Image: Mackay-Whitsunday representative cricket stars Sam Vassallo, Mason Kohler and Lane Kohler shape up as key players for Queensland Country at the 2023 National Country Cricket Championships in Canberra next month

Star Mackay-Whitsunday representative all-rounders Sam Vassallo, Mason Kohler and Lane Kohler will line up for the Queensland Country X1 at the upcoming National Country Cricket Championships in Canberra.

The talented trio (pictured) were chosen after top performances for North Queensland in the XXXX Cup 50 overs selection trial against South Queensland Country Cricket staged in Mackay.

Vassallo, a prolific opening batsman and classy wicket keeper from the Walkerston Cricket Club, has shone with the bat and behind the stumps this season and will make his debut in the Queensland Country side, along with the versatile Lane Kohler, a young quick and dashing batsman from the Norths club in the Mackay & District Cricket Association.

Lane will be joined by brother Mason Kohler – another Norths product – who returns to the State team as an opening tearaway bowler and capable batsman for the National titles that commence in early January.

Three of Mackay-Whitsunday’s most promising junior cricketers – Zane Newton, Jackson Evetts and Nick Beardmore – have gained selection in the North Queensland Cricket Association Under 18 representative squad to contest the Ron Bushby Shield in April 2023.

The team will be skippered by outstanding colt Matthew Wilkins, recipient of the Kev Maher Award for Player of the Under 18 Championships and one of four Cricket Far North players named in the team along with Gareth Thomas, Kobi Johnston and Seth McGinty.

Other squad members include Joshua Welsh (Central Queensland) and North Queensland reps Adam Camer, keeper John McLean, Ben Ramsbotham and Kai Adami.

By Chris Karas

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Image: Happy 90th birthday to Nancy Wix

Terrence Sheedy and Janelle Conroy were our winners for the B4 Red Points competition played over the last two Mondays.

November saw consistent wins to Eric Goodchild, David Ting and Noel Bugeia.

Happy Birthday to Nancy Wix, Celebrating her 90th Birthday

RESULTS

Monday 28 November 22 – 6 Table One Winner B4 – Red Points

1st Eric Goodchild / David Ting

2nd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Joy Robinson / Thelma Caruana

4th Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

5th Marilin Robins / Margaret Jennings

B4 Results Red Points – Two weeks play

1st Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

2nd Eric Goodchild / David Ting

3rd Joy Robinson / Thelma Caruana

Tuesday Evening 29 November 22 – 3 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek

3rd Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

Eclectic Winners for Tuesdays November

1st Noel Bugeia

2nd Eric Goodchild

3rd Helen Van Den Broek

4th Terrence Sheedy

5th Janet Hansen

Wednesday 30 November 22 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Noel Bugeia / Doone Mitchell

2nd Antonia Tarradas/ Ian Cruickshank

3rd Joy Brunette / Don Poole

4th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

E/W

1st Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

2nd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

3rd Eric Goodchild / David Ting

4th Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

5th Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

Wednesday Eclectic Winners for November 2022

1st David Ting

1st Eric Goodchild

3rd Janelle Conroy

3rd Alan Brown

3rd Terrence Sheedy

6th Eric Leivesley

7th Kath Poole

Thursday Evening 1 December 2022 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Eric Goodchild / David Ting

3rd Joy Robinson / Thelma Caruana

Friday 2 December 22 – Nation Wide Pairs 6 Table One Winner Green Points

N/S

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2nd Ming Ting / David Ting

3rd Monica Darley / Griffin Bancroft

4th Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

2nd Susan Wright / Janet Hansen

3rd Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood

4th Victor Mason / Josie Crowley

Saturday 3 December 22 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Geoff Taylor / Diane Morgan

2nd Mick King / Jan Harris

3rd Griffin Bancroft / Anne Lutz

4th Faye Wright / Christine Nice

5th Susan Wright / Annie Lynch

1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Frances Brown / Alan Brown

3rd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

4th Ken Seaniger / Joy Robinson

5th Margaret Lane / Julie O’Neill

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ISAAC WHITE JOINS METEORS FOR NBL1 NORTH TITLE CHARGE

Image: #4 Isaac White in action for the Tasmania JackJumpers during the 2022-23 NBL season. Picture: Tasmania JackJumpers

The McDonald’s Mackay Meteors have completed a major NBL1 North off-season move, signing dynamic Tasmania JackJumpers guard Isaac White for 2023.

White joins the Meteors after two successful NBL1 North campaigns with the Ipswich Force, where he averaged 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists across 25 games.

