Social bowls on Wednesday was enjoyed by 12 players at Proserpine Bowls Club, with this time of the year always host to interstate visitors escaping the chills of winter.

Carol Smith, Mike Harrison and Bob Preston defeated Mary Hedgelong, Philip Brown and Garry Alexander 21-19; Tom Jessop, Nev Smith and Peter Lawton defeated Arthur Griffith, Lino Micallef and Jim Quod 33-12.

Sunday was host to some close games, with Mike Harrison and Garry Alexander defeating Philip Brown and Lino Micallef 21-16; John Lahney, and Kendall Watts and Bob Preston defeating Warren Wilson, Ken Watts and Barry Zillmann 20-19.

Tom Jessop, Arthur Griffith and Peter Lawton defeated John Anderson, Jim Quod and Heather Brown 21-20, as well.

The club extended best wishes to its Fours Team who will be playing in the Champion of Champion Fours at Souths Suburban next weekend.  

The team of Warren Wilson, Martin Corr, Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley will represent in the event.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Another wonderful week, even though it was unusually cold, the bowls at Airlie Beach Bowls Club certainly made it hot.

Starting on Tuesday afternoon’s match of the day: Darryl Boldock, Robin Brown at lead, and Henny Tattam overwhelmed Rhonda Lloyd, Ron Smith, and John Brown.

Wednesday hosted 32 bowlers competing for the prize, with Tony Whitehorn and Cheryl Warner runaway winners on the day.

Saturday morning saw the second round of Scroungers commence, with first round winners Tony Kelly, Mark Mawson, Peter Barratt, and Warren Mills.

The final was played between Warren Mills and Mark Mawson, with Mills winning on the last bowl by one point.

Saturday afternoon became the scene of an Australian origin game, with South Australia versing Queensland with a state versus State and mate versus mate attitude, with two teams of eight players per team changing after 10 ends.

Skipper Al Detry from Goolwa, South Australia ensured his team would take home the chocolates, comfortably winning both games.

Special mention to South Australian rep Jodie Pinder, Bob Ward and Graham Cowling.

Sunday afternoon the club welcomed 29 players vying for the winner’s prize, with Rod Howard steering his team to a comprehensive win with lead Maureen Barnard and Tony Kelly overcoming all other teams.

Two schools have their players finalised with only Proserpine High school to choose their team, the program has been an enormous success.

Good bowling to all with everyone welcome to participate in Business House Bowls commencing 20th July.

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Goolwa and Airlie Beach teams: Bob Spees, Tony Whitehorn, Betty Whitehorn, Jeannie Detry, Russell Jackson, Peter Hallion, Jodie Pinder, Bob Ward, Helen Ward, Graham Cowling, Frank Gifford, Nik Fernbach, Ladda Purdie, Di Jackson, Mark Mawson and Al Detry

Another epic day at Mika on Sunday with the clubs inaugural Players Club Captain.

With round one still offering up some valuable Premier League points, advancing players from round one were given an opportunity to contest for The Players Club Captain trophy at the end of the days play to become the clubs first captain.

Round one began with a 7/1 victory for Jamie Maher over Nathan O’Hara, Jamie Woods had the same 7/1 scoreline over Seumas Rose, so too did Aaron Paull over Jayden Lloyd.

Ross Gallichan and Alan Green played out a 6/6 draw with both players earning a Premier League point apiece, but Ross won the sudden death leg to advance to the quarter finals.

Kameron Reason defeated Gary Robbie 7/4 and Andy Peel was victorious over Lorraine Woods 7/2.

Seumas Rose made up the last 8 as the best looser after round 1 to advance to the quarter finals.

Quarter finals saw wins for Jamie Maher 4/2 over Joe Wilson who had a bye in round 1, Jamie Woods 4/0 over Ross Gallichan, Kameron Reason 4/2 over Andy Peel and Seumas Rose 4/2 over Aaron Paull.

Semi-finals saw Jamie Woods just shade Jamie Maher 4/3 in another tense battle between the pair, and Seumas Rose won 4/2 over Kameron Reason.

To finish off the day’s play, Jamie Woods won the final 4/1 over Seumas Rose.

Jamie is now the current holder of all six of the club house titles, and becomes the clubs first ever Club Captain. Hats off to the man, it’s very well deserved.

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

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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JamieWoods with more silverware for the trophy cabinet

The mama Africa Raiders had their first home game with round three last Saturday, after a last-minute change of kick off time brought it forward to 12.30pm.

