MACKAY’S Emma Widdup came within points of realizing a dream in the Mackay Open table tennis championships on the weekend.

However it wasn’t to be as she narrowly lost the women’s open final to Townsville’s Paralympics representative Andrea McDonnell, who has won numerous regional, state and national titles.

“She’s a true champion,” Widdup said.

“Since I first played in 1987 it’s been my dream that perhaps one day I might beat Andrea McDonnell. I tried to bring my best game to the final.

“She’s amazing, she had a seven-game semi before our game, had a little rest and was back at it again.

“I’m 47, she’s in her sixties – I’d love to be at that level when I’m 60.”

McDonnell had a tough road to the final, fighting out a tough seven-game semi-final against Rockhampton’s Ann Louise Stewart in which she prevailed -12, -9, 9, -11, 13, 5, 9.

Widdup said her father Michael brought her and her sister Patricia and brother Ben to Mackay in 1987 because he had heard of its table tennis program under then-coach Mr Chen.

“This hall is magnificent for table tennis, it’s just got such a vibe about it,” she said.

“Table tennis offers so many opportunities in terms of fitness and health no matter what your age is. It’s a sport for all age groups.”

Townsville players Timothy Young and Brendan Gaeta fought out the men’s open final, Young taking out his first regional title with a five-game win.

Young earlier had to withstand a tough challenge from Townsville veteran Morrie Bligh in a six-game semi.

By Charlie Payne

Emma Widdup serves in the Mackay Open women’s table tennis final against Townsville’s Andrea McDonnell. Photos: Charlie Payne

Mackay Open men’s table tennis champion Timothy Young hits through the ball

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“Go fast, turn left”.

Sounds like NASCAR, but this simple tactic is also used in a different form of fast and furious racing, track cycling.

While ‘going fast and turning left’ on the boards of an indoor velodrome seems simple enough, Mackay’s most decorated track cycling veteran Hamish Wright explains there are multiple outcomes to races depending on the tactics used, that need to be made within a split second.

“Knowing when to jump in a sprint, timing when to break off the front in a points race to take a lap, making your opponent look right as you dive left to take the front, those are some of the intricacies that are a combination of instinct and experience,” Wright explained.

“They make the difference between winning and losing. It’s not always the fastest person who wins, tactics can out-ride speed on some occasions.”

Wright put these theories into practice last week at the Anna Meares Velodrome, competing in the Masters Track Cycling Australian Championships. Riding in his seventh nationals, last week’s event produced the best results for Wright. He had claimed Australian titles in the sprint and keirin in previous years, but never together at the same competition.

He breezed through the sprint, qualifying in first place and then finishing undefeated in all rounds, facing an opponent from Western Australia in the final.

“I was happy with how I rode, tactically and strength wise,” Wright said.

“In the final it’s the best of three, but I never take a ride lightly. Getting the first win is an advantage psychologically and then I made sure I was positioned well in the second.”

He then backed up the following day by emerging as a clear winner in the Keirin.

“I drew position 6 so I knew I had to make an early advancement as soon as the motorised derny came off the track,” Wright explained.

“Everyone swung up at that point so I took the sprinters lane and held it until I had the wheel I wanted. I was positioned well when the sprint started, it’s all about positioning, ensuring you don’t get boxed in and not being at the back when the heat comes from the front.”

Wright was part of a Queensland team that won silver in the team sprint and he also picked up a bronze in the individual time trial.

Wright will compete in the North Queensland Games next week in Townsville and is aiming at competing at the World Masters Track Cycling Championships in Los Angeles in September.

“I was happy with how I rode, tactically and strength wise,”

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Avid sailors from across the state competed in the Sail Airlie Regatta which was held from the Whitsunday Sailing Club over the Easter long weekend.

There were 52 boats participating in the event which featured off beach sailing dinghies competing in four different categories.

The Queensland Arrow Boat Championships, the Mixed Mono Fleet which included Laser 4.7 and Laser Radials, the Junior Fleet of Open Skiffs, Sabos and Optimists, and finally the Green Fleet which was for young children who were learning to sail and were assisted in navigating the course.

There were 10 races held in each category and each lasted 60 to 70 minutes in total.

Those as young as seven were able to participate and 50 per cent of the competitors were under 18, including 12 local Whitsunday children from as far afield as Bowen and Hamilton Island.

