The 2022 North Queensland Sportstar Awards were held at a gala event in the Cloncurry Town Hall last Saturday, where a local BMXer was recognised in the Sporting Excellence category.

Connor Parish finished a sensational BMX season by being recognised with this prestigious award at the NQ Sportstar event, representing Mackay Regional Council.

The Sporting Excellence award is for an athlete who is dedicated and has gone above and beyond to excel in their chosen sport.

The award takes into consideration the athlete’s circumstances and potential to advance their sporting careers.

Connor attended the 2022 BMX World Championships in France and made it to the semi-finals of the 24” category before crashing in the semi-finals and unfortunately crashed in qualifying in the 20” category.

At the 2022 Oceania Championships, Connor finished 2nd in the 24” category and 4th in the 20” category. At the Australian Championships in December 2021, Connor finished 2nd in the 24” category and 4th in the 20” category.

At the 2021 Mackay and District BMX Club Presentation Day, Connor was awarded as the Rider of the Year.

Full list of 2022 North Queensland Sportstar winners:

Senior Sportstar of the Year - Sarah Cochrane (Townsville), Weightlifting

Junior Sportstar of the Year – Zoe Chester (Townsville), Athletics

Masters Sportstar of the Year - Allan Jefferson (Townsville) Ultra Cycling

Sportstar Team of the Year – AUS CROCS (Cairns) White Water Rafting

Sportstar Athlete with a Disability - Benjamin Wenzel (Cairns) Tennis

Sportstar Service to Sport - Michael Further (Etheridge)

Sportstar Sporting Excellence - Connor Parish (Mackay), BMX

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Nine Special Olympics Mackay athletes have done Mackay proud on the national stage, travelling to Launceston for the Special Olympics National Games in October.

Special Olympics Mackay was founded in 2012 and currently has 33 athletes competing across powerlifting, table tennis, basketball and ten pin bowling.

After hosting the Special Olympics State Titles CQ Games in Mackay in April 2021, nine of those 33 were selected in the Queensland team.

Annie, Chloe, TJ and Shane travelled to Launceston to compete in basketball and Corey, Donna, Frank, Paul and Tegan to compete in ten pin bowling.

Special Olympics On The National Stage

The aim of the Special Olympics is to empower people with intellectual disabilities to discover new strengths, abilities, skills and success through the power of sport.

Special Olympics Mackay Coach and Mentor Kimberly Doyle says the recent Special Olympics National Games in Launceston achieved that aim.

“It was just astonishing to see the impact and the athletes to come away with a greater resilience and greater independence and just a greater feeling of self-worth,” she said.

“They just feel they’ve achieved and just to be there is an achievement.”

All Mackay athletes achieved admirable results, with some finishing the games with gold, silver and bronze medals across both basketball and ten pin bowling.

“They have their own expectations as to how they want to succeed,” said Kimberly.

“We were very happy with their performances.

“They tried their best, that’s all we really focus on, as long as they try their best, they’re a success.”

There are over 3,000 athletes involved in Special Olympics across the country, with 973 of those competing at the National Games.

“Everyone belonged, everyone felt they were part of something so big,” said Kimberly.

“It’s the greatest inclusive games in the country.

“To have those different abilities, you don’t have to be elite athletes, you just have to do your best.

“The athlete's oath is, ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,’ and that’s all they have to do.”

Athletes now wait with bated breath to find out if they qualify for the World Games, held in June 2023 in Berlin.

Wests Leagues Club is also hosting a fundraising cent sale for the Special Olympics Mackay this Sunday, November 6 from 11:00am where you will be able to meet the athletes who have returned from Launceston with their medals.

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Emily Boyd is an Australian Great – she has represented Australia for diving at the FINA World Junior Championships, the Senior Titles in Barcelona and Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

She attended the Pioneer Swim Club on Tuesday, 18 October 2022, to speak of her incredible journey as an elite athlete in the sport of diving.

Emily spoke of her battles with her health and injuries, weekly training, nutrition, her goals for the future and how she seeks to achieve them.  

Approximately 40 swimmers met Emily after squad training, posed for photos and had the opportunity to hold her Commonwealth Bronze medal.

Pioneer Swim Club wishes to thank Emily for her visit - we loved it!  

Our swimmers are so lucky to have the opportunity to meet encouraging and inspiring athletes like Emily.

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

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The annual presentation night dinner last Friday was well attended with over 100 people there. Ian Morris has a flash drive with many photos of the evening. Hopefully members saw Friday’s paper with a full page of results and photos.

