The final four in this year’s Airlie Beach Darts’ Xmas Open earned their places on Sunday morning at Mika Airlie Beach, with the draw for the semi-final pairings to be carried out later in the week.

The matches were now best of five sets, and began with the 2020 Xmas Open Champion, Dom Friend, taking on Kameron Reason.

True to form, Dom took the lead, winning the first set, but a spirited fight from Kameron in the second saw him level the match at one set all.

Dom narrowly claimed the third to go one away from the match, and in the fourth Kameron had no answers; Dom winning the match by three sets to one.

The only other Open Champion to date, Jamie Woods had it all his own way in his match over Lorraine Woods, with Jamie taking three sets to nil.

Seumas Rose took his place amongst the Semi Finalists thanks to an impressive win over this year’s Premier League runner up, Jamie Maher by three sets to one.

The final game of the day between Jason Rockstroh and Andy Peel had it all, going down to the last double, of the last leg, of the last set, in a highly entertaining duel.

In the last set at two all and both players on a finish, Andy managed to clinch it on a double tops to take the match by three set to two.

The Xmas Open is sponsored by Dyson Automotive.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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Jason Rockstroh, Seamus Rose, Kameron Reason, Dom Friend, Andy Peel, and Jamie Maher

Families who attend Airlie Swim School by Danielle went along to the third annual Swim Carnival last Sunday with over 60 children between the ages of four and 10 competing in a range of categories.

Held at Cannonvale Swim School, students demonstrated their skills in a range of styles including free-style, backstroke and breaststroke, swimming within their age-range and ability level to test their mettle against their peers.

For many this was the first opportunity to compete, and for others, this was a chance to return and exhibit what they had learnt all year.

“It was great to showcase what the kids have learnt over the last 12 months,” said swim school owner Danielle Shea.

“It was nice for them and their parents to see their progression and what they’ve been learning.”

Danielle said that competing in swimming races is an excellent way to build confidence and get experience swimming in a bigger pool.

First, second and third places received trophies, as well as the Most Improved, Encouragement and of course Swimmer of the Meet.

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Swimmer of the Meet, Aria Crawford, age 6

Swimmer of the Meet Matilda Friend, age 5

Images: supplied

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First up was the Under 11 Proserpine Pitbulls vs South’s Sharks: It was set to be a tough match against the unbeaten South’s Sharks team on a balmy Saturday morning.

Captain Zahra lost the toss and the Sharks opted to field first, knowing the day was only going to get hotter. The Proserpine side posted a 9/62 total at the end of 20 overs.

With the temperature rising, it was time for the Pitbulls to take the field.

It was a valiant effort by the Pitbulls, but the Sharks showed why they are on top of the table, putting on 7/144.

Player of the day went to Matthew.

Next was the Under 12s against Walkerston: After a tough round one encounter against the club, the young Pitbulls arrived at the ground knowing they were in for a battle.

Walkerston elected to bowl, and the local Pitbulls soon had a competitive 6-110 after their allotted 25-overs.

Under immense pressure, the Pitbulls restricted the Scrubby batters in the final over to see them finish at 6-106 after their 25 and claim the win.

Another great performance by this exceptional group of young legends.

Players Player: Aiden Farley (2-5, 2 runs, 1 catch)

Under 13s take on the Magpies Black in Mackay: With rain threatening, the Pitbulls lost the toss and were sent into bat. The Magpies opening bowlers started very well, maintaining a good line and length. Despite fierce opposition, the Pitbulls score posted at 6-137 after 25 overs.

The Magpies innings had a shaky start, and it continued to be shaky - ending with the U13s continuing their unbeaten run this season with their toughest match so far, winning by 49 runs.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Porter, Stephen Logan, and Mike Hope

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The Cannonvale Cannons had a fantastic weekend of swimming with over 30 young swimmers competing at the Whitsunday Swim Carnival in Proserpine last Saturday.

Also, six Cannons participated at the Hamilton Island Ocean Swim on Sunday and a couple of Cannons attended the swim clinic facilitated by Graeme Carroll.  

Hamilton Island Ocean Swim: Tora Delac, Don Algie, Thomas Ganter, and Harris Delac all swam very well in their 350-metre event.

Tora Delac was first female and Thomas Ganter the second male out of the water on the day before Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson swam the two-kilometre event.  

Jy was the second male and Jacob the third out of the water.

