Last Wednesday, there was a game of Club Championship Pairs played between Bryan Davy and Luchie Gardel defeating Martin Corr and David Ling to start off the week.

The day also hosted three games of social bowls with four bowlers from Airlie Beach getting in some practice on the grass.

Jim Bownds, Arthur Griffith, and Andrew Butler defeated Heather McKinnon, Bruce Uhe and John Fielding 22-21.

Ken Watts, John Lahney, and Peter Lawton defeated John Anderson, Pat Bownds, and Bryce McKinnon 23 – 15.

Russell Jackson and Sandy Daffara defeated Allan Pershouse and Garry Alexander 35 - 16.

Pennants was played on the weekend.

Division 1 had two home games, narrowly losing to Airlie Beach 51-57 and scoring 0.5 points for a draw on one rink.

On Sunday the team backed up for the game against Northern Beaches winning 70 - 57.

On Sunday afternoon Social bowls, John Anderson played double lead.  

John, Alen Sanderson, Kendall Watts and Sandy Daffara drew with John, Ken Watts, John Lahney and Arthur Griffith 21 all.

During the week, Scott Kinnear has been playing in the Vision Impaired competition in Brisbane and currently leads in both singles and pairs with a few more games still to be played.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Division 1 game on Sunday with Toby Craig taking instruction from skip Gavin Milne

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Last Tuesday saw winners for the afternoon Hugh Sutton and Penny Warren defeat John Hayson and Rose Wright, as well as Robyn Stitt, Isobel Wheeler, and Kev Baxter defeat Deb Retchless, Marg Wilson, and Mark Drummond.

Tuesday was a huge day as Chris Reddick, Irene Laird, and Wayne Reddick rounded out the day with a win over Deb Beel, Merle Elphinstone, and Larry Wright.

Sunday winners for the afternoon were George Tartaglea, Isobel Wheeler, and Chris Healey defeating Eileen Dunn, Sue Shearing, and Denis Madeley.

Others Toni Bowen, Chris Frew, and Hugh Sutton defeated Deb Beel, John Hayson, and Bob Dykstra, with Marcia Arthur, Merle Elphinstone, and Pat Tracey defeating Deb Retchless, Lorraine Knight, and Margaret Wilson.

Irene Laird, Penny Warren, and Keith Armstrong defeated Chris Reddick, Ken Coad, and Robyn Stitt, while Denise Wallace, Lyn Danvers, and Larry Wright defeated Rose Wright, Jen Healey, and Wayne Reddick.

Congratulations to the Wangaratta Men who won the Country Cup at Brandon on Sunday.

Club Competition Final of Ladies Fours was played on Saturday morning.

A close game resulted in Robyn Stitt, Tracey Roach, Margaret Wilson, and Fely Duncan defeating Denise Wallace, Sue Shearing, Val Hadley, and Penny Warren.

Good luck to the Men representing Wangaratta playing in the Red Pennant in the Burdekin at the end of this week.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Winners Club 4's 2022

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Wednesday’s competition was an eclectic one for the ladies’ and a single stableford for the men.  

Ladies’ winner Grace Nott, 34 1/8, runner up Michelle Campbell, 34 3/8.  

Pin shots to Raewyn Glover, Lisa Raisbeck, Marg Need and Gayle Bynes, and Men’s winner Doug Power 37 points, runner up Noel Schultz 36 points.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford sponsored by Tropix Refrigeration.

Men’s winner Malcolm Martin 40 points, runner up Toss Eisemann 39 points, with pin shots to Tim Miller, Ernie Parker, Michael Strickett, Kurt Bidgood.  

Ladies’ winner Paulette Barrett 42 points, runner up Julie Martin 39 points. Pin shots to Julie Martin, Robyn Slade, Judi Morris, Lorraine McArthur.  

Accuracy drives to Julie May and Perry Layton. Greg Fairs won the carwash voucher

This weekend begins with a single stableford on Saturday sponsored by LiveLife Pharmacy.  

On Sunday, the Bowen Golf club welcomed back professionals for the annual Pro-Am sponsored by Abbot Point Operations.  

