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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A jammed packed week for Airlie Beach Bowls Club starting on Tuesday afternoon with a fantastic win from Margo Stanley’s team of lead Robin Brown and second Stacey Hadlow.

Ladies’ B Grade pairs final between Bev Taylor and Jill Mazlin-Peterson against Di Dobbins and Lane Telford, 21-20.

Wednesday afternoon, over 20 bowlers played for the winners cheque and the jackpot prize.

Neil Moore, Col Morris and Russell Jackson won both prizes on offer with Betty Whitehorn winning the Health Hub award.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls had four great games with Woolies Allsorts team of Cathy Russell as skipper alongside Maureen Barnard, and Amy Hart with Eric Barnard also putting in a solid performance in their win over the Health Hub team.

Both teams won 5 ends each in the 19-6 win.

PRD defeated Tuk Tuks 9-8 with seven year old Mayson McDowall starring. While Kitties defeating Whitsunday Gold Coffee B team 11 to 6 and Hadlow Racing Team and Whitsunday Gold Coffee A team drew .

Thursday afternoon the St Catherine’s boys trained, and Friday, 16 children arrived for school sport with the best two bowlers set to represent North Queensland in Brisbane later this year.

Mother’s Day equal winners were Andrew Butler’s team of lead Lu Rogan, and Margo Stanley’s talented team.

A special mention to vice chairperson Karen Jensen, and Elaine Kippen. Both are wonder women for the club and are greatly appreciated by all members

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Tuesday, May 3, Deb Retchless, Sue Shearing, Greg Colquhoun, and Mark Drummond defeated Irene Laird, Lyn Danvers, Kevin Baxter, and Geoff Danvers to start the week off.

Mother’s Day saw some visitors arrive at the club to play, with thanks to Pat who organised a chrysanthemum corsage for the ladies and potted plants for the winners of the afternoon.

Winners were Irene Laird, Sue Shearing, and Linda Smith who won more ends in their drew with Keith Armstrong, Greg Colquhoun, and Alan Rolfe.

Other wins went to Robyn Stitt, Mark Drummond, and Alan Almond who defeated Bill Myers, Kennedy Whitton, and Pat Tracey.

Laurie Land, Lyn Danvers, and Geoff Danvers dispatched the team of Kate Almond, Isobel Wheeler, and Jeff Tierney.

The Club Competition Ladies Open Pairs saw senior bowlers Merle Elphinstone and Isobel Wheeler play exceptionally on Tuesday morning to defeat Robyn Stitt and Fely Duncan in the quarter final.

Men’s results are in with Open Pairs Greg Colquhoun and Geoff Danvers defeating Ted Evans and Peter Hinschen.

Open Singles Sunday morning was played between brothers Mitch Wright and Jason Wright, with the match finishing 25 to 24.

In another singles result Geoff Danvers defeated Steve Roome.  

Congratulations to the North Qld Ladies District who were Runners Up in Division 2 of the State District Championships with 20 Districts playing last week at the Gold Coast, only losing first place on aggregate to Bundaberg. Denise Wallace, Penny Warren, and Margaret Wilson played well for four days in their respective teams to help secure the placing.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Sunday Mother's Day Winner Sue Shearing with President Mark Drummond

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The rain didn’t stop the 65 people who ran, jogged, and walked the 5km oceanfront course, of whom seven were first timers.

The cooler weather helped 17 participants to record new personal bests: Simon, Trent, Nyrie, Kadon, Kerrin, Nick, Carly, Gus, Dean, Emily, Kirsty, Sally, Josiah, Shane, Kathryn, Kylie and Joanne.

Nathalie Bloom also had a special weekend, celebrating her 100th parkrun.

The event was made possible by 15 drenched and devoted volunteers: Nick Beecroft, Kara Olver (Run Director) Kirsty Daniels, Alison Scoles, Madison (Photographer), Laura Oates, Christopher Harvey, Louise Cox, Annette Turner, Lynne Oates, Caitlin James, Joanne Ahern, Brad Sabott, Jack and Thomas Lee.

Today's full results and a complete event history can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun Results Page.

Two volunteer marshals are needed for this Saturday, anyone available is encouraged to contact airliebeach@parkrun.com

The next Whitsunday Running Club pacer event is on the 19th of May. Pacers will be jogging at a variety of speeds, combined with cooler weather, it is expected there will be many new personal best times set on the day.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach.

The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social and supportive environment. You can walk or run the 5k course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead if you want to!), lend a helping hand as a volunteer in a wide range of super-easy roles, or simply spectate and socialise on the sidelines.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun.

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The Thursday afternoon Picklers were bursting at the seams with excitement when they made it back on court after three wet Thursdays in a row.

Murray and Gay Speden from the Gold Coast joined in with the cheerful band.