Highlights from Whitsunday Swim Carnival: Eloise Chegwidden, Lucas Korosec, and Jax Clayworth each had very successful carnivals, winning all their events.  

Zane Clayworth, Harris Delac, Tora Delac, Jacob Dewis, Declan Dichiera, Charlie Doherty, Liam Filewood, Thomas Ganter, Remy Hedges, Anisa Helou, Ehsan Helou, Celeste Orenshaw, and Holly Perrin all swam extremely well and took out top placings in their events.  

Harry Chegwidden, James Davies, Evie Doherty, Jack Ganter, Indigo Harland, Koa Harland, Billie Jamieson, Jasper Korosec, Gracie Laguna, Pippa Laguna, Matilda Nicholes, Charlotte Trevaskis, and Lukas Trevaskis put in a mighty effort, tried their best, and swam some fantastic personal times.  

Millah Walker, aged five, swam a massive 44.02 second personal best in her 25-metre Freestyle and a 31.91 second personal best in her Backstroke.

Millah’s sister, Piper, also swam a big personal best of 13.16 seconds in her 25-metre Freestyle. Levi Smith was very excited with his first place in the 50-metre Breaststroke in a time of 58.18 seconds.  

One of Addie Sanders’ best swims was her 200-metre IM which she swam in 4.51.54.  

Isabella Pisaniello’s best swim which won her first place was her 100-metre backstroke in 1.37.46.

Her brother, Isaac swam a super 200-metre IM in 3.57.04 which earned him second place.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers and a big thank you to all the coaches and parents for their wonderful support.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Coach Mark Erickson with Tora Harris Don and Thomas at Hamilton Island

Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson with winner Jett Clayton

Cannonvale Cannons at Whitsunday Swim Carnival

Tuesday afternoon at Airlie Beach Bowls Club saw Betty Whitehorn as skipper with Robin Brown at lead and Rhonda Lloyd take home the winners prizes to start the week.

Wednesday afternoon Social bowls also saw an amazing win over a big field with John Askew and Regina Aquilina completely overwhelming the rest of the bowlers to take home the winners cheque.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls was the conclusion of Round Six. New team Airlie Splash of Colour maintain their undefeated record, sitting on 18 points.

PRD skipper Matt Francis was delighted with his team second on 16 points, having returned to the winner’s circle.

Hadlow Racing, Tuk Tuks, and Whitsunday Gold Coffee team are tied in third place with the final rounds looking to go down to the wire.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw first round winners John Askew, Andy McDougall, Maureen Barnard, Eric Barnard, Russell Jackson, and Nik Fernbach all competing for the final.

John Askew managed to beat Russell Jackson by two points to become the Round Eight winner with Steve Lawrie winning the B Grade prize.

Sunday afternoon saw the completion of the B Grade Fours, and it was the brilliance of skipper John Fielding that proved to be the difference. Alongside Nik Fernbach at lead, Neil Moore, and Col Morris, the side won the trophy with two wins in very warm conditions.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls saw Betty Whitehorn and Lyn Graham with Margo Stanley at skipper, Alan Pershouse at second, and new bowler Dawn Dowel at lead the big winners on the day.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Col Morris, Neil Moore, and Nik Fernbach with skipper John Fielding after their B Fours victory

At Bowen Bowls Club’s Wednesday Social meet, Mary Ellen Pratten, Keith Kirk, and Lou Fordham defeated Paula Welsted, Tracy Roach, and Allen Williams to get the ball rolling.

As well, Peter Thomson and Tiarna Rogers defeated Dave Moodie and Herb Dalton, while Bev Smith, Mark Rogers, and Steve Roome beat Jill Brabon, Ross Scanlon, and Doc Fordham.

Sunday Scroungers Winners were Steve Roome, Gavin Charles, Shane Hornbuckle, and Ross Scanlon.

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Sunday Scroungers Winners at Bowen Bowls Club were Steve Roome, Gavin Charles, Shane Hornbuckle, and Ross Scanlon

Twelve players enjoyed a game of Social Bowls on Wednesday at Proserpine Bowls Club, the last opportunity for the year before the greens were taken out for the annual renovations.  

John Anderson, Heather Brown, and Arthur Griffith defeated Pat Bownds, Jim Quod, and Bruce Uhe, 23–21.

Alen Sanderson, Peter Lawton, and Sandy Daffara defeated Jim Bownds, Philip Brown, and Mike Harrison, 20-15.

