It was a wet one at Denison Park in Bowen, with storm clouds rolling over the Whitsundays as well as the Mackay Cutters and Townsville Blackhawks during their warmups ahead of their third and final trial game.

The rainy weather was set to liven up the match on the field, with players slipping and sliding, as well as the occasional big hit, but it wasn’t the only storm brewing.

Now head coach of the Mackay Cutters, David Elliott has a history with the Hawks, previously having worked as assistant coach for the sides Intrust Super Cup team, and lending  a personal narrative to the match up.

For Bowen, who only recently secured a senior rugby league return with its own Townsville and District side, the clash had its extra elements, too.

A town that can sometimes see little in terms of high-level sport, a day of Rugby League courtesy of the Cutters was a victory in its own right, but the teams were also fighting for the coveted Mike McLean Shield.

McLean, a Bowen local who represented Queensland at the Origin and had a career across New South Wales sides Eastern Suburbs and Newcastle Knights, as well as back in the Gold Coast. The second rower now has Townsville and Mackay regularly compete for the shield named in his honour.

Ten North Queensland Toyota Cowboys were named for the line up in the Queensland Cup trial match as well, adding another dab of spice to the already volatile set up.

Outside back Brendan Elliot, half Daejarn Asi, second-rower Ben Condon and prop Morgan McWhirter were named for the Cutters, while fullback Tom Chester, centre Jordan Lipp, half Jake Bourke, props Emry Pere and Taniela Sadrugu and lock Riley Price all pulled on the Blackhawks kit.

It was all to play for in the Northern Derby, especially for Mackay – from 2017 in the Queensland Cup, it had been six wins out of eight for the Hawks, one win in the Cutters favour, and a draw to share between the pair.

With the stage set, the backstories brimming, the Cutters and Blackhawks game was always set to be a good outing, and it didn’t disappoint.

Slick conditions lent for a sloppy affair, but come the end of the 80 minutes, the Mick McLean shield remained in the Townsville side’s possession, 24-18.

With preseason now coming to a close, it’s been two losses for the Cutters side and a half victory with the Young Guns match being abandoned due to inclement weather. Elliott has taken a new squad and shown they can play intricate football at times – flashes in the pan particularly noted in the Young Guns match - with consistency still the northern star.

With an emphasis on culture, and particularly developing younger lads, Elliott may very well get the Cutters “back into the winners circle” come the season. A finals football return is almost certainly on his mind, and whether he can continue to build after a disrupted, Covid-plagued preseason will tell in time.

They now look ahead at their Saturday afternoon fixture at BB Print tomorrow, where they’ll face a challenging PNG Hunters, led by coach Matt Church. They wrapped up their preseason with an 18-14 win over the West Brisbane Panthers A-Grade Side, showing some defensive improvements and discipline.

Undoubtedly, this Cutters side has the ability and the squad depth to go far, and needs the Sugar City behind them to not only take it to the Hunters, but to the whole Queensland Cup.

The Mackay Cutters will kick-off their 2022 Hostplus Cup Competition Saturday, March 19 against the SP PNG Hunters at 4:30pm.

The Mackay Cutters alongside the Townsville Blackhawks

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Last Friday was a great day for Rob Evans and Peter Horsburgh who teamed up for the pairs competition. Firstly, their card was drawn for the kitty toucher. Rob bowled first and sat on the kitty, giving them a win of $500 and that gave Peter a chance for another $500. His bowl also sat on the kitty, giving the boys $1,000; the first time at our club that two bowlers had touched the kitty.

As well, they had the best score of the day, giving them an extra $150. Congratulations go to Rob and Peter.

Tony’s Triples will be held this year for North Mackay bowlers only, on Tuesday 19th April, with $600 prize money. Watch the notice board for nomination sheets.

Social Bowls Results Week Ending 13th March

Monday mixed pairs winners were John Fry and David Evans with Lorraine Silman and Hilary Jones-Rowan in second spot. Peter Crawford won the lucky draw.

Wednesday ladies comp was taken out by Jenny Grech, Neddy Thomsen and Jean Comelli. In second place was the team of Fleur Warner, Gloria Sam and Lyndel Maguire.