This weekend is the CMR Goosies 10,000 comp with the Calcutta on tonight.

Social Bowls

Monday mixed pairs winners were Lidia McCarthy and Kathy Mathews, followed by Pat O’Neill and Jan Little.

Doug Dungavell and Sandra Summerfeld won the lucky draw.

Wednesday ladies’ day was won by Sheryl Cuttriss, Michele Stockton, Lidia McCarthy and Lois Deguara. Runners up were Fay McCubben, Sue Hazledine and Pat O’Neill.

Thursday mixed pairs draw winners were Tony Allsop and Warren Corbett, and Col Carey and G. Dyer. Chrissy Hall and Jess Haber won greens vouchers.

Friday mixed pairs overall winners were Cheryle Corbett and Lorraine Silman who took home $75 each. Winner’s draw was taken out by Doug Giddings and Darren Addie. No names were down for the losers' draw.

Saturday men’s day winners were Wayne Trannore and the consistent Peter Delaney, with Rob Evans and Alex Cameron in second spot.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

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Image: L-R: Rachel McKenzie (coach), Treyce Ciantar, Matthew Romal, Lincoln Grisan-Hodges, Cooper Currie, Joanne Ciantar (Team Manager); seated Usai Bickey, Braithen Vickers, Jack Hall, Archie Howell and Arthur Bandalan

Fielding one of its youngest-ever male line ups, Mercy College Mackay has risen to the challenge at the Champion Basketball School of Queensland tournament staged recently on the Gold Coast.  

Spearheaded by boom 13-year-olds Treyce Ciantar, Cooper Currie and Usai Bickey, the Mercy hoopers turned in courageous and skillful performances against opponents three years their senior to finish a creditable seventh in the Junior Secondary Boys Division 3 championship.

Under the expert coaching of Rachel McKenzie, the College rookies chalked up impressive victories in the preliminary rounds to qualify for the finals phase.

It was a meritorious achievement by the fresh-faced hoopers who held their own against some of the finest 16-year-old basketball talent in the State to earn a top eight finish.

On the final day the Mercy colts defeated Redlands College to clinch the play-off for seventh spot.  

Power forward Ciantar, point guard Currie and shooting guard Bickey helped the Mackay Meteors capture the North Queensland Under 14 championship title earlier this year and will represent the Emerging Queensland Under 15s at the 2023 National Under 16 Junior Basketball Championships in Melbourne next January.

By Chris Karas

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Image: St Patrick’s College has a new rugby league coach, Ian Schifilliti. Image supplied

St Patrick’s College Mackay have appointed former international centre Ian Schifilliti as coach of its Open boys rugby league team for 2023.

The Ingham native – who joined the St Patrick’s teaching staff at the beginning of this year – was a popular choice to replace departing mentor Michael Comerford, who has taken on a new role as Head Coach of the Mackay Cutters in the Queensland Hostplus Cup.

Ian, the kid brother of former Illawarra and Parramatta star hooker Dean Schifilliti, guided the Mercy College senior boys rugby league team to the Cowboys Challenge Shield Grand Final this season.

Chasing back to back titles, the Mackay youngsters were left shattered after Kirwan State High snatched the trophy with a try after the full time bell.

Highly regarded during his playing career as a skilful and industrious forward and centre with a strong work ethic, the respected journeyman is an effective communicator and teacher who brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Schifilliti is a legendary figure in the Townsville region where he carved a niche with the Herbert River Crushers club.

He pulled on his first boots at the age of eight and helped the Crushers win Under 11, Under 12, Under 13, Under 14 and Under 16s premierships in the Townsville District Junior League while playing alongside the likes of Canberra flyer Royston Lightning and former Cowboys and Warriors hooker Paul Dezolt.

Although small in frame, what Ian lacked in size he more than made up for with his tenacity, courage, ball play and copybook defence as he entered the senior ranks.

By the age of 18, Schifilliti was an established Townsville representative forward in the Foley Shield competition and later trialled with Super League club Adelaide Rams and Parramatta after he was spotted by Eels’ talent scout Noel Cleal.

He took up an offer to play in the English Super League with the London Broncos under former Eels premiership-winning coach John Monie and enjoyed stints with the Rochdale Hornets and Keighley Cougars in the United Kingdom before returning to Ingham to complete his teaching degree.

A highlight for Ian was playing three Test matches for Italy at the 2000 Rugby League Emerging Nations Tournament in England which was held alongside the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.  

