They are valued rugby league ambassadors and exceptional role models that share a connection to one of the Mackay region’s finest sporting organisations.

Meet Mercy College and St Patrick’s College staff members Michael Comerford, Brandon Finnegan, Blake Paskins, Ethan Roberts, Patrick Hoare, Jake Riley and Chad Buckby who are fully entrenched in the Mackay Cutters Rugby League Club ranks.

All seven play a significant role in the development of rugby league at both secondary schools that will co-host this year’s annual CQUniversity Confraternity Rugby League and QISSN Netball Carnivals in Mackay from June 26 to July 1.

Finnegan is the Cutters’ half back maestro and chief playmaker and is joined in the first-grade line up by bustling centre Paskins and elusive winger Riley.

Comerford and Buckby are the respective Mercy College and St Patrick’s College Sports Co-ordinators and double up as Assistant Coaches of the Cutters’ top-grade squad.

Roberts, a utility hooker-cum-winger, and rangy prop Hoare are key members of the Cutters’ U/21 team with ties to the Brothers Leprechauns.

CONFRO convenor and Mercy College Assistant Principal Curriculum Scott McSherry said the seven staff members were assets to the school and highly regarded in the Mackay sporting community.

“As well as being top athletes and officials in their own right, they give so much back as mentors to the students by educating them on the finer points of the game,” said Mr McSherry.

Finnegan, Paskins and Riley starred in the Cutters’ 28-18 victory over the Townsville Blackhawks last Saturday in a QRL Hostplus Cup fixture at Jack Manski Oval, Townsville.

Paskins (2) and Riley scored three of the Cutters’ six tries with the skilful Finnegan booting two goals and marshalling his side to their fourth win of the season.

Comerford, a former Australian Universities representative centre, will coach a powerful St Patrick’s First XIII at this year’s CQUniversity Confraternity Shield Rugby League Carnival.

The well-drilled St Patrick’s outfit remains one of the main contenders for the 2022 title when the Carnival commences in Mackay from Sunday June 26.

With the knowledgeable Comerford at the helm, the team will pit their rugby league skills and durability against the best secondary schoolboy players throughout Queensland.

The Mercy College Sports Coordinator 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 where they were eliminated by minor premiers Sarina Crocodiles.

He joined the Cutters’ coaching panel in 2017 and has mentored the U/21s and Brothers A Grade last season before being named Mackay’s Assistant Coach for 2022.

From the golden beaches in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire to the tropical Mackay-Whitsunday region in Queensland – that has been the journey for skilful half back Finnegan.

A Cronulla junior product, Finnegan played ten seasons with De La Salle Caringbah before representing the Sharks in S.G Ball Cup (Under 18s) and the U/20s Holden Cup alongside NRL young guns Kyle Flanagan and hooker Blayke Brailey.

He later played for Mounties and Cabramatta in the NSWRL Jersey Flegg Cup and Ron Massey Cup competitions before a stint with Newtown in the NSW State Cup.

When COVID-19 forced the cancellation of lower grade competitions in 2020, Brandon spent a season with Southern Districts in NSW Shute Shield Rugby before making the move to Mackay last year.

Blake Paskins can be tagged a “late bloomer” after graduating from the Souths Sharks junior ranks.

A cousin of former Kangaroos international winger Brett Dallas, the towering centre played for Souths from the age of six where he blossomed into a capable colt by his mid-teens under the tutelage of legendary coach Doug Knight.

Paskins was only 16 when he helped the Sharks win the U/18s premiership with current South Sydney centre Isaiah Tass as a teammate.

Blake won two U/19 premierships with Brothers before linking with the Cutters and establishing himself in the top-grade last season.

Speedster Jake Riley played his junior football with the Western Lions in Townsville from the age of eight and was half back in the club’s U/15 premiership victory.

A fleet-footed utility, Riley played U/20s with the Townsville Blackhawks before joining the Cutters last season and leaving his mark as a centre, winger and fullback.

St Pat’s Open Payne Cup Campaign With Flyer

Meanwhile St Patrick’s College opened their 2022 Aaron Payne Cup campaign with a resounding 36-4 victory over Mackay State High at the Mackay Junior Rugby League Fields last week.

