At a surprise ceremony on Monday evening, Whitsunday Touch Footballers welcomed a 45-year touch football legend to the rank of their club life members.

Brisbane-born John Weeks was caught off guard by the ceremony which honoured his life-long devotion to the sport and what he said was “overwhelming, touching and surprising.”

A member of the Whitsunday Touch Football Club for more than 10 years, John moved to the Whitsundays with his wife to retire, but only from work as a teacher, not from touch football.

Now 70, John has plied his knowledge of the game as a referee with the club for over a decade, and his accomplishments with the whistle at the club were just some of the few reasons he received the life membership.

His own journey as a touch footballer started at the age of 25 as a young teacher just out of university in Mackay.

From a young, skinny player scoring trys, John went on to organise state carnivals in the 80’s and manage two state North Queensland teams in the Under 15 boys and Under 15 girls – leading them to state championship wins.

John, still a teacher at heart, said those would be personal highlights, but “involvement over the years and seeing school kids come through and achieve great things in the sport” was the true reward.

He has seen the sport evolve from its own humble beginnings to become one of Australia’s favourites, and even in his time at the Whitsunday club, he has seen the sport evolve.

“I think we are really fortunate here; we have some grounds that are up there with the best in Queensland,” John said.

“I’m excited to see where the club will go in the future, because I think the sky’s the limit.”

At the end of his induction ceremony, Whitsunday Touch brought John back on the field for a match in one of the lower division sides, and he proved he still had what it takes, even scoring a try.

“I’m certainly feeling it this morning,” he laughed.

John Weeks, the newest life member of Whitsunday Touch

John put on the boots to have a go after many years away from the playing side of the game

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Wednesday afternoon bowls rolled off with Rick Galea’s team of Mark Mawson lead and Graeme Herd visiting from Atherton.

Formerly from Airlie Beach, the pair were eventual winners on the day, in good company with other winners lead Regina Aquilina , Vicki Spann second and Nik Fernbach.

Wednesday night Business House bowls saw Woolies Allsorts under the guile of skipper Amy Hart with Eric Barnard playing brilliantly with Maureen Barnard and Cathy Russell over Kitties team, led by Aaron DeBrincatt with Josh Christian and Dwayne Gibbs also playing well.

The Tuk Tuks and Hadlow Racing had a thrilling 10 all draw with Juanita Matterson, Elaine Kippen, and Matt Francis all playing well, but it was once again young nine-year-old Mayson McDowall showing Marty Mosely and Nifty Chapman and Daniel McDowall how to play controlled bowls to clinch a draw.

With two rounds left, any team can win with Whitsunday Gold Coffee A team still holding a slender lead.

Sunday social saw Carol Crosbie’s team of Lyn Graham and visiting player from Inglewood Victoria, David Banston, proving too strong for Ladda Purdie’s team of Marjory Hughes and Lu Rogan.

Club singles, pairs, triples and fours are still in progress.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

This week’s Sunday winners Lyn Graham , David Banston and skipper Carol Crosbie

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Results for the week started with Tuesday as S Shearing and P Warren defeated R Stitt and D Wallace.

D Retchless, M Elphinstone, and lead Danvers defeated D Beel, I Wheeler and M Wilson.

Sunday winners for the afternoon were D Beel, R Stitt, I Wheeler against T Bowen, M Elphinstone, and P Tracey. Following them were winners M Wilson, F Duncan beating out S Shearing and G Danvers.

Club Competition is well underway with the men’s fours played out on Sunday.

Round 1  G Read, S Harvey, and J and M Wright defeated  L Land, G Colquhoun, P Hinschen and G Danvers.

B Myers, K Moriarty, K Whitton and A Rolfe beat N Bethel, T Evans, B Beel and J Tierney.

The final in the afternoon resulted in a win for Club Champions G Read, S Harvey, and J and M Wright who defeated B Myers, K Moriarty, K Whitton and  A Rolfe.