There were some tremendous matches: one between husband and wife teams, Murray and Gay, and Stuart and Kate.

Other Picklers delighted to be on court were Sheridan, Yoko, Robyn, Amity and Michael.

Unfortunately, drizzly weather made Saturday morning a washout.

Lookout for Kids' Pickleball hitting off on Monday afternoon, May 16 at 3pm to 4pm.

Pickleball Terms of the week:

Grip: the way you hold the paddle OR the material that is wrapped around the paddle handle to protect it and provide cushioning.

Midcourt: the middle area on the pickleball court between the non-volley zone (kitchen) and the baseline.

OPA: sometimes shouted out after the third shot has been hit when open volleying has begun.

Till next week: Paddles Up.

Bats at the ready for Pickleball Whitsunday sessions if the rain stays away next week

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This week’s focus is on Wednesday afternoon with the first up on court Lacey, who was honing her serving skills.

On the adjoining court, Cannonvale primary school captain Jasper and brother Asher were practicing rallying.

It was then time for Jai, who gave it his all.

At 4pm, squads with Coach Jenny and Jett, and Kaine with Coach Jamie, joined at 4.30pm by Sophie.

5pm squads took to the two front courts, working on match play.

On the back court, Lachlan worked to take part in the school tennis trials and - fantastic news - made the team. A shoutout to Karl who also made the school team.

Good news: social tennis made it out on court on Tuesday and Thursday night and welcomed Wayne, a new member of the community.

Saturday afternoon social tennis kept an eye on the heavens, the rain held off and they were able to have a great afternoon on court.

Please note Saturday morning social tennis is commencing at 7am and Saturday afternoon social tennis at 2pm.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman.

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Bowen Golf’s Wednesday competition was a single stroke event for the May midweek monthly medals.  

Men’s winner Benny Bon 64 nett, runner up Perry Davis 65 nett.  

Ladies’ winner on a countback Carol O’Connell 69 nett, runner up Claire Garrod 69 nett.

Over the weekend, the Bowen Golf club hosted the Men’s A, A1, B, and C grade opens: Saturday was B and C grades.  

B Grade Gross winner Craig Newell, Gross runner up Brenden Wells, Nett winner Liam Hillery, Nett runner up Leny Heron.  

C Grade Gross winner Colin Shaw, Gross runner up John Courtney, Nett winner Peter Dale, Nett runner up Don Williams.  

Longest drives to Aaron Watts and Len Phillips.  Nearest the Pins to Brenden Wells and John Courtney.

Sunday saw the A and A1 grades take to the course, with A Grade Gross winner Kyle Dowde, Gross Runner up Martin Evans, Nett winner Joshua Scullie, Nett runner up Isaac Fellows.

A1 Gross winner Marcus Yasso, Gross runner up Mitchell Greenbank, Nett winner Tim Miller, Nett runner up Ian Dunn.  

Longest drives to Chris Dunn and Adam Shaw, with Nearest the pins to Doug Power and Jeff Day.

This weekend is a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Sportspower.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

A and A1 Gross winners Kyle Dowde, Martin Evans, Marcus Yasso, Mitchell Greenbank

A and A1 Nett runners up Isaac Fellows and Ian Dunn

B and C Gross winner Craig Newell and runner up Brenden Wells

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The course was finally opened last week for our competition and surprisingly 25 players braved the heavy conditions. It was very tough going out there.

The men’s winner on the day was Peter Fox again, having a good run with 40 followed by Nick Apruzzese with 37 and Ken Granger 34.  

The ladies’ winner was our new member Moya Bradley on 30 (well done to her) followed by Leanne Alexander on 29 on a countback from Tiina Randmae on 29.

Nearest the pins went to Ken Granger, Nick Apruzzese and Larry Muller.

John Roser and Colin Hounsell both in the hole.

The ladies went to Leanne Alexander, Beryl Nosworthy with an Eagle on 2, Lyn Muller, Rehab Hull, Leanne again and Tiina Randmae.

Chip ins went to Phillip Luckett, Peter Fox, Barry Mortimer, Leanne Alexander and Tiina Randmae.

Next week is Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

Tuesday winners

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This week at Whitsunday Green, Glenn Rees commenced his first ladies’ clinic with Robyn, Beth, and Carolyn while Dee and Jane continued their private lessons. Talk about having fun in training 'what a hoot'.

The weekly 9-hole-stableford was won by Dean Barnard with 21 points, followed by Mick Bond on 20 and Glenn Rees on 19 points.

Friday's winner this week was James Millar with 23 points, followed by Mark Winter on 22 and Wayne Singleton on 21 points.

On Sunday it was the 18-hole comp, this week won by Glenn Rees on 39, followed by David Wallace on 33 and Wayne Singleton on 32.