Thursday mixed pairs was won by Pat Elgey and Vern Mietzel. Second place was taken by Jan Little and Paul Goldston. John and Doris Fry won green vouchers. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday mixed pairs was taken out by Rob Evans and Peter Horsburgh who also both had kitty touchers and won $1,000.

Lucky draw winners were Wazza Corbett, Andrew Coates, and Helen Goldston and Cheryle Corbett.

Saturday men’s pairs winners were Kees Struik and Ian Nash with a triple of John Fry, Brendon Ryan and Rob Evans coming second.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Peter Horsburgh won the kitty toucher last Friday

Rob Evans also won the kitty toucher last Friday

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In their Under & Overs Carnival, ladies young and young at heart, not only battled fellow bowlers but also the humid conditions under the roof at Mackay City Bowling Club on Monday 7th March.

The City Ladies host this annual event encouraging players of mixed ages.  

Sixteen teams of self-selected fours played two games of 18 ends.

Overall winners were Betty Nicole, Carol Crosby, Margo Stanley and Karen Jensen from Airlie Beach. Second place went to Lois Deguara, Jean Zampuretti, Donna Gordon and Isla Comelli from North Mackay and third went to BB Smith, Ethel Gaw, Gail Rissman and Robyn Large from Sarina.

Winners Karen Jensen, Carol Crosby, Betty Nicole, Margo Stanley with City Ladies President Marie Frederickson

Rose and Rita from St Helen’s enjoying the day

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Mackay’s Tri-Activ8 has been kicking goals already this year, coming in tenth for the highest number of triathletes across all Australian Tri Clubs participating in the Sprint Distance, Olympic Distance and Team Triathlon events at last weekend’s Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival 2022.

“Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival is always a great event, we always have a lot of interest from our Tri-ActiV8 Tribe for this event,” Tri-Activ8 Coach and Director Nikki Giles said.

The March timing for the Mooloolaba Festival is key to some of the festival’s success each year.

“Our athletes love a New Year’s resolution,” Nikki said.

“They take their foot off the accelerator in the lead up to Christmas but when the New Year kicks in they are back with their first goal of the year: Mooloolaba Triathlon

"It's so exciting to have so many of our Club members together at Mooloolaba. The buzz and the atmosphere are electric.”

Tri-Activ8 had 35 athletes pull on the Tri-Suits and pink trucker caps on their behalf across the two Triathlon Distances: Sprint Distance on Saturday and Olympic Distance on Sunday.

Six achieved podium finishes, with two in the Sprint Distance, and four in the Olympic Distance, while Chrissy Webb was awarded Legend Status by Mooloolaba Triathlon for completing her 10th Mooloolaba Race.

RESULTS

Our Sprint Athletes times:

Angus - 1:15:38

Riggsy - 1:51:54

Coach JB: 1:39:21

Mengy: 1:50:24 (Podium: 3rd place)

Katie: 1:43:40

Back: Bec Baird, Carissa Mansfield, Linda Weatherill, Felicity McGregor, Megan Pettitt, Louise Stephenson, June Bradley, Jose Short, Christine Webb, Megan Moa

Front: Jenny Smith, Jody Walker, Deanne Woods

Back: Jenny Smith, Megan Pettitt, Carissa Mansfield, Felicity McGregor, Kristen Pinnington, Christine Webb, Rod Wood, Sandra Grant, Georgia Coombs, Jody Walker, Peter Benson, Nikki Giles, Murray Wonnocott

Bec Baird, Amelia Tatnell, Louise Stephenson, Linda Weatherill, Magan Moa, Deanne Woods

Jacq Bussey, Kristen Pinnington

Jose Short, June Bradley

Christine Webb, Kristen Pinnington, Linda Weatherill

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Mackay will play host to Australia’s most talented young cricketers at the Cricket Australia U19 Male National Championships in April.

Initially postponed due to the ongoing pandemic, the competition will take place across the Harrup Park Complex and Magpies Sporting Club, with the final to be played on the Great Barrier Reef Arena on Thursday the 14th of April.

