Pioneer Swimming Club celebrated 45 years on Sunday October, 2, welcoming back founding coach Judy Lockhart.

The current members of the club arranged for the exhibition race consisting of previous swimmers  

'Judy’s Geriatrics' Ben Miles, Kylie Smith (nee Brand) and Lisa Bottcher (nee Miles) and not so Geriatric, Tom Henderson.  

Pioneer’s current swimmers Jade Bounden, Yasmin Seedwell, Stevie Brand and Ella Bounden not only took on the Geriatrics and master's Relay team (also coached by Igor Denim) but went head-to-head with fellow teammates Viktor Lee, Junior Makamure, Kailu Bellear and William McGrath.

The All-Male Pioneer team coached by Igor took home the gold.

The exhibition relay took place at the home pool of the Dolphins in front of all new and old members of Pioneer.

Founding coach Judy travelled up from Brisbane along with founding Secretary Loraine  

Boyd.  

As such, it was a semi reunion and a little sample of what the 50-year celebration could look like.

Past members spoke and shared their fond memories of Pioneer Swimming Club.

"The thing about swimming clubs is they consist of like-minded people who come together and want to create a place and atmosphere,” said Judy.

“A place everyone can go, and everyone is equal.  

“This is Pioneer."

Past swim dad Tim Henderson added "how wonderful it is to see Pioneer Swim Club still Mackay's family-friendly club, with a culture that many are envious of."

Contributed with thanks by Tahnie Malagueno

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Over 20 people are now much more familiar with the rules and techniques of disc golf following a ‘come-and-try’ session hosted by Mackay Disc Sports last Saturday.

Participants learnt how to hold and throw the disc and were taken through the first three holes of the course before playing through themselves.

A slightly more competitive league day followed on Sunday with prizes on offer for the winners.

One of the six founding members of Mackay Disc Sports Sarah Whitehouse said there was little to no disc sports scene in Mackay before the club was formed.

“The challenge when you’re doing a disc sport is that no one knows what you’re talking about,” she said.

“A bunch of what we’re working on at the moment is to teach people how cool it can be.”

Disc golf is a game in which participants throw a disc into a series of metal baskets on an outdoor course with the object being to complete the course using the fewest possible throws, much like golf.

“All you need is a disc, a map and yourself,” said Sarah.

“You don’t really have to have much physical ability.”

Mackay Disc Sports erected temporary baskets throughout John Breen Park near the Gooseponds for the weekend and are in talks with Mackay Regional Council to install permanent facilities.

“Hopefully, one day, we can get enough groundswell and lots and lots of people really interested, and the parks department will put a permanent course here,” said Sarah.

“We brought another 20 people into the park to use its beautiful facilities and spend time outside that wouldn’t normally be there.”

Mackay Disc Sports aims to host similar events once a month, with the next one happening on Sunday, November 27 at John Breen Park.

Find Mackay Disc Sport on Facebook or email mackaydiscsport@gmail.com for more information.

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When the world’s best rugby league players were announced in the Rugby League World Cup squads last week, Mackay Cutters fans noticed a familiar name in the Scotland line-up.

Cutters’ hooker Kyle Schneider will represent Scotland in the World Cup, starting this weekend, eligible through the Scottish heritage of his grandparents.

Kyle, 22, grew up on the Central Coast and spent time in the Parramatta Eels system before Mackay Cutters Head of Football Kim Williams brought him north to continue his development at the start of the 2022 season.

“We’re very pleased to have a player of his quality in our system,” Kim said.

“One of our goals is to help him on his journey to the highest levels of the game.

“Any time we can help a player to play for his country, play for his heritage, that’s something, as a club, we need to be really proud of and keep supporting in the future.”

While this is Kyle’s debut for Scotland, he has experienced representative football having played in the Australian Schoolboys squad.

Kim said he’s been on the radar of NRL, QRL and NSW Cup clubs for quite some time.

“We felt very lucky to get him up here and we’re hoping that he kicks on to the next level but, for the moment, we’re happy to give him an opportunity here,” he said.

Kyle made 18 appearances for the Cutters in the 2022 season, finishing the season with 10 try assists and 11 line-break assists.

Kim was contacted by Scotland coach Nathan Graham a few months ago, asking for more information on Kyle’s ability and character.

“I couldn’t recommend him highly enough,” Kim said.

“He’ll be an asset to their squad both on and off the field.

“He’s got a very strong all-round game.

“He’s a very good defender, he’s got a kicking game out of dummy half.