Following his stellar 2022 NBL1 season, the 24-year-old signed with the Tasmania JackJumpers in August as a nominated NBL replacement player. White agreed to extend his stay on the Apple Isle for the remainder of the 2022-23 NBL season, after converting his deal into a development player position.

Prior to joining Tasmania, White spent two NBL seasons with the Illawarra Hawks after graduating from Stanford University in 2020. He also represented Australia at the 2019 World University Games in Italy.

Across his career White has developed sharpshooting status and a reputation as a high-energy hooper.

McDonald’s Mackay Meteors Head Coach Joel Khalu said the recruitment of Isaac White was a massive coup for the club.

“Isaac is certainly a person who fits perfectly within our Meteors culture,” Khalu said.

“He’s a competitor who works exceptionally hard at both ends of the floor. He’s shown an ability to score at both the NBL and NBL1 levels and can defend multiple spots too.

“Most importantly though, he’s a team-first guy who has a desire to win a championship.

“While he’s still young, we’ll be looking to Isaac to bring some leadership to our group as well. He’s been involved in some elite programs and those locker-room experiences will also add tremendous value to our team.”

While Khalu was aware of White from his consistent performances across the 2022 NBL1 season, it was his efforts for Ipswich in an 80-72 win against Mackay in Round 7 that stuck with the Meteors head coach.

“The game which Ipswich beat us at their place last season, Isaac finished with 24 points, 9 rebounds, 8 steals and 4 assists. To do that against the best defensive team in the league was certainly impressive,” Khalu added.

“It was the type of display that resonates with you as a coach and helped my reasoning to recruit him.”

White shared his excitement about the move north.

“I’m really looking forward to making the move up to Mackay for the upcoming season.

“From the outside looking in, I’ve always had respect for the professionalism and competitiveness of Mackay Basketball, and I think the fit is perfect,” White said.

“I also love the way in which the Mackay community rallies around their basketball teams, and I can’t wait to play in front of them. I’m excited to bring my shooting and defence to this group and chase a championship with this team.”

White will arrive in the Sugar City at the end of the NBL season in February next year.

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club has hosted plenty of Christmas Parties in the past weeks, but bowls was the real winner of this merry season.

Tuesday afternoon’s social bowls saw Lyn Skein as skipper with Tess Walker at lead and Elaine Kippen at second just manage to beat all comers for the prize money.

Wednesday afternoon was a completely different story: Merve Stewart assured of evenly balanced contests, but to everyone’s surprise Gary Smith showed all his guile alongside skipper Bob Spees as the pair absolutely trounced the rest.

Due to a severe storm, Wednesday night Business House Bowls was cancelled and will complete in two weeks’ time.

Scroungers will resume on the January 28 of next year.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls again saw well matched teams but the leadership of Ladda Purdie was too much as she took her side of Mark Mawson at lead and Col Morris at second to the winners’ circle.

And the club witnessed an entertaining game from some of Hamilton Island Airport’s local firefighters, who showed they could do it with the best.

The firies bowled a great game and the club was glad to host the gallant group of Bob Dewhurst, Dylan Sanderson, Al Elkins, and Luke Wayth – they could even be great additions for the club’s pennants sides next year

Airlie Beach Bowls Club’s Christmas party is today, where the school children the club hosted earlier in the year will receive their awards.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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The gallant firemen from Hamilton Island airport, showing their skills on the Airlie Beach Bowls rink

Bowen Bowls Club was host to an excellent contingent of bowlers this week, starting with its Wednesday Social Bowls.

Paula Welsted and Jeff Tierney were first in the winners’ circle, beating Jill Brabon and Brett Lampard.

Mary Ellen Pratten, Jane Gilbert, and Steve Roome were up next in winning against Peter Thomson, Peter Bruce, and Doc Fordham.

Joan Edwards and Helen Jacobsen, as well as Lou Fordham, and Daryl Tuttle defeated Bev Smith, Ross Scanlon, and D.Pickard to end the Wednesday Bowls.

Sunday Scroungers was won by Lee Welsted and Peter Thomson.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards
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Bowen Bowls Club’s Sunday Scroungers winners Lee Welsted and Peter Thomson

On Sunday afternoon, two pairs and one triple game was played at Wangaratta Bowls Club.

Winners for the afternoon were Gary Kelly and Penny Warren, who defeated Irene Laird and Geoff Danvers.

Other winners on the day were Deb Beel, Linda Scells, and Barry Beel in a narrow victory over Bron Tolcher, Sue Shearing, and Sugar Brunker.

Robyn Stitt and Fely Duncan defeated Bill Myers and Pat Tracey for the final game of Sunday.