Powerful second rower Pat Vella capped an outstanding game with two tries and was ably supported by clever half back Jaxson Purdue, tireless lock Henry Thorpe and talented fullback Will Shears.

Mercy College Year 10s thumped Mackay State High 38-0 in the opening round of the Cowboys Challenge while Tom Gaviglio’s Year 8s outclassed Mackay State High 44-0 in a Division One final with strong games from fullback Calvin Ramos, half back Miles Kerrisk, lock Eli Cookson and centre Cooper Anderson.

By Chris Karas

Mercy College and St Patrick’s College staff members Blake Paskins, Brandon Finnegan, Jake Riley, Michael Comerford and Patrick Hoare are key personnel with the Mackay Cutters

‍The St Patrick's Open Boys squad trained with the Cowboys Challenge Year 10 squad from Mercy College at the Mercy College Open Day

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One thousand athletes, coaches, team managers, officials and administrators descended on Mackay last week for a history-making Oceania Athletics Championships after three years of hibernation due to COVID-19.

Not only did the competition include the inaugural Under-16 team challenge, in a world first for International Athletics Competitions, Para Athletes competed for Oceania Championships Medals at the same time at the same venue, and for the first time in the event’s history masters age groups were included in an invitational. Also, an Education Hub in partnership with the Oceania Athletics Coaches Association (OACA) was included for the first time.

The hub's purpose was to build the capacity and capabilities of all stakeholders so they could share their learnings when they return to their countries and local athletic clubs.

A highlight of both the Educational Hub and the competition in general was having Dame Valerie Adams, five-time Olympian and dual Gold Medallist, co-deliver the sessions and speak of her journey as an athlete.

She encouraged participants to think about who is on their "bus" and whether those people are enabling the bus to move forward. Dame Valerie also urged athletes to enjoy what they do and take responsibility for their motivation and performance on the field.

OACA event organisers and athletes also visited Mackay Regional Council’s Natural Environment Centre to pick and donate 300 plants for the Mackay community.

The hundreds of plants will remain in the care of council’s Parks and Environment team until National Tree Day on July 31, when they will be planted along the Cathy Freeman Walk as part of the Bluewater Trail.

Over five days of competition, with 19 nations in attendance, the success stories were plentiful, with multiple records broken and a plethora of heartwarming stories emerging.

Mackenzie Little maintained her edge over javelin world champion Kelsey-Lee Barber. Barber will be the defending champion at the World Athletics Championships next month and was also the bronze medallist at the Tokyo Olympics last year.

Barber said in a post on Instagram “I feel a little like a broken record after my comps this season. The throw didn’t quite come together, the timing was just a little off, I know I have more metres in me. Well, I still believe it, and I will take the next opportunity to try and show it.”

New Zealand’s Zoe Hobbs set an Oceanian 100m record in 11.09 seconds, smashing the record she set in Townsville in 2019 by nearly half a second.

One of the tales that brought a tear of joy to the eye was that of couple Maurice and Christiane Dauphinet, 96 and 91-years-old respectively and still competing in a multitude of events each. Christiane competed in the 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m while Maurice threw in the shot put, discus, hammer and javelin. Both Christiane and Maurice won four gold medals each.

There was also 72-year-old Wilma Perkins and 77-year-old David Anstiss who competed in the pole vault and 79-year-old Lorraine Birtwell who toughed it in the weight throw.

Local stars also shone, especially in the masters where a strong group of Mackay athletes put their best feet forward to run, jump and throw their way to victory.

Speedster Mikayla Webb representing Regional Australia made the final in both the 100m and 200m sprints. She came fifth in the U18 100m, qualifying fifth fastest in 12.18 seconds and then crossing fifth in the final in a time of 12.25. In the 200m she qualified fourth in 25.37m, then ran a blistering 25.04 in the final to come third.

Kayce Hoani-Vincent came fifth in the U18 pole vault, clearing 2.50m.