Ladies’ competition triples P Tracey (sub), M Elphinstone and I Wheeler defeated I laird, M Arthur and L Danvers.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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On St Patrick’s Day weekend, beer was flowing and darts were flying, and the only question was whose luck was in on the day.

Round three saw the first trophy of the season up for grabs with both Jamie Woods and Andy Peel set to battle it out to become the first ever Champions Champion.

Andy took the first leg of the match, but Jamie replied with 2 legs of his own; in the second session it was all Jamie, taking a 5/1 lead at the next break.

In the third session, Andy again managed to take a leg, but the gap was too big at that stage. Jamie winning the match 7/2, and not only taking the Celtic Cup, but also 2 valuable league points.

Elsewhere we had wins for Aaron Paull 7/2 over Lorraine Woods, Garry Robbie 7/2 over Jayden Lloyd, and Alan Green tasted victory for the first time in the club by defeating Nathan O’Hara 7/1.

Finally we had yet another draw for Steve Patmore, that’s his third in succession, this time it was 6/6 against Kameron Reason, surely his first win is only around the corner.

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

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Top LR Andy Peel and Jamie Woods getting ready to do battle, Bottom Jamie Woods with the Celtic Cup

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Some great scores in this weeks' Prawn Run, with the winner Terry Kimpton on a count back over Brad Low, both with scores of 25 points, and Tyson Flavel also had a good round with 22 points.

Saturdays stableford winner Clint Paull finished on 40 points, with Glenn Rees in second on 39, a count back win over Terry Kimpton also with 39 points.

The Whitsunday Transit Nearest the Pin winners were Glenn Rees and Scott Gee.

Sunday's stableford Winner was Tyson Flavel on 21 points, followed by Glenn Scott on 20 points and Glenn Rees on 19.

Next Saturday’s competition is our Monthly Medal sponsored by FLICK pest control and Justyn Durbin.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Justyn Durbin from FLICK

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Wiffle balls, wiffle balls and more wiffle balls were the case on Saturday morning with three courts of action.

Sheridan and Demi played on Saturday morning and again on Thursday afternoon, with every game the girls developing their skills.

Saturday mornings to get their weekly fix of the game, players travel from as far as Bloomsbury and Bowen, with even Gary from Sydney stopping by on Thursday afternoon for a match.

Two top hints for Pickleball: first, watch the ball – that may sound funny, but make sure you’ve got your eyes so peeled for the ball you can count the holes on it.

Second: Play it safe and be consistent, let your opponent make the mistake – focusing on your rallies is the aim of the game.

Are you up for a new sport? Then paddle up at 4:30pm Thursday Afternoons, and 7:00am Saturday Mornings.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

These two can't get enough of pickleball

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Tennis is a social activity and a great way to achieve and maintain your general health for all ages; that's why every Monday afternoon, Jill and Geoff and Paula and Rob, hit the court at 6pm for their weekly fix of fun, friendship and fitness.

Monday afternoon, the father daughter combo of Mark and Molly hit the courts for quality time together, with a fair bit of competitiveness on show as they hit their forehands and backhands with some venom.

The squads this week worked on fitness and consistency - a must for playing tennis -with particular great work to Jade, Xhanbre and Alex, Lucas and Hayden, as well as Sophie.

As per normal, Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon social tennis were amazing affairs.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

Court hire happiness with Jill and Geoff, Paula and Rob

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Despite the stormy start to the Cannons’ 2022 Club Championships, the event was completed on Wednesday with some awesome racing.  

The championships started last Saturday, but the wet and stormy weather made it difficult for swimming to continue.

Congratulations to Jax Clayworth for setting a record for 25m Butterfly and to Jy Parkinson for setting another record for 100m Backstroke.  

The coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson would like to commend all the swimmers who participated in the championships.  

The coaches would also like to thank the Management Committee for organising a very successful Club Championships.

Championship highlights included Ruby Harland, Anisa Helou, Lochlan Jamieson, Lilli Bond, Jax Clayworth, Taj Murray, Holly Perrin, Remy Hedges and Daniel Saunders in fine form, swimming personal bests in just about all their events.  

