The River Rodeo Return

One of the region’s longest running and more unique annual events is fast approaching for its return after a two-year hiatus: the annual Bowen River Rodeo, Campdraft and Bush Sports on June 10 to 12.

A tradition going back over 135 years, the event is once again set to bring people from across Australia to Collinsville with an expected turnout of over four thousand people.

Beginning on the Friday morning, the River Rodeo will go through the entire weekend, ending on Sunday afternoon.

The Rodeo Secretary, Kim Whalan, said the committee had made a slew of upgrades for the return, as well as additional shows.

“This year, we will have Xtreme Broncs attending on Friday and Xtreme Breakaway as well which will be the big feature,” she said.

“We haven’t had a night show for over 20 years.”

The night show is an entirely new one: Rope on the River, a breakaway roping showcase featuring some of Australia’s elite talent.

In breakaway roping, the essential ingredients are that a calf is followed by a mounted horse rider, with the calf given a head start coming out of a chute. The rider chases, attempting to lasso the neck of the calf as fast as possible.

There are an expected 50 plus competitors facing off for the potential to become the winner and claim the title of first Wrangler Xtreme Breakaway Roping Event Champion.

The regular rodeo portion of the event runs Saturday and Sunday, with the Bowen River Bush Sports for kids held on the same days.

There’ll be all the favourites of the rodeo and more: campdrafting, hot food and drinks and non-stop action.

The arena is at the Bowen River Rodeo Campdraft grounds on Mt Wyatt Road in Collinsville.

“This year, we will have Xtreme Broncs attending on Friday and Xtreme Breakaway as well which will be the big feature,”

The Bowen River Rodeo, Campdraft and Bush Sports are back in the region next month

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Whitsunday Green’s weekly competition was not scored this week due to low entry numbers.

The weather was not a golfer's friend unfortunately! By Friday, the sun finally showed itself and a solid 23 players entered the 9-hole competition for the club.

The winner was Nathan Nikolich with 22 points, followed by Glenn Rees and Bob Nikolich both on 20, the count back revealed Glenn in second and Bob in third.

Sunday was SKINS and the winner with 13 skins was Elise Hodgeson followed by Wayne Singleton with 8 skins and Alan Clinch with 6 skins.

Both nearest the pins went to Glenn Rees.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Cory Belke following through

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles celebrated all AFL families with their annual Family Day as part of their first full fixture at home on Saturday.

Families had fun with a bounce castle, face painting and give-aways throughout the morning.

Sea Eagles Under 17s was match of the day against reigning Premiers Moranbah Bulldogs in a brilliant test for the talented young Sea Eagles team who won 68–47.

The strength of the midfield showed with Sea Eagles hitting the scoreboard first and taking it to Moranbah.

Daniels and Dewis fought hard in ruck being outsized all day, however with Allen-Fancke, Zacher and LaMonica working together through the centre, Sea Eagles were able to gain the upper hand.

The home sides depth was shown with nine individual goal scorers from a full team effort.

The Senior Men faced an undermanned Eastern Swans team to take a comfortable win 87–31 after evening up opposition numbers.

After a sluggish start the Sea Eagles were able to pull together to see seven goals on the board by half time.

Sea Eagles came out firing in the second half to play their style of footy with midfielders Max Mackay, Jacob Healey, and Brent Downie consistently winning contests.

Sea Eagles defence once again held strong all day led by Captain Alex Rodgers.

Sea Eagles Senior Women had a close contest against Moranbah Bulldogs showing improvement with their game skills from last year in a 22–35 loss.

Sea Eagles Under 14s faced off against Moranbah in a game set to be the biggest challenge so far for the season eventually losing out 7–67.

Sea Eagles Under 12s took on the front runners of the competition Moranbah Bulldogs taking a 12–39 loss and seeing the closest contest to Moranbah for the 2022 Season.

Sea Eagles hit the road again Saturday May 21 with Under 12s at Sarina, Under 14s and Under 17s at Bakers Creek and Senior Women at Eastern Swans.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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Results Week Ending 8 May

Monday pairs was won by Vern Mietzel and Kevin Dwyer, followed by Bev Woodward and Leslie Baumgarten. Lucky draws were won by Ray McCarthy and Ivan Bragg.