Dame Val: OACA event ambassadors including New Zealand’s Dame Valerie Adams chose 300 plants to be planted in July along the Cathy Freeman Walk. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

96-year-old Maurice and 91-year-old Christiane Dauphinet won four gold medals each in the masters division of the Oceania Championships. Photo credit: Oceania Athletics

Mackay masters athlete Justin Rule won gold in the steeplechase

Mackay athletes filled the podium in the W40 discus, with Amanda Wright winning gold, Cathryn Hoare taking silver and Kristie Brown claiming bronze

Fan favourite Kelsey-Lee Barber came third in the women’s javelin

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The Coral Sea Academy invites you to come on a journey as we dive beneath the waves to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

Stretching more than 2,300km and home to a multitude of marine life, the world heritage Great Barrier Reef is one of the planet’s 7 natural wonders and the Coral Sea Academy is on a mission to share the reasons why through an immersive story-telling experience for the Whitsundays community and general public to enjoy.

On Saturday 25th June, from 10am – 12.30pm, this free event, “Exploring Our Natural Wonder”, will take place at The Lookout Lounge, Coral Sea Marina.

Locals and visitors will discover more about what lies beneath the surface and receive their very own Master Class from many of the Whitsunday’s very own Master Reef Guides.

“Guests can expect to be educated, entertained and inspired by this living treasure’s most ardent ambassadors, Master Reef Guides,” explains Crystal Lacey, local Master Reef Guide and “Little Fish Tourism” Director.

“With over 5 Master Reef Guides expected at the event, you can expect to learn more of the magic below including the master builders of the sea, Mega Fauna, and some unique characters who all call the reef home”.

Guests will benefit from the passion and knowledge of these reef ambassadors, as they impart up-to-date scientific and management information about the reef and explain what people can do to make a difference themselves.

In 2019, Coral Sea Marina launched Coral Sea Academy, an initiative designed to educate people on the natural environment, sustainable boating practices and preserving the Great Barrier Reef. It has also become the perfect platform in which to encourage guests and visitors to join the mission to affect positive change.

Discover more at coralseaacademy.com

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Local weightlifters have been smashing their own personal goals as well as national ones, with a young superstar claiming top spot in the country for his age group in Olympic Weightlifting.

Whitsunday Weightlifting clubs Under 15 superstar, Tyson Williams Allen claimed the Best Overall lifter in Australia for his age in the early June National Titles in Townsville, topping his weight class to boot.

The talented fourteen-year-old has been weightlifting for just over a year and a half.

In his final year in the U15 division before he heads to the U17 Youth category, Tyson competed in the weightlifting championships two manoeuvres: the snatch and the clean and jerk.

In his snatch, Tyson achieved a 71kg personal best, following it up with a clean and jerk of 90kg – another personal best.

Whitsunday Weightlifting coach Leanne Knox said Tyson had a fire in his belly to claim the best lifter win after coming close in state titles back in April.

“He was so excited to win it with this being his last year in that division,” Ms Knox said.

“The past months had been hard training for him with all of that in mind and he really proved to himself what hard work can achieve.”

Tyson’s win is the first junior best overall.

The Whitsunday Weightlifting club are keeping the momentum going with five club members heading to the National Powerlifting Titles on the Gold Coast this weekend.

Rod Wecker, Ellen Brown, Leanne Knox, Ruby Carwardine, and Adam Warnock will be vying for wins at the Australian level competition and even world records.

Rod Wecker will compete in the 65- to 69-year-olds category – a division he already holds the national record in – and one in which he hopes to claim a world record. He sits five kilos shy in both the deadlift and squat records.

Ellen Brown – 70-74-year-old division- needs to deadlift 103-kilograms for her world record. Her personal best is 97.5

20-year-old Ruby Carwardine is in the junior women’s and open women’s sections, where she currently holds the national deadlift record at 185kg. She aims to achieve the 200kg junior women’s world record, where her PB is 190.

Leanne has the potential to break the world record in her 45-49 Master’s Women’s Masters Division.

The squat record is currently 135 kilograms, while her personal best is 160.

The powerlifters are hoping to travel to the World Championships on the Gold Coast in October, if results go their way this weekend.

Weightlifting Best Overall lifter Tyson Williams Allen and Whitsunday Weightlifting coach Leanne Knox

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Twilight Race: Another lovely afternoon on the water saw 17 boats and over 100 crew sailing on Pioneer Bay in last week’s Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race.

It was great to see two new boats in the fleet, Matchless (Terry Stevens) and Fordplay (Grant Ford).

