Table tennis games aren’t played to 21 anymore, but don’t tell that to Don Boettcher and John McGee.

Don and opponent John McGee had the rare experience of playing out a 21-19 result in the 5th game of their match in Tuesday morning Mackay table tennis fixtures.

The result gave the match to Don and the overall win for the day 7-5 against the Dalia team, which included Val Austin and Kim Challender.

Matches used to be played to 21, but a rule change in 2001 reduced that to 11, with a player having to get two points ahead to take the win if it got to 10-all. Previously if games got to 20-all, it was play on until someone got two points ahead.

It was a morning of close matches, with John also just being edged out by Roy Murray 11-9 in the 5th game.

In other close fifth-game results Iris Grasso beat Bryan Marshall 16-14 and Fred Saliba edged out Noreen Fredericksen 15-13.

By Charlie Payne

Don Boettcher knows what it’s like to play table tennis matches to 21. Photo: Charlie Payne

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Pristine conditions in Sarina a fortnight ago resulted in high scores for water skiers who competed in a local round of slalom and tricks.

A stand-our performer was Hope Englebretsen who won the Slalom Division two competition with a score of 2@13m. Hope also took out the Division 5 trick with a score of 650, elevating her into Division 4 for the next competition.

Jackson Cross also competed in the Division 2 Slalom, taking out second place behind Hope. He also came second in the Division 5 trick and is on notice with a great score of 570.

Locals who took to the Slalom in Division 3 were Ben Ohl who placed third, and Evan Mackenzie. Macca Douce rounded out the local competitors with a second place in Division 4 and is on notice after an impressive run.

LOCAL SKI RESULTS

SLALOM DIV 2: 1st Hope Englebretsen 2@13m, 2nd Jackson Cross 5@16m

SLALOM DIV 3: 3rd Benjamin Ohl 3@55 SLALOM

SLALOM DIV 5: 2nd Macca Douce 2@49 (ON NOTICE)

TRICK DIV 5: 1st Hope Englebretsen 650 (GONE to Div 4), 2nd Jackson Cross 570 (ON NOTICE)

Image credits: Dave Walters and Jackson Cross

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Inclement weather called off the Mackay Cutters trial match against the North Queensland Cowboys Young Guns at half time over the weekend.

An unfortunate bout of rain brought an end to the game at half time, which saw the Sugar City’s Cutters take on a Young Guns side comprised mainly of 18-year-olds.

The Cutters were looking to build on their last month of preseason, with Cutters’ coach David Elliott eager to show Mackay what “the club was all about this season.”

The Young Guns took kick-off to get the game going, and Cutters’ Ryan Bella was first to dive into the white and blue pack.

Five North Queensland Toyota Cowboys were named for the Cutters ahead of the clash, with outside backs Laitia Moceidreke, Brendan Elliot, half Daejarn Asi, prop Morgan McWhirter and second-rower Ben Condon will all line up in the curtain raiser to the Cowboys and Broncos trial.

The seniority of the Cutters was evident in the half, more in terms of their slow mounting of pressure compared with the Young Guns energetic approach to the game.

An exchange of possession early in the half demonstrated the dichotomy between the sides; the Cutters were calm and composed in their build up the field, while the Young Guns were eager to step, twist and attempt to break the lines each in turn.

Cutters held positionally strong in the opening plays, acquitting themselves well against what are some of North Queensland’s up and coming prospects.

Energy came from the bounding Young Gun Herbie Farnworth, who seemed to come alive whenever he was passed the ball, but it was Cutters that opened the scoring with an exceptionally worked move.

Flynn Camilleri, last season’s Hastings Deering Colts players’ player crossed first in the seventh minute – the winger was well wide when he received the ball with only the easy part left to do.

The hard work had been done by Andre Niko and Blake Paskins, with Niko in particular making a backward pass just before a crunching tackle from two Young Guns.

It was a back-and-forth affair for the next six minutes before Paskins converted after darting through two of the Young Guns’ wide players.

Brandon Finnegan was unable to convert on the Cutters first two tries, dragging them wide on both occasions.

