The Proserpine Whitsunday Brahmans U13 Boys team has shown the rest of the region what they’re made of, making it all the way to the grand final of the Nate Myles Cup in Cairns.

It’s the first time a Proserpine Whitsundays Junior Rugby League Club has made it that far in the competition.

The Brahmans took 19 players to Cairns for the tournament over the June 25-26 weekend, ultimately going down in the grand final 8-16 to Townsville club Souths Bulls.

The grand final loss brought the team’s six-match tournament winning streak to an end, with the Brahmans finishing the pool stage on top of the table with 96 points for and only 8 points scored against them.

They then faced Innisfail Brothers in the semi-final, keeping their opponents scoreless and winning 8-0 before going down in the grand final in a competitive contest.

“I’m very proud of them,” said coach Justin Follett.

“Our preparation was good; the boys were focused – they love going to tournaments.”

“Everyone was happy to put their shoulder to the wheel, help their mate out and help the team out.

“We had to play a few kids in different positions, but they stepped up and did the right thing and played for one another.”

29 teams from Rockhampton to Cairns participated in the carnival.

“We matched them,” said Mr Follett.

“From Cairns to Rockhampton and every team in between, we took them on and we did really well.”

Team captain Koby Johnson-Follett used his “footy brain” to direct his team around the park and lead them to the grand final, supported by standout performances from Ashton McDermid, Ryver Court, Riley Snow and Evan Beale.

“I could mention all of them,” said Mr Follett.

“I’m very proud. But I’m proud of everyone involved in the boys’ success; thank you to the support staff and Kim Bates especially.

“She just organised the whole thing, it was awesome.”

This U13 Brahmans Boys are the first ever Whitsunday side to make it to the grand finals of the Nate Myles Cup

The young guns were on an unbeaten run of six matches before the final

Coach Justin Follett said he was proud of his group of little warriors

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This coming Saturday is a special round of footy for a local team, with the home game at Whitsunday Sports Park in AFL Mackay’s Pride Round.

Whitsunday Sea Eagles’ Women’s team will be the feature game of the day as they face off against Mackay Saints, kicking off at 1.15pm on July 16.

In solidarity with the United States’ celebration of Pride Month over the course of June, the local football side will wear special Pride Round guernseys.

Between Captain of Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Women’s Team, Georgie Carland, and another player, Sam Todd, sponsorship for the special guernseys was sought and granted by Ray White and Shirtfront Solutions.

“They look absolutely fantastic,” Ms Carland said.

The guernseys are a twist on the regular Sea Eagles kits, with these featuring a rainbow pattern. As a certificate of appreciation, both sets of sponsors were gifted with their own guernseys.

Women’s Captain Georgie Carland said this was an “extremely important round of footy” for the local team; both in terms of competitive spirit, as well as for LGBTQI+.

“Not only does it showcase women’s sport in the Whitsundays but also promotes the importance of LGBTQI+ awareness in our community,” Ms Carland said.

“This round is particularly significant to a number of girls on my team, as well as myself, not to mention the importance to our families and friends.”

The Sea Eagles are inviting locals to come down and support the team as they take it to the Saints tomorrow afternoon in their brand-new kits.

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Ladies’ pennants finished with both First division and Fourth Division a credible five with special mention going to Carol Crosbie and Elaine Kippen, Jill Mazlin-Peterson, and Robin Brown.

Wednesday afternoon’s social bowls welcomed all the interstate sun seekers, Bev Wilson with husband Leon, Bev Hetherington, Paul and Jane Sproson, and Cheryl and Ken Warner amongst the 30 bowlers competing for the prize.

John Askew leading his team of Lyn Graham and Graham Cowling obliterated all comers with Elaine Mawson winning the prestigious Health Hub award.

Saturday morning Scroungers round two resumed with a big roll up and first round winners were Peter Barratt, Margo Stanley, Alan Pershouse, John Brown, Nik Fernbach, and Betty Whitehorn,

The final was played by Peter Barratt and Alan Pershouse, with Alan returning to previous great form with a commanding victory.