First away was the faster boats in Division 2, with Reignition (Charles Wallis) leading the fleet away.  However, Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) led by the time they reached the first mark and never looked back, finishing almost 2 minutes ahead of the rest.  

In the battle behind, Reignition briefly held off QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) with a slow starting Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez / Iyas Shaheen) joining the battle.  Houdini (Robert Meizer) finished just seconds ahead of Wide Load (Shannan Hart) at the end.  On corrected time, Twister (Kevin Fogarty) took the honours.

Division 3 saw Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) lead the fleet away before being overtaken by Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli), Matchless and Shiraz (John Cable).  On the longer legs Aquatarius also got into the action, the light winds not helping the larger yacht.  Ultimately Wobbly Boot and Matchless broke ahead of the fleet, with just 11 seconds separating them at the finish. On corrected time, Wobbly Boot took the honours.

Races start from 4:30pm each Wednesday afternoon, so those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 3:00pm.

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

Houdini with crew on Trapeze

Wobbly Boot just holding off Matchless

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The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club hosted its annual Awards Night on Saturday night with over 120 people present.

Jy Parkinson had an outstanding season and took out many of the top awards including The Sportsperson Award, Swim of the Year Award, and The 55 and 60 Club Awards for 100-metre Freestyle.

Coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden thanked the Committee and parents for all their support throughout the season.  

The coaches were astounded by the number of swimmers who achieved trophies this season.  

Level 1 Trophies: Tiana Bell, Matilda Dennison, Ella Harland, Lilli Bond, Anisa Helou, Lochlan Jamieson, Daniel Saunders, Taj Murray, Ehsan Helou and Jai Dennison.  

Level 2 Trophies: Tora Delac, Scarlett Gascoyne, Remy Hedges, Holly Perrin, Sophie Fletcher, Don Algie, Jax Clayworth, Jacob Dewis, Oli Bond, Thomas Ganter, Austin Edwards-Bland, Charlie Doherty and Nelson Malady.  

Level 3 Trophies: Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson.  

Top Senior and Junior Trainers: Nelson Malady, Tora Delac, Jy Parkinson and Holly Perrin.  

The Mudie Family 70’s Club Awards (for swimming 100-metre under 70s):  Anisa Helou, Lochlan Jamieson, Remy Hedges, Oli Bond, Mitchell Milostic, and Jacob Bell.  

The Club Medal was awarded to:  Eloise Chegwidden, Ruby Harland, Matilda Nicholes, Declan Dichiera, Rohan Gascoyne, Isabelle Pisaniello, Isaac Pisaniello, Nathan Saunders, Indi Smith, Abi Maher, Liam Filewood, Jack Ganter, and Lukas Trevaskis.  

SNQ President, Theresa Manning presented Don Algie with a SNQ Record for his 25m Butterfly as 8-year-old in a time of 18.74sec.

Congratulations to all the swimmers and a big thank you to all the parents and volunteers.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Another full week started with the Ladies’ Divisions 1 and 4 travelling to North Mackay.

Only winners on the day were Div 4 team ably led by Elaine Kippen, with Robin Brown, Maureen Barnard, and Bev Taylor playing fantastic bowls winning on the last end by one.

It was a different result on Wednesday in Marian with Division 1 winning in three rinks for maximum points.

Men’s team playing Division 1 for the first year ended their season by finishing second.

Wednesday afternoon social bowls saw John Askew’s team winning easily with Paul Tobias and Russell Jackson.

Bright Victoria, Michael and Janet Jacometti from Mornington Peninsula, Phil Hancox from

Woonona NSW , Mick Foord from Bendigo Bowls Club all had a wonderful afternoon.

Saturday and Sunday saw seven rounds of the club’s June carnival with 16 teams playing from all parts of Queensland.

Victorious on the day was Rodney Howard’s undefeated team with John Brown playing out of his skin, the ever-reliable Russell Jackson, and Andrew Butler.

The annual carnival could not have gone ahead without Jill Spencer, John Askew, Linda Leycham, and Carol Crosbie.

Thanks to chefs Lyn Graham, Bev Taylor, Ladda Purdie, and Carol Crosbie for the delicious, home cooked meals.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Winners Rodney Howard, John Brown, Russell Jackson, and Andrew Butler being presented their prize money by Airlie Beach Bowls Chairman Ash Warland

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Self-Selected Triples on Mondays are now well underway, with winners from Monday, June 6 R Hayton, Keith Armstrong, and Bob Dykstra, who defeated K Wallace, Sandra Snow, and Chris Frew.