Wednesday ladies’ day winners were J. Comelli and M. Bartolo. Runners up were B. Trannore and W. McGee

Thursday pairs greens vouchers were won by Chris Banney and C. Obst. $15 club vouchers were won by Paul Goldston, Jan Little, Vern Mietzel and Warren Corbett.

Friday winners, once again, were Rob Evans and Peter Horsburgh. Mick Walsh and Vaughan McCall came second.

Saturday men’s bowls was taken out by Alan Cooney and Alex Cameron with Vic Gaudion and Col Carey in second place.

Ladies Club Championships Pairs semi-final with the final to be played on Thursday between Deb McKenzie and Carmel Bell playing Daphne Offield and Sheryl Cuttriss.  Eventual trophy winners were Debbie and Carmel.

Contributed by Tony Allsop and Sue Hazledine

Kees Struik is a regular Monday bowler

Chris Banney in action before the new uniforms arrived

Ladies Club Championship pairs winners Carmel Bell and Debbie McKenzie

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North Mackay Athletics club hosted an Interclub athletic competition on May 7 for all local and surrounding athletic clubs.

Welcoming the local clubs together for the first time this season, the North Mackay Athletics group were excited for an exceptional weekend.

Fingers were crossed as weather warnings dotted the horizon, but Mother Nature thankfully kept the rain away for the coming together on the twilight evening of track and field events.

There was an impressive showing from the several clubs which enjoyed the event, including Mackay Athletics Club, Sarina Athletics Club, and Moranbah Athletics Club who had representatives out on the day.  

There were over 120 athletes from the ages of three to 83 who took to the field and competed in a fun, but competitive, fixture.

The groups gathered at the Mackay Aquatic and Recreational Complex to compete in a multitude of events including sprints, throws and jumps.

There was plenty of action on the night as competitors hopped, skipped, and jumped their way to wins or close finishes, but all with a smile on their faces regardless of the result.

Aside from the action of competition, there was plenty of action off the field for athletes of all ages to enjoy.

Plenty of catching up with old friends and plenty of making new ones, but most importantly – aside from the athletics – there was a palpable enjoyment on an evening with families from each club.

The complex was filled with the sounds of pitter pattering feet as runners took to the course, but there was also music, a pizza dinner and a Mother’s Day raffle which brought even more cheer.

With the Interclub event now behind them, North Mackay Athletics Club is looking forward to the upcoming Mackay Track and Field Carnival.

Hosted by Mackay Athletics on May 21, the event will once again bring together the best of the best from the region to compete.

On the horizon there’s also plans for the club to head out and support the upcoming Oceania Championships being held in Mackay on June 7-11; The athletic community is alive and well in Mackay.

If you are interested in joining athletics, the club is welcoming anyone to come along to a $5 trial session at North Mackay Athletics, Sundays at 8:30am at Pioneer High school.

Contact can be made via Facebook or through visiting the website: www.northmackayathletics.com.au

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With Mother’s Day one of the most important days of the year, the Mackay Road Runners held their annual Casu Jacks Pre-Mother’s Day run last Saturday, keeping the Sunday free for all mothers to enjoy their spoils.

The annual club handicap run saw approximately 40 runners take on 5km and 12km routes.

The course included a couple of ascents and descents of Mt Basset for the 12km and one for the 5km runners, with everyone racing to beat the threatening rain, making for a very challenging run.

Timekeeper and race starter Julie Whibley ran an extremely efficient race start with assistance from Tim Magoffin.  

Rodney Elworthy, Paul Mackenzie, Joe Grech, and Alex Couldrey all started with the heaviest handicap.

Rodney, the runner with the highest handicap, started his race after some of the 5km runners had already finished and still finished in front of other runners.

The quality field also included George Hannaford, Greg Dawes, Jose Short, Glynis Forse, Michael Feenaghty, Carmel Grech, Greame Harris, Lisa Burns, Vicki Vickers, Carole Dawes, Brenda Windsor, Judy Zahn, Emily Dalglish, and talented junior runners, Lily and Luke Leven.  

Tahnee Malageuno also had a sensational run in the female 12km event.

Runners and supporters enjoyed the magnificent post-race breakfast available from hosts Casu Jacks while the much-anticipated pre-Mother’s Day themed prizes were drawn.

