Four Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams travelled to Harrup Park on Saturday to represent in the Preliminary Finals with the opportunity to make the Grand Final.

Sea Eagles Senior Men saw the Mackay City Hawks get the jump and come out hard. Sea Eagles came back with defence working hard to limit Hawks to a single goal in the second half. Momentum was in Sea Eagles favour seeing their share of the footy however unable to convert going forward the 31 – 49 loss saw an end to their season.

Sea Eagles Under 17s who took on the Swarks were determined to bounce back after last week’s loss. Hungry for the footy Sea Eagles were able to hit the scoreboard early through great goals from Adam Singleton and Bailey Wishart. Foxx LaMonica continued his late season form whilst Aniel Walsh worked tirelessly in the ruck all day and provided excellent defensive pressure. Sea Eagles kept Swarks under control for the day winning 49 – 29 and setting up a Grand Final showdown with the undefeated Saints.

It was a tough ask for Sea Eagles Under 14s taking on minor premiers Moranbah Bulldogs who were always going to come out hard. Sea Eagles were unable to get on top losing 14 – 89 in a courageous effort.

Second week running the Sea Eagles Under 12s had another close shave winning the Preliminary Final against the Swarks. There were stories of individual greatness and whole-team efforts with Sea Eagles combining to create opportunities. Sea Eagles were behind in the dying minutes before a goal after the siren saw Sea Eagles come home winners 27 – 24 to earn their place in the Grand Final. Sea Eagles run into the Grand Final this week against Moranbah Bulldogs with some great momentum under their belts.

This Saturday, September 10, Sea Eagles Under 12s and Under 17s contest their Grand Finals at Harrup Park. Under 12s 8am, Under 17s 11:10am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

U12s Whitsunday Sea Eagles player Sterling Rogan-Hamilton

U17s player Foxx LaMonica

U17s player Kai Grimmond

Photo credit: Cody Fowler, and Kylie Allen

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The first weekend of football finals in Mackay was played on sodden fields following a couple of solid days of rain.

With six Whitsunday United Football Club teams playing on Saturday, travelling spectators were geared up for a back-to-back set of competitive outings.

Unfortunately, it didn’t go to plan for the local side, with five losses despite some incredible performances, but the day ended on a massive high with the Premier Men's side beating Lions convincingly and qualifying for the Grand Final.

The day started well with U14 Div 1 kicking off at 9am and matching the dominant Lions Green side from the outset. A goal by Lions had supporters worried, but the Whitsunday kids dug deeper and found the equaliser with Billy Hinton running onto a great through ball and slamming it over a diving goalkeeper.

With a 1-1 scoreline at the end of regular time, it is only the second instance that the Lions side had been held to a draw.

Extra time started and the arm wrestle continued until late, when the Mackay side scored to break the dead lock. A weary Whitsunday team conceded a third goal but are not out of the finals yet. They are keen to face Country United this weekend and earn a Grand Final spot

The U14 Premiers were up next. The young side have been a class act all year and were confident of beating Mackay Crusaders to guarantee a Grand Final berth.

Unfortunately, Crusaders fired and the Whitsunday side, missing a few players, struggled. Going down 2-0 was not the expected result, but Coach Peter Farrell was optimistic.

"This will be a real wake up call for the kids,” He said.

“They will be really keen to make up for this loss and with all players expected back next weekend, everyone is confident.”

The team was presented with their minor Premiership trophy and medals after the game.

The U16 Prem's battled through to the end but their season finished on Saturday. After a slow start against City Brothers, they came good in the second half and ended up with a 1-1 draw through the boot of Beau Bonnyman.

Into extra time, opportunities were scarce for both sides and every player dug deep in the heat. At the end of extra time the score was still drawn, and the game was decided on a penalty shoot-out. Although disappointed, the team came together and achieved some great results in a very tight and evenly matched competition.

U23 Men and Premier Women suffered through lack of numbers or injuries and with patched together sides. They were no match for their respective opposition on the day. With full squads, the result may well have been different, however both sides are now looking to build on this year and progress further next year.