“He’s got good vision, good deception around the ruck.

“He creates things for players around him and that’s a sign of a really good player.”

Kim’s advice to Kyle was to make the most of the opportunity.

“It could be a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” Kim said.

“It’s an opportunity for him to put his name in front of every NRL club, every Super League club, every talent scout, every recruitment officer.

“They’re in the same pool as Australia so if he gets to play that game, he’s going to play against the best players in the world.

“When you do that, I think you come out of that as a better player yourself.”

Scotland will kick off their World Cup campaign on Sunday, October 16 against Italy.

The group stage will also see them play Australia on Saturday, October 21 and Fiji on Saturday, October 29.

You can catch the games on Fox League.

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Weekly Results

Wednesday 5 October – 8 Table Green Points

N/S

1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

3rd Gabrielle Dreghorn / Elrae Trueman

4th Frances Brown / Susan Ross

E/W

1st Eric Leivesley / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Geoff Taylor / Ted Cullinan

3rd Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

4th Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz

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Thursday Night 6 October – 3 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Patricia Garner / Mick King

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Robert (Bob) Ellis

3rd Ming Ting / David Ting

4th Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

Friday 7 October – Nation Wide Pairs 19 of 22 - 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conway

2nd Anne Lutz / Toni Large

3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole

4th Diane Stokes / Monica Darley

E/W

1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore

3rd Ted Cullinan / Noel Saunders

4th Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

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Saturday 8 October 22 – 8 Table Mitchell

1st Annie Lynch / Diane Stokes

2nd Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conway

3rd Doone Mitchell / Lorna Shuttlewood

4th Nancy Wix / Griffin Bancroft

1st Richard Wix / Patricia Garner

2nd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

3rd David Ting / Ming Ting

4th Cheryl Machen / Michael Beale

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Meet the all-conquering Walkerston Wanderers Under 18 girls rugby league team that captured the imagination of the local sporting public this season in the Mackay and District Junior League competition to bring home premiership honours.

Duncan Watt’s champion Class of 2022 underlined their supremacy with a rousing 38-4 Grand Final victory over Northern Suburbs Devils at the Mackay Junior League Fields back on August 26.

It capped a superb campaign for the rampaging Roosters, who demonstrated their power and skill by notching seven tries to bury the Devils in the title decider.

Both squads featured the nucleus of St Patrick’s College Mackay’s emerging female rugby league talent.

Wanderers’ powerhouse prop Abby Rose Bowman and skilful half back Mersades Lawson grabbed try doubles with classy five eighth Kayla Shepherd, hooker Lara Hutchinson and back rower Jeneshia Beveridge registering four pointers to complete the rout.

The promising Shepherd booted five conversions to finish with a personal tally of 14 points.

Norths only points in the match came from a lone second half try by five eighth Leila Murphy.

There was no stopping the Roosters as they jumped to an unassailable 22-0 lead after 24 minutes following tries by Bowman (2), Shepherd and Lawson in a first half blitz.

Paving the way up front were forwards Bowman, Hutchinson, Beveridge, Gracie Watt and Payton Douglas with their bustling runs and deft off loads.

Clever halves Shepherd and Lawson were instrumental in the victory – providing snappy service to the Roosters slick backline and creating opportunities in attack with their silky ball skills and vision.

Reaping the benefits were fullback Trinity Grigg and outside backs Paige Mooney, Demi Rossi, Madison Westecott, Lilla Hoffman and Keely Pitt.

Devils’ skipper and pocket dynamo hooker Paityne Johns turned in a wholehearted performance for the runners up along with pivot Murphy, utility star Shaylee Hazledine, fullback Mikaela Parter and lock Jalen Pauling.

Other Wanderers players to shine during 2022 were Eva Daly, Ava Wheeler, Charlotte Large, Ella Webb, Rodday Viti Hicks, Charlotte Agius and Lily Peacock.  

Pic caption: Jubilant Wanderers players celebrate their Mackay and District Junior Rugby League Under 18 Women’s premiership after trouncing Norths Devils 38-4 in the Grand Final

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The prestigious Dr. Williams Shield will be played this weekend at both North Mackay and Mackay City clubs. Come out on Saturday to Goosies and support your club in their first game against Sarina. Game commences at 1 pm.

Tickets are selling fast for our men and women combined presentation night dinner on Friday, October 21. They are available from reception at Goosies.

Social Bowls

Monday mixed pairs winners were Trevor Laurens and Bob Masso followed by R and D McCloy.