Local lad, Joshua King, won his division in the Laser 4.7 category, fresh from his success in winning the Queensland title for the same division two weeks prior for the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.

Sail Airlie was sponsored by Tropical Rentals and owner, Kerrie Southee, presented the award for Best Sailor (on and off the water).

This was decided by race officials who voted on best sportsmanship over the weekend and Robert Deards took home the award.

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Jill Maslin-Petersen organised bowls last Tuesday with Col Morris’s team winners in a very exciting afternoon where Eric Barnard won the sponsor Health Hub award.

Wednesday afternoon bowls was organised by Merve Stewart and saw 20 bowlers competing for the first prize. Manny Isgro, Karen Jensen and John Askew were big winners of the day with John Trembath winning the Health Hub award.

Saturday morning it was decided to have a one-off Mini Scroungers and first round winners were Margo Stanley, Peter Barratt, John Trembath, Russell Jackson, Elaine Kippen, John (Bondi) Beach and Mark Mawson.

The final was played between Margo Stanley and John (Bondi) Beach with Bondi coming out the overall winner.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls attracted 24 bowlers and the game was highly skilful with all bowlers playing well - the team of Ladda Purdie as skipper, Elaine Kippen second and Mark Mawson at lead winning on the day. Ladda Purdie also won the prestigious Health Hub award.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Elaine Kippen, Ladda Purdie and Mark Mawson Sunday Social bowls winners

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On Wednesday eight players enjoyed a game of Social bowls. John Anderson, John Lahney, Arthur Griffith and Garry Alexander defeated Alen Sanderson, Bruce Uhe, Barry Zillmann and Philip Brown 24 - 19.

Ten bowlers enjoyed an afternoon game on Sunday - John Lahney and Bruce Uhe defeated Peter Lawton and Philip Brown 28 - 18; Ken Watts, Arthur Griffith and Garry Alexander defeated Kendall Watts, John Anderson and Jim Quod 29 - 12.

Barry Saroglia and his team of Les McDermott and Brad Lindenberg came second at Northern Beaches.  

Teams have been selected for the first two rounds of Pennants. Division 1 is Shane Kinnear, Grahame Kinnear, Barry Saroglia and Gavin Milne;  Marcus Craig, Jonathan Bye, Michael Kinnear and Nathan Harriott;  Nathan Dodds, David Ling, Scott Hamilton and Wayne Handley.

Saturday's game is at Northern Beaches starting at 1 pm. Sunday's game is at Proserpine against Souths Suburban starting at 10am.

Division 4 team is Warren Wilson, Martin Corr, Dale Haack and Garry Alexander; Bruce Uhe, Jim Quod, Peter Lawton and Todd Leys. Saturday's game is at home against Mackay City starting at 1pm. Sunday's game is at RSL Mackay starting at 10am.  

Contributed by Heather Brown.

Barry Saroglia (Sags) with Les McDermott and Brad Lindenberg - runners up at Northern Beaches Easter Triples

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Tuesday 12April: D Wallace, K Daniels, M Drummond, D Beel, P Warren and M Wilson. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Sunday 17 April: A triples and a pairs game were played on Sunday. Winners for the afternoon were D Wallace, I Wheeler, K Whitton, D Beel, M Elphinstone, M Drummond, R Stitt, I Laird, P Tracey, B Myers.  The jackpot didn’t go off.

Club Competition for the week Men’s Open Singles: S Roome, J Tierney, M Wright, B Beel.

Open Pairs: G Colquhoun, G Danvers, S Harvey, S Wright.  

Ladies Final of Triples: D Wallace, S Shearing, P Warren, M Elphinstone, I Wheeler, L Smith.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Winners of Championship Ladies' Triples – L-R: Penny Warren, Sue Shearing and Denise Wallace

Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Men’s winner Harry Littleton 40 points, runner up Noel Schultz 39 points. Ladies’ winner Leanne Swan 39 points, runner up on a countback Jo Kukura 34 points.

The weekend competition began with a stableford on Saturday – Men’s winner Graham Easton 41 points, runner up on a countback Stephen O’Brien 40 points, 3rd place Liam Hillery 40 points.

Ladies’ winner Kanittha Day 38 points, runner up Carol O’Connell 33 points, 3rd place Robyn Slade 32 points. Pin shots to Greg Daniel, Craig Newell, David Carus, Daniel Windridge, Kanittha Day, Leanne Swan, Ruth Dunn, Janice Bates.    

