When Libby Surha was selected as a reserve in the Australian PM’s XIII Women's rugby league team, she wasn’t expecting to play in what was to become a thumping win over the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII Women.

She found out she was going to play the Thursday before the game.

“I actually thought I was just on the bench,” Libby said.

The 18-year-old played 43 minutes of the game alongside heroes Tallisha Harden and Stephanie Hancock, finishing with three runs for 20 metres and two tackle breaks.

“Walking out onto the field was the best moment of my life,” she said.

“Just the culture around the stadium, it was unreal.”

“Plus the legends of the game, I played with.”

“They just really encouraged me to just step up and not be limited just because they have more experience than me.

“They just treated me like I was like them even though I haven’t played in the NRLW yet or anything like that.”

The Australian Prime Minister’s XIII Women defeated the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII Women 64-6 in the game that took place at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, September 25.

“To win by that much, it was crazy,” said Libby.

“An experience I will never forget.”

Originally a hockey player, footy was always in Libby’s family.

“I’ve always been around footy but when I was 12 years old, just starting high school, there was an article about schoolgirls rugby league, and I tried it and started making teams,” she said.

While the opportunities for women were seldom when Libby first started playing rugby league, she tried out for and made multiple representative teams around central and north Queensland.

Libby played her first senior season this year for Carltons Devils, with the team making it to the grand final.

“Unfortunately, we lost but it was such a good season surrounded by great girls,” Libby said.

Over the last 12 months, Libby has also represented the Mackay Cutters, Queensland Sapphires and the Australian Women’s Indigenous Academy, the latter being where she was selected for the Prime Minister’s XIII.

Libby said this season has been her best, amplified by the fact that it was her first season back from an ACL reconstruction.

“This year was a huge comeback for me,” she said.

“I tell you what, I’m ticking boxes, that’s for sure.”

Libby has been selected for the U19 Canberra Raiders and hopes to move to Canberra at the end of the year, a step she says she hopes will lead her to an NRLW contract, ideally in north Queensland.

“Cowboys is definitely the dream,” she said.

Image: Libby Surha says running onto Suncorp Stadium was the best moment of her life. Photos supplied

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The much anticipated finale for the Mackay Road Runners formal season closure peaked with the running of the Benita Willis 10 kilometre Handicap Trophy.

Mackay Road Runners proudly acknowledge four-time Olympian, first time new mum and all round champion athlete and person, Benita Willis as an iconic treasure from the Mackay region.  

Benita Willis is, without doubt, Australia’s greatest female distance runner - a three-time National Champion in the 5,000m, Willis currently holds six national records from distances ranging from the 3,000m to the marathon. We congratulate Benita on her successes and thank her for her support in being involved with the Mackay running fraternity. Benita’s best and most challenging event was the recent birth of her beautiful baby girl, Poppy who will no doubt be a very active little girl.

The 2022 Benita Willis Handicap Champion went to Martin Lambert who is a very strong supporter of athletes in the community.  His On The Run coaching clinics assist many runners to strive and reach their own personal goals.

The handicap start event saw runners choosing between 5 kilometres and 10 kilometres, however, the first runner across the line in the 10 kilometre race was the winner, male or female. Martin ran very well with a huge gap ahead over second placed Carol Dawes and Sandy Strong (3rd).  

Runners are to be congratulated on their very full, committed and strong season culminating in the perfect race to end the formal season.

Five-kilometre winner, junior Damien Rutland continued his dominance of the 5 kilometre with a blitzing performance ahead of first female, veteran Jo Hughes who also both started on handicap.

The quality field of runners had an outstanding morning including Paul Mackenzie, Shane Donnollan, Joe Grech, Michael Feenaghty, Carl Pinkstone, Justin Rule, Oliver Rule, Toby Rule, Ricky Parker, Glynis Forse, Carmel Grech, Vicki Ford, Millie Bishop, David Isbister, Jan Smith, Robin Stinson, Stuart Sprott, Susan Petersen, Bec Lamont, Jeff Shaw, Tim Magoffin, John Couldrey, Patreana Fenech, Geeta Ariani, Carmel Mahon, Brenda Windsor and Judy Zahn.  