Lucky draw winners were Marie Bragg and J. Jamieson.

Wednesday ladies’ day was won by the team of Lyn Maguire and Helen Fleming. In second place came Margaret Goldston, Bev Woodward and Gloria Sam.

Thursday mixed pairs winners were Anne Bailey and Barry Mount, followed by Jan Little and Paul Goldston. Greens vouchers were won by Pat Elgey, Vern Mietzel and Chrissy Hall.

Friday mixed pairs winners were John Robinson and Doug Giddings. Winner’s draw: John Priest and Mick Mackenzie. Loser’s draw: Peter Madden and Alan Cooney.

Saturday men’s day pairs was won by Ian McDonald and K. Martin. Runners up were Clive Wales and Peter Miller.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Captions:  

2: Doug Dungavell shows concentration

1:  You can’t have bowls without volunteers. In the box are John Priest with Wayne and Shane Trannore

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Swing bowling sensation Matilda Wiggins could not have asked for a better mentor when she rocked up to her initial Cricket Excellence class last year at Mercy College Mackay.

There to greet the inquisitive and fresh-faced 12-year-old was legendary pace ace and established school teacher Adam Knezevic, who would encourage Matilda on the finer points of fast bowling.

The capable Year 8 student has caught the eye of cricket officials with her ability to snare bulk wickets with the new ball and score valuable runs in pressure moments.

Matilda will represent the Mackay-Whitsunday Girls representative team next week at the Under 15 North Queensland Junior Cricket Championships in Townsville where she will open the bowling and bolster the middle order with her stylish batting.

The team will play three fixtures in different formats - Twenty20, 50 over and 40 overs – during the Carnival with Matilda keen to push her claims for selection in the Central Infernos squad to participate in the Queensland Under 15 Female State Challenge in December at Redlands Cricket Club.

Matilda will also represent Capricornia at the Queensland Secondary Schools Cricket Championships in Brisbane next month alongside Mercy colleagues Kiana Dunn, Holly Wardrop, Madeleine Searle and Eden Thompson with Charles Lott, Cameron Tomerini, Jack Muller, Connor Muller and Etienne Pretorius featured in the Boys 13-15 years squad.  

Matilda was introduced to cricket at the age of eight when she participated in the Little Milo Cricket program at Souths Cricket Club.

By the age of ten she had linked with the Brothers Club in the Mackay Cricket Association Junior Mixed competition where she continues to hold her own with the boys.

Wiggins will pad up for the Brothers’ Under 14 Mixed team this summer after a fruitful 2021-22 season where she grabbed a bagful of wickets with her sharp quick bowling and compiled more than 200 runs with a top score of 45.

When she is not mixing it with the boys on the cricket pitch, Matilda will line up for the Souths Mackay Hurricanes in the Heat Girls Twenty20 Cricket League.

Matilda lists her bowling coach Adam Knezevic and Australian superstar womens cricketer Ellyse Perry as the two people that have influenced her career to date.

“Mr Knezevic has honed my bowling technique and is quick to offer encouragement or tips on how to improve my cricket,” she explained.

“I appreciate the support he gives me along with other Mercy College cricket coaches Chris Dunn, Angela Beardmore and Patrick Hoare.”

Matilda regards the great Ellyse Perry as a perfect sporting role model and hopes to follow in her giant footsteps.

‘Like all aspiring female cricketers, I’d like to wear the baggy green cap or don Australia’s colours one day.”

Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas.

Caption: Swing bowling sensation Matilda Wiggins

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It was a quiet week on the green at Wangaratta Bowls Club with only Sunday mixed bowls played.

Three rinks of triples ended in Sue Shearing, Dave Kilpatrick, and Pat Tracey claiming the trophy having defeated Deb Beel Penny Warren Graeme Read.

Others saw June Paynter, Linda Scells, and Barry Beel defeat Bron Tolcher, Laurie Land, and Joe Paynting, while Sugar Brunker, Bill Myer, and Anthony Cresswell defeated Deb Retchless, Isobel Wheeler, and Kennedy Whitton.

Competition Results: On Sunday morning the next round of the Mixed Pairs was played with Lyn and Geoff Danvers defeating Margaret Wilson and Kennedy Whitton in another close game.

This Saturday the club will host its annual Come and Try afternoon at the club.

If you have always wanted to try lawn bowls, here is your chance. Be at the club by 1pm for a 1.30pm start.