The club was represented at the Sarina eight-a-side Champion of Champions with skipper Warren Mills with Andy McDougall, Maureen Barnard, and Helen Ward in mixed fours.

Elaine Kippen and Jill Mazlin-Peterson played Ladies’ pairs and Col Morris and Mark Mawson played Men’s pairs, coming fifth overall.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls saw 34 bowler’s competing welcoming from Belmont Park Bowls Club in Auckland NZ the lovely couple Karin and Mike Leyden , with Henny Tattam’s team taking home the chocolates and Jody Kraguljac travelling with Peter Hallion and Frank Gibbons from Goolwa South Australia winning the prestigious Health Hub award.

The A grade Fours Final was a hard fought contest with skipper Shane Spann, Tim Taylor, John Matterson, and John Fielding overcoming Manny Isgro’s team of Bob McMahon, Russell Jackso, and Terry Clarke.

Well done to all players.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Col Morris, Andy McDougall, Elaine Kippen, Maureen Barnard, Mark Mawson, Jill Mazlin-Peterson, Helen Ward, and Warren Mills at Sarina for the Champion of Champions weekend

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Last week's wet weather meant that social bowls on Wednesday was not played.

On Saturday morning two games of Senior Singles were played: Garry Alexander defeated Vince Olsen 25-15; Bryan Davy defeated Jim Quod 26-18.  

The other scheduled game between Sandy Daffara and Arthur Griffith has been postponed until Wednesday this week.

In the Club Championship Fours there was a mix-up and Stephen Summers stepped in to play the first few ends in place of Warren Wilson.  

Warren Wilson, Martin Corr, Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley defeated Harry Craig, Duwaine Hiscox, Toby Craig. and Marcus Craigh 24-15.  

Wayne's team will be playing in the Champion of Champion Fours at Souths Suburban on July 23 and 24.

Club Championship Pairs Final was played: Michael Kinnear and Grahame Kinnear defeated Gavin Milne and Barry Saroglia 28-17.

Michael and Grahame will play in the Champion of Champion Pairs at Souths Suburban on August 6 and 7.

On Sunday we had a great roll up for Social Bowls:  Gavin Noonan, Arthur Griffith and Lino Michallef defeated Kendall Watts, Grahame Stewart, and Peter Lawton 21-15.  

Ken Watts, Bob Preston and Jim Quod defeated Alen Sanderson, John Lahney and Philip Brown 26-13.  Velia Stewart, Mike Harrison, and Heather Brown defeated Tom Jessop, Mary Hedgelong, and Barry Zillmann 26-18.

All bowlers need to be aware that the green will be closed Monday and Tuesday this week for spraying. Social bowls will be available Wednesday.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Club Championship Fours Winners Martin Corr, Warren Wilson, Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley

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The rain dampened the bowls early in the week but soon picked up on Fun Friday with eight rinks playing.

Fun Friday, July 8: Winners for the afternoon France Wilmann Allen Connelly Donna Leeson d Linda Atkinson Colin Taylor Lindsay Harris. Runners Up Darrell Brian Heidi d Lorraine Judy Ros. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Barefoot Bowls started again on Friday Nights. Next week, a sausage sizzle before the game which starts a 6pm to 8pm – all welcome.

Winners for the night Roger, Neville, and Leigh defeated Sandra, May, Jean, and Joan, with others winners Louise, Deb, and Jenny beating out Rob, Brian, and Alec, as well as Peter, James, and Denise winning against Maree, Anita, and Wendy.

Sunday, July 10: With another good roll-up the winners were Colin June and Paul Barry defeating Anne Lindsay and Heidi Lawrie, runners Up for the ever-popular mango were Allan Gillies, Maureen Hyde, Peter Howie, and Joe Paynting defeating S Pearson, Marie Nesbitt, S Lockold, and Alan Rolfe.

