitchell
3rd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
Friday 17 June 22 Week 2 of 3 Club Pair Championship
N/S E/W
1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 1st Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson 2nd Frances Brown / Alan Brown
3rd Joyce Deguara / Toni Large 3rd Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson
4th Noel Saunders / Sandra Morris 4th David Ming / Ming Ting
Saturday 18 June 22 – Section A
N/S E/W
1st Geoff Taylor / Del Ryan 1st Geoff Cowan / Noel Saunders
2nd Margaret Lane / Helen Van Den Broek 2nd Faye Wright / Terrence Sheedy
3rd Ming Ting / David Ting
Saturday 18 June 22 – Section B
N/S E/W
1st Robert Carless / Janelle Conroy 1st Jan Harris / Mike King
2nd Monica Darley / Kath Poole 2nd Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson
3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 3rd Janice Scott / Marie McGuire
The club fours championship was won recently by Ray McCarthy, Peter Miller, John Stronach and Doug Dungavell. During one game, they accomplished something every bowler dreams of, a perfect eight-point score.
On Saturday the semi-final of the B Pairs was played between John Stronach and Ray McCarthy, who played Peter Miller and Doug Dungavell. John and Ray won by just one shot in a very exciting game, and now play Tony Allsop and Glen Royes in the final on Saturday.
Monday winners were Sue Hazledine and Helen Rose, followed by Carmel Bell and Greg McLean. Lucky draws were won by Lance Edwards and Rob Milburn.
Wednesday ladies’ winners were Anne Bailey, Wendy McGee, Daphne Offield. Runners up were Cecilia Lee, Isla Comelli, Maureen Blucher. Ladies Pennants: Divisions 1,3, and 4 have only a few games left to play now, and are doing very well in the competition.
Thursday's game was taken out by Col Carey and Wayne Mietzel. In second place were Pat Elgey and Brian Perrin. Green vouchers went to Tony Allsop and Warren Corbett.
Friday winners were Lorna Bowers and Donna Gordon. The winner's lucky draw was won by Tony Allsop and Michele Stockton. Runners up draw went to Rob Hobbs and Brian Perrin.
Saturday men’s pairs winner was the triples team of Asko Helenius, Peter Shepherd and Eric Galletly. Trevor Laurens and Ken Lane came second.
Contributed by Tony Allsop.
Sheryl Cuttriss shows a good finish
Men’s fours winners who also scored a perfect eight points, are Ray McCarthy, John Stronach, Peter Miller and Doug Dungavell
Sunday morning brought very cool conditions with over fifty Road Runners and supporters braving the cold for the 30km Club Championship as well as 15km and 5km events.
Starting from the Northview Gardens playground, runners took on the route through the undulating suburbs of Rural View, Farleigh, Habana and Nindaroo.
In the 5km event, multi-talented junior sportsman Damian Rutland revelled in the cold conditions, stopping the clock in 19 minutes 37 seconds ahead of Hamish Donnollan and Toby Rule.
Lily Leven continued her strong form to be first female across the line ahead of her good friends Millie Bishop and Crystal Hawkins.
Veteran runner Ricky Parker once again blitzed the course in 23 minutes 44 seconds with Jeanette Farrugia, Alleny Gorrion, Andrew Leggett and Colin Hardy all achieving great results as well.
Junior runners Luke Leven and Oliver Rule were on fire once again in the 15km, sprinting shoulder to shoulder the entire way with Luke finishing less than one second ahead.
Despite a brief misunderstanding of the course, Ryan Evetts showed great skill and grace to cross the line third behind the two youngsters.
First female Jose Short ran a well-paced and Carolyn Steginga stepped up to the 15km distance in a bid to increase her stamina and endurance before her first half marathon in Townsville in a couple of months.
Alan Zamparutti backed up well in his 15km run after his pacing duties at the Mackay Marina Half Marathon two weeks prior before stepping up to cook the post-run sausage sizzle after his run.
Andrew Short followed Alan to the finish line ahead of Vicki Vickers, Marie Muscat and Ollie Gorrion.
Justin Rule led the quality field of 30 km runners from the start of the hotly contested race with Mick Scholer and Kay Nyenuh hot on his heels. A very focussed Kay finally reeled him in earning himself maximum club championship points as he steamed over the course for the gold medal leaving the silver to Justin and bronze to Mick.
Andrea Conroy set a great pace early in the 30km to retain the lead and gold medal for the entire 30km with Glynis Forse securing silver.
There was a very tight finish for third with Julie Whibley edging out Carmel Mahon by one second.
Runners are now looking forward to The Farmer’s Gallop 5km and 17km this Sunday morning, a historical run that has been a fixture on the calendar for nearly 45 years.