Mackay hosted the U17 National Championships in 2019 and Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young says the tournament will bring visitors and economic uplift to the region like it did in 2019.

“It’s an unbelievable event,” Mr Young said.

“They were fantastic not only for the club but for the region as a whole.

“A significant number of visitors come to not only play in the tournament but come to watch the tournament.

“We saw a significant increase in business during that time but there was also a buzz around the town because there were so many people visiting to watch the games.”

This is the latest case of Mackay experiencing the pinnacle of sport as the arena has previously hosted many top-level state, national, and international cricket and AFL teams.

“It will also be the opportunity for Mackay locals to see the highest quality cricket that is available in that junior age bracket,” Mr Young said.

“Some of them have already played state cricket for their respective states, some of them will go on to play for Australia.

“It’s the elite level.”

John Stock, Arena and Facilities Manager at The Great Barrier Reef Arena, said “We are very fortunate to have one of the best regional cricket facilities in the country here at Harrup Park.”

“We successfully hosted the Commonwealth Bank International Women’s Series between India and Australia, as well as 9 Weber WBBL matches in the past few months.

“It’s very exciting to now also be hosting the National Male U19’s and we look forward to seeing the stars of tomorrow show their worth in Mackay.”

Organisers expect thousands of local spectators will attend the matches over the week, while the tournament will also provide a substantial boost to the Mackay economy from visiting teams and supporters.

“Harrup Park is an ideal venue to host a competition like this because we have five turf wicket ovals at the same location and two of these are under lights,” Mr Stock said.

“This complex is ideal for tournaments – a cricketer’s dream that a lot of major capital city grounds can’t match. Mackay is very lucky to also have a fantastic facility like the Nest at Magpies Sporting Club, which equally helps to attract content like this to Mackay.”

Great Barrier Reef Arena is currently undergoing a $20 million expansion in an exciting time for the venue.

The Championships will take place from the 7th to the 14th of April 2022.

They are played in a 50 over format and feature 10 teams from all over Australia.

‍The Cricket Australia U19 Male National Championships will take place across the Harrup Park Complex and Magpies Sporting Club in April, with the final to be played on the Great Barrier Reef Arena

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Nearly 70 runners partook in the Mackay Road Runners’ second club championship race of the year on Sunday.

After a sweltering week, runners welcomed cooler temperatures thanks to a strong breeze and weekend rain.

Club President Tim Magoffin welcomed the keen crowd to Queens Park alongside representatives from major sponsor Construct Health Physiotherapy Thomas Wendt, Nick Rewald, and Sarah Schofield.

The 3km distance proved deceivingly difficult with contenders having to adjust to the short, flat, and, fast distance and battling strong headwinds as they entered the initial stages of the course.

Claiming gold in the male section was Angus Jacobs who broke ten minutes.

Talented teenager Damien Rutland wasn’t far behind claiming second, with Rodney Elworthy finishing third.

Demi Caldwell set a sizzling pace from the gun and clocked in sub 11 minutes for her gold performance in the female section.

Lily Leven, another gifted junior, followed closely, finishing in second position with Tahnee Malagueno claiming third place.

Other noteworthy performances came from new runners and more experienced runners alike including Nick Rewald, Judy Zahn, Ryan Evetts, Derek Woods, Stuart Sprott, David Isbister, Jan Smith, Glenys Forse, Marie Muscat, Luke Leven, Millie Bishop, Melissa Harris, Emma Johnson, and Carol Brown.

Prizes were given to the first two male and female finishers as well as random draw prizes, all donated by Construct Health.

Tim Magoffin and Andrew Short once again assisted with race day set up and pack down, Arthur Dick and Julie Dick assisted with timing and registration and Jo Hughes filled the role of merchandising coordinator on the day.

The Mackay Road Runners’ next run will take place in West Mackay on Sunday.

The 5km/12km run will commence at 6:30am, with runners being asked to arrive 15 minutes prior.