Koa Harland swam a 100m IM in 2.38.68 taking a whooping 62.70sec off her previous best time, and Indi and Levi Smith both swam excellent times in their 100m IM.  

The youngest swimmer, Harry Chegwidden, aged four, swam a 25m Freestyle in 51.36sec, and Lochlan Jamieson who rarely swims backstroke, swam 100m Backstroke in 1.28.86 taking 7.29sec off his previous best time.  

Liam Filewood and Alannah Ogilvie swam super times in their 25m Breaststroke, whike Tiana Bell swam excellent times in her 100m Freestyle and 100m Backstroke each big personal bests.  

Congratulations to Jasper Korosec, Lilla Mewha, Millie Groom, James Davies and  Shailee Mewha for swimming well in longer events than they are use to.  

Congratulations to all the other swimmers who swam personal bests:  Jasper Korosec, Abi Maher, Lily Maher, Owen Maher, Scarlett Gascoyne, Zane Clayworth, James Davies, Harris Delac, Charlie Doherty, Evie Doherty, Jack Ganter, Thomas Ganter, Jacob Bell, Oli Bond, Nelson Malady, Matilda Nicholes, Celeste Orenshaw, Jy Parkinson, Addie Sanders, Nathan Saunders and Lukas Trevaskis.  

A big thank you to all the wonderful parents, coaches and volunteers for making the Club Championships a huge success.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Jacob Bell and Ella Harland at Club Champs

Shailee J, Ruby and Matilda at Club Champs

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This week, 83 enthusiastic people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 14 were first timers.

Cooler weather, persistence and a team of pacers enabled 17 participants to record new personal bests.

Well done to Angus, Jack, Michael, Nyrie, Trent, Carly, Gus, Bronwyn, Scott, Susanne, Kirsty, Dennis, Amanda, Geoff, Josiah, Andy and Lynne.

The event was made possible by 24 fantastic volunteers: Nick Beecroft, Bob Barford, Kara Olver, Lesley Barford, Maree Reardon (Run Director), Robyn Corrigan, Sebastian Vinci, Aimee Sulzberger, Karen Maddock, Joshua, Sarah Voigt (Photographer), Nathalie Blomme, Chris Murphy, Neale Scott, Christopher Harvey, Wendy McCall, Karen Jordan, Jillian Karon, Susanne Willmott, Ronald McCall, Liv Compton, Laura Oates, Annette Turner and Lynne Oates.

The Whitsunday Running Club provided the pacers.

The volunteer roster is already full for March 26, but no volunteer will be turned away, so send a message to airliebeach@parkrun.com if you’d like to join the team of fabulous volunteers. Saturday is milestone shirt day.

Parkrun reached a milestone of over 20,000 parkruns covering a total distance of 100,335 km.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard.

The full results and a complete event history can be found at https://www.parkrun.com.au/airliebeach/results/latestresults/

Further photos and details about registering can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach Parkrun

Sam's pacing supported Susanne to gain a PB

The enormous team of volunteers

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The Mighty Pitbull Under 15 team headed south to Harrup Park to face Brothers in the Grand Final.  

Club Under 17s and Under 15s Captain ‘Deadly’ Darcy Milne started the bowling, before giving the ball to Jackson ‘Mr Reliable’ Riley(1-9), picking up an early wicket and was followed up by Jake Cremor (1-17).

From here the Brethren repelled the Pitbulls attack, and with some nervous fielding and a chance going down, Brothers went into drinks at 2-42.

Hamish Adams (1-4) was the next to breakthrough in the 18th over with the score at 3-80, lifting the Pitbulls morale after drinks.

Ben Valmadre (1-5) picked up another wicket in the very next over with the catch of the season by Mau in the deep.

A late flurry of runs meant Brothers set a target of 106 to win.

Brethren picked up Corey Stroud (4) early, and Pitbulls were 1-6 halfway through the 4th over.