The last time the two teams met it was a very close, hard fought draw at Slade Point’s home ground, and this game lived up to expectation.

The Mama Africa Raiders didn’t start the game well and were a little bit out of sorts, not completing their phases and ball security was giving Slade point a bit more possession than they should have had.

Strong defence was the leveller during the first 40 minutes and the score was a close 10–8 to the Raiders.

Coach Andre Houston gave a rousing half time speech to the players and reminded them of our game plan.

The speech, as well as a Slade point try in the first three minutes of the second half, seemed to get the Raiders minds back on the job at hand as five minutes later the homes side’s replacement prop, Jessie Reichelt, went over for a 5 pointer converted by Niall Clancy.

That brought the score to 17-15 and the next 10 minutes of play saw the Mama Africa Raiders put on another two tries and a conversion to lead 29-15.

Slade Point were not going to give up the fight, but ultimately the Raiders managed to put on another converted try to finish the game 36-15 victors.

Following the A grade game at 2.30pm was a senior women’s 7-a-side game between the Raiders and Slade Point - a huge milestone in the growth of Regional Rugby for the area.

There has not been a senior women’s rugby team since 1998.

It was great to see Mother and Daughter combinations of Jasmin, Shakaya, and Deakoda Costello as well as Jade Krystle and Bella Cain as the Raiders women ran out winners 26-0

The next home game for the Mama Africa Raiders and Senior women’s is Saturday 30th July, starting at 2.30pm.

Player of the Day for the Men were, Connor Spence 1pt, Kainoa Close-houston 2pts and Ethan Hoffmann 3pts.

For the women, Madison Spruce 1pt, Caitlyn Daly 2pts and Deakoda Costello 3pts.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

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The Costello family linked up in the region’s first official women’s 7-a-side matches since 1998

In a mighty top of the table clash, the U14 Div1 side suffered their first loss of the season against Lions Green – a team full of representative players.

The Whitsunday side held their own from the opening whistle and showed that they could match it with the best.

Coach Brett O'Keefe was disappointed with a few decisions by the ref but was proud of the way the team worked together. Kai Draper was Man of the Match with a tireless effort in midfield, driving forward and creating many opportunities.

The U16 Prems' were back in the winner's circle with a scrappy, hard fought win against Country FC. Goals to Jazz Knezevic and Zane Hill saw them go in at half time 2-1 – enough to secure them the victory.

The Women had two tough opponents in Wanderers and Country. The Div1 side faced the top of the table Wanderers side who were at full strength and determined to reverse the 4-1 defeat inflicted by Whitsunday the week before. Wanderers came out firing and scored 4 goals in the first half, despite Robyn Dean’s outstanding performance in goals.

The Premier women had a nail-biting tussle with Country FC, leading 2-0 before Country came back leaving the score in the dying minutes 3-3. Sari Goodall scored her second goal to secure the win for the side. The win almost guarantees the side a place in the finals.

The Senior men continued their good form against Wanderers with the Reserves fighting out a draw 2-2 against their third placed opponents. Laith Beattie and James Vodicka scored the goals and the result puts the side in contention for the finals series.

The Premier Men's said ran riot against the home side running in 7 goals to 3. Harry Hodgen scored yet another hat trick in a sensational return season. Ben Smith adding two goals, with Scott Ferries and Jimmy McEvoy-Bowe adding the extras. The win ensures the side will be playing for the championship come September.

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Whitsunday Brahmans travelled away to face off against three Mackay Brothers sides last Saturday in their round twelve fixtures.

The Under 20s kicked off first in the match ups, in a game that Coach Trevor Nosworthy said was a “disappointing result overall.”

“A much improved first half defensive effort into the wind kept the scores level at half time,” Nosworthy said.

“Against a 12-man Brothers outfit and with breeze at their backs, the boys attacking option were at times poor in the second half.

“The team now has two byes to finish the season. The side has every opportunity to play deep into the finals. With a strong training presence over the coming weeks and effort to individual pregame preparations it will happen.”

The U20s game finished 16-14 – the closest match of the day.

Reserve Grade were up next and suffered a battering at the hands of a strong Brothers side.

Coach Matt Court said it was a familiar feeling for his undermanned reserve grade team.

Court is echoing the same comments weekly: “the same as usual we can’t compete for the full 80mins,” he said.

“We can match it with any team skill wise in the comp but we always end up self-destructing and going away from doing the simple one percenters.