Carol Brown (left) models the new 2022 singlets with Mackay Road Runners Merchandising Coordinator, Jo Hughes

Centre #169 Angus Jacobs and Demi Caldwell lead the 3km Club championship from the gun

3km Club Championship major sponsor, Construct Health Physiotherapy are leaders in the field (left to right) Sarah Schofield, Thomas Wendt, and Nick Rewald. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse (Mackay Road Runner Publicity Officer)

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Mackay Basketball are excited to announce that rising star Biwali Bayles will join the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors for the 2022 NBL1 season.

The 20-year-old is currently playing for the Sydney Kings in his maiden National Basketball League (NBL) campaign.

Across ten appearances, Bayles is averaging 5.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists and has been touted as a potential NBL ‘Rookie of the Year’ candidate. The 185cm point guard represented Australia at the 2021 FIBA Under 19 World Cup and in seven games donning the green and gold, averaged 6.7 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.6 steals per contest.

Bayles is also a graduate of the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence program and was one of just four Aussies to attend the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp in Chicago back in 2020. In addition, Bayles also spent a season playing college basketball for the University of Hawaii in the USA.

McDonald’s Mackay Meteors NBL1 North Head Coach Joel Khalu was thrilled about inking Bayles.

“This is a huge signing for us,” Khalu said.

“There were many clubs chasing Biwali for the upcoming NBL1 season and we were fortunate to have won that super-competitive race.

“The reason why everybody wants Biwali in their program is because he’s an outstanding young man who plays with a real passion for the game. He’s tenacious defensively, which suits our culture perfectly and offensively, he’s aggressive, crafty and can create for both himself and others.

“Overall, I couldn’t be happier that he’ll be our leading floor general this season.”

Bayles was also pumped about suiting up in the Meteors red and black.

“I’ve heard great things about Mackay from many different people, especially on the professionalism and the way the club goes about things,” Bayles said.

“The team is also coming off winning the 2021 NBL1 North Championship, so I’m keen join a program that’s going to be competing for another title.

“I feel like Mackay provides the perfect situation for me to continue with my NBL off-season development and I’m looking forward to playing alongside those guys up there in the North.”

Bayles will join his McDonald’s Mackay Meteors teammates at the conclusion of the NBL season.

Sydney Kings guard Biwali Bayles is joining the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors for NBL1 2022. Picture: NBL Media

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North Mackay Bowls Results 6th March

Monday mixed pairs winners were Len Schembri, N. Stafford and Max Rose. Runner up was the team of Judy Smith and Marg Goldston. Lucky draw winners were Tony Allsop, Vic Gaudion and Lance Edwards.

Wednesday ladies winners were Fay Carson, Jan Little and Lorraine Lemke, with Lyndel Maguire, Bev McDonald and Francis Lehmann in second spot.

Thursday mixed pairs was won by Carmel Bell and Greg McLean with Fred King and Lance Edwards coming second. Margaret Fogg missed the kitty toucher, while Mick Walsh and Brian Dennien won green vouchers.

Friday mixed pairs winners were Michelle Stockton and Daphne Offield while Cheryle Corbett and Helen Goldston ran second. The kitty toucher was missed.

Saturday men’s day winners were Bob Martin and Rob Evans with Ken Lane and Trevor Laurens a close second.

New bottle-green uniform shorts and long pants are now available to order from the bar. We are hoping the shirts will arrive in April.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Betty Mulhall shows her style

Ernie Sealy is very proud of his new colourful shoes

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The oldest operating athletics club in the region is excited for an enormous opportunity for its youngest athletes as talent scouts will soon be heading to Mackay and surrounds to identify potential future Olympians.

Mackay North Athletics have been eagerly following developments of the 2032 Brisbane-Queensland Olympics, as announcements of Queensland Academy of Sport scouts will be looking for athletes who have the natural athletic ability, determination, and willpower to compete in the Games.

The club has become a cornerstone of junior athletic pathways for the region since its inception in 1984, and if it were to find itself, post-2032, with a resident Olympian, it would be an exceptional achievement for a grassroots club like itself.

The Queensland Academy of Sport is calling the program the ‘YouFor2032.’

“The ‘Youfor32 program’ is Australia’s largest athlete talent ID program, identifying future Olympian and Paralympians,” Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said.

“This is such an exciting opportunity for our local young sportspeople.”

