The weekly 9-hole competition was very close this week but the winner was Glenn Rees with a count back win, 18 points.

Second, also on 18 points, was Michael Bond who took a count back placing over Saath Yolangumni, also 18 points.

The Friday competition was also close - Billy O’Conner took the win with 22 points over Andrew Gomez and Tim Harris who both scored 21 points, Andrew taking second on the count back.

Two match play rounds were completed with Ryan Kenny defeating Nathan Nicholic and Justyn Durbin defeating Sean Fogarty.

Planning is underway for a special Australia Day team competition. 18-holes, 4 to a team, tee-off between 10am and 12 noon. Book your team in today!

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.

A wet round for Jay Angel, Bob Spees and Ross Clanachan

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Images

- Children in traditional dress welcome to PNG Janice Kent, centre, and other umpires Samantha and Nane. Photos: Contributed

- Janice Kent, centre, takes the umpires chair for a group shot with other umpires at the ITTF Oceania tournament in Port Moresby

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Umpiring at a high-level tournament at Port Moresby is the last thing Mackay Table Tennis president Janice Kent expected leading up to Christmas.

Janice was invited by Ryan Weingard of ITTF Oceania to attend and umpire at the ITTF Oceania tournament involving teams from New Caledonia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Australia and took the challenge head-on.

“Progression in a sport that you are passionate about can take many pathways,” she said.

“For me, although I have not taken my eye off the ball and want to continue to play, I also see the need for more players to progress into the umpiring role – to know the rules and to know the role – to be impartial and fair when giving a true account of the game.  

“Since moving to Australia from NZ and attending my first regional tournament in Townsville, I was always being beaten and out in the first round.  But to keep the tournament going and wait for my club team players to either win or be ruled out of the competition I needed to fill in the day so umpiring here I come.

“For a couple of years, I attended the regional competitions and took the lead from my club buddy, Donna Abbott, to put my hand up when an umpire was requested.”

Janice said players needed to realise that umpires are human.

“They do make mistakes! They do miss some calls! But without them putting their hand up the tournaments don’t run so well and games don’t get played as quickly.”

She said that with the media and travel advice advising to only travel to PNG if extremely necessary, one would think that attending this small tournament in PNG didn’t tick the boxes.

“But I decided to throw my hat in the ring and if they wanted me to go, I was quite prepared to do so.

“When my flight was delayed and ended up having to be transferred to the following day I was concerned the road blocks were trying to tell me something.  But from the time I arrived in Port Moresby to the time I left I was looked after and treated so well by the locals, the competitors, the other officials and complete strangers and so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to be part of the tournament.’’

Teams competed from New Caledonia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Australia.   The Australian team provided some top exhibition matches in the final of the men’s and women’s singles of the Oceania Cup with Nicholas Lum defeating Xin Yan (4 – 1) and Minhyung Jee defeating Yangzi Liu (4 – 3). The Pacific Cup was fought out between Geoffrey Loi (PNG) and Jeremy Dey (New Caledonia) in the Men’s Singles and Grace Yee (Fiji) and Julie Wanegui (New Caledonia).  Geoffrey Loi and Grace Yee were the eventual winners.

“Under the eagle eye of Stephen Gillespie as the tournament referee I refreshed a lot of skills that we don’t use at State and National competition.  Checking bats, flipping coins, checking the nets between games and even collecting the balls between games – time keeping, time outs, hand signals and working closely with your assistant umpire were all challenges to be overcome throughout the tournament and so glad that I went.

“Where to now? – more playing and more umpiring but to use what I learned during my PNG experience to improve the sport of table tennis at home – in Australia.”

By Charlie Payne

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Image 1: Alex Bogna (left) sprints for third place overall at the U23 AusCycling 2023 Road Cycling National Championships

Image 2: Dave Nicholas (left) pictured receiving his silver medal at the AusCycling 2023 Road Cycling National Championships

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Professional Under 23 road cyclist Alex Bogna has proven worthy of his contract with the Alpecin-Deceuninck Development Team by coming third at last weekend’s AusCycling Road National Championships in South Australia.

The former Mackay Cycling Club member found himself in a break off the front of the peloton and could be seen doing a huge amount of work for the bunch to keep the riders at the front of the race.

Alastair MacKellar (Israel Cycling Academy) swept up the solo victory by reeling in the break before surging ahead solo to claim first place convincingly. Brady Gilmore (ARA Skip Capital), who had initially been part of MacKellar's three-man attack from the peloton, secured second by winning the sprint of five riders. Bogna out-sprinted James Panizza (Team BridgeLane) who had also been in the break with Bogna, for third place overall.

