What a weekend for Whitsunday United with brilliant performances across all age groups.

The wins came early with both Division 1 Men and Women travelling to Mackay for their games. The Men's side faced off against Lions and continued their good form by bringing back three points in a 3-0 win. Goals came from the boots of Josh Lowe, Jake Flaherty, and Phillip Mcallister.

A story of resilience from the Div1 Women – barely able to get a team together for the fixture and on the verge of forfeiting before the match had even begun, they called on some injured players.

The Women’s side then managed to pull off a fairy tale victory against Sarina with a final score of 11-1. Three girls scored a hat-trick of goals: Kirsty Smith, Abi Worby, and Sonya Quod all finding the back of the net with regularity.

Mabel Gudes scored a couple to top off a memorable night. Keely Salty displayed the courage and grit starting to become a Whitsunday trademark, taking off her moon boot to play in goals and help her team. Super star!

U14 Div1 continued their superb form against Rangers and were in control from the start with an early goal to Charlie Fendley opening the floodgates.

Goals from Jacob Godden, Josh Faletti, and Harry Squires had the score at 5-0 at half time. After a dominant first half, the intensity dropped and the final score was 6-1 – a convincing win.

Unfortunately, the unbeaten U14 Premiere side didn’t play due to a forfeit from the opposition.

Whitsunday Sports Park hosted the action from 3pm on Saturday. The U16 Prems stepped up the pressure after a slow start and didn’t waste time getting on top of the Dolphins side – racing to a 3-0 lead at half time.

The second was an impressive display of teamwork, creating opportunity after opportunity, and hitting the post four times, the final score was 4-1. A satisfying result with two goals each to Kobi Miller and Jazz Knezevic. Lincoln Sokolski-Fricker was outstanding in defence and with his attacking raids.

Our Premier Women played the top of the table Lions side and faced an uphill battle with a limited player roster. Coach Peter Farrell was pleased with the team's effort: "To go down by only two goals against Lions is an impressive result with the players we have missing at the moment,” he said.

Both Men's sides were pumped and ready to take on both Lion's sides in their respective grades in front of a large and vocal home crowd. Particularly the Men’s Whitsunday Premiers team, who would tackle the Premiership leading Lions.

The U23's started off the proceedings and dominated from the outset, putting the Lions off their usual game with fast and physical play. With James Vodicka (1) and Nick Hansen (2) doing the damage, the satisfying 3-0 victory puts the side in strong contention for the finals with three teams tied on 16 points, but Whitsundays having two games in hand over the others.

In the match of the day, the Whitsunday Premier Men were determined to avenge previous losses and make a claim for the Premiership - and what a statement they made.

In a hard and physical game played at a furious pace, the Whitsunday Men were the better side all over the park. The yellow cards were flying with neither side taking a backward step but ultimately it was the class and speed of the Whitsunday squad that won through.

Led by displays of individual brilliance by midfielder Scott Ferries, as well as Hayden Filby, the home side rallied for an emphatic 3-1 victory. Goals from Hayden Filby - running into the centre of the box, striking the ball into the side netting - and two penalties, one from Tommy Torzsok, and the other from Ben Seago, inspired the victory.

The team song rang out loud and clear over the sports park that night.

With four games left in the season, the Men’s Premier Side are closing in on a potential league title should they win the remainder of their games. They played Mackay Magpie Crusaders on Wednesday – a result not known at the time of writing.

Whitsunday United’s Women Div1 girls with three goals a-piece! A massive effort from Kirsty Smith, Sonya Quod, and Abi Worby!

It was a huge win for the Division 1 side, which set the tone for a miracle weekend across the entire club

Keely Salter took off her moonboot and put on the gloves in a display of commitment

Mabel Gudes with two goals in the game, her reward for constant hard work

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At the end of July, Bowen Polocrosse Club hosted it annual carnival, fielding a team in the B grade comp with four Bowen players.

That team of Anthony Sullivan, Ellisa Davis, Michael and Jess Foster - along with two other players all the way from Coffs Harbour - took out runners up in the B Grade.

