
Runners get ready for the start of Jo’s 61 steps in very cool but sunny conditions. Photo supplied Local runners took on the Mackay Road Runners Jo's 61 Steps event on Sunday morning, tackling challenging 5km and 10km courses through the steep streets of Mt Pleasant. Despite the event's name, organisers joked it had since been confirmed there were actually 70 steps, with good-natured blame placed on the absent club president for the earlier miscount. The course wound through Annie Wood Avenue, Pollock and High streets, and Norris Road, starting from Gordon White Library. Fresh from the Gold Coast Marathon, Alana Knezevic was the first runner across the finish line after opting for the 5km course as she prepares for the Sydney Marathon in five weeks' time. Congratulations were also extended to local athletes who competed in the Airlie Running Festival, where ideal conditions greeted runners in the Whitsundays. Sunday 26th July Make this your must-do event next weekend, with all participants welcome—there's no need to be a member of the Mackay Road Runners or Mackay Cycling Club. Events include the M-Test Open King & Queen of the Mountain (6.4km), the Podiatry Mackay/Laura Pettifer Inspirational Under 18 Junior King & Queen of the Mountain (3km), and the Torque Tyres & Trailers Cycle Race(6.4km). All events begin at 7am, following a one-minute silence in memory of talented triathlete Laura Pettifer, who tragically passed away in 2008 following a downhill cycling training ride. The course starts at Netherdale and finishes at the Eungella Chalet. Runners must register online by 6pm on Saturday 25th July, while cyclists should refer to the registration link for contact details. Organisers look forward to welcoming participants to the challenging but rewarding annual event, with post-race celebrations at the Eungella Chalet, where breakfast will be available for purchase. A special thank you was also extended to Tess and the team for their hospitality. Contributed by Janelle Tilse
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The all-day Novice X Imp Pairs Competition was played last Saturday with players attending from Townsville, Bowen and Airlie Beach, with 16 pairs competing. Outright winners were local partnership and lifelong friends Susan Ross and Vicki Howard. Susan and Vicki have known each other for over 40 years and began their Bridge life together six years ago. This was a popular win, which was celebrated by President Frances Brown, Convener Anne Lutz and all in attendance. Susan and Vicki are great contributors to the club and also bring laughter and joy along with their wonderful culinary skills. Congratulations Susan and Vicki, Well Done! Weekly Results Monday 13th July 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points NWP N/S E/W 1st Ming Ting / David Ting 1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Patrick Rasmussen 2nd Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes 2nd Joy Hold / Rodney Miles 3rd Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris 3rd Karen Caldwell / Sue Mayer-Miller Tuesday Evening 14th July 2026 – 4 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Martin Pearce / Glen Cocup 2nd Mick King / John McGee 3rd Ann Whitmore / Frances Brown 4th Susan Gibson / Karen Caldwell Wednesday 15th July 2026 – Founders Teams Week 1 of 3 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points Team Players 1st Sheedy Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Noel Bugeia, Lorna Shuttlewood 2nd Poole Kath Poole, Josie Crowley, Monica Darley, Barbara Taite 3rd Rasmussen Patrick Rasmussen, Mary Rose Ramsden, Diane Holewa, Max Holewa 4th Ting Ming Ting, David Ting, Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild Thursday Evening 16th July 2026 –- 3 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless 2nd Julie O’Neill / Jan Harris 3rd Martin Pearce / Adrian Westcott Friday 17th July 2026 –- 9 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st Helen Van Den Breok / Christine Nice 1st Richard Wix / Geoff Taylor 2nd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 2nd John McGee / Mick King 3rd Ming Ting / David Ting 3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 4th Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild 4th Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell Saturday 18th July 2026 – Novice X Imps Pairs 8 Tables 16 Pairs Red Points 1st Vicki Howard / Susan Ross 2nd Glen Cocup / Ian Vary 3rd Rod Miles / Joy Hold 4th Toni Barrel / Mary Overall 5th Linda Priday / Jill Brabon 6th Christine Fitzpatrick / Colleen Riddel Saturday 18th July 2026 –- 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Chris Nice 1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown 2nd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Patrick Rasmussen 3rd Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor 3rd Ken Seaniger / Diane Morgan 4th Barbara Tait / Patricia Garner 4th Susan Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood Contributed by Joy Block Anne with Winners Vicki, Susan and President Frances. Photo supplied
