In just over a week’s time runners will compete across eight categories in the region’s premier long-distance event.

The Tassal Group Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, which regularly features upwards of 500 athletes – professional and amateur – will get into gear on July 16 and 17, starting with its enormous 42.2- kilometre marathon distance, and all the way down to the 1.4-kilometre Airlie Beach foreshore Magic Mile.

Across the longer distances the course has been modified; the regular two laps along The Beacons headland at Port of Airlie has now been reduced to just the one.

Competitors will shoot off in marathon, half marathon, 10-kilometre, 5-kilometre fun run, two-kilometre fun run, and five-kilometre team challenge distances – as well as the Magic Mile.

The foreshore lawn will be host to market stalls and activities for the full two-day festivities centred around the Airlie Sound Stage for spectators and competitors alike.

Whitsunday Running Club president Timothy McQuoid-Mason said the club was expecting around 400 competitors to hit the pavement during the festival.

“What I’m excited about is that we’ve got our winners from last year back again: Caleb Noble is back for the men and in the women’s, Liz Kompton is as well. Both hold the record in their respective categories for that distance,” he said.

“We’ve got a really interesting one for the Magic Mile and the half marathon, too, Emma Hogan – she’s represented Australia in the U23 Triathlon event this year.”

Dan McDonnell is also confirmed to return. McDonnell is the current record holder for the men’s half marathon distance and an accomplished Ironman competitor – recently placing second overall in the Cairns 70.2.

Liz McGuire from Townsville, who won the half marathon last year, is also likely to return but has as yet to confirm.

“We have a couple of gun athletes locked in now,” Mr McQuoid-Mason said.

The festival will begin on Saturday at 4:00pm with the Magic Mile – two laps along the Airlie Beach Foreshore - which has two open events in age 6 to 9 and 10 to 15 categories.

Sunday is the big day with the marathon beginning at 6am before the half marathon.

The 10-kilometre is up next, which is followed by the five-kilometre and a five-kilometre corporate challenge.

That event is a team comprised of up to 10 runners running five kilometres each. The quickest three times are totalled and compared against others to pick the winner.

After those events will be the two-kilometre primary school challenge - just two laps around the foreshore, similar to the magic mile.

To finish off the festivities is the adorable one-kilometre run for 4–6-year-olds.

Registrations are still open at the Whitsunday Marathon Festival website.

Competitors will criss-cross the paths of Airlie Beach over varying distances in the Marathon Festival next weekend

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Whitsunday Life journalist Declan Durrant’s weekly sit down with a local sportsperson.

“It Was Always Soccer”

When he’s on a football pitch, Whitsunday United centre-forward Thomas Torszok is lithe and quick; there are few players like him in the region who glide on the grass.

The fluidity seems effortless, but details thousands of hours the now Airlie Beach resident put in training as a youngster.

That training led him to career heights representing the country as a schoolboy, time as a Brisbane Roar youth player, a stint in the United States D1 Soccer League, and in the Queensland National Premier League (NPL).

Born on Australia’s west coast in Perth to Hungarian parents, Torszok grew up on the Gold Coast from the age of 13. His father - a high-level footballer in Hungary – had made sure his son always had a ball at his feet.

“I matured at a good time, which is why I think it worked out for me; at 16, I was playing Gold Coast Premier League every year with Coomera Soccer Club.

“I had two good games and I never lost my spot.”

In 2012, he moved to Brisbane’s Wynnum Wolves – a Brisbane Premier League side at the time – playing in their first team. He ended the year with roughly 20 assists in a tally that earned him a call-up to an Australian representative schoolboy’s side.

When he returned, another call came, this one from Brisbane Roar.

“My time at Roar, I wasn’t there too long – about five months,” Torszok said.

“I went back to Brisbane Wolves and four games in I did my ACL.”

In the time away from the game – around nine months – Torszok would end up pursuing College in the United States, where he would again play football, but strangely turned to Gridiron, where he would play United States College Football in front of crowds of up to 30,000 as a kicker.

“It was one of the best times in my life,” he said.