The Whitsunday Premier Men stamped their authority on their opponents from the outset with a goal to Harry Hodgen in the opening minutes setting the tone for the rest of the match. Lions played a strong, physical game but were unable to counter the speed and precision of the Whitsunday attack and aggressive defence.

The goals continued to flow with Harry adding to his opening salvo along with goals to Hayden Filby and an absolute scorcher from Martyn Goodey who was also rock solid in defence. A remarkable display of football from the Whitsunday team who celebrated the win and their progression to the Grand Final.

They received their Minor Premiership Trophy, all the while singing out the club song across Mackay Football Park.

Whitsunday United’s Premier Men’s side received their medals and trophy after winning the minor Premiership last week

U14 Whitsunday United Premier side were crowned as minor Premiers for 2022

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Bowen Polocrosse Club had a field of competitors head south past Mackay for a weekend of racing at the Nebo Carnival 2022.

The weekend signalled the last competitive fixtures for the year for the Bowen Club who travelled to Nebo in good numbers.

The year’s last carnival always brings the best out in the playing group with everyone putting in fantastic performances across the competition.

The club was represented by two sections: Bowen One – a team of Jess,Mick, and Morco; and Bowen One  -Adam, Shannon, and Farren.

Both sections played a great game, with Bowen One and Two playing each other in the semi-finals for the C Grade.

Bowen One took the win with a golden point in overtime to move onto the finals on Sunday against Alton Downs/Pyramid team.

Unfortunately, Bowen One weren’t able to keep their high-flying form going, and had to walk away with runners up in the C Grade

The club is looking forward to seeing all its members at the yearly break up. The local club are already on the lookout for interested players and can be contacted through their Facebook page.

They will be hosting a full come and try day on Saturday October 1. Experienced players will be available on the day to help guide newbies, and the atmosphere is promised to be a fun one as participants learn to throw and catch a ball on the ground before graduating to horseback.

The basic skills of horseback riding and getting a general feel for the game will also be on offer alongside a sausage sizzle lunch at Bowen Polocrosse Grounds, Woodlands Road.

Contributed with thanks to Jess Foster

Bowen Polocrosse Player Shannon Burns represented in the Bowen One team at the recent Nebo Carnival

Adam Burns, Farren Jamison, and Shannon Burns all looking for a big catch as they face off against sides from across the region

The Bowen club will host a come and try day to end its season, enticing locals to have a crack at the sport

The outing at Nebo Carnival 2022 was the clubs last for the season, but they’re looking towards an impressive year next year

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It is the start of the swim season and the Cannonvale Cannons would like to encourage children to come along to a Club Night to see what club swimming is all about.  

Club Nights are held on Wednesdays from 5pm, with swimmers able to try 12-metre or 25-metre when they first start.

As they progress, they can make their way towards longer swims.

On Wednesday night, the Cannons honoured all the fathers and held a Father’s Day raffle.  Coach, Mark Erickson was very surprised that he won the raffle!  A big thank to the Davies’ family for cooking the barbecue.

The club presented Isabella Pisaniello with an Upgrade Certificate.  Tora and Harris Delac were presented with the Chocolate Awards for the best personal bests.  Congratulations to Gracie Laguna for winning the Swim Star Award.  

Top performers on Wednesday night include Indi Smith who swam a massive 19.72sec PB in her 100m IM.  

Don Algie swam a super 200-metre Freestyle in 3.01.87 which was a 13.76 second personal best (PB).  James Davies and Celeste Orenshaw swam extremely well, taking over two seconds off the majority of their races.  

Lucas Korosec swam a mighty 25m Butterfly in a time of 35.42s which was a 4 second PB.  Lily Maher and her brother, Owen both swam fantastic times in their Freestyle events taking over one second off their previous best time.  Matilda Nicholes swam an awesome 50-metre Freestyle in 39.71 seconds.  