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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton visited Mackay Pony Club on Monday 20th July, to highlight the upcoming second round of the Queensland Government’s Play On vouchers, which provide financial support to help children aged five to 17 participate in sport and recreational activities. The $200 vouchers can help families cover costs such as registration and membership fees, uniforms, equipment and personal sporting gear. According to Mr Dalton, more than 9,300 children across the Mackay and Whitsunday region have already benefited from the program, with the next round opening on Monday, 27th July. The initiative aims to make sport more accessible for families facing rising costs, while encouraging children to step away from screens, get active, socialise and build friendships. “It’s a really great opportunity,” Mr Dalton said, encouraging parents to get involved in the next round as soon as possible. He said the program could help children access a wide range of activities, from pony club and golf to cadets and football. “We want to be able to give every child as much support as possible – especially in sport - because we know how beneficial it can be,” he said. Play On! Sports Vouchers have also made an impact across Queensland, with more than 293,800 children supported through the program in its first year. More than 3,750 sporting clubs across the state now accept the vouchers, with almost 2,500 also offering disability programs. Soccer, rugby league and netball were the most popular sports among participating children, while 13,917 vouchers were provided to children and young people with a disability, representing a 33 per cent increase compared with the previous voucher program. Girls also accounted for 129,050 vouchers, which has seen an increase of 30 per cent. For Mackay Pony Club Chief Instructor Tracey Camilleri, the vouchers can make a significant difference, particularly for families with more than one child involved in sport. “Sometimes it can be the difference between kids participating or not,” she said. Ms Camilleri said equestrian sport provides children with lessons in responsibility, as caring for a horse requires daily commitment and care. “There’s a deeper level of responsibility when kids are looking after an animal, and from what we’ve seen – that connection to the horse – can be really great for them,” she said. She said the benefits extended beyond competition, with children able to enjoy the outdoors, develop partnerships with their horses and find an outlet from the pressures of school and everyday life. Ms Camilleri, who has been passionate about horse-riding since she was a young girl, said: “Just being out in the fresh air, and dealing with an animal and getting a great response to learning how to build a partnership is something quite special.” The vouchers can also help young riders progress further, allowing families to put funding towards coaching, equipment and competition opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. “Without these vouchers, some parents are sort of limited to how much they can do for their child in a sport, especially amongst the cost-of-living pressures,” Ms Camilleri said. For families interested in taking advantage of the next round, Play On vouchers offer an opportunity to help children get involved, stay active and discover a sport they can enjoy and grow with. Play On! Sports Vouchers are helping Mackay and Whitsunday children overcome cost barriers, get active and discover the benefits of sport, with the next round opening July 27th. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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Last Sunday saw six bushwalkers driving about 80 km north of Mackay to access the Cathu State Forest, and then to climb to the prominent feature known as Castle Rock. The leader of the group was Ken Fihelly, who spends half of each year participating in the Mackay Bushwalkers’ Club activities before escaping south to avoid the summer heat. The walk started steadily, but soon large rocks and thick vegetation on a moderately steep slope made progress difficult. Once the ridge was reached the climb became less steep and the vegetation changed to open forest. Attractive cycads were plentiful, and the morning tea spot afforded great views looking westwards towards the top of the range. On this walk, lunch is usually enjoyed on an impressive sloping slab close to the big ‘thumb’, and this tradition was continued, with great views across the valley being presented. The descent chosen offered some steep rocky terrain, but was easier than the alternative, and after emerging from the bush the hikers had a short easy walk back to the cars. Phone 0429 363 929 for information about how to join the organisation, and upcoming walks which include Sydney Heads, Red Cliff Island and St Helen’s Creek. Contributed with thanks by Carole Weekes
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The rate of Volunteer Marine Rescue activations increase has slowed as the last week’s windy conditions restrict movement on the water, but the local organisation are still comfortably ahead of last year to date.
In light of fewer vessels in the water, Volunteer Marine Rescue are taking the opportunity to educate sailors on the use of distress signals, flares and emergency beacons.