There will be a shoot-out after the competition on Sunday, with spectators welcome all day.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Place scores for the weekly 9-hole stableford were Tyson Flavel on 22, Rob Lodders on 20 and Mick Bond on 19 points.  

Friday's 9-hole stableford was won this week by David Wallace on 19 points. Lorri Thynne and Tyson Flavel both came in with 18 points however it was Lorri that won the count back to take second.

Sundays 4 ball better ball was won by Wayne and Adam Singleton on 41 nett, followed by Dave Wallace and Alan Clinch on 44.5.

Nearest to pins were Rhys Bartholomew and Adam Singleton.

Cory Belke is the first to complete his Kids coaching clinic with Glenn Rees and the interest from ladies commencing the clinics is growing.

The final Monthly Medal for the year will be held this Sunday with the Medal of Medallist scheduled for 5 June.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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Sunshine and pickleball paddles made for rainbows and smiles on Thursday afternoon.

There were four courts featuring games like ladies doubles featuring Amity and Demelza against Robyn and Gay.

Lorraine and Yoko played against Gerry and Murray, as well as Michael and Kate pitting themselves against Stu and Frank.

First time players Bob and Lyn joined in for a wonderful afternoon.

On Saturday the sun let the rain take over and no Pickleball played.

Paddles Up till next week! 4pm Thursday Afternoon and 7am Saturday Morning

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

Bob and Lyn

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Saturday morning pupils arrived in wet weather and chilly conditions but this inspired brilliant footwork from the Saturday Morning Squad.

Coach Sienna brought out the ladder and it was Sophie who set the pace for the rest of the Squad to follow.

Saturday morning had a special visit from Lily, who took the opportunity to do a private lesson, then followed this up by coaching young William

Unfortunately due to the ratty conditions Saturday morning Social tennis did not make it on court, however Saturday arvo social tennis played the odds, and Marlene and Norm kept everyone on their toes.

Earlier in the week Fit, fun tennis the original and best cardio workout on a tennis court made it back, and the girls were elated to be exercising while having fun.

All squads were busily involved working on their singles play. Well done to Sienna, Karl, Tan, Lacey, Lucas and Jack.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

The agility ladder was the big feature in the rainy week at Whitsunday Tennis

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After rain cancellations the previous weekend the weather gods were kind and a festival of football began at the Whitsunday Sports Park.

All eight Whitsunday United teams took to the field in the same location for the first time this year.

The day started with a rampant U14 Premiers continuing their great form and literally tearing apart the visiting Magpies 8-0.

Jacob Logan bagged a couple of goals, but six other players contributed to the score line showing the quality of this side. The win cements them top of the ladder.

The U16 Premiers were slow out the blocks, looking lethargic and disjointed against a much improved Magpies unit.

They came in at half time tied 4-4.

An animated half time chat from coach Luke Swift did the trick and the team fired up in the second half running in 5 unanswered goals.

Jazz Knezevic, Kobi Miller, and Tyler Jankowski all ran in two goals, with Rale Mudford and Zane Hill contributing a couple as well. The side now sits in second place on the ladder.

The U14 Div1 team also continued its winning form against Sarina with a 7-0 victory on the back of some great teamwork and spectacular football. Jacob Godden scored a hat trick with Kai Draper backing him up with 2 goals. The win will put them in a clear second place on the ladder.

The Women had a great round with the Div 1 side recording a strong win against Sarina 2-0. Highlights included Francesca Norbury Trueman and Mabel Gudes scoring their first goals of their careers.

The Premier Women's Squad faced off against top of the table and title favourites Mackay Lions in a game that flowed from one end to the other.

Coach Peter Farrell was impressed with the speed and quality of the game and felt that his side was unlucky not to at least come away with a draw.

The Whitsunday Men faced an uphill battle in the lower divisions with upwards of 10 regular players missing. Div 1 put up a strong fight against the Mackay Lions going down 5-1.

Reserves were defeated with many Div 1 players having to back up for a second game.

The Premier men played a nail biter against the strong Mackay Lions. After missing an early penalty, the home side worked hard playing into the wind to Keep Lions to 1-0 at half time, with the midfielders Scott Ferries and James McEvoy-Bowe working hard to create opportunities for Ben Seago and Harry Hodgen up front.