Terry Kimpton and Glenn Rees also took the 'nearest the pins' on the day.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Deanna Norman and Jane Muller

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Last Saturday saw the Mama Africa Raiders Rugby Union team welcome the visiting Kuttabul Camel Boks to the Whitsunday Sportspark.

It was the first time the two teams had met since last year’s grand final and happened to be the top of the table clash for this season, and on paper, the game to watch this round.

With the weather conditions overcast and the grounds damp, everyone was looking forward to a great tussle across the paddock.

Kuttabul’s big forward pack and their strong backline were always going to be formidable to beat, but the Raiders were prepared for a physical fight.

With great preparation during the week but a couple of players carrying injuries, coach Andre Houston fielded probably the youngest average age team the club has ever seen.

Most of the home side had come back from the CQ championships in Rockhampton, held over the May Day long weekend, having played three games in three days, and Kuttabul also had a couple of players in the championship.

From the kick off, both teams showed they were up for a contest, and against the run of play and defending near their line, the Raiders won a turnover with young debutant Rhys Ward opening up the Kuttabul defensive line and running away for an 80 metre try under the posts, deftly converted by Niall Clancy.

The set piece tussle at scrums and line outs was an even affair with both teams gaining and losing the advantage across the field. In the end the Raiders came away with the bigger advantage.

Kuttabul hit back during the first half to be just behind at the break, 17 -10 to the Raiders, two tries a piece but the conversions and a penalty goal being the difference.

The second half started off well for the men in green, and again it was the young gun Rhys Ward who darted the ball across the line in the corner to put the Raiders in front 22-10.

Kuttabul weren’t giving up and with another unconverted try leaving them trailing by just 7 points going into the last quarter of the game.

Both sides were putting in the big hits, creating turn over ball and counter attacks right across the paddock, and a few of the older Raider players stepped up from the bench to make impacts.

Ryan Edkins, Trent Elson, William Pratt, and Andre Houston showed that age is just a number; which in turn sparked up the young guns. Raiders were able to convert two more penalties to lead the game 28-15 at the 73rd minute as well as keep the Camel Boks contained for the rest of the game.

Full time score 28-15 to the Mama Africa’s Raiders men in green, try scorers Rhys Ward (2), Connor Spence, and kicking duties Niall Clancy 2 conversions, 3 penalty goals

Player Points, 3 Rhys Ward, 2 Jye Hawkins, 1 Trent Elson

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With two pennants matches played our division two team is leading the field along with City on 11 points. In our first game at home on Saturday our three teams all had wins against Seaforth to get 6 points. On Sunday we played Marian at Marian where two teams had wins, and the highest score overall to get 5 points.

Our other two teams in third and fourth division did not do as well, with division three sitting on 4 points and fourth division on 2. It’s very early days though.

Many thanks to Margaret Armitage for making and supplying new corner flags on our two greens. Margaret has been supplying these for many years and put up new flags last week.

Social bowls – results week ending 1 May

Thursday pairs winners were Margaret Fogg and Barry Lehmann, with Warren Corbett and Tony Allsop coming second. Max Rose, Paul Goldston and Jan Little won green vouchers.

Friday pairs winners were Glen Fahy and Chris Banney. Lucky draws went to Chrissy Hall and Ron Bowers, and regular winner, Rob Evans with Brian Perrin.

Saturday men’s day was won by Col Carey, Felix Purcell and Brian Perrin. Runners up were Peter Grant and Trevor Laurens. Peter Madden’s team won the jackpot of $240, which he shared with his opposition team. Thank you Peter.

Ladies Results

North Mackay ladies hosted the Gooseponds 3 Bowl Triples, with 20 teams competing from City, Sarina, St Helen’s, Suburban, and North Mackay clubs. A hotly contested day was had by all those who attended.

Winners: A. Peet, J. Schmidtke, L. McCarthy (NM) with a 9+29.

Closely contesting second place was M. Bartolo, S. Bartolo, C. Bell (NM) with a 9+20.

Third place went to S. McCall, L. Coad, F. Keft (Suburban) with a 6+29.

Fourth place went to N. Schmidtke, S. Cutriss, D. Offield (NM) with a 6+15.

Contributed by Tony Allsop and Sue Hazledine.

North Mackay Division two team had their first game in their new uniform.

From left, back row: John Kennell, Clive Wales, Mick Walsh, Ian McDonald, John Priest, Bert Hobbs, Dave McKendry.

Front: Clint Vassie, Peter Grant, Tony Allsop, Greg McLean, Chris Banney

Women: Ladies Gooseponds 3 Bowl Triple Winners: Anne Peet, Lydia McCarthy, Jean Schmidtke

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On the back of a nasty 30-10 defeat to the Sunshine Coast Falcon, the Cutters were looking at another tough fixture up against the Brisbane Tigers.