Sunday’s competition was a 9-hole, 2-person ambrose. Winners Brenden Wells and Marcus Yasso, runners-up Kelli and Ryley Malone, 3rd place Jeremy and Tracey Chrzanowski. Pin shots to Graham Seaborne, Kane Newell, Marg Need. Bradmans was won by Brook Wilson and Jason Harker. Competitions on the weekend were sponsored by XXXX Lion Nathan.  

This weekend is a single stableford sponsored by Glenn Merrick.

The joker draw is back to its usual day of Friday. Don’t forget to check the club’s 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 $2200 this week.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

Easter Saturday winners – 3rd place Robyn Slade, runner up Carol O’Connell

Easter Sunday winners – runners-up Riley and Kelli Malone, winners Brenden Wells and Marcus Yasso

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It was a great day for golf at this week’s Proserpine Veterans Golf session, with the weather not too hot, a nice breeze and the course in great condition.

There were 25 players on the day, with the ladies’ winner Tina Randmae (39), second Elspeth Scotford (31).  

The men’s winner was Barry Mortimer (35), second was Gary Scotford (34).

Nearest the pins for the ladies’ went to Tina Randmae (2nd in the hole), Lyn Muller (9th in the hole), Leanne Alexander (13th in the hole) and Elspeth Scotford (16th in the hole).

For the men, the winners were Gary Scotford(2nd), Allen Roberts (9th in the hole), Barry Mortimer (13th in the hole) and Gary (16th).  

There were two chip ins on the day, Gary and Billy Jesser.  

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Tuesday Winners, Barry Mortimer and Tina Randmae

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The weekly 9-hole stableford was won this week by Ron Thynne with 22 points. Lorri Thynne was right behind him with 21 and third was Glenn Rees.

Good Friday’s 9-hole stableford was won by Bob Spees on a whopping 26 points, followed by Mark Winter on 23 and Alan Clinch on 21.

On Sunday it was a round of 4 ball better ball and the winners were Asher Ventham and Deeray with a score of 42.5.

Bob Spees and Alan Clinch were second with 44 points and Glenn Rees with Tyson Flavel were third on 46.5.

Thank you to Repco who provided us with great prizes, now the lads will have clean shiny cars!

Next Sunday will be the Monthly Medal, there is only a couple of opportunities left to secure your place in the Medal of Medallist.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross.

Asher Ventham and Deeray

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This week, 78 people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course. New participants are always welcome, this week there were 21 first timers. Five participants recorded new personal bests, well done to Riley, Andrea, Holly, Josiah and Shane. Airlie Beach co-founder and long-term Event Director Bob Barford was farewelled. Bob has worked tirelessly for Airlie Beach parkrun for many years.

The event was made possible by 16 wonderful volunteers: Bob Barford, Kara Olver, Lesley Barford, Chris Hands, Sylvie Martin, Margaret Coote, Corrine Hendrikse (photographer), Nathalie Blomme, Christopher Harvey (run director), Wendy McCall, Karen Jordan, Susanne Willmott, Ronald McCall, Laura Oates, Gus Walsgott and Lynne Oates.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then 3,735 participants have completed 20,351 parkruns covering a total distance of 101,755 km, including 2,395 new Personal Bests. A total of 323 individuals have volunteered 2,766 times.

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.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun.

Co-founder and long term Event Director Bob Barford was farewelled

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Whitsunday Weightlifter Smashes States Heads To Nationals

A young Whitsunday Olympic Weightlifter is heading to the national level, having qualified in early April.

Callan Simpson, 16, has been training with the Base 51 Barbell Club in competitive Olympic Weightlifting for just over four months.

With his coach John Russolillo in tow, Callan has made exceptional gains in the sport in a short time, with the crowning achievement so far, his qualification for the National Competition at the Youth Queensland State Championships in Nambor.

“We made the decision only a few weeks ago to go down, and he had to lift in the afternoon, which is way harder to do,” John said.

“You must make weight to compete, and he’s in the 73-kilo category and if he was anything over that, he wouldn’t have been able to compete.

“He barely ate all day for his weigh in at 3.30pm!”

On his trip to the State Championships, Callan needed to lift a total of 136 kilograms in both the clean and jerk, and the snatch: the two lifts performed in the Olympics.

