On Saturday, October 11, nearly 200 swimmers and their families came together at the wonderful Prossie Pool. Families travelled from Charters Towers, Townsville, Bowen, Mackay, Mirani, Moranbah, Cannonvale, and Proserpine for a day filled with fun, laughter, fast racing, medals, ribbons, and ducks.

The Whitsunday Swimming Club had 27 swimmers compete, with many first-timers taking to the water. It was fantastic to see the team spirit and support from all our swimmers and parents. Every single swimmer achieved incredible swims and personal bests.

The popular Mystery Relays returned this year, with Charlie, Finn, Tatum, and Skye taking the top spot. A huge thank you to Aquatic RUSH for sponsoring this event with $400 in prize money.

The PB Challenge saw two winners this year — Ivy, with a 2.69-second PB, and Freyja, who matched her exact PB. Well done, girls!

The raffle was a great success, with plenty of happy winners:
Charlotte – SeaLink Whitsundays voucher
Hayley – BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort voucher
Michael – Tassal box of prawns
Patrice – Biltong package from Tastes from Africa
The framed photo and cap prizes went to Ollie (Meg Harris) and Theresa (Jade Edmistone).

Thank you again to Aquatic RUSH for these amazing prizes.
Money board winners were Maria, Kathryn, and Georgia.

A huge thank you to all the businesses who sponsored and donated, including WILMAR for once again supporting this event.

A big shout-out to Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine for their generous donations to our carnival and the use of the BBQ trailer, which helped everything run so smoothly.
Thank you to Coaches Jenny, Amanda, Cruze, and Enrico for their training, support, and motivation for our swimmers.

And finally, a massive thank you to all our volunteers — timekeepers, check starters, medal issuers, BBQ mums and dads, raffle helpers, and officials (Theresa, Melissa, Simon, Helen, Dianne, and Kylie). You are all amazing! Your dedication and support for our swimmers and clubs are second to none, and we appreciate you all.

Contribtued with thanks to Amanda Yuskan

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Final Competition For Veterans Golf

The Whitsunday Veterans Golf held its final competition for the year at the Bowen Golf Club.

Numbers were slightly down this time, with 18 women and 23 men taking part.

Proserpine Vets claimed the title of Club of the Year, while Whitsunday’s own Robyn Whitham and Barry Mortimer were named Golfers of the Year. Congratulations to all concerned.

Results:
Ladies:
Vickie Wallace (Proserpine) won the day with an impressive 39 points, followed by Anne McGowan (Bowen) with 38 and Sue Heisswolf (Bowen) with 35. Leanne Alexander (Proserpine) was runner-up with 34.

Men:
Peter Muguira (Ayr) topped the men’s field with a fine score of 40 points, ahead of Gerald Lovell (Proserpine) with 38 and Peter Lindsay (Proserpine) with 36.

Pin shots went to Larry Muller (Proserpine) and Leanne Alexander (Proserpine) on holes 7/16. Leanne also claimed the Golden Pin, sharing the honour with Barry Mortimer on holes 9/18.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Barry Mortimer and Robyn Whitham. Photo supplied

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The Cannonvale Cannons excelled at their first Distance Night, with swimmers pushing their limits and reaping the rewards. The night saw an incredible five club records broken and newly set as swimmers rose to the challenge of longer events.

Congratulations to Tiana Bell (17 years), who set a new record in the 200 m Breaststroke (3:19.19), Jax Clayworth (12 years), who broke Jy Parkinson’s long-standing 1500 m Freestyle record with 19:20.59, and Eloise Chegwidden (10 years), who set a new record in the 800 m Freestyle (12:18.95). Lucas Korosec (9 years) had a phenomenal night, breaking Don Algie’s 400 m Freestyle record (6:04.86) and Miller Eaves’ 200 m Breaststroke record (3:44.51).

The Coaches Award was shared between Liam Filewood, for a powerful finish in his 400 m Freestyle, and Eric Mulliss, for an impressive effort in his 400 m Individual Medley. Lucas Korosec was also recognised with a Coaches Award for his exceptional 200 m Backstroke performance the previous week.

