On Wednesday, there were no Social Bowls played at Proserpine Bowls Club when a thunderstorm cruised over Airlie Beach.

The weekend’s Mackay District Champion of Champion 2 Bowl Triples still went ahead, however, with the first match on Saturday morning seeing Wests Tigers defeat Souths Suburban.

Following on, Northern Beaches defeated RSL, Airlie Beach defeated Seaforth, Mackay defeated North Mackay, and in the afternoon, Proserpine defeated Sarina.

Through all games you could see the quality of shot delivery and decision making with so many of them being edge of your seat matches.

Sunday morning were the two Semi Finals, one where Proserpine defeated Northern Beaches and Marian defeated Mackay.

The Final between Proserpine and Marian started off being neck and neck with neither team getting to control the action.  It is at this halfway point that things started to shift with Proserpine taking the upper hand.

Congratulations to Shane Kinnear (subbing for Nathan Dodds), Scott Hamilton, and Wayne Handley for taking out the MMDBA Champion of Champions 2 Bowl Triples for 2022.

Acknowledgment must be made those who worked behind the scene in green preparation, providing of lunches, serving behind the bar, doing the welcomes and green introductions and umpiring.

Spectators support was exceptional, and thanks must also be extended to Vince McSherry from Mackay Men’s District Bowls Association who drove up on Sunday with the Livestreaming equipment.

On Sunday afternoon the club had six for social bowls, with Sandy Daffara, Warren Wilson, and Peter Lawton defeating John Anderson, Bruce Uhe, and Mike Harrison, 23-16.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Champion of Champion Two Bowl Triples winners Proserpine with MMDBA Match Chair: Wayne Handley, Scott Hamilton, Vince McSherry, and Shane Kinnear

There were only a few players on Tuesday afternoon, however it did not lessen the quality of the bowls, with the winner’s circle comprised of Bron Tolcher, Irene Laird, and Penny Warren.

Their reward: a bottle of Mark Drummond’s homemade Tomato relish.

On Sunday, although a warm afternoon, bowlers still came out to play in the much-needed shade, with winners for the afternoon Bill Myers, Penny Warren, and Pat Tracey, defeating Deb Beel, Sue Shearing, Linda Scells, and Sugar Brunker.

Other winners were Irene Laird, Isobel Wheeler, and Kennedy Whitton who defeated Bron Tolcher, Graeme Read, and Geoff Danvers. Robyn Stitt, Marg Wilson, and Allan Rolfe also won, defeating Mark Drummond, Greg Colquhoun, and Barry Beel.

Competition games results: The final of the B Grade singles was played this week with congratulations to Laurie Land in her win, defeating Kevin Baxter.

Competition is almost finished for the year, with the final of the Mixed Pairs between Lyn and Geoff Danvers, and Penny Warren and Allan Rolfe to be played at 9am on Thursday, November 10.

It is almost time again for the club’s AGM which will be on Sunday, November 27.

All positions will be declared vacant, with nomination forms available for positions on the board. High Tea and presentation of trophies will be on the same day. Attendees for the lunch, please put your name on the board for catering purposes.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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The Sunday winners at Wangaratta Bowls Club, alongside club President Mark Drummond: Bill Myers, Penny Warren, and Pat Tracey

Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford for the men and single Bogie for the ladies sponsored by the club.

Ladies’ winner was Claire Garrod, plus 1, runner up Janice Bates, 0, while Men’s winner was Perry Layton, 41 points, with runner up on a countback Mark Tilbrook.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Home Hardware, with thanks to the local business for their continued support, which has been a constant for the past 25 years.  

Men's Winner was Brian Martin, 39 points, runner up Brenden Wells, 38, with pin shots to Akeam Power, Daryl O'Connell, James Miller, and Rod Wells.  

Ladies' Winner Meg Garrod, 35 points, and runner up Janice Bates, 34. Pin Shots to Julie May - who had her first official Hole in One - Janice Bates, Elona Lynch, and Julie Mawson.  

Janice Bates also won the Car Wash Voucher.