After the Young Guns took kick-off again, Sam Faapito ran the length of the pitch in a spectacular effort that would have been the try of pre-season had he not been tackled just before crossing and subsequently rolled out of the by-line.

It was tense on both ends, with Cutters' strong defence proving the difference between the sides for the remainder of the half – there were chances aplenty, though, and Cutters were often lucky not to concede.

The game was still in the Cutters’ favour when Jayden Morgan made a straight line run into the Young Guns pack, clattering Reece Foley who had come on during a substitution. Foley was sadly unable to continue and was substituted due to injury concerns.

Cutters capitalised on the deflated Young Guns, with Paskins again crossing at the end of the half, with Finnegan once again dragging the kick wide. The half finished 18-0, and subsequently the game when lightning was fast approaching on the horizon.

With a half-win on their sides, the Cutters will be looking ahead to their next trial in Bowen against the Townsville Blackhawks, a team which head coach David Elliott was well acquainted with, having coached the Blackhawks Deering Colts side.

That game takes place on Saturday, March 12.

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Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Malou’s hot form is making a welcome return this year for the Mackay Meteors, with the 6’9 versatile forward staying in Mackay for another season. In 2021 he was the Mackay Meteors’ MVP, NBL1 All Star Five and NBL1 North Champion.

Born in Kenya, Malou grew up in Victoria and was a rising star from a young age. He found his way to the United States for junior college experience before enhancing his career trajectory while playing for the South Sudanese national team at various international tournaments.

Malou’s form has been impressive in the NBL1 North for Mackay, with the Meteors holding a 10-3 win/loss record as he led the playing roster across several categories.

He averaged 19.5 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, and the efficiency with which he is doing it is elite - shooting 54% from the field, 40.7% from the three-point line, and a handy 87% clip from the free-throw line.

Manny is a gifted player who works extremely hard on his game and his body, he’s a pro and the Meteors are excited to have him for the 2022 season.

Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Malou is returning to the Mackay Meteors for the 2022 NBL1 season

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Social Photos And Game Report

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A solid week of bowls in the beach town, with the Tuesday Ladies’ fours finalists making themselves known, Betty Nicole’s team will take on Margo Stanley’s squad this week after claiming their spots on Tuesday.

Wednesday Jackpot Bowls followed, with Nik Fernbach’s ably led Merv Stewart and Alan Pershouse coming out as convincing winners.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls saw the Tuk Tuks claim a great win over a gallant Kitties team, 7-6.

Saturday morning, Russell Jackson faced off against Rick Galea, with Jackson coming out the winner in the final.

Sunday Afternoon, Gary Smith led Maureen Barnard and Col Morris to a convincing win.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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The opening Day in early January for the Wangaratta Bowls club in Bowen saw a great turnout of players, with many heading in from South Townsville, Thuringowa, and Giru, as the club celebrated the beginning of its season.

Winners for the morning were D Wallace, P Warren, M Wilson, T Willshire, M Brunker, and L Harasymuik.

The Queens Beach club has been rolling along over February, with the results in for this week’s bowls, with a Tuesday win for P Warren and M Drummond who defeated I Laird, P Hinschen, and M Elphinstone.

It was a strong turnout at the club, with V Hadley, A Rolfe, R Stitt, I Wheeler, M Wilson, N Bethel, L Danvers, G Danver, D Retchless, S Shearing, and S Brunker out in force.

Stay tuned for more Wangaratta Bowls Club News coming your way.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

President Mark Drummond presenting opening day winners Margaret Wilson, Penny Warren, and  Denise Wallace

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Early Tuesday evening saw Tennis Whitsunday participants hit the court in singles, with Sienna and Norm keeping Annerize and Olivia on their toes.

On the adjoining court, Tan and Zoe were taking it to Big Jack and Turbo, and the third court was witness to Jackson, Val, William, and Young Jack in back-to-back rallies.

Tuesday night social tennis was a hive of activity with Tomas and Nicholas playing singles and Norm, Val, Jackson, and Sienna playing mixed doubles.

Players had been eager to get back on court after three weeks of washouts, and three of the originals ladies - Kerri, Kerry and Kirsty - returned to join in with Evelyn for games of social tennis.

