Three Mackay rugby league players represented Malta last Wednesday night, taking on Lebanon for the Elias-Fenech Trophy at Belmore Sports Ground in Sydney.

Mackay Cutters’ Hayden Pace and Wests Tigers’ Connor McDermott both made debuts for Malta while Carlton’s Devils club captain Nathan Benson made his twelfth appearance.

Lebanon took an early 4-0 lead, but Malta soon hit back with Pace scoring on debut playing in the centres.

Pace latched onto a Jarrod Sammut grubber with Sammut converting the try to make it 4-6 in the fifteenth minute.

A barrage of tries followed for Lebanon, with Malta going gown 30-14.

Malta coach Aaron McDonald said the young side needs to continue to build.

“Some young guys got an opportunity tonight and were impressive, so we just need to keep that core group together and keep working hard,” he said.

"They are a good young side as well, obviously they will throw in some NRL experience and you will have to back them to do well at the World Cup."

Hayden Pace plays on the wing for the Cutters and was slotted into the centres for Malta

Connor McDermott played on the wing in his Malta debut

Cartons Devils captain Nathan Benson made his twelfth appearance for Malta, playing on the wing. Photos supplied: Malta Rugby League

‍

‍

In a big weekend for extreme sports, Mackay hosted two mountain bike events last weekend organised by Rocky Trail Entertainment with support from the Invest Mackay Events Attraction Program and MAD MTB Club.

The action kicked off with the Rocky Trail Academy Schools Competition last Friday and continued with the Fox Superflow gravity enduro race over the weekend.

In the Fox Superflow event, competitors rode to the starts un-timed and then completed three race tracks for many categories – from elite to amateur racers to families with juniors, couples and groups of friends riding together.

Racers came from interstate and throughout Queensland to participate, but local knowledge prevailed with local rider Ethan Weiss claiming first place in the Elite classification.

The 17-year-old completed the challenging three race stages in 6:44.2 as the fastest racer on course, followed by 39-year-old Clay Schulz from the Gold Coast with 7:02.3, claiming outright second and the Veteran category win.

With only 0.2 seconds of a gap, Callum Duffy from Western Sydney was third overall with 7:02.5, with the 19-year-old winning the Expert category.

Sunshine Coast Elite racer Jess Hoskin claimed first in the women’s with a winning race time of 7:27.3, too strong for local U17s racer Kristen Rowlands who finished with 8:23.7.

Kristen is the School Mountain Bike Captain at Mercy College and a real prospect for the future.

Master 40+ racer Kate Deambrogio came in third overall in the women’s.

Part of the junior development program by Rocky Trail Entertainment, the Academy schools competition focuses on encouraging students of all abilities to come and race with their mates in a safe and social environment.

On Friday, students from 14 schools took on the challenge to test their riding ability across three skill areas at Rowallan Mountain Bike Park: endurance, speed and technical skills.

Mercy College claimed the Schools Championship Title for most points achieved with almost 20 students competing.

Rocky Trail’s National Event Manager Jo Parker says the program reflects the values the company wants to foster by engaging youth in healthy social and active recreation, creating pathways into the sport.

“Our Rocky Trail Academy events bring a heightened appreciation of nature, the environment, self-reliance, self-learning and independence, all as part of riding a bike in the outdoors,” Ms Parker said.

Local rider Ethan Weiss claimed first place in the Elite classification of the gravity enduro race over the weekend

Sunshine Coast rider Jess Hoskin claimed first in the women’s Elite category

Local rider and Mercy College Mountain Bike Captain Kristen Rowlands finished second in the women’s

Mercy College claimed the Schools Championship Title Rocky Trail Academy Schools Competition on Friday. Photo credit: OuterImage.com.au

‍

Mackay’s Cooper Whitestyles took the Lawn Bowls Australian Open by storm last week, winning the multi-disability pairs final alongside para-Jackaroo Damien Delgado.

The pair hoisted the trophy on the Gold Coast last Thursday courtesy of a nail-biting one-shot victory over Phillip Mahonney and Clive Williams.

Cooper says he’s still on cloud nine.

“It’s hard to believe,” he said.

Being his first time at the Australian Open, Cooper says it was a nerve-racking experience at first.

“I knew it was going to be big, but I didn’t know it was going to be that big,” he laughed.

“It was definitely a bit overwhelming at the start but once I got settled, I felt right at home.”

The win was made even sweeter by Cooper’s mother and aunty making a surprise trip down to see him play.