Runners Up John Hayson and Allan Rolfe defeated Isobel Wheeler and Mark Drummond/

Others Pam Breakwell, Jack Stamp, and J Breakwell defeated Eileen Dunn, Peter Nesbitt, and G Coleman. Robyn Stitt, Marg Wilson, and Fely Duncan defeated Denis Donovan, Louise S/Collins, and Keith S/Collins.

Sugar Greg Colquhoun and Kennedy Whitton defeated T Mackall, Huie Nation, and Ian Best. Marcia Arthur, Kevin Daniels, and Geoff were other big winners, as well as R Gould, Gavin, and G Monroe.

Tuesday 7 June: Winners for the afternoon Denis Baxter Simon Fitzgerald Denis Madeley defeated Deb Beel Leon Fox Graham Brownell, G Detrey Marie Nesbit Bob Dykstra defeated Deb Retchless Heidi Reif Al Defrey, Robyn Stitt Mark Drummond Marg Wilson John Hayson Anne Penny Warren.

Fun Friday afternoons have begun, now running each week from 1pm, with first winner’s Robyn Stitt, Marie Nesbitt, and Mark Drummond.

Sunday: winners for the afternoon were Bill Parker, Ken Coad, Heidi Reif, and Ron Hyde.

Runners Up were Bill Myers, Carol Bellingham, Peter Nesbitt, and Al Defrey, with other winners Bob Russo, Vic Parmer, and Barry Beel.

June Walsh and Sugar Greg Colquhoun defeated J Defrey, Chris Robinson, and Kennedy Whitton, with Eileen Dunn, John Hayson, and Donna Leeson winners on the day, too.

Laurie Land, Mureen Hyde, and Graeme Read defeated John Breakwell, Peter Howie, and Steve Farrell to round out the week.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Ron Hyde, Heidi Reif, and Ken Coad

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Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford event, with ladies’ winner Maree Uren 39 points, runner up Jane Seaborne 36 points.  

Men’s winner on a countback was Jumbo Miller 39 points, runner up Brett Richards 39 points.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Rekenen Accountants, where Ladies’ winner Julie Martin finished with 36 points, followed closely by second place on a countback Penny Stewart 33 points, and third place Ruth Dunn 33.  

Pin shots to Claire Garrod, Joy Hose, Paulette Barrett.  

Lisa Raisbeck also had an IBP and won the Car wash voucher with her pin shot.

Men’s winner with a great score of 40 points was Graham Seaborne, followed on a countback by Alan Detrey 37, and Rodney Wells 37.

Pin shots to Rod Wells, Ross Peterson, Michael Heinrich, Marcus Yasso.  

This weekend’s event is a single stableford event sponsored by P&O Meehan Menswear for the men and Commonwealth Bank for the ladies.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

L-R ladies’ winner Julie Martin, Rekenen’s Julie Mawson, and Men’s winner Graham Seaborne

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Last Tuesday, fourteen Proserpine’s Veteran golfers took their first trip away for the year to Home Hill.

The players had a very early start to meet the bus before the trip north where the condition of the course was in doubt.

Unfortunate overnight rain left the fourteen players nervous for the course quality, but the travelling band were lucky enough to have a clear day.

The course proved tricky for some, though, but Nick Apruzzese managed a great score of 38, with Vic Feldman 31 and Barry Mortimer 30 on a countback from Ken Granger 30.

Leanne Alexander continued her consistent performance with 35, Elsbeth Scotford 34 with Mandy Patterson 31.  

Our only pin shot went to Elspeth on 4 and 13.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Men’s winner on the day Nick Apruzzese

Ladies’ winner on the day Leanne Alexander

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Whitsunday Green’s weekly stableford was won by Jacob Nightingale on 24 points, followed by Ron Thynne on 21, and Glenn Scott on 20 points.

Fridays 9-hole was won by Mark Winter on 22 followed by Brad Low and Glenn Scott with 19 points however Brad won the countback.