The club will organise a set of bowls and it is plain sailing from there for a free afternoon with afternoon tea afterwards.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Sunday's Winners Sue Shearing and Pat Tracey receiving their prize from Barry Beel

On Wednesday, nine players enjoyed perfect weather for a game of social bowls at Proserpine Bowls Club.  

Heather Brown played double second in a game of triples in a game that saw Jim Bownds, Heather, and Peter Lawton defeat Bruce Uhe, Heather, and Sandy Daffara, 26-16.  

In a game of pairs, Mary Hedgelong and Philip Brown defeated Pat Bownds and Jim Quod, 22-19.  

On Sunday afternoon we had Dawn Franklin and Brian O'Neill visiting from Moore Park Beach Bowling Club in Bundaberg.  

Peter Lawton and Dawn Franklin defeated Sandy Daffara and Heather Brown, 27- 22, while Bruce Uhe and Brian O'Neill defeated Jimmy Quod and Barry Zillmann, 21-11.

Reminder: Proserpine Bowls Club’s AGM will be held on Sunday, October 16 at 10am.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Tuesday: Airlie Beach Bowls Club hosted Kev Mezzina from Kawana Thunder Bowls Club on the Sunshine Coast travelling with wife Fiona.

Mr Mezzina snapped up the prestigious Health Hub award, showing the club what a wonderful bowler he was.

But he was second best on the day, losing out to skipper Mark Mawson with lead Juanita Matterson and Robin Brown who played outstanding consistent bowls winning all the prizes on the day.

Wednesday: Skipper John Brown with Alan Pershouse played some outstanding bowls and ran away with the prizes, while club favourite Rick Galea won the Health Hub award.

Northern Beaches Ladies Cup Invitational Fours was being held in Mackay, with the travelling Airlie Beach team winning five games with 50 points.

Ladda Purdie as skipper with talented Elaine Hadlow at third, and Jill Spencer at second with Sue Swift from Northern Beaches at lead were convincing winners over the two day carnival.

The club’s other team of Betty Nicole as skipper with Margo Stanley at third, Betty Whitehorn at second with Marie Duck from North Mackay at lead also won five games and finished on 35 points to come second in the carnival.

Wednesday night saw Business House Bowls resume its final spring competition for the year, welcoming back Ian and Debbie Whittaker from Battery World, who had Rob Turner also making a return.

Saturday: The club resumed Scroungers and first round winners were Andy McDougall, Margo Stanley, Russell Jackson, Graham Cowling, Garry Tiff, and Neil Moore.

However, it was the final was played between Andy McDougall and Margo Stanley which served as the most inspiring game of the weekend, with Andy the eventual winner. Tony Whitehorn won the Group B for the second time.

Sunday: The club welcomed new bowlers in the morning and Sunday afternoon saw Mark Mason with skipper Nik Fernbach the winners of the day.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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The club’s oldest members at the recent Annual General Meeting, Paul Osborne and Herb Secomb

The U15 Pitbulls clipped Roosters wings in the first game of the Cricket Mackay Competition season, led by an astounding individual performance.

Opening bowler D. Pettiford (0-21) and A. Hardy-young (0-8) kept things tight at the start of play.

Z. Henry (1-13) was given the ball and got his first wicket of the season with a corker that went through the corridor to rattle the stumps, and he was well supported by A. Geisel (0-14) from the southern end.

Roosters weren’t deterred and put 54 runs in their second wicket stand to be 1-68 until C. Stroud (1-15) strutted to the popping crease.

He stamped his authority on the game with a caught and bowl, backing it up with a screamer of a catch off a brilliant ball from J. Watson (1-9).

J. Williams (1-6) came and worked the batsman over before pitching a stump shattering ball that left the opposition at 4/87.

The Roosters dug in and piled on another 29 runs before M. Gabey (1-23) had seen enough and took a wicket in the dying overs with the help of A. Geisel’s classic catch.

The roosters run out of overs, posting a formidable total of 5/135.

Pitbulls needed a good start to chase down the total, and captain B. Valmadre decided fire power was the order of the day.

After pushing a few runs to get in, Valmadre monstered a four but fell for a quick fire nine straight after. The Roosters were ecstatic, getting their prize wicket early and leaving the Pitbulls whimpering at 1/21.

C. Stroud had other ideas: for the next 68 deliveries he bashed the Roosters, hitting 17 fours and one six, scoring 93 in the process and just falling short of a maiden century.