The week followed on with Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning game, with outings from Indi, Lacey, Lachlan, Josh, and Remy the picks of the bunch for great warm-up games.

The competitive but social club continues to attract players of different levels, allowing a get to know vibe in an inclusive and sociable atmosphere for all.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

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On Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun celebrated its ‘Tropical 300’ after reaching the milestone of three centuries worth of park runs, covering a total distance of 99,300 km.

A suitably humid day greeted the 78 tropical participants who ran, jogged, and walked the five-kilometre waterfront course.

Twelve competitors joined for their first time and seven recorded new personal bests, including Whitsunday Life Newspapers Mikel McCann, who bested his own previous outing.

More milestones were in store, with Susanne Willmott completing her 25th as a volunteer and Ashley Gerrard completing her 50th as a volunteer.

The club was proud that its volunteer team included three boys under 18 years – the future is looking bright.

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

Next weekend, the Airlie Beach parkrun will be celebrating International Women’s Day, everyone is encouraged to wear purple and bring a female friend, colleague or relative.

On March 19, the Whitsunday Running Club will be offering pacing for 22:30, 25:00, 27:30, 30:00, 32:50, 35:00, 37:50 and 40:00 minutes for those looking to improve their fitness.

The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social and supportive environment.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last.

Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

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

Further photos can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun Facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Kara Olver

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Cannonvale Cannon swimmer Jy Parkinson is having the swim season of a lifetime, setting numerous club records, and qualifying for both Queensland and now the Australian Age Championships which are to be held in Adelaide in April.  

Based on his performances over the past 12 months, Jy has been selected for the Swimming Queensland Talent Identification Squad.  

On the weekend, Jy and his coach, Mark Erickson attended the Talent Identification Camp in Brisbane.

Jy, alongside friend Thomas Henderson from Mackay participated in swim test sets with other top swimmers from Queensland.  

They were also keen participants in sessions led by Head Queensland Coaches, Brant Best and Drew McGregor, which involving physiotherapy , strength and conditioning, stretching and activation, and swim sets.

Jack McLoughlin, one of Australia’s top swimmers who competed in Tokyo Olympic Games, was a guest presenter at the camp.

Mark and Jy said they thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, especially the opportunity to network with other coaches and swimmers.  

Jy’s big week didn’t end there, as the young star was notified that he was selected to be the Male SNQ Regional Captain for the 2022-23 season.  

The Cannonvale Cannons would like to commend Jy on his outstanding achievements and would like to congratulate him in his new role as SNQ Captain.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Jy Parkinson and Thomas Henderson

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On Saturday five Whitsunday Adult Swimmers competed in the North Mackay Sinkers’ Swimming Carnival.  

The Whitsunday team consisting of Andrea Mitchell, Cheryl West, Kay Corksie, Lola Fisher and Natalie Card thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon of swimming.

Unfortunately, Di O’Donnell and Julie Mitchell couldn’t participate this year due to injuries but assisted with timekeeping.  

The squad particularly enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with ex-Whitsunday member, Margaret Cunningham, who is now 96.  

Margaret was a member of the Whitsunday Club for over 20 years before moving to Mackay to be close to her daughter.  

Aside from the opportunity to catch with Whitsunday swimming royalty, the Whitsunday team aqcuited themselves more than well, coming in second overall at the carnival.  

Whitsunday representative Kay Corskie, 76, swam exceptionally to win all her events and her age group in one of the highlights of the event.

New club member Natalie Card was very pleased with her times on the day, swimming personal best times in almost all her events.

Natalie’s best swims included her 25m Freestyle, completed in 17.87 seconds, and her 25m Breaststroke, which she swam in 22.71 seconds.  

Natalie also claimed the victory in her age groups, playing an integral part in the second place finish for the Whitsunday Club.

Lola Fisher, 53, was another strong competitor, swimming top placings in all her events, with two of her best swims the 25m Backstroke in 27.62 - a first place finish - and her 100m IM which she swam a 9 second PB.  

Andrea Mitchell, 62, swam an extraordinary carnival, with one of her best events the 50 metre Backstroke, which she swam in a first place claiming 54.28 seconds.

Cheryl West, 71, smashed all her times, setting PBs in every one of her events.  