Marie Muscat and Alex Anderson both won a random draw prize on the day coinciding exactly with their 10th wedding anniversary and Tim Magoffin also walked away with a prize.

This Sunday morning’s Forsyth Accounting Services Shawn Claydon Memorial Shield and 10km Club Championship event will commence at 7am sharp and runners are asked to be registered with the timekeeper 15 minutes prior to gun time for a scratch start.

The Memorial Shield is held in honour of the club’s past Treasurer and champion runner Shawn Claydon who passed away in 2018.

L-R Lisa Burns, Kim Saron, Stuart Sprott, and Leanne Connor bolt from their handicap start in the 5/12km Casu Jacks Pre-Mother’s Day 5/12km run

Michael Feenaghty sent off on his handicap start by Timekeeper, Julie Whibley (right)

Carmel Grech finishes mere seconds ahead of fast finishing Paul Mackenzie from their handicapped start in the 12km event

Judy Zahn and Daniel Stampa ease down in the final metres of the 12km race. Photos: Janelle Tilse (Road Runners Publicity Officer)

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Mackay City Ladies Bowling Club held its annual May Day Carnival recently. Although the rinks were packed with enthusiastic teams chasing ‘wins’ over the two days, it was evident all were there to enjoy the camaraderie on the ‘green’.

The three key factors in a bowl’s victory – line, length and ‘luck’ – once again sorted out the results!

Saturday’s winning team was comprised of visiting bowlers from North Mackay, Shirley Bartolo, Donna Gordon, Helen Goldston and Lorraine Silman. Second prize was donated by Mackay Hearing and won by City Ladies  Linda Owen, Anna Forsyth, Kathy Mathews and Marie Frederickson.

Sunday’s Mixed 4’s winner was skipped by Sarina’s John Petersen and the city players Kathy Mathews, Snow Oschatz and Janette Dark. Sponsor was Kirstine Robinson.

Contributed by Shirley Sturgeon

Saturday’s winners Shirley Bartolo, Donna Gordon, Helen Goldston and Lorraine Silman with City Ladies President Marie Ferderickson

Sunday’s winners John Petersen, Kathy Mathews, Snow Oschatz, Janette Dark with Sponsor Kirstine Robinson

Mary Burston, Robyn Knott, Lynette Tungate, Elaine Kippen, Sheryl Cuttriss, Henny Tattam and Daphne Offield having fun on the green

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A Team of Mackay Rowing Club (MRC) rowers competed at the Queensland Masters State Championships over the May Day long weekend at Lake Yyaralong.

The nine rowers brought home an impressive haul of 18 medals (1 Gold, 10 silvers and 7 Bronze). Highlights of the weekend rowing included the long-established doubles crew of Tony Lloyd (MRC) and Jim Stafford (Wide Bay Rowing Club WBRC) to take out the gold in their age group, to once again be crowned Queensland champions. The Wohlfhart and Jamieson crew rowed strongly for 3rd place in their first competitive event together.

First time medallist at this level of competition Richard McGrath came away with three silver and one bronze, while Mick Wohlfhart came home with two bronze medals. Ann Jensen raced a program of six events where she rowed in both MRC crews and composite boats with WBRC.

Interclub rivalry in the championship’s mixed Masters GJ doubles saw three Mackay crews line up alongside each other at the starting line.  After giving the older half of the crews in the field a 9 second head start, the race was on for club honours.  Tony and Sabina Lloyd led out strongly with Jane Deguara and Terry Jamieson in pursuit.  Marie Simmonds and Mick Wohlfhart crabbed at the start.  At the business end of the course the Mackay crews had overtaken one of the older crews for Deguara and Jamieson to take out club bragging rights with a bronze medal.  The Lloyds were next over the line, promptly followed by Simmonds and Wohlfhart.

Jane Deguara and Therese Clancy continued their form in their respective single events with both claiming a bronze medal each.  Jane and Therese’s combined event in a double scull saw the duo bring home another silver.

The mixed quad of Deguara, Jamieson, McGrath and Clancy were impressive for their silver behind the dominant Townsville Riverway crew - Australian champion rowers.  Their training efforts were reflected in their results.