The race was held on the regular home to the Australian Road National Championships, an 11.6km circuit including the climb of Mount Buninyong Road. The U23 men’s race consisted of 12 laps, for 139km of racing.

Former Mackay Cycling Club member and Proserpine resident David Nicholas continued a run of good form by claiming silver at the Auscycling Road National Championships.

The para-cyclist has a long list of achievements on both the road and the track, including Olympic gold and world championship titles. He has been at the top level of para-cycling for more than a decade and shows no signs of slowing down. He currently resides in Bathurst, New South Wales.

Nicholas claimed second place in the road race, with Moreton Bay cyclist Kyle Willis winning gold.

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The festive season seems an eternity ago for Pioneer Swimming Club’s members as they conquer “Hell Week” training for the first two weeks of 2023.  Pioneer Swimmers hit the pool ‘running’ on January 2, swimming and training every morning and afternoon in their home pool, the Pioneer Swim Centre.

They have and will continue to step outside of their comfort zones, challenging themselves to activities and training sessions they have not yet undertaken.  Our seniors completed an average of approximately 50 to 60km in the pool in the first week and our juniors achieving approximately 30km.  Gym sessions and land-based strength training has been incorporated for all. Each swimmer has pushed their own individual boundaries and have already attained achievements they thought not possible.  

The first week was finished with a well-deserved barbeque breakfast.

“Hell Weeks” are meant to be intense. Gruelling. But oh-so rewarding!

Upon finishing this fortnight of Hell Week training, our swimmers will attend a number of local swimming competitions in Cannonvale and Mirani and others aspiring for the Queensland Sprint Championships at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre in early February.  

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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Image: Rising Souths and Mackay Meteors point guard Cooper Currie, 13, is one of the best junior basketball prospects in Queensland

Just like all aspiring young hoopers, Mackay schoolboy Cooper Currie dreams of one day plying his trade in the American National Basketball Association (NBA) competition.

Having already stamped his mark in Queensland Junior Development squads, the promising 13-year-old point guard, who shows a maturity that far belies his years, has taken giant steps towards realising a lifetime goal of joining the professional ranks of his chosen sport.

Currie is one of a batch of outstanding prospects from the Souths club in the Mackay Junior Basketball Association that have caught the eye of State selectors with impressive performances on the Queensland basketball scene.

The St Patrick’s College student joined talented club mates Treyce Ciantar (power forward) and shooting guard Usai Bickey at a National inter-state tournament for Under 15 Emerging State players in Melbourne this month as part of the Future Development Program.

It was a valuable experience for young Currie who more than held his own against players two years his senior in a pressure-packed national tournament atmosphere.

The competition featured the finest up and coming Under 15 talent from across the nation and provided Cooper and his colleagues with a limited time team preparation prior to playing a number of games, simulating that of an Australian Junior Championship series.  

Prior to the January event, Cooper was one of eleven Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes junior representative players that participated in the Basketball Queensland Under14 Future Development Program All-State Camp in Brisbane along with three coaches that included his mother Renae Currie, Liam Cochrane and Aleisha Catip.

It is fair to say that 2022 was a year to savour for the skillful Cooper on the basketball front.

He skippered the triumphant Mackay Meteors Under 14s team to a North Queensland Age Championship title with superb displays during the three-carnival series in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay – showing his leadership credentials and skills set on the boards.

With Cooper leading the way the Meteors combined effectively with each other on court and demonstrated their tactical nouse and natural lay-up and shooting skills to help bring home the trophy.

There was double reason to celebrate when the Mackay Meteorettes claimed the Under 14 Girls championship in a huge sporting fillip for the region.

Following his North Queensland title success, Currie represented Mackay at the State Junior Basketball Championships in Brisbane and turned in superb performances as a junior member of the Mercy College Year 10 side that finished a creditable seventh at the Champion Schools Basketball tournament on the Gold Coast last October.

When seeking guidance and advice on his game, Cooper has a mentor close at hand.  

His mother Renae is an accomplished player and coach in the Mackay region and a stalwart of the Souths club who has taught her son the finer points of basketball since the age of 5.

From the time a young basketball hopeful in Australia steps on the court, he or she most often aspires to participate in the strongest competitions on the planet – the United States’ National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Cooper is no different.

