When the Mackay Cutters headed on their five-hour trip down to Rockhampton for Round 4’s Rivalry Hostplus Cup match against CQ Capras last Saturday, the tight run affair in pre-season against the Rockhampton side would have been on their minds.

Capras had clinched it by just four points in what head coach David Elliott called a “scrappy one” and the official Hostplus match last week was no different.

Browne Park witnessed a back and forth, free scoring affair between the two sides but still some of the scrap from that pre-season fixture remained. Capras came into the game in fine fettle, having won their first three matches and sitting pretty at the top of the table.

There was still some confidence in the air from the late March fixture against Ipswich Jets in which the travelling Cutters crushed the Jets 12-52. Belief and culture were the key words for Elliott in his early season interviews, and when a team is as capable of results like that, it’s hard not to believe.

Cutters starting line-up comprised Andre Niko, Kane Bradley, Blake Paskins, Sam Fa’apito, Laitia Moceidreke, Daejarn Asi, Brandon Finnegan, Jayden Morgan, Kyle Schneider, Ross Bella, Luke Webyley, Ben Condon, and Tom Irelandes.

Their interchange featured Sean Mullany, Jake Riley, Hiale Roycroft, Morgan McWhiter, Mitch Fogarty, Jake Hawkins, Luke Ingram, and Matt Vessy.

The stage set, the bus trip done and pre-season behind them, Cutters came in hopeful to turn the fixture on its head – which they very well almost did.

But in a game that ended 26-18, Capras looked the more likely to run away with it early in the game, scoring twice through Brandon Roberts in the 6th and again in the 26th.

Cutters managed to dig deep and retaliate thanks to a bit of luck and Andre Niko. Niko ran almost the length of the field after catching hold of a loose ball courtesy of the Capras wide players.

Kane Bradley grabbed a four pointer just before the end of the first half to actually take the lead 12-10 - again capitalising on a Capras mistake leading to a knock on.

Cutters extended the advantage in the 53rd with a scrappy crossing from Sean Mullaney. It was all downhill from there, as the Capras seemed to kick into gear and kept the momentum coming.

Jonas Pearson scored in the 58th to cut the advantage after a bursting run through the defensive line. Jesse Jennings grabbed a four pointer just five minutes later.

Brandon Roberts scored his third of the game late on to keep their undefeated run going – four from four. It’s a tough break for the Sugar City side who had been ahead but struggled to keep the lead. Promising signs for the local side, though, who may well rebound in their next fixture.

So far Cutters have claimed four points in four games, leaving them in 6th position on the table – a respectable start to the season: two wins, two losses. Their next week fixture against the Falcons may prove a tough one again, with the Sunshine Coast side sitting in fourth, having leapfrogged Cutters and Bears.

Cutters will head down to the Sunshine Coast Stadium this Saturday for a 4.00pm kick-off.

The Mackay Cutters have had a bit of a mixed bag for the start of the season – two wins and two losses

‍

‍

Sunday morning saw over forty Mackay Road Runners take on Slade Point as part of the annual Tim’s Chariots of Fire run.

Hosted by club president Tim Magoffin and his family, the run consists of technical 5km and 11km distances along road, sand, and trails, with runners enjoying cool, wet conditions and panoramic coastal vistas.

Mick Vivian set the pace in the 11km finishing as the first male across the finish line and leading a talented back consisting of Paul Mackenzie, Joe Grech, George Hannaford, Justin Rule, Luke Leven, Toby Rule, Ryan Evetts, Mick Scholer, Greg O’Neill, Craig Stevens, Derek Woods, Robin Stinson, Ross Vickers, Martin Lambert, Simon Henderson, John Couldrey, Daniel Stampa, and David Isbister.

Alana Knesevic was the first female to finish the technical 11km course ahead of Glynis Forse, Jose Short, Carmel Grech, Emily Smyth, Sarah Jensen, Judy Zahn, Marie Muscat, Carmel Mahon, Geeta Ariani, and Brenda Windsor.

Despite a brief detour after a wrong turn, the 5km front runners still managed to sprint home with a smile on their faces, with Damien Rutland, Lily Leven, and Carolyn Mapes once again showing their impressive ability.

Excellent efforts were also on display from Julie Whibley, Emma Johnson, Jo Hughes, Charlie Bone, and Stuart Sprott.

