Performing aerial manoeuvres on the water has become second nature for Mackay’s new wakeboarding sensation Sienna Mayer.

The 15-year-old Mercy College Mackay student, who resides in Eimeo, is only new to the popular water sport but has already left her mark as a rider with a string of spectacular performances.

Since being introduced to wakeboarding back in 2020, the talented schoolgirl has quickly emerged as one of the State’s brightest prospects.

Based at The Wake House Australia cable park at Andergrove, super fit Sienna is preparing for major wakeboarding competition both at home and interstate in the coming weeks and is confident of picking up some extra silverware.

She will compete at the Rumble on the Reef event in the Under 18s and Pro Women categories to be staged in Mackay from Wednesday September 28 to Saturday October 1.

Rising star Sienna has fond memories of the Rumble on the Reef as it was last year that she won her first ever race in the event’s Under 17 category at the Mackay venue.

At the Cairns Rumble on the Reef event earlier this year, Sienna finished second in the Under 18s and third in the Pro Women finals.

The Mackay Rumble on the Reef is an ideal tune up for Sienna before she represents Queensland at the National Wakeboarding Championships in Penrith, NSW, from October 10 to October 15.

Sienna is sponsored by Double Up, Kinxton Caw and Wing and will compete in the Under 18s section, hoping to turn in top performances to push her claims for selection in the Australian team to participate at the World Wakeboarding Championships in Thailand at the end of October.

Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas.

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After being selected in the Northern Mendi Rays U18 squad, local netballer Lilli Pryor travelled to Brisbane last weekend to compete in the Nissan State Titles.

Lilli was selected from approximately 30 players trialling in Townsville, participating in drills and gameplay, and was able to travel to Brisbane to participate thanks to sponsorship from Force Equipment and Inspire Accounting.

“It was a really validating experience,” Lilli said.

“Getting to represent north Queensland, getting to show off Mackay, that we do have stuff to offer down south.”

Coached by Kim Patterson and Bec Bulley, the team were only able to train twice before the tournament.

“They taught me so much,” said Lilli.

“They had a lot of knowledge to offer.

The Rays finish eighth and Lilli says the team remained extremely competitive throughout the tournament.

“It was hard for us to go down and compete with teams that had played together every week, but it was really cool that we could come together and still be a big competitor with teams that have so much experience with each other,” she said.

Earlier this year, Lilli joined Galaxy Netball Club in Mackay, playing under the guidance of local legend Jayden Taylor.

“It was an incredible experience, I’ve learnt so much this year,” she said.

“The whole season, my team’s been like a family and we’ve learnt so much from each other.”

Lilli hopes to pursue netball and plans to move down south to join the Ruby series next year.

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With the Australian women's rugby sevens team recently winning the World Cup to complete a triple crown, more and more girls are being inspired to play rugby including Mackay year 11 student Cierra Lewer.

Cierra was one of four Mackay girls to travel to the Gold Coast earlier in September to represent Central Queensland in the Queensland Rugby Union Girls State Championships.

Cierra and fellow Mackay player Anna Crossan played alongside players from Rockhampton, Whitsundays and Emerald in the U17 Central Queensland squad while Montana Hodgkinson and Ella Duncan played in the U15 squad.

“The first day that we were there, it was raining and windy and muddy and disgusting,” said Cierra.

“The second day was much nicer, it was dry and sunny, perfect rugby weather.

“I could see, just over the day, how we improved.”

Central Queensland played against teams from Brisbane, Gold Coast, far north Queensland and Townsville and Cierra said the competition was a good learning experience.

“Going down, we knew there was going to be a difference in the game,” she said.

“Up here, we have a bit more of a social element.

“We haven’t really dived into the technical side of rugby.

“It was definitely a learning curve.”

Cierra said she has come out of the weekend inspired to develop her rugby, especially after meeting idols Maddison and Tegan Levi.

“They came into the locker room, Maddison and Teagan did, and they spoke to us, and we asked them questions and that definitely sparked my interest in going further in the game,” she said.

“I just want to see how far I can get.”

Cierra first got into rugby four years ago through come-and-try sessions.

“It wasn’t really a big thing four years ago,” she said.

“I think there was probably four or five of us … but it’s expanded massively.”

Four years later, Cierra plays U17s rugby as well as playing in the open women’s team that took out the inaugural title a couple of weekends ago.