Welcome back to the ‘ghost’ who walks/runs, Jose Eisemann who made a welcome return to running on the very last run of the year, he even collected his race number for the first time this year as well. He was joined by running compatriots, Matt Stevens and Sandy Strong who are also noted for a minimalistic approach to club runs, leaving the club in no doubt as to them not winning the most committed runner award!

Many thanks to race day volunteers, Arthur Dick, Julie Whibley, Tim Magoffin and Jaylene Harrison. Thank you to Paul Mackenzie for his generous donation to the club by paying race day fees for everyone.  Paul’s a very talented and popular athlete who’s humble and supportive persona are an asset to himself and those around him. We congratulate Paul on his massive achievements this year and wish him all the best for his next ultra marathon events coming up before the end of the year.

The Shawn’s Summer Social Series will continue as usual in the off season, commencing Sunday, October 23 at 5.30pm. Club Captain, Jim Ford will be issuing a program/calendar of events which will be circulated in the coming weeks. The free informal training sessions will attract a gold coin donation towards post run refreshments.

The 2022 Annual Awards Evening will be held on Saturday, October 22 at The Grove from 6pm.  Please RSVP your interest by October 8 to vickiford74@outlook .com.

Special guests include Club Patron Col Meng and his wife Rhonda and the Mackay Branch of the Leukaemia Foundation representatives, Barry and Christine Comben.

Contributed with thanks to Janelle Tilse.

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Monday 26 September – 5 Table One Winner

1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

2nd Faye Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood

3rd Ming Ting / David Ting

4th Antonia Tarradas / Graham Smith

Tuesday Evening –27 September – 4 Table One Winner

1st Terrence Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek

2nd Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Marilin Robins / Faye Wright

4th Marilyn Wilson Nicholl / Jan Harris

Eclectic for Tuesday September 2022

1st Eric Leivesley

2nd Janelle Conroy

3rd Terrence Sheedy

4th Helen Van Den Broek

Wednesday 28 September – 9 Table Green Points

N/S

1st Janet Hansen / Del Ryan

2nd Eric Leivesley / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Alan Brown / Janelle Conroy

4th Antonia Tarradas / Victor Mason

EW

1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Noel Bugeia / Doone Mitchell

3rd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

4th Geoff Taylor / Ted Cullinan

Thursday Night 29 September – 7 Table One Winner Green Points Eclectic for Thursday September

1st Doone Mitchell / Marilin Robins

2nd Geoff Taylor / Annie Lynch

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Errol Miller

1st Terrence Sheedy

2nd Ken Seaniger

3rd Robert Carless

4th David Ting

Friday 30 September – Walk In’s Congress

N/S

1st Terrence Sheedy / Errol Miller

2nd Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

3rd Eric Leivesley / Janelle Conroy

E/W

1st Noel Bugeia / Ian Afflick

2nd Nancy Martin / Monica Darley

3rd Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore

Friday 1 October – Mackay Congress – Swiss Pairs

Section A

1st Noel Bugeia / Ian Afflick

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Stokes

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Errol Miller

4th Malcolm Allan / Adrian Lohmann

Section B

1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Doone Mitchell

2nd Christine Nice / Faye Wright

3rd Ming Ting / David Ting

4th Helen Van Den Broek / Joy Brunette

Section C

1st Noel Saunders / Ted Cullinan

2nd Sandy Patterson Geoff Cowan

3rd Pam Carmody / Michelle Morrissey

4th Sandra Morris / Annie Lynch

Sunday 2 October – Mackay Congress Teams

.....Team.......................Players

1st Randall...................Jan Randall / Don Cameron / Malcolm Allan / Adrian Lohmann

2nd Rayfield................Tania Rayfield / Valda Corbett / Pam Carmody / Michelle Morrissey

3rd Holewa..................Diane Holewa / Max Holewa / Eric Leivesley / Janelle Conroy

4th Zimmerman...........Richard Zimmerman / Rosemary Carleton / Richard Metcalfe / Denise O’Regan

5th Sheedy...................Terrence Sheedy / Errol Miller / Noel Bugeia / Ian Afflick

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Pioneer Swim Club hosted their annual long course swimming carnival over the weekend at the Pioneer Swim Centre, with swimmers aged between seven and under to mature age participating.

Around 170 swimmers competed over the weekend from Mackay, Townsville, Bowen, Airlie Beach, Yeppoon and Rockhampton swimming clubs.

The carnival was the first long-course carnival of the season, with swimmers seeded according to their time rather than their age.