Next Sunday is Skirts versus Shirts which will make an interesting afternoon.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Winners Fun Friday left to right: President Mark Drummond, France Wilmann, Donna Lesson, Allen Connelly

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Men's Winner on a countback was Tom Wikander 37 points, runner up Don Williams, 37.

Ladies' Winner Robyn Slade 36 points, runner up on a countback Linda Scells, 35. Pin Shots to Scott Tasker, Nathan Schleemann, Toss Eisemann, Dan Windridge, John Courtney (OBP), Morag Parker, Kerry Pedlar, Margie Tilbrook, Lorraine McArthur.

Tom Wikander also had an Eagle on hole 14.

This weekend’s competition begins with the Ladies and Men’s 27-hole Foursomes championships on Saturday, sponsored by Hayman Electrical and a Single stableford event for a club trophy on Sunday.  

Don’t forget to check the clubs Facebook page for this week’s dinner menu.  Takeaways still available.  

Please call the club on 4785 1206 if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order. Joker draw is $3300 this week.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Whitsunday Sands July winners

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This week Tyson Flavel won the weekly competition with a count back win over Rhys Bartholomew, both players had a score of 21 points. Glenn Rees was third with 20 points.

For the Friday Prawn Run it was a welcome back to Dave Telford with 22 points, followed by Chris Bartlett with 21 points and Glenn Rees third with 20 points.

For Sunday SKINS it was Rob Lodders who took the money with 11 skins.

Rhys Bartholomew was second with 8 skins and Tyson Flavel and Terry Kimpton both took 6 skins each. Glenn Scott and Glenn Rees took the Nearest the Pins.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Renae Maxwell Club Champion Ladies

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This week 76 motivated people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km oceanfront course, of whom 21 were first timers and 7 recorded new Personal Bests.

Well done to Darren, Sam, Jay, Gus, Jennie, Braxton and Rose. Many participants turned up in red, yellow and black for NAIDOC week.

The event was made possible by 13 fantastic volunteers: Nick, Justin (run director), Kathryn, Kara, Deb, Kirsty, Su, Ashley, Laura, Warren, Lynne, Dennis and Joanne.

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.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

A personal best time for Braxton

Rosie achieved a personal best time

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event with Ladies’ winner Lisa Raisbeck 37 points, runner up on a countback Leanne Swan, 36.  Men’s winner Robert Carmichael 44 points, runner up Nathan Vine, 41,.

Saturday’s competition was a single stroke event for the Men’s July monthly medal.  

Winner was Marcus Yasso with a great score of 71 off the stick for a 65 nett, runner up was Ernie Parker with 69 nett.

Sunday competition was the ladies turn with Kim Bennion winning with 70 nett, runner up Leanne Swan 71 nett.

Pin shots to Julie Martin, Jo Kukura, Janice Bates and Lorraine McArthur.  

Both competitions sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf club.  

This weekend’s event is a single stableford sponsored by Whitsunday Sands resort.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Ladies’ July monthly medal winner Kim Bennion

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The Mark Nicol Memorial Ambrose was held in late June with a total of 28 players participating for the trophy event.

Winners on the day were Lew Tuck and Joanne (Nicol) Moynihan on a nett 60, followed closely by Benn Ryan and Penny Wardroper on 64.

In the run down were Jason Bourke & Clay Coles, Aaron Watts and Tiina Randmae, Danny York and Dean Barnard.

Pins shots were claimed by Benn Ryan & Penny Wardroper, Dean Barnard and Danny York, Dean Kercher and Pauline Redpath.

Longest drives went to Lew Tuck, Mark McDougall, Penny Wardoper and Jacqui Wall.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

Benn Ryan, Penny Wardroper, JOanne Moynihan, and Lew Tuck

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There was a full field of veterans out and playing last Tuesday, with 33 in all: 15 women and 18 men.  

The conditions were extremely challenging with very strong, chilly winds and men's winner on the day was John Roser with a great score of 37 followed by Nic Apruzzese on 33 on a countback from Barry Mortimer.  