Sunday was a huge, yet fun day of golf on the greens as 30 teams took part in the Lions group fundraiser (check out our page 18).

The winning team on the day was FLICK, a team made up of Justyn Durbin, James Millar, Scott Hayes Williams, and Scott Morrissey. James Millar even managed his first hole in one.

Second place was a team from Emerald known as the Broncos and third the Tassal Prawn Heads.

Gross off the stick winning team was the Pro Shop Bar made up of Andrew Farrow, Scott Smith, Ryan Wilkes, and Brooks.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

James with his medal for the only hole in one at the Lions group fundraiser hosted by Whitsunday Green

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Another great weekend for Whitsunday United with all Premier sides undefeated.

The U14 Premier side notched up another win, beating City Brothers 5-2 in what was an even game in the first half, although once the Whitsunday team got momentum, it was all over. Star of the game was Raf Gomez who scored two goals and was solid in defence. Jacob Logan scored two and Finlay Farrell added the extra.

U16 Prems faced City Brothers as well – they only team to have beaten them this year. The team contained an early onslaught from City with the game becoming an arm wrestle through the first half. Tyler Jankowski created some magic with a stunning free kick from long range finding the back of the net. Whitsunday kept the 1-0 lead until City equalised with 15 minutes to go.

They poured on the pressure but Mitchell Milostic was outstanding in goal making some miracle saves to keep his side in the game. Tate Butler was unstoppable and Rale Mudford had a cracker in defence.

The women had a mixed bag with Div1 going down to a very Strong Dolphins side. The local girls just couldn’t get any momentum. Conversely, the Premier girls had a great game looking unbeatable from the start. Sari Goodall was on fire, blowing the Country United side apart with her speed and power up front and scoring all four goals. Coach Peter Farrell was happy. "The build and support play from every single player was terrific" he said.

Men's Div1 scramble a team together at the last minute and took on Dolphins. Although going down 5-1, the score was not indicative of how close the two sides were. Shane Savy score the goal with a great header.

The Reserve Men put on a great show in front of the home crowd, surprising the Wanderers side that beat them last week.

The local lads played with speed and aggression and looked comfortable in front, although the visitors stayed in touch keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. Jake Flaherty, Ben Seago (penalty), and James Vodicka all contributed to the 3-2 score line.

The Premier Men put on a goal scoring exhibition in front of a big home crowd. The boys played dazzling football and despite Wanderers making them work hard, the goals flowed freely.

Harry Hodgen was a stand-out with his pace, aggression and accuracy earning him another 3 goals. Jimmy McEvoy-Bowe, Jose Puentes and Ben Farrell added the extras. A highly entertaining game for the home side supporters, with more and more junior players coming to support the seniors

We have another massive home round next weekend at the Whitsunday Sports Park with the action starting from 11:30 with U14 Div 1 and on into the evening.

High Speed tussle between Kurt Ashley and a Wanderers player

Ben Seago slots away a penalty in the reserves

Images: Penny Grossi

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles enjoyed footy back in paradise on Saturday with all five teams at home in Airlie Beach against Bakers Creek Tigers.

Coming off a bye, the Sea Eagles Senior Men were a little flat and struggled to match the Tigers’ intensity for the first quarter, being outscored three to zip.

Sea Eagles started the second on a mission to match the travelling side, and successfully managed three goals whilst holding Bakers Creek to a single point.

The home side kicked up a gear in the second half, shutting Bakers Creek down completely whilst working well with the ball and putting a further five goals on the board to come away 67–21 winners.

Sea Eagles Senior Women had a tough day against the ladder leaders who simply outplayed them. Sea Eagles managed to show improvement from last time they met, though, eventually seeing a 1–101 loss.

Sea Eagles Under 17s once again won comfortably. Keeping Bakers Creek scoreless in the first quarter whilst piling on six goals.

The U17s proceeded to shower the sticks throughout, with goals and points in even numbers ending with an 80–20 win.

After a fairly slow start the Sea Eagles Under 14s came out in the second half with purpose to win convincingly against Bakers Creek, 50–15.

Sea Eagles Under 12s soared at the nest this weekend, coming away more than comfortable winners against a scoreless Bakers Creek Tigers team 60–0.