Kay Nyenuh (left) was the winner of the 30km Club Championship with Mick Scholer (right) finishing third. Photo credit: Belinda Rule
Junior runners sprinting the 15km event, first-placed Luke Leven (left) and second-placed Oliver Rule (right) finished less than a second apart. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse
A young Mackay man is one of 12 announced in Squash Australia’s squad for the 2022 WSF World Junior Squash Championships.
Brendan “BJ” MacDonald will experience his first Junior World Championships when he travels to Nancy, France in August.
“It’s pretty exciting,” said Brendan.
“It’s something I’ve been working towards for a long time so it’s good to finally tick that off the bucket list.”
Brendan says he’s been playing squash in Mackay since he was three years old.
“My Dad got me into it originally, he was great friends with the Courtice family who own the courts there, so I remember I was hitting balls on the back of the glass courts since I was three years old,” he said.
As he grew up, he trained with Mackay squash legends Rob Courtice and Kay Barclay.
“They both sadly passed away so after that I was mainly just hitting by myself and with all the guys at (Squash) 52 just trying to do my best to develop my skills without any formal coaching.”
As Brendan got older, he travelled to countries like Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand to compete against a different calibre of player and enhance his ability.
In 2019, Brendan was named the U17 Australian Boys Champion with an undefeated run in both individual and teams at the 2019 Australian Junior Championships in Devonport, Tasmania.
Throughout high school, Brendan was travelling to Brisbane as much as possible for training and tournament opportunities.
He graduated from St Patrick’s College last year and moved down to Brisbane earlier this year to train full time and study a double degree in Law and Psychology.
He says uni being predominantly online makes it easy for him to prioritise and manage his time while balancing study and training.
“It’s a lot easier for me to work around my squash schedule,” he said.
Brendan has a couple of tournaments lined up between now and the World Championships in August as well as a big block of training.
“I’ll be training with my coaches down here and trying to get my body ready for play over there and try and do my best over there,” he said.
He is well-acquainted with the rest of the Australian squad which also includes his training partner.
Brendan will be competing in the Men’s Junior Individual Event and says he hopes to use the experience as a learning opportunity, aspiring to play squash professionally in the future.
“I’m expecting to have a lot of fun, play against different kinds of players and learn how different countries approach the game and how they train so I can take some tips and tricks back for when I’m training to play professionally in the next couple of years and try to enhance my game through that,” he said.
This year marks the return of the 2022 WSF World Junior Squash Championships after the pandemic forced the cancellation of both the 2020 and 2021 editions set to be held in Australia and Egypt respectively.
National Pathways Coach Jenny Duncalf said she was looking forward to the fantastic opportunity for all players.
“All of the players selected have displayed the performance and commitment level to earn their spot in the Australian team for the much-anticipated upcoming World Junior Championships,” Ms Duncalf said.
“With the event having not been held since 2019, it is a huge opportunity for them to proudly pull on the Australian shirt on the international stage for the first time in a long while and will be eager as ever to perform and gain exposure against the world’s best.”
Three games at home for the round five catch-up matchup between Whitsunday Brahmans and Mackay Brothers, an old rivalry that always proves physical.
The makeup match for a washout saw the U20s continue their steady incline right to the peak, hitting fine form at the right time of the year.
The young side started off the day with a winning tune, continuing to impress as they beat the Brethren 28-4.
They’re going from strength to strength, slowly climbing the ladder with their win against Brothers – a generally strong side in the U20s.
Reserve Grade Men weren’t able to keep the momentum going, losing out 32-36 against Brothers Reserves side.
The Reserves had a strong side, but Brothers have shown their strength in Reserve grade of the past few years, so it was always going to be a tough ask for Brahmans.
The home side fought admirably in what was a try-fest, but for most of the match, Brothers were firmly in the lead.
The Whitsunday side tightened the margin towards the end of the second half and almost came away with a win, though.
A Grade was again another loss, ending 10-24 against Brothers A Grade Men.
The team were near full strength but still missing one or two key players – a tough ask against Brothers who are equal first in the competition.
In the latter stages of the game, Brahmans clocked off, made a few poor decisions at times and it cost them.
Brothers were too strong in the end and took their chances when they were given to them.
It’s a tight competition in the A grade this year, with the ladder leaving most teams with a chance to make top five for a finals finish; three teams sit equal on 10 points in second, with Carlton on top with 12.
20’s coach Trevor Nosworthy said his were very strong defensively again this week against an undermanned but top of the table Brothers team.
“The boys played with intent and composure in the second half, leading to a comfortable win,” Nosworthy said.
“They continue to build each week with the online defence the cornerstone of the teams successes so far.”
The team will send all three grades to Sarina next Sunday.
The Whitsunday Brahmans had a troubled set of fixtures against Brothers at Les Stagg Oval