The North Queensland Ladies District Side was announced on Friday, with congratulations to Penny Warren and Denise Wallace in being selected.

They will play against all the districts in the State at the Sunshine Coast in May.  

The Club Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday at 9am.

Contributed with thanks Penny Warren

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Sunday winners were Gary Kelly and Penny Warren

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Saturday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stroke event for the December Monthly Medals for both men and ladies.  

Men’s winner was Noel Schultz with a 68 nett, followed by runner up Mick Mawson, 70 nett. Pin shots to Rodney Miller, Glenn Wright, Toss Eisemann, and Brendan Wells.

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Morag Parker, 70 nett, with runner up Sarnie Eisemann, 70 nett. Pin shots to Rhiannon Nott, Tanya Gaudry, Paulette Barrett, and Jo Kukura.  

Chris Matheson won the carwash voucher and both competitions were sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf club.

This weekend’s competition at the Club is an American Foursomes event for Peries IGA Christmas Hams.  

NO Joker draw or dinner this week due to a private function.  Congratulations to Vicki who picked the Joker on Friday night.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Bowen Golf Club’s joker draw winners for December

The club’s December Monthly Medal winners

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Tuesday’s Competition at Proserpine Golf Club saw 15 players compete in a stroke event.

A very nice 63 nett by Aaron Prosser was too good for Brendan Spann’s 66 nett and John Dodds 69nett. Adam Maggs and Brendan Spann took out the NTP’s.

Thursday Competition: Wet conditions on Thursday limited the field to 23 for the Venue Smart Monthly Medal.

The heavy track didn’t stop Sam Deicke from shooting a nett 68, with Brendan Spann continuing his good golf with a 68nett.

Gavin Kerwand and Michael Leo completed the Division One rundown with 69 and 71, respectively.

Greg Walker was the winner of Division Two, edging out Michael Jarvis on a countback with 69 nett.

Brendon Meharry and Rees May were in the run down with 71 and 72nett. The NTP’s went to Rob Webb, Matt Muller twice, and Mick Leo.

Saturday Competition: The Medal of Medallists list is now complete with the addition of Jacqui Wall winning the Saturday ladies with 72 nett, narrowly defeating Jill Farinelli on a countback.

NTP’s went to Jill Farinelli and Peta Thomas.

70 men competed for the last spots in the men’s Medal of Medals competition. Sam Deicke, in great form, finished ahead of all A Grade players with a 66 nett, booking himself a start in next week's Honour Board MOM competition, along with Terry Handford for B Grade and Ben Raymant in C Grade.

Runner up in each grade were Lew Tuck, 69 nett in A Grade, Matt Camm, 70nett in B Grade, and Merv Hinton, 71nett in C Grade

NTP winners were Anthony Clinton, Ben Raymant and Sam Deicke.

Sunday Competition: Congratulations to Daniel O’Donnell with a great round of 65 nett to win the Sunday Competition, beating Jacob Nightingale on 68 nett.

Congratulations to Don Cameron winning the Medal of Medals prize with a 72 nett.

Peta Thomas won the Ladies, and also won the Medal of Medals prize with 71 nett, a clear winner from the field, with Anna Winterbourn in second place on 74 nett and Di Chard on 79 nett.

NTP’s went to: Don Cameron, Jason Bourke, Anna Winterbourn, Dean Kercher, Di Chard, and Jacqui Wall.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop Team

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In the heat and humidity Proserpine’s Veteran Golfers tallied up some great scores with 33 players out on the course.

The ladies’ winner with a good score of 70 (c/b) was Tina Badenhorst, with second Lyn Muller (70), and in the rundown Jenny Hounsell (71), Beryl Nosworthy (72), Tessa Aitken (74), Jacqui Wall (76), and Leanne Alexander (77).  

For the men, if you didn't get under 70 you weren't in the running. The winner with a fantastic score of 66 was Frank Moloney, followed in second by Warren Deighton (67 c/b), and in the rundown were Wilf Herweg (67), Peter Browning, (68), John Roser (68), John Oates (68), and Barry Mortimer (69).  

The pin shots for the ladies were won by Lyn Muller (9th and 13th), Jacqui Wall (9th), Helen Deighton (13th), Leanne Alexander (16th), and Paula McQuat (16th).  

The men’s pin shots went to Barry Mortimer (2nd and 16th), John Oates (2nd), John Roser (13th), John Strelec (13th), and Peter Browning (16th).

Those with the least putts were Helen Deighton (28 putts), and Trevor Peroz and Wilf Herweg with 26 Putts.  