Michael Foster also took out Best Bowen player and the Best Sportsmanship award for the carnival, with Ellisa Davis also taking home the female encouragement award.

As well, the Bowen clubs’ newest members played in the C grade team fielded by ‘Mr worldwide’ Ben Burgess, Oscar Turner, and seasoned player Brendan Smith.

Although they didn’t come away with a win, the boys played a fantastic game all weekend.

The club couldn’t forget its Junior player Ryleigh Melean, who played an exceptional game all weekend.

On the weekend August 6, members of the Bowen club travelled to Gordonvale to play at the Pyramid carnival.

It was a tough competition and the club didn’t come away with any wins, despite all members playing well. It was certainly a tough competition all weekend.

The club is practicing at the grounds in the coming weeks and would love to have anyone interested come and get involved. Please contact the club for more information either via email bowenpolox@outlook.com or phone: Sully 0410 649 364.

Contributed with thanks to Jesse Foster

Adam Burns and Michale Foster playing against Roma. Image Barden Photographic

Ben Burgess, Oscar Turner, Brendan Smith

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams hosted the ever strong North Mackay Saints for the second time within a month showing mixed results for the day.

Whitsunday Sea Eagles Senior Men hosted undefeated North Mackay Saints with the opposition winning the game convincingly 100 – 37 after a close battle to half time. Sea Eagles were able to execute their plan perfectly for the first quarter going into the first break 28 – 7 in the lead. Although Sea Eagles battled hard for the remainder of the game the Saints were able to catch up on the scoreboard by half time to then take off in the final half and show why they sit at the top.

Sea Eagles Senior Women had a closer match this week with Saints coming out strong to put points on the board before Sea Eagles reigned them in to apply their best pressure this season. Sea Eagles put in a good effort with consistent scores marginally less than Saints to eventually end down 22 – 47.

Sea Eagles Under 17s took on the Saints as the only team they are yet to beat this season losing out 13 – 58. With a few key players out it was always going to be a big challenge to stick with the talented Saints outfit.

Under 14s had a hard day out against the Saints battling for the day to end up with a 13 – 61 loss for the day.

Off to a firing start the youngest Under 12 Sea Eagles flew to a 19 – 1 lead against the Saints by the first break. Remainder of the match saw both teams wrestling for the ball with Saints scoring a goal early in the final term to leave Sea Eagles feeling the pressure. With a few minutes left Ollie Hardy managed his third for the match giving a comforting lead to the Sea Eagles youngsters celebrating their 25 – 15 win at the final siren.

Sea Eagles hit the road in different directions this week with Juniors and Senior Women headed out Moranbah from 9am and Senior Men play Eastern Swans in Mackay at 1:20pm.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

Whitsunday Sea Eagles U12 player Reef Weller

Zavier Goswell of the U14s side

U17s player Jordan Daniels

Images: Cody Fowler

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The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club hosted its first Club Night for the new season with swimmers excited to get back into racing.  

Surprisingly, so early in the season, the 26 swimmers who attended achieved a total of 35 PBs.  

The club would like to congratulate Jy Parkinson and Jax Clayworth for setting Club Records at the Cannons’ Winter carnival.  

Jy set new records for the 400-metre Freestyle and 200-metre IM.  Jax set new Club Records for 50-metre Freestyle, 50-metre Backstroke, 50-metre Butterfly and 100-metre IM.  

The Cannons would also like to commend Don Algie, Lukas Trevaskis and Eloise Chegwidden for achieving Upgrade times.  

The coaches, new committee and swimmers are all looking forward to this new season especially after the Australian swimmers have done so well at the Commonwealth Games.  

Club Night highlights include:  Jax Clayworth swam an excellent time of 1.42.77 in his 100-metre Butterfly which was a 20.96s Personal Best (PB).   Eloise Chegwidden, 7, swam an impressive 100-metre IM in 100-metre IM (a 8.21sec PB).  Thomas Ganter, aged 10, swam a super time of 44.12s in his 50-metre Butterfly. While Lucas Korosec, aged 6, swam extremely well at his first Club Night.  