Host and club president Tim Magoffin even completed the course several times, including the early morning setup and pack down, as it is his regular training route.

Road Runners Justin and Toby Rule have recently returned from successful athletic championship outings. Toby came away with sensational results from the Little Athletics State Championships including a gold medal and championship title.

Justin claimed silver in the 3km steeplechase at the Australian Masters Athletics Championships in Brisbane earlier this month, elevating him to among the quickest in Australia.

The Road Runners’ next meet will take place on Easter Sunday with a social 5km/10km run embarking from Zambrero on the corner of Gordon and Gregory Streets, commencing at 4:30pm.

Luke Levin (left) congratulates Justine Rule (centre) and Toby Rule (right) after their successful outings at recent state and national athletics championships in Brisbane

Ready to race their respective events (left to right) Jose Short, Jan Smith, Craig Stevens, Michael Feenaghty, and David Isbister

Judy Zahn battles the damp conditions as she summits the Lamberts Beach Water Tower section of the 11km

First female Alana Knesevic makes the 11km tricky trails look easy. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse (Road Runners Publicity Officer)

‍

Four young Mackay swimmers are attending their very first National Age Swimming Championships in Adelaide this week.

Izabella Wills, 13, Kiah Apps, 14, Ruby Boxall, 13, and Mackenzie Neilsen, 13, are all revelling in the opportunity to represent the Mackay Cyclones on the national stage across all strokes.

Mackenzie Neilsen competing in the 13yr Girls age group will contest the 100 fly and 200 fly, while also in the 13yr Girls, Ruby Boxall will compete in the 50 freestyle, 50 backstroke, 100 backstroke and the 200 backstroke. In the 14yr Girls, Kiah Apps will race in the 200 freestyle, 200 fly, and 100 fly, while Izabella Wills in the 13yr Girls multi class will contest the 50 freestyle, 50 backstroke, 50 breaststroke, 100 breaststroke and 100 freestyle.

“They have smashed goals to achieve this accolade and they have well and truly earned their spot to attend, with pure grit and determination,” said coach Leigh-Anne Pokarier.

“The girls are excited to hit Adelaide, soak up the next level of competition atmosphere and have fun every step of the way.”

The 2022 Australian Age Swimming Championships began in Adelaide on Monday April 11 and will run to Monday April 18 and you can catch all the action on Amazon Prime Video.

L-R Izabella Wills, Mackenzie Neilsen, Ruby Boxall, and Kiah Apps with coach Leigh Anne Pokarier. Photo: supplied

Izabella Wills

Mackenzie Neilsen

Ruby Boxall

Kiah Apps

‍

The Sydney Roosters will return to Mackay to host the Gold Coast Titans at BB Print Stadium in Round 9 on Saturday, May 7.

In the only NRL Premiership fixture scheduled to be played in Mackay this season, the Roosters will return to the ground that became a home away from home during the 2021 relocated competition.

“We loved playing at BB Print Stadium last season and we’re excited to be heading back to Mackay in Round 9,” said Roosters captain James Tedesco.

“It’s a great stadium in a region that’s passionate about rugby league and we’re looking forward to giving back to the community in the lead-up to the game,” he added.

Acknowledging the support of Mackay Regional Council and the Queensland Government in staging the fixture, Roosters COO Jarrod Johnstone added:

“The wonderful support of Mackay Regional Council and the Queensland Government throughout the 2021 season ensured the NRL competition continued, and we are thrilled to be taking a Sydney Roosters home game back to Mackay’s BB Print Stadium in 2022.”

In the lead-up to the fixture, the Roosters will host an open training session at BB Print Stadium. Further details will be provided in lead-up to the round.

The Sydney Roosters are looking forward to a return to Mackay’s BB Print Stadium next month to face the Gold Coast Titans. Pictures from 2021 NRL action in Mackay by Amanda Wright

‍

‍

Jaguar ran out winners in the first division final of Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures last week.

The Jaguar team of Steven Whiting, Anne Sheridan and Lee Brake beat the Audi combination of Andrew McHugh, Duncan Treloar and Janice Kent 6-4.

Andrew led the Audi with a strong win over Steven, but Jaguar then reeled off four wins in succession to take control of the final.

Lee’s five-game win over Janice (5, -11, 7, -6, 8) was pivotal, and wins by Anne and Steven over Duncan and a doubles win by Anne/Steve over Andrew/Duncan put them in the box seat.

