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

‍

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

‍

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

‍

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

‍

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

‍

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

‍

‍

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

‍

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.

…………………………………………………………………….

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

‍

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.

‍

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

‍

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.

‍

Schoolboy rugby league heavyweights Ignatius Park College Townsville and St Patrick’s College Mackay continue to flex their muscles in the Aaron Payne Cup Open age competition.

On the eve of the finals and with the minor premiership at stake, the proud sporting nurseries will square off in a preliminary round fixture in Townsville this week in a bid for bragging rights.

Four weeks ago the crack outfits met in the Grand Final of the 2022 Confraternity Shield Carnival in Mackay where Ignatius Park lifted the championship trophy in resounding fashion.

The St Patrick’s team is keen to exact revenge over their arch rivals and stake a claim for Cup honours but know they face a tough assignment.

Head Coach Michael Comerford believes his charges can turn the tables on Ignatius Park in coming weeks and restore some pride following the heavy 32-0 loss in the Confraternity Shield decider.

“The boys really have a point to prove and know their performance in the Confro final was under par,” explained Michael.

“We weren’t at our best but full marks to Ignatius Park who simply outplayed us on the day,” he said.

“The Aaron Payne Cup is a new competition and there is so much improvement to come from our squad – we have been building nicely leading in to the finals and gathering momentum” added Michael.

St Patrick’s College edged out Kirwan State High School 22-20 in an absorbing schoolboy Cup encounter at Mackay Junior League Fields last week.

The hard-fought win was the ideal tonic for the Mackay giants in preparation for the big clash with Ignatius Park with powerhouse forwards Matthew Watts, lock Henry Thorpe, Bray Tait, Levi Love and Patrick Vella producing stand out games.

Watts and Thorpe were superb as the St Patrick’s middle inspired a second half revival to nab two valuable competition points.

Tait and gun centre Kai Simon posted early tries as St Patrick’s jumped to a 10-0 lead before Kirwan State High responded with 20 unanswered points.

Clever half back Jaxon Purdue dashed over for an important try after the break that was converted by Simon before Emerging Queensland U/18s hooker Xavier Kerrisk fooled the defence to grab the match-winning try in a thrilling climax.

By Chris Karas

Mercy Stays On Top Of Cowboys Challenge

Mercy College Mackay maintained top position on the Cowboys Challenge competition table after toppling Kirwan State High 16-10 at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

The Mercy warriors turned in a trojan-like defensive effort to stave off a determined Kirwan side that dominated possession in the second half.

Talented Mercy forwards Hudson Clark, Hunter Harris, Saxon Crofts, Reuben Saren, centre Lachlan Whippy and astute five eighth Adam McSherry were instrumental in the six-point victory that keeps the Mackay school entrenched at the top of the competition ladder.

Clark and Whippy crossed for first half tries converted by McSherry to help Mercy establish a 12-6 lead at the break.

Livewire fullback Lane Maunder sealed victory for the home school midway through the second half when he weaved through the Kirwan defence to notch Mercy’s third try of the match.

Mercy kept the visitors at bay with bustling defence and the sound kicking game of playmaker McSherry, who menaced his Townsville-based rivals with uncanny ball placement in a tense finish.

Rising forward Matthew Watts turned in a powerful performance for St Patrick's College in a thrilling 22-20 victory over Kirwan State High School in the Aaron Payne Cup competition last week.

Skilful lock and inspirational captain Henry Thorpe is a player to watch for St Patrick's College when the Mackay school squares off with Ignatius Park College in a top of the table Aaron Payne Cup clash in Townsville this week

Talented Mercy College hooker Hudson Clark spins the ball to supports during a recent Cowboys Challenge Shield fixture

‍

Mackay Pickleball players participated in another leg of the Queensland Pickleball Tour held in Yeppoon on the July 23-24 weekend.  

Congratulations to Heather Hayes, Colleen Ingham and Gigi Brake for representing Mackay and doing us proud and helping to spread the word of pickleball.

There were 73 players nominated with a few travelling from Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania.

The games were played on designated and permanent Pickleball courts which were really appreciated by the Mackay players, as they play on multi-sports surfaces, both indoors and outdoors.  

No medals came from this tournament but the number of new friends made and the meeting up with friends from previous tournaments was worth it.

The trip to Yeppoon was great not just for the exercise, the experience, the learning and the fun of travelling, but the lasting friendships made while getting a few important tips from some of the top Pickleball players in Australia.

The next big event for Mackay ‘Picklers’ is the Australian Championships at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane from October 1-3, but there are always other smaller events to choose from along the way.