“When we play good footy, we put points on easy, but then that change in our game which happens every week we start going downhill doing silly decisions and giving away silly penalties and losing our discipline.

“We dig a deep hole for ourselves and by then we can’t get ourselves out and it’s too late - we have lost the game.”

The Reserve Grade finished 66-4.

The A Grade side were the only smiling faces come the end of the Mackay trip.

Coach Ricky Bourke said they built from last game with “grit and determination in defence which set a great platform against the fourth placed Brothers.”

“The ‘next man up’ theme has started to really kick in with eight new players from last week, including four players backing up from 20s,” he said.

“We are also starting to find some real combinations after a mid-year switch of positions and are really set for a late season run with a number of main stay players still to return from injury.”

Man of the Match went to Adam Crear, chalking up his second try of the afternoon – a spectacular effort.

The travelling side won 10-16.

Brahmans are at home for the final match of the season. Both Reserve and A grade will play this weekend against Carltons, starting 4.30pm with Ressies and 6.30pm A grade.

The side will host its Inaugural Bullshit Bingo at the event, with $100 dollar entry per bingo square and whichever square a cow poos on wins the $5 thousand in cash.

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The Bowen Seagulls Rugby League Club will host its second ever Ladies’ Day event this weekend, inviting over 200 women to enjoy a day of champagne and rugby.

The Bowen Seagulls Women in League night was first held in 2019, the year before covid hit, and is finally returning.

A long-standing tradition for most football clubs, Ladies’ Days offer a “wonderful chance to celebrate the wives, partners, mothers, sisters, and friends of the club.”

Seagulls Ladies’ Day Committee Member, Tara Stocker, said it was also an opportunity for Bowen as a location to host more community events.

“We are so excited to be able to get an opportunity to give back to community who support this club – and what a great excuse to get dressed up and dance the night away!

The event will also fundraise for the club whilst watching the Super Saturday of Juniors and Seniors matches.

“Ladies will be sideline sipping on bubbles and indulging in canapes, there’ll be Kick for cash events, and auction and raffles at half time,” Ms Stocker said.

“And best of all there’s going to be live entertainment by Divine Appointment until late.”

Auction items include a 2022 signed Broncos jersey donated kindly by local superstar Corey Jensen, a Yeti pack valued at $500 dollars donated by HLM, and a Big 4 Airlie Beach overnight stay.

Ms Stocker said it was important to remember that the funds go towards the club, especially considering it has been 27 years since Bowen had a senior league team until now.

“It’s a perfect, fun chance to get behind the boys and club in this very important year - we want all the support we can get so we can continue to have a side for years to come,” she said.

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The Tassal Group Airlie Beach Marathon Festival drew several members of the Mackay Road Runners to beautiful Airlie Beach last weekend with some very successful results.

Champion veteran 5km runner Ricky Parker continued his winning ways following the BMA Mackay Marina Run last month, taking out his age category in the 5km Airlie Beach Fun Run.

Paul Mackenzie claimed bronze in a very quick time of 3 hours 15 minutes whilst Tahnie Malagueno scored herself a bronze medal in the half marathon in 1 hour 40 minutes.  

Also putting in the training kilometres, Brenda Windsor and Mick Vivian ran exceptionally well in the marathon event.

Alana Knesevic clocked 46 minutes 40 seconds to take second in the Cruise Whitsundays 10km Fun Run with Ollie Gorrion and Susan Petersen also successfully crossing the finish line in commendable times.

Excellent performances also came from half marathon runners Megan Moa, Teresa Hackney, Martin Lambert, Emily Dalglish, Jose Short, Lisa Burns, Shelley Binney, Vicki Ford, Carol Dawes, Julie Whibley, Tim Magoffin, June Bradley and Bernadine McKinnon.

Meanwhile, back home, many local runners donned their new Mackay Road Runners Club caps for the Bluewater Quay 5km & 10km.

The conditions were cool but tough with Carolyn Mapes, Gary Thomas, Carmel Mahon, Carol Brown and Andrew Wallace all running exceptional times.

Road Runners will take part in the Beach To Gardens Charity Fun Run this weekend.

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Local basketball star Monique Bobongie shone as she took to the court representing Australia at the FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup in Europe.

The team faced an early disappointment, going down to Slovenia in overtime. The tense game was locked at 74-74 when Slovenia received a foul with only 10 seconds left. Their shooter couldn’t land the two attempts from the free-throw line, forcing the game into extra time. Slovenia capitalized on their error by clinching the game 87-81.