The momentum continued as 42 Cannons competed at the Whitsunday Swimming Club meet, delivering outstanding swims and numerous personal bests. Standout performers included Harry Chegwidden, Bonnie and Gracie Crichton, Jax and Miller Eaves, Liam Filewood, Koa Harland, Gracie and Pippa Laguna, Ruby Lawson, Eric and Stella Mulliss, Matilda Nicholes, Miranda Palmero, River Shields, Indianna and Levi Smith, Alex and Zachary Trefz, Caleb, Zavier and Lily Woolston.

A special mention goes to Zachary Trefz, who achieved PBs in all nine of his events!

A crowd favourite was the Mystery Relay, where mixed teams competed for cash prizes. Congratulations to Finn Temple, whose team won the final and shared the $400 prize. Thank you to Aquatic Rush for sponsoring the event.

Also thank you to the Whitsunday Swimming Club for hosting such a fun, family-friendly carnival. We look forward to the next one!

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec

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Spring has arrived, and the action at our little club in paradise is heating up on the greens.

Tuesday afternoon social bowls saw Tony Whitehorn and Sue Walker take the win with an impressive 16-point margin. Tony continued his good form on Wednesday, teaming up with Lou Rogan and Greg Fennell to win by 12 points — earning him the nickname “Take the Money Tony.”

Wednesday night bowls attracted more than 30 players, kicking off the new season in great style.

On Friday morning, the Endeavour Foundation celebrated its 2025 trophy presentation. Amy and Alison received Encouragement Awards, Most Improved went to Dion and John, while Michael and Jett were named Men’s Champions and Kiara and Kathy Ladies Champions.

Friday afternoon brought the Christian College students back for lessons, with Ocean and Harmony showing promising form ahead of next year’s Queensland Schools competition.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw Warren Mills, Dennis Donnadelli, Kathryn Remmeswaal, and Kevin John Trembath win their first rounds. Warren took out the A Grade final and Mervyn Stewart the B Grade.

At the Champion of Champions at Pioneer Valley, Arthur McManus and Ashley Warland won both games before being narrowly beaten in the final by North Mackay.

Sunday social bowls drew 23 players, with Barry Wise, John Brown, Mark Mawson, and Glen O’Brien taking the win over Don Hogarth’s team.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Recipients of their trophies from the Endeavour Foundation: Alison, Michael, Kathy, Jett and Kiara with their respective awards. Photo supplied

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SOFTBALL

Two Mackay softballers, Jaxon Maluga and Peyton Barrow, headed off to the Club Classic tournament two weeks ago, each showcasing outstanding performances.

Jaxon played for the Brisbane-based team Scorpions, coming away with an impressive list of achievements such as Best Pitcher, Team Pitcher, and selection in the All-Star Team. His team finished runner-up, narrowly missing victory by just one run.

This weekend, October 17th–19th, Jaxon will play with the Open Mackay Men’s Team for the first time at a tournament in Toowoomba. Mackay will be represented by both an Open Men’s and a B Men’s side, competing in the State Championships.

Meanwhile, Peyton Barrow played her last tournament in Australia for a while, representing the Cougars. She was awarded Designated Player, Rookie Player, and Best Batter, rounding off her Australian season on a high note.

Peyton is completing her Year 12 studies at Northern Beaches and will spend Christmas with her family before heading to Oklahoma, USA. She has received a four-year scholarship to Oklahoma City University, where she’ll live on campus, studying Pre-Vet and Biology Pre-Medicine.

While it won’t be all study, she’ll continue training and playing softball, mostly as a catcher for the Oklahoma City University team.

In local softball news, Social 7s kicked off on Sunday night with four teams taking part. Players, both new and returning, enjoyed learning fresh skills and having fun in this social version of modified slow pitch. Games continue every Sunday at 5pm and 6:15pm until the end of November.

James Allen and Emmett Counsell also competed in the U21 tournament two weeks ago, where James was awarded Best Fielder.