Ian teamed up in the centres with Canberra ace Jason Bulgarelli and helped Italy qualify for the 2008 World Cup event with victories over Canada and the United States.

Schifilliti scored two tries in Italy’s 66-6 thumping of Canada and 40-16 win over the USA and featured in the 20-18 loss to the British Amateur Rugby League Association (BARLA) in the final at Dewsbury.

On his return, Ian lined up for the Crushers in the Townsville A Grade competition before retiring as a player in 2008.

He began teaching at Heatley Secondary College Townsville and his old school Gilroy Santa Maria College Ingham while serving his coaching apprenticeship with the Crushers A Grade team.

Schifilliti piloted Herbert River to three Grand Finals and a 2016 premiership and the Northern Open Schoolboys to success before assisting Michael Comerford with the Northern Queensland Marlins representative team.

Ian took over the Marlins’ coaching reins from Comerford in 2018 and continued to prepare Gilroy Santa Maria in the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools competition before moving to Mackay.

When asked about his new coaching role, Schifilleti said he was “honoured and excited” with the opportunity to coach a St Patrick’s squad brimming with talent.

“It is a privilege to step into the shoes of Michael Comerford who has shaped the St Patrick’s Rugby League Academy into a real force,” said Ian.

“We have the nucleus of the champion 2022 squad returning in hooker Xavier Kerrisk, half back Jaxon Purdue, fullback Will Shears, sharp backs Bailey Anderson, Tenzin Contor, Bailey Caruana and others.

“Throw in promising Mercy colts like Saxon Crofts, Hunter Harris, Reuben Saron, Javen Ramsamy, Hudson Smith, Kooper Shears, Cohen Jackson, Toby Woodall and Lachlan Whippy and you have the ingredients for a competitive outfit in 2023.”

By Chris Karas

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Image: Treyce Ciantar is a champion on the basketball court and the touch football field. Images supplied

When he’s not rebounding, playing in the post or setting screens as a power forward on the basketball court you’ll find top schoolboy athlete Treyce Ciantar weaving his magic on a touch football field.

The Mercy College Mackay Year 8 student shows plenty of promise in both sports and impressed keen judges at two of Queensland’s biggest school events recently on the Gold Coast – the Titans All Schools Touch Football Championships and the annual Champions of Secondary Schools Basketball tournament.

Versatile Treyce steered the Mercy/St Patrick’s 13yrs Boys touch football team to the last 16 of the finals series where he showcased his skills as a middle player.

Four days later he was mixing it with the best basketball talent in the State and players two years his senior at the Champions Schools carnival – helping the Mercy/St Patrick’s Under 15 Boys claim seventh ranking.

Competing against the big guns at the Champion Schools Basketball event was perfect preparation for the upcoming Australian Under 16 Championships to be staged in Melbourne during the New Year.

Treyce will join fellow 13-year-old Mercy College students Cooper Currie and Usai Bickey in the Emerging Queensland Under 15 squad that should benefit from their participation at the national titles.

The talented trio are three of Mackay’s best young basketball prospects and key players in the Meteors’ Junior Development Program.

All three will attend a special State camp in Brisbane next January 17 in preparation for the National Carnival.

Hand-eye coordination is an important skill in Treyce’s make up and has kept him in good stead – ever since he first competed on a basketball court at the age of six.

A product of the South's club in the Mackay Basketball Association, Treyce has blossomed under the tutelage of leading coaches Renee Currie, Chris Breckell and Tony Hutchinson – three local figures who have proved a major influence on his career to date.  

The strapping power or small forward shows a maturity that far belies his years and helped Souths achieve championship success in the Under 8s, Under 10s, Under 12s, Under 14s, Under 16s and Opens (Under 18s) competitions.

Ciantar, a Capricornia schoolboys representative, has served the Mackay Meteors since the age of eight and earlier this year led the club to a North Queensland Under 14 Championship title.

To hone his basketball skills, Treyce also lines up against adults and seasoned campaigners in a Sunday Mens competition where he plays as a point guard alongside his dad Trent.

While basketball may be his preferred sport, Treyce also shares a passion for touch football.  

He began his career as a 5-year-old with the Marani club and was soon representing Mackay from Under 9s and leading the region to North Queensland Cup and Red Rooster Cup triumphs.  

The sky's the limit for this talented young hoop who is destined for bigger things.