“If you have a qualifying time, you get slotted into races with people who have similar times to you,” said Pioneer Swim Club Secretary Tahnie Malagueno.

“All the carnivals that we do throughout the season will then also assist the swimmers with heading to states.”

Pioneer Swim Club also celebrated their 45th anniversary on Sunday night which saw current coaches, swimmers and families come together with previous coaches, swimmers and life members including special guest and founding coach Judy Lockhart.

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The Cannons continue to host Club Nights on Wednesday nights during the school holidays, with all swimmers enjoying the warmer weather.  

The Cannons congratulated seven-year-old Eloise Chegwidden on setting a new Club Record of 59.2 seconds for her 50-metre Breaststroke.  

Prickly Pineapple Swim Star of the Week was Isabella Pisaniello, who was presented with an Upgrade Certificate and the Chocolate Award for the biggest personal best.  

Congratulations to Matilda Nicholes for also winning the Chocolate Award for smallest personal best.

Club Secretary, Giselle Burton presented Upgrade Certificates to Harris Delac, Koa Harland, Charlie Doherty, and Millie Groom.  

Top performers at this week’s Club Night: Tora Delac was on fire on Wednesday night, swimming personal bests in all her events. Her best swims were her 200-metre Backstroke and 200-metre Freestyle.  

Indi Harland and Anisa Helou were in excellent form, achieving three personal best times.  Indi, aged six, swam a super 12-metre Butterfly in 35.88 seconds (a 8.16 second personal best). Anisa raced extremely well in all her 50-metre events.

Anisa’s brother, Ehsan, also swam well in his 50-metre Backstroke and Breaststroke.  Koa Harland, aged eight, swam an impressive time of 2.20.16 for her 100-metre IM (a massive 18.52 second personal best).  

The Cannons welcomed Alessa Penglasse-Fortunato to Club Night. Alessa swam extremely well in all her 25-metre events.  

Congratulations to Harry Chegwidden, Zane Clayworth and Piper Walker who all 7 years or younger for trying the best and achieving two personal bests.  

Special mention to swimmers who achieved a personal best time: Don Algie, Charlie Doherty, Isaac Pisaniello, Matilda Nicholes, Evie Doherty, Millie Groom, and Lochlan Jamieson.  

Well done to all the swimmers who participated on Wednesday night.  A big thank you to the Chegwidden family cooking up a storm.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Parkrun may be the name, but you don’t have to run or be a runner to get involved in this free weekly five-kilometre event that takes place at 7am every Saturday morning at Coral Sea Marina.

While walkers have always been welcome and celebrated at the 450 parkruns around Australia each Saturday, Pakrun Australia say the month of October will be dedicated to encouraging even more people to walk.

More than 10% of people who complete the five-kilometre course at Aussie parkruns do so as walkers, and the organisation is keen to significantly increase this number.

The campaign will see parkrun change its logo to ‘parkwalk’ for the month of October, with bright pink branding designed to capture the attention — and the imagination — of people who might not think that parkrun is for them.

Airlie Beach parkrun volunteer event director Kara Olver said: “Parkruns are social events where there is no time limit and people of all ages and abilities take part, including people pushing prams or with their dog on a short handheld lead.”

“It’s all about getting involved in a way that is fun and comfortable for you. Walking is a great way of soaking up the parkrun atmosphere and chatting with people while being active.”

Ms Olver said it’s one of the best entry points into parkrun, especially for those who may be taking their first steps towards healthier and happier lifestyles.

“Walking at parkrun is a great way to meet new people too, or you can walk with your family or friendship group,” she said.

“One of the great things about parkrun is that you can never come last. Each week we have people who volunteer as tail walkers, who provide support and encouragement for walkers and are the last people to finish.”

In addition to the tail walkers, a new volunteer role of ‘parkwalker’ – who will wear blue vests - is being introduced from the first Saturday in October.

The volunteers will have the role of mixing with other walkers and having a chat during the five-kilometre walk.

Thousands of people at parkrun take more than an hour to complete the event. In fact, when parkrun started in Australia in 2011 the average finish time was 27 minutes, and now it’s 33 minutes — a statistic the organisation is incredibly proud of because it shows that parkrun now appeals to a broader range of people.

Airlie Beach parkrun takes place at Meeting Area D of Coral Sea Marina every Saturday at 7am.