When he did eventually return home in 2018, he picked up an NPL contract at Gold Coast United, but once again realised soccer had lost a bit of its shine.

He arrived in Airlie Beach in 2021.

“I moved in with a player from here – I wasn’t going to play, but I’m so glad I did. I love it here,” he said.

“The guys have made me enjoy playing soccer; I feel like a kid again, and I want to win the league.”

Torszok, when he’s not on the pitch, is an auxiliary fireman for the Whitsunday Fire Brigade. He hopes to someday become a full-time firey.

“I want to help the community; that’s why I do all of the things I do, and I really feel at home here,” he said.

Whitsunday United centre-forward Thomas Torszok is just one of the region’s extraordinary players with an extraordinary backstory

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Welcome to this seasons Premier League, Dom Friend! The 2020 Xmas Open Champion put players on notice on Sunday at Mika with an impressive 63 average display in one of his two victories on the day.

The first being a dominant 7/0 win over Aaron Paull where he got that 63 average, and then casually backed that one up with another 7/0 victory, just as devastating, but this time Gary Robbie was the recipient.

That launches Dom into 4th place on the ladder, the highest he’s been all season, and has most certainly put everyone on alert.

Joe Wilson is the new league leader this week having defeated Seumas Rose 7/1 on Sunday. That win has him just above Jamie Woods on the ladder, with Jamie having a bye this week and Joe having played a game more.

Andy Peel won his match 7/1 over Ross Gallichan to remain in 3rd place.

Ross narrowly lost his second game of the afternoon 7/5 to Jayden Lloyd, which puts him bottom of the table courtesy of leg difference to Lorraine Woods who also had the bye this week. That win puts Jayden into 12th place on the ladder.

The Premier League is proudly sponsored by Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing, thank you for your support.

As It Stands

1. J Wilson 20pts

2. J Woods 18pts

3. A Peel 18pts

4. D Friend 16pts

5. J Maher 16pts

6. S Rose 11pts

7. A Paull 10pts

8. A Green 8pts

9. K Reason 7pts

10. G Robbie 7pts

11. N O’Hara 5pts

12. J Lloyd 4pts

13. L Woods 2pts

14. R Gallichan 2pts

Dom Friend putting the league on notice at Mika on Sunday

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In a thrilling conclusion to the inaugural Friday Nights Under Lights junior basketball competition, the Proserpine Pirates have clinched the title overcoming a late challenge from the Cannonvale Crocodiles.

In the first match of the evening, the Crocs took on the Airlie Beach Ballers in a neck and neck match with scores tied at 10-10 at half time.

The tense second half saw both teams tussle for the lead before the Crocs went ahead for the final time, winning 18-16.

The next match saw the Ballers back up to face the Pirates. Fatigue got the better of Airlie side with Pirates running away with it 34-6.

The results set up an exciting finish for the competition. If the Pirates won, they would move to eight wins and take the title outright, while a win for the Crocs would move them level with the Pirates on seven wins, with the outcome coming down to points for and against percentage.

As has been the case throughout the six-week tournament, the standard of play from both teams was excellent with the crowd treated to a wonderful display of junior basketball. On this occasion it was the Crocs who prevailed, though, concluding their season with a 29-28 win.

This meant a quick crunch of the numbers to see who would take the overall crown for the term, and it was the Pirates from Proserpine coming out on top with a superior point for and against percentage (1.36% vs 1.10%).

“We are all ecstatic with the first running of our Friday Nights Under Lights comp,” Tim Oberg from Whitsunday Basketball said.

“The kids who have participated have all been immense, displaying wonderful sportspersonship and increasing their skill development.”

Mr Oberg thanked the volunteer team managers and referees, as well as the parents.

“We can’t wait to do this all again in term three,” he said.

Registrations for term 3, Friday Nights Under Lights, are now open.

Contributed with thanks to Tim Oberg

The Proserpine Pirates are league winners!