The second half was all Whitsunday – dominating possession and field position but despite hitting the goal posts three times, they were unable to score and against the run of play, Lions scored a second goal – winning 2-0.

A very encouraging display against the top team in the competition considering three of our top players were unavailable.

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The Mama Africa Raiders travelled to Bowen on Saturday to take on the old rivals Bowen Mudcrabs at their home grounds.

The coaching staff were prepared for the traditional hard slog and close scoring that has played out between the sides for decades.

Raiders had to travel with a few less reserves than normal, but this has never been an excuse not to perform at their best.

With a stiff breeze behind them Bowen brought it rom the start. The first 35 minutes was a tussle between both forwards and backs and was played between the 22mtr lines of both sides. Until Bowens forwards went over the line through a strong pick and drive play.

Half time came around and the raiders were behind 5 nil.

With the penalty count climbing for the home side, Raiders crept ahead through the boot of Hone Casey-Bloomer and Connor Spence to see them lead at the 65th minute mark 12 -5.

The game wasn’t over by any means, with a large and vocal group of local supporters, Bowen was never out of it.

All until young gun Jack Briskey scooted through the defensive line, again, and scored Raiders only try of the game at the 77th minute mark, leading now 17 – 5.

Bowen managed to turn the ball over after the kick off and a couple of phases later had a 20-metre line break, only to be shut down by the hard-working Raiders defence.

The Raiders boys then advanced up field for a few more phases until the final whistle went.

Raiders win 17-5.

With the whistle blown and the crowd cheering both teams, the mighty Raiders managed to complete round one of three undefeated and currently holding the number one spot on the ladder.

This does not mean the remaining rounds are going to be easy, in fact the direct opposite; they expect tough games from all the MRU clubs.

This game was not only the completion of round 1, but it was also the first of a three-game series to see who can win the inaugural Eclipse Financial Service Cup.

This series has been proudly started by ex-Muddies player and Eclipse Financial Services managing director Justin Butler and will be played out on the Raiders home game, June 18 and finally at Bowen on the August 6.

Mama Africa Raiders players of the day went to our #10 Dylan Hoffmann 1 pt, lock and big brother Joel Hoffmann 2pts and to young gun winger Jack Briskey 3 pts.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles Juniors hit the road to Mackay and Sarina on Saturday in less-than-ideal conditions, with Seniors having the bye and a postponed round for the Women against the Swans due to ground suitability and safety.

Sea Eagles Under 17s took on Bakers Creek to consolidate after an amazing win against Moranbah last week in a comfortable 73 – 13 win.

Bailey Wishart and Jack Jeffries continued to excel through the middle with Wishart’s mark play of the day.

Sea Eagles forward line saw Cody Love, Huntah Miall and Max Baker working under the guidance of Jacob Dewis and Brodan Cornwall to make an impact on the scoreboard. The ever reliable midfield Aidan Allen-Fancke, Kain Zacher, Foxx LaMonica, Jordan Daniels and Jacob Dewis continue to improve and deliver the ball with precision to the forward line.

In what was always set to be an even contest Sea Eagles Under 14s faced Bakers Creek. The first half saw both teams work hard to finish with only one goal apart at half time.

Special efforts from Cody Love and Molly Bennett in the third saw Sea Eagles stretch the lead out to 9 points with Sea Eagles using the breeze in the final term to finish up 46 – 23.

Sea Eagles Under 12s had a wet match down at Brewers Park against Sarina Demons improving their now experienced wet weather skills.

Maintaining possession in the Sea Eagles forward line for the almost the entire game saw Sea Eagles take it out 46 – 0.

All Sea Eagles teams play in Mackay this coming Saturday May 28 for the final Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous round at Harrup Park against the Mackay City Hawks and Swarks.

Juniors start from 9:35am, Senior Women 3:30pm and Senior Men at 5:00pm.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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Wynnum Manly Seagulls headed to the Sugar City for Round 9’s Respect Round at BB Print Stadium against the Mackay Cutters.

The home side faced off in a wet and wild Friday night fixture, hoping to bounce back from defeat against the Bears at Pizzey Park.