The 15-year-old was a stand-out performer at the tournament, helping her team overcome Belgium 63-46 to advance to the quarter finals.

The U17 Sapphires claimed fifth with a dazzling display against the host nation, Hungary, winning convincingly 72-52 in their final game.

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Monique Bobongie played for the U17 Sapphires at the FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup in Hungary last week. Photo credit: FIBA

Monday winners were Pat Elgey and Tony Willesy. Losers draw winners, Narelle Schmidtke and Laura Howland. Lucky draws, Barry Lee and Rob Milburn.

Wednesday ladies’ winners were Marie Bragg and Margaret Goldston, followed by Brenda Trannore, Doris Dodds and Jean Schmidtke.

Thursday mixed pairs was taken out by Col Carey and Shane Trannore. Runners up were Paul Goldston and Jan Little. Greens vouchers went to John Fanning and Brian Perrin.

Friday mixed pairs best card winners were Mick Mackenzie and Col Carey, who won $75 each. The winners draw went to Tony Allsop and Val De Pinto with $50 each. Loser’s draw went to Helen and Paul Goldston who took home $25 each.

Saturday men’s day winners were Asko Helenius and Paul Delaney followed by David Ross, Wayne and Vern Mietzel.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

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Errol Simmons is a regular Monday bowler

David Ross (foreground) had a win on Saturday

The Cutters hosted the Ipswich Jets at BB Print Stadium on Saturday night in a battle that pitted 10th on the Hosplus Cup ladder against 13th.

Both teams felt their way through the start of the first half with the Cutters the first to strike with Brendan Finnegan setting up Jake Riley in the 14th minute.

It was Finnegan’s handiwork that got the Cutters across the line again, pushing himself over off the back of a centre-field scrum giving the home side a 12-0 lead in the 20th minute.

The Jets hit back a few minutes later with Denzel Burns diving on a Gerome Burns grubber.

With the Cutters leading 12-6 at halftime, the Jets started their second half in the best way possible thanks to Ricco Falaniko crossing in the 41st minute.

The Jets went on to score three more tries in the second half to the Cutters’ one, with Denzel Burns and Ricco Falaniko both finishing the game with doubles and Ngangarra Barker scoring the match winner in the 64th minute.

Ewan Coutts crossed for the home side in the 53rd minute and Brandon Finnegan slotted 3/3 conversions but it wasn’t enough, the Cutters going down 18-24 in a tight contest.

Sarina will host its second-ever Queensland Cup game when the Cutters take on the Wynnum Manly Seagulls at Ray Edwards Oval on Saturday.

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The Cutters went down in a closely fought contest at BB Print Stadium last weekend. Photos supplied: Mackay Cutters

A chance meeting with rugby league Test great Steve Rogers nearly three decades ago proved a pivotal moment in the sporting career of Mercy College Mackay staff member Matthew Paul.

A proud Paul – who was named Honorary Coach of the 2022 Confraternity Rugby League Merit Team after 20 years of sterling service as a player and official to secondary schools competition – has vivid memories of his first encounter with the late champion Kangaroos and Cronulla Sharks superstar centre.

The iconic Rogers was manager of the fledgling Western Reds franchise in the Australian Rugby League competition and along with experienced official Peter Parr travelled to Mackay to attend the 1996 Confraternity Shield Rugby League Carnival.

Paul, an industrious forward with a high work rate and natural ball skills, was part of a strong St Patrick’s College Mackay team that finished third at the prestigious Queensland secondary schools tournament.

Rogers was most impressed with the strapping young forward’s ability throughout the series and offered him a Reds contract on the spot.

“I agreed to terms with the newly-formed Perth club but had to pinch myself to believe it was true,” confessed Matthew, who went on to play U/19s with the Reds when the 1997 Super League competition was formed.

“When I arrived home my dad asked how we went and I told him that a couple of Reds officials were very keen to sign me,” he recalled.

“Dad asked who I had spoken to and when I told him it was Steve Rogers the manager of the Western Reds he nearly fainted.”

Two of Matthew’s St Patrick’s College teammates that year were boom centre Shannon Hegarty, who would go on and make 173 top grade appearances with the Sydney Roosters, South Sydney and North Queensland clubs as well as four Test matches for the Kangaroos and three Origin fixtures for Queensland and future Brisbane Broncos hooker Michael Roberts.