If a vessel or individual finds itself in an emergency on the water and needs help, distress signals are the solution, according to the local group.
Signalling devices are compulsory for all boats operating between sunset and sunrise – whether they be a torch, fluorescent light, lantern or cyalume stick – all are suitable as long as they generate enough light to be seen by other boats and prevent a collision and attract attention.
Other distress signals – aside from compulsory radios on board all vessels - include marine radio broadcast, flares, signal mirror, V sheet and sound signal.
Vessels in the vicinity of a signalling boat must be vigilant – an eye on other vessels is always a bright idea - and they must respond to any emergency signals.
Volunteer Marine Rescue said they were aware of some incidents where vessels used emergency signals to indicate that they required assistance but passing vessels did not respond.
For the storage of flares, it is recommended they remain in a dry place where they will be readily accessible in an emergency. They have a lifespan of three years and must be replaced prior to the expiry date.
VMRW membership is “cheap insurance at just $80” and can be joined online at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/

Testing your skills on court against the State’s leading schoolgirl basketballers can be a sometimes difficult and arduous task.
For a batch of athletic and determined Mercy College Mackay students it has proved a memorable experience with the nine hoopers bringing home a silver medal from the Molten Champion Basketball School of Queensland tournament staged last week on the Gold Coast.
Promising juniors Mackenzie Brown, Hannah Jenson, Ruby Crouch, Jessica Harris, Mia Young, Olivia Smyth, Amelia Crouch, Jaimie McPhee and Mikayla Green flew the flag proudly for the Mackay region by reaching the Grand Final of the Junior Secondary Girls Division 2 championship.
Under the expert guidance of renowned Queensland North State basketball coach Jamiey Doevendans and Rachel McKenzie, the girls turned in superb performances to qualify for the trophy decider where they were toppled 31-21 by an all-conquering Trinity College Beenleigh team.
It was a courageous effort by the Mackay warriors after producing skilful displays to win seven of their eight Pool A fixtures and finish second on 22 points behind the undefeated Beenleigh outfit (24 points).
Mercy College advanced to the championship decider after tipping out Sheldon College 33-21 in a semi-final with the Beenleigh girls downing Mount Alvernia College 31-16.
During the Pool rounds the Mercy girls chalked up an impressive tally of 311 points while conceding only 109 – posting an even better record than eventual champions Trinity College (305-113).
Mercy College fielded a youthful combination in the Junior Secondary Boys Division 3 championship – winning their opening two games before lining up against some of the finest schoolboy basketball talent in the State.
On the final day the boys defeated Redlands College to clinch the play-off for seventh spot.
Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas.
Pic caption: Mercy College volunteer Head Basketball coach Jamiey Doevendans (left) and Assistant Principal Curriculum Scott McSherry with silver-medal winning hoopers standing L-R: Jessica Harris, Mia Young, Ruby Crouch, Mackenzie Brown; kneeling Jaimie McPhee, Olivia Smyth, Mikayla Green, Hannah Jenson and Amelia Crouch. Photo contributed

A big weekend of Bridge has been played on the weekend.
Saturday was the first of three weeks of the Mackay President’s Shield and Sunday was the first of three weeks of the Mackay Novice Pairs (<100 pts).
The President’s Shield is played over three weeks, with three different partners. The Novice Pairs is played over three weeks, with the same partner.
Saturday 17 September – Presidents Shield Week 1 of 3
N/S
1st Noel Bugeia / Terrence Sheedy
2nd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
4th Patricia Garner / Jan Harris
5th Frances Brown / Alan Brown
E/W
1st Diane Morgan / Cheryl Machen
2nd David Ting / Ming Ting
3rd Monica Darley / Richard Wix
4th Mick King / Noel Saunders
5th Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
Sunday 17 October – Novice Pairs Week 1 of 3
N/S
1st Annie Lynch / Sandra Morris
2nd Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell
3rd Anne Lutz / Diane Stokes
E/W
1st Faith Hutchinson / Joy Block
2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Carmel Brown
3rd Griffin Bancroft / Marylin Wilson-Nicholl
Weekly Results
Monday 10 October – 5 Table One Winner
1st Ming Ting / David Ting
2nd Antonia Tarradas / Graham Smith
3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole
4th Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes
Wednesday 12 October – Nation Wide Pairs Week 20 of 22
1st Noel Bugeia / Doone Mitchell
2nd Ming Ting / David Ting
3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole
4th Joy Brunette / Don Poole
1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
2nd Robert Carless / Joy Robinson
3rd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley
4th Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown
Thursday 13 October – 4 Table One Winner
1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild
3rd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore
4th Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
Friday 14 October – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd Griffin Bancroft / Nancy Wix
3rd Anne Lutz / Toni Large
E/W
1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Monica Darley
2nd Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger
3rd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson
4th Ted Cullinan / Noel Saunders
.