The snatch is notoriously difficult with the manoeuvre requiring the lifter to perform two movements: from the floor up to your shoulders, then over the head.

His first attempt of three was 55 kilograms.

“He caught that easily,” John said.

“Usually, when you achieve a weight, you go up for the next attempt, so we took it up to 58 kilos.”

Callan missed the second at 58kg, but John said he “looked really good, so we made the decision to go up in weight to 60kg, which is uncommon.”

“It was a technical fault rather than a weight problem; he was comfortably lifting the 58, it didn’t look hard for him,” John said.

“So we pushed it, and he’s never done 60kg before.”

Callan blitzed the 60kg, meaning his clean and jerk had to be 76kg to reach 136kg.  

His first lift, he achieved 76.

“It was a very challenging weekend, and I’m proud because he comes to the gym five or six days a week with intention,” John said.

“I’m super proud of him, but not surprised he made nationals.”

Callan will compete in Nationals on June 3 via video link, with his goal to beat his own personal best and keep improving.

Base 51 Manuela Modai, Callan Simpson, and John Russolillo

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A BIG field of 120 men from 10 local bowls clubs braved the wet weather on Saturday April 9 to battle it out for the Wilmar Plane Ck Shield at Sarina Bowls Club.

Normally it’s three games of 16 ends and despite the rain bursts between play, competitors played 14 ends in the first round, managed to get a full second game, but the third game was called off after seven ends.

A happy group of 12 bowlers from Mackay club were the winners only just shading Northern Beaches by half a point.

Despite all having to play in some miserable weather, there was still some great bowls played and good comradeship between all clubs.

By Rita Hughes

Mackay club bowlers with the Wilmar Plane Creek Shield are back row Mick Coll, Ross Dunston, Col Mark, Peter Malloy, Glen Luck, Tony Gibson, Kees Stuick and Peter Taffe; front row Ian Nash, Russell Fry, Kevin Tramberg and Barry Paskins. Photo: Rita Hughes

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Monday play has again been very popular, with not only all rinks filled, but last week there were five players over, so some triples were played as well as the usual pairs. This is your last chance to enter Tony’s Triples fun day, as nominations close on Sunday 17th April.

SOCIAL RESULTS

Monday: Darrel Kane and Marshall Howland won, with. Sam and Cherry Leotta in second spot. Lucky draws went to John Fry and Marshall Howland.

Wednesday ladies’ winners were Sue Roscoe and Lorraine Lemke, with Neddy Thomsen and Helen Rose coming second.

Thursday mixed pairs was taken out by Brian Perrin and Darren Addie with Mick Walsh and Peter Delaney runners up. Greens vouchers were won by Barry Lehmann and Margaret Fogg, and the raffle was won by Mick Walsh, who promised to give the bottle of wine and money to his wife.

Friday’s top money was won by Lorna Bowers and Peter Madden. Lucky draw winners were Mick Walsh and Graham Hawke, and Brian Dennien and Vern Mietzel.  Peter Miller won the $500 kitty toucher, with a resting bowl.

Saturday men’s day winners were Vic Gaudion and Asko Helenius, with Lou Trott, Trevor Laurens and Vern Mietzel coming second.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Shirley Bartolo and Michelle Stockton enjoy a day bowling at Goosies

Board secretary, Peter Grant and Bowls club secretary Andrew Coates catch up at the bar

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When the Mackay Cutters headed on their five-hour trip down to Rockhampton for Round 4’s Rivalry Hostplus Cup match against CQ Capras last Saturday, the tight run affair in pre-season against the Rockhampton side would have been on their minds.

Capras had clinched it by just four points in what head coach David Elliott called a “scrappy one” and the official Hostplus match last week was no different.

Browne Park witnessed a back and forth, free scoring affair between the two sides but still some of the scrap from that pre-season fixture remained. Capras came into the game in fine fettle, having won their first three matches and sitting pretty at the top of the table.

There was still some confidence in the air from the late March fixture against Ipswich Jets in which the travelling Cutters crushed the Jets 12-52. Belief and culture were the key words for Elliott in his early season interviews, and when a team is as capable of results like that, it’s hard not to believe.

Cutters starting line-up comprised Andre Niko, Kane Bradley, Blake Paskins, Sam Fa’apito, Laitia Moceidreke, Daejarn Asi, Brandon Finnegan, Jayden Morgan, Kyle Schneider, Ross Bella, Luke Webyley, Ben Condon, and Tom Irelandes.