For prospective juniors, the first phase of testing will measure their basic physical, physiological and cognitive capabilities including speed, power, agility, endurance and spatial awareness.

Those exceptional junior athletes from the club’s current crop – like recent North Mackay Athletics “Hurdling Superstar” Hayley, who headed to the Queensland State Championships and ending with an impressive time of 13.43 seconds – are likely members of the club to stand out to the scouts.

For younger athletes, it may be that they fall under the second phase.

Once scouted, the second phase takes them on a more sport-specific route, aiming to match athlete profiles to specific sports based on their previous testing.

Queensland Academy of Sports scouts will then select around 20,000 potential stars for talent testing.

Eligibility is for those aged 13 to 23 (born between 1999 to 2009) for Olympic sports and 13 to 30 (born between 1992 and 2009 inclusive) for Paralympic sports.

North Mackay Athletics will be keeping tabs on little stars, or even older members that should apply when the applications open on 12 April 2022.

It is expected that the potential future Olympians first testing sessions in North and Central Queensland will start in either June or July, with more details to come.

Not only are Mackay athletes in the spotlight, but its coaches are also potential picks, as QAS will be seeking to scout exceptional coaches in every region across Queensland.

North Mackay Athletics have been in full swing with the beginning of its season, and it’s no surprise that some of its young athletes have found a goal in the form of Olympic representation.

The club, despite the hot and humid conditions during this past two week’s heat wave, have stuck to a training regimen for its tiny tots.

Its come and try day held in late February was a great success, with plenty of new faces along for a run, jump and throw, along with existing members out in force ahead of the season start.

Their first two club days afterwards were roaring successes, and the club will be hosting its next Club Day this weekend at Pioneer.

Mackay athletes are also looking forward to the 2022 Oceania Athletics in June at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex as part of the exciting year for Mackay’s athletes.

Athletes will compete in sports including hurdles, long jump, high jump, shot put, discus, javelin and more.

It is expected to generate 11,725 bed nights and result in a $2.5 million dollar stimulus to the region.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert greeted athletes with some exceptional news in early March

North Mackay Athletics has had a busy February and March

Hayley is just one of North Mackay Athletics’ up and coming stars

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Club Championship Final Fours: Winners L. McCarthy, J. Schmidtke, M. Bartolo and Anne Peet.

Congratulations to all the players who competed, and especially to our winners.

Wednesday Social winners were: L. Lemke, J. Little, F.Carson. Cash Jackpot delighted winners were: P. Louis, D. Offield, S. Thomsen.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

L. McCarthy, J. Schmidtke, M. Bartolo and A. Peet

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Wednesday afternoon bowls saw Andrew Butler and Tony Whitehorn defeat Russell Jackson and Bobby Spees.

Mark Mawson and Col Morris defeated Bill Gordon and Martin Corr 26-13, and Merv Stewart and Nik Fernbach defeated Lu Rogan and Noel Crosbie 26-13.

Big winners on Wednesday night business house bowls were Hadlow Racing under the guidance of Lara Hadlow, and the Kitties, alongside Aaron DeBrincatt team, were huge winners over PRD, who introduced eight-year-old Mayson McDowall to the world of bowls – he’s one to watch.

Friday night was a huge turnout to say goodbye to recently departed Stewart Clanachan, wutg his daughter and son doing him proud with fantastic speeches in a great farewell.

He will be forever in our hearts.

Saturday morning Scroungers first round winners were John Askew, Ladda Purdie, Gary Smith and Nik Fernbach.

Round 4 winner was Nik Fernbach, whose amazing recovery from ill health is remarkable.

Sunday afternoon winners were Bill Gordon, Mark Mawson, skippered by John Trembath who proved too strong for the rest of the field.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Sunday afternoon winners Bill Gordon, Mark Mawson, and John Trembath

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Pickleball in the region is soaring in popularity and this week was no different with new players on both Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning.

It is in the pipeline that a twilight evening session paddle off will occur in the next few weeks.

Thursday afternoon it was a refreshing sight to see young teenagers Sophie and Alex join in with the adults.

Saturday morning featured match was a mixed doubles between husband-and-wife combos Darrell and Paula, and Jocelyn and Darren, with intensity high until the extreme humid conditions kicked in.