He shares the same surname and on court position with Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry - widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time and as the greatest shooter in NBA history – and dreams of one day following in the steps of Aussie trailblazers Patty Mills, Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving (Brooklyn Nets), Josh Giddey (Oklahoma City Thunder), Joe Ingles (Portland Trailblazers), Josh Green (Dallas Mavericks), Jock Landale (San Antonio Spurs), Matisse Thybulle (Philadelphia 76ers), Dyson Daniels (New Orleans Pelicans) and Matthew Dellavedova (Sacramento Kings).

At the same age as Cooper, a young Steph Curry dominated the courts back in 2001-02 in Toronto with the all-conquering Queensway Christian College Saints Grade 7 and 8 boys team – scoring 40 points to 50 points a game as the side won the Canadian Schools Under 13s championship undefeated.

When Steph’s father Dell retired from a 16-year NBA career which included a three-year stint with the Toronto Raptors the family returned to Charlotte with young Curry later linking with the Warriors and proving the architect of four NBA championship titles.

Cooper’s immediate goals are to continue developing his skills with Souths and the Mackay Meteors, St Patrick’s College and force his way into the Queensland Under 16 representative squad.

If natural ability, vision and determination are any guide then the Mackay playmaker is well on the way to realising those dreams.

By Chris Karas

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Image: Finley Smith

A memorial cricket cup and all-day event is on at Harrup Park this Saturday, honouring the memory of a talented young man taken too soon.

Finley Smith was known as an ‘ambassador’ and ‘future leader’ within the Mackay Community.

Finley had a successful career working in real estate with his father at Gardian. However, on 15th February 2022, at age 25, Finley unexpectedly passed away due to an epileptic seizure, leaving a big void in the lives of his family and friends.

Many described Finley as a compassionate and spirited young man who lit up any room he walked into. Friends described him as a man with quick wit, a cheeky laugh, sense of humour and loveable nature.

With the fast-approaching first anniversary of Finley’s passing, the people closest to him found a special way to remember him. And so was born the Finley Smith Memorial Cup. The event is an all-day cricket tournament that celebrates Finley’s life and love for cricket, while bringing the community together to help raise awareness for epilepsy.

The inaugural Finley Smith Memorial Cup will be held at Harrup Park on Saturday the 14th of January 2023. The day will see six teams competing in a round robin style competition, raffles, and an awards presentation.

All funds raised from this event will go to Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA) and honour the beloved Finley Smith. The event has brought friends, family, and even strangers unaware of Finley’s story closer together. So far, the Finley Smith Memorial Cup has helped raise an outstanding $24,640 as at January 10 for EAA and has no intention of stopping there.

To purchase a ticket to The Finley Smith Memorial Cup, donate $30 and show your donation receipt at the door on the day. Donate online, https://bit.ly/3B7xTGA

For more information on the event, visit http://bit.ly/3vNUIgl

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Images: The Mackay Contract Bridge Club enjoyed Christmas party festivities before enjoying a break. The 2023 season has now commenced

Happy New Year to everyone and welcome back to Contract Bridge for 2023

Monday 2 January 2023 – 5 Table One Winner – Green Points

1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia

3rd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

4th Griffin Bancroft / Anne Lutz

Wednesday 4 January 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Janet Hansen / Del Ryan

2nd Noel Bugeia / Doone Mitchell

3rd Janine Rodgers / Terrence Sheedy

4th Debbie Ludkin / Cath Willis

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

2nd Geoff Taylor / Ted Cullinan

3rd Gwen Liddle / Anne Lutz

4th Sandra Morris / Diane Stokes

Thursday Evening 5 January 2023 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Janine Rodgers / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

4th Annie Lynch / Geoff Taylor

Friday 6 January 2023 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Robert Carless

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole

3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

4th Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix

E/W

1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

2nd Noel Bugeia / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson

Saturday 7 January 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Doone Mitchell / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

3rd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

4th Geoff Taylor / Del Ryan

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

3rd Susan Wright / Patricia Garner

4th Monica Darley / Kath Poole

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Images:
L-R: Riley Matsen, Peter Ford and Andrew Short well pleased with their running efforts in the 10km

Alana Ford (left) and Jose Short congratulate each other on their 10km efforts

L-R: Jo Hughes, Natasha Joynson, Kim Saron and Emma Johnson warmup before their 5km event

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More than thirty competitors ran head-on into humid conditions last Sunday afternoon for the 11th race in the Shawn’s Summer Social Series with Mackay Road Runners.  