By Chris Karas

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The fierce and fast were recognised last month at the Mackay Road Runners Annual Awards for 2022.

Major award recipients

Junior Female  & Male Club Champions Lily Leven and Damian Rutland

Open Female & Male Club Champions Glynis Forse and Joe Grech

Junior Female & Male Eungella Queen and King of the Mountain Lily Leven & Damian Rutland

Open Female & Male Eungella Queen and King of the Mountain Demi Caldwell & Cristian Smith

Junior Monthly Medals Luke Leven, Alex Couldrey; Toby Rule, Oliver Rule

Open Monthly Medals Mick Vivian, Paul Mackenzie, Shane Donnollan, Andrew Short, Alan Zamparutti, Michael Feenaghty

Lost Bunyips Open Female and Male Trail Series Champions Carmel Mahon & Joe Grech

Andergrove 10km Handicap Champion Heli Talinurm

Shawn Claydon Memorial 10km Shield Tahnie Malagueno & Angus Jacobs

Benita Willis 10km Handicap Trophy Martin Lambert

Most Improved Andrew Wallace

Encouragement Award Luke Leven

Most Supportive Alan Zamparutti

Most Consistent Carmel Mahon

Col & Rhonda Meng Club Person of the Year Jo Hughes

Overall Handicap Points Champion Joe Grech

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Pioneer Valley Charity Fun Run

The date was March 27, 2020.

Kay Nyenuh’s two Muscle Garden gyms in Mackay and Marian were about to be shut down due to COVID restrictions.

He was at his newly opened Marian gym for a lengthy telecommunications appointment when he took his daughter, Rosa, for a walk.

It was then, he came up with an idea to host a charity fun run along the Pioneer River in Marian.

Thought is one thing, but action is another. However, when Kay has his mind set, there’s no turning back. In the face of adversity and great personal sacrifice through lost income during COVID restrictions, Kay has triumphantly hosted the fun run for the past three years, successfully raising more than $70,000 for the Mackay Hospital Foundation. The third event was held last weekend.

The 2.5km loop course provided the perfect supportive atmosphere for friends and family to cheer on competitors, and the event appeals to all fitness levels, with 1km, 5km, 7.5km and 10km options.

Now with a third gym opened in Andergrove, Kay is optimistic about the future and thanked the support he received to make the fun run a reality.

“Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this event the past three years,” Kay said.

“All the businesses, the participants, my team, I can’t thank you enough.

“In the three years we’ve held this event it’s only gotten bigger and bigger and I can’t wait for next year already!”

This week Kay is flying to New York to fulfill a personal goal, to run the New York Marathon.

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Mackay City Rollers will play host to the first ever RADfest. A bootcamp and scrimmage weekend for junior roller derby players from Regional Queensland.

RADfest takes its name from Regional Alliance Derby and sees skaters between the ages of 8 and 18 from Rockhampton and Townsville converge on Mackay.

Mackay City Rollers has secured a lineup of experienced coaches from Southeast Queensland including Squeals on Wheels, Rumpofsteelskin, and Vaxter.

Squeals on Wheels is a returning Mackay skater who is a two-time silver medalist for Australia playing for Skate Australia Women’s Roller Derby Team at the World Roller Games in China and Spain and Queensland representative in the Australia National Roller Derby Championships; a tournament which Queensland won. Most recently this year, Squeals earned a position on the Skate Australia Women’s Roller Derby Team for the third time and was also successfully appointed as the Coach for the Skate Australia Men’s Roller Derby Team.

Mackay City Rollers President Splitz says, “We are really excited to have such an array of experienced coaches attending this weekend to impart their many years of skating and roller derby knowledge to our juniors.

“Regional events like this are so critical in rebuilding regional roller derby after memberships took a big hit during covid.

“We are trying to breathe life back into derby across the region while building strong connections with our neighbouring leagues in both Junior and Senior derby.

“Roller Derby in regional areas isn’t like other sports where kids compete in a regular weekly competition or season. Our skaters have to travel for opportunities to play competitively or bring skaters here to Mackay.”

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What a week!

Terrence Sheedy won the Presidents Shield Trophy after three weeks of play with three different partners. Terrence’s consistency had him in the lead over all three weeks, ultimately leading to his win.

After three weeks of hotly contested play and three different winners over the three weeks of play, Ian and Carol Gaskell won the Mackay Novice Pairs.

Meanwhile, Jan Harris and Richard Wix took out the Australian Wide (Mackay) Restricted Pairs <300pts.