“That was a total shock, I had no idea they were going to come down,” Cooper said.

“I had no idea until I turned around and there was my mum and aunty.”

His mother and aunty found out their flight was cancelled at 6:00pm the night before Cooper’s final but that didn’t stop them; they got in the car and made the 13-hour non-stop trip to Broadbeach before turning around and making the trip back after the match.

“Mum said she’d do it all over again just to see me win, so that was pretty special,” Cooper said.

This is the second time Cooper and Damien “Damo” Delgado, of Tweed Heads, have competed together after winning a state title together two years ago.

“We just read each other well and the chemistry’s great,” Mr Whitestyles said.

“I enjoy playing with him, he’s just a good bloke in general.”

Cooper first got involved in lawn bowls through school at Mercy College at 13 years of age.

He currently plays at Souths Suburban Bowls Club in Mackay, which he says prepared him well for the tournament.

“They’re the strongest club in Mackay so there’s always competition and it’s always quality competition,” he said.

Cooper will line up alongside Damo again in August for state titles, vying for selection in the Queensland team and ultimately pushing for a spot in the World Cup taking place in New Zealand next year.

“The harder you work, the luckier you get so I’ve just gotta put my head down and work my butt off,” Cooper said.

Cooper Whitestyles and Damien Delgado are the Australian Open Multi Disciplinary Open Pairs Champions for 2022. Photo supplied: Australian Open

‍

This week 80 motivated people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 22 were first timers to Airlie Beach parkrun and 6 recorded new personal best times - well done to Darren, Jay, Isabella, Bronwyn, Susanne and Kathryn. In addition, Nathalie celebrated 25 weeks as a volunteer. Bob celebrated his 100th parkrun and Janice and Keegan completed their 100th parkrun at different locations, they came to Airlie Beach to celebrate these milestones.

The event was made possible by 16 wonderful volunteers: Nick, Justin, Kara, Matthew (run director), Aimee, Leigh, Nicole, Kirsty, Emily, Madison, Dylan (photographer), Samuel, Laura, Lynne, Caitlin and Joanne.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then 3,895 participants have completed 21,052 parkruns covering a total distance of 105,260 km, including 2,484 new Personal Bests. A total of 338 individuals have volunteered 2,907 times.

Several volunteers are needed for next week, please contact Airlie Beach parkrun at airliebeach@parkrun.com if you can help.

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.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

Janice and Keegan completed their 100th different parkrun and Bob completed his 100th parkrun

Most of the team of magnificent volunteers that made parkrun happen

Nathalie has achieved 25 weeks as a volunteer

‍

In a thrilling conclusion to the inaugural Friday Nights Under Lights junior basketball competition, the Proserpine Pirates have clinched the title overcoming a late challenge from the Cannonvale Crocodiles.

In the first match of the evening, the Crocs took on the Airlie Beach Ballers in a neck and neck match with scores tied at 10-10 at half time.

The tense second half saw both teams tussle for the lead before the Crocs went ahead for the final time, winning 18-16.

The next match saw the Ballers back up to face the Pirates. Fatigue got the better of Airlie side with Pirates running away with it 34-6.

The results set up an exciting finish for the competition. If the Pirates won, they would move to eight wins and take the title outright, while a win for the Crocs would move them level with the Pirates on seven wins, with the outcome coming down to points for and against percentage.

As has been the case throughout the six-week tournament, the standard of play from both teams was excellent with the crowd treated to a wonderful display of junior basketball. On this occasion it was the Crocs who prevailed, though, concluding their season with a 29-28 win.

This meant a quick crunch of the numbers to see who would take the overall crown for the term, and it was the Pirates from Proserpine coming out on top with a superior point for and against percentage (1.36% vs 1.10%).

“We are all ecstatic with the first running of our Friday Nights Under Lights comp,” Tim Oberg from Whitsunday Basketball said.

“The kids who have participated have all been immense, displaying wonderful sportspersonship and increasing their skill development.”

Mr Oberg thanked the volunteer team managers and referees, as well as the parents.

“We can’t wait to do this all again in term three,” he said.

Registrations for term 3, Friday Nights Under Lights, are now open.

Contributed with thanks to Tim Oberg

The Proserpine Pirates won the first season of Friday Night Under Lights Basketball

Airlie Beach Ballers finished in third

It was a tight night of games for the finale

Cannonvale Crocodiles were pipped at the end by the Pirates, but enjoyed their first full season

‍

A six-match week for the Airlie Beach Darts Club on return from mid-season break, starting with a midweek match played between Ross Gallichan and Jamie Woods.