The club extended its thanks to all who offered help on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to assist with the greens’ renovations.

Proserpine Bowls has several functions booked for Christmas celebrations at the club, but there are still dates available if any are in need of a venue for their event.

Unfortunately, Barefoot Bowls is not an option at this time of year due to the greens being out.  All enquiries to secretarypbcinc@gmail.com.

Reminder to all that Annual Membership is due at the end of this month.  

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Congratulations to the Wangaratta Men’s Bowls side which defeated Collinsville in the last round of the Local Pennant.

Although a good win, Wangaratta were beaten by Bowen Bowls Club, who claimed the overall winners for 2022.

On Tuesday, Deb Retchless Marg Wilson, and Bob Mason defeated Bron Tolcher, Sue Shearing, Irene Laird, and Robyn Stitt.

It was great to see Tracey and Julie back for a game on Sunday. Games played were close with only one point being the difference in both games.

Winners for the afternoon were Tracey Stanford, Robyn Stitt, and Fely Duncan defeated Julia Taas, Linda Scells, and Penny Warren.

Russell Tolcher, Laurie Land, and Mark Drummond defeated Deb Retchless, Bron Tolcher, and Pat Tracey.

The final of the Club Mixed Fours was played on Monday with Robyn Stitt, Isabel Wheeler, Margaret Wilson, and Mark Drummond defeating Lyn Danvers, Greg Colquhoun, Peter Hinschen, and Geoff Danvers.

Reminder: The club hopes to see members on Sunday at its Annual General Meeting at 9am followed by a ‘High Tea’ at 12pm followed by bowls at 1.30pm.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Winners of the mixed fours from Wangaratta Bowls Club

Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies’ winner, Claire Garrod, 36 points, and runner up on a countback, Leanne Swan, 35, while Men’s winner was Walter Maguire, 39 points, and runner up Brett Carlyon, 38 points.

Friday night, Bowen Golf Club members celebrated the end of the golf season. Congratulations to all the winners, especially Brian Martin and Ruth Dunn who were this year’s Golfers of the Year.  

Congratulations also to new Club champions Akeam Power and Rhiannon Nott.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Roger Vandenberg from Proserpine Golf Shop.  

Men's Winner, Kevin Clark, posted a respectable 43 points, followed by runner up Kevin Cross, 39, and third place to Ezra Miller, 37.

Pin shots to Malcolm Martin on two occasions, and Jumbo Miller and Peter May once each.  

Ladies' winner was Leanne Swan, 40 points, runner up Linda Scells, 37, and third place to Robyn Slade, 36.  

Pin Shots to Elona Lynch, Pauline Martin, and Grace Nott. Noel Schultz won the Car wash voucher with an OBP.

This weekend’s competition is a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf club.  The joker draw is back this Friday night and the jackpot sits at $5100.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Mens winner Kevin Clark, sponsor Roger Vandenberg, Ladies winner LeanneSwan, R-U Linda Scells, and third place Robyn Slade.

2022 Golfers of the year – Brian Martin and Ruth Dunn

Tuesday’s competition at Proserpine Golf Club saw 18 players in a PGC Tuesday Stableford.

Elliot Woo came out on top with a handicap adjusting 43 points, with Chris Brett hot on his heels with 42.

Rees May, John Dodds, and John Clark were in the rundown. NTPs were won by Rees May and Mick Cragg.

Wednesday competition: 18 players competed in the Airllywood Stableford on Wednesday. Trish McNeill was the winner with 41 points, closely followed by Penny Wardroper, 38.

Thursday competition: A stroke competition on Thursday was played by 52 golfers with Brendan Spann’s nett 61 the impressive, clear winner in Division Two.  

Coming in second place was Ben Raymant on 68 nett and Peter Krause in the rundown with a 70 nett.

Division One was more closely contested with Steven Johnston, visiting from Moranbah, taking top spot with 67 nett, followed by Bill Woods and Adam Maggs 68 and 69 nett respectively.

NTP’s won by Steven Johnston, John Dodds, and Bill Woods.

Saturday Competition: Peta Thomas was the winner of the ladies’ Saturday competition with 70 nett.

Following Peta was Anna Winterbourn and Mandy Patterson, both on 71 nett, Wendy Gough and Paula McQuat in the rundown on 73 nett.

It was a tight contest in the men’s competition with six players on 67 nett.