Isabella Pisaniello made 100-metre Butterfly look easy, in a time of 2.04.64.  Millah Walker swam impressive times in her Freestyle and Backstroke races.  

For more information on Club Nights and registration, contact Club Registrar Giselle Burton.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Harris and Tora Delac with Chocolate Awards

Nelson Malady with father Ben

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Frances and Alan Brown starred at The Yeppoon Pairs and Teams Congress. Frances and Alan came third overall (Category A) pairs and the Brown team - Alan and Frances Brown, Janet Hanse and Diane Morgan came first in the team’s event.

Noel Saunders and Ted Cullinan came first (Category C).

Nine pairs from the Mackay Club attended the weekend competition, all other Mackay teams performing well.

Mackay Club member Geoff Taylor was director for the Yeppoon Congress.

Weekly Results

Monday 29 August 22 – 6 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

2nd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy 2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Faye Wright

3rd Maria Setiyawan / Robert Carless 3rd Clare Wallace / Ming Ting

Eclectic for Tuesdays in August

1st Eric Goodchild 4th Janet Hansen

1st Noel Bugeia 5th Diane Morgan

3rd Terrence Sheedy

Wednesday 31 August 22 – 6 Table One Winner - Australian Wide Pairs

1st Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait 4th Gwen Liddell / Anne Lutz

2nd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 5th Debbie Ludkin / Cath Willis

3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole 5th Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leisley

Thursday 1 September 2022 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild 2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

3rd Mick King / Patricia Garner 3rd Mary Rose Ramsden / Marylin Wilson-Nicoll

Friday 2 September 22 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points – Nationwide Pairs 17 of 22

N/S E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st Janine Rogers / Richard Wix

2nd Monica Darley / Del Ryan 2nd Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank

3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 3rd Robert Carless / Joy Robinson

Saturday 3 September 22 - Barometer Pairs – Results not available at time of submission

Team Brown – Diane, Alan, Frances and Janet

Geoff Taylor Director Noel Curran, Yeppoon President Lauren and Ted Cullinan

Frances and Alan Brown (Pictured right)

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The Marian Ladies Master 4s were held between August 15 and 17 and was a great success, with the team of Robyn Deveraux, Dealia Walsh, Val Pilcher and Gail Meng finishing as victors.  

The win continues Robyn Deveraux’s display of dominance as she has been a part of the winning team four years in a row.

The team of Robyn Schatkowski, Dot Wise, Carol Savage and Vicky Spann were runners-up after a competitive competition.  

The tournament saw some amazing bowls played in great sportsmanship.

Many thanks were given to the sponsor Our Retreat Station and Katie Moohin for once again making the tournament possible.

President and Sponsor Katie Moohin with winners Robyn Deveraux, Dealia Walsh, Val Pilcher and Gail Meng

Runners-up Vicky Spann, Dot Wise, Robyn Schatkowski and Katie Moohin - absent Carol Savage. Photos supplied: Lyn Jackson

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The Mackay Basketball NBL1 Presentations were held last month at the Northern Beaches Bowls Club.

Taking out the top award, the Club Person Award of the Year with the Mal Steindl Trophy, was coach Joel Khalu.

Mackay Basketball’s statement said, “Joel is one of our most dedicated, hardworking and humble members here at Mackay Basketball.

“There is nothing you won’t find him doing, particularly on an NBL1 game day.

Joel Khalu won the Club Person of the Year award. Photo credits: Keiron Place Photography

Junior Club Person of the Year winner: Lachlan Peach

Meteors MVP dual winners Kyrin Galloway and Jaylin Galloway

Meteorettes MVP Alisia Jenkins

Meteors Best Defensive Player: Viliami Foketi

Meteorettes Most Improved: Monique Bobongie

Coach Award Meteorettes - Courtney Virgo

Coach Award Meteors - Sam Haughton

Players’ Player Award: Meteorettes - Ellie Collins

Players’ Player Award: Meteors - Viliami Foketi

Club Commitment to Community award winners: Alisia Jenkins and Alexa Hart

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Meet the new Mackay flash, Mikayla Webb (pictured) who continues to light up the athletics track with record-breaking sprint performances.