At the recent Club Classic, James’s team, TE AROHANUI, went through undefeated to win the tournament. James was further recognised as Fielder of the Tournament and selected as All-Stars Team Catcher. Both James and Emmett will now head to Toowoomba this weekend, representing Mackay A Men.

Contributed by Cheryl Martin

1) Mackay softballers Peyton Barrow and Jaxon Maluga impressed at the Club Classic, earning top honours as they step into exciting new chapters in Toowoomba and Oklahoma, USA. Photos supplied

2) James Allen was awarded best fielder at the tournament

3) Emmett Counsell will be heading to Toowoomba on the weekend, playing for mackay A men alongside James and Jaxon.

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Mackay Table Tennis Association Fixture Results
7th October 2025

Division 1 – Eagles (Emma Widdup, Josh Brown, Syed Aminul Hossain) defeated Lily (Robbie Richards, Will VanDaKaa, Lily Boland) 7-4 with Josh winning a massive 5 set match over Lily 15-13
Barra (Andrea Nicholson, Barry Patterson) defeated Jaguar (Anne Sheridan, Jacob Whelan) 3-2. Andrea had a big win over Jacob 11-9 in 5th set.
Fish (Steven Whiting, Trent Day, Graeme Walker) defeated Gold (Vince Boeske, Geoff Denman) 10-1 unfortunately no 5 set matches but some great 4 setters.

Division 2 – Drongos (Duncan Treloar, Delma Knight, Yilin Jiang) defeated Marlin (Mark Sleeman, Ian McKay, Peter Taber) 9-2 with Duncan had a great match against Ian, Duncan won 11-7 in 5th set.
Teddy (George Camilleri, Tony Bowman, Vincent Neuhauf) defeated Alpha (Allan Robins, Peter Goodson, Rymer Tabulo) 7-4, with no 5 set matches there was a lot of 4 set matches Peter defeated Vincent 11-9 in 4th set.

Division 3 – Tibhar (Rachel S, Ollie Hamelink, Liz Burton) defeated Marlin (Mark Stam, Val Austin, Melanie Theodore) 6-5, Ollie made a great come back in the 5th set with a win over Val 11-9.
Nova Smashers (Remy Zhan, Craig VanDaKaa) defeated Sigma (Rod Hamelink, Logan Brown) 5-0 with Craig won 4 set match over Rod.

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1. George Camilleri
2. Duncan Treloar

After last week’s fantastic carnival action, it’s back to business as usual — though preparations are already underway for next year’s event. A big thank you to the hundreds who helped make it so memorable.

On Tuesday, 26 bowlers took part in three games of triples and two games of pairs. The dice decided the winner by the smallest margin, with Carol Crosbie leading Mel Fennell and Alan Pershouse to a thrilling 21–19 victory. Mel’s final bowl stopped inches before the ditch after sending the jack in, sealing the win.

Wednesday’s Social Bowls, organised by Mervyn Stewart, drew 20 players for two games each of triples and pairs. The standout performance came from Alan Leach (skip), Barry Wainwright (lead) and Phil O’Brien (second), who won by 12 shots. Gary Smith also returned from six months sailing the Mediterranean and teamed up with Arthur McManus and Duncan Smith for a 21–11 win.

Saturday’s Scroungers saw first-round wins to Greg Fennell, Kathryn Remmeswaal, and visitors Brett Williams and Michelle Moss from Coolum Bowls Club. Brett went on to take the A-grade final, while John Askew claimed B-grade honours. A warm welcome also to new member Tony Chatwin from Jubilee Pocket.

Sunday’s 26 bowlers saw Tom Allen, Greg Fennell and Robin Brown win 24–21 over Des Ballance, Mandy O’Brien and Gail Simms. Thanks to Fiona Greener for keeping everyone refreshed.

Don’t miss our Come and Try Day with BBQ on Friday, October 24 — all welcome!

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

It was an exercise in military precision by the Sinkers Masters Swimming Club to move 150 people plus equipment from Shute Harbour to Whitehaven Beach for the annual Open Water Swim. Strong winds added to the challenge of transferring from the large boat to the tender and then to shore!