Ben Valmadre partnered cousin Jake Cremor to push the scoreboard along before another well directed short ball got big on Jake and he had to depart for 10 with the score at 2-37.

The game sat at 2-47 at drinks, with 12 overs to go, with Jackson Riley (10) hit out and caught trying to push it along after returning.

Then, Valmadre - who batted brilliantly - had his stumps rattled on 49, leaving the Pitbulls shy at 4-88.

The Pitbulls then lost Grady (2) first ball of the last over and Darcy (8no) batted well and pushed hard, running between the wickets, as well as Kohan (3no) going at 100% strike rate at the crease but fell short by 6 runs in a great game of cricket.

Chins up boys, you played well and you make us Proud to be Pitbulls; we will get them next year.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Valmadre

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Despite a week of uncertainty leading into the game with player availability, weather, and ground location, a last-minute decision gave the go ahead for the under 13 grand final game at McLennan Park against the Walkerston Roosters.

The young under 13 Proserpine Pitbull Cricket side have been the benchmark all season; they had taken that momentum into training the week before the game, and the only thing left was to follow it through.

Game day, Scrubbies win the toss electing to bat.

A fired-up Captain Donny P (2-5) launched in with a new ball, catching the edge and running to the boundary. He then fired a rocket at the competition’s top scorer, which struck his pad directly in front of middle stump.

He followed this up by knocking over their number three without scoring, with a bit of brilliance from Fed taking a tough chance. This brought big Ollie to the crease.

He soon ripped into the Pitbulls attack, dispatching several deliveries over the boundary, made easier by the fact that Walkerston had changed the bowling ends before the game that suited the left-hander.

The message: “Don’t panic, fellas, stick to the game plan and go hard at the others.”

Ky P got hold of the ball and bowled a great spell (2-10) which included dismissing the locals best opener with a delivery that swung both ways, 4-49.

He was well supported by Jack V (1-5) - who swung the ball everywhere - Malakai G (1-6), Josh G (1-1), and Lewis Mc (1-18) who took the prized scalp of the Big O with a great ball on the off stump corridor, resulting in a mistimed drive to mid-off which Fed managed to keep hold of, with a great turn and run over the shoulder catch.

Scrubbies all out 84.

Message at the break: “Stay calm, bat your 20 balls, bat for 25 overs and you’ll win, but it won’t be easy.”

The Prossie openers strode to the crease.

A poor leave by Ky P (1) soon had him heading back to the sheds, and Angus H (6) withstood the onslaught for 15 balls, before being caught trying to move the score along.

Captain Donny P and “Gun Bat” Lewis Mc came together to steady the ship, both retiring at their 20 balls.

Jack V (13) then joined in and played beautifully to get the Pitbulls to 2-51, and things were looking good.

He then hit one to cover on his 20th ball, which was caught, however it was a no-ball, but whilst celebrating, was run out.

Time for the middle order to stand up; Josh G (10) and Malakai G (7) pushed the team along to 3-68 before Josh was caught behind. Malakai went the very next ball 5-68 and the pressure was building. However, Axel.G (5) and Fed.R (4) had other ideas and batted magnificently under immense pressure to get the side close to the target at 5-80.

But then another double wicket surge and Pitbulls were 7-80 with 5 runs to win and no wickets left in the shed.

The scene was set for returning batsman Capt Donny P and Player of the Year Lewis Mc to seal the deal.

The fired-up attack ripped in with Lewy on strike, dot ball, the sighs of the nervy Pits supporters evident.

The next ball, on middle stump, and what else would the “Gun Bat” do? Play across the line, clearly disregarding his father’s well-intentioned advice, and smash it for 4.

Coach, trying to hold his nerves, said, “Boys, plenty of time, no rush, no risk.”

Next ball, bowler comes in, Lewy pushes into the covers straight to a fielder, “yes” is the call, the throw is good, Lewy in trouble at this point, a draw looming, but the bowler drops it.

Job done.

The journey for most of this group started last year; the leadership group of Donny, Jack and Ky, which has rubbed off on all players.