The 15-year-old Mercy College student smashed two long standing records when she won gold in both the 100m and 200m finals at the recent Capricornia Schools Athletics Championships staged at the Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Complex Athletics Facility.

Fleet footed Mikayla scorched her rivals in the Girls 15yrs blue ribbon 100m event – clocking an impressive 12:12 sec to eclipse the previous mark of 12:30 sec in superb style.

The sprint queen backed up that golden performance by also clinching the 200m title with a sizzling record time of 25:65 sec, bettering the previous best of 25:70 sec.

Both sprint records had stood for two decades.

But they are not the fastest times that Mikayla has produced over the 100m and 200m distance, having clocked a personal best 12:07 sec for the 100m and 24:84 sec for the 200m while competing for Mackay Athletics Club.

Fresh from her record-breaking feats, Mikayla will compete at the Queensland Schools Athletics Championships to be staged in Brisbane during October.

She will be joined by her 13-year-old kid sister Isabella – another Mercy College student - who collected a bronze medal at the Capricornia Schools Athletics Championships after finishing third in the 100m final and obtaining fourth spot in the 200m final.

Both top four achievements have secured Isabella a spot in the Relay teams for the Queensland Schools Championships – a feat she can be proud of.

The Webb sisters acknowledged the influence of their sprint coaches Tina and Luke Morse from ASSET (All Sports Speed Endurance Training) who have added speed and balance to the pair’s running technique.

“We enjoy training with Tina and Luke and have put in a lot of hard work in preparation for the athletics meets,” Mikayla explained.

“Both Isabella and I are now reaping the benefits and hopefully we can improve our PBs in the weeks to come” she added.

By Chris Karas

Mackay sprint sensations Mikayla and Isabella Webb (pictured) will represent Mercy College at the Queensland Secondary Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane next month

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All roads lead to Eric Homan Park at Cremorne on the October long weekend when Mackay Rangers Football Club hosts its annual 8-a-side soccer tournament.

With $6000 in prize money and titles up for grabs, football enthusiasts are in for a treat when the two-day Carnival kicks off on Saturday October 1.

The unique 8-a-side concept draws teams from far and wide including Sarina, Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Hall Creek, Emerald, Townsville, Innisfail, Cairns, Brisbane, Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast over the years and is an Open Men’s and Women’s competition for players aged 17 years and older.

Mercy College Mackay school teacher and Rangers stalwart Ashley Miles said the Carnival attracted 17 Men’s teams and eight Women’s sides last season which offered an $1800 winner’s purse for the triumphant Men’s side and $1000 for the victorious Women.

Runners up received $1000 (Men) and $600 (Women) with third and fourth placed teams collecting $500 (Men) and $300 (Women).

“An added highlight is the Penalty Shootout competition which is traditionally staged on the Saturday night when participating teams put forward a goalkeeper and striker to compete for $150 cash,” revealed Ashley.

Mackay Rangers boasts a proud 54-year history in the Football Queensland Whitsunday Coast Premier League Association where they have annexed numerous championship titles and produced a host of talent among the Men’s and Women’s grades.

Origins of the 8-a-side tournament can be traced back to 1983 when the Rangers staged an invitational Carnival against Moranbah to celebrate their home ground improvements.

This developed into the Taylors Hotel Invitational 1000 for the first four years of inception and was played as a senior 11-a-side team’s event.

Sponsorship was secured by Alcorns Bakery of Mackay for the next decade, then in the early 2000s the Carnival changed direction by adopting an 8-a-side format with long time sponsor RIMEX taking naming right sponsorship of the tournament.

The Carnival is traditionally run each year on the October long weekend with round fixtures and finals held over the Saturday and Sunday and is one of only a handful of senior competitive Football Gala events that are staged in Queensland.