Cannonvale Crocs were a close second, losing out only on points percentage

The Airlie Beach Ballers played an exceptional final round game against the Crocs to just be pipped 18-16

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Monday 27 June 22 – 5 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st Janet Hansen / Del Ryan 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 2nd Margaret Lane – Barbara Tait

3rd Eric Kliese / Diane Stokes 3rd Marilin Robins – Margaret Jennings

Tuesday 28 June 22 – 4 Table    Tuesday Eclectic June 2022

1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia 1st Terrence Sheedy

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Ted Cullinan 2nd Eric Goodchild

3rd Marilin Robins / Faye Wright 3rd Diane Morgan

Wednesday 29 June 22 – - 7 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st Noel Bugeia / Doone Mitchell 1st Sandra Morris / Jan Harris

2nd Alan Brown / Janelle Conroy 2nd Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait

3rd Joyce Deguara / Griffin Bancroft 3rd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

Thursday Night 30 June 22 – 5 Table One Winner     Thursday Eclectic June 2022

1st Terrence Sheedy / Jan Harris 1st Jan Harris

2nd Ken Seaniger / Alan Brown 2nd Terrence Sheedy

3rd Mick King / Patricia Garner 3rd Ken Seaniger

Friday 1 July 22 – 6 Table One Winner

1st Monica Darley / Del Ryan

2nd Julie O’Neill / Anne Whitmore

3rd Richard Wix / Geoffrey Patterson

Saturday 2 July 22 – 8 Table Mitchell

N/S E/W

1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole 1st Faye Wright / Christine Nice

2nd Alan Brown / Frances Brown 2nd David Ting / Ming Ting

3rd Faith Hutchinson / Anne Lutz 3rd Julie O’Neill / Margaret Lane

Team Brown won the Mackay heat of the Grand National Open Teams 3rd Qualifying 2022 in a close battle from team Holewa. Diane Morgan, Alan Brown, Frances Brown and Janet Hansen

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Meet the Mercy College and St Patrick’s College netballers that reached new milestones at last week’s CQ University Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Carnival in Mackay.

Both schools covered themselves in glory with superb performances on court throughout the five-day tournament – bringing home silverware and posting equal best finishes in the championship standings.

MIGHTY MERCY

Dianna Bailey’s exciting young Mercy juniors are celebrating a division 6 championship triumph after edging out rivals Marist College Emerald 16-15 in a thrilling Grand Final contest.

After a slow start to the Carnival, the Mercy girls clicked into top gear and saved their best form until the pressure-cooker elimination finals series.

Mercy registered wins over Good Shepherd College Mt Isa (16-14) and Whitsunday Anglican College (24-6) and narrow losses to Marist College Emerald (20-12), St Mary’s College Cairns (14-10), St Thomas More College Sunnybank (18-12), St Augustine’s College Augustine Heights (16-11) and Ryan Catholic College Townsville (19-10) after the seven Pool rounds to sneak into the finals.

But the gifted Mercy whiz kids found their groove and defeated Assumption College Warwick (20-11) and St Lukes Anglican School (18-14) in a quarter final and semi final respectively before avenging their early round loss to Emerald with a lion hearted display in the trophy decider.

Rising centre court star Mischa Dinsdale was named the competition’s Most Valuable Player after classy performances during the series and caught the eye of Australian Diamonds great Vicki Wilson, who labelled the Mercy school girl “an exceptional talent.”

Other Mercy players to impress were key defenders Kacee Ziegeler and Shaylah Pershouse, centre Sienna Uriarte, goal attack Camryn Zeller and promising shooter Kiana Dunn, who made the most of her opportunities after coming into the squad as a shadow player.

Dunn, Pershouse and Gracie Bell will now represent Mercy College at the Vicki Wilson State Schoolgirl Netball Championships in Brisbane later this year.

STORMING ST PAT’S

St Patrick’s all conquering Girls netball team ranks with the best in the State after phenomenal efforts in the QISSN Cup Division 1 championship.

With astute coaches Nadine Becker and Tracey McLeod at the helm, the Mackay maidens captured the imagination of the Queensland sporting public to finish in fifth place in the top category and equal their best standing at a QISSN event.