This year, Pickleball was included in the North Queensland Games in Townsville, and in November, it will be in the Pan Pacific Games at the Gold Coast.  

This is an enormous indication of the growth of Pickleball in Australia.  

To gain an idea of what Pickleball is, Google it and you will see the fun people are having.

Better still, come and see the games in action at the following places.  

First attendance is free and equipment is provided - just wear comfy shoes, clothes and a bottle of water.

Tues: 5.30pm-7pm PCYC, 33 Norris Rd, North Mackay

Wed: 4pm-6pm Mackay Tennis Courts, Kippen St, Mackay

Thurs: 12pm-2pm PCYC, 33 Norris Rd, North Mackay

Frid: 4pm-8pm             Mackay Tennis Courts, Kippen St, Mackay

Contributed by Michelle Sheehan

Gigi Brake, Heather Hayes and Colleen Ingham

Mackay pickleball players in action

Mixing it with some of Australia's top pickleball players. Photos supplied: Michelle Sheehan

‍

Hockey is a family affair and much talked about subject in the Davies household at East Mackay.

Most of the conversation centres around the exploits of 12-year-old Matthew Davies, regarded as one of the brightest young hockey midfield prospects in the State.

The Mercy College Mackay student is gearing up for a busy sporting campaign over the next two months when he represents Queensland at both the National SchoolSport Australia 10-12yrs Carnival in Canberra and Junior Under 13 Hockey Championships in Hobart.

While a proud Davies anticipates a hectic travelling schedule in coming weeks, he is thrilled to be donning a Queensland jumper in elite competition and testing his skill and prowess against the best young hockey talent in the country.

“I can’t wait to fly down to Canberra in a few weeks for the SchoolSport Australia 10-12yrs Hockey Championships,” revealed Matthew, who is a product of the local Mackay Hockey Association.

“We know the competition will be tough but our squad has worked really hard in preparation for the event and realise that we have to consistently produce our best to stay in the mix for the title” he said.

Queensland will field a strong combination for the National SchoolSport 10-12yrs tournament that will be staged in the ACT from Sunday August 21 to Friday August 26.

Matthew showed his leadership qualities during the recent Under 10-12yrs Schools State titles in Ipswich by skippering Capricornia to a second placed finish behind joint winners Metropolitan North and Wide Bay.

The midfield ace was at his dynamic best – inspiring the Capricornia team to a 3-1 victory over Wide Bay and 1-all draw with Met North in the preliminary rounds in one of the hardest-fought campaigns on record.

Young Matthew hails from good hockey stock – his mother Tanya was an astute midfielder in her heyday with Norths Hockey Club while elder brother Lachlan,15, is a promising representative striker in the Mackay Juniors.

Both Tanya and Lachlan have carved out illustrious careers in the sport and have offered valuable hockey tips to Matthew during his development phase which has sharpened his mindset.

Since taking up hockey at the age of six while a student at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Mackay, a determined Davies has shown a maturity that far belies his years.

Matthew has represented Mackay for the past five seasons and looks forward to 2023 when he can officially start playing competitive club hockey from the Under 13s.

He has enjoyed wearing the Mackay colours at various age group Carnivals and competing for his region and State since the age of 10, but the loyal Davies is keen to line up for Norths with his local hockey mates and participate in regular club competitions.

There is no rest for Matthew at the completion of the National SchoolSport Australia Hockey Championships.

On his return from Canberra, the midfield maestro will join his Queensland representative team mates to prepare for the 2022 Hockey Australia National Under 13 Championship Carnival in Hobart from September 28 to October 4.

A competitive warrior on the field, the fast-developing Davies is relishing the opportunity.

By Chris Karas

Mackay’s dual Queensland junior hockey representative Matthew Davies in action for Capricornia at this year’s State Schools Hockey titles in Ipswich. The midfield trump will wear the maroon colours of Queensland in the National SchoolSport Australia 10-12yrs Hockey Championships in Canberra from August 21-26 and National Hockey Australia U/13 Championships in Hobart from September 28 to October 4. Photos: Supplied

‍

Mackay swimmer Meg Harris has swept up silver in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Meg finished second in the Women’s 50m freestyle on Monday with a time of 24.32 seconds.

She finished as part of an all-Australian podium, with Shayna Jack taking bronze and Emma McKeon taking gold to become the most prolific athlete in Commonwealth Games history.

Meg also swam as part of the Australian Mixed 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay team that won a gold medal last weekend.

Meg will add the medals to her collection already consisting of Olympic gold and Olympic bronze medals.

Meg Harris has won silver in Birmingham. Photo credit: Delly Carr - Sports Photographer

Meg was a Nipper with the Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club

‍

‍