The Seagulls, who were sitting pretty in 6th and hoping to make a berth for top four, had other plans for the local side, though.

Cutters were first to score through Blake Paskins, but Manly fired back with a four pointer.

The first half was a tight affair, with Cutters scoring again with seven left in the first half, with Luke Webley crossing in the dying embers – leaving Cutters in the lead.

Second half began with Tristan Hope crossing for the Seagulls before they crossed again with a four pointer. Manly were on a tear and kept scoring, capitalising on a floundering Cutters side.

Cutters were slow to it and conceded again near the end, leaving the game 10-28.

The Sugar City side are now up against the Blackhawks on June 4 in Townsville, hoping to stay in the chase for a good finish come the end of the season.

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Making an impact on the schoolboy rugby league scene is St Patrick’s College Mackay centre Kai Simon.

The dashing 17-year-old colt has caught the eye of sporting pundits with his dynamic performances this season at school and Junior League level.

Simon is one of the players to watch in a strong St Patrick’s Open team that will be competing for honours in this year’s CQ University Confraternity Shield Rugby League Carnival to be staged in Mackay from June 26 to July 1.

The fleet-footed centre - who is under contract to the North Queensland Cowboys – was at his elusive best as St Patrick’s College tuned up for the CONFRO Carnival with a hard-fought 16-14 trial win over reigning Aaron Payne Cup premiers St Brendan’s College Yeppoon last week at Leprechaun Park Mackay.

Simon nabbed a try and two goals and menaced the Yeppoon side with his tricky running in an impressive display in the wet conditions.

Other players to shine for St Patrick’s were clever halves Jaxon Purdue and Ethan Van Kerkwyk and rampaging forward Matthew Watts.

St Patricks jumped to a 12-4 lead following tries by talented hooker Xavier Korrisk and the quicksilver Simon before St Brendan’s bridged the gap with a converted try before the interval.

Speedy 16-year-old winger Bailey Anderson extended St Patrick’s lead with a fine try after the break before the visitors registered their third four pointer late in the match.

St Patrick’s coach Michael Comerford was pleased with his team’s overall performance in an absorbing contest.

“I was very happy with our attack in the opening 25 minutes and our defensive effort in the final twenty,” said Mr Comerford.

“We experimented with some combinations and several squad members grabbed their opportunity against some tough opposition.”

MEANWHILE Mercy College Mackay Year 10 side toppled St Brendan’s 34-28 in a high scoring trial match at Leprechaun Park.

Powerful centre Toby Woodall, lock forward Javen Ramsamy, skilful half back Adam McSherry, fullback Coby Cabassi and tireless forward Campbell Grisan-Hodges turned in strong games for Mercy under the guidance of coach Ian Schifilliti.

Mercy College will kick off their 2022 Aaron Payne Cup campaign against Mackay State High School on Friday June 1.

Contributed by Chris Karas

Talented St Patrick’s College centre Kai Simon on the attack during his side’s Year 10 trial win over St Brendan’s Yeppoon

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Runners took on the sand of Sarina Beach for the 2022 Cruisin' the Coast Fun Run on Sunday hosted by the Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club.

Participants took part in a variety of distances, with 3km to half marathon runs and walks on offer.

Paul McKenzie took out the inaugural half marathon, finishing the 21km run in just over an hour and 40 minutes.

Sarah Manttan crossed first in the 10km run with Brayden Manttan winning the 5km run.

John White was first across the line in the 5km walk and Nate Brady smashed out the 3km distance to claim first.

The sun made a brief appearance on Sunday for the Cruisin' the Coast Fun Run at Sarina Beach

Paul McKenzie won the inaugural Cruisin' the Coast half marathon

Sarah Manttan crossing the line first in the 10km

Bendigo Bank sponsored the event and participated in the 5km walk. Photos: supplied

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Our second division pennants team had three losses to Northern Beaches at Northern Beaches last Saturday, but on Sunday had three wins at Seaforth against Seaforth. Other results were not known at this time.

Social Bowls Results

Monday mixed pairs winners were Maurie Pearson and Darren Laurens. Runners up were Don Agnew and Graham Moore. Lucky draw winners were Sally Canham and Sam Leotta.