Chip-ins were Jacqui Wall, Tina Badenhorst, Geoff Harrison, and John Roser. Best of all, there was an eagle made on the day, Gary Scotford on the 18th.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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The December Monthly Medal for Whitsunday Social Golf was held Sunday in great conditions for a round of golf.

A contingent of 21 players took part, with the medal for December went to Ladies A Grade Anna Winterbourn, with runner up Jacqueline Wall.

Ladies B Grade went to Sally Little, with runner-up Karen Rix.

Men’s A grade Darren Reynolds and in runner up Clay Coles and Mens B Grade Ron Jamieson, runner up Mark McDougall.

Longest drives went to George Meharry, Mark MCDougall, Pauline Redpath, and Robyn Witham.

Pins shots were claimed by Clay Coles, Ron Jamieson, Jacqueline Wall, and Anna Winterbourn

The was the last competition game for Whitsunday Golf for 2022.

The Club extends its thanks to its Monthly Medal sponsors for the year: Airlie Panel & Paint and Master Butchers Whitsunday.

Also thank you to the Reef Gateway Hotel for their support with Pin Shot prizes. Presentations will be held Saturday, December 10, from 5pm.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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Whitsunday Golf Club’s Darren Reynolds, Sally Little Anna Winterbourn, and Ron Jamieson

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This week’s 9-hole Stableford was won by Chris Bartlett at Whitsunday Green Golf Club, with a great score of 18 points.

Running in second was Andrew Gomez on 17 points and coming in third was Glenn Rees with 16.

Fridays 9-hole Stableford was very close with all three on 19 points, but first place went to Ryan Kenny, second to Scott Morrisey, and third for Justyn Durbin.

Terry Kimpton played Adam Singleton with Adam taking the one-up win, while Brad Low played Scott Morrissey in which Scott won one-up after the 19th hole.

David Wallace played Deeray Fo’ou with David taking the win with an astounding 13-up win.

This Sunday’ Competition is an 18-hole Skins with a tee off at 10am, while December 18 will be the final monthly medal for 2022 with a Christmas celebration to follow.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club

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The Proserpine Junior Cricket Association’s under 13 Pitbulls side took on the Magpies White on the weekend in the sugar city with rain threatening.

The Pitbulls won the toss and elected to bat, with the U13’s batting objective to bat for the entire 25 overs but move the scoring along without losing unnecessary wickets.

With a strong south-easterly and occasional light rain, the team executed well with the first 5 batsmen retiring not out after their initial 20 balls.

O. Seamer 10, J. Rock 23, K. McLoughlin 13, M. Logan 18, and W. Logan 18.

The first wicket fell with the score on 108 (A.Geisel 5), however the team continued to push the score along with J. Lawn retiring 17, J. Geisler 14 and B. Childs 6.

In line with the tournaments time rule, the Pitbulls innings ended after 22 overs at 1- 159.

The Magpies innings started with the light rain clearing and the outfield now drying out.

The Pitbulls bowlers started extremely well, with the opening pair K.McLoughlin and M.Logan both taking early wickets.

The Pitbulls bowlers continued to apply bowling pressure and the introduction of O.Seamer into the attack provided a match winning blow.

O. Seamer securing three wicket hattrick in his first over and ending with figures of 3–8 off his two overs.

It was a very good all-round team bowling effort with the remaining wickets being shared amongst the other bowlers.

The Magpies innings ended all out for 54 runs and the Pitbulls winning the game by 105 runs.

The player of the match could only be O. Seamer, with a bowling hattrick in his first over and ending with the bowling figures 3-8.

Contributed with thanks to Stephen Logan

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Ollie Seamer, the Proserpine Pitbull’s U13s Player of the Match against Mackay Magpies

The Airlie Beach Darts Christmas Open Final saw Jamie Woods and Dom Friend battle it out in a best of nine sets for the Christmas crown.

First up, though, was the third and fourth place match up, a best of seven sets between Andy Peel and Seumas Rose.

Andy took the first set 3/2, but Seumas bounced back to take the second set 3/1. And so the story went in the second and third sets with Andy claiming the third 3/1 before Seumas replied in kind in the fourth with the same scoreline of 3/1.

But it was in the fifth and sixth where Andy made his move, claiming both 3/1 3/1, and with it, the match by four sets to two.

Then it was onto the final: Jamie Woods claimed the first two sets and was looking strong early doors.

Dom replied in devastating fashion however, winning the next three sets on the bounce to make it three to two to Dom.

Jamie struck back in the sixth to level the match at three all, and everyone was sensing that this one was going down the wire.