Registration is free at www.parkrun.com.au/register

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Three triathletes from Airlie Beach have qualified for two unique world events where they’ll represent Australia across the month of October.

Michael Kimpton, Daniel McDonnell, and Alisha Rust – Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island athletes – will head to the United States in October to compete across two outings as international athletes.

For the full-distance Ironman World Championships, Kimpton will represent the region as he arrives in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii for one of the most incredible events on the planet and the pinnacle of triathlon sport.

He’ll compete where professional and age group triathletes from around the World dream of racing: on Ironman’s main stage.

The iconic event “defines the sport of triathlon”, with the very best triathletes worldwide embarking on a 3.8-kilometre ocean swim, 180-kilometre cycle, and finishing with a 42-kilometre run through the barren lava fields of Hawaii.

“For most, it is the ultimate test of strength, mind and spirit,” said Airlie Beach triathlete Michael Kimpton, who qualified for the race’s 65–69-year-old age group.

“I’m so happy to be representing Australia, and especially considering I’m only a newbie to the sport!”

Kona serves as the first of two Ironman championships that the group will head to the United States for, when in late October, the entire trio of Kimpton, McDonnell, and Rust will be heading to Utah for the Half Ironman 70.3 World Championship.

Each contestant from Airlie Beach is a member of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club, qualifying for their respective age groups at the Half Ironman World Championships: McDonnell in age group 18 to 24, and Rust in age group 25 to 29.

The trio will compete in the gruelling run through the heat of St George and Greater Zion National Park in Utah.

The course offers miles of adventure and inspiration for its triathletes to test their mettle in the shadows of red rocks and desert.

Although a lesser distance than Kailua-Kona, the Zion course poses its own challenges.

A Reservoir swim of 1.93-kilometress, followed by a hilly bike course of 90.1-kilometress, gaining 3,500 feet elevation through ‘’Snow Canyon’’- all in oppressive heat – and a run course of 21.1-kilometres, again on a hilly course.

Utah Ironman has been called ‘’The Land of Endurance’’.

The three “gun athletes” will serve as Whitsundays’ exports for the region, who are looking forward to taking the Whitsundays’ spirit to the world stage.

Your Airlie Ironmen And Women:

Name: Daniel McDonnell

Age: 24

How long you’ve been competing: Two years

Best time so far: 3 hours 48 minutes (half ironman)

Favourite part of a race: Finishing on the podium

Best advice you’ve ever received: Aim for consistency

Top tip for triathletes: Make sure you enjoy it

Aspirations for the race: Have a great event

Name: Alisha Rust

Age: 28

How long you’ve been competing: Four years

Best time so far: 5 hours 17 minutes (half ironman)

Favourite part of a race: Having a great race

Best advice you’ve ever received: Have a go

Top tip for runners: Train to the best of your ability

Aspirations for the race: Have fun, enjoy it!

Name: Michael Kimpton

Age: 68

How long you’ve been competing: Five years

Best time so far: 13 hours 27 minutes (full ironman)

Favourite part of a race: Seeing the finish line

Best advice you’ve ever received: Never give up

Top tip for runners: Do the best you can

Aspirations for the race: Enjoy the day and the atmosphere

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The club is one week closer to finding out who’s name will be on the Premier League trophy at the end of this year’s season. One thing we do know for certain, is that there will be a new name on the cup this year.

On Thursday morning, Jamie Maher and Andy Peel played in the first prelim final, with Jamie getting off to a great start taking the first five legs.

After a short break, Andy claimed his first leg of the match, but Jamie kept the pressure on with a 71 and a 133 checkout to go 7/1 ahead.

Andy fought hard, winning three of the next four legs, but ultimately the head start proved to be too big for Andy to reel in, and with Jamie checking out so well, the match finished with him winning the contest 10/4.

In the second preliminary final, 3rd placed Joe Wilson had to battle it out with Dom Friend, who finished the league in 4th, for a place in this year’s final.

This match began in similar fashion to the other final with Dom taking command of the match early. With a 7-nil lead, and hitting a 180 as well as a 122-bullseye checkout, Dom was in full control, and the result looked inevitable.

Joe to his credit though came back strong and had Dom worried when he hit his own 117-ton checkout.