“We lost only one match during that Confraternity Carnival to St Mary’s Toowoomba in an absorbing semifinal which could have gone either way,” recalled Matthew.

St Mary’s fielded a shooting star in Australian Schoolboys centre Chris Walker, who was later named Player of the Carnival.

Walker – who chalked up 163 first grade matches and six Origin games for Queensland during an illustrious NRL career – was named along with Paul and Hegarty in a Confraternity representative team for a tour of Papua New-Guinea.

“That tour never eventuated but we did play matches against the Brisbane Broncos Development squad,” reflected Matthew.

When Super League disbanded after the 1997 season, back rower Paul was snapped up by the Melbourne Storm for the 1998-99 NRL campaigns.

He was a mainstay for feeder club Norths Devils and figured in Colts and Queensland Cup premiership triumphs as well as the North Queensland Marlins before a spate of chronic injuries cut short his career at the age of 21.

A shattered Paul then turned his hand to coaching with the Souths Sharks in the Mackay & District Rugby League competition – winning three Under 17 and Under 19 premierships before taking on roles with the Mackay Cutters Under 16s and St Patrick’s College as a coach, manager, trainer and administrator.

With more than two decades of distinguished service to Queensland rugby league under his belt, pundits can appreciate the Mercy College teacher that once captured the attention of the legendary Steve Rogers.

By Chris Karas

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Matthew Paul was named Honorary Coach of the 2022 Confraternity Rugby League Merit Team. Photo supplied

Mackay will host the opening rounds of the Weber Women’s Big Bash League for the first time with last week’s announcement of the WBBL fixture list for the 2022-23 season.

Great Barrier Reef Arena at Harrup Park will host six matches from Thursday 13 October, with the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers meeting that night in the opening game of the season.

The Heat will play three games in Mackay, against the Sixers and the Melbourne Stars and Renegades, between opening night and Tuesday 18 October.

The other WBBL team to feature in Mackay will be the Adelaide Strikers.

Queensland Cricket and Brisbane Heat CEO Terry Svenson said the club was delighted that Mackay had been chosen to showcase the opening rounds of the tournament.

“This will be the fifth season in a row we have played matches in Mackay, and it follows that the response we have had every time we come to the region is always one of the highlights of the summer,’’ he said.

“The festival weekends last year were great spectacles and the fans thoroughly enjoyed seeing the world’s best players showcase their skills in person at Great Barrier Reef Arena.”

“We are delighted to continue to work alongside the Mackay Regional Council, Harrup Park Country Club and Mackay Cricket Association to bring the WBBL to the region and are excited to be back once again.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said Mackay was the perfect location to launch the WBBL 2022-23 season.

“The weather in Mackay in October is fantastic for cricket and we’re looking forward to welcoming some of Australia’s best female cricket stars back to our region for these matches,” he said.

“The WBBL games always draw a huge crowd to Harrup Park and we’re excited to showcase our first-class facilities once again as we cheer on the Brisbane Heat.”

The Finals series will take place following the conclusion of the regular season on November 20, with dates and details of each match to be confirmed.

Tickets to all WBBL Heat matches will be available via pre-sale on August 16 and available to the public from August 18 through Ticketek.com.au.
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Mackay Matches – WBBL|08

Thursday October 13, 2022

Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Sixers – 6:40pm (season opener)
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Saturday October 15, 2022

Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Sixers (2.40pm)

Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars (6.05pm)

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Sunday October 16, 2022

Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers (9.15am)

Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars (12.40pm)

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Tuesday October 18, 2022

Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Renegades (2.30pm)

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To capture a state title in your chosen sport is a fine feat – but to claim back-to-back trophies is a tremendous accomplishment to be proud of.

Celebrating that big achievement is Mercy College Mackay student Harper Shields who recently earned his spurs with the Queensland Under 12 representative touch football team.

The versatile Year 7 athlete will realise a childhood dream when he represents his beloved Maroons at the National Schoolboys Touch Football Championships to be staged in the NSW town of Wagga Wagga during November.

Whiz kid Harper - the 2021 Mackay SportsPerson of the Year - gained selection after classy displays at the recent Queensland Schoolboys Touch Football Carnival held in Brisbane where he captained Capricornia to a deserved championship title.

The elusive middle player demonstrated his leadership skills, attacking prowess and vision on the field to help the well drilled Capricornia side post ten wins from 11 matches in the preliminary rounds before toppling Metropolitan East 7-5 in the Grand Final at the Whites Hill venue.