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Magpies Sporting Club has awarded $7,900 of cash grants to 18 local sportspeople and charities as part of the club’s new initiative Magpies Community Grants.

Recipients included local athletes shining at the local, state, and national level as well as local charities and organisations to fund projects, programs, and initiatives that directly benefit the Mackay Community.

This is the second quarter of Magpies Community Grants, an initiative that was introduced in November 2021 with the grants providing financial assistance of up to $30,000 annually.

Grants are to be awarded four times a year to winning applicants within three grant categories: Local Sporting Champions Grant, Time to Shine – Women in Sport Grant, and Thriving Communities Grant.

Magpies Sporting Club General Manager Darren Smith says sport and community have always been and always will be at Magpies’ core.

“Magpies Local Sporting Champions Grant and the Women in Sport Grant will help excelling sportsmen and women at a grassroots level – to help fund their sporting endeavours,” he said.

“The Thriving Communities Grant can provide up to $1,000 in financial assistance to organisations with a charitable purpose whose project, program or initiative will directly benefit the Mackay Community.”

Quarter 3 applications are now open.

More information on Magpies Community Grants, including what grants are available, eligibility requirements and notable dates, can be found at www.magpiesmackay.com.au/community-grants and eligible applicants can easily apply online.

Local Sporting Champions Grant Winners

Cody McCall – Queensland Sprint Swimming Championships - $200 Grant

Darcy Cabassi – National Youth Touch Championships - $400 Grant

Toby Rule – Little Athletics Queensland State Championships - $200 Grant

Time to Shine – Women in Sport Grant Winners

Peyton Barrow – Under 16’s State Softball Championships - $200 Grant

Jade Bounden – Queensland Sprint Swimming Championships - $200 Grant

Georgia Rye – U15 Queensland Hockey State Program - $200 Grant

Adele Ginns – Gold Stars Satellite Squad - $200 Grant

Indiana Brough – Gold Coast Suns AFL U18 Academy - $200 Grant

Gorga Randell – QLD School Sport U13-U19 State Cricket Championships - $200 Grant

Thriving Communities Grant Winners

Crossroad Arts – Auslan Interpreters - $787 Grant

Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival – Travel Subsidy for travelling participants - $1,000 Grant

Phoenix Place – Defibrillator - $1,000 Grant

Mackay Kennel Club – Office Equipment - $500 Grant

YIRS One Stop Youth Shop Inc – Assist with weekly lunches - $500 Grant

Kalyan Youth Services – First Aid Kits - $500 Grant

Mackay PCYC – Bikes for Bike Education - $500 Grant

Pioneer Potters – Garden Equipment - $500 Grant

Mackay Surf Life Saving Club – iPad & Case for Training - $613 Grant

Local Sporting Champions Grant Winner Cody McCall

Time to Shine – Women in Sport Grant Winner Indiana Brough. Photos: supplied

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Veterans Golf Report

Bowen Golf News

Tennis Whitsunday

Pickleball Whitsunday

Airlie Beach Parkrun

Wangaratta Bowls

Airlie Bowls Report

Sea Eagles Show Skills in the Wet

Undefeated United Weekend

Gymnastics Spring Boarding To The Very Top In The Whitsundays

Elite Athlete Represents Region In Brisbane

Kids Having A Ball!

VMR News Capsizes and swamping

On the Water

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A new era for basketball in the Whitsundays kicked off last week with the launch of Friday Nights Under Lights.

The three-team competition for children aged 8 to 16 consists of the Proserpine Pirates, Cannonvale Crocs and Airlie Beach Ballers.

Part of the steadily growing Whitsunday Basketball, the competition is the brainchild of the sporting club’s Tim Oberg.

“Our goal is to create a basketball competition for children in the Whitsundays which doesn't require parents to have to take them to Mackay every second weekend,” Tim said.

“I know how frustrating and challenging this can be for families, so we're trying to create something truly local that everyone in the community can enjoy.”

Tim said that those with a love for basketball are more than welcome to come spectate on Friday nights at Cannonvale State School, regardless of if they have kids or not.

“It's shaping up to be a great social occasion, Tim said.

The debut games of the evening pitted the Ballers up against the Crocs in a seesawing game with the lead changing on multiple occasions.