Led by the skilful Rebecca Symons – who was later named the competition’s Most Valuable Player – the St Patrick’s girls held their own in a tough Pool to record victories over St Margaret Mary Townsville, Rockhampton Grammar, Unity College and Marymount College to reach the quarter finals.

The team’s only losses were against the State’s top three netball schools – eventual champions Canterbury, second placed Somerset College Gold Coast and third ranked Matthew Flinders.

Somerset eclipsed St Patrick’s in a quarter final before the Mackay girls toppled St Columban’s College Caboolture in the play off for fifth/sixth spot.

Talented centre Ysobel Maher and tough defender Phoebe Francis also produced stand out performances to cap an outstanding month for the St Patrick’s team – hot on the heels of their third consecutive championship title in the Mackay District Secondary Schools Netball competition.

In the first-ever QISSN Boys Netball event, St Patrick’s finished a creditable third with outstanding centre prospect Ben Pease named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Pease along with talented shooter Will Randell were later named in the Carnival’s All Stars Merit team with shooter Baxter Northworthy also earning a spot in the Rising Stars Merit squad.

By Chris Karas

Mercy College division 6 championship winners

Action from Thursday games at QISSN. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Monday morning mixed pairs 2-4-2 winners were Darrin Laurens and Asko Helenius. Runners up were Phil French and Peter Hamelink. Lucky draw tickets went to Ian Rowan and Phil French.

Wednesday ladies’ day winners were Narell Schmidtke, Bev Woodward and A. Bailey. Runners up were the pairing of Jean Zamparutti and Gloria Sam. The cash jackpot for the month went to Cecelia and Jean.

Thursday mixed pairs 2-4-2 was won by the pairing of Mick Walsh and Peter Grant, followed by Ron Bowers and Graeme Hawke. Greens vouchers went to Doug Dungavell and Peter Miller. The raffle was won by “Lucky” Mick Walsh.

Friday mixed pairs three bowl went to Maryann Bartolo and Shirley Bartolo who won $75 each. Winners’ draw was won by the very popular team of Rob Evans and Peter Horsburgh. The losers’ draw was won by visitors L and B McDone.

Saturday men’s day pairs winners were Ray McCarthy and Doug Dungavell, followed by Wayne Mietzel and Rob Evans. The jackpot goes up next week.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Ladies Victorious In Pennants

The 2022 pennant season concluded, with ladies’ teams from North Mackay picking up wins across all three divisions played this year.

North Mackay had strong representation with three teams in Division 1, two teams in Division 3 and two teams in Division 4. No Division 2 was played this year.

One of the Division 1 teams scored a perfect 8, congratulations to Sheryl Cuttriss, Michele Stockton, Lois Deguara, Nuggie Pratt. The Division 1 winning ladies’ team will compete in Brisbane later this year.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

Ryan Vigliante is a very colourful character who plays regularly on Mondays

John Chester-Master gives many hours umpiring matches

Division 1 winners

Division 3 winners

Division 4 winners

Winners of a perfect 8 score in one end, Sheryl Cuttriss, Michele Stockton, Lois Deguara, Nuggie Pratt

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It would seem that among the many prizes awarded at the recent BMA Mackay Marina Run, four talented juniors also took out special encouragement awards for their performance in the Isuzu Ute 3km junior event categories. Unfortunately, The Event was unable to present the awards to the significant four on race day, however, a special presentation was recently arranged at the Breakwater, Mackay Marina.

Owner and Director of Ricky Parker Painting, Ricky Parker was very excited to be on hand to present the awards to Sonny Morse (U12 winner and record breaker); Charlie Vella (U14 male winner); Katie Noonan (U12 female winner) and Kiara Johnson (U14 female winner).  

Ricky’s very generous donation of cash prizes to the talented youngsters will no doubt encourage and assist them in their future athletic endeavours.  Worthy congratulations must also go to the kids on their very humble and team orientated approach to sport in general with Sonny, Charlie, Katie and Kiara being such great role models for their schools and the community at large.