Their interchange featured Sean Mullany, Jake Riley, Hiale Roycroft, Morgan McWhiter, Mitch Fogarty, Jake Hawkins, Luke Ingram, and Matt Vessy.

The stage set, the bus trip done and pre-season behind them, Cutters came in hopeful to turn the fixture on its head – which they very well almost did.

But in a game that ended 26-18, Capras looked the more likely to run away with it early in the game, scoring twice through Brandon Roberts in the 6th and again in the 26th.

Cutters managed to dig deep and retaliate thanks to a bit of luck and Andre Niko. Niko ran almost the length of the field after catching hold of a loose ball courtesy of the Capras wide players.

Kane Bradley grabbed a four pointer just before the end of the first half to actually take the lead 12-10 - again capitalising on a Capras mistake leading to a knock on.

Cutters extended the advantage in the 53rd with a scrappy crossing from Sean Mullaney. It was all downhill from there, as the Capras seemed to kick into gear and kept the momentum coming.

Jonas Pearson scored in the 58th to cut the advantage after a bursting run through the defensive line. Jesse Jennings grabbed a four pointer just five minutes later.

Brandon Roberts scored his third of the game late on to keep their undefeated run going – four from four. It’s a tough break for the Sugar City side who had been ahead but struggled to keep the lead. Promising signs for the local side, though, who may well rebound in their next fixture.

So far Cutters have claimed four points in four games, leaving them in 6th position on the table – a respectable start to the season: two wins, two losses. Their next week fixture against the Falcons may prove a tough one again, with the Sunshine Coast side sitting in fourth, having leapfrogged Cutters and Bears.

Cutters will head down to the Sunshine Coast Stadium this Saturday for a 4.00pm kick-off.

The Mackay Cutters have had a bit of a mixed bag for the start of the season – two wins and two losses

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Sunday morning saw over forty Mackay Road Runners take on Slade Point as part of the annual Tim’s Chariots of Fire run.

Hosted by club president Tim Magoffin and his family, the run consists of technical 5km and 11km distances along road, sand, and trails, with runners enjoying cool, wet conditions and panoramic coastal vistas.

Mick Vivian set the pace in the 11km finishing as the first male across the finish line and leading a talented back consisting of Paul Mackenzie, Joe Grech, George Hannaford, Justin Rule, Luke Leven, Toby Rule, Ryan Evetts, Mick Scholer, Greg O’Neill, Craig Stevens, Derek Woods, Robin Stinson, Ross Vickers, Martin Lambert, Simon Henderson, John Couldrey, Daniel Stampa, and David Isbister.

Alana Knesevic was the first female to finish the technical 11km course ahead of Glynis Forse, Jose Short, Carmel Grech, Emily Smyth, Sarah Jensen, Judy Zahn, Marie Muscat, Carmel Mahon, Geeta Ariani, and Brenda Windsor.

Despite a brief detour after a wrong turn, the 5km front runners still managed to sprint home with a smile on their faces, with Damien Rutland, Lily Leven, and Carolyn Mapes once again showing their impressive ability.

Excellent efforts were also on display from Julie Whibley, Emma Johnson, Jo Hughes, Charlie Bone, and Stuart Sprott.

Host and club president Tim Magoffin even completed the course several times, including the early morning setup and pack down, as it is his regular training route.

Road Runners Justin and Toby Rule have recently returned from successful athletic championship outings. Toby came away with sensational results from the Little Athletics State Championships including a gold medal and championship title.

Justin claimed silver in the 3km steeplechase at the Australian Masters Athletics Championships in Brisbane earlier this month, elevating him to among the quickest in Australia.

The Road Runners’ next meet will take place on Easter Sunday with a social 5km/10km run embarking from Zambrero on the corner of Gordon and Gregory Streets, commencing at 4:30pm.

Luke Levin (left) congratulates Justine Rule (centre) and Toby Rule (right) after their successful outings at recent state and national athletics championships in Brisbane

Ready to race their respective events (left to right) Jose Short, Jan Smith, Craig Stevens, Michael Feenaghty, and David Isbister

Judy Zahn battles the damp conditions as she summits the Lamberts Beach Water Tower section of the 11km

First female Alana Knesevic makes the 11km tricky trails look easy. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse (Road Runners Publicity Officer)

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