In the end it was the Ballers who got up by just three points.

The second game saw the Crocs take on the Pirates in a bit of a more one-sided affair, with a comfortable victory for the Crocs.

The final debut games of the evening saw the Ballers take on the Pirates in another tight fixture with the points ultimately going to the Ballers who ended the night undefeated.

Feedback from both parents and players was overwhelmingly positive and everyone is looking forward to round two this Friday night from 5:00pm at Cannonvale State School.  

The club are hoping to get a food truck down this Friday night.

Any interested food truck venders please reach out to info@whitsundaybasketball.com

Contributed with thanks to Tim ObergThanks to the dedication of Whitsunday Basketball, kids have finally got their chance to play a Whitsunday based competition

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Council extended their congratulations to a swimming stalwart earlier this month, presenting him with a memento for his achievements in representing the region.

The young Bowen athlete, Kayden Muir, was financially supported by council under their Junior Elite Athletes initiative.

The promising swimmer was presented with a watch by Acting Mayor Mike Brunker and Division 4 Councillor Michelle Wright during the April 29 ordinary Council meeting in Bowen.

The Bowen athlete had been selected to represent North Queensland in swimming at the Under 18 State Championships that were held in Brisbane earlier this year before seeking financial assistance from council.

In his trip down to the River City, Kayden competed in a string of events, representing the region in each.

His first competitive outing was in the 50 metre butterfly before heading into the 50 metre freestyle, 200 metre medley relay and 200 metre freestyle relay.

Kayden’s best form came when he swam personal best times in both relay events.

He said the highlight of the championships was getting to compete against people his own age from across Queensland and getting valuable big meet experience.

In previous year’s, Kayden – a Bowen State High School student - has claimed wins at the local Bowen Swimming Club like Club Champion winner.

He was joined by a fellow state high school classmate Remi Hedges.

Council’s Financial Support for Junior Elite Athletes is available for all residents who are 18 years or younger at the time of competition, and who have been residing within the Whitsunday Regional Council Local Government Area for at least 12 months or more.

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The Whitsunday PCYC has worked its way up from zero gymnasts after the devastation of Cyclone Debbie all the way up to 180 this year as it continues to expand.

Starting out with just a single coach, the local branch now has four dedicated staff members taking the lead across the diverse gymnastics’ curriculum.

“We’re building towards even greater variety of classes at the moment, even bringing back our adult classes in the next few weeks,” Branch Manager and Police Sergeant Billy Li said.

Tara Brady, Dominic Di Benedeto, Amelie Marshall, and Jessica Ferguson are the gymnastics coaches at the PCYC.

Tara has a background in gymnastics as a competitor, as well as Amelie, while Dominic began his gymnastics at the local PCYC in years past as a student.

Jessica on the other hand started her own gymnastics journey alongside her daughter.

“I had done no gymnastics before my daughter started it – she was three and a half at the time and started here and I always found myself here,” Jessica said.

“It just progressed from there and I absolutely love it.”

The group each take individual classes – with at least one class every day of the week - which includes variations like Under 5s KinderGym, BabyPlay, Ninja and regular gymnastics.

The club is growing exponentially in terms of numbers but also with the capability of their coaches who are now able to train at higher levels, going from gym three up to gym six.

“That means we’re growing with our gymnasts, giving us the ability to coach at a higher level,” Jessica said.

One of the favourites for kids at the moment is Ninja, which sees its participants take part in obstacle courses set up by Dominic, who leads the class.

“He’s extremely talented on the gym floor and has been such a boon for us,” Jessica said.

“The kids in particular really look up to him; the young ones aspire to do the things he can do and I think that’s so important for our region.”

On a competitive level, the local PCYC branch is hoping to send some of its gymnasts to events and allow them to grow as young athletes.

“We’re excited to be able to give them the opportunities and that comes from the local community supporting us and helping us expand this gymnastics program,” Sergeant Li said.

Representatives from the gymnastics team

The excellent facilities make gymnastic easy at Whitsunday PCYC

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What a weekend for the Whitsunday United Football club with success against top level opponents across all age groups.

The juniors started the ball rolling with the U14 Div playing Rangers at home. A little rusty after six weeks without a game, they were still dominant against Rangers with Reef Hansen-Harden and Billy Hinton scoring great goals to give the team a 2-1 victory and keeping them undefeated and tied top of the table.