Support Sea Eagles Under 14, Under 17 and Senior sides playing North Mackay Saints in Mackay this Saturday June 18, with Juniors from 10:15am and Seniors from 1:15pm at Zeolla Park.

U17s cruised to victory against Bakers Creek at the Whitsunday Sportspark last weekend

The home side managed an impressive 80-20 win

They made up one of three wins against Bakers Creek on the early-June fixtures

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FRIDAY, JUNE 17

Rugby Union: Raiders Senior Men v Bowen Mudcrabs

Whitsunday Sportspark

7.00pm Introduction of the perpetual Eclipse Cup

Golf: BC Constructions 3 Ball Ambrose

Proserpine Golf Course

From 10.00am

Basketball: Friday Night Under Lights Whitsunday Basketball

Cannonvale State School

From 4.30pm

SATURDAY, JUNE 18

Football: Whitsunday United Football Club v Mackay Magpies

Whitsunday Sportspark.

U14 11.30am; U16, Division 1 Men at 3pm; Reserve Grade Men at 5pm; Premier Women 6pm; and Premier Men 7pm.

Golf: Ladies’ North QLD Golf Championship

Proserpine Golf Course

From 8.30am

Bowls: Proserpine Bowls B Singles Semi-Finals and Final Club Championship Singles

Proserpine Bowls

From 10.00am at 1.00pm.

Airlie Beach Parkrun

Coral Sea Marina

7.00am

SUNDAY, JUNE 19

Rugby League: Whitsunday Brahmans v Mackay Brothers

Les Stag Oval, Proserpine

U20’s at 11.30am; Reserve Grade at 1pm; and A Grade at 3pm.

Golf: Ladies’ North QLD Golf Championship

Proserpine Golf Course

From 8.30am

MONDAY, JUNE 20

Touch Football: Whitsunday Touch Grand Final

Whitsunday Sportspark

From 6pm

TUESDAY, JUNE 21

Whitsunday Netball Juniors

WEDESDAY, JUNE 22

Whitsunday Netball Seniors

Twilight Sailing

Whitsunday Sailing Club

4.30pm

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It has been an interesting last three weeks for the Mama Africa Raiders since their win in Bowen, starting with the Whitsunday side travelling to Cathy Freeman oval on May 28.

Raiders fought it out in a tough draw with Slade Point - 24 all - with the game brought back from the brink of defeat by the mentally tough group of Raiders, including debutant to both the side and the sport of Rugby union, Riccie Arriola.

Best on field for that day was Andre Houston, Kainoa Close-Houston, and Rhys Ward.

The first June fixture on June 4 was due to be a home game against Mackay City Redmen but was forfeited at the last minute due to Cities being unable to field a team.

It was a letdown for Raiders who had been pumped up to play their archrivals for the first time in the season but gave an opportunity to rest a few niggly injuries.

June 11 saw Raiders Mackay, this time to play Brothers.

The game had been moved to Quarry Hill and the player bus decided it needed to have a rest on Friday night, which meant a mad rush to organise car pooling to travel.

It didn’t affect the result however, with Raiders winning 51-3.

The whole team played as one, with strong defence across the field and great tackling, all spurned on by the sides determined work on and off the ball for some timely turnovers.

The pressure was always on the Brothers attack to force errors, and The Raiders set pieces improved as the game progressed with the scrum again being a solid platform to work off.

Attack was scintillating with the eight tries for the day a sign of that, even though the wingers scored most of them, Ethan Hoffmann (1), Rhys Ward (2) and Jack Briskey (4).

The majority of these were finishing touches on hard-fought line breaks by forwards, as well as the centres.

Niall Clancy put away four conversions and a penalty goal in a stiff breeze that was blowing the length of the field all game.

Best on field was a tough choice -Jack Briskey with 4 tries, Kumya Gabey and Nate Williams making line breaks with every carry, Hone Casey-Bloomer putting in some big hits, fantastic aerial manoeuvres as well as big carries and work rate across the field.

Grant Restieaux had a fantastic first game of the year, and the bench players certainly made their presence none.

Hone Casey-Bloomer came away with the three points in the end, Nate Williams two points, and Kumya Gabey one point.

Big tackles were the order of the day when Raiders met Brothers at Quarry Hill

The home side were water-tight in their 51-3 win after time away from the field

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