For further details and registration enquiries contact Mackay Rangers FC 8-a-side coordinator Andrew Susani 0400 000 990.

By Chris Karas

Jubilant players celebrate after winning the Mackay Rangers FC 8-a-side Men’s title last season

Mackay Rangers FC annual 8-a-side Carnival attracts some quality Men’s and Women teams

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The Mackay Cutters Hastings Deering Colts squad wrapped up their season last weekend with a 40-20 defeat in the sudden-death final against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

The Cutters came out strong scoring first, thanks to an Alfie Schultz try, converted by Brenton Baira. The Falcons desperate for the win regrouped and scored three times quickly to jump ahead, 18-6. A Hugh Arthur try before the half closed it back up to 18-10 but a penalty pushed that back out to 20-10.

The Falcons capitilised first in the second half, followed quickly by a Cutters’ try to Jordan Hill. Brenton Baira then scored and converted his own try to close the gap to 26-20, but it was one-way traffic to the Falcons in the final 20 minutes, scoring 14 unanswered points with two converted tries and a penalty.

The Cutters management praised the Colts on an excellent season.

“The Colts squad had shown immense improvement across the season and were one of the form teams entering the finals competition, playing with a level of skill and confidence that had seen them match it with the very best sides throughout the second half of the season on their run to the finals,” the club said in a statement.

“The coaching staff of Craig Kennedy, Davey Roberts, Caitlyn Simpson, James Poelstra and Dave Hoare are also to be congratulated on their efforts this year as they have created an excellent learning environment in which our young players were able to flourish.”

Picture credit: QRL

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Mackay’s widely respected rugby league identity Michael Comerford (pictured) relishes a challenge.

The 33-year-old school teacher is ready for the next chapter in his sporting life when he takes over the reins of the Mackay Cutters as Head Coach on a two year deal starting in 2023.

Comerford will replace outgoing coach Dave Elliott, who will link up with Norths Devils at the conclusion of this year’s Hostplus Cup competition.

The experienced Elliott, who helped transform the Cutters’ rugby league program as Head Coach this season, has signed a two year contract and will return to his native Brisbane with his wife and young family to begin the fulltime role from November 1 this year.

With his vast experience and knowledge of the Mackay sporting landscape, the astute Comerford was a popular choice for the top job by club management.  

He will relinquish his position of Sports Co-ordinator at Mercy College Mackay on October 4 to take on his new full time coaching role.

An excited Comerford will work closely with all the schools and Junior League clubs in the region to stamp the Cutters’ footprint across the grades.

“My goal is to develop a big enough talent pool that will keep the Cutters at the forefront of rugby league in the region for many years to come,” he revealed.

Comerford praised the efforts of Elliott and Cutters’ Head of Football Kim Williams for their tremendous work in turning the club around in 2022.

The Cutters may have missed a finals berth in the Hostplus Cup this season, but the club remains in a strong position moving forward.

Comerford’s coaching journey through the local school system and the Cutters’ Junior Representative programs to top grade assistant coach have held him in good stead.

Respected by the current playing group, Comerford’s appointment highlights the club’s purpose to develop rugby league pathways for the Mackay community.

Officials are extremely confident in his ability to build a strong and competitive team and look forward to seeing the club flourish under his leadership.

Comerford fell just short of a fairytale premiership with his powerful St Patrick’s First XIII this season, guiding the College to Grand Final appearances in the Confraternity Shield Rugby League and Aaron Payne Cup competitions where they succumbed to Townsville titans Ignatius Park College.

The local hero enjoyed a burgeoning league career in the north Queensland region before a damaged ACL forced him into retirement at the age of 24.

Comerford began his league career with Souths Sharks in U/13s as a promising centre before bursting into A Grade in 2006.

He played a prominent role when Souths defeated Moranbah to win the 2009 Mercury Cup Grand Final after earning a call up to the Mackay Cutters top grade side the previous year.

Comerford chalked up 51 appearances during his six-season playing stint with the Cutters but missed the club’s 2013 premiership triumph after tearing his ACL in the early rounds.