U14 Premiers were on fire – tearing apart the Lions team who are also one of the top three in the comp. From the opening exchanges, the Whitsunday team looked sharp and hungry and after a tight first half, dominated the second to win 6-3, only conceding a couple of late goals through concentration lapses. Jacob Logan was the star of the show with a hat trick of goals to his credit.

The U16 Premier side faced a huge task against the undefeated and in form Lions U16's – especially fielding a patched together team due to injury and illness. They brought their A game and despite conceding a goal in the first half looked the equal of Lions. In what is becoming a bit of a trademark, the Whitsunday youth through sheer determination and grit wore down the Lions and were dominant in the second half, narrowly missing a few opportunities. Tyler Jankowski brought the house down scoring a lofted long distance goal to equalise in the final 30 seconds.

The senior teams travelled to Mackay to take on City Brothers with equally solid results. The Premier Women were lucky to put together a side with many of the girls attending representative comps, however the players available were keen to keep the side in the top three and took an early lead with a cracker from Keely Salter. From there it was a tussle with the Whitsunday side on top, however a late equaliser from City Brothers snatched the win from their grasp to end it 1-1.

The Men's teams were dominant against the City Brother's sides with the U23/Reserve side running in a solid 3-2 win. Stefan Tarne scoring a double, the team now sits mid table.

The Men's Premier side dispatched their opponents with a flurry of goals form Harry Hodgen. Hodgen scored a hat trick in a dominant display from the wing, turning his marker inside and out. 4-0 was the final score, but doesn’t paint the full picture in a possession filled game for the travelling team. It could have likely been more, having previously beaten Brothers 10-2 at home.

The defensive pairing of Declan Durrant and Sam Blake was a sight for sore eyes, with this the first time the starting centre backs have been able to combine. Martyn Goody put in one of his standard excellent performances, although the backline wasn’t particularly tested on the weekend. The quartet – which included Kurt Ashley – was able to keep Brothers to no shots on target.

The win takes the Whitsunday team to third on the ladder but with a few games in hand.

Luca Miller menacing the defence for the U14 Prems. Photo Penny Grossi

The Premier Women finished their game up 1-1 in a fantastic effort

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles headed to Mackay Magpies Sporting Club on Saturday with some great games being played and Sea Eagles talent on show.

Senior Men were keen to keep the winning momentum going against Mackay Magpies starting well in the first quarter.

Midfielders Ryan Lee and Mitchell Healey took control of the game in the second, seeing Sea Eagles lead at half time. Knowing Magpies would come out hard in the second half, Sea Eagles absorbed the extra pressure and outscored Magpies in both terms.

The backline of Alex Rodgers, Jake Turner and Tyne Chick worked hard all day shutting down opportunities for the Magpies and providing a comfortable 82 – 44 win for the Sea Eagles with eight different goal scorers on the board.

Unfortunately, Mackay Magpies forfeited Senior Women so Sea Eagles Women will be eager to take the field this week at home.

Sea Eagles Under 17s saw a hard-fought game early until Sea Eagles combined through the centre to crack the game open to a 116 – 34 win.

A solid Prosser defence throughout the game saw Sea Eagles take a strong lead with Allen-Fancke, Zacher, Daniels and Mansfield feeding the ball into the forward line. Cornwall and Singleton were dynamic up forward taking 11 goals between them.

Set to be anyone’s game Sea Eagles Under 14s combined to get a good start in the wet and continued this trend throughout the game. A heavy clash in the last quarter saw a premature end to the game with Sea Eagles coming out 46 – 7 winners.

Sea Eagles Under 12s have learnt from their first two games in wet conditions to take a convincing win 116 – 0 against the Magpies. Under 12s are commended for sportsmanship with 7 of them taking the field for the Magpies to make a game.

Sea Eagles have all grades at home this coming Saturday 14th May celebrating Family Day at Whitsunday Sportspark from 9am including bounce castle and face painting activities.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles.

Sea Eagles scrapping it out as Magpies scramble for the ball in the Men’s division

It was a wet and wild day all around for the Sea Eagles

Contested footy is the best kind

Cody Fowler

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