Anne and Steven finished off the win with tight victories over Janice.

The second division final went to Fiat (Delma Knight, Andrea Nicholson and Duncan Sheridan) over Nissan (Stirling Bowater, George Camilleri and Val Austin) as both Stirling and Val were ill and unable to play.

However, Coral Morgan and Tiffany Camilleri stepped in to make up a scratch team with George, and the result was a series of tight games.

The competition now breaks for the school holidays and will resume after the break.

By Charlie Payne

Division 1 winners Jaguar (Lee Brake, Anne Sheridan, Steven Whiting)

Division 2 winners Fiat (Delma Knight, Duncan Sheridan, Andrea Nicholson)

‍

Another busy week for Airlie bowlers with Tuesday afternoon Ladies Social day gathering momentum with a wonderful win from Margo Stanley’s team of lead John Brown, Di Dobbins.

Wednesday afternoon social bowls organised by Mervyn Stewart saw over 24 bowlers competing with Tim Taylor’s team playing exceptionally well.

Marjorie Hughes with a perfect lead performance led them to the huge result.

Business house bowls will be recommencing on the April 20, and the first Scroungers competition final has been pushed to April 30 due to the weather.

Sunday afternoons Mixed social bowls had a great roll up organised by Henny Tattam with winners of the day ably led by the Carol Crosbie with Lyn Graham bowling admirably at lead and the reliable Betty Whitehorn at second.

The school competition will be starting soon.

Until next week happy bowling and practice makes perfect  

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

‍

The social players must be sabotaging their opponents during afternoon tea with matches even right up until the break before one team races ahead.

On Wednesday ten players enjoyed an afternoon of social bowls: Alen Sanderson, John Lahney and Philip Brown defeated Jim Bownds, Barry Zillmann and Bruce Uhe 28-14; and John Anderson and David Ling defeated Pat Bownds and Peter Lawton 29-14.

On Friday afternoon the game of Club Championship Singles between Brett Saroglia and Gavin Noonan was played and marked by Nathaniel Watts, with Gavin defeating Brett 25 – 14,

This was the only competition game to get played over the weekend with the weather getting in the way of the other games being able to be played.

Rescheduled times will be advised when available.

On Sunday Social John Lahney played double lead.  

John, Bruce Uhe, Philip Brown and Joan McGrath defeated John, Vicki Spann, Arthur Griffith and Peter Lawton 23-19.

Joan and Vicki were doing some preparation for playing on grass in the Symons Shield this week.

Reminder to all Men players who would like to be considered for Pennants this year, names and availability dates are to be given to Scott Hamilton by Thursday, April 14.

Call Scott 0459 907 235 or email rsh1@live.com.au

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

‍

Tuesday, April 5 saw D Beel, I Laird, and M Elphinstone defeat D Retchless, R Stitt, and I Wheeler.

Sunday, April 10 was A triples and a broken rink played.

Winners for the afternoon D Wallace, M Wilson, and B Beel dispatching L Land Elphinstone, K Whitton, B Myers. R Stitt, P Warren, and P Tracey defeated I Laird, I Wheeler, and M Drummond.

Club Competition for the week Men’s Open Singles winner M Drummond defeated A Rolfe. Ladies Open Singles winner D Wallace defeated M Wilson.

There are a number of games called for next weekend so be sure to check to see if you are playing.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Sundays winning team: Margaret Wilson Barry Beel Denise Wallace

‍

‍

Rain played havoc with the NQ Junior Open, held in Proserpine over the weekend. The competition was set down for Saturday and Sunday, but rain washed out Saturday’s play. Thankfully Sunday was a better day.

Finn Couper from the Rowes Bay Club, playing off a handicap of four, was the boys gross champion with 71, while Emily McEwan from the Atherton Golf Club was the girl’s winner with 76.

The nett winners were Logan Devery, Proserpine, 72, and the girl’s winner was Tahnee Pietzner from the Moranbah Club with 76.

Saturday’s club competition saw 50-odd nominate, 31 start, but only 18 finished.

The winner was Daniel O’Donnell with 40 points, from Tom Maclean 38, and Ash Law 36.

The place getters were Aaron Watts and Darren Reynolds, both with 33 points.