Isabella and Isaac Pisaniello both swam awesome times in their Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly events.

One of Isabella’s best swims was her 50-metre Butterfly which she swam in 49.64sec (a 6.54sec PB).  

Congratulations to Matilda Nicholes, Celeste Orenshaw, Indi Smith, Levi Smith, Don Algie, Jacob Bell, Harry Chegwidden, Zane Clayworth, James Davies, Harris Delac, Declan Dichiera, Maeve Dichiera, Liam Filewood, Jack Ganter and Jasper Korosec for also swimming PBs on Wednesday night.

A big thank you to all the parents and volunteers who helped on Wednesday night!

Girls on the starting blocks

Jax Clayworth and Jy Parkinson with record certificates

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club got the week rolling with Tuesday afternoon bowls as Col Morris and Shane Spann were in outstanding form, easily defeating a big field.

Wednesday afternoon’s bowls was a huge day for outstanding clubman John Askew whom not only scooped the pool with an awesome win - with visitors Ken McAllister and Arthur Jewel – but also won the jackpot pool of $500 for the team and the Health Hub award for the trifecta on the day.

It was wonderful for all bowlers to welcome longstanding members Mae and Herb Secomb back into the fold.

Wednesday night was Round Three of Business House Bowls and the two skippers of the newest teams, Matt Plain and Matt Francis, bowled brilliantly.

Friday afternoon, the club received the wonderful news that Betty Nicole and Carol Crosbie beat all comers in Mackay to take the coveted Champion of Champions Pairs.

Sunday afternoon saw 30 bowlers competing for the prize with Betty Nicole continuing her remarkable form with Keith Bates and Alan Pershouse demoralising all comers.

Manny Isgro and Shane Spann continued the little club’s fantastic form, also winning the Champion of Champions in Mackay, and completing the double.

School teams are almost finalised to see whom is required to represent the area, and will be named as soon as competition is completed.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Dan McDowall, Matt Francis and Matt Plain at Business House Bowls welcome last Wednesday night

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Wednesday Social: Eddy/Joan, Gavin Charles, and Gus Munro defeated Paula Welsted and Tracey Roach. Mary Ellen Pratten and Ron Gould defeated Brian Jones and Barry Jackson. Bev Smith,Col Mesken, and Steve Roome defeated B.Tower, J.Mesken,and Jane Gilbert.

Sunday Social: Pauline Beadle, C. Davies, Barry Jackson, and Ross Scallon defeated Fay Stewart, Joan Edwards, and Wayne Crowhurst.

Jane Gilbert, David Gilmore, Danni Jeffries, and Kaleb Jeffries defeated Paula Welsted, Lee Welsted, Peter Thomson, and Brett.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

Birthday Girl Jane Gilbert with family members from Brisbane: Kaleb Jeffries, Jane Gilbert, Danni Jeffries, and David Gilmore

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Three Wangaratta Bowls Club ladies, Margaret, Penny and Denise, represented North Qld District in the Northern Women’s Challenge and were winners for the event.

Penny’s team was the best performing team with 9 out of 9 wins.

Closer to home, the men defeated the ladies in the Skirts versus Shirts afternoon, Wangaratta defeated All States in the annual competition event, and Mark had his President’s and Greenkeeper’s Day sponsored by Queens Beach Tourist Village with a full green in each event.

Congratulations to Robyn Stitt Margaret Wilson and Lyn Danvers in winning the Ayr Classic Triples on Thursday. Two years in a row.

Friday Night Barefoot Bowls is going well with a sausage sizzle before the game. This is an ideal to come and try bowls out with a bit of fun. Everyone is quite welcome to attend. Winners were Deb Marg d Leigh Brian Dennis, Jeff Mark Darrell Neil d Ann Karon June, James Helga Hellen Wendy d Evan Glen Warren Dave, Neville Grant Roger d Sandra Margaret Joan.