They are a great bunch of boys who listen, are respectful, and simply love playing cricket.

Congratulations and well-done, boys. You were the best team all year by far and are deserved Premiers as you are the best.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Porter

The Proserpine Pitbull U13 Premiers

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club, with the Ladies’ winner Janice Bates 38pts, runner-up on a countback Ruth Dunn 36pts, and Men’s winner Ian Garrod 41pts, runner up Kevin Cross 39pts.

The weekend competition at the club hosted a Single stroke event for the March monthly medal and qualifying rounds for single Matchplay.

Ladies’ winner on a rain-soaked Saturday was Sarnie Eisemann 72 nett, runner up on a countback Lynelle Riley 73 nett. Turkeys’ nests Claire Garrod, Marg Need.  

Lynelle had an OBP on #9 and won the Car wash voucher, while Men’s winner on Sunday was Ernie Parker 66 nett, runner up on a countback Tom Wikander 68 nett.

This weekend is a single stableford sponsored by Axis Sport.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

The March Monthly Medal winners

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Seventeen players took part in the Vets Monthly Medal last Thursday in what were reasonable conditions.  

Scoring was not easy with the ladies’ winner being Lyn Muller (71), second Mandy Patterson (73). For the men the winner was Peter Browning (72), second Peter Fox (73) and in the run down were Colin Hounsell (82), Barry Mortimer (76).  

Nearest the pins for the ladies were Jenny (9th), Mandy (in the hole 13th) and Lyn (16th) the mens nearest the pins went to John (9th) and Vic Feldman (13th and 16th).  

Least putts went to Lyn (23) and Barry (27).  There were 4 chip ins, Peter Fox, Leanne, Beryl Nosworthy and Tina Badenhorst.

Next week’s event will be a “multiplier,” a Stableford event where you and your partner multiply your Stableford score for each hole and the team with the highest total at the end of the round wins.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Peter Browning & Lyn Muller

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Another 'Hole in One' this week, a first for a very excited Rhys Bartholomew, conquering the 11th Hole!

Mick Bond was the Friday Prawn Run winner this week with an impressive 23 points, followed by Jay Angel and Tim Harris also on 21. Jay took the placing with a count back.

Saturdays Skins competition provided a few showers but didn't stop Club Captain Glenn Rees from playing well and taking the win.

Terry Kimpton took home two NTP prizes and Asher Ventham won the other, with thanks to Whitsunday Transit and Zambrero for the prizes.

The weather was not our friend on Sunday and competition had to be cancelled.

Next weekend a 4BBB is scheduled, however, the committee have made a change and will instead be offering an 18-hole, open stableford therefore members will be able to play at any time of the day.

Friday and Sunday comps will run as scheduled (weather permitting).

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Rhys Bartholomew, this weeks Hole In One conqueror

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In very welcome cooler conditions, 65 participants ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course.

Ten participants joined for their first time, plus eight participants recorded new personal bests - well done, Ben, Gus, Laura, Stephanie, Susanne, Amanda, Geoff and Josiah!

Rodger Walker and Kara Olver completed their 150th parkrun, too.

The event was made possible by 15 wonderful volunteers: Kara Olver, Margaret Coote, Sebastian Vinci, Aimee Sulzberger, Joshua (Photographer), Nathalie Blomme, Toma King, Christopher Harvey (Run Director), Karen Jordan, Susanne Willmott, James Henry, Ashley Gerrard, Laura Oates and Lynne Oates.

On Saturday the Whitsunday Running Club will be offering pacing for 22:30, 25:00, 27:30, 30:00, 32:50, 35:00 and 37:30 minutes.

The weather should continue to be cooler, so come along and try for a fast time.

In addition, this Saturday is that day that Airlie Beach parkrunners will collectively complete over 20,000 parkruns, covering over 100,000km, so be sure to come along to celebrate these milestones.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard.

The full results and a complete event history can be found at https://www.parkrun.com.au/airliebeach/results/latestresults/

Further photos and details about registering can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach Parkrun

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