The pins went to Dan O’Donnell and Tina Badenhorst on nine and Vince Collins 13.

Wednesday’s ladies’ monthly medal was won by Elspeth Scotford with 75 nett on a count back from Ann Gardel and Lyn Muller.

The place getters were Pauline Redpath, 76, Rehab Hull 78, and Leanne Alexander 79.

The pin shots went to Rehab, Elspeth and Leanne.

Thursday’s monthly medal division one winner was Steven Stewart with nett 69, from Adam Maggs and Allen Roberts, both with nett 70.

The division two winner was Luchie Gardel 69, from Fraser Simpson and Paul Nicol, both with 72 nett.

The place getters were Chris Brett and John Bissell 71, Simon Della Santa, Trevor Paroz, Gavan Kerwand, Nathan Sothmann, Rob Smith and Wayne Temby all on 73, and Sam Deicke and Michael Ward 74.

The pin shots went to Scott Grigg, Ask Morley-Hart, Brendon Spann and Adam Maggs. Eight shared the two-shot pot.

Next Saturday, Easter Saturday, will be a single stroke event.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Lewis

Golf Pro Roger Vandenberg with boy’s winner Finn Couper

Roger with girl’s winner Emily McEwan

‍

‍

The new five day open 9-hole competition was won this week by Wal Walton on 23 points followed by Andrew Gomez on 21 points and Mick Bond on 20 points (a count back win over Glenn Rees).

Fridays 9-hole Prawn Run was won this week by Gary Goddard with a very impressive 25 points.

Scott Hayes came in second with 23 points and Justyn Durbin took third with 19 points (a count back win over Rhys Bartholomew).

Sunday, 10am was time for SKINS, and the winner was Glenn Rees playing very well to take home 8 Skins.

David Wallace did well with 5 Skins and Rob Lodders had 3 Skins.

Congratulations to Rob Lodders who earned himself a hole in one on the 10th during the comp and a big 'Welcome Back' to Bob Spees.

The Club and course will remain trading usual hours over the Easter weekend.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Bob Spees, Alan Clinch, Rob Lodders, Glenn Rees, and David Wallace

‍

‍

Where to start? Pickleball is Pickleball; a paddle, a wiffle, a court and, of course, add the people and on Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning.

Thursday afternoon, Gerry and Gary were ecstatic when Stuart and Kate arrived for a stupendous game, quickly followed by Yoko, Sheridan, Amity, and Phoenix.

Saturday morning saw three tenacious people turn up for a very soft rally before they were chased off court by the rain.

This week the focus is on Pickleball burning calories.

A Pickleball game - depending on intensity - can burn between eight - 11 calories per minute.

Regular running burns about 11 calories per minute; so, yes, Pickleball is an effective substitute per minute of calorie burning to regular old running!

Until next week Paddles Up 4.30pm Thursday afternoon and 7am Saturday morning

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

Three expert Pickleball players

‍

‍

Question: what is tennis to you? Whitsunday Tennis’ Answer: people young and old, tennis courts, tennis racquets and tennis balls - action!

And that was the case this week with the fantastic fun and sun tennis morning that had a little bit of everything.

Kicking off with special fun ball drills to get everyone moving, assistant coach Lily helped the youngsters with their craft.

Lucas, Jake, Hayden and Kerri jumped on court during their school holidays for extra lessons.

When school heads back, tennis Coaching will hit off for Term 2 on Tuesday morning April 19.

Thursday morning the ever popular ‘Fit, Fun Tennis’: the upbeat cardio workout on a tennis court.

Well done to Sandra, Kerri and Jane.

Fit, Fun runs Thursday mornings at 8.30am. No tennis experience necessary and racquets supplied.

Social Tennis was absolutely in its element this week, with Tuesday and Thursday evening, and Saturday afternoon all seeing some scintillating sessions of tennis.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

The youngsters have been out in force for tennis lessons these school holidays

‍

‍

During the last Club Night, the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club wished Jy Parkinson and his coach, Mark Erickson, all the best at the national championships.  

The Cannons presented Jy and Mark with special Cannons’ shirts and jumpers.  

Jy, 16, has trained hard over a number of years to qualify for the Australian Age Swimming Championships.

The 2022 championships will be held in Adelaide from April 11 to 18, with Jy qualifying for nine but competing in seven individual events – 50 metre, 100 metre and 200 metre backstroke, 100 metre and 200 metre freestyle, 100 metre butterfly and 200 metre IM.  