Race Director, Jim Ford, arranged a flat fast course through Glenella from the Magpies Sporting Complex with various race distance options. Oliver Rule, Joe Grech, Rodney Elworthy and Paul Mackenzie made the 12km distance look easy as they sprinted from the gun through the meandering course to the finish line. Birthday girl, Tahnie Malagueno, had a superb run over the longer distance especially after being spoilt all day by her family.  Excellent performances also came from Alana Knesevic, Carolyn Malagueno, Alan Zamparutti, Jose Short, Carmel Mahon, June Bradley, Andrew Wallace, Andrew Short, Peter Ford and newcomer Riley Matsen.

Five-kilometre athletes, Daniel Stampa, Kim Saron, Jo Hughes, Emily Dalglish, Emma Johnson, Natasha Joynson, Adam Knesevic, Jim Ford, Vivien and Harvey Knesevic found the shorter distance more to their liking with temperature soaring into the thirties with 87 per cent humidity.  Light winds and shaded pathways did alleviate the blazing sun to a small degree, however, all runners were looking for the zooper doopers by the finish line.

This Sunday’s Shawn’s Summer Series Social event commences at the usual time of 5:30pm with arrival at the Blacks Beach Tavern by 5:20pm at the latest for course description and Mackay Road Runners Club notices. The Blacks Beach annual event includes the infamous stairs and distances will be catered to varying levels of fitness.  

There will only be four more of the Shawn’s Summer Social Series before the formal Mackay Road Runner Season starts on 12th February.

Upcoming events for the Mackay Road Runners Club:

The Annual General Meeting on January 23 at Techserve office, Tennyson Street, Mackay at 5:30pm.

Mackay Road Runners hosting Parkrun January 28 at 7am.

Jet Maintenance Sports Expo and Sign-on at the MECC from 9am to 1pm on February 12.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club will be hosting their first Club Night for 2023 on Wednesday, 11 January, 2023.  

Many swimmers have been training over the school holidays preparing for the carnival season ahead.  

The first carnival for the season will be held in Ayr on 14 January and the club has 17 swimmers participating.  

The club is also preparing to host its own Cannonvale Cannons carnival on 21 and 22 January.

Last week, 30 swimmers participated in a goal setting workshop. Swimmers reflected on 2022 and set realistic goals for the next 10 weeks.  

Some of the swimmers set competitive goals and others set fitness or stroke goals.  

Last Thursday, 12 junior squad swimmers participated in a dive workshop. The coaches, Ken Crittenden, Shay Wilmot and Mark Erickson say it was very successful and it was rewarding to see swimmers feeling more confident with their dives and starts.  

On Friday afternoon, swimmers thoroughly enjoyed a couple of games of water polo and “flipperball”.  

The Cannonvale Cannons would like to welcome new swimmers and their families to come along to Club Night.  New members are always welcome.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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With the upcoming season starting in a matter of weeks, the local Whitsunday Touch Football sporting group are looking for a new name so they can increase their profile within the broader competition community.

Their counterparts, Mackay Thunder and Townsville Frogs, have a mascot or theme and it is now time for Whitsunday Touch to welcome a new identity too.

A Facebook post was launched to get player feedback and, with 227 registered players for Whitsunday Touch, there have been a lot of comments and recommendations.

So far, two front runners have come out ahead – the Whitsunday Wallabies and the Whitsunday Mudskippers.

“We want to keep it local and identified with something local,” said committee member Alita DeBrincat.

“I think the Wallabies would be a great play on that!”

Her husband and fellow committee member, however, thinks that the Mudskippers are more synonymous with the club.

“There are mudskippers right here on our home ground,” said Azza DeBrincat.

“Half the field is surrounded by mudskippers and their evolution – they are fish that walk on land – is what I like!”

Anyone can comment on the club’s Facebook page, but the ultimate decision will be made by the committee.

Touch Football is hugely popular in the Whitsundays with over 200 players meeting and competing against each other every Monday night.

It is one of the only local sports that requires no travel and can be played together as a family.

“It’s economical, it’s community based, there is no travel, no training – the commitment is only joy!” said player Demelza Ansell.

“We are all working parents – but we all get here as a family – and we love it”

“I’m a single mother and I like that we can bring in the male role models to connect with kids”

Alita agrees, saying the sport has been a source of great times with her children.

“We get to play as a family together in this sport – mums and dads get to play together with their kids,” she said.

“Every age-group can play because of the different levels of skillsets.”

Touch Football is a form of Rugby League but instead of physically tackling your opponent, you simply need to ‘touch’ them in order to win the play.

This means the sport is not only family-friendly, affordable and low-commitment, it is also non-contact and safe for everyone to participate.

This makes it great for girls and also people who are getting older but still wish to compete and have fun.