She also assists in coaching the come-and-try sessions that first got her into the sport.

“When I first started rugby, you didn’t really have that encouragement from everyone but now everyone wants you to get in there and give it a go,” she said.

Cierra coached the sessions alongside Mackay Christian College Sports Coordinator Sheril Buchanan for girls aged 10 to 13 for the last four weeks of the school term.

“It’s good for the young girls to see a young person who’s come through the same program just a couple years down the track,” said Sheril.

“That’s what you want in sport, you want girls to grow in confidence, you want girls to be encouraged and you want girls to enjoy life and the social and fitness aspect.”

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Monday mixed pairs resulted in a win for Chrissy Hall and Maurie Pearson, with Fred King and Rob Evans in second place.

Lucky draw vouchers went to Maurie Pearson and Wolfgang.

Wednesday ladies’ day winners were Gloria Sam, Pam Louis and Joyce Camilleri.

Runners up was the pairing of Hilary Jones-Rowan and Jean Zamparutti.

Thursday mixed pairs was taken out by Maryann Bartolo and Eric Galletly with Ian Rowan and Hilary Jones-Rowan in second place.

Greens vouchers were won by Wayne Trannore and Lance Edwards.

Friday mixed pairs winners were Doug Giddings and the popular Valley club member, Bob Kinnane.

Winners of the draw were Lois Deguara and Isla Comelli with Wayne and Vern Mietzel next.

Saturday men’s day game resulted in a win for John Kennell and Bundaberg visitor, Terry McCrystal, with Ken Martin and Alan Dillon in second place.

Make a note on your calendar for Presentation dinner: Monday, October 24.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Captions:  1: Bev Svenson and Elaine Buckton enjoying bowls last Monday.

                   2: Ladies Secretary, Helen Fleming with Sheryl Cuttriss at Monday Bowls.

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Awards galore were presented at Mackay Contract Bridge Club Annual General Meeting.

The Founder’s Teams Championship - The Holewa Team: Max and Diane Holewa, Eric Leivesley and Terrance Sheedy.

Club Teams Championship - Open: Monica Darley, Kath Poole, Del Ryan and Janet Hansen

Understate: Patterson Team: Sandy Patterson, Geoff Cowan, Debbie and John Ludkin and Thomas Block

Club Pairs Championship - Open: Diane Holewa and Max Holewa

Under State: Sandra Morris and Noel Saunders

President’s Trophy (Playing with three different players) - Del Ryan

Remembrance Pairs - Open: Joy Robinson

Under State: Anne Whitmore

Club Novice Pairs Championship - Anne Lutz and Diane Stokes

Mary Barfield Award (for most promising student player) - Cheryl Machen

Most Promising Player–Supervised Play (Sponsor - Monica Darley) - Vicki Howard

Weekly Results

Monday 19 September 22 - NWP

1st Anne Lutz / Barbara Tait 1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Janet Hansen

2nd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy 2nd Frances Brown / Alan Brown

Tuesday – 20 September – 4 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Janine Rodgers / Nancy Wix

2nd Antonia Tarradas / Graham Smith

3rd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

Wednesday 21 September  – 7 Table Green Points

N/S EW

1st Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Mary Cruickshank / Ian Cruickshank 2nd Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait

3rd Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell 3rd Diane Stokes / Victor Mason

Thursday 22 September  – 4 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Terrance Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2nd Janelle Conroy / Jan Harris

3rd Patricia Garner / Mick King

Friday 23 September – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Monica Darley / Del Ryan 1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

3rd Anne Lutz / Toni Large 3rd Victor Mason / Josie Crowley

4th Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

Saturday 24 September – 10 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell 1st Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Doone Mitchell 2nd Anne Whitmore / Sandra Morris

3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 3rd Christine Nice / Faye Wright

4th Jan Harris / Mick King 4th Helen Van Den Broek / Joy Brunette

5th Susan Wright / Patricia Garner

Sunday 25 September – Novice 4 Table One Winner

1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Carmel Brown

2nd Ian Cruickshank / Anne Lutz

3rd Ann Whitmore / Sandy Patterson

4th Faith Hutchinson / Diane Stokes

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Pound for pound they don’t come any tougher or more resilient than Mercy College Mackay sporting warrior Saxon Crofts.

Whether its ripping into the opposition with a bustling run or copybook tackle for the Mercy rugby league colts or fooling the defence with a tricky step or sharp burst, in an All Schools Touch Football fixture you will find young Saxon leading from the front.