Sonny Morse U12 winner and record breaker

Charlie Vella U14 male winner

Katie Noonan U12 female winner

Kiara Johnson U14 female winner

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St Patrick’s College and Mercy College are the toast of Mackay after meritorious achievements at the CQUniversity Confraternity Rugby League and QISSN Netball Carnivals last week.

Co-hosted by both schools for the first time in its proud 42-year history, the 2022 CONFRO sporting extravaganza proved a resounding success on and off the field and courts with more than 2600 athletes, officials and volunteers participating in one of the smoothest run events on record.

Sporting enthusiasts were treated to a feast of quality rugby league and netball during the five-day event with the host schools carving out their own slice of history.

In a tremendous feat, St Patrick’s College reached the Grand Final of both the Boys and Girls Confraternity Shield Rugby League competitions and finished fifth and third respectively in the QISSN Netball Division 1 Girls and Boys categories.

The celebrations continued when Diana Bailey’s talented Mercy College netballers lifted the Division 6 Trophy after a thrilling 16-15 victory over Marist College Emerald on the final day.

Proud rugby league nursery Ignatius Park College captured a seventh Confraternity Shield title when they overpowered a gallant St Patrick’s outfit 32-0 in the Boys decider.

Maestro half back Matthew Hunter, power forwards Jamal Shibasaki, Jamaine Stanley, hooker Jonah Raidaveta, fullback Elijah Joe, winger Tekelu Menu and five eighth Reece Foley led the way as Ignatius spoilt the Mackay team’s bid for a ninth trophy with jarring defence and sheer pace and skill.

Ignatius Park – who have produced Australian Kangaroo representatives Danny Moore, Scott Prince, Aidan Guerra, Valentine Holmes, Michael Morgan and Queensland Origin stars Kalyn Ponga and Coen Hess since established in 1969 – led 14-0 at the half time interval following tries by centre Jack Prior and lock Stanley and three Brodie Dinneen goals before adding three tries after the break.

St Patrick’s just couldn’t produce the slick form that netted them victories over St Peter Claver College Ipswich (34-10); Rockhampton Grammar (20-6) and Iona College Wynnum (10-6) in Pool fixtures before tipping out St Augustine's Cairns (28-0) in a quarter final and The Cathedral College Rockhampton (16-6) in a semifinal.

As a just reward four players – centre Kai Simon; five eighth Jaxon Purdue; hooker Xavier Kerrisk and inspirational lock and skipper Henry Thorpe – were named in the 2022 Confraternity Merit Team along with stalwart Matthew Paul, who was chosen as Honorary Coach after 20 years of distinguished service.

Officials also presented industrious forward Patrick Vella with the Spirit Award while rising hooker Kerrisk took out the Best & Fairest trophy.

Other players to shine were fullback Will Shears, winger Coby Arthur, centre Beau Jones, five eighth Harry Thorpe, props Levi Love and Matthew Watts, back rowers Liam Doherty and Bray Tait, Decy Jones and Hudson Galletly.

WOMEN CREATING HISTORY

St Patrick’s women players created history when they featured in the inaugural QISSRL Confraternity Shield Girls Grand Final.

Marymount College in Burleigh Waters claimed the title with a gritty 18-10 triumph over a determined Mackay team that fought tooth and nail in an absorbing contest.

Promising lock Lily Rose Kolc engineered the victory with a Player of the Match performance and was supported by hooker Hayley Sheather, centre Liberty Hoath, props Keely Harris and Piper Stockell and second rower Ellie Sommerville.

Both sides were locked 4-all at the interval following first half tries by Hoath and St Patrick’s dynamo hooker Paityne Johns before Sommerville and winger Sienna Jones nabbed two quick tries out wide as Marymount jumped to a 14-4 lead.

Strong running lock Gracie Watt kept St Patrick’s in the hunt with a determined try after 42 minutes that was converted by forward Lauren Jones.