With the match nicely poised at 8/5, Dom looked a little uncomfortable, and had to find something extra to get across the finish line, but at 9/5 the writing was on the wall.

Joe had given it his all, but in the end, he left himself with too much to do. The final score was 10/5 to Dom, meaning both Jamie and Dom will contest this year’s Premier League final.

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

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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The weekly 9-hole stableford was won this week by Tyson Flavel with 21 points. Terry Kimpton was second with 20 and Rhys Bartholomeus third with 19 points c/b.

Friday was Mark Winter who won with 21 points, Brayden Davies in second with 18 points and Clint Paull with 17 third.

Sunday was the Monthly Medal and Rob Lodders had the win with 53 Nett. Second was David Wallace with 54 and third Elise Hodgson on 55.

Dean Barnard won the Gross score with 57 and Marc Belke took home both ‘Nearest the Pins’.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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After a few weeks of no comps the Whitsunday Social Golf Club held its September Monthly Medal event on Sunday.

Winner for A Grade Men was George Meharry, with runner up Jason Bourke. Mens B Grade winner was Mark McDougall, runner up was Paul Nicol.

Ladies’ A grade winner was Jackie Wall, with runner up Anna Winterbourn, while Ladies’ B grade winner was Pam Casey and runner up Jo Moynihan.

Pin shots went to Aaron Watts, Pam Casey, Anna Winterbourn, George Meharry, and Ron Jamieson.

Longest Drives were claimed by Geoff Harrison, Paul Nicol, Pauline Redpath, and Pam Casey.

Next weekend will be the Annual Magnetic Island trip with comp resuming on Sunday 9th October.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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Tuesday results for Wangaratta Bowls Club: Winners for the afternoon were Irene Laird, Linda Smith, and David Madden defeating Sue Shearing, Cath Christopher, and Joe Paynting.

Other winners were Maree Brunker, Pearl Ayken, and Mark Drummond beating out Joe Paynting, Bill Parker, and Margaret Wilson. Lyn Madden, Keith Aykens, and Sugar Brunker  were the final Tuesday winners, defeating D Beel, Terry Robinson, and Penny Warren.

Sunday results: Winners for the afternoon were Judy Christie and Allan Rolfe defeating Deb Retchless and Pearl Aykens.

Other winners were Penny Warren and Sugar Brunker defeating June Paynting and Pat Tracey, while Bill Myers, Linda Scells, and Mark Drummond defeated Laurie Land, Terry Blair, and Joe Paynting.

Sue Shearing, Keith Aykens, and Kennedy Whitton rounded out the winners circle, defeating Deb Beel, Isobel Wheeler, and Barry Beel.

Competition Results: Final of Mixed Triples saw Denise Wallace and Ted Evans defeat Greg Colquhoun, Lyn Danvers, and Geoff Danvers.  

Ladies Two Bowl Triples winners were Deb Beel, Marcia Arthur, and Lyn Danvers, defeating Robyn Stitt, Margaret Wiilson, and Fely Duncan.

Good luck to the Wangaratta men playing in the Burdekin Pennants this Saturday.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Sunday Scroungers Winners: Steve Roome, Jane Gilbert, Tracey Roach, and Gavin Charles.

Presentation Night is October 22 at the Central Hotel.

Wednesday Social: One card only for Wednesday. There was a drawn game between Paula Welsted, Bev Smith, Tiarna Rogers versus David Moodie Joan Edwards/ Eddie Neylon, Peter Thomson.

Sunday Scroungers Winners: Wayne Crowhurst, Steve Roome, Paula Welsted,Lee Welsted.

Scroungers is still on Sundays.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Tuesday afternoon social bowls: Skipper John Trembath was at his absolute best alongside Mario De Martini at lead. Combining with visiting bowler Robyn Roberts, the side beat all comers.

Wednesday afternoon social bowls: 24 bowlers competed for first prize, which saw Helen Ward at skipper, with Keith Bates at lead and Tony Kelly playing out of his skin, completely overwhelm the opposition.

Saturday Scroungers Spring Competition: Tony Kelly, Warren Mills, Rick Galea, Tony Whitehorn, John Askew, and Merve Stewart were first round winners.

Andy McDougall won the B grade points total, and second-round winners were Ladda Purdie, Betty Nicole, Nik Fernbach, and Steve Lawrie. Tony Whitehorn won Group B.