Contributed with thanks to Joy Block.

Our ‘Come and Try’ evening was quite successful, with several new members having applied to join our club. All of them showed promise; some coaching will bring out the best in them and hopefully they will enjoy their membership here.
North Mackay men won all three games against Sarina in the Dr. Williams Shield match on Saturday at Goosies. Our next opponents were Souths/Suburban, who won their games against Northern Beaches, but we lost to Souths on Sunday at Mackay City club.
Monday pairs winners were G. Fahy and P. Crawford, followed by D. Layden and Wolfgang. Lucky draws were won by B. Woodward and S. Sommerfeld.
Wednesday ladies’ day was won by Jean Comelli and Pat O’Neill. Runners up: Chree Reseck, Wendy McGee and Shirley Bartolo.
Thursday pairs draws were won by Chriss Hall and Jess Haber, followed by Lance Edwards and Wayne Trannore. Greens vouchers winners were Margaret Fogg and Brian Perrin. The kitty toucher jackpots.
Friday pairs winners were Neil and Maureen Blucher, who have been playing very well lately. Lucky draws were won by Wayne and Vern Mietzel, and Andrew Coates and Margaret Creese.
Saturday men’s day pairs winners were Kevin Dwyer and Ron Bowers, followed by Peter Delaney and John Fry. The jackpot was not won.
Contributed by Tony Allsop.
Sarina ladies bowlers joined in for a fun-filled day for the Tom and Naomi Graham Shield over the weekend.
Now in its sixth year, Tom and Naomi’s daughters Alison and Margaret started this event in honour of their parents after Naomi passed away.
Naomi’s father started the club’s Johnston Shield for the ladies, so this family has a long-standing association with the Sarina club.
Alison and Margaret honour the club by coming along to watch some great bowls and then provide a beautiful High Tea.
This event is club selected pairs of nine ends for a knock-out.
This year’s final between Ethel Gaw and Ann O`Shea against Doris Barnes and BB Smith was great to watch.
They went to the last end on level points but Doris and BB came up the winners.
Contributed by Rita Hughes
Wednesday afternoon the final was played in our club consistency competition.
After a well fought out game Cheryle Corbett was the eventual winner and Lois Deguara was the runner up.
Congratulations ladies you both played very consistent bowls.
In our social games - a win for Jan Comelli and Pat O’Neill in a pairs game and the runners up were Chree Reseck, Wendy McGee and Shirley Bartolo
A very big Thankyou to everyone that competed in all of our club games this year and to the games committee.
Presentation night is on tonight.
Contributed with thanks to Sue Hazledine

On Saturday, 8 October 2022, the Pioneer Swim Club had a fantastic time participating in the MS Swimathon held at the Pioneer Swim Centre.
The team swam in a continuous relay for 12 hours from 6:00am to 6:00pm.
The event is held to raise crucial funds and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis.
The team raised over $1,200 in the lead-up to the event and swam a grand total of 860 laps over the 12-hour period – that is a whopping 43 kilometres!
We wish to thank everyone who sponsored the team, the other teams for the healthy competition, those who came to support us, those who came to help us swim some laps and all those team members who gave up their Saturday and participated.
Contributed with thanks by Tahnie Malagueno

Mackay’s Kim Challender is believed to have set a martial arts record by becoming a karate black belt at the age of 83.
Kim recently went through a grueling test to advance to the sport’s high ranking, after training regularly at the Northern Beaches Shito Ryu Karate Club’s hall at Bucasia for the past seven years under Sensi Helle Smith.