Capricornia trounced Metropolitan North (10-0); Metropolitan West (4-1); North West (13-0); Northern (8-3); Metropolitan East (5-2); Peninsula (8-0); South Coast (4-2); South West (11-0); Sunshine Coast (9-1) and Wide Bay (5-1) to earn the number one ranking with 28 points.

Darling Downs edged out Capricornia 5-4 in a pool match to inflict the only defeat for the 2022 Boys championship winners.

Talented Harper impressed keen judges with his ability to perform in pressure situations and was one of five Capricornia touch footballers to gain selection in the Maroons’ Under 12 State representative squad.

It capped another memorable milestone for the Mackay schoolboy sensation who was also a key figure in Capricornia’s triumphant 2021 State Championship-winning team as a rookie 11-year-old.

The middle maestro gained plenty of confidence as he upstaged more senior opponents with mature performances during last season’s trophy success – an experience that kept him in good stead when he was handed the captaincy reins for the 2022 campaign.

Donning the famous Maroons colours will be a proud moment for young Harper, who’ll be joined by the promising Rockhampton quartet of Charlie Spyve (middle); Sam Spyve (link); Kobe Miller (middle) and Archie Cugola (winger) when the Queensland team travels to Wagga Wagga for the National titles later this year.

A genuine will ‘o the wisp on the field with tricky footwork, the slick and crafty Shields has certainly come a long way since taking up the sport as a fresh faced eight-year-old while attending St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Mackay.

Harper proved to be a natural in the local schools’ competition and joined the Magpies’ sporting group at age 9 before linking with Mirani Touch Football Club where he has tasted Grand Final success in the Mackay Touch Football Association junior divisions.

The dashing colt was fast-tracked into the representative arena and forced his way into the Capricornia Under 12s squad with smart performances for Southern Suburbs in the selection trials.

A naturally gifted athlete, Harper is also an outstanding all-round cricketer with the Mackay Brothers club and Mackay-Whitsundays representative team and an exciting fullback prospect with the Wanderers club in the Mackay Junior Rugby League competition.

Since joining the Wanderers as a skinny six-year-old, the capable Shields has ignited his age group with dynamic running and try-scoring feats to earn yet another representative jumper.

Harper was at his elusive best for the Capricornia Under 12s rugby league team that performed with distinction at the recent Queensland Junior State titles on the Sunshine Coast.

In recognition of his super deeds on the touch football, rugby league and cricket fields, young Harper was the recipient of the Stuart Jackson Trophy for Mackay’s Sports Person of the Year.

By Chris Karas

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A proud Harper Shields (kneeling with trophy) with the triumphant Capricornia team that recently clinched a second consecutive Queensland U/12 Boys Touch Football championship title in Brisbane. Photos supplied

Mercy College Mackay touch football whiz Harper Shields with the Queensland U/12 Boys Touch Football Championship trophy. Harper spearheaded Capricornia to back-to-back State titles and was one of five players selected in the Queensland U/12s rep team for the 2022 National Titles in Wagga during November

Precision, power and performance were on display when the Women’s Northern Challenge took over the Mackay City Bowls Club last week.

The tournament saw three action-packed days of women’s lawn bowls between four highly competitive teams from three North Queensland Districts.

Two Tropical Far North Queensland teams, one team from North Queensland and the home team from the Mackay District battled it out in the Round Robin competition made up of nine rounds and 27 games.

Approximately 70 players, officials and managers were involved in the tournament and a healthy contingent of spectators came down to check out the action each day.

“We’ve got the cream of the crop of bowlers here,” said Mackay Ladies District Bowls Association Match Chair & Media Liaison Hilary Jones Rowan

North Queensland finished the three days on top, winning the tournament with a total of six wins and a +191 margin.

Tropical Far North Queensland Reef were the runners-up with five wins, a draw and a margin of +24.

The home team came in third place with two wins, a draw and a margin of -103.

Tropical Far North Queensland Rainforest finished in fourth place with two wins and -112.

North Queensland will now hold the Women’s Northern Challenge Trophy for the next twelve months until next year’s tournament is hosted by Tropical North Queensland.

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Winners Lesley Watson Trophy Wendy Jones, Elsa Piotto, Penny Warren and Kate Leverton of North Queensland. Photo supplied: Hilary Jones Rowan

North Queensland: Photo supplied: Hilary Jones Rowan

Approximately 70 players, officials and managers from four teams were involved in the tournament: Photo credit: Sam Gillespie