Sunday: Winners for the afternoon L Madden P Madden R Herman d P Tracey J Partner I Bryno and Runners Up D Steinfort H Reif P Aykens d S Shearing K Russo T Selwood.

Mixed Triples Competition: D Wallace T Evans A Rolfe d R Stitt I Wheeler M Drummond.

Congratulations to the Wangaratta Men who won the Combined Shield in Collinsville on Saturday defeating Collinsville, BBC and Combined Ladies teams to secure the trophy for the year. Thanks to Collinsville for a great day of play on your green and looking after us all. The CWA ladies put on a great spread.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

NQ District Players from Wangaratta North Women's Challenge 2022

Combined Shield 2022 Winners Wangaratta

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The weekend’s competition was the ladies A, B and C Grade Club championships at Bowen Golf Club. Well done to all that played both days.  Thank you to Brent Stocker Electrical for your sponsorship.

A Grade Gross winner and 2022 Club Champion is Rhiannon Nott, A Grade Gross runner up Claire Garrod, A Grade Nett Winner Penny Stewart, nett runner up Jo Goldup.  

B Grade Gross winner Meg Garrod, Gross runner up Kim Bennion, B Grade Nett winner Grace Nott, runner up Carol O’Connell.  

C Grade Gross winner Wendy Tracey, runner up Karen Dwyer.  Pin shots over the weekend went to Rhiannon Nott x 2, Karon McKenzie, Kim Bennion, Joy Hose, Viv Clark and Sarnie Eisemann.

Saturday also saw the Men and visitors play a Single Stableford event.  

Men’s winner on a countback Rodney Wells 39pts, runner up Brian Martin 39pts.  Ladies winner on a countback Kerry Pedlar 33pts, runner up Raewyn Glover 33pts.

This weekend’s competition is the Mens A, B & C Grade Club championships sponsored by Brent Stocker Electrical.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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This week the celebrations are all for George Meharry who got his 3rd ‘hole in one’ within three weeks. This week it was on August 6.

The weekly competition was won by Brayden Davies with 21 points followed by Justyn Durbin with 19 points and Elise Hodgson with 18.

The ladies’ commenced their new Thursday competition and the winner was Moya Bradley followed by Sandy Gowland and Jonell Goss.

For Friday’s prawn run it was Tyson Flavel with 21 points, Clint Paull with 20 in second taking a count back win over Alan Clinch.

Tyson also won the Sunday 18-hole stableford with 37 points, followed by Renae Maxwell with 35 just beating Glenn Rees with a count back. Glenn secured both Nearest the Pins on the day.

This Sunday it’s SKINS at 10am.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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The Mackay Cutters have announced the departure of Hostplus Cup Head Coach Dave Elliott by mutual agreement.

The Cutters made the announcement earlier this month, saying in a statement “We would like to sincerely thank Dave for his work and effort over the past 10-months and wish the Elliott family all the very best in their future.”

Mr Elliot relocated to Mackay from Townsville in 2021, taking over the role as head coach from Michael Crawley for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Mr Elliot has previously filled the roles of Hastings Deering Colts head coach with the Townsville Blackhawks and Blackhawks Intrust Super Cup Assistant Coach.

He departs prematurely to join Norths Devils as head coach on a two-year deal starting in 2023 after receiving an unexpected phone call from Devils CEO Troy Rovelli.

The Cutters will make further announcements regarding future coaching appointments in the coming weeks.

Mackay Cutters Hostplus Cup Head Coach Dave Elliott will depart the club at the end of the season. Photo supplied: QRL

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Peter Cowling and Ken Lane played the final of the B Singles last Saturday. It was a very tight game, with Ken coming out the victor this Year. Congratulations Ken. Mixed pairs and mixed fours are still being played.

Monday mixed pairs draw winners were Sandra Sommerfeld and Peter Shepherd. Loser’s draw was won by Sally and Peter Hodgson. Lucky draws went to Peter Hammreink and Barry Lee.

Wednesday ladies’ day was taken out by F. Carson, P. Cooper and D. Offield with S. Gilbert and S. Cuttriss in second place.