RESULTS

Mackay Presidents Shield

1st Terrence Sheedy – Partners -Noel Bugeia, Janelle Conroy, Geoff Taylor

2nd Monica Darley – Partners – Richard Wix, Nancy Martin, Tere Wotherspoon

3rd Janelle Conroy – Partners – Robert Carless, Terrence Sheedy, Alan Brown

Saturday 29 October  – Presidents Shield Week 3 of 3 Green Points

N/S

1st Doone Mitchell / Marilin Robins

2nd Diane Stokes / Joy Brunette

3rd Jan Harris / Geoffrey Patterson

4th Nancy Wix / Griffin Bancroft

E/W

1st Monica Darley / Tere Wotherspoon

2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

3rd Ian Cruickshank / Noel Saunders

4th Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

Sunday 30 October – Novice Pairs Week 3 of 3

1st Mary Cruickshank / Noel Saunders

2nd Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell

3rd Anne Lutz / Diane Stokes

Mackay Novice Championship Pairs Winners

1st Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell

2nd Anne Lutz / Diane Stokes

3rd Annie Lynch / Sandra Morris

Tuesday 24 October – Australian Wide Pairs <300 Pts - Mackay

1st Jan Harris / Richard Wix

2nd Mary Cruickshank / Ian Cruickshank

3rd Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell

4th Sandra Morris / Patricia Garner

5th Griffin Bancroft / Marilyn Wilson-Nicholl

6th Susan Ross / Vicki Howard

Weekly Social Results

Monday 24 October – 6 Table One Winner

1st Joy Robinson / Thelma Caruana

2nd Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes

3rd Jan Harris / Richard Wix

Tuesday Evening 25 October – 4 Table One Winner

1st Richard Wix / Eric Goodchild

2nd Eric Leivesley / Diane Stokes

3rd Janine Rodgers / Nancy Wix

Wednesday 26 October – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Robert Carless / Joy Robinson

2nd Geoff Taylor / Ted Cullinan

3rd Anne Lutz / Gwen Liddell

1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd Ian Cruickshank / Antonia Tarradas

3rd Frances Brown / Janet Hansen

Thursday Evening 27 October – 4 Table One Winner

1st Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

2nd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

Friday 28 October – 7 Table One Winner

1st Tere Wotherspoon / Monica Darley

2nd Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

3rd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

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After a bye last week, the Proserpine Pitbulls’ Under 11 side hosted their first ever home game against the Sarina Spartans.

Captain Laura’s bat flip went to the Spartans, and the Pitbull pups were sent in to bat.

Bradley (4) and Sean (3) led the way with some great shots, unfortunately picking out the fielders before Aiden (9) followed up with some quick running between the wickets.

Aiden’s brother Jaxson (9) came in and they kept the scoreboard ticking over nicely. Laura (7) was hitting the ball as clean as can be and teamed up well with Ellen (5), who played some excellent shots.

Tyrone (5) came out swinging and Zahra (5) was excellent with her calling and running between the wickets. Kobi (5) came in last to face the remaining deliveries and played a couple of great pull shots, with 8/72 the scenario at the end of the first innings.

A quick slushy break and the pups were back out to defend their total.

Bradley (1/8 off 3) was very accurate and got a spectacular direct hit for a runout. Sean 0/12 off 1) found the middle of the batter’s bat, and decided to give wicket keeping a go, to which he did some great stops and got a caught behind.

Aiden (1/12 off 2) got a beauty on line to take out middle stump. Jaxson (0/9 off 2) came close a couple of times, but missed out on a wicket. Zahra (0/8 off 2) bowled excellently. Laura (2/6 off 3) bamboozled the batters with her 2 step run up taking out the stumps twice.

Kobi (1/8 off 3) was accurate, with some great change of pace. Ellen (1/8 off 2) bowled an unplayable delivery! Tyrone (2/6 off 2) bowled a couple of beauties to take out the stumps.

Despite having an excellent bowling and fielding effort the Pitbull pups were unable to restrict the Spartans ending up with 11/77 pipping the Proserpine side by five runs, with the team closing in on their first ever wind.

Player of the day went to Captain Laura.

Contributed with thanks to Michael Hope

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Proserpine’s junior cricketers played in an exceptionally close match against the Sarina Spartans on the weekend

With the Premier League not too far back in the rear view mirror, the 2022 Xmas Open for Airlie Beach Darts club got underway at Mika on Sunday morning with groups A and B.