The 15-year-old utility forward was a genuine trojan for the College rugby league team in 2022 – inspiring team mates to another Grand Final appearance in the Cowboys Challenge Shield schoolboys competition.

In a cruel blow, the Mercy boys were less than 60 seconds away from back-to-back titles only to surrender possession and concede a try after the bell to Townsville rivals Kirwan State High School.

A super-fit Saxon turned in tireless displays during a hectic rugby league schedule this season at both schoolboy and Junior League level.

He proved a mainstay for both Mercy College and his club team Souths Sharks where he constantly topped the tackle count and metres gained with the ball.

Saxon demonstrated his versatility by wearing the number seven half back jumper and steering the Sharks to the Mackay and District Junior League Under 15 finals series.

The Sharks bowed out after a 20-10 loss to the Magpies in an elimination final with the courageous Crofts producing yet another wholehearted performance but to no avail.

A steely-eyed Saxon will now turn his attention to his other sporting love - touch football.

He is one of several Mercy/St Patrick’s College students that will compete at the 40th annual Gold Coast Titans Queensland All Schools Touch Football Championships to be staged from Wednesday October 5 to Sunday October 9 at the world class Gold Coast Performance Centre at Runaway Bay.

Saxon is part of a strong Under 15s Boys team that will test their skills and stamina at the prestigious carnival, billed as the world’s largest touch football tournament.

Mercy/St Patrick’s College have also entered an Under 13s Boys, Under 15s Girls and an Under 18 Mixed team in the coveted event.

The major tournament is run by Queensland Touch Football and attracts over 450 teams, representing various schools both nationally and internationally, on the big sporting stage.  

It is a seeded round robin-based competition where teams are placed in Pools of 6-8 teams depending on the size of the division, which provides school teams with a minimum of seven games.

Across the five-day tournament, more than 6,000 students will take to the field playing over 1,700 games across 23 fields, attracting between 6,000 and 10,000 spectators.

Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas.

Pic caption: Mercy College sporting ace Saxon Crofts in action during this year’s Cowboys Challenge rugby league campaign.

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Outstanding Mackay Cutters rugby league colts Xavier Kerrisk, Jaxon Purdue and Kai Simon have capped a memorable 2022 campaign by earning Queensland Country Under 17 representative jumpers.

The talented trio produced strong performances last weekend to help Country topple Queensland City 38-20 in the annual Under 17s challenge at Redcliffe’s Moreton Daily Stadium.

It was an impressive achievement by the St Patrick’s College Mackay students and North Queensland Cowboys scholarship recipients who have captured the imagination of senior rugby league officials with their skill and durability.

The Queensland City v Country Under 17s clash was played as a curtain raiser to the Hostplus Cup Grand Final with Norths Devils chalking up back-to-back premiership titles after a 16-10 triumph over Redcliffe Dolphins.

Country Under 17s sealed the victory with a dominant second half display to claim bragging rights.

Power running prop Delasalle Va’a - who is contracted to the Sydney Roosters – and elusive Souths Townsville winger Rayzarlin Pearson grabbed try doubles for Country with Central Queensland Capras fullback Mutua Brown and wily hooker Kerrisk completing the six try rout.

Promising centre Simon bagged a personal tally of 14 points after potting seven goals.

Country jumped to an early 12-0 lead before City hit back with tries by prop Michael Waqa and half back Stanley Huen that were converted by five eighth Keahn Skipps.

A penalty goal by Simon gave Country a narrow 14-12 advantage at the half time break.

City struck after the interval with centre Devonte Vaivela crossing for a converted try and Skipps adding a penalty goal to give his side a 20-14 lead.

But when a rampaging Va’a burst over for a second try the Country colts clicked into top gear and stamped their supremacy through their slick backline and rugged forward pack.

The representative honours capped a big fortnight for the dynamic Simon and Kerrisk, who had earlier captained the Wanderers club to an Under 17s premiership win over Purdue’s Norths Devils in the Mackay and District Junior League competition.

Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas.

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Congratulations to Fred Quod from Blast H20 on taking out first place in Mackay & Whitsunday Life’s inaugural Footy Tipping Comp.