Once on Whitehaven, everyone pitched in to erect marquees, sort equipment and prepare for the event. The Water Safety crew provided first aid supplies and ensured all equipment was up to standard and ready for use. Sunscreen was lathered on, water consumed — and it was still early morning!

More than 20 volunteers in high-vis pink shirts looked after registration, timing chips, first aid, data entry, snacks and drinks, raffle ticket sales, kayak setup, and buoy inflation — among many other tasks that made for a safe and successful event.

The Sinkers’ mascot, Ratty, made himself known to all on the trip over and was equally useful on the beach.

A total of 108 competitors swam either 500m, 1km or 2km. It proved a tough swim for some of the less experienced open-water swimmers, as strong currents pushed many off course.

Mackay State MP Nigel Dalton volunteered his voice for the day as MC, keeping everyone informed and cheering on the competitors.

Three medical doctors attended the event, and apart from one precautionary check by the emergency doctor, they were able to enjoy the day’s activities. Their presence added an extra layer of safety and comfort for all participants.
Such a day demanded celebration, and the after-party at Northerlies didn’t disappoint. The nautical-themed night was awash with pirates, sailors, mermaids — and even a SpongeBob SquarePants!

Next year’s event will be scheduled around the tides and held close to the King’s Birthday weekend in 2026. Numbers will be capped, so be sure to register early.

A big thank you to the sponsors of the 2025 Whitehaven Open Water Swim:
Reefstar Cruises – Family-owned and operated, with a passionate crew who call the Whitsundays home. Their tours highlight the natural beauty of the region while promoting sustainability and respect for the reef.

DMR Leisure – Mackay Memorial Swimming Centre – Known as the “Memorial Pool,” the team shares a genuine passion for the water and everything it brings: health, joy, connection and community spirit. Sinkers proudly call it their home base, community hub, morning coffee spot and the heart of their swim family.

Masters Swimming Queensland – A driving force behind the growth of open-water swimming in the masters’ community.

Queensland Country Bank – Supporting Queenslanders with personalised banking and a strong commitment to community.

Contributed with thanks to North Mackay Sinkers

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Brother and sister Benson and Jasmin Smith are rewriting the Queensland and Australian game fishing record books.

Last week, nine-year-old Benson Smith, fishing on the family boat Lay-Low, landed a 27.95kg Sailfish on 15kg line after a 30-minute battle — a catch now submitted for both Queensland and Australian Small Fry records.

Benson also has another record claim awaiting verification for a large Barracuda he caught on 10kg line while fishing with his dad off Cairns recently.

Not to be outdone, last Saturday his 13-year-old sister Jasmin caught a 6.85kg Shark Mackerel on 6kg line and later that day landed a 29.65kg Sailfish on 10kg line. Both catches are pending Queensland and Australian Junior Female records. She was also fishing aboard her dad’s boat.

“Jazz” has also tagged and released several other Sailfish recently in Whitsunday waters while building up her club points.

Benson’s Sailfish was filleted and cooked on the barbecue at the Game Fish Club’s rigging night last Friday, much to the delight of those who attended, with many impressed by the flavour and texture. Jasmin’s Sailfish is being sent to NSW Fisheries for research purposes.

Both young anglers are members of the Whitsunday Game Fish Club and are competing in this week’s Airlie Beach Tackle World/Daiwa Light Tackle Tournament. They’re looking forward to some strong competition from other junior and small fry anglers — and we wish them well.

Contributed with thanks to Ashley Moore

The season is officially underway for Proserpine Junior Cricket, with the first Club afternoon on Friday, October 10, welcoming many returning and new faces. With more than 120 registrations and counting, the club is set for another bumper season.

History was made for the youngest Pitties, with the club fielding its first all-girls team. Their debut was a friendly club clash against the Under 11s Pitties Boys. The boys won the toss and batted first, facing strong bowling from the girls (M. Neal 2-23 off 3, C. Green 1-6 off 3) but still piling on 120 runs thanks to H. Valmadre (27 with six 4s) and J. Gibbs (17). The girls replied with C. Green (9) finding the boundary, but the boys’ bowlers (Valmadre 3-5 off 3, Gibbs 3-10 off 3) held firm to restrict them to 66 — a great first effort for the all-girls side.