St Patrick's College Mackay Open rugby league squad that finished runners up at the 2022 Confraternity Shield Rugby League Carnival

Industrious St Patrick's forward Patrick Vella in action with the ball during the Confraternity Shield Rugby League Grand Final against eventual winners Ignatius Park College with teammates Henry Thorpe and Xavier Kerrisk in support. Vella was the recipient of the St Patrick's Spirit Award

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With a rich heritage and emphasis on having a ‘bowling great time’, the Marian Bowls Club is a hot contender for the best in the bush.

Its rural location in the Pioneer Valley is no hindrance to fun and fierce competition, as recently played in last weekend’s 5-a-side competition with men and women in teams. This is the second consecutive year this event has run and has been generously supported by O’Brien Plumbing, Mackay.

The day was hailed another success, with eight teams competing in pairs and triples, with the pairs changing players for the second game.

The players enjoyed the format and hope to see it continue next year.

Credit was given to John and Doris Fry for organizing the event.

Winners on the day were Wally Kleidon, Wade Cranston, Michael Miller, Barry Jackson and Steve Ridolfi. Second place went to Rick O’Reilly, Kerry Ollett, Norm Waterhouse, Kay and Kevin McNamara.

Marian Ladies Bowls Club has two events in August, contact the club for details.

Organiser Doris Fry with first place winners: Wally Kleidon, Wade Cranston, Michael Miller, Barry Jackson and Steve Ridolfi (absent). Photos supplied

Organiser Doris Fry with second place: Rick O’Reilly, Kerry Ollett, Norm Waterhouse, Kay and Kevin McNamara

Organiser Doris Fry (right) with third place: Joe Oliver and Rob Evans, (absent - Emanuel Vassalo, Brian Pietzner, John O'Loughlin)

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What do you get when you mix a cluster of male schoolboy athletes with strong links to basketball, AFL and boxing?

Answer: a highly competitive boys netball team that has captured the imagination of the Mackay sporting public.

The eleven boy netballers hail from the famous St Patrick’s College sporting nursery and created history last week when they competed in the inaugural Boys competition at the 2022 Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball tournament in Mackay.

Leading into QISSN, the team finished runners up to Emerald State High School at the Vicki Wilson Cup tournament staged in Yeppoon where they registered three wins from four matches played.

The versatile St Patrick’s outfit defeated Toolooa State High, Biloela State High and Tannum Sands High Schools before succumbing to overall Cup winners Emerald State High in the round robin series.

But despite the loss there was a silver lining for the Mackay based athletes.

St Patrick’s boys netball team

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Boom hooker Xavier Kerrisk (pictured) stole the show as hosts St Patricks College opened their 2022 CQUniversity Confraternity Rugby League Shield campaign with emphatic 34-10 and 20-6 victories over St Peter Claver College Ipswich and Rockhampton Grammar at the Mackay Junior League grounds on Monday.

The livewire 17-year-old rake demonstrated his skill and turn of speed in a best on ground performance against St Peter Claver to help St Patrick’s kick off the coveted Carnival in style.

From the moment he burrowed over for St Patrick’s opening try after nine minutes, the North Queensland Cowboys scholarship holder was in a class of his own – creating havoc with his darting runs from dummy half and clever passing in a dominant first-up team effort.

There was no stopping the Mackay colts who had too many big guns for their Ipswich rivals – establishing a 24-0 lead at the half time interval.

Three quick tries by St Patrick’s before the break left the St Peter Claver side in tatters.

Emerging lock and skipper Henry Thorpe set up St Patrick’s second try after bursting through defenders on halfway and turning a crisp pass inside to rampaging prop Levi Love who galloped over to score.

From the ensuing short kick-off, powerful centre Kai Simon latched onto the ball and strode 55 metres untouched for an easy try that he converted.

When St Patrick’s winger Coby Arthur scored the first of his two tries moments later the damage was done.

Rising centre Simon was rested after his first half contribution of 12 points from a try and four goals along with several key forwards as coach Michael Comerford gave his interchange roster valuable playing time.