Mick Kavanagh came out on top in a countback from John Wallace and Vic Feldman. In the rundown, also on 67 nett were Phil Batty, Rod Wecker, and Larry Muller.

Congratulations to Kelvin Stephens on his brilliant hole in one on 13!

Sunday Competition: Another sub-par round for Ryan Wilkes on Sunday, coming in with 41 pts, edging out Leigh Jones on a countback. Mark McDougal came in third on 39 points.

Pam Casey was on top of the ladies’ podium with a lovely 36 points, also winning on a countback.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop Team

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A Stableford event was held along with the 4BBB Stableford trophy challenge for 2022.

A total of 28 players competed from the Whitsunday Club, with Men’s A Grade winner going to George Meharry and runner up Danny York.

Men’s B Grade winner was Leigh Jones and runner up Mark McDougall.

Ladies’ A Grade winner was Anna Winterbourn with runner-up Penny Wardroper. Ladies’ B Grade winner went to Pam Casey and runner up Linda Wardroper.

Longest drives were claimed by Ritchie Atkins, Dean Kercher, Anna Winterbourn, and Elise Hodgson.

Pin shots went to Pauline Redpath, Linda Wardroper, Geoff Harrison, Andrew Albergo, and Leigh Jones.

The 4BBB winning team will be announced at the presentation. Thank you to Andrew Colborne from BC Constructions for sponsoring the trophy.

Next Sunday will be the Men’s foursomes’ championship and Ladies’ foursomes’ championship.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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George Meharry, Pam Casey, and Leigh Jones

There was a good field of 30 players at Sunday’s Proserpine Veteran’s Golf meet, and there were some great scores, too.

The ladies’ winner with a score of 73 on countback (c/b) was Jacqui Wall, with second going to Helen Deighton, 73, and in the rundown were Rehab Hull, 74 c/b, Tiina Randmae, 74, Lyn Muller, 74, Tina Badenhorst, 75, and Paula McQuat, 76.  

The men’s winner, with a fantastic score of 65, was Barry Shuwalow.  Second went to John Oates with another great score of 68, and in the rundown were Gary Scotford, 70, Ken Granger, 72 c/b, Barry Mortimer, 72, John Oates, 72, and Vic Feldman, 73.  

Nearest the pin winners for the ladies were Elspeth Scotford (second), Jan Shuwalow (second), Lyn Muller (fifth and 13th), Rehab Hull (fifth), and Paula McQuat(13th).  

For the men it was Vic Feldman (second), Wilf Herweg (second), Phil Lucket (fifth), Steve Mitchell (fifth), Peter Fox (13th), and Peter Browning (13th).

Next week's event will be Stableford and it is a team event with President Vs Captain.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Jacqui Wall and Barry Shuwalow

This week’s weekly competition was very close with all placings on 20 points at Whitsunday Green Golf Club.

The count back saw Terry Kimpton take first place, Isaac Bradley take second, and Jack Hayes Williams take third.

For the Friday competition it was Dave Thomas with 21 points to take the win, second was George Meharry with 20 points, and Richie Atkins third with 19 points.

On Sunday it was four ball better ball, and the winning team was James (Jimmy) Millar and Dave Thomas, followed by Glenn Rees and Rob Lodders, then Alan Clinch, and Deeray.

Nearest the Pins were Dave Thomas and Glenn Rees. This coming Sunday will be November’s Monthly Medal, arrival at 9.30 for a 10am tee off.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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Dave Wallace at Whitsunday Green Golf Club

Mercy College rugby students etched their names in the record books last week after bringing home a Mackay Schools Rugby Cup championship double.

Competing for the final occasion in Mercy colours before the school’s amalgamation with St Patrick’s College in 2023, the Year 7/8 Boys and Year 9/10 Boys registered emphatic Grand Final triumphs at the Quarry Hills Rugby Grounds in North Mackay.

Mercy’s all conquering Year 7/8 Boys team capped an outstanding series by thumping Bowen State High 24-0 in the Cup Grand Final to remain undefeated.

Talented second rower Rory Lanigan produced a powerhouse display to earn the official Player of the Match award with strong performances from hooker Marik Srsen, back rower Cooper Elliott, half back Miles Kerrisk and forward Jesse Neale.

The Mercy outfit had too much power, skill and experience for their rivals in 2022 and didn’t concede a point for the entire competition – an incredible feat.