She is the oldest in her club and doesn’t know anyone in Queensland of her age who has been awarded a black belt.
Kim joined the club with her family when it first opened, and although the effort involved in training is intense, she says it’s all worthwhile.
The family connection includes her daughter Candy and her husband Taizo, who are both black belts, and their daughter Meeka, who has been doing karate since she was five.
“Meeka is 12 years old and going very well,” Kim said.
“She’s grading her way up.”
Candy and Taizo had moved north from Melbourne and were looking for somewhere to do karate when they received a flyer in the letterbox about a new club starting in the Northern Beaches, and the family was among the first to join up.
Kim’s training and bouts are all non-contact, although some contact is allowed by black belts, but with safety gear such as heavy gloves and protective clothing such as shin guards.
“If you want to get something you must practice and practice,” Kim said.
“Practice makes perfect, and you have to put in the effort as your body has to get fit.
“It’s really good for seniors as you can gradually work your way through the belts and build up the fitness.”
Kim’s other sport is table tennis, which she and her late husband John started playing at the Mackay centre in Bridge Road in the 1970s, and she is still a keen competitor in the Tuesday morning fixtures.
“It’s a sport I enjoy as it’s good for anyone of any age,” she said.
“You’re inside the hall out of the sun and don’t get sunburnt and it’s good for anyone to do from beginners to more advanced players.”
Contributed with thanks by Charlie Payne

Almost 300 riders from all over Queensland travelled to Mackay and Sarina, for the 2022 Sugar City Classic, which was held over three days of the long weekend.
Hosted by Mackay and District BMX Club and Sarina BMX Club, the event took place over three consecutive days at the Mackay, Sarina, and Walkerston BMX tracks, making it one of a kind in Queensland.
The Nepean Conveyors Superclass Men winners were Jayce Cunning (Suncoast Hinterland BMX), 2nd Mackay’s Connor Parish and 3rd Reyne Barnsdale (Redlands BMX).
The Monadelphous Superclass Women winners were Ashleigh Gunn (Townsville BMX), 2nd Elisha Nesbit (Cairns), and 3rd Stella Begg (Caboolture).
The Pirtek Mackay Junior Superclass Men was won by Ben Emeleus (Cairns), 2nd Tyler Smith (Mackay) and 3rd Josh Harkin (Harbour City BMX).
The Walkerston Fuel Junior Superclass Women was won by Mackay’s Sarah Tickle, 2nd Marisa Delecki (Maryborough) and 3rd Teila Fellows (Beenleigh).
Contributed with thanks to Michelle Tickle.

Twilight Race: Wednesday saw a stronger breeze between 15 and 25 knots, providing plenty of action for the 18 boats who participated in the Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race on Pioneer Bay. The strong breeze saw a number of boats with reefed mainsails as they endeavoured to keep the boats properly balanced.
In the first start of the day QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) led the fleet away to take the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize, with Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) and Wide Load (Shannan Hart) in pursuit.
A change of sail configuration for Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) put them to the back of the fleet, with a strong recovery to follow. Bobby’s Girl soon hit the lead from QMS Ponyo with Smooth Criminal a distant third.
Even with a small crew, Treasure VIII (Rob Davis) sailed well to pick up second on corrected time behind Wide Load, with Twister finishing third.
Another strong start from Rossgo (Greg Hammon) was usurped by a stronger start by Shiraz (John Cable), while up front it was Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) leading the way.
A slow start by Alabaster (Kate Warren) had them in pursuit, finally finishing just 4 seconds behind Wobbly Boot.
The mid fleet saw close racing between Rossgo, Shiraz and Masquerade, while some of the smaller, lighter boats, such as Lighthorse (Di Forster) and Norbert G (Ghigo Casalini) struggled in the breeze. Rossgo took corrected time win by 2 seconds over Wobbly Boot with Alabaster third.
A three-boat race in the multihulls saw Overdrive (Rupert King) lead the fleet away, but Malice (Graham Matthews) soon hit the lead, with G’nome (Terry Archer) in pursuit.