The rest of the Pitbulls’ batsmen chipped in, ending with a convincing total of 5/166 securing a win in their first hit out of the season.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Valmadre

Another great day for our October Monthly Medal with 30 players turning out for the day.  While it was a bit windy the temperature was good and the conditions made for some good golf.  

The ladies’ winner was Tiina Badenhorst on a c/b with 70 points, second on c/b was Jacqui Wall (70), and in the rundown were Robyn Whitham (70), Moya Bradley (70), and Jenny Hounsell (73).  

The men’s winner was John Roser with 70 points, second was Barry Mortimer (72 c/b), and in the rundown were Albert Pini (72), Phil Luckett (73), and Vic Feldman (73).  

Winners of the pin shots for the men were Albert Pini (B grade on 2nd), Barry (A grade on 9th), Gerald Lovell (B grade on 9th), and Peter Browning (B grade on 16th).  

The ladies’ pin shot winners were Leanne Alexander (A grade on 2nd), Beryl Nosworthy (B grade on 2nd), Tina Badenhorst (A grade on 9th and 16th), Tiina Randmae (B grade on 9th), and Heather Luvis (B grade on 16th).  

Chip ins were Jacqui Wall (had 2), Tessa Aitken, Elaine Philpott, Trevor Paroz, Nick Apruzzese, and John.  

Least putts were Jacqui Wall (26 putts), Phil Luckett (27 putts), and John Roser (27 putts).  

There will be no golf next Tuesday as the course is undergoing some maintenance.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Jacqui Wall and John Roser

The mixed foursomes trophy event was held on Sunday, October 9, with the winning team newcomer Elise Hodgsen and Gerald Lovell.

Runners up on the day were Jackie Wall and Clay Coles, while The Bradmans award went to Pam Casey and Mark McDougall.

Longest Drives went to Linda Wardroper and Penny Wardroper. Pin shots were claimed by Karen Rix, Dean Kercher. Next Sunday will be a single stableford event.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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L- R Pam Casey, Gerald Lovell, Elise Hodgsen and Mark McDougall

On Saturday the Allenbuild stableford and the fifth round of the Handiskins were run in conjunction. The top player to play the local Handiskins final is Lew Tuck, who finished with a best three round total of 118.

Brendon Spann 115, Allen Roberts 114 and Wayne Fitzgerald 111 were the others to make the final. This will be played on Sunday November 13, for a prize pool of $1200. The overall winner was David O’Connor with 41 points on a count back from Fraser Simpson. In third place was Lew Tuck on 40. The ladies’ winners were Tina Badenhorst, 39, on a count back from Trish McNeill, followed by Ann Gardel and Heather Luvis 35.

Nearest the pins went to Noelene Spurway and Craig Smith on two, Tiina Randmae and Rob Stanley, nine, Kelvin Stephens 13 and Dean Kercher 16. On Wednesday the ladies played their monthly medal in conjunction with a single stableford for the men.

The Medal winner was Viv Demartini with 65 nett, from Jan Shuwalow on 70. The place getters were Ann Gardel, 71, followed by Vickie Wallace and Diane Chard on 72. The stableford winners were Trevor Paroz and Aaron Prosser, 33, and Rees May 30. On Thursday the ladies’ winner was Diane Chard with 66 nett, equally the best score of the day. The division one winners were Barry Mortimer and Aaron Watts, 70 and John Grosskreutz 72.

Division two winners were Rees May and Greg Walker, 66 and Steve Mitchell 68 on a count back. Next Saturday, the event is a single stroke.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Lewis

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Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stroke for the October midweek Monthly medal sponsored by the club.

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Grace Nott, 65 nett, with runner up Lynelle Riley, 65 nett.  

Pin shots to Lisa Raisbeck, Michelle Campbell, Anne McGowan, and Tanya Gaudry, while Men’s winner was Graham Seaborne, 67 nett, and runner up Cliff Querro, 68 nett.  

Saturday’s competition was the Men’s October monthly medal.

Winner Mitchell Greenbank, 67 nett, runner up on a countback Andrew Glossop 68 nett.  Sunday’s competition was the Ladies October Monthly medal.  Winner June Kirk 68 nett, runner up Pauline Martin 71 nett.  Pin shots to Robyn Slade, Grace Nott & Viv Clark, who also had an outer ball pool.  Both competitions sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf Club.

This weekend’s competition is an 18-hole, 2-person ambrose sponsored by Carlton United Brewing Company.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Midweek Monthly Medal ladies’ winners Grace Nott and runner up Lynelle Riley

Weekend Monthly Medal runner up Pauline Martin