Dom stuck to his task and wasn’t fazed, winning the seventh set to again put Jamie under pressure to win the next set to stay in the match and this year’s Open.

Class players always find a way, and Woodsy mustered every ounce of his skill to level the match again at 4 sets all to take it into the deciding set much to the joy of everyone watching.

But a dogged Dom Friend was not going to be denied his second Xmas Open title -- he found a way.

It was an incredible turn of events, and an incredible win by Dom. Congratulations to both men on a great afternoon’s entertainment, and a great note to end a huge season on.

Thanks to participants, Mika Airlie Beach for hosting us this year, and this year’s sponsor, Dyson Automotive.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Dom Friend lifting the Xmas Open for the second time at Mika Airlie Beach

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On Wednesday night, the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club presented the Queensland LC team with their state shirts.

Congratulations to Jy Parkinson, Jacob Bell, Tora Delac, Holly Perrin, Jacob Dewis, Remy Hedges, and coach Mark Erickson for making the Cannons 2022 State Team.  

They will head to the Queensland LC Championships held in Brisbane from December 10 to 16.

At the start of club night, Giselle Burton presented Don Algie and Piper Walker with Chocolate Awards for their new best personal bests (PBs).  

Upgrade Certificates were presented to Piper Walker and Max Smith, and extra congratulations go to Jy Parkinson, Ehsan Helou, and Jax Clayworth for their new Club Records.  

Club Night highlights included: Top performer of the night Maeve Dichieria, aged seven, smashing out three personal best times.

Isabella Pisaniello swam a super 100-metre Breaststroke in 1.51.90 which was a 13.06 second personal best.

Tora Delac swam a fantastic time of 1.11.42 in her 100-metre Freestyle taking 4.86 seconds off her previous best.  While her brother, Harris, also swam an excellent time of 1.38.35 in his 100-metre Freestyle and swam a 1.21 second personal best in his 50-metre Backstroke.  

Alessa Penglasse- Fortunato swam extremely well in her 50-metre Freestyle and 100-metre IM, setting personal best times.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers who achieved PBs:  Abi Maher, Lily Maher, Celeste Orenshaw, Holly Perrin, Piper Walker, James Davies, Ehsan Helou, Jasper Korosec, Molly Smith, Lukas Trevaskis, Millah Walker, Don Algie, Harry Chegwidden, and Billie Jamieson.  

Swimmers are looking forward to next week’s Christmas themed Club Night. A big thank you to all the wonderful parents and volunteers who assisted, and continue to assist, with the running of Club Nights over the year.

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Max Smith with his upgrades at Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club

The Cannonvale Cannons’ Queensland LC Team

Tora Delac coming through the Cannons' tunnel

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Image: The Queensland Firebirds defeated the Sunshine Coast Lightning to claim the inaugural Suncorp Spirit Cup in Mackay. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Queensland Firebirds finally took to the court at Mackay Multisport Stadium last Saturday, taking on the Sunshine Coast Lightning for the inaugural Suncorp Spirit Cup.

It’s been almost a year since the Firebirds announced their intentions of visiting the sugar city and Mackay netball fans were hungry, turning out in force to cheer their team home.

The match started in a physical, end-to-end fashion, with both shooters rarely missing.

The first of five ten-minute periods finished with the Firebirds down 13-14.

The second period played out in a similar affair, finishing with the Lightning on 24 to the Firebirds’ 22.

It wasn’t until the third period that the Firebirds took the lead for the first time, starting the period with four quick goals.

The Lightning finished the period with a Super Shot on the buzzer, bringing the Firebirds’ lead back to 38-32.

The Firebirds started to find their groove in the fourth period, stretching their lead out to 47-38.

The Lightning started the fifth period strongly, but the Firebirds refused to relent, cranking up the heat to finish the game 56-46 victors.

It was Firebirds Coach Bec Bulley’s first game in the role, saying she found the Mackay crowd “incredible”.

“I was a little bit nervous before the game, but I’m so stoked with the win and how everyone played,” she said.

“I think these opportunities would mean so much to these country people.

“I hope everyone enjoyed it because we certainly enjoyed playing in front of the local crowd.”

The Firebirds hosted a Night With The Firebirds dinner the previous night and coaching clinics the morning of the match with Firebirds defender Remi Kamo describing her time in Mackay as “wonderful”.

“How good’s Mackay?” she exclaimed.

“It was wonderful getting to see so many different young athletes at the clinic, catching up with Mackay Netball Association and seeing what they’re all about, it was really hot but it was worth it for all the smiling faces.”

View gallery: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/firebirds-bring-the-heat-to-mackay