This weekend’s competition at Bowen Golf Club is a single stroke event for the November Monthly Medals sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and the club.  Don’t forget to check the club’s Facebook page for this week’s dinner menu.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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The Home Hardware Single Stableford ladies’ second place getter, Janice Bates, alongside men’s winner Brian Martin and  sponsor John McEniery from Home Hardware

Julie May sunk a hole in one during Saturday’s competition

Rain affected numbers this week at Proserpine Golf Club, but all comps were completed even though some competitors pulled out because of the rain.

The men’s winner of Saturday’s MBW stableford was Aaron Watts, on a count back from Brett Norris on 39. They were followed by Ross McNeill on 38.

The ladies’ winner was Heather Luvis on a count back from Ann Gardel and Tiina Randmae all on 32 points.

The men’s run down went to 15th place, while the ladies place getters were Diane Chard, 30, Elspeth Scotford, Peta Thomas and Rehab Hull on 29.

The pin shots went to Andrew Mau, Luchie Gardel, Levi Holmes, Trish McNeill and Penny Wardroper.

Only forty ventured out on Thursday, with Michael Leo winning the shirt with 41 points from Andrew Albergo 38, in division one.

Division two winner was Fraser Simpson 47 points, from Vic Feldman on 37.

The place getters were Steve Kelly 38, Chris Brett, Peter Fox, Elliot Woo and Aaron Watts 37, and Michael Cragg bring up the rear on 35.

Allen Roberts and Aaron Watts on 13 and 16 took out the pin shots.

Tuesday’s stableford winner was Karl Kirkwood, from Michael Cragg and John Grosskreutz.

On Wednesday the ladies played a four-ball multiplier. The winners were Brenda Cowan and Jenny Hounsell with 71 points.

They were followed by Pam Casey and Dianne Chard, 69 and Lyn Muller and Rehab Hull with 61.

The pin shots went to Pam Casey, Brenda Cowan, Elspeth Scotford and Paula McQuat.

Sunday’s stroke winners were Nathan Sothmann, 69 on a count back from Brian Allen, and Jason Whitney 70 in third place for the men.

The ladies’ winners were Jacqui Wall, 68, from Penny Wardroper and Peta Thomas both on 70 nett.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Lewis

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The second round of Club Championships at Whitsunday Social Golf combined with a stroke event on Monday, attended by 27 members.

The winners were Men’s A grade Jason Bourke, with runner up Darren Reynolds, best gross Geoff Harrison.

Men’s B grade winner Scott Wardroper and runner up Gerald Lovell.

Ladies with best gross to Ron Jamieson, Ladies A grade was claimed by Jacqueline Wall runner up Penny Wardroper, best gross Anna Winterbourn.

Ladies’ B Elise Hodgsen, runner up Karen Rix, best gross Jo Moynihan.

Pin shots were claimed by Penny Wardroper, Linda Wardroper, Scott Wardroper, Tiina Randmae, Aaron Watts, and George Meharry.

Congratulations to all winners, Club Champion will be announced at the end of year presentation. Nest Sunday will be the November Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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Another great day of golf yesterday at Proserpine Veteran’s Golf with 30 players braving the hot and windy conditions.

It was a stroke event and the ladies’ winner, on count back, with a fantastic score of 68 was Elspeth Scotford. Second, also on 68, was Helen Deighton.  

The men’s winner with a fantastic 67 was Phil Luckett followed by John Strelec (72 on countback). Nearest the pin winners for the ladies’ were Lyn Muller (9th), Kathryn Borer (9th and 13th), Heather Luvis (13th), Elspeth Scotford (18th), and Jacqui Wall (18th).  

The men’s nearest the pin winners were Neil Cawthorne (9th), Wilf Herweg (13th), John Roser (18th) and Steve Mitchell (18th).  There were four chip-ins: John Strelec, Neil, Heather, and Lyn.

Next week will be a big day, starting at 8:30am is the club’s Monthly Medal with all welcome. There will be an afternoon lunch and sweeps ($2 and $5), and players in the Club's normal Tuesday Comp are welcome to join us for the $10 lunch.  

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat
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Stroke event winners for women’s and men’s Elspeth Scotford and Phill Luckett

The winner of Fridays 9-hole stableford competition this week at Whitsunday Green Golf Club was Neil Boland with 19 points.

Second and third place was a countback decider with James ‘Jimmy’ Millar taking second and Mark Winter third, both with 17 points.