A highlight for Comerford was representing Australia at the 2008 World Universities Cup in Brisbane and touring South Africa (2009) as well as France and England (2010) with the national team.

Since hanging up his boots, Michael has turned his hand to coaching.

In 2015 he was appointed Souths A Grade coach at the age of 26 – guiding the side to a preliminary final before joining the Cutters’ coaching panel in 2017.

Comerford has mentored the U/21s and Brothers A Grade last season and proved a valuable voice as Senior Assistant Coach to the departing Elliott during the Cutters’ 2022 campaign.

By Chris Karas

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The BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival returned for its 12th year over the weekend, providing a great opportunity for family fun while raising funds for local charities.

The event encourages more people to become active and involved in cycling through a variety of categories across the two exciting days at Mackay Botanic Gardens.

Saturday afternoon saw approximately 150 children participate in the Golding Kids Colour Ride where kids rode as many laps as their legs could take them while getting splattered in all colours of the rainbow every time they passed the starting line.

Food vans and live entertainment were also on offer throughout the evening, completing a day of family fun in the gardens.

Early the next morning, riders gathered at the amphitheatre to take on the 100km Corry Cycles Gran Fondo.

Shortly after, riders participating in the 60km City Fitness Epic and the 30km Queensland Country Bank | Health Fund Dash took off.

Food vans, coffee carts, live entertainment and giveaways were again on offer, bringing an electric family atmosphere to the morning.

“One of our goals was to make it more of a festival feel,” said Event Manager Nikki Giles.

“We had food vendors available and a coffee cart for when people finished to stay and soak up the environment of the Botanic Gardens and cheer each other on.

“It was Father’s Day, after all.”

A total of 859 riders participated over the weekend.

Funds were raised through rider registrations and sponsorship and, while figures are still being finalised, organisers are predicting close to $50,000 raised to be split evenly between RACQ CQ Rescue and Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association.

Charity representatives and volunteers assisted in the organisation and running of the weekend.

“We’re really grateful to see the community get behind it,” said Ms Giles.

“Everybody finished successfully, motorists were very respectful, so a thank you to the community for supporting the event.”

Over 850 riders took part in the BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival last weekend. Photos supplied

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Mackay Road Runner Paul Mackenzie had a magnificent outing over the weekend at the Cairns to Port Douglas 120km Ultra Marathon including the iconic Kuranda Railway Station and Kuranda ranges.

The point-to-point race had everything from rocky trails, grassy paddocks, water crossings, steps, roads, bridges, rainforests, national parks, state forests, ranges and sandy beaches including the infamous final stretch of Four Mile Beach.

The first 60km included a very impressive and challenging loop around the highest mountain point with 3600 metres elevation.  

Paul’s impressive time of 20 hours, 10 minutes and 21 seconds, under six minute kilometre pace, earned him a coveted race buckle for completing the event in under 24 hours.  

Paul finished 2nd in his age category and 6th overall male.

Paul said he was very fortunate to have a talented young Whitsunday runner, Jacob, with him most of the way which helped with mental focus as well as physical support to each other.

The Rainforest to Reef event is a spectacular and well-organised event with several course options between 10km to 120km.  

Paul’s 120km race started at 5am on Saturday 3rd September from Crystal Cascades, Redlynch and finished at the Port Douglas Life Saving Club at Four Mile beach at 1:11am the next morning.  

Runners need to be carrying their own mandatory equipment with them the entire race; however, medical stations were also on the course to assist runners every step of the way.  

Tackling the humid and oppressive conditions, Paul was ecstatic with his race, being the longest he’s ever run. He is now hoping for a great recovery week so that he can tackle the Great Whitsunday Walk 58km this weekend which is relatively short in comparison.  

Paul’s ultra-running agenda is filling up fast with his next goal events of two 100km races in Blackall and Katoomba later in the year.