Jy was honoured to be selected for the Queensland mixed medley relay team for his age division, and is looking forward to representing the state in the relay.  

The youngsters successful season has seen him selected for the Queensland Talent ID team, qualified for numerous Qld championships, named SNQ Male Captain for 2022-2023 and has recently been selected in the Qld Possibles and Probables  team (Qld Tri Meet).  

He thanked his family for all their amazing support.  

“Without the backing and encouragement of my family, I would not have been able to achieve all these results and opportunities,” Jy said.

“I would also like to thank the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club: my coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden, and my fellow swimmers.

“Swimming can be a ‘lonely’ sport, but if you are swimming with others, it can be fun and motivating.”

Mark has coached Jy for 7 years and he is impressed with Jy’s work ethic, attitude, commitment, and sportsmanship.  

Good luck at Nationals, Jy.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

‍

Although the Canecutters edged out Warriors in Whitsunday Cricket Grand Final, cricket was the real winner on the weekend as spectators were treated to a “nail-biter.”

Batting first on a wet pitch, Warriors got off to reasonable start given the conditions as Bryce Fraser (33) and Craig Valmadre (19) put on a 47-run opening stand before youngster Darcy Milne (1/40) made the breakthrough.

Young gun Grady Turner was then given the opportunity and took it with both hands, ripping through Warrior’s top and middle order on his way to the very impressive figures of 5/19 off his 8 overs.

Randal ‘Red’ Porter (15) offered some resistance in the middle order, whilst Shane Knight (30) got the Warriors tail wagging on their way to 8/147.

Canecutters failed to make a decent start as Warriors opening bowler Andrew McNichol (1/18) produced an absolute ‘Jaffa’ to send opening batsman Michael Pettiford back to the sheds.

Liam Davies (23) combined with youngster Darcy Milne to steady the ship, although Canecutters were struggling to keep up with the required run rate.

Bryce Fraser (2/24) was the catalyst in slowing the run rate, with youngster Kohen Mau (1/23) offering some assistance.

Fresh off his bowling efforts, Grady Turner (40) took the long handle and dispatched Warriors bowling to all corners of the field to put Canecutters firmly back into the game.

His demise on 40 looked as though it might be spur on a Warriors fight back, however Darcy Milne (48 not out) was the real star in the batting line-up for Canecutters showing how important it is to place a value on one’s wicket.

Without his steady influence, the result may well have been different as he was joined by Troy Pettiford (18 not out) to see Canecutters home with just 5 balls left to spare.

Canecutters were crowned Premiers and were the better side all season, having dug deep when it mattered the most.

Contributed with thanks to Dale Mengel

Warriors captain Bryce Fraser (back left) and Canecutters winning captain Liam Davies (Second from back left) with some Junior Cricketers

‍

‍

Coming from a win in the season opener against the Eastern Swans last week, the Sea Eagles Senior Men backed up against Mackay City Hawks on Saturday for their second.

With several new players coming into the Sea Eagles Senior Men side this year it is a different looking team, with new player strengths adding to existing talent to set a great tone for the season.

Keen to improve on their Round 1 winning performance, Sea Eagles came ready for a tough battle with the Hawks who have also picked up new players into their side.

The first quarter proved an arm wrestle with Sea Eagles finally able to put some goals on the board late into the quarter and ending with three in a row.

Sea Eagles battled the breeze in the second with defence working hard turning the ball over and instigate attack.

With accurate kicking this week, Sea Eagles managed a marginal three point lead at half time.

The Whitsunday sides midfield stepped up with the game in the balance to both score and provide opportunity to use the wind, kicking four unanswered goals and building a comfortable lead.

Hawks saw the advantage in the last term, however Sea Eagles defended well and although unable to score a major they held on for the win 66 – 48.

Each player contributed for the day and with seven individual goalkickers on the board best players were spread far and wide.

Ryan Lee was once again dominant with a best on ground performance strongly supported by Aaron Thompson, Adam McKelvie, Mitchell Healey, and Max Mackay.

Sea Eagles Seniors return April 30 in Mackay against Bakers Creek with the Juniors kicking off their Season April 23 Anzac Weekend against the Swarks at Harrup Park.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

The Sea Eagles against the Hawks

‍