The Under 12s enjoyed home-ground advantage against Magpies White. Opener N. Camm (19) stood firm while R. Clark (12, three 4s) boosted the total to 108. The Pitties’ bowlers then turned up the pressure, with N. Aitken (3-20 off 3), R. Clarke (2-2 off 2.2 and two catches) and P. Regan (1-5 off 3) helping seal a close 6-108 to 7-99 win.

The Under 13s travelled to Sarina to face the Spartans, winning the toss and bowling first. M. Hope (4-15 off 2) ripped through the top order, supported by M. Hearn (1-6 off 2) as every player contributed to dismiss the Spartans for 42. The Pitties’ chase started shakily at 4-15, but K. Dibben (25 off 17) steadied the innings to guide the team to victory, 8-68.

The Under 14s met reigning premiers Souths Sharks on turf. A. Farley top-scored with 21 not out from 26 as the side posted 38. With the ball, J. Farley (2-11 off 4), B. Hetherington (1-15 off 4), L. Appleton (2-43 off 4) and K. Whitty (1-25 off 4) shared wickets, but Souths’ batting proved too strong at 6-163.

The Under 15s hosted Magpies Black for their first home game. Sent in to bat, E. Baker smashed 51 off 61 (retired not out), supported by O. Dibben (23 off 36) to set 126 by drinks. With the ball, L. Smith (3-18 off 3) and W. Marshall (2-7 off 3) tore through the Magpies, bowling them out for 80 to secure a dominant win.

The Under 17s travelled to Harrup Park to meet Brothers. O. Seamer (2-22 off 5) struck early before wicketkeeper W. Logan pulled off two stumpings for M. Pomeroy (2-3 off 2), dismissing Brothers for 49. In reply, M. Logan was unstoppable, smashing 119 off 70 (retired not out) with 20 fours and two sixes. J. Geisler (34), M. Pomeroy (35) and J. Valmadre (32) continued the charge as Proserpine cruised to 3-260 for a comprehensive victory.

Contributed with thanks to Danni Green

Both U'11 teams. Photo supplied

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The October 2025 Monthly Medal was contested today, with 14 ladies and 19 men taking part. Cooler conditions, a slight breeze, and extra run on the fairways made for tight scoring, while ‘sticky’ greens proved no problem for Leanne Alexander and John Grossy, who both recorded just 28 putts.

Leanne Alexander claimed the ladies title with 64 nett, ahead of Elspeth Scotford on 66. Rounding out the field were Jan Shuwalow and Elaine Philpott (70), Jacqui Wall and Kath Borer (71), Paula McQuat (73) and Robyn Whitham (74).

David Woods took out the men’s honours with 64 nett, with Louis Neethling runner-up on 67. Close behind were John Roser and Steve Mitchell (70), Barry Shuwalow, Gerald Lovell, Barry Mortimer, John Grossy, and John Oates (71), and Gary Scotford (72).

Pin shots went to Leanne Alexander, Heather Luvis, and Elspeth Scotford (A Grade ladies, in-the-hole), Kath Borer, Paula McQuat, and Jan Shuwalow (B Grade ladies), Laurie Dakin (x2) and Allen Roberts (A Grade men), and Wilf Herweg, David Woods, and Louis Neethling (B Grade men). Chip-ins were recorded by Kath Borer, Paula McQuat, Jacqui Wall, and Grossy.

The membership jackpot was not won and will roll over to $40. Robyn Whitham claimed the $50 Monthly Medal draw, while the weekly raffle went to Elaine Philpott.

Next Tuesday, the Whitsunday Vets Competition will be held in Bowen, followed by the AGM.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

David Woods and Leanne Alexander. Photo supplied

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It was a shorter than usual week at Proserpine Golf Club, with the course closed from late Sunday through Tuesday for greens renovations.