Ross, who was desperately looking for only his second win of the season, was going to have to play his best stuff to overcome Woods - who’s winning everything in sight at the moment.

Woods’s form would suggest nothing but a win was on the cards, and Woods did just that, taking full control and winning the match 7/1. He’s looking like the man to beat again this season.

The match on Saturday afternoon went down to the wire with a resurgent Andy Peel defeating Nathan O’Hara 7/5. Nathan who’s playing his best darts presently was unlucky not to get a point.

At the club on Sunday, Jayden Lloyd put his first points on the board this season with a 7/5 victory over Lorraine Woods.

Seumas Rose had two fine victories, the first of which was a 7/2 win over Gary Robbie, and the second was a 7/1 over Aaron Paull.

Finally, Kameron Reason rounded out this week’s fixtures with a 7/1 win over Jayden Lloyd.

The Premier League is proudly sponsored by Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Jayden Lloyd claimed his first win of the season at Mika on Sunday

‍

For Airlie Beach Bowls Club members living here in paradise, the mornings may be cold this winter, but the bowls are sizzling.

Starting on Tuesday, ladies’ bowlers played two division games in one day: Division 4 played Mackay City with skipper Rhonda Lloyd and players Di Dobbins, Tess Walker, and Lane Telford playing sensational bowls for a 40-28 two-team win.

They sadly lost to West Tigers in the afternoon event.

Division 1 played brilliant bowls with a three team 68-41 win with Betty Nicole outstanding.

They beat Mackay City in an outstanding 61-47 win.

Tuesday after social bowls saw a last end win by John Trembath and Paul Tobias defeating Mark Mawson and John Brown with a last bowl 15-14 win.

Wednesday afternoon social bowls saw 20 players out in force.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls was the season conclusion with PRD team and Hadlow Racing Team finishing on equal points.

It went to ends won with PRD our major sponsor winners overall, see photo congratulations to John Morris and his team for a well-deserved victory.

The school competition is coming to an end with St Catherine’s school deciding Harry Craig and Corey Stroud would be representatives for their school with the Christian College and Proserpine High school yet to be finalised.

The club also welcomed back those who competed in the Australian Open.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Robin Brown and Mark Mawson from Whitsunday Gold A Coffee team presenting the Business House Bowls Trophies to John Morris, Andy McDougall, and Kyle Davey from PRD4

‍

‍

On Wednesday there were two games of Social Bowls played, with Arthur Griffith and Philip Brown defeated Bob Ross and Garry Alexander.

Final score was 31-3, while Mike Harrison and Warren Wilson defeated Tom Jessop and Peter Lawton, 28-14.

Many thanks to all who assisted on Thursday morning with the working bee.

On Sunday afternoon John Anderson, Mary Hedgelong, and Garry Alexander defeated Heather Brown, Mike Harrison, and Jim Quod 24-22.

Tom Jessop, Philip Brown and Arthur Griffith came back from a deficit to defeat Alen Sanderson, John Lahney, and Peter Lawton 30-20.

Saturday, July 2: upcoming Club Championship Fours will start at 8.30am.

Peter Lawton, Garry Alexander, Dale Haack, and David Ling vs Gavin Noonan, Luchie Gardel, Andrew Bell, and Barry Saroglia; Shane Kinnear, Brett Saroglia, Michael Kinnear, and Grahame Kinnear vs Todd Leys, Nathan Dodds, Scott Hamilton, and Gavin Milne

Semi Finals Club Championship Fours on Saturday, July 2 begins at 11.30am. Winner of Ling/Saroglia game v Harry Craig, Duwaine Hiscox, Toby Craig and Marcus Craig; Winner of Kinnear/Milne game vs Martin Corr, Warren Wilson, Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley

Final Club Championship Fours begins Saturday, July 2 at 2.30pm between winners of Semi Final vs Winners of Semi Final.

Sunday, July 3, 9am start for the B Pairs Alen Sanderson and Harry Craig vs Arthur Griffith and Bruce Uhe, Peter Lawton will be subbing for Bruce Uhe; Club Championship Pairs Marty Flowers and Vince Olsen v Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley

Please note, all games will be play/sub or forfeit.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Enjoying the sunshine and perfect weather for bowls, Mike Harrison and Tom Jessop

‍

Monday last week saw a full green of self-selected triples, the winners for the afternoon were J Breakwell, B Bowring, and J Stamp defeat P Sullivan, M Hyde, and R Hyde.