Here’s what Fred has won:

• 2x Grand Final tickets

• $1500 cash

• Full page ad in Mackay & Whitsunday Life Newspaper

Congratulations also to our 2nd & 3rd place-getters:

Max Lamb – M&P Services

• $500 cash

• Half page ad in Mackay & Whitsunday Life Newspaper

Bruce Spannagle – Harry Brown, Cannonvale

• $300 cash

• Quarter page ad in Mackay & Whitsunday Life Newspaper

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If you would like to be part of our 2023 comp or become a Sponsor, book your spot now

as we already have some places filled.

Contact Jess on 0419 710 218 or email jess@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

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It was semi-finals day at the club house on Sunday with three tough fixtures on the cards.

First up was the second consolation semi-final with Kameron Reason and Gary Robbie battling it out to see who will take on Ross Gallichan in the Hetlock Cup final on October 2.

Kameron led for most of the match, but when Gary came back from three legs behind to level the match five legs all, the momentum seemed to swing slightly.

The 11th leg was massive, and Gary took it with a double three to take the lead for the first time in the match at 6/5.

Kameron had chances in the 12th leg to tie it up at six all and take us to a decider but missed darts at doubles gave Gary the chances he needed to convert and take the victory seven legs to five.

In the first of two Premier League semi-finals, Joe Wilson was looking to bounce back from a disappointing 9/8 loss last week with a win here over Seumas Rose.

Unfortunately for Seumas, he couldn’t rediscover the kind of form that helped him last week in his fine victory over Alan Green. Joe proved too strong for him at this stage of the competition, with Joe winning comfortably 9/3.

The last game of the day was the second Premier League semi-final match between two previous champions. With three Premier League titles between them, this one was a toss of a coin between the two-time defending champion Jamie Woods and Andy Peel, the 2019 champion.

Both players showed they were capable of scores, but it was the checkouts that were alluding Woodsy, allowing Andy to keep his nose in front throughout the match.

Andy keeping his hopes of adding a second Premier League title to his name are well and truly alive, with a gritty 9/6 victory over a great champion in Jamie Woods.

Congratulations to all the victors today, and Commiserations to the losers, who will no doubt contend with the Xmas Open starting in November.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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Sunday was the Clubs 18-hole stableford championships.

It was Nathan Boys who succeeded to win the trophy with 41 points while Brad Low came in second with 40 points, and James (Jimmy) Millar in third with 36.

For the ladies it was Bree Harvey and Paula Wronski. Nearest the Pin winners were Brayden Davies and Nathan Boys.

The weekly 9-hole competition was won by Terry Kimpton with 22 points, then Tyson Flavel on 21 and Tim Walton with 19 points on a countback win.

The Friday 9-hole was also won by Terry Kimpton with 22 points, Brad Low as second with 20 points, and Tim Harris and Elise Hodgson both scoring 19. Tim taking the third place on the count back.

On Thursday the club held a special 18-hole stableford competition before Sunday’s Monthly Medal fixture.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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Last Tuesday, Proserpine Veteran Golfers played Pioneer Valley in a round of the Crocker Shield.

With 53 players out representing clubs from the Valley, as well as Proserpine, it was going to be a tough day. But, the Proserpine side took the points home with them in the end - 282 to 239.  

With one more round to go, Proserpine are leading the Crocker shield by 91 points.  

The ladies’ winner was Tina Badenhorst with 37 points followed by Jenny Hounsell, 36, and in the rundown Paula McQuat, 34.  

The men’s winner was Barry Shuwalow with 38 points, followed by John Roser, 35, and in the rundown Peter Fox, 34.  

Nearest the pin winners were Frank Moloney, George Oddy, Ron Gaucci, Paul Tilse , Anna Winterbourn, Jenny Hounsell, and Mandy Patterson.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Double bogies on the last two holes eventually cost Trish McNeill and Andrew Colborne the Club Foursomes title when they ended up playing Tiina Randmae and Lew Tuck in a sudden death playoff.

In a scrappy affair, Lew and Tiina won on the second hole.

Both teams finished the 27 holes with 128 gross.

In third place were Thomas Rimene and Leanne Alexander with 135 gross.

The nett winners were Ross McNeill and Noelene Spurway, 97, from Craig Smith and Tessa Aitken 100. Joanne Moynihan and George Meharry were in third with 103.5.

Saturday’s Monthly Medal saw David Telford the overall and C grade winner in the men’s with 67 nett.