Tigers had rolled through their first five matches undefeated, claiming a victory against the Central Queensland Capras at Villanova Park, where Solomona Faataape had run riot in the match-up.

Cutters were on a second defeat in a row – they’d won two of their five fixtures so far – and Tigers had been flying. There have been a few glimpses at what this Cutters team can achieve, but consistency seemed to be the lacking ingredient.

They’d battled hard against Northern Pride to clutch at a 24-22 victory at BB Print, and they’d absolutely walloped the Jets 12-52 in Round 2.

Although there’s much of the season left to play, title charges – or even finals berths – are made and lost with the very consistency the Cutters seemed lacking in.

BB Print was set to be a proving ground last Saturday against a side that was making a claim for supremacy.

Tigers sit top of the table with 9 points – the pack of Falcons, Bears, Devils and Capras close behind on 8 – and Cutters were still in the bottom half of the ladder with 4.

But it wasn’t the Tigers that came out the gates roaring.

The atmosphere in BB Print was electric, with Cutters out in their ANZAC Jerseys for Round 6 of the Hostplus Cup.

The home side were first to cross through Jake Riley in the 8th minute. Riley was first to a defence splitting kick that sat up for him beautifully.

He would cross again midway through the first half after a well-worked move saw Jayden Morgan dart through several of the Tigers players. Morgan was finally taken down just ahead of the line, but not before he offloaded to Riley, who then proceeded to dance past what was almost the entire Tigers side to cross.

The early advantage and the absurd athleticism bolstered the Cutters side, with Luke Webley at the end of a four pointer, again slaloming through the Tigers defence.

Tigers were able to score in the first half through Dan Russel after a bit of scruffy defending from the home side, but the Cutters went into the break 18-6.

Tigers crossed early in the second half through Gerard Beale in the 46th to put a bit of scare into the Cutters, but Jayden Morgan would put an end to the Brisbane teams hopes.

Morgan clashed through the Tigers line in the 75th, absolutely clattering the defenders to make it 24-12 in the Cutters favour and putting an end to the undefeated streak.

It was all smiles at the end of the matchday as Cutters posed for pictures with fans, and even some of the Tigers joined in – regardless of the fact they dropped from top spot on the ladder to fifth, their title charge is still well and truly alive.

The Cutters look ahead to their next game: up against the Bears, who sit comfortably in second, and have been a bogey team for the Cutters in their last 10 fixtures, of which they’ve won 9.

Cutters will travel down to Pizzey Park on the Gold Coast on May 14 after their bye this weekend. Bears will not have the luxury, taking on the Magpies at Davies Park and Tired legs may well be a difference maker.

Triple M’s Dave interviewing Sean Mullany who took both ‘players player’ and ‘man of the match’ awards in last weekend’s clash against the Brisbane Tigers. Images supplied: Mackay Cutters

It was all happy faces for the Cutters, pictured here post game in their ANZAC Day kits

Cutters fans revelled in the win against the Tigers snapping photos with the players after the match

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The Mackay City bowls green has been busy over recent weeks leading into the District Pennant Season. ‘Memorial Day’ was celebrated in fine style with Sue Beale, Margaret Egerton and Mary Burston winning the Glen Duffy Shield and Pauline Schembri, Jeff Neeve and Cath Davis victorious in the Brian O’Sullivan Shield - both gentlemen being past active club members.

Traditionally on ANZAC Day the ‘City’ club acknowledges past member Ossie McLardy who was an original Anzac in 1915. He was one of the lucky ones to return and enjoy a game of bowls in latter life at the club. The ‘City’ club honours his memory and all past and present servicemen and women on Anzac afternoon.  This years ‘lucky Ossie’ winners were Kirstine Robinson, Pauline Turchet and Beth Dawes.

Glen Duffy Shield winners: S.Beale, M.Egerton, M.Burston

Brian O’Sullivan Shield winners: P.Schembri, J.Neeve, C.Davis

Lucky Ossie winners: K.Robinson, P.Turchet, B.Dawes

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Mackay Bowling Club – Ladies Section held their Presidents at Home carnival recently. President Dot welcomed 58 members from various clubs in the Mackay district and members from MDLBA President Lyn and Treasurer Pam.

There was great friendship and laughter on the green. After the game of bowls everyone celebrated the day with a luncheon which was attended by Mackay Club Chairman of the Board Peter Nelson and Mackay Men’s’ President Tony Gibson.

Winners of the Bowls were E. Brondello, J. Nelson and R. Grace. Runner-ups: C. Bradford, R. Mannix and P. Roots. The club President Dot along with MDLBA President Lyn cut the birthday cake made by our Patron Eunice Bennett.

MDLBA President Lyn, Club President Dot and Patron Eunice

President Dot and MDLBA President Lyn

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