Sunday afternoon social bowls: skipper Tony Whitehorn maintained his form with sister-in-law Helen Ward at second, and the much improved Paul Tobias at lead. The side proved gallant winners of the prize.

In Rockhampton, the Bowls Premier League semi-finals was being held and Airlie Beach Bowls Club was represented by two teams: John Matterson’s team of Mark Mawson at lead with Alan Pershouse at second, and Manny Isgro’s team of Luke Kinnear and Warren Mills at second who topped the competition and will be off to the national finals in November.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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The “Road To Glory” began for the Whitsundays’ favourite football team back in early January, as the eventual champions kicked off their preseason. A new coach, the returning Nick Hodgen, whose last spell as manager with the club was in 2014, combined with new players, spelling for a strong outing in the competition – but did they expect the result?

There was undoubted belief in the dressing room from day one, even though their first fixtures indicated otherwise.

A string of new players had found their way to the men’s side, and the reinforcements certainly proved the difference.

Ex-professional footballers and high level Australian National Premier League Players (or slightly below that upper echelon of football) like the Scotts: the agile playmaker Scott Ferries – eventual winner of the league Best and Fairest award – and the lightning quick Scott Boldy. As well as players like Connor Mcavoy – a bulldog on the pitch who often “did Scott Ferries’ dirty work” – each of whom bolstered the already strong squad who were a hangover from those frantic final series of games in 2021.

Nick Hodgen’s arrival ushered in a spate of fresh ideas to turn the once quick, counter-attacking side into a metronomic, possession-based machine, and also brought with him his son, Harry Hodgen, a lightning paced winger with a penchant for dribbling, and who would end the regular season with 29 goals (the competitions Golden Boot winner).

Thomas Torzsok, Sam Blake, and captain James McEvoy-Bowe remained from the previous season as a class above the rest in terms of both technical ability and physical attributes. The team was already looking like a strong side.

In their first three fixtures of the season, Whitsunday United were collecting every form of result: winning one, drawing one, and losing one – but it was time for the team to turn a corner.

On April 2 in Round Four, the team were to face against Mackay City Brothers – a team who’d so often been their “bogey” side. But who they’d also beaten in spectacular fashion the season before. So, it was time to set the tone.

They wasted no time in their demolition of the City Brother’s Squad, although they had gone behind 0-1 at the beginning of the game to a nervy penalty. Harry Hodgen opened his account, and it stayed open: he scored four goals. Six other players added to the tally, ending the game 10-2 and giving what had been a rowdy home crowd plenty to cheer about.

The next week, they demolished Mackay Wanderers 7-3, and it seemed the ball was more than just rolling.

But, the perennial enemy of their season reared their heads for the first time.

Slaying The Lion

Whitsunday United played Mackay Lions Soccer Club six times in their season. Twice in the finals and four times in the league. Each proving a pivotal match.

In Round Six of the FQPL Whitsunday Coast Men’s competition, Whitsunday United travelled to Mackay Lions home ground to face off against a team who had historically had the better of the beach side for years.

On their long, wide pitch, the Lions side were a constant threat: they had the pace to hurt you with a simple ball over the top.

That ball over the top was the order of the day.

United lost 3-2 in their first match-up against their eventual Championship Rivals – but they knew they were better than the Sugar City side. And when they met up again at Whitsunday Sports Park in a Round Two replay (the previous fixture postponed due to rain), they certainly played the better football.

Lion’s counter-attacking prowess saw them win that game 0-2, with Whitsundays struggling to put the ball in the back of the net. And it was the same story for Round 14, when United travelled to Mackay once more to face their challengers. Only a few points separated the sides due to Lion’s dropped points in other fixtures, but Lions were up again – winning in a contentious 2-1 result that saw the Whitsundays’ hopes potentially dashed.

It was now do or die: United needed to win every single fixture until the end of the season and hope for results to go their way in other games or to win on goal difference.

Lions would draw the very next game in Round 15. And Whitsundays had a sniff of a chance.

They met again in Round 18.

In a hard and physical game played at breakneck speed, the Whitsunday Men were the better side all over the park. The yellow cards were flying with neither side taking a backward step, but the speed and class proved the difference in the end.

Led by displays of individual brilliance by midfielder Scott Ferries, as well as Hayden Filby, the side rallied for an emphatic 3-1 victory against the (at the time) league leaders.