Tuesday’s big winners for the afternoon were S Pearson, J Hayson, and S Farrell defeating J Painting, B Bellingham, and R Stitt.

Fun Friday winners for the afternoon was Robyn Ron, who defeated Mandy Chris.

Sunday winners for the afternoon were Brian and Steve Franz defeating Deb Kaye and David Denis.

Ladies Competition final of the Ladies’ was A Singles won by Penny Warren who defeated Denise Wallace.

Men’s Competition: A Singles M Wright d M Drummond. The final was played on Sunday with Geoff Danvers defeating Mitch Wright.

Don’t forget we are hosting our Monster Cent Sale at the club on Saturday afternoon starting 1.30pm sharp.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

‍

Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event at Bowen Golf Club, with  men’s winner Greg Fairs 40 points, and runner up Rob Byles 39 points.  

Ladies’ winner on the day was Marg Need, 39 points, while runner up was Wendy Tracey, 36 points on the countback.

Saturday was a Stableford competition sponsored by Tim Warren Auto Airconditioning and Electrical.

Ladies’ winner Freddy Lynch, 38 points on countback, while runner up was Pauline Martin with38 points, too.

Men’s winner Marcus Yasso finished with 40 points on countback, and runner up was Ryley Malone, also on 40 points.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

: Tim Warren winners Freddy Lynch, with runner up Pauline Martin, and runner up Ryley Malone

‍

‍

Mid-June saw the end of the FISHi Veteran's Opens for another year, with 35 players out on the green for the final day, seven of whom were out of towners.

The weather was fine, although a bit windy, and the course was in good condition. Women's Champion was Tina Randmae with a great score (39), second Vickie Wallace (37), and third Leanne Alexander (38).  

The Men's Champion was Vic Feldman with the top score of 40, second Trevor Paroz (35) and third Barry Mortimer (34).

Nearest the pins for the Women went to Marieta Smith (2nd), Elspeth (9th in the hole and 16th) and Robyn Whitham (13th).

The Men's nearest the pins went to Trevor (2nd), Vic (9th and 13th), and Nick Apruzzese (16th).  

Winners for closest to the snake up the 18th were Ken Granger and Debbie McCowan, while the lucky winners of the FISHi seafood tray were Jan and Barry Shuwalow.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Jan and Barry Shuwalow, winners of the FISHi seafood tray

‍

The weekly competition winner this week was Terry Kimpton with 20 points, Ron Thynne came in second with 20 points and new player Brayden Davies was third on 19 points.

The Prawn Run was won by Wayne Singleton who took first place on a count back win 21 points. Second was Glenn Scott also with 20 points and third Brayden Davies with 20 points.

Sunday was the first Monthly medal for the new year’s cycle, won by Adam Singleton with a nett 48 followed by Wayne Singleton with 52 taking the count back placing over David Thomas also on 52.

Best off the stick was Justyn Durbin.

Nearest the Pin was Glen Scott and Elise Hodgson. This Sunday will be the Club Championships for a 27 hole round win, with great prizes on offer.

Registrations are being taking this week and must be in by Friday.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Scott Hayes

‍

Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams tackled Mackay Magpies in a fantastic day of footy at Whitsunday Sports Park.

After hard games against Saints the week before, all teams were looking to turn it around and come home with wins.

In the senior matchup, Magpies were first to the scoreboard against a struggling Sea Eagles team, winning out the first quarter two goals to zip.

Whilst Sea Eagles had their fair share of the footy in the second, inaccurate kicking meant Magpies were able to pile on another five goals. The home side saw a half time deficit of seven goals, however the game turned upside down in the second half with Sea Eagles lifting their level of play to take back the match.

Backline was led by Jake Turner and Alex Rodgers, midfielders Jake Smith and Brent Downie stepped up, and Sam Keating and Eden Wishart worked together to hit the scoreboard.

The vocal home crowd played their part, building with excitement as Sea Eagles managed eight goals to Magpies zero in the second half to take out the win.

Sea Eagles Senior Women had a fantastic 89–0 win against Mackay Magpies managing to kick their highest ever score.

Deakoda Costello snagged four up front, whilst Mia Trinder played her usual high standard of footy. Georgie Carland held the defence together and Sheridan Callcott showed her ever improving skills around the ground.

Penny Turner bagged four goals in her first ever AFL game and the younger squad of Under 18s had outstanding games with Makayla Rataj and Jade Healey both scoring goals.