Thursday mixed pairs winners were Jessie Haber and Lyn Tennant. Runners-up was the team of Jan Little and Paul Goldston. Greens vouchers went to Lance Edwards and Wayne Trannore.

Friday mixed pairs was taken out by Rob Evans and Peter Horsburgh, who continue their winning streak. Lucky draw winners were Pat Elgey and Vic Gaudion with Val DePinto and Tony Allsop in second spot.

Saturday men’s day winners were Ray McCarthy and Doug Dungavell. Peter Delaney and Trevor Laurens came second.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Ken Lane and Peter Cowling fought out the B grade singles, with Ken eventually taking out this year’s title

Greg McLean and President, Eric Galletly man the starters box

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St Patrick’s College Mackay have taken a giant step towards reaching the Grand Final of the prestigious Aaron Payne Cup schoolboys rugby league competition.

The decorated College savoured one of its finest victories last week after toppling Confraternity Shield champions Ignatius Park College 20-6 in front of a boisterous Townsville home crowd to clinch the 2022 minor premiership.

There was double reason to celebrate for the Mackay youngsters with the final preliminary round triumph also avenging St Patrick’s devastating loss to their Townsville rivals in this year’s Confraternity Shield Grand Final at BB Print Stadium last month.

The stirring feat also snapped a five-year drought for St Patrick's, who managed to post their first win over Ignatius Park since 2017.

St Patrick’s lined up against neighbours Mackay State High School in a Cup semifinal on Wednesday, hoping to replicate their opening round 36-4 victory at the Mackay Junior League Fields while Ignatius Park squared off with Kirwan State High School in a local Townsville semifinal derby.

The winners of both semifinals will progress to the Aaron Payne Cup Grand Final to be staged on Friday August 19 as a curtain raiser to the North Queensland Cowboys v New Zealand Warriors NRL clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

St Patrick’s playmaker Jaxon Purdue produced a standout performance at half back, scoring two of his team’s tries and creating havoc out wide with his vision and silky passing.

Bailey Anderson turned in a strong defensive effort on the wing with rampaging forward Matthew Watts, gun hooker Xavier Kerrisk, fullback Will Shears and centre Kai Simon also making an impact for the Mackay giants.

Shears was rewarded with a try while Simon booted four goals from as many attempts to complete the scoring.

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Minor Premiers Mercy Chase Cowboys Challenge Grand Final Berth

Caption: Promising Mercy College five eighth Adam McSherry in action for the minor premiers in the Cowboys Challenge Shield competition. The young gun remains a key player in Mercy's quest for the premiership title

They might have wrapped up the minor premiership title but Mercy College coach Ian Schifilitti will undertake a low key approach to the 2022 Cowboys Challenge finals series.

While disappointed with his side’s listless performance during a 12-4 loss to Ignatius Park College in Townsville last week, a buoyant Schifilitti knows they are well placed to challenge for trophy honours in coming weeks.

Mercy may have suffered their first loss of the season but go into this week’s semifinal showdown with Mareeba State High School full of confidence after trouncing their Cairns rivals 52-0 just a fortnight ago in a preliminary round.

While the players face another arduous road trip back to Townsville for the big clash, they are fully aware that another comprehensive victory will set up a Challenge Shield decider against either Kirwan State High School or Ignatius Park College in Mackay.

Kirwan State High toppled Ignatius Park College 26-10 in the earlier Cowboys Challenge rounds before succumbing 16-10 to Mercy College in recent weeks.

Queensland Under 15 representative prop Cohen Jackson turned in a wholehearted performance for Mercy in the loss to Ignatius Park and was ably supported by playmaker Adam McSherry, hooker Hudson Clark and industrious forward Saxon Croft.

A sloppy Mercy team surrendered a 4-0 lead at the break with an undisciplined second half display as their Townsville rivals seized the advantage.