The Ipswich team staged a mini revival after the break with snappy tries by wingers Mackenzie Graham and Seth Holland before St Patrick’s rallied with four pointers by forward Patrick Vella and the elusive Arthur.

Other St Patrick’s players to impress were lock Henry Thorpe, crafty half back Jaxon Purdue, fullback Will Shears and the strong running Matthew Watts, Liam Doherty, Bray Tait, Ethan Van Kerkwyk, Hudson Galletly, Love and Vella.

St Peter Claver were best served by half back Lachlan Stuart, back rower Joshua Organ, centre Ryan Shepherd and prop TJ Toeleiu.

ST PATRICK’S MACKAY 34

(Coby Arthur 2, Xavier Kerrisk, Levi Love, Kai Simon, Patrick Vella tries; Kai Simon 4, Beau Jones gls) d

ST PETER CLAVER IPSWICH 10

(Mackenzie Graham, Seth Holland tries; Lachlan Stuart gl).

Meanwhile another first half blitz enabled St Patrick’s to slam Rockhampton Grammar 20-6 in a second-round fixture at BB Print Stadium.

Powerful running forward Liam Doherty, centre Kai Simon, playmaker Jaxon Purdue and winger Bailey Anderson crossed for tries and Simon booted two conversions as St Patrick’s jumped to an unassailable 20-0 lead.

It was another solid all-round performance from Michael Comerford’s charges on a fruitful opening day of the prestigious rugby league tournament.

ST PATRICK’S MACKAY 20

(Liam Doherty, Kai Simon, Jaxon Purdue, Bailey Anderson tries; Kai Simon 2 gls) d

ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR 6

(Dominic Kallquist try; Luke Callanan gl).

By Chris Karas

Xavier Kerrisk was awarded player of the match in St Patrick’s opening clash with Ipswich in the 2022 CQUniversity Confraternity Rugby League Shield

Highlights from St Patrick’s games on the opening day of CONFRO

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Mackay’s Cooper Whitestyles took the Lawn Bowls Australian Open by storm last week, winning the multi-disability pairs final alongside para-Jackaroo Damien Delgado.

The pair hoisted the trophy on the Gold Coast last Thursday courtesy of a nail-biting one-shot victory over Phillip Mahonney and Clive Williams.

Cooper says he’s still on cloud nine.

“It’s hard to believe,” he said.

Being his first time at the Australian Open, Cooper says it was a nerve-racking experience at first.

“I knew it was going to be big, but I didn’t know it was going to be that big,” he laughed.

“It was definitely a bit overwhelming at the start but once I got settled, I felt right at home.”

The win was made even sweeter by Cooper’s mother and aunty making a surprise trip down to see him play.

“That was a total shock, I had no idea they were going to come down,” Cooper said.

“I had no idea until I turned around and there was my mum and aunty.”

His mother and aunty found out their flight was cancelled at 6:00pm the night before Cooper’s final but that didn’t stop them; they got in the car and made the 13-hour non-stop trip to Broadbeach before turning around and making the trip back after the match.

“Mum said she’d do it all over again just to see me win, so that was pretty special,” Cooper said.

This is the second time Cooper and Damien “Damo” Delgado, of Tweed Heads, have competed together after winning a state title together two years ago.

“We just read each other well and the chemistry’s great,” Mr Whitestyles said.

“I enjoy playing with him, he’s just a good bloke in general.”

Cooper first got involved in lawn bowls through school at Mercy College at 13 years of age.

He currently plays at Souths Suburban Bowls Club in Mackay, which he says prepared him well for the tournament.

“They’re the strongest club in Mackay so there’s always competition and it’s always quality competition,” he said.

Cooper will line up alongside Damo again in August for state titles, vying for selection in the Queensland team and ultimately pushing for a spot in the World Cup taking place in New Zealand next year.

“The harder you work, the luckier you get so I’ve just gotta put my head down and work my butt off,” Cooper said.