Wednesday ladies winners were Bev Svenson, Lyn Maguire and Narelle Schmidtke. In second place was Marie Bragg and Brenda Trannore.

Thursday mixed pairs winners were Mick Mackenzie and Mick Walsh. In second place was Tony Allsop and Wazza Corbett. The kitty toucher jackpots. Greens vouchers were won by Brenda Trannore, Narelle Schmidtke and Ron Bowers.

Friday competition will be re-commencing shortly. Watch the board for a date.

There were no results for Saturday play.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Lorraine Lemke shows her style while Lydia McCarthy watches

Dave McKendry is a picture of concentration

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Queensland Rugby League announced its Under 18 Emerging Origin squad last week with two Mackay locals’ a part of the squad.

Young lads Baden Robinson and Xavier Kerrisk – both Mackay Brothers Football Club alumni and QCCS Mackay Cutters Junior Representative Players - made the 30-man Emerging Origin Squad through the elite Queensland pathways program.

Xavier Kerrisk is also a North Queensland Toyota Cowboys contracted player.

The two lads joined their teammates to take part in a two-day training camp in Brisbane on May 7-8.

Head of Football at the Mackay Cutters, Kim Williams was overjoyed when the young players received the news.

“This is a fantastic achievement by both players and one that they should be very proud of,” Mr Williams said.

“Their performances throughout the Mal Meninga Cup competition this year were outstanding and they both thoroughly deserve their selection in the Origin squad.

“As a club we are extremely proud of their achievement.”

The Emerging Origin program has lofty ambitions for the young athletes, hoping to develop them into highly skilled rugby league players for Queensland representation.

Head coach of the Emerging Origin Squad Guy Williams managed the 30-member squad throughout their two-day training camp at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre (QSAC) in Brisbane.

The young Mackay lads were ecstatic when they found out they’d be given an opportunity to represent at “the peak of footy” for their age group.

“It was a bit of a shock when I first found out. I felt like I’d played well in the squad but it was still a bit unreal,” Xavier Kerrisk said.

“It was very different from the usual training camps. It was a bit more focused on the little things you do in a game.

“I liked it a lot because it was a different experience. Off the field, it was a lot more trying to understand what it’s like to be maroon. Taking care of yourself and things like that.”

Xavier has been playing the game since Under 6s, and said he was proud to have impressed the coaches enough to be a part of the side.

“From a young age, you have the goal to play origin. It’s the peak of football. The older I’ve been getting, the more I’ve been trying to make it,” Xavier said.

“If I keep doing what they’re saying and impressing them, I can maybe get there.”

The Grade 11 student is making a name for himself in Queensland and hopes he can keep the momentum going alongside his teammate.

“It was good to have a lad alongside me from the Cutters. We’ve been at the same clubs our entire lives; it was good to be not the only one from Mackay,” he said.

“Hopefully we can keep playing good footy and keep making sides like that.”

‍Young gun Xavier Kerrisk made the Under 18 Emerging Origin Squad in early May

Alongside him is promising star Baden Robinson

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The McDonald’s Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes played host to the Brisbane Capitals in the Crater on Saturday night.

The first game of the night saw the Mackay Meteorettes suffer their first defeat of the season, going down to a classy Brisbane outfit 103-67.

While they didn’t get the win, Miela Goodchild impressed the crowd in her Meteorettes NBL1 North debut posting 21 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

Shaneice Swain also shone adding 12 points, four rebounds and four assists.

The second game of the night saw another thrilling NBL1 North win for the Mackay Meteors, defeating the Capitals 69-66 in a nailbiter.

Biwali Bayles dropped a 19 point and 15 rebound double-double with Emmanuel Malou adding 15 points and nine rebounds.

The win takes the Meteors’ record to three wins and one loss after Round 4️.

Both teams will now start preparations for a triple-header road trip south next weekend where they’ll face Gold Coast Rollers, North Gold Coast Seahawks and Logan Thunder.

Mackay’s next home games will take place at Mackay Basketball Stadium on June 4 against USC.

Action from the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes against the Brisbane Capitals last weekend. Photo Credit: Kieron Place Art & Photography

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