Sunday was the Monthly Medal and again Jimmy Millar was in form to take the win with a great 50 nett.

Second was Marc Belke with 52 nett and Tyson Flavel in third. Tyson was also best off the stick on the day with 58 strokes.

Nearest the Pins were won by Wayne Singleton and Rod Lodders. This Sunday will be a ‘play anytime’ 18-hole stableford.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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James ‘Jimmy’ Millar enjoying a day out at Whitsunday Green Golf Club

Pioneer Tennis held its second Smash Cancer weekend last weekend, bringing the Mackay community together through a love of tennis to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.

Smash Tennis has grown quickly to incorporate a social teams tennis night, singles and doubles tournaments and Bubbles and Brunch morning with over 150 people taking part over the weekend.

Donations are still able to be made at www.pinkisthecolour.com.au/fundraisers/pioneertennis/smash-cancer.

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Mercy/St Patrick’s College cricketers Jack Muller, Liam Newbery, Lachlan Evetts and Nick Beardmore (pictured) received a thrill recently when they were invited by the Adelaide Strikers franchise to serve as net bowlers during the recent Women’s Big Bash League fixtures at Harrup Park Mackay.

Pace bowling trio of Muller, Newbery and Evetts along with leg spinner Beardmore quickly snapped up an opportunity to match wits with some of the biggest names in women’s cricket in the early phase of the competition.

The talented quartet gained valuable experience when they sent down deliveries to the likes of female international stars Tahlia McGrath, Laura Wolvaardt, Dane van Niekerk, Deandra Dottin, Darcie Brown and Megan Schutt as part of their cricket education.

It was a magic moment for the emerging bowlers, who showed plenty of admiration for the Strikers’ batters during the extensive net sessions.

Muller, Newbery, Evetts and Beardmore are all Mackay/Whitsunday representative cricketers with bright futures in the sport.

Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas.

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Blokarting is a family sport, as proved when the club had an outing at Bucasia Beach over the weekend.

Members of a family walking along the beach were intrigued and encouraged to try out the sport.

“They were very impressed with the performance and simplicity of assembly of the karts – another family hooked on the sport,” a spokesman said.

“One young lad had a sail and proved to be quite good at it.”

Contributed by George Camilleri

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Mackay’s Emma Widdup was the star of the Australian Veterans Table Tennis Championships in Darwin, taking a swag of four medals and the order of merit.

Emma medals included gold in the O30 women’s teams, silver in the O40 doubles, and bronze in O30 singles and doubles.

She was in hot form following an undefeated run in the recent state veterans titles in Mackay, and reached the semi-final of over 30 women’s singles when she was beaten by top seed Victorian Cheryl Huang, who went on to beat WA's Beck Bennett in the final.

Earlier, Emma thrashed Victoria’s Anuska Fernando in a quarter-final 5, 3, 8.

Emma was later ranked No 1 in the order of merit, based on performances over the championship, in teams, doubles and singles.

Andrea Nicholson won two medals – gold in the O30 women’s teams and bronze in O30 doubles.

Coral Morgan won a bronze medal in over 75 women’s doubles to give Mackay seven medals, the best result in memory.

Also in action for Mackay were Delma Knight, Anne Sheridan, Donna Abbott, Janice Kent, Peter Goodson and Noreen Fredericksen.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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The North Mackay Bowls Club gathered at Goosies last Friday to celebrate a terrific year of bowls by all, particularly the achievements of the following bowlers.

Image 1: Ladies Championship Pairs Winners C Bell and D Mackenzie

Image 2: Men’s A Pairs Runners Up W Trannore and C Wales

Image 3: Ladies B Pairs Winners S Bartolo, M Creese (sub) and A Smith

Image 4: Men’s B Pairs Runners Up G Royes and T Allsop

Image 5: Men’s 3 Bowls Triples Runners Up B Hobbs and C Banney (absent S Banney)

Image 6: Ladies Championship Triples Winners H Fleming, L Bowers and L Lemke

Image 7: Mixed Fours Winners L Deguara, B Cooper, L Bowers and R Bowers

Image 8: Men’s Level 2 Pennants Team Winners

Image 9: Women’s Pennants Team Winners

Image 10: Cheryle Corbett and Paul “Goldy” Goldston entertaining the crowd

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Shawn's Summer Social Series started last weekend with an exceptional number of athletes and supporters.  