By Chris Karas

Classy St Patrick's half back Jaxon Purdue proved instrumental in the 20-6 Aaron Payne Cup victory over Ignatius Park College to snap a five-year drought against their Townsville rivals

Dashing St Patrick's fullback Will Shears returned to his enterprising best to help his team sink Ignatius Park College 20-6 in schoolboy rugby league action last week

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Wednesday August 3 was a very special day in the Pioneer Valley. Of course, there was plenty of cake.

Marian Ladies Bowls Club celebrated its 70th birthday, with bowls in the morning followed by lunch and the drawing of raffles.

Around 68 people made up of club members and visitors attended, with a day described as being full of fun and laughter. Club member Thelma Johnston used her baking talents to create a beautiful cake for all to share.

The club will be holding its annual Masters 4s event on August 15 – 17.

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Round 17 of the Hostplus Cup brought the second-placed Central Queensland Capras to Mackay on Saturday, a ground where the visitors had lost nine of their last 10 fixtures.

The Cutters were looking to extend their home ground record over the Capras in front of a strong Mackay crowd with both teams looking dangerous in the opening minutes of the game.

A shift to the left looked ominous for the Capras before Cutters winger Jake Riley read the play perfectly, intercepting a pass before it could reach the wing and running 80 metres to put the Cutters on the counterattack.

Some simple ball movement to the left brought on an overlap with winger Laitia Moceidreke crossing in the corner untouched in the 12th minute.

Seven minutes later, another shift to the left and a storming run from second rower Kane Bradley saw him evade three tackles to score in the 19th minute.

The Cutters showed they can play both sides of the field, going right off a mid-field scrum for Jake Riley to score in the corner with three minutes left in the first half.

A penalty goal on the stroke of half-time finished a near-perfect half for the Cutters, taking the home side to a 16-0 lead at half-time.

Eight minutes into the first half, Cutters centre Blake Paskins found space out of dummy half, busting the Capras open before finding fullback Kyle Krisanski-Kennedy who scored untouched.

The Capras finally put numbers on the board in the 56th minute through Radean Robinson and again five minutes later through Jonus Pearson.

The comeback wasn’t to be as Moceidreke scored his second for the night in the 70th minute followed shortly by front rower Jayden Morgan crossing in the 74th.

A scrappy consolation try for Capras winger Brandon Roberts in the 79th minute brought the full-time score to 34-16, capping off a huge upset for the 11th-placed Cutters.

The Cutters are back at BB Print Stadium on Sunday where they will welcome the Burleigh Bears for Women in League Round.

The Cutters defeated the Capras in a strong display at home. Photos supplied: Mackay Cutters

Future stars of Souths and Magpies faced off at half-time. Photos supplied: Rugby League Mackay & District

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Two Mackay hockey players will be coming home from Birmingham with medals after both the men’s and women’s teams made the gold medal matches in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Claire Colwill played in the Hockeyroos team that finished with silver while Jacob Anderson and the Kookaburras won gold after thumping India in the final.

18-year-old Claire debuted for the Hockeyroos in May this year in New Zealand and has become a vital part of the team.

She already has a strong hockey CV to her name, having represented and won tournaments with Mackay, Queensland and Australian representative teams.

Claire was part of the first Mackay team to win the Queensland U18 Championships Division 1 title in over 25 years.

The Kookaburras finished the group stage of the Commonwealth Games undefeated and without a goal scored against them.

They defeated India in a penalty shootout in the semi-final to make it to the gold medal match where they went down to the hosts England 1-2 to claim silver.

Claire finished the tournament with one goal scored against Kenya in the group stage.

25-year-old Jacob Anderson also made his Commonwealth Games debut representing the Kookaburras.

Jacob debuted for the Kookaburras in 2018 and has over 25 caps representing his country.

The Kookaburras also enjoyed an undefeated run through the group stage, finishing on top of their pool.

The Australians defeated England 3-2 in the semi-final before convincingly beating India 7-0, claiming gold and their seventh consecutive Commonwealth Games title.

Jacob scored five goals throughout the Games including two in the gold medal match.

As the Commonwealth Games wrapped up earlier this week, Australia finished atop the medal tally with a total of 67 gold medals, 57 silver and 54 bronze.

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