One of her best achievements was swimming 25-metre Butterfly without stopping in a time of 34.75 seconds.  

Whitsunday Adult Swimmers extended its congratulations to all the swimmers!  

The Whitsunday Adult swimmers train on a Sunday from 8:00am in Proserpine, with new faces always welcome.

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The Wednesday competition teed off with a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.

Ladies’ winner on the day was Debbie Breeze 41 points, with runner-up Gayle Bynes 39 points.  

The Men’s winner was Graham Seaborne 39 points, and runner up on a countback was Graeme Baker 38 points.

The weekend saw Saturday’s single stableford Men’s Winner Glenn Wright top the charts with 39 points, and runner up Mick Mawson, and Turkeys’ nests Brenden Wells, Ezra Miller.  

Nearest the pin was Michael Mawson, and Craig Newell claimed a car wash voucher, part of the prizes for the sponsored event.

Ladies’ winner Morag Parker finished with a cool 38 points, and runner up on countback was Penny Stewart 37 points.

The Turkeys nests Pauline Martin, Tanya Gaudry, Paulette Barrette, and nearest the pin was Penny Stewart

This coming weekend signals the start of the Bowen Golfing season with a 4BBB Medley Stableford sponsored by Bowen Small Motors.

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A single Stableford was held Sunday on a wet and challenging course, with 23 Players taking to the fairways for Whitsunday Social Golf.

The weekend wins were claimed in Men’s A grade by Jason Bourke, with runner up Clay Coles; Men’s B Grade winner Brendon Meharry was followed closely by runner up Mark McDougall.

In the Ladies’ A grade, Tiina Randmae took the crown, with runner up Jacquie Wall, and Ladies’ B Grade was contested between winner Jo Moynihan, and runner up Vicki Tuck.

Longest drives went to Jason Bourke, Feral Lovell, Jacquie Wall, and Vicki Tuck.

Nearest the pins were taken by Andrew Albergo, Brendon Meharry, Pam Casey, and Vicki Tuck.

Next Sunday will be the Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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Proserpine’s old soldiers of the fairway were treated to a fantastic day of golf, with greens staff getting all 18 holes up and running after a rainy weekend.  

Paula McQuatt said that twenty-three players enjoyed more of the social side of the game with not too many great scores recorded.

Ladies’ winner on the day was Lyn Muller with 69 net, followed by second placed Mandy Patterson with 78.  

The Men’s winner was Peter  Fox, 71, and second Trevor Paroz close behind with 73.

The short game was the real winner on the weekend with some great putters leading the day as winners Trevor Paroz, 26 putts, followed close behind by Lyn Muller with 27 putts.

Nearest the pins for the ladies went to Mandy on the ninth and 16th, and Elspeth and Lyn in the hole 13th.

The bag of chips got a pounding with ‘chip ins’ going to John Oates, Patrick Patterson, Albert Pini, Trevor Paroz, and Paula McQuat.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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This weekend at Whitsunday Green it was all about the Ballistic Monthly Medal, the Quarter finals of Match Play, and a Hole in One - but it all started with Friday's Prawn Run!

This week’s winner was Tim Harris with 20 points, followed by Rhys Bartholomew also on 20 points, and Tyson Flavel on 19 points.

Tyson managed to secure his first 'Hole in One' throughout the comp.

On Saturday 20 players took to the course to compete for the Ballistic Brewery Tour, with the overall 'off the stick' winner for the day claimed by Justyn Durbin with a fantastic 54 points off the stick, 51 nett.

But the Monthly Medal winner for February was Tyson Flavel with 53 nett followed by Asher Ventham on 54 nett.

The 'Nearest the Pin' winners on the day were Deeray, Mark Thompson and Adam Singleton.

Throughout the competition a second competition was taking place as part of the quarter finals of Match Play.

Perri Simpson got one up on the youngster Adam Singleton on the last hole and, Justyn Durbin took a win over Glenn Rees.

The competition was intense with fantastic shots being played consistently by all players.

For the Sunday Stableford Wayne Singleton took the win over Tyson Flavel and Adam Singleton, all on 20 points.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Tyson Flavel the Monthly Medal Winner

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