Group A featured the runner up of this year’s Premier League: Jamie Maher. Joining him was Jayden Lloyd, Lorraine Woods, and Adrian Wickham.

Jamie advances to the quarterfinals after topping group A unbeaten, with both Jayden and Lorraine going through to the qualifiers after finishing in second and third place, respectively.

Group B had a Premier League champion in the group: Andy Peel. He was joined by the father son combo of Dick and Nathan O’Hara, as well as Seumas Rose.

Seumas topped the group unbeaten on nine points, with the remaining three players all finishing level on three apiece.

Nathan was the unlucky player to miss out on advancing to the next stage of the comp with Andy claiming second and Dick claiming third place in group B, courtesy of better leg difference.

Both Jamie and Seumas hit 180s during their victories on Sunday.

Thank you to Master Butchers Whitsunday for donating a meat tray for us to raffle off. And thank you to our sponsor Dyson Automotive, your support is greatly appreciated.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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Jamie Maher in action in the Xmas Open at Mika Airlie Beach

Unfortunately, the Cannonvale Cannons’ Club Night was cancelled on Wednesday last week due to stormy weather but were back in the pool this week.

Over the weekend, Indigo, Ruby, and Koa Harland travelled to Charters Towers to compete at the Charters Towers Swimming Carnival, with the girls very excited to catch up with their brothers Tate and Mason, and sister, Ella.  

Indigo, “Indi” Harland aged six, swam very well in her 25-metre Backstroke and Freestyle races.  Her best swim was her Backstroke in a time of 48.01 (a 1.21 second personal best).

Koa Harland, aged eight years had a very successful carnival.  She swam three personal bests and came second place in her 50-metre Breaststroke in a time of 1.05.18. She swam a super 50-metre Butterfly in 1.11.98, a 1.83 second personal best and was fourth in her age group.  

Ruby Harland, aged 10, swam in four events, coming first in her 100-metre Backstroke and second in her 100-metre Freestyle.  

Mason and Tate Harland swim for Charters Towers Swimming Club, with Mason, aged 12, swam extremely well in all his Backstroke races. Tate, aged 14, swam a fantastic 200-metre Breaststroke in a time of 3.50.74 which was a 21.34 second personal best.  

The Cannons would like to thank all the wonderful families who assisted with the Bunnings barbecue fundraiser on Saturday.

Swimmers continue to train for upcoming carnivals: Gardens (Townsville), Whitsunday (Proserpine), and Bowen.  Some Cannons have also nominated for the Hamilton Island Ocean Swim.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Ben and Nelson Malady

Celeste and Don helping at the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle

Ruby Indi and Koa Harland at Charters Towers

Airlie Beach Bowls Club players did their club, the district, and zone seven proud at the State Champion of Club Champions at South Suburban in Mackay.

The pair of Betty Nicole and Carol Crosbie played outstanding bowls during the sectional rounds and were undefeated in their three games, beating Kawana Bowls Club 18-8, Suburban Townsville 19-16, and Boonooroo Bowls Club 20-16 to progress to the State Final.

They came up against the pair of 419 Australian-capped veteran Lynsey Clarke and Claire Turley, who has 66 caps for the country.

Betty and Carol started nervously, tied at seven all against their more fancied opponents throughout the early ends of the game.

Lynsey and Claire found their form and pushed ahead to a comfortable lead until Betty and Carol staged a late comeback but unfortunately ran out of ends and went down 27-20 in front of a very large crowd, becoming the states silver medallist’s.

Carol, who is undergoing intensive Chemotherapy, was drained substantially during the game, but, lived by our club’s motto: “Never Give Up, Never Give In, and Never Say Die.”

Also competing were our Mens Pairs whom finished 4th overall, missing out on the finals by one point only.

Armando Isgro also was selected as skipper for North Queensland versus South Queensland in Townsville played on the weekend.

Tuesday and Wednesday bowls and Business House Bowls were cancelled this week due to inclement weather.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw first round winners Merve Stewart, Maureen Barnard, Rick Galea, Gary Kiff, and Mark Mawson play off.

The final was played between Maureen Barnard and Mark Mawson, who overcame his tenacious opponent for the victory.

John Brown was the Group B winner of the day beating a star-studded field.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls had Tony Whitehorn with Mario De Martini at lead, Lu Rogan at second, and Rex Muller beat John Trembath’s team in a nail-biter.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club members Carol Crosbie and Betty Nicole claimed silver at this year’s Queensland state finals