The A grade winner was Allen Roberts with 68, from Mat Bower 70, and the B grade was taken out by Gary Scotford 69, from Phil Batty, 70.

Corey Stroud was the C grade runner up with 71 on a count back.

The ladies’ monthly medal winner was Heather Luvis with 71 nett, on a count back from Ann Gardel.

On Thursday, the men played a stableford in conjunction with a 4BBB.

The stableford was won by John Grosskreutz with 40 points from Jim Cochrane with 38 on a count back.

The 4BBB winners were Ken Granger and Jim Cochrane with 45 points, on a count back from Andrew Colborne and Lew Tuck.

Vickie Wallace was the Wednesday ladies’ winner with 40 stableford points, from Robyn Witham, 38, and Vicki Tuck 26.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Lewis

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Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford event sponsored by the club itself.

Ladies’ winner was Wendy Tracey, 38 points, runner up Grace Nott, 37.  Men’s winner James Miller 42pts, runner up on a countback David Carus 41pts.

Pin shots to Lisa Raisbeck, Bev Lowcock, Debbie Breeze, and Morag Parker with an OBP.  

Saturday, the Club played a single stableford sponsored by patron Margaret Whyte.

Ladies’ winner Lisa Raisbeck, 42 points; second place to Ruth Dunn, 39, and third place to Penny Stewart, also 39.

Pin shots to Lisa Raisbeck, Julie May, Lorraine McArthur, and Judy Atkins. Penny Stewart with an OBP.

Men’s winner was Brian Martin, 41 points, while second place went to Matthew Yasso, 39, and third place to Greg Carlyon, 37.  

Pin shots to Graham Seaborne, Ray Sellen, and Andrew Menzies, while Brendan Malone won the Car Wash voucher.  Robert Byles had an eagle on hole 14.  

Accuracy drives to Jo Goldup, Helen Fellows, Debbie Breeze, Brian Martin, Perry Layton, and Reg Goldup.  Bradmans was won by Leanne Swan and Andrew Menzies.

This weekend’s competition is a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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The Wangaratta team of Denise Wallace, Margaret Wilson, Penny Warren, and Fely Duncan competed at South Townsville Bowls Club for four days in the prestigious Premier Cup competition last week.

They faced off against teams from 10 other District Clubs across Bowen, Ayr, Brandon, Alligator Creek, Ingham, Noorla, Jubilee, Suburban, Thuringowa, and South Townsville.

The Wangaratta ladies team led graciously and fought back with determination when they had to in their fixtures, coming away with nine wins from 10 wins with a margin of 151.

After claiming the trophy, Margaret and the team thanked the District Match Committee for such a successfully run tournament and invited all district clubs to travel to Wangaratta Club in Bowen in 2023.

As part of winning the cup, Wangaratta also gains hosting rights for the next year.

The club’s Monday triples competition has now finished for the year with winners Eileen Dunn, Virginia, and Tim Noar defeating Leon Fox, B Lampard, and Ian Best.

Tuesday social bowls winners were Deb Retchless, Bill Parker, and David Madden, who defeated Judy Christie, Colleen Christopher, and Pearl Aykens.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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As the weather heats up, the days get longer and the bowls get more scintillating.

Monday and Tuesday: Airlie Beach Bowls Club welcomed over 130 students from Cannonvale Public school.

Club coach Mark Mawson organised with Ladda Purdie, John Brown, John Askew, Betty Whitehorn, and Col Morris to all help supervise and teach the art of lawn Bowls. Each child received tuition and a frozen fruity pole for their participation.

Tuesday: Lane Telford skippered John Brown at lead and Tess Walker at second to beat all comers for the prize money.

Wednesday: A surprise result with the school competition girls winner Demika teamed up with Mark Mawson to take the prize money.

Wednesday Business House Bowls: To recommence on Wednesday, October 5.

Saturday: The finals of the winter Scroungers competition with Alan Pershouse, Ladda Purdie, and Russell Jackson fighting for the final prize money. Ladda Purdie broke away from the boys for a comfortable win.

This weekend Harry Quod went to Mackay for the B Grade Championship and finished a credible third.

Warren Mills, Luke Kinnear, and David Diaz finished a very creditable second in the Championship of 3 bowl triples.

Sunday Social Bowls: 21 bowlers vied for the prize. Big winners of the day were Lyn Graham with new bowler Janet Jacometti, and Bobby Ward.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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