Paul Mackenzie easily scaling the sandy undulations and trails of the local parklands in readiness for the Cairns to Port Douglas 120km Ultra Marathon

Paul Mackenzie was in superb form leading up to the Cairns to Port Douglas 120km multi terrain course. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse

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Junior squash players from all over the state were given the chance to shine at the Mackay Junior Squash Tournament at Squash 52 last weekend.

The one-day tournament welcomed competitors from Cairns, Emerald, Townsville and Brisbane to the sugar city.

Local athlete Matt Brazier took out Division 1, winning all matches undisputed, with fellow local Kayce Hoani-Vincent vying for third position in a tight points competition but ultimately falling out of the top three.

Matt and Kayce teamed up to take out first position in Doubles, with Mackay’s Charlie Jackson and Townsville’s Dusty Stratham finishing runners-up.

Division 2 saw a tight competition complete with plenty of epic five-set matches with Cairns athlete Daniel Yanez taking first followed closely by Townsville athlete Dusty Statham and Mackay’s Angus Strang finishing in a hard-earned third position.

Mackay took the top two spots in Division 3 thanks to Louis Mackay and Sophie Jackson followed closely by Cairns Squasher Chloe Baxter who took third position from Mackay’s Olivia McDermott in the finals playoff.

The Novice Division gave emerging athletes a taste of the big stage in a well-played series of round robin with Mackay’s Harry Van De Linden and Carmila Cepeda and Sophie Roussounis from Emerald all performing well.

Congratulations to the next generation of our state’s squash greats.

Division 1 winners Matt Brazier (Mackay), Deep Maitra (Brisbane) and Sarbani Maitra (Brisbane)

Doubles winners Kayce Hoani-Vincent (Mackay), Matt Brazier (Mackay), Dusty Stratham (Townsville) and Charlie Jackson (Mackay)

Division 2 winners Daniel Yanez (Cairns), Dusty Statham (Townsville) and Angus Strang (Mackay)

Division 3 winners Louis Mackay (Mackay), Sophie Jackson (Mackay) and Chloe Baxter (Cairns)

Novice competitors Harry Van De Linden (Mackay), Carmila Cepeda (Mackay) and Sophie Roussounis (Emerald). Photos supplied: Kirsty Hoani

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Go fast and turn left, it’s not NASCAR, but the thrilling sport of track cycling, where cyclists on a fixed gear bicycle with no brakes propel themselves at speed along a velodrome.

It sounds like a recipe for disaster, and when it goes wrong, it’s painful to watch. But thankfully at last weekend’s Mackay Cycling Club Track Carnival, the racing was fast and furious with no crashes.

Riders from across Queensland came to Mackay’s annual event, which attracts some of the speediest cyclists in the state. Mackay was well represented however, with local cyclists using their home advantage and knowledge of the velodrome to their advantage to place in most races.

The feature races of the evening are the wheelraces, where riders are handicapped on ability in an effort to create an ‘any rider can win’ atmosphere. These are the big money races where winners take home a cool amount of cash.

The handicapper was kind to the local C-grade Men, with three local riders taking podium positions in the men’s feature race. Taking out the big prize was Luke Schatkowski, with Greg Shaw in third and Geoff Bennett in fourth.

WHEELRACE RESULTS

Under 9, Under 11, Under 13 Combined

First: Elijah Hoban

Second: Hamish Brennan

Third: Jack Bennett

Fourth: Scott Bennett

Under 15 and Under 17 Combined

First: George Tucker

Second: Seth Piper

Third: Kirra Rayner

Fourth: Peter Shatkowski

Under 17 and Open Women

First: Petra Andersen

Second: Renay Buchanan

Third: Emylia Stjernquest

Fourth: Hannah Kerswell

Under 19 and Open Men

First: Luke Schatkowski

Second: Alex Murry

Third: Greg Shaw

Fourth: Geoff Bennett

Riders enjoyed a fast night of racing at the Mackay Cycling Club Track Cycling Carnival held last weekend in Walkerston. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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