The ladies’ winner was Leanne Alexander on 34 continuing her excellent form on a countback from Jenny Hounsell with Elspeth Scotford third with 33.  

The pin shots went to Neil Cawthorne on 2 and 13, Leanne on 2 and 13, and B grade Tiina Randmae on 2, with Paula McQuat on 13.

The clubs Wintersun is fast approaching 1-9 August, please get your nominations in.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Ladies’ winner Leanne Alexander

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This week at Whitsunday Green was all about the 27-hole Club Championships. The weather wasn’t perfect, but rain held off long enough for all players to have a great day. Some great scores were submitted.

The overall gross winner Dean Barnard came in with 80 ‘off the stick’. The Club Champion Men’s was awarded to Sean Fogarty with 82 ‘off the stick’ and a 77 nett score. Club Champion Ladies was awarded to Renae Maxwell with a nett score of 90.

Runners up for the ladies was Elise Hodgson with 94 while runners up for the men’s was Brad Low with 79.

Several others were nearby in the rundown. James Millar, Justyn Durbin, Glenn Rees, Craig Smith, Ryan Kenny, and Rhys Bartholomew. Nearest the Pins were won by Dean Barnard and Paul Dunnand, also Renae Maxwell and Danny York.

The weekly competition was won this week by Matt Johnson with 25 points, second was Ron Thynne with 24 points and Rhys Bartholomew with 23 points.

The Friday Prawn Run competition was won by Michael Bond on 22 points taking the count back win over Neil Boland also on 22 and David Wallace third with 21 points. Another great week at the Club!

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Winners Sean Fogarty, Dean Barnard, and Renae Maxwell

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In just over a week’s time runners will compete across eight categories in the region’s premier long-distance event.

The Tassal Group Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, which regularly features upwards of 500 athletes – professional and amateur – will get into gear on July 16 and 17, starting with its enormous 42.2- kilometre marathon distance, and all the way down to the 1.4-kilometre Airlie Beach foreshore Magic Mile.

Across the longer distances the course has been modified; the regular two laps along The Beacons headland at Port of Airlie has now been reduced to just the one.

Competitors will shoot off in marathon, half marathon, 10-kilometre, 5-kilometre fun run, two-kilometre fun run, and five-kilometre team challenge distances – as well as the Magic Mile.

The foreshore lawn will be host to market stalls and activities for the full two-day festivities centred around the Airlie Sound Stage for spectators and competitors alike.

Whitsunday Running Club president Timothy McQuoid-Mason said the club was expecting around 400 competitors to hit the pavement during the festival.

“What I’m excited about is that we’ve got our winners from last year back again: Caleb Noble is back for the men and in the women’s, Liz Kompton is as well. Both hold the record in their respective categories for that distance,” he said.

“We’ve got a really interesting one for the Magic Mile and the half marathon, too, Emma Hogan – she’s represented Australia in the U23 Triathlon event this year.”

Dan McDonnell is also confirmed to return. McDonnell is the current record holder for the men’s half marathon distance and an accomplished Ironman competitor – recently placing second overall in the Cairns 70.2.

Liz McGuire from Townsville, who won the half marathon last year, is also likely to return but has as yet to confirm.

“We have a couple of gun athletes locked in now,” Mr McQuoid-Mason said.

The festival will begin on Saturday at 4:00pm with the Magic Mile – two laps along the Airlie Beach Foreshore - which has two open events in age 6 to 9 and 10 to 15 categories.

Sunday is the big day with the marathon beginning at 6am before the half marathon.

The 10-kilometre is up next, which is followed by the five-kilometre and a five-kilometre corporate challenge.

That event is a team comprised of up to 10 runners running five kilometres each. The quickest three times are totalled and compared against others to pick the winner.

After those events will be the two-kilometre primary school challenge - just two laps around the foreshore, similar to the magic mile.

To finish off the festivities is the adorable one-kilometre run for 4–6-year-olds.

Registrations are still open at the Whitsunday Marathon Festival website.