Despite the interruption, conditions for the remainder of the week were beautifully dry, although blustery breezes made play a little more challenging than usual. Spirits were high, however, with plenty of laughs during the 3-Ball Ambrose held on Rugby League Grand Final Sunday.

Thursday, October 2
The October Monthly Medal, sponsored by Loot Pay, saw some tight competition.

In the men’s division, Gary Scotford claimed the win with a nett 65, followed by Mal McLelland (66) and Allen Roberts (69).

Nearest-the-pins went to McLelland (2nd), Bernie Drake (9th), Jason Biurke (13th), and Michael Ward (16th).

Friday, October 3
The 9-hole Run, sponsored by The Metropole Hotel, was played on the front nine.

Brian Allen took the win with 20 points, followed by Jett Borghero (18, on countback) and Fay Milne in third.

Allen also claimed both NTPs on the 2nd and 9th.

In the popular Putt for Cash, Peta Thomas came close three times but didn’t quite sink it — meaning next Friday’s jackpot will rise to $800.

Saturday, October 4
The Monthly Medal continued, this time sponsored by The Metropole Hotel.

Overall winner was Scott Dwyer with a fine 66 nett.
In A Grade, Scott Mason (67) took top spot ahead of Jayden Lloyd (70).
B Grade
saw Lance Lloyd (69 nett, countback) edge out Craig Smith, while in C Grade it was Scott Dwyer (66 nett) over Bob Platt (68).
NTPs were claimed by Phil Batty (2nd), Brad Fleet (9th), Nathan Holmes (13th), and Chat Norna (16th).

Among the ladies, Noelene Spurway won with 69 nett, followed by Toni Clauss (73, countback from Di Chard, Jacqui Wall, and Jenny Hounsell). NTPs went to Spurway (2nd) and Wall (9th).

Sunday, October 5
A Grand Final Special 3-Ball Ambrose was played with an 8am shotgun start.

Finn O’Flynn, Cory O’Shea, and Brent Franke were the winners with 56.5 nett, ahead of Wayne Temby, Jo Moynihan, and Peter Fox (57), with Jayden Lloyd, Brett Simpson, and Bradley Wilkinson (58) in third.

It was a great week of competition and camaraderie — and with the course freshly renovated, members are looking forward to another strong week of play ahead.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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On Tuesday, we had two triples games. The winners in a close match were Bill Myers, Isobel Wheeler, and Margaret Wilson, who defeated Gordon Querro, Deb Rethcless, and Gavin Charles. In the other game, Karen Smith, S. Jones, and Ray Deal defeated Cliff Querro, Gary Smith, and Alby Vigar. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Our ladies have commenced a monster raffle to help fund their trip to Tweed Heads at the end of the month for the State Pennant Finals.

With over $1400 worth of prizes generously donated by local businesses across three draws, tickets are available at Pat Tracey’s Cassandra as well as at the club on Tuesday and Sunday afternoons.

Sunday’s social play saw Toni Bowen, Irene Laird, and Stuart Jeal defeat Gordon Querro, Cliff Querro, and Alby Vigar, while Penny Warren and Gavin Charles defeated Bill Myers and Pat Tracey. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Sunday's winners Toni Bowen, Stuart Jeal and Irene Laird. Photo supplied

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It was probably the biggest weekend of the year for the men, brilliantly arranged by Men’s President Bob McMahon. But before we get to the main event, let’s recap the week’s action.

Tuesday Afternoon (30 Sept) saw 18 bowlers play out three very close games. Third place went to Carol Crosbie’s team with 16 points, second place to Tony Whitehorn’s team on 17 points, and the overall winners on 19 points were skipper Betty Whitehorn with strong support from the most improved new bowler, Mel Fennell, at lead, and new club member Laurie Hawkins at second. Laurie will be a welcome addition to our little club.

Wednesday Afternoon (1 Oct) social bowls again drew 18 bowlers. Third place went to Scotland’s own Rick Graham, visiting and skipping his team to a narrow win by two points. Second place went to Paul Hart — visiting with wife Annie from Bargara Bowls Club in Queensland — with Mark Mawson at second, winning by four points. However, the big winners of the day, by a margin of 15 points, were Tony Whitehorn’s team of “Wild” Bill Gordon at lead and his lovely wife Betty at second. Well played!

Wednesday Night saw the final of the Business House Bowls competition, and after a countback, Blue Science were pronounced winners over Rock Plumbing. Congratulations to both teams! A new competition begins this Wednesday under the beautiful lights of our newly covered bowls club. For more information, please call Bob or Yvonne on 0417 115 855 — it’s sure to be a night full of wonderful memories.

Finally, the 2025 Exodus Transport Classic Men’s Fours was held over the weekend, with 16 teams travelling from all over Queensland and New South Wales. The club was honoured to welcome Bowls Queensland CEO Brett Wilkie, along with Australian Bowls champions Sean Ingham, Nathan Rice, Jason Constable, and Brett Tynan.

After six games, three teams were tied on equal points, and the results had to be decided on a countback of ends won over two days.

In third place, with 52 ends won, was the team skippered by Mark Glew, with third Mick Godfrey, second David Blackburn, and lead Greg Kasper — all from Northern Beaches Bowls Club, Mackay.

Second place, on 53 ends won, went to Paul Foot’s team, with third Bob Spence, second Clinton Vassie, and lead Gary Petersen from South Suburban and Northern Beaches clubs.

First place, with 57 ends won overall, was the team of Bob Menzies (skipper), Jason Little (third), our own Ash Warland (second), and Sam Lurton (lead) from South Suburban, with Bob and Jason from Northern Beaches.

It was a fantastic weekend enjoyed by all, and with the event growing in reputation each year, next year’s tournament promises to be even bigger and better.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Bob Menzies, Jason Little, Ash Warland, and Sam Lurton (lead) from South Suburban, with Bob and Jason from Northern Beaches. Photo supplied

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Airlie Beach came alive over the weekend as more than 700 young rugby players and several thousand spectators descended on the Whitsunday Sportspark for the 2025 Viking Cup 10s — a record-breaking celebration of junior rugby union.

Now recognised as North Queensland’s largest junior rugby carnival, this year’s event featured 51 teams across seven divisions, making it the biggest two days in the history of the Whitsunday Sportspark. Families travelled from across Queensland to take part, with teams representing Gold Coast, Caloundra, Maroochydore, Rockhampton, Townsville, Moranbah, and beyond.

The Viking Cup 10s, hosted by the Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union Club, showcased not only exceptional rugby talent but also the spirit of sportsmanship, inclusion, and community connection that defines grassroots sport.

Club President Tim Oberg said the atmosphere across the two days was electric.

“To see so many young players smiling, competing, and forming friendships through rugby is what the Viking Cup is all about,” Oberg said. “This event has grown into something truly special for our region, and it’s only going to get bigger.”

The carnival featured strong performances across all age groups, with several thrilling grand finals. Our local Whitsunday Raiders claimed victories in both the Mixed Under 8s and Mixed Under 10s divisions, while Mackay Blue triumphed 30–10 over Mackay Red in the Under 12s. In the girls’ competitions, Western Suburbs took out the Under 13s, and Shockwave Rugby Academy defeated the Bowen Mudcrabs 32–7 in the Under 15s. The boys’ titles went to Caloundra, who beat Maroochydore Swans 31–12 in the Under 14s, and Colts, who edged out the Whitsunday Raiders 5–0 in a tense Under 16s final.

Oberg also paid tribute to the volunteers and officials who made the event possible.

“A special mention must go to our referees — without referees, there’s no rugby. Their commitment, along with the tireless work of our volunteers, ensured a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved. I’d also like to give a nod of appreciation to our sponsors, BK Constructions, Reef Gateway Hotel and Silver Fern Sports.”

Plans are already underway for the 2026 Viking Cup 10s, which will expand into a four-day festival of rugby with camping options and a format designed to accommodate even more teams and families.

“It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come,” Oberg said. “The future of junior rugby in the Whitsundays is bright.”

Photos supplied.

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