Malice once again completed 4 laps, while the others completed three laps, allowing G’nome to take line honours. Malice still ruled the day, taking corrected time win by 30 seconds to G’nome with Overdrive third.
Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results. Races start from 4.30pm each Wednesday afternoon, so those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2.30 pm (limited spots available).
Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm
Twister leading Smooth Criminal at the Twilight Race for Whitsunday Sailing Club

Local ballerina Ruby Elson has set herself apart from the rest and earned a place at the prestigious Australian School of Ballet.
After just two years of pursuing the genre, the 10-year-old rising star who seems to float on stage and trained alongside the renowned Claudia Dean – a Royal Ballet alumni with years of expertise in the craft – achieved her dream of heading to the national centre for elite classical dance next year.
Ruby received her successful application letter in September, and the hours of extra-curricular training, passion, and extraordinary drive were finally rewarded.
“We had prepared her that she might not make it – that she was competing against all these others from across Australia who wanted to be ballerinas – and at her age, too,” her mother, Mei Elson said.
“When we read the letter that she’d been accepted, I cried, she cried, and my husband cried – I’ve never seen him do that.”
Ruby will head to the Melbourne-based school – Australia’s premier training facility for the genre to train part-time until the age of 13, being re-assessed each year to remain at the famed institution, when she will graduate to a full-time curriculum.
Her mother said the true thing that separates her is her work ethic and her perseverance.
“I’m so proud of her,” Mei said.
“I’m so inspired by how incredible she is; she’s so driven to train, to be better and it’s just unbelievable to watch.”

The under 11s brand new Pitbull pups side – the Proserpine Cricket Clubs first time fielding this age group - had their first taste of the Mackay Cricket competition by taking on Brothers in Mackay last Saturday.
After losing the bat flip and being sent into the field, Captain Kobi led his troops with some great bowling (1-10 off four overs) and a spectacular run out assisted by wicket keeper Aiden.
Bradley had the ball on a string (2-15 off 4 overs), and Aiden was looking dangerous (2-8 off 2 overs) who also got a direct hit for a run-out!
Good tight bowling from Jaxson (0-15 off 4 overs) and Matthew (0-7 off 2 overs) kept the Brothers at bay.
Sean (1-21 off 4 overs) came up with a peach to take out the middle stump!
Some quick running between the wickets at the back end of the innings got Brothers to a defendable 9-79 off the 20 overs.
Now it was the Pitbull pups turn to don the pads and swing the willow.
With Aiden (six) and Sean (one) getting off to a steady start, Matthew (five) was next, swinging the bat hard but picking out the fielders. Jaxson eight top scored with some great hitting and running between the wickets. Bradley (seven) was next and played some classy shots.
The required run rate was going up with some tight bowling from Brothers throughout the innings.
Kobi (four) did his best to get the Pitbull pups over the line, but it was a tough ask with the best bowlers coming back on at the end. 10-62 off the 20 overs was the result, 17 runs short.
Player of the day went to Bradley.
The Pitbulls Under 12’s side travelled to Walkerston, facing off at Vigaro Field for round one of their competition, fairer better against the south side.
The Whitsunday young guns faced a formidable task on the road up against a strong Walkerston ‘Scrubbies’ Roosters club.
To add to the challenge, the local team were a player short, had several on debut in the Mackay Saturday competition, and were also fielding a young, inexperienced side which included two 10-year-old tyro’s.
Pitbull Captain Ollie Dibben lost the toss and the gun Walkerston team elected to bowl.
The ever-reliable Shannon Matthews and Captain Dibben strode to the crease to open the season.
After a 9-run opening stand, the captain played a shot across the line and lost his middle stump, out for two.
Alex Valmadre then joined Shannon at the crease and settled the ship before retiring with Noah Porter, the first of the young tyro’s, making his debut straight after.
The youngster too elected to play across the line and was quickly on his way back to the sheds for five.
Lily Smith then strode to the crease to face some hostile Scrubbie bowling. She and Alex V defied the attack until Lily copped a good one and was on her way. Alex V then retired after his 20 balls to see the underdogs at 3-64.
The second of the young tyro’s, Korbin Dibben, made his way to the middle with Benny Hope, aka ‘Starky’.
Starky and Korbin pushed the score along against some tight bowling, with Korbin retiring after his 20 deliveries.