Competitors will criss-cross the paths of Airlie Beach over varying distances in the Marathon Festival next weekend

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Whitsunday Life journalist Declan Durrant’s weekly sit down with a local sportsperson.

“It Was Always Soccer”

When he’s on a football pitch, Whitsunday United centre-forward Thomas Torszok is lithe and quick; there are few players like him in the region who glide on the grass.

The fluidity seems effortless, but details thousands of hours the now Airlie Beach resident put in training as a youngster.

That training led him to career heights representing the country as a schoolboy, time as a Brisbane Roar youth player, a stint in the United States D1 Soccer League, and in the Queensland National Premier League (NPL).

Born on Australia’s west coast in Perth to Hungarian parents, Torszok grew up on the Gold Coast from the age of 13. His father - a high-level footballer in Hungary – had made sure his son always had a ball at his feet.

“I matured at a good time, which is why I think it worked out for me; at 16, I was playing Gold Coast Premier League every year with Coomera Soccer Club.

“I had two good games and I never lost my spot.”

In 2012, he moved to Brisbane’s Wynnum Wolves – a Brisbane Premier League side at the time – playing in their first team. He ended the year with roughly 20 assists in a tally that earned him a call-up to an Australian representative schoolboy’s side.

When he returned, another call came, this one from Brisbane Roar.

“My time at Roar, I wasn’t there too long – about five months,” Torszok said.

“I went back to Brisbane Wolves and four games in I did my ACL.”

In the time away from the game – around nine months – Torszok would end up pursuing College in the United States, where he would again play football, but strangely turned to Gridiron, where he would play United States College Football in front of crowds of up to 30,000 as a kicker.

“It was one of the best times in my life,” he said.

When he did eventually return home in 2018, he picked up an NPL contract at Gold Coast United, but once again realised soccer had lost a bit of its shine.

He arrived in Airlie Beach in 2021.

“I moved in with a player from here – I wasn’t going to play, but I’m so glad I did. I love it here,” he said.

“The guys have made me enjoy playing soccer; I feel like a kid again, and I want to win the league.”

Torszok, when he’s not on the pitch, is an auxiliary fireman for the Whitsunday Fire Brigade. He hopes to someday become a full-time firey.

“I want to help the community; that’s why I do all of the things I do, and I really feel at home here,” he said.

Whitsunday United centre-forward Thomas Torszok is just one of the region’s extraordinary players with an extraordinary backstory

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Welcome to this seasons Premier League, Dom Friend! The 2020 Xmas Open Champion put players on notice on Sunday at Mika with an impressive 63 average display in one of his two victories on the day.

The first being a dominant 7/0 win over Aaron Paull where he got that 63 average, and then casually backed that one up with another 7/0 victory, just as devastating, but this time Gary Robbie was the recipient.

That launches Dom into 4th place on the ladder, the highest he’s been all season, and has most certainly put everyone on alert.

Joe Wilson is the new league leader this week having defeated Seumas Rose 7/1 on Sunday. That win has him just above Jamie Woods on the ladder, with Jamie having a bye this week and Joe having played a game more.

Andy Peel won his match 7/1 over Ross Gallichan to remain in 3rd place.

Ross narrowly lost his second game of the afternoon 7/5 to Jayden Lloyd, which puts him bottom of the table courtesy of leg difference to Lorraine Woods who also had the bye this week. That win puts Jayden into 12th place on the ladder.

The Premier League is proudly sponsored by Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing, thank you for your support.

As It Stands

1. J Wilson 20pts

2. J Woods 18pts

3. A Peel 18pts

4. D Friend 16pts

5. J Maher 16pts

6. S Rose 11pts

7. A Paull 10pts

8. A Green 8pts

9. K Reason 7pts

10. G Robbie 7pts

11. N O’Hara 5pts

12. J Lloyd 4pts

13. L Woods 2pts

14. R Gallichan 2pts

Dom Friend putting the league on notice at Mika on Sunday

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