Cooper Whitestyles and Damien Delgado are the Australian Open Multi Disciplinary Open Pairs Champions for 2022. Photo supplied: Australian Open

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The final of the men’s B Pairs was played on Saturday: Ray McCarthy and John Stronach against Tony Allsop and Glen Royes. It was an exciting game, with Tony and Glen needing three on the last end to tie, four to win. They held four shots, when Ray delivered his last bowl,  a great shot, drawing onto the jack. Ray and John won by 19 to 15.

SOCIAL RESULTS

Monday mixed pairs 2x4x2 resulted in a win for P. French and M. Leotta with D. Dodds and L. Edwards in second spot. Lucky draw winners were E. Skellern and J. Little.

Wednesday ladies’ day winners were S. Roscoe and L. Howland. In second place was C. O’Loughlin, A. Bailey and D. Dodds.

Thursday mixed 2x4x2 was won by Warren and Cheryl Corbett. Next came Arthur and Judy Jewel. Greens vouchers were won by Jan Little and Marg Fogg. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday mixed pairs winner was the very consistent team of Rob Evans and Peter Horsburgh who won $75 each. The winners’ draw was taken out by Sheryl Cuttriss and Pat Elgey, while the losers’ draw was won by Warren Corbett and Jan Keat. The kitty toucher was not won.

Saturday men’s pairs winners were Trevor Laurens and Kees Struik with Asko Helenius and Maurie Pearson in second place. The jackpot goes up next week with no winners.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Men’s B Pairs finalists. Glen Royes, Tony Allsop, John Stronach and Ray McCarthy. John and Ray won the title

Lois Deguara bowls in the club 8’s championships, with Carmel Bell watching

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Australia’s bronze medal winning Olympic basketballers continue to inspire a new generation of young hoopers.

Nine students from Mercy College Mackay are living the dream after recently helping the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes clinch a rare North Queensland Junior Basketball Championship double.

In a huge fillip for basketball in the Mackay region, the talented local products underlined their potential with superb performances on the boards against Cairns and Townsville to bring home their respective Under 14 trophies.

Outstanding 13-year-old point guard Cooper Currie skippered the triumphant Meteors who produced impressive team efforts over the Tri Carnival series to claim the tag of North Queensland Age Champions.

Currie was supported by rising stars in power forward Treyce Ciantar, shooting guards Usai Bickey and Sam Osborne, small forward Landon Naylor and point guard Winton Martin.

The Meteors swept all eight games in the challenge legs in Cairns and Mackay but lost three matches during the Townsville leg with a depleted squad after key forward Ciantar broke his foot.

Secret to the team’s success is their ability to combine effectively with each other on court, tactical nous and natural lay-up and shooting skills.

Currie, Ciantar, Martin and Naylor are products of the Souths club in the Mackay Junior Basketball Association with Bickey lining up for the Magpies and Osborne, a Renegades colt.

All six have represented the Meteors in the Under 12 and Under 14 age divisions -  

Treyce and Usai for the past five seasons; Cooper (four seasons) and Sam (two) which stands as a proud achievement.

The boys’ immediate goal is to be part of basketball’s Future Development Program and to push for selection in the Queensland Under 16s representative squad.

Following their North Queensland regional success, the super six will represent Mackay at the upcoming State Junior Basketball Championships in Brisbane.

It doesn’t end there for Cooper, Usai and Treyce who will spearhead the Mercy College Year 10 basketball team at this year’s Champion Schools Basketball tournament to be staged on the Gold Coast during October.

The gifted 13-year-olds will take on players three years their senior in the annual competition to determine the best Junior Basketball school in the State.

Mercy College trio Tahlia Jenson, Lily Mapp and Cleo Ape starred for the all-conquering Mackay Meteorettes who were also crowned North Queensland Junior Basketball U/14 age champions.

Promising point guard Jenson and skillful forwards Mapp and Ape were instrumental in the team’s success with top performances against Cairns and Townsville in the Girls division.

Also heading to the Gold Coast later this year is exciting prospect Lily, who will be part of a strong Mercy College Year 10 Girls squad that will pit their skills against the best schoolgirl basketballers in Queensland.

By Chris Karas

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