Sea Eagles Under 17s had another win under their belt against a struggling Magpies side and were able to expand their ever improving skills to come away comfortable winners 94 – 34.

Under 14s Sea Eagles also had a comfortable win 72 – 12 with the team able to work well together to provide the forward line multiple opportunities to hit the scoreboard.

Get down to Mackay this weekend to support the Sea Eagles Senior Men taking on Eastern Swans at Rogers Oval from 1.20pm.

Contributed with thanks to Kaz Morrison

It was a hard-fought win for the senior Sea Eagles men on the weekend

Photography: Cody Fowler

‍

‍

Whitsunday United saw most teams record a win or a draw at worst, starting off with the U14's, who led the way with both teams still undefeated two thirds through the season.

The top-of-the-table Premier side overcame a fast-starting Lions on the weekend to eventually roll over them, winning 4-1.

Man of the Match Reef Peel put in a huge attacking effort, scoring two goals.

The U14 Div1 side had a 5-1 win over Magpies, with Jacob Godden the outstanding performer with three goals and involvement in every play.

The U16's frustrating run continues, despite matching the top of the table and undefeated Lions side across the park.

The home side went down 2-0 as Lions capitalised on a defensive mix up, which led to a converted penalty in the last minute.

The side relied on seven U14 players backing up to fill the bench.

The Whitsunday Women played at home with the Div1 side storming to a strong 2-0 win against Dolphins. Goals to Lucia Bates and Mabel Gudes sealed the win.

Belle Howard took out player of the Match for her strong attacking runs from defence and composure on the ball. The side is now within striking distance of the top four with several games in hand.

The Premier Women had a frustrating game drawing 2-2 against a Rangers side that fought hard the whole game.

The Men’s reserves faced a determined onslaught from the Crusaders which took the visitors to a 4-1 lead, but the local lads rallied and came back to even the score at 4-4.

Nicholas Hansen starred, scoring two, whilst Josh Lowe and Philip Mcallister adding the extras. The draw keeps the side third on the ladder.

The Premier Men continued their winning form, taking a comfortable and impressive 3-0 win against the third placed Crusaders.

In a fast-paced match, the home side was never troubled and treated the crowd to some great football. Jimmy McEvoy-Bowe, an own goal, and Ben Smith the scorers, putting the side in second place with games in hand.

The school holidays don’t mean no football for the kids. Whitsunday's United FC has partnered up with Sargent Sport and Seven Football to run a three-day clinic during the school holidays – July 6 - 8, 8am from 11am.

The clinic will be run at Whitsunday Sports Park by WUFC Premier players and experienced coaches - Scott Ferries and Scott Boldy. Go to www.whitsundayunitedfc.com/events to book

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

Men Reserves Kiel Crocker charges forward in attack

U16 Prem Alex Grossi with a nice touch forward

Photography: Penny Grossi

‍

‍

After a four-year hiatus, a long-running charity bowls event commemorating the life of a much-loved Proserpine local returned to raise $1990 for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Sixty-four bowlers were out in force at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club on Saturday morning for the Richard ‘Dick’ Todd Memorial Bowls.

The annual event – which took a break during the Covid pandemic – has raised funds for charities across the Whitsundays since its inception in 2011.

Named for local Dick Todd, the event commemorates the Proserpinian’s life – which was tragically cut short after a lung cancer diagnosis.

Started by his brother Ken Todd, the event is an encapsulation of Dick’s enjoyment of both the sport of bowling and his ability to bring the community together – while having a bit of a drink and a laugh.

Ken Todd said the event has previously raised funds for the Proserpine hospital, as well as money for a young, local girl who was fighting cancer.

“We always know where it’s going, and it’s always for a good cause. This year, we’ve put it to Leukaemia Foundation because we had someone from our group whose wife passed away from it this year,” Mr Todd said.

“The idea is, come in as colourful clothes as you can. Dicky would have loved it.”

His daughter, Debbie Todd, said the same: “He was a big bowler and he loved to be happy, to sing and dance. Especially with the drinking on the side!”

“It’s a good way to remember and celebrate his life, as well as raise money for causes.”

The event had multiple sponsors contributing to its raffle and auction, which were the main fundraising portions of the day.

Dick Todd’s family (pictured here) have been running a charity bowls event in his honour for almost ten years

Sixty-four bowlers were out in force on the day, enjoying the sun, fun, and drinks, as well as raising funds for Leukaemia Foundation

‍

‍