United went on to win their four remaining fixtures, seeing them crowned as Minor Premiers after winning against Mackay Magpie Crusaders 3-0 at home.

In the two finals games, they faced off against Lions in two games featuring some world-class footballing performances from players like Tommy Torszok, Ben Seago, captain James Mcevoy-Bowe, and Martyn Goodey. They had beaten the Mackay side’s spirit down, and both ended goalless for Lions at a neutral ground in Mackay.

Whitsunday 4, Lions 0 in the Major Semi. Whitsunday 3, Lions 0 in the Grand Final.

Champions Of The Whitsundays with 49 points from 20 games.

Designer Instruction: Headshots of Players go next to each name. They are listed from 1 to 15 and correspond with each player

Whitsunday United Player Ratings:

Luke Nightingale: Imperious between the sticks. 9.7

Ben Smith: Tireless commander and creator. 8.6

Harry Hodgen: A purebred goal scorer. 10.0

Scott Ferries: The difference maker. 10.0

Ben Seago: Commanding wherever he played. 8.4

Connor McAvoy: An absolute workhorse. 8.6

Declan Durrant: A defensive stalwart. 8.4

James McEvoy-Bowe: The best centre-half in the league. 9.9

Martyn Goodey: An inspiring presence. 10.0

Kurt Ashley: Defensive excellence. 8.4

Jose Puentes: The sides most skilful player. 8.4

Tommy Torzsok: A midfield maestro. 9.7

Hayden Filby: A dynamic forward with an eye for goal. 8.0

Luke Swift:  The voice of the team. 8.1

Scott Boldy: A flying fullback with exceptional ability. 8.3

Honourable Mentions:

Nick Hansen: 8.0

Josh Healey: 8.0

Ben Farrell: 8.0

Mike McCann: 8.0

Stefan Tarne: 8.0

Sam Blake: 8.0

The 15 players were determined through number of appearances and minutes played throughout the season.

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It was written in the stars.

Whitsunday United Football Club were crowned Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL) Whitsunday Coast inaugural champions in September of 2022, finishing the season with a tally of 49 points, pipping persistent rivals Mackay Lions in the final game of the regular season. They would face off against Lions twice in the Finals series of the competition, beating them twice to confirm “the double” – winning two trophies: the FQPL Title and the Grand Final Trophy.

It seems a long time since the junior clubs of Proserpine, Bowen, and Airlie Beach’s football associations sat down and amalgamated to create a senior pathway for football in the region in 2019: Whitsunday United Football Club. And it seems an even longer time since the club was known and playing as Whitsunday Football Club; even longer since they were the Cannonvale Cyclones. A long journey for a region whose primary exports and sporting successes are more often reserved for football of a different kind.

It seems an age since the foundations of a team that would make history – claiming Whitsunday United’s first ever Men’s Premiership – were lain.

The story of their championship winning side – the side that broke the duck, ending the drought – began the season prior, with a spectacular series of final games that instilled belief in a team which, in previous years and even that season itself, struggled with players and results.

There is one game in particular, played in Proserpine in the latter stages of the 2021 season, which highlights the team’s fighting spirit: The Battle Of Proserpine

Of the players who would comprise the starting lineup for 2022’s championship winning team, five played in the game that saw Whitsunday United claw back from defeat, scoring five goals to beat Mackay Brothers Football Club in a 5-4 win.

That side went on to be undefeated in their last regular season fixtures, making a late finals charge. They beat or drew against every single team in the dying embers of the 2021 season, all the way until the finals themselves, which saw them eventually lose out to Mackay Lions in the semis.

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

There was a promise made on that last matchday for the team: We will be back next year, and we will be stronger.

Those who played would form the spine of the side that went on to win the league, and a strong series of recruits in pre-season saw Whitsunday United go from off-again-on-again world-beaters to consistent champions-elect.

These are your Whitsunday United Football Club Football Queensland Premier League Champions and Grand Final winners:

Scott Ferries, Harry Hodgen, Hayden Filby, Ben Seago, Luke Swift, Declan Durrant, Tommy Torzsok, James McEvoy-Bowe, Connor Mcavoy, Martyn Goodey, Jose Puentes, Kurt Ashley, Sam Blake, Scott Boldy, Ben Farrell, Nick Hansen, and Luke Nightingale.

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