The Claydon Family were in attendance for the first race in the 2022/2023 series which are due to run through to February 2023, just before the formal Mackay Road Runners program commences.

All Mackay Road Running members are invited as well as the general community who wish to take on some informal off season training with some unique concepts included.  

Club Captain/Race Director/Series Co-ordinator, Jim Ford has a wealth of knowledge to suit a variety athletes for a gold coin donation towards post run refreshments and end of series prizes.

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Recently, four Mackay ‘Picklers’ travelled to the latest Australian Championship Tournament held at the very impressive Queensland Tennis Centre in’ Brisbane.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t so accommodating. The first days, Friday and Saturday, were sunshine and blue skies with the programmed games running the full day which incorporated Hybrid Coed Doubles (any age) and Junior Men’s Doubles (17 years and under).

From then on rain held up the majority of games until Sunday and Monday when some mighty tough games were played. It was fantastic to witness some of Pickleball’s gold medal winners of international and national standards.

Our players did us proud by toughing it out with some very experienced players, some just missing by a whisker for the medals. The ‘take away’ for one of our more experienced players, Rob, was stepping up for the challenge of first-time Open Singles, then Doubles at Skill level 4 and above.

Toni, another strong player, set a personal challenge by stepping up for her first experience at Skinny Singles. She also played Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

Heather, another Pickleball fanatic who always puts her heart and soul into every game, had a lot of fun playing Women’s Mixed Doubles, Doubles and Singles.

Also Greg, another Pickleball fanatic, who travelled with Margaret in their caravan to be at the tournament, played Men’s Doubles, Singles and Mixed Doubles.

All in all, it was an enormous event for our little band of Mackayites, rubbing shoulders with some of Pickleballs notoriety is all part of the experience.  

Everyone is welcome to “have a go” your first try is free then a small fee of $7 per session thereafter. We will supply you with all you need to play at PCYC North Mackay-every Tuesday night from 5:30 to 7pm, Thursday from 12 mid-day to 2pm, Sunday from 9am to 11am.

Contributed with thanks to Michelle Sheehan

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Mackay netball fans will get a unique opportunity to get up close to the entire Queensland Firebirds squad when the Suncorp Super Netball stars visit Mackay in November.

The pre-season trip will include the Suncorp Spirit Cup clash against the Sunshine Coast Lightning at the Mackay Multisport Stadium on Saturday, November 26.

In a first for the club, the Firebirds’ trip kicks off on Friday, November 25 with a special evening with the club’s entire Suncorp Super Netball squad at Souths Mackay Rugby Club.

The event will feature an introduction to new Firebirds Head Coach Bec Bulley and interviews with members of the 2023 Queensland Firebirds squad.

Attendees will also get an opportunity to meet with players and coaches after the event which hasn’t happened outside the Firebirds’ annual gala function before.

The fun continues on Saturday, November 26 when the Firebirds host a clinic at Mackay Netball Association in the morning before taking on Queensland Suncorp Super Netball rivals in the inaugural Suncorp Spirit Cup match that evening.

“This trip to Mackay provides a unique opportunity for some of our most passionate and loyal members of the netball community to have an exclusive chance to connect with our elite teams,” Netball Queensland CEO Kate Davies said.

“Growing our great game across the whole state of Queensland is a key objective for us.

“I would encourage anyone interested across the region to book their ticket and be a part of this historic opportunity.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said council was a proud supporter of events thanks to their Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction program.  

“We have a strong focus on events and tourism development in the region and recognise the benefits that events like the Suncorp Spirit Cup have on the region’s economy and liveability,” Mr Williamson said.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our region, and we can’t wait to welcome the Queensland Firebirds to Mackay.  

“Mackay is well-known for growing and developing a large number of sporting icons and heroes and hosting this calibre of professional netballers in front of our young and emerging athletes is absolutely fantastic for our community.”

Tickets for Friday’s special evening event and Saturday morning’s clinic are on sale now and can be purchased from firebirds.net.au/regional-tours, while tickets for the Suncorp Spirit Cup Preseason Match are unfortunately sold out.

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