Squad comprised of Jesse Neale (captain), Marik Srsen, Rory Lanigan, Miles Kerrisk, Dominic Sorbello, Cooper Elliott, Eli Cookson, Treyce Ciantar, Lucas Aslette, Mason Mayer, Emmanuel Andrews, Sanguiani Chinula, Archie Townsend, Cooper Anderson, Raawi Tebao and Lucas Boshoff.

There was more joy for the Mercy Year 9/10 team as they toppled Holy Spirit College 22-7 to lift the senior premiership trophy.

Promising utility Toby Woodall turned in a superb performance with his strong running and no-nonsense defence a feature of the stirring triumph.

He was ably supported by talented flanker and stand-in skipper Declan Grady, clever half back Flynn Battaia and powerful colt Reuben Saron in a courageous team effort.

It was a huge turn around by the Mercy boys who lost their final preliminary round clash to Holy Spirit the previous week to finish second in their Pool.

Mercy eclipsed Mackay North State High 19-7 in a semi-final then backed up to avenge their loss to Holy Spirit with a convincing display in the trophy decider.

Trailing 7-0, the Mercy warriors hit their straps and overpowered their rivals with 22 unanswered points.

Mercy College Rugby co-ordinator Jo Ciantar-Schatkowski said the players were just starting to realise the significance of their premiership victories.

“They are the last athletes to win a sporting title under the Mercy College banner and will go down in the school’s history books,” revealed Jo.

“It was a fine achievement by both squads and a reward for all the hard work put in on the training paddock and during matches over the past month” she said.

Jo was supported by Mercy staff members Ashley Fergus, Nina Gaviglio and Bevan Little.

Convened by legendary forward and Holy Spirit College staff member Kyle Danns with the support of Mackay & District Junior Rugby Union, the four week competition is in its third year of operation featuring all Mackay schools as well as Bowen State High and Calen District State College.

Age divisions for Boys are Year 7/8 plus Year 9/10 which has two divisions of 15 a side rugby with Girls Year 7/8 and Year 9/10 playing a Rugby Sevens format.

By Chris Karas

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Mackay Surf Life Saving Club’s (SLSC) ‘Guardians of the beach since 1950’ hosted the 32nd annual North Australian Titles from October 28 to 30, bringing huge success to the club and the lifesaving movement in general.  

A contingent of over 530 competitors and over 150 officials and water safety personnel as well as a dedicated workforce descended on Mackay’s beautiful Harbour Beach over the weekend.  

With light northerly winds and crystal-clear waters, the event was conducted in sensational conditions, something lifesavers really appreciate about the beautiful Mackay region.

“The club is very proud of our small but strong competition group, from the nippers in U11’s to our masters,” Mackay SLSC Director of Surf Sports Josh Grant said.

“To see our competitors take on the best of the best in the North and achieve some great results is a credit to the culture and commitment we have at our club.  

“The feedback I have received from visiting clubs is that they love coming here and competing at one of the best beaches in Queensland.  

“I would just like to thank all the clubs that made the effort and travelled to Mackay to the North Aussies, we hope to see you next year!”

Mackay SLSC welcomed clubs from as far north as Cairns and south as Noosa for the event and Club President Brendan Smith said the interest and participation has been very impressive.  

“We are continuing to grow this event and I just want to thank all competitors, officials, patrolling members and volunteers for making this happen,” he said.

“We are now planning to make next year’s event bigger and better and would encourage the Mackay community to get involved in this iconic lifesaving event.”

Stand out achievements went to the club’s nippers including U11 Ash Johnson: 2nd Beach Flags and 3rd beach Sprint; U12 Jo Madden: 2nd Board race; and U14 Molly Madden: 2nd 2km Beach Run.  

The Masters crew finished the carnival on 6th position with some great results from Steve Bird: 1st Surf Ski & Surf race; Chris Webb: 1st 1km Beach run and 2nd surf race; Ben Madden: 3rd Ironman; Matty Newland: 3rd Ski; and Luke Griffith: 3rd 2km beach run, surf race and board race.  

The masters crew excelled in ski team events taking 1st in double ski and 3rd in the ski relay with the Box Bellies Surf Boat Crew 2nd in the open division.

“It’s a fantastic result to place with the best of the best of Northern Australia,” said Mr Grant.

Mackay SLSC has a busy summer ahead, with the Tri-Series between Mackay, Eimeo and Sarina taking place tomorrow, November 26 and the Branch Titles on December 10 to 11.

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