All-rounder Reg Davies then made his way to the middle. Under attack, he fought hard but was ultimately the victim of a sharp caught and bowled chance, out for two.
Big Starky soon followed for three leaving the two retirees together to push the score along.
Alex V was then dismissed for 10 which saw young Korbin return; he and Shannon then took the score to 89 before he was given out lbw for 10, closing the innings and leaving the brave youngster unbeaten on 1 after facing 23 balls.
It was a competitive score at 89, but the Pitbulls knew it would be tough against a strong Scrubbies batting unit.
Starky Hope began the bowling, destroying the Scrubby openers castle with his fourth delivery.
Despite some tight bowling, it was 3-67 at the break and on-track for a regulation victory for Walkerston.
Alex V with ever-reliable Shanon M bowled great spells with Valmadre taking two key wickets and Shannon one, including a spectacular low catch in the covers by Starky.
It 7-75.
Starky proceeded to bowl a ripper maiden over to keep things tight before handing over to young Noah P, who stormed in.
With the pressure on, he bowled a couple of tight ones before going full which enticed the gun Rooster opener into a lofted drive which headed to Davies.
Under immense pressure Reggie moved forward and cupped the chance with a great catch to win the game for the underdogs against all odds.
Players player - Alex Valmadre (10 runs, 2 wickets and a run-out)
The children were excited to run out onto the Great Barrier Reef Arena in front of hundreds of spectators, and it was made even better when an Adelaide Striker player greeted them with smiles, words of encouragement, and an autographed cap.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Porter, Stephen Logan, and Michael Hope
The Proserpine Pitbulls U12 side managed a spectacular win against Walkerston
Some of the young Proserpine Pitbulls were on field at Great Barrier Reef Arena for the Women’s Big Bash League game
For the first time ever, the club has an Under 11s side

This week 97 motivated people ran, jogged and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 30 were first timers. Despite the hot weather, there were 16 new Personal Bests. Well done to Ben, Josh, Ryan, Phil, Robert, Stephen, Michael, Emma, Andrew, Tom, Leone, Julie, Shane, Libby, Bolinda and Carolyn. There were 4 milestones achieved; Ben and Josiah completed their 25th parkrun, Tom and Lachlan completed their 50th parkrun.
The event was made possible by 17 wonderful volunteers: Nick, Kara, Matthew, Joshua (co-run director), Sarah, Nathalie (photographer), Kirsty, Darlene, Bossie, Craig, Laura (co-run director), Louise, Lynne, Braxton, Dennis, Joanne and Diane.
Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then, 4,286 participants have completed 22,315 parkruns covering a total distance of 111,575 km, including 2,602 new Personal Bests. A total of 360 individuals have volunteered 3,153 times.
Airlie Beach parkrun is celebrating 'parkwalk' for the month of October, with the goal of having as many walkers as possible. New participants are encouraged to come along and walk the 5km course – we even have a ‘parkwalk’ volunteer to look after them!
Next week is Airlie Beach parkrun’s ‘122333’ event. Every ‘1’ is welcome on ‘22’nd of October for the ‘333’rd event. Tutus (22s) are encouraged but optional. New participants are encouraged to join in.
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. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach.
There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.
Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun
Bossie and Nick volunteered to scan barcodes and scan tokens after their run
This week’s wonderful volunteers at Airlie Beach parkrun
Carolyn and Bolinda park walked and achieved personal bests

It has been an exciting start to the season for the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club, with eight new Club Records set at the club’s first Distance Club Night.
Congratulations to Don Algie, Eloise Chegwidden, Remy Hedges, Nelson Malady, and Jy Parkinson for setting new records.
Don, aged nine, set new records for 400-metre Freestyle and 400m IM. Seven-year-old Eloise set two records: 100-metre Freestyle and 100-metre Breaststroke.
Nelson, aged 10, set a new record for the 800-metre Freestyle in a time of 12.09.27. Remy set a record for 400-metre Freestyle.
Jy, aged 17, set new records for the 1500-metre Freestyle and 400-metre IM.
The Cannons acknowledged and thanked all the swimmers and parents who participated in the annual Swimathon.