It was encouraging to see the guys - Frank and Stuart - have a hit together too.

A fair reason to play Pickleball; it allows you to work on your balance, agility, reflexes, and hand eye coordination without putting excessive strains on your body.

If you have physical limitations such as hip, shoulder, knee or other joint problems, Pickleball is the sport for you.

Pickleball is played at 4.30pm Thursday afternoon and 7am Saturday morning.

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The Cannonvale Cannons hosted another hot and humid night of club racing which began with Jax Clayworth claiming the Chocolate Award for his PBs.  

Shailee Mewha, Koa Harland, Holly Perrin, Nelson Malady, Charlie Doherty, and Jax were presented with Club Upgrade certificates too.

Coach Mark Erickson presented Jy Parkinson with two more Club Records for his ever growing tally, and SNQ President, Theresa Manning, officially announced that Jy would also be the 2022- 2023 Male Regional Captain.  

Wednesday night saw the coaches note almost every swimmer improved times in Butterfly over the week; from the 32 personal bests achieved, 17 were for Butterfly.

Lukas Trevaskis swam PBs in 3 out of his 4 races, Jack Ganter swam extremely well in his 100m Butterfly to take over 10 seconds off his previous time.

Matilda Nicholes swimming 50m Butterfly in 59.24 seconds, a 2 second PB, and Daniel Saunders, aged 12 years, swam a super 100m IM in 1.31.44 which was a 7.5 second PB.

Indi Smith, 8, swam a 50m Butterfly in 1.07.37 which was a 1 second PB, while Jasper Korosec and Liam Filewood both swam personal best times in their 25m Butterfly and 25 Backstroke.  

Lily Maher, 12, swam a super 50m Butterfly in 55.14 seconds, and Millie Groom, aged 11, also swam a fantastic time in her 50m Butterfly with 53.99 seconds.

Lilli Bond swam a 50m Butterfly in 35.99 seconds which was a 1.68sec PB, and Evie Doherty, achieved 7 years swam an excellent 50m Backstroke in 1.04.43.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers who swam personal best times.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Holly Perrin

Nelson Malady and Charlie Doherty

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The Wednesday competition was a single stroke event for the March midweek monthly medals sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies’ winner on the day was Carol O’Connell 70 nett, runner-up Kim Bennion 71 nett, and Men’s winner Jeff Day 66 nett, with runner up on a countback Mitchell Greenbank 69 nett.

Saturday saw the opening of the Bowen golfing season with a 4BBB Medley Stableford sponsored by Bowen Small Motors.  

Winners Ian and Meg Garrod 45pts, and runners-up on a countback Craig Newell and Jason Bartlett 44pts.  

Pin shots/Turkeys nests Pauline Martin, Leanne Swan, Michelle Campbell, Ben Fellows, John Martin, David Carus, Brendan Nott.  

Accuracy drives won by Debbie Breeze and Rod Wells.  Penny Stewart and Jumbo Miller both had OBP’s and Jumbo also claimed the Car wash voucher.  

Thank you to Lisa and Scott Raisbeck from Bowen Small Motors for their continued support.

This weekend is the March monthly medals and qualifying round for single Matchplay.  

Ladies will play on Saturday and Men play on Sunday.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

The opening day winners at Bowen Golf

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It was too wet underfoot for the Monthly Medal, but 20 players braved the course and played a round of Stableford.

Conditions were tough as the scores will show and it was a very humid day.  

The ladie’s winner was Mandy Patterson, 30, second Jenny Hounsell, 29, while the men’s winner was Peter Fox, 32, second Ken Granger 29.  

Nearest the pins for the ladies were Mandy taking out the trifecta of 9th, 13th and 16th, and Leanne and Elspeth, together with Mandy, all being in the hole on the 13th.

Chip Ins for the day were John Oates, Beryl Nosworthy, Jenny Hounsell and Ken Granger.

Next week, weather and course permitting, will be the March Monthly Medal so get your names down on Golf Link or through the Pro Shop.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Weekly winners Mandy Patterson and Peter Fox

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