Do not be fooled by the all-inclusive aspect however, the competition is split into grades and there is a competitive side to the sport which is highly-skilled and loved by many youngsters at their peak of fitness.

Perfect for all ages, genders and abilities, there is something for everyone in Touch Footy.

If you would like to get involved head to the Whitsunday Touch Facebook page or simply come and check out a game from 5.30pm every Monday at Whitsundays Sports Park.

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Demelza Ansell, Claudia Ansell, Jay DeBrincat, Alita DeBrincat, Stella Ansell and Azza DeBrincat. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

The year has started with a bang and it was so great to see everyone ready and eager to improve and focus for our little club to go one step further than last season.

Due to rain Tuesday afternoon Social Bowls was cancelled but everything had dried up quickly so Rick Galea and Merve Stewart organised a very competitive set of pairs games for all participants.

Ladda Purdie and Keith Bates showed Betty Nicole and Rick Galea that their hot form would continue with some scintillating bowls that ran away with the prize money.

Lu Rogan won the prestigious Health Hub Award.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls saw 30 bowlers competing for the prize money.

Bruce Uhe and John Anderson joined us from Proserpine Bowls Club and five games of competitive three bowls triples saw some amazing action with third place getters Margo Stanley with Keith Bates at lead and Alan Pershouse at second play great bowls.

Second place went to skipper Neil Moore who’s been in fabulous form and guided lead Mark Mawson and second Betty Whitehorn, who is also going through a purple patch with a comfortable victory.

On Sunday Carol Crosbie, Andy McDougall and Col Morris came from behind to beat Nik Fernbach’s team of Mario De Martini and John Brown, 22-9, running away with the prize money.

Congratulations to all players and new bowler Dawn Dowel who won the prestigious Health Hub award.

Andy McDougall, Carol Crosbie and Col Morris after their stunning victory on Sunday afternoon.

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On Tuesday, 34 players competed and John Oates was victorious in the men’s competition with 37 points, beating Ben Rosenthal on a countback, Wayne Fitzgerald came in 3rd on 36 points. Mandy Patterson was too good for the ladies on 31 points ahead of Beryl Nosworthy and Tiina Randmae 30 & 28 points respectively.

NTP’s went to Beryl Nosworthy, Rob Riggall, Wilf Herweg, Wayne Fitzgerald and Mandy Patterson

Marcus Heathcote and Renae Maxwell were the winners of the Wednesday Medley with 39 and 36 points. Donna Cutts and Jill Farinelli 2nd and 3rd in the ladies, with Adam Hagy and Ross McNeill claiming podium places for the men.

NTP’s was won by Beryl Nosworthy, Lyn Muller, Donna Cutts, Ben Raymant and Adam Hagy

On Thursday the overall winner and winner of Division 2 was Ross McNeill with 45 points, ahead of Paul Joice on a countback, and Trevor Paroz on 39 points. Division 1 was won by Roger Vandenberg on 39 points, Sean Gower and Aaron Watts claiming 2nd and 3rd with 39 and 38 points.

NTP’s went to Justin Butler, Aaron Watts, Trevor Paroz and Mark McDougal.

A total of 102 players competed for the RGH Monthly Medal on Saturday. Mandy Patterson, with a very tidy 69 nett, won the ladies, followed by Helen Deighton on 72 and Renae Maxwell on 74 nett. Mandy also scooped the pool with a 2 shot and won both the Nearest the Pins – nice golf!

Jake Murray took home the RGH voucher with 65 nett and winning the January Monthly Medal for C Grade, followed by Len Booroff and Mark Schubert on 67 and 68 nett.

A Grade was won by Brad Fleet with a tidy 2 over par round resulting in a 68 nett. Jayden Lloyd and Jason Whitney coming in 2nd and 3rd with 69 and 70 nett.

B Grade winner was Ritchie Atkins, also on 65 nett, followed by Rod Wecker on 67 nett and John Bissell on 68 nett.

NTP’s - Mick Kavanagh, Ash Law, Merv Hinton and Jason Whitney

On Sunday, Vicki Tuck’s little break from golf didn’t detract from her lovely 73 nett winning the ladies competition 2 shots ahead of Tiina Randmae and Pamela Casey. Vicki also won a NTP along with Linda Wardroper.

A very nice 2 over par round for Lew Tuck saw him take out the Men’s competition with 66 nett, followed by Jason Whitney and Geoff Harrison on 68 nett.

NTP’s was won by George Meharry, Aaron Prosser and Lew Tuck x 2.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next Sunday will be a single stableford.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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

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

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

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