Club Secretary, Giselle Burton presented Chocolate Awards to Alessa Penglasse-Fortunato, Harris Delac, and Harry Chegwidden.
Upgrade certificates were presented to Jasmine and Robert Gerlofsma, Ryan Clark, Jax Swannell, and Tora Delac.
The Cannons wished Jacob Bell all the best in his five-kilometre swim at the Queensland OWS Championships.
Top performers at Club Night on Wednesday were Jasmine and Robert Gerlofsma, while Millie Groom and Sophie Fletcher swam extremely well and setting personal bests in just about all their events.
Special welcome to Billie Jamieson who did very well in his first Club Night.
Congratulations to swimmers who achieved personal bests: Lucas Korosec, Pippa Laguna, Lily Maher, Owen Maher, Nelson Malady, Matilda Nicholes, Alessa Penglasse Fortunato, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Addie Sanders, Max Smith, Molly Smith, Ryan Clark, Jax Clayworth, and Zane Clayworth.
Congratulations to all the swimmers who participated at Club Night on Wednesday and a big thank you to all the wonderful parents and volunteers who assist with officiating, catering, and fundraising.
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen
Don, Eloise, Nelson and Jy with Club Records
Jacob Bell preparing for the Queensland Open Water Swim Champs

Bowlers at Airlie Beach Bowls Club have been enjoying the longer and warmer days, starting with Tuesday when skipper Betty Nicole led her team to a big win.
Combining with Pam Collins at lead and Lyn Graham at second, as well as Rhonda Lloyd at third, the side ran away with the two-bowl fours. Pam Collins managed to add to her day’s prizes with a stunning win of the prestigious Health Hub award, too.
Wednesday afternoon social bowls ably run by Merve Stewart and Rick Galea saw Henny Tattam with club stalwart Tony Whitehorn combine to beat all comers. Merve Stewart claimed the prestigious Health Hub award.
Wednesday night saw the introduction of the club’s newest team in Business House Bowls: Flexihire. The new side showed they’ll soon be a force to reckon with.
New bowlers Glenn Frederiksen and Keith Dornoch put on a great display for Whitsunday Gold Coffee team, but it was the fabulous team of PRD - the biggest winners of the night.
The PRD team gave their prize money to the School Children’s fund for their prize giving night.
Saturday morning saw Round Three of Scroungers competition in full swing with first round winners Margo Stanley, Tony Whitehorn, Betty Whitehorn, Di Jackson, and Alan Pershouse.
The final was played between Margo and Tony, with Tony Whitehorn continuing his brilliant form with a runaway victory.
Nik Fernbach took out the winners cheque for Group B , in what was a great day for all participants.
Sunday morning and afternoon saw the club’s mixed pairs, triples and fours progressing with Manny Isgro’s team of Russell Jackson and John Fielding winners of the Two Bowl Mens triples for the year.
Peter Barratt’s team in the Mixed fours – which included Russell Jackson, John Fielding, and Henny Tattam - progressed to the semi-finals in a nail-biting victory.
Lu Rogan, Rhonda Lloyd, and John Trembath were the Sunday social bowl victors.
The club was deeply saddened by the loss of Robert Lade and Shirley Muller, both of whom will never be forgotten. Shirley was a foundation member of Airlie Beach Bowls club.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson
Skipper Peter Barratt with Russell Jackson, John Fielding and Henny Tattam after their victory in the mixed fours on Sunday afternoon

Bowls in Bowen saw a great week of social sporting as well as a weekend game of Sunday Scroungers.
Wednesday Social Bowls: Brian Jones, Lorraine McArthur, and Tracey Roach defeated Mary-Ellen Pratten, Allen Williams, and Peter Thomson.
The game was tied up until the last end before a shock winner.
Bev Smith, Jill Brabon, Paula Welsted, and Gus Munro rounded out the Wednesday night with a win, defeating David Moodie, Robyn Stitt, Ron Gould, and Steve Roome.
Sunday Scroungers Winners: Gavin Charles and Brett Lampard.
The club will host its presentation dinner this Saturday at the Central Hotel at 6pm.
Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards
Sunday Scroungers winners Gavin Charles and Brett Lampard