Although the Canecutters edged out Warriors in Whitsunday Cricket Grand Final, cricket was the real winner on the weekend as spectators were treated to a “nail-biter.”

Batting first on a wet pitch, Warriors got off to reasonable start given the conditions as Bryce Fraser (33) and Craig Valmadre (19) put on a 47-run opening stand before youngster Darcy Milne (1/40) made the breakthrough.

Young gun Grady Turner was then given the opportunity and took it with both hands, ripping through Warrior’s top and middle order on his way to the very impressive figures of 5/19 off his 8 overs.

Randal ‘Red’ Porter (15) offered some resistance in the middle order, whilst Shane Knight (30) got the Warriors tail wagging on their way to 8/147.

Canecutters failed to make a decent start as Warriors opening bowler Andrew McNichol (1/18) produced an absolute ‘Jaffa’ to send opening batsman Michael Pettiford back to the sheds.

Liam Davies (23) combined with youngster Darcy Milne to steady the ship, although Canecutters were struggling to keep up with the required run rate.

Bryce Fraser (2/24) was the catalyst in slowing the run rate, with youngster Kohen Mau (1/23) offering some assistance.

Fresh off his bowling efforts, Grady Turner (40) took the long handle and dispatched Warriors bowling to all corners of the field to put Canecutters firmly back into the game.

His demise on 40 looked as though it might be spur on a Warriors fight back, however Darcy Milne (48 not out) was the real star in the batting line-up for Canecutters showing how important it is to place a value on one’s wicket.

Without his steady influence, the result may well have been different as he was joined by Troy Pettiford (18 not out) to see Canecutters home with just 5 balls left to spare.

Canecutters were crowned Premiers and were the better side all season, having dug deep when it mattered the most.

Contributed with thanks to Dale Mengel

Warriors captain Bryce Fraser (back left) and Canecutters winning captain Liam Davies (Second from back left) with some Junior Cricketers

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Coming from a win in the season opener against the Eastern Swans last week, the Sea Eagles Senior Men backed up against Mackay City Hawks on Saturday for their second.

With several new players coming into the Sea Eagles Senior Men side this year it is a different looking team, with new player strengths adding to existing talent to set a great tone for the season.

Keen to improve on their Round 1 winning performance, Sea Eagles came ready for a tough battle with the Hawks who have also picked up new players into their side.

The first quarter proved an arm wrestle with Sea Eagles finally able to put some goals on the board late into the quarter and ending with three in a row.

Sea Eagles battled the breeze in the second with defence working hard turning the ball over and instigate attack.

With accurate kicking this week, Sea Eagles managed a marginal three point lead at half time.

The Whitsunday sides midfield stepped up with the game in the balance to both score and provide opportunity to use the wind, kicking four unanswered goals and building a comfortable lead.

Hawks saw the advantage in the last term, however Sea Eagles defended well and although unable to score a major they held on for the win 66 – 48.

Each player contributed for the day and with seven individual goalkickers on the board best players were spread far and wide.

Ryan Lee was once again dominant with a best on ground performance strongly supported by Aaron Thompson, Adam McKelvie, Mitchell Healey, and Max Mackay.

Sea Eagles Seniors return April 30 in Mackay against Bakers Creek with the Juniors kicking off their Season April 23 Anzac Weekend against the Swarks at Harrup Park.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

The Sea Eagles against the Hawks

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This week started with a hotly contested Tuesday Ladies’ Day, with the popular winners lead Di Jackson, second John Brown, and skipper Tony Whitehorn.

Wednesday afternoon Social Bowls organised by Merve Stewart saw players vie for the prize money and the jackpot with the big winners of the day Russell Jackson with Regina Aquilina at lead, and Neil Moore at second.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls concluded with the winners Whitsunday Gold Coffee A team, consisting of skipper John Trembath, lead Robin Brown, second Mark Mawson, third Henny Tattam over Woolies Allsorts team, with Hadlow Racing team and Tuk Tuks team equal third.

The next round commences Wednesday April 20 with some new teams being finalised and to be advised soon.

Saturday morning scroungers penultimate round saw first round winners of Warren Mills, Ted Cullen, Tony Whitehorn, Harry Quod, Margo Stanley, and Mark Mawson.

Second Round winners were Harry Quod and Ted Cullen.

Next Saturday is the last chance to qualify starting at 9.00am. Semi-final to commence at 1.00pm and then the Grand final after.

Sunday afternoon saw ten teams fighting for the prize with Graham Cowling and Col Morris running out the winners of the day.

The Health Hub Voucher went to John Trembath, we are lucky to have them as our second sponsor.

The club thanked Whitsunday Regional Council for their Sports and Recreation grant of $3,000 to upgrade the entrance and the façade.

The club also received a Federal Government volunteers grant issued by the Federal member for Dawson George Christensen.

The grant enabled the club to purchase a ride on lawn mower, which Tony Whitehorn drives and calls “the little red beast.”

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Woolies Allsorts team Maureen Barnard with husband Eric Barnard handing over the trophy to Robin Brown, and John Trembath, Mark Mawson, and skipper Amy Hart from Woolies handing their trophy to Henny Tattam

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On Wednesday there were three games of pairs played in Social Bowls.

John Anderson and Bruce Uhe defeated Arthur Griffith and Peter Lawton 19 - 17; and John Lahney and Philip Brown defeated Sandy Daffara and Mary Hedgelong 30 – 11, with the other results currently unknown.

Sunday Social had Peter Lawton and John Anderson defeat Garry Alexander and Arthur Griffith 20 - 12; Philip Brown playing double lead, Stephen Brown, and Bruce Uhe defeat Philip, Alen Sanderson, and John Lahney 32 - 16.

Saturday saw a continuation of the Club Competition.  

In Club Championship Singles Gavin Milne defeated Michael Kinnear 25 - 18 in a game that could have held its place on a television rink.  

In "B" Singles Bruce Uhe continued his good form to defeat Vince Olsen 25 - 19 in the first of the semi-finals.

In the afternoon two games of the Club Championship Pairs were played.  

Michael Kinnear and Grahame Kinnear defeated Nathan Dodds and Scott Hamilton 19 - 16; Gavin Milne and Barry Saroglia defeated Jim Quod, with substitute Todd Leys and Dale Haack 39 - 13.

Club Championship Singles Saturday April 9, 9.30am start

Brett Saroglia v Gavin Noonan, marker David Ling

Andrew Bell v Garry Alexander, marker Wayne Handley

Luchie Gardel v Scott Hamilton, marker Dale Haack

B Singles

Nathaniel Watts v Stephen Summers, marker Jimmy Quod

Club Championship Pairs Saturday April 9, 1.30pm start

Nathan Harriott and Andrew Bell v Jonathan Bye and Wayne Handley

B Pairs

Kendall Watts and Nathaniel Watts v Gavin Noonan and Brett Saroglia

If there are any issues of unavailability, please let Barry Saroglia know. Call or text 0409 640 573.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Saturday was a spectacular display of football at the Whitsunday Sports Park in what was effectively a season opener for several Whitsunday United senior teams.

Showcasing the new, bright orange playing kit, seven Whitsunday teams took to the field to battle it out with City Brothers in perfect playing conditions, utilising the new Sports Park grandstand, change room facility and two canteen outlets showed the potential of the facility to not only present sports to the public but host spectators in significant numbers as well.

A surprise appearance by Matilda’s head coach Tony Gustavsson added to the carnival atmosphere.

The U14 Premier team was first up and played a solid game, although failed to capitalise on a few opportunities and their full potential. Nervous parents crowded the sideline the whole game until Max O'Keefe scored a cracking long-range goal from a free kick.

The U16 squad put in a strong effort to keep the big City Brothers team scoreless at half time. The second half saw them concede three, with the team disappointed they couldn’t kick into gear on the day despite some great passages of play and goal scoring opportunities.

Both the Men's and Women's Division 1 squads went down in their respective matches.

The newly formed Men's squad are still working on cohesion, whilst the Women were narrowly defeated 1-2, despite scoring first; