The past presidents’ men vs ladies day is on at Goosies on Monday afternoon, 12th September. You don’t have to be a past president to play, just a full bowls member. Organise a team of four men or four ladies and check out the notice on the notice board.

SOCIAL RESULTS

Monday mixed pairs winners were Glen Fahy and Peter Crawford, followed by Gloria Sam and Pam Louis. Rob Evans and Lurline Ford won the lucky draws.

Wednesday ladies’ day was taken out by Anne Bailey, Narelle Schmidtke and Carmel Bell. In second place were Jenny Grech, Jean Comelli and Daphne Offield.

Thursday mixed pairs: a winning day for Bruce McCubben and Ian McDonald with Jan Little and Paul Goldston in second spot. Greens vouchers were won by Shane Trannore and Andrew Coates.

Friday mixed pairs’ winners were Neil Blucher and John Priest. Lucky draw winners were Daphne Offield and Mary-Anne Bartolo followed by Jean Comelli and partner.

Saturday men’s day winning team was a triples team of Shane Trannore, Alex Cameron and Ian Rowan, with Tony Allsop and Doug Dungavell in second place.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Alex Cameron and Ernie Sealy manned the box last Saturday

 Lorraine Silman in action in the mixed pairs competition

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Newly appointed Mackay Cutters Head Coach Michael Comerford has just experienced a week of mixed fortunes in the world of rugby league.

Only days after agreeing to take over the reins from departing Cutters’ Head Coach Dave Elliott for the next two seasons, the widely respected Comerford has missed out on a fairytale Aaron Payne Cup premiership with his much-vaunted St Patrick’s College Mackay team.

Comerford will step down from his Sports Coordinator role at Mercy College on October 4 to take up the full time Head Coaching position at his beloved Cutters.

With Elliott accepting the Head Coach role at Norths Devils for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the astute Comerford was aiming to finish his schoolboy coaching commitments on a winning note.

But hats off to Ignatius Park College who have added the Aaron Payne Cup to their trophy cabinet after registering a 24-12 Grand Final victory over St Patrick’s last Friday at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

In yet another torrid clash between the northern Queensland schoolboy titans, Ignatius Park have claimed the honours after stepping up with two late tries in an enterprising finish.

Turning point came with Ignatius Park leading 18-12 inside the final ten minutes when boom St Patrick’s centre Kai Simon appeared to be taken off the ball when charging for the try line to pounce on a perfectly weighted Ethan Van Kerkwyk grubber kick.

No action was taken and Ignatius Park responded with a sweeping 70 metre movement downfield that led to a crucial four pointer as the home side seized the advantage.

Spearheaded by top prospect Jack Wood, the Townsville youngsters jumped to an early 12-0 lead before the elusive Simon nabbed a converted try for St Patrick’s before the break.

When St Patrick’s centre Bray Tait crossed for his side’s second try after the interval to level up proceedings the scene was set for a gripping finale.

Having also lifted the 2022 Confraternity Shield, Ignatius Park have now set their sights on beating Dolphins Cup winners St Brendan’s Yeppoon in this week’s showdown at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

St Brendan’s toppled The Cathedral College 20-6 in last week’s final to set up another tilt with Ignatius Park with the winner to meet either Ipswich State High School or reigning champions Palm Beach-Currumbin State High in the NRL Schoolboys Phil Hall Cup Grand Final at Robina’s Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.

Promising St Patrick’s forward Levi Love turned in a strong performance in his side’s 24-12 loss to Ignatius Park in the Aaron Payne Cup Grand Final

Dynamic utility Bray Tait shone for St Patrick’s in the Aaron Payne Cup decider against Ignatius Park in Townsville

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The Mackay Cutters took to the BB Print Stadium field for the last time this season, hoping to upset the second-placed Sunshine Coast Falcons to keep their season alive.

The Cutters have recently found form, taking down top-of-the-table sides the two weeks previous, but their dream end-of-season run came to an end on Saturday afternoon.

The first ten minutes of the match saw possession shared evenly and was riddled with mistakes and penalties from both teams.

The first try came in the 13th when a Brandon Finnegan grubber found the goal post and was picked up by Ewan Coutts, giving the home side an early lead.

The Falcons hit back soon after with a crafty outside inside ball allowing Blake Wilson to stride over untouched.

The rest of the first half went the way of the visitors, with Tyson Smoothy scoring under the posts in the 28th minute and a smart offload and some quick footwork seeing Will Warbrick craft his way under the posts in the next set of the subsequent restart.

The Falcons led 18-6 at halftime and continued their form into the second half, with a movement through the backline delivering space for Warbrick to cross again in the 46th minute.

The Cutters weren’t done yet as a pinpoint cross-field kick from Finnegan saw Jake Riley cross in the corner, giving the Cutters a sniff.

The Cutters were in again with Hiale Roycroft barrelling his way across the line after picking up a knocked-back ball, bringing the Cutters right back into the game at 24-18 with 10 minutes to go.

Some Kaylyn Ponga-esque footwork from Blake Wilson all but sealed the deal for the Falcons, scoring under the posts in the 75th minute.

A counter-attack and a crafty kick saw Falcons’ winger Sualauvi Faalogo score after the hooter putting the nail in the coffin of the Cutters’ season.

Despite some fight, the fulltime score was 36-18, dashing the Cutters’ hopes of a finals spot in September.

The Cutters will travel to Port Moresby this weekend to play the Papua New Guinea Hunters in the final match of the season tomorrow afternoon.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Mackay Cutters Colts defeated the Falcons 24-20 in a thrilling contest.

The Cutters 2022 finals dream is over, going down to the Falcons after showing some end-of-season grit. Photos supplied: Mackay Cutters

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A superb century by dashing batsman Haiden Mellifont has propelled Mercy/St Patrick’s College Senior Boys cricket team into the second round of the 2022 Queensland StreetSmarts Secondary Schools Twenty20 State Challenge.

The 17-year-old master blaster cracked an entertaining 100 off only 34 balls before retiring to help Mercy/St Patrick’s amass an incredible 4-288 against Bowen State High School last week at Harrup Park.

Mellifont smashed seven sixes and eleven boundaries during his power-laden knock and shared a quickfire opening stand of 178 – off only 80 deliveries – with teammate Etienne Pretorius.

The stroke-playing Pretorius thumped 78 runs off 46 balls which included three sixes and nine boundaries before also retiring.

Another batsman to shine was Liam Zurvas who contributed 26 runs off 12 balls in a mammoth Twenty20 total.

In reply, Bowen State High were bundled out for a paltry 50 with quicks Jack Muller (3-8 off three), Liam Newbery (3-13 off four), leg spinner Nick Beardmore (1-4 off two), Joel McFarlane (1-0 off one) and Joe Vella (1-1 off one) the chief destroyers.

By Chris Karas

Talented St Patrick’s opening batsman Haiden Mellifont smashed a superb 100 off only 34 balls in his team’s resounding victory over Bowen State High in the State Secondary Schools Twenty20 Cricket Challenge at Harrup Park

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Four of Mackay’s best young netball prospects will embark on junior international tours to Fiji plus England and France during 2023 and 2024.

Mercy College students Kacee Ziegeler, Shaylah Pershouse and Tenille Cotter have been chosen to participate on the Wanderers Australia International Netball tour of England and France in 2024 where they’ll play eight matches against top club, county and representative teams in the United Kingdom.

Outstanding St Patrick’s College goalkeeper Isabelle Sinn has also been selected for next year’s Wanderers Australia International Netball tour of Fiji.

Players aged 13 to 18 in 2023 are eligible to tour.

Ziegeler and Pershouse are talented goal defenders and Capricornia representatives while the capable Cotter is a promising centre court exponent and shooter with bright futures in the sport.

The trio have achieved tremendous success with Mackay representative teams and helped Mercy College capture the Division 6 Trophy at this year’s Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) tournament.

Sinn, a teak-tough defender, was instrumental in St Patrick’s clinching a third consecutive Mackay District Secondary Schools Sport Netball championship this season and helping the College attain a top five finish at QISSN.

Wanderers Australia has sent over 7000 players to all parts of the world over the past 25 years in netball, hockey, cricket, AFL and soccer.

The 18-day netball tours will be led by elite level coaches with Kacee, Shaylah, Tenille and Isabelle excited about broadening their netball education and gaining valuable international experience.

Highlights of the England and France tour include a visit to London with all the sights; attending an English Premier League soccer match; tour of the scenic Cotswolds; receiving expert coaching from top level coaches; touring the World War 1 battlefields of the Somme where the ANZACS fought 100 years ago and finishing with a visit to Paris.

By Chris Karas

Exciting Mercy College Mackay netball prospects Shaylah Pershouse, Kacee Ziegeler and Tenille Cotter will tour England and France with Wanderers Australia in 2024

St Patrick's College Mackay netball ace Isabelle Sinn

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Lightning could strike twice for the all-conquering combined Mercy/St Patrick’s College Mackay senior girls cricket team this summer.

Fresh from their success in the 2021 Queensland Cricket StreetSmarts Secondary Schools Twenty20 State Challenge, the Mercy/St Patrick’s girls are pulling out all stops to bring home back-to-back championship titles.

As reigning trophy holders, the girls will open their 2022 campaign in a third-round fixture early next month with no less than nine members of their State Championship-winning squad back on deck.

Player of the Final and star top order bat Isabella Sammut plus all-rounder Meg Connolly are the only two members of the triumphant 2021 team not returning to the fold.

Mercy/St Patrick’s were crowned State Twenty20 champions after toppling Toowoomba’s Fairholme College in comprehensive style in Brisbane last October.

Talented skipper Meghan McCarthey (St Patrick’s) snared three wickets and Haylee Holdsworth bagged some spectacular catches to restrict Fairholme to 5-103 in the final.

Mercy/St Patrick’s (1-107) coasted to victory with Sammut’s classy knock of 65 not out a feature of the innings.

Having assembled another strong Senior Girls X1 this season comprising ace all-rounders McCarthey and Kiana Dunn, Mikaela Penny, Gabby Ipson, Elisha Holdsworth and Haylee Holdsworth, Eeden Thompson and St Patrick’s duo Harriet Bampton and Mackenzie Allen there is plenty of belief amongst the group of retaining the trophy.

Under the tutelage of Mercy College staff members and Mackay cricket legends Adam Knezevic, Chris Dunn, Angela Beardmore and Patrick Hoare plus the expertise of St Patrick’s duo Eddie Keogh and Doug Beddington the cricket program at both colleges continues to flourish.

By Chris Karas

Meanwhile Mercy College’s Intermediate Girls cricket team opened its 2022 State Twenty20 Challenge campaign with a six-wicket victory over Whitsunday Anglican School at the Vigoro Fields in Mackay.

Promising all-rounder Kiana Dunn (45 not out off 39 balls) and Madeleine Searle (15 not out) posted a second wicket stand of 81 to help Mercy (1-87) eclipse Whitsunday Anglican School’s tally of 7-86.

Matilda Wiggins (2-8 off three overs), Alex Woods (1-10), Dunn (1-20) and Searle (1-22) were the pick of the Mercy bowlers with Jade Gersch (24) top scoring for WAS.

The Mercy College Intermediate team was: Kiana Dunn, Matilda Wiggins, Madeleine Searle, Tahlia Anderson, Holly Wardrop, Alex Woods, Elisha Holdsworth and Poppy Goodman.

There was no joy for the Mercy Intermediate Boys X1 who were knocked out of the tournament by Proserpine State High in sensational circumstances.

Chasing 87 for victory, the Mercy boys squandered their advantage with the bat - collapsing from 3-71 in dramatic fashion by losing an incredible seven wickets for five runs to be rolled for 76.

Mercy/St Patrick’s College all conquering Senior Girls team that captured the 2021 Queensland StreetSmarts Secondary Schools Twenty 20 Cricket State Challenge title. Standing with team officials Adam Knezevic, Chris Dunn and Angela Beardmore. L-R: Meghan McCarthey, Mikaela Penny, Gabby Ipson, Elisha Holdsworth, Harriet Bampton, Kiana Dunn; front Haylee Holdsworth, Mackenzie Allen, Eeden Thoimpson, Isabella Sammut and Meg Connolly

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The annual past presidents’ ladies vs men day will be played on Monday afternoon, 12th September at Goosies.

Teams are now being registered, so make up a team of four men or four ladies and register your team or interest with Bevan Cooper phone 0409 053 217.  Last year all rinks were filled; entries must be in by 5th September. See the notice board for all details.

Monday mixed pairs winners were J. Vicker and Sue Hazledine followed by Tony Allsop and Peter Shepherd. Lucky draw winners were G. and K. Burrell.

Wednesday ladies’ day was won by Therese Russell, Shirley Bartolo and Carmel Bell. In second place were Elaine Buckton and Coral Francis.

Thursday mixed pairs winners were Tony Allsop and Warren Corbett with Ian McDonald and Bruce McCubben in second place. Greens vouchers went to Chrissy Hall, Margaret Fogg and A. Bailey. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday mixed pairs was won by Debbie Mackenzie and Lorna Bowers. Lucky draw winner was Alex Cameron and Ernie Sealy with Asko Helenius and Vern Mietzel in second place.

Saturday men’s pairs winners were Tony Allsop and Wayne Mietzel. Peter Miller and John Stronach came second.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Max Rose and Fred King have run the Monday comp for over ten years

John Kennell (bowling) and Lorraine Silman won their mixed pairs game on Saturday

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St Patrick’s College and Mercy College Mackay have created a slice of schoolboy rugby league history by qualifying for the 2022 Aaron Payne Cup and Cowboys Challenge Shield Grand Finals.

In a first for the proud sporting nursery, the St Patrick’s outfit will line up this Friday afternoon against archrivals Ignatius Park College in the Aaron Payne Cup decider at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

The showdown is being billed as a ‘clash of the titans’ and will be staged as a curtain-raiser to the NRL clash between North Queensland Cowboys and the New Zealand Warriors.

It is a maiden Aaron Payne Cup Grand Final appearance for the St Patrick’s giants, who thumped neighbours Mackay State High 44-6 in a semifinal last week at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

Ignatius Park College – the newly crowned Confraternity Shield Rugby League champions - booked a Grand Final berth when they edged out Kirwan State High 12-10 in extra time.

But they now face a formidable foe in St Patrick’s, who have hit their straps at the right time of the season.

Having recently clinched the minor title with a 20-6 victory over Ignatius Park in Townsville, the St Patrick’s team have shown their premiership credentials with strong performances in the Cup series.

That stirring win avenged the school’s loss to Ignatius Park in last month’s Confraternity Shield Grand Final and has given the team a massive confidence boost in the lead up to the Aaron Payne Cup decider.

Classy St Patrick’s half back Jaxon Purdue is the player to watch after masterclass displays in recent weeks.

The promising playmaker, who is contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys, has shown why he was named in this year’s Confraternity Rugby League Merit Team with skilful performances in the prestigious schoolboy Cup competitions.

Purdue continued his purple form patch with a superb game against Mackay State High in the final’s series – engineering an eight try rout with his tricks-of-the-trade.

Purdue nabbed a hat-trick of tries and created several others with his deft passing and astute kicking to underline his potential.

The half back maestro hopes to replicate his ‘best on ground’ performance in the recent clash with Ignatius Park where he guided his team to their first triumph over the Confraternity Shield champions in five years.

St Patrick’s had too many big guns for Mackay State High in a lopsided semifinal – establishing a 22-0 lead at the interval with a four try blitz before ramming home their advantage.

Hard working forwards Levi Love and Dillon Bulgarelli also impressed for St Patrick’s in a top team effort.

Purdue (3), Emerging Queensland U/18 hooker Xavier Kerrisk (2), fullback Will Shears, centre Kai Simon and forward Bulgarelli posted tries with Simon (5) and Bray Tait chipping in with conversions.

St Patrick’s coach Michael Comerford praised his team for their strong showings at the ‘business end of the competition’ and believes their hunger for success is an important factor.

“The boys have worked really hard since Confro on all aspects of their game and now hope to reap the benefits,” said the Mercy College Sports Co-ordinator.

“We came through our semifinal unscathed and the team has the skill, endurance and will power to give the title a big crack,” he added.

There is plenty of incentive for both St Patrick’s College and Ignatius Park College with the winner of Friday’s Grand Final to square off with the victors of the Dolphins Cup competition – covering the Rockhampton to Wide Bay region – en route to the State Championship.

St Patrick’s College Grand Final squad is: Will Shears, Bailey Anderson, Beau Jones, Kai Simon, Coby Arthur, Harry Thorpe, Jaxon Purdue, Henry Thorpe (captain), Bray Tait, Liam Doherty, Levi Love, Xavier Kerrisk, Matthew Watts; Ethan Van Kerkwyk, Hudson Galletly, Decy Jones, Oscar Warden, Patrick Vella, Kayne Smith, Jack Clark, Dillon Bulgarelli.

By Chris Karas

Mercy College Young Guns Chase Cowboys Challenge Shield Honours

When experienced Mercy College rugby league officials Matthew Paul and Ian Schifilitti sat down to discuss their team’s tactics for the Cowboys Challenge Shield Grand Final, they didn’t have to look too far for a blueprint to success.

Both coaches acknowledged that Kirwan State High would provide stiff opposition for their team of Mercy warriors in the Grand Final showdown on Wednesday at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

It was only two weeks prior that both schools featured in a torrid tussle during the preliminary rounds, with Mercy registering a courageous 16-10 victory to earn bragging rights.

A highlight of that win was Mercy’s super defensive effort throughout the second half as the Kirwan boys dominated possession but to no avail.

Despite a heavy penalty count against them and limited ball, the Mercy team showed its champion qualities by defending like trojans in a spirited performance to keep their Townsville rivals at bay.

Coaches Paul and Schifilitti will be looking for a similar defensive effort from their charges when both schools lock horns again in the Shield decider.

Mercy College advanced to the Grand Final courtesy of a forfeit from Mareeba State High with Kirwan toppling Ignatius Park in the other semifinal.

Players to watch for Mercy include impact forwards Cohen Jackson, Hunter Harris, hooker Hudson Clark, back rower Saxon Croft, prop Reuben Saron, five eighth Adam McSherry, centres Lachlan Whippy and Toby Woodall and fullback Lane Maunder.

By Chris Karas

Outstanding half back prospect Jaxon Purdue is one of several key St Patrick’s College players in action today against Ignatius Park College in the Aaron Payne Cup Grand Final at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville

‍Tirereless Mercy College forward Saxon Croft featured in the Cowboys Challenge Shield Grand Final against Kirwan State High

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Mackay SLSC held their annual awards day on the scenic grounds in front of the Harbour Beach Surf Club, with members taking in the beautiful ocean and island views, as well as each other’s company to celebrate what has been a challenging but rewarding season.

Club President Brendan Smith opened the afternoon recognising the clubs’ 70-years of “Vigilance and Service” as the guardians of Harbour Beach. This was a historic milestone for the club and reflects the long and valued association the club has with the Mackay community.

Mr. Smith said, “Being a volunteer organisation there are many people who make sacrifices to contribute to the running of various aspects of the club, this ensures that we can keep our beach safe for the Mackay Community.

“The awards night was a way of recognising those people who make a difference, from our volunteer workforce who run major carnivals such as the North Australian Titles, our Nippers program and the Tri-Series events, our very own Qld State Title silver medallists the “Box Bellies” Boat crew, life member award recipients, our generous sponsors and most importantly our Club Captain, Patrol teams and patrolling members,” Mr Smith added.

“As a club we are proud of the achievements of all our members and the evening was a great way to celebrate together, after a long and busy season.  We are now starting to plan for an even bigger and better season, with the club’s AGM taking place on the 13th of June at 3pm at the Surf Club.”

Contributed by Josh Grant

AWARD WINNERS

Junior Club Champion - Meliana Craig

John Patti Most Improved Nipper – Kody Amos

Flo Payne Club Nipper Culture - Ash Johnson

George Moody Quiet Achiever – Jake Hudspith

Junior Coaches Award - Bodie Mau

Junior Club Captain - Molly Madden

Presidents award for ‘Service and Vigilance - Tony Caris

Volunteer of the year – Ben Madden

Junior Lifesaver of the year - Jesse Holmstrom

Bronze Medallion of the year - Andrea Conroy

Surf Rescue Certificate of the year - Sofie Searle

Trainer & Assessor of the Year - Peter 'Stan' Ridland

Coach of the year - Josh Grant

Senior competitor of the year - David Fitzmaurice

Highest patrol hours & 100+ hours - Ryan Lee

Some of the Mackay SLSC Nippers celebrating their season – it’s a Ripper to be a Nipper! (source: Leah McLean Photography)

Nippers enjoy hitting the waterslide to celebrate the end of the season.  (source: Leah McLean Photography)

As Volunteer of the Year, Ben Madden has made a huge contribution to the club. (source: Leah McLean Photography)

Head Coach Greg Born received a gift for his efforts training club members throughout the season. (source: Leah McLean Photography)

Club legend and Patron, Reg Butler with wife Helen and Christine Webb enjoying the afternoon. (source: Leah McLean Photography)

Josh Grant receiving the Clive Hammond Medal for outstanding service & dedication at the recent NBB branch awards. (source: NBB Media)

Club President Brendan Smith enjoying the afternoon before the presentation of awards starts. (source: Leah McLean Photography)

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Mischa Dinsdale wasn’t yet born when all time Australian netball great Vicki Wilson rung down the curtain on her stellar international sporting career back in 1999.

But the promising 15-year-old Mercy College netballer is fully aware of the legendary goal shooter’s amazing achievements with our golden Diamonds national team.

Wilson chalked up 104 caps for the Diamonds during an illustrious 15-year career which included captaining Australia to a Commonwealth Games gold medal in Kuala Lumpur in 1998 and World Cup title in 1999 in Christchurch before her retirement.

The Queensland sharpshooter also featured in Australia’s triumphant World Cup-winning teams in Sydney (1991) and Birmingham (1995).

Mischa received the biggest thrill of her career at this year’s Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) Carnival in Mackay when she was named the Most Valuable Player for her team by tournament officials.

The centre court ace accepted the award from Vicki Wilson herself, who attended the five-day Carnival as a special guest, and was given a huge compliment from the former Diamonds captain.

Wilson, who has a sharp eye for talent, heaped praise on young Dinsdale after watching her perform strongly for Mercy College and help bring home the QISSN Division 6 championship trophy.

“Mischa has the ability to go a long way in netball if her performances at QISSN are any guide,” an appreciative Wilson told the gathering at Mackay Multisports Stadium.

“She has a lot of potential and was outstanding throughout the Carnival at centre where she truly inspired her teammates,” Wilson added.

An excited Mischa said she was “surprised but very happy” to receive the MVP Award and delighted to meet the Diamonds icon.

“I appreciate Vicki’s kind words and will cherish them – she is such a great ambassador for netball in Queensland and quick to offer encouragement and advice to up and coming players” revealed Mischa.

The determined Dinsdale continues to hone her skills with the Galaxy club in the Mackay Netball Association and has just been selected to participate in the Northern Mendi Rays Development Program based in Townsville.

The Rays compete in the HART Sapphire Series, a semi-professional state-wide league that provides homespun talent in North Queensland the opportunity to showcase their skills.

Mischa is part of a Mackay contingent of three that will join the Rays program along with Mercy College team mates and top prospects Sienna Uriarte (centre) and Havana Abbott (wing defence).

By Chris Karas

Mackay Galaxy Netball Club member Mischa Dinsdale has been selected to participate in the Northern Mendi Rays Development Program based in Townsville

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Perfectly cool running conditions warmed to a beautiful day on Sunday morning as over forty runners enjoyed the early morning annual Tri-ActiV8 Mackay Road Runners Bonsons Scrub Road 6km and 12km.

Eager athletes took to the Bonsons Scrub Road start line as runners set themselves a difficult challenge from the undulating first one kilometre towards Ian Reddacliff Drive’s testing peaks and troughs.  

Determined and focussed youngsters Toby Rule, Luke Leven and Oliver Rule had a great outing in the 12km course and Damien Rutland in the 6km, hitting the lead early and maintaining their scorching pace across the entire event.

Justin Rule, Kaye Nyenuh, Ricky Parker, Michael Feenaghty, Craig Andrews, Robin Stinson, Darrin Pullen, birthday boy Andrew Wallace, Alan Zamparutti, Andrew Short and John Couldrey were easily in control right from the get-go however were unfortunately unable to keep up with the younger legs of their lead rivals.

Jose Short had an outstanding run in the 12km, reaping the benefits of dedicated regular training and racing under Tri-ActiV8 by taking first in the girls, followed by Glynis Forse.

Excellent performances also came from Carol Dawes, Carmel Mahon, Brenda Windsor, Carol Brown, Jo Hughes and Geeta Ariani.

In out-of-town racing news, several locals ran the Sunshine Coast Marathon which resulted in excellent outcomes for Paul Mackenzie, Mick Vivian, Terese Hackney, Shelley Binney, Julie Whibley and Tim Magoffin.  

The next Mackay Road Runners event is the North Queensland Bulk Ports/Podiatry Mackay Magic Mile Club Championship Signature Event this Sunday morning from the Mackay Marina Harbour Breakwater entrance.

Legendary runner Ricky “The Flash” Parker (centre) flanked by Brenda Windsor (left) and Carol Brown (right)

Runners Alan Zamparutti (left) and Kay Nyenuh (right) appreciate volunteer, Greg Dawes (centre)

The 2022 Tri-ActiV8 winner Glynis Forse (left) with her awesome prize generously donated and presented by Tri-ActiV8 Coach Kerryn McDuff

Birthday boy Andrew Wallace takes time out of his celebrations to fit in an early morning run. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse

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Mercy College and St Patrick’s College dominated the inaugural Mackay All Schools Fast 4 Mixed Touch Football Championships staged recently at Norris Road Touch Fields in North Mackay – capturing two of the three age division trophies and sweeping all team relays in a masterful performance.

Organised by Northern Beaches High School stalwart Jamaiah Hutchinson, the event proved most successful with some of the region’s best touch football prospects demonstrating their skill and endurance in a competitive cauldron.

Leading the way were Mercy College’s all conquering 13 years team Can’t Touch Us – comprised of Queensland Under 12 touch football representative star Harper Shields; boom Magpies rugby league juniors Mason Muscat and Darcy Cabassi plus outstanding all round female athletes Vitea Parter, Jade Williams and Mia Davidson who clinched the title with a 3-2 triumph over Holy Spirit College in an epic Grand Final.

With the gifted Shields, the reigning Mackay Sports Person of the Year and State title-winning Capricornia captain calling the shots, the super slick Mercy combination recorded 8-0, 11-4 and 9-2 victories over Catherine McAuley College teams and thumped Northern Beaches High 10-0 to advance to the decider.

Muscat and Parter dashed over for crucial tries in the championship final which proved a thrilling contest.

It capped a big week for the naturally gifted Parter who was crowned Mercy College’s U/13 Girls Athletics age champion for 2022 just two days earlier.

Parter is also a talented five eighth with the Magpies U/14 womens rugby league team and scored a try in a 30-0 drubbing of Norths Devils last weekend.

Williams, a promising hooker with the U/14 Wanderers, nabbed two tries in a 26-8 win over Brothers to help her side remain undefeated after ten rounds.

The elusive Davidson is an exciting touch football prospect with the Magpies and Mackay representative teams and helped form a dynamic Mercy combination from all parts of the field.

St Patrick’s College White featuring rugby league playmaker Jaxon Purdue, Ethan Van Kerkwyk, Tenzin Contor, Madeline Benson and Madeline Doring outclassed St Patrick’s College Red 7-1 to win the Opens trophy.

Ben Pease, Bailey Caruana, Bradley Maneros, Keely Pitt and Paige Mooney turned in sharp performances for the runners up.

Purdue, a talented half back with St Patrick’s successful Opens rugby league side, had double reason to celebrate after also winning the Flick Pass competition with a spectacular half field pass from behind his back.

Holy Spirit College defeated Mackay State High to claim the Under 15s trophy.

Mercy’s Under 13 Haphephobia team which included Treyce Ciantar, Rourke Bagley, Harry Gordon, Matilda Clark, Tayla Lucas and Tahlia Jenson finished third after toppling Catherine McAuley College 9-1 in their play off.

In the Under 15s division, Mercy’s Too Fast But Not Serious team of Jala Brown, Courtney Harris, Maddy Mooney, Calvin Ramos, Eli Cookson and Miles Kerrisk also grabbed third spot with the Chiraptophobia side featuring Max Browne, Oscar Bishop, Jack Vella, Keeley Logan, Grace Bayns and Lucy McKendry finishing fourth.

By Chris Karas

Mercy College Under 13s Fast Four Mixed Touch Football championship-winning squad. L-R standing: Mason Muscat, Darcy Cabassi, Harper Shields; front Vitea Parter, Mia Davidson and Jade Williams

Triumphant St Patrick’s College White squad that won the Opens Fast Four Mixed Touch Football championship. L-R: Tenzin Contor, Madeline Benson, Ethan Van Kerkwyk, Jaxon Purdue and Madeline Doring

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Last weekend’s match between the QCCS Mackay Cutters and the Burleigh Bears also saw ladies looking pretty in pink, supporting the Women in League initiative.

It’s a movement which encourages inclusivity across the sport, from the mothers who take their kids to footy, the supportive partners on the sideline, to the growing number of women in the sport and involved with clubs at administrative, coaching and management levels.

This year’s event was hosted by Nadine Becker-Keir, owner of Elle Bache in Caneland Central. She said it’s an opportunity for the women in business and leaders of today to step up and show the next generation that they can be who they want to be if they work for it.

Photos supplied: Mackay Cutters

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The Mackay Cutters have announced Michael Comerford as the club’s 10th Hostplus Cup Head Coach for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Mr Comerford will take over from Dave Elliot who recently announced he will be departing the club to take on the Head Coach role at Norths Devils.

A former player and current Assistant Coach for the Cutters, Mr Comerford says the news was unexpected, but he’s excited to take on the role.

“A full-time opportunity in rugby league is something I’ve been really wanting over the last few years and to finally get that in my hometown at my club is very exciting for me,” he said.

Mr Comerford says the role has progressed from a part-time to a full-time role and he hopes to use the extra time to develop the club’s pathways.

“Keeping this playing group will be priority number one and, off the back of that, being in a full-time capacity now there’s a real opportunity to grow the football program and really go into a fair bit of detail with our planning and hopefully that translates into results on the field,” he said.

“Hopefully we do get that finals spot this year and, following the conclusion of this season, there’ll be a review process.

“Dave’s put us in a really good spot, I’m very comfortable with where we are at as a football program to take over from there and he deserves a lot of credit for that.”

The announcement came the day after the Cutters upset top-of-the-table Burleigh Bears at home on Sunday.

The Women in League Round clash started well for the Cutters with Kane Bradley opening the scoring in the third minute.

Try-scoring machine Alofiana Khan-Pereira crossed twice for the visitors before the Cutters snuck in three quick tries in eight minutes before half-time thanks to Gehamat Shibasaki, Adam Cook and Kyle Krisanski-Kennedy.

With the Cutters leading 24-14 at half-time, momentum swung the way of the visitors in the second half, scoring four unanswered tries in the first half hour of the second half to hold a lead of 26-34 with ten minutes to go.

The Cutters hit back in the final ten minutes thanks to Ross Bella and a second from Krisanski-Kennedy.

With both teams scoring six tries each, it was Adam Cook’s 6/6 conversions proving the difference with the Cutters winning 38-34.

The Cutters will return to BB Print Stadium on Saturday, taking on the second-placed Sunshine Coast Falcons in their last home game of the regular season.

Michael Comerford has been announced as the Mackay Cutters Hostplus Cup Head Coach for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Cutters defeated the Burleigh Bears to claim the Kerry Pattinson Memorial Shield for the first time since 2015. Photos supplied: Mackay Cutters

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With finals looming large, the club hosted a huge number of fixtures for round 17, including a few catch up matches on the card.

The biggest mover on the day was Dom Friend winning all three of his matches. The first was a 7/5 victory over top four rival Joe Wilson. He followed that up with two, seven nil wins over Jayden Lloyd and Lorraine Woods respectively.

Joe Wilson’s loss sees him lose more ground to both Jamie Woods and Jamie Maher at the top of the league table, each of whom had wins on Sunday.

Jamie Woods defeated Jayden Lloyd 7/1 and Jamie Maher had a 7/0 win over Gary Robbie, Jamie Maher hit a 180 in that game.

Aaron Paull had a 7/2 win over Nathan O’Hara and a 7/3 win over Andy Peel which keeps a firm grip on his finals spot, currently sitting in 7th.

Alan Green also had an important top 8 win on Sunday, with a 7/3 win over Kameron Reason. That defeat for Kameron Reason was a big blow for his finals chances, but with two rounds remaining, he may make it yet.

Andy Peel had a tough day on the board suffering 2 losses out of his 3 matches which drop him out of the top four for now. The victory he did have was a 7/3 win over Jayden Lloyd.

With only two rounds remaining, there’s still an awful lot to play for both ends of the table.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing.

As It Stands

1. J Woods 28pts

2. J Maher 28pts

3. D Friend 25pts

4. J Wilson 25pts

5. A Peel 22pts

6. A Green 19pts

7. A Paull 16pts

8. S Rose 14pts

9. K Reason 12pts

10. G Robbie 7pts

11. N O’Hara 5pts

12. J Lloyd 4pts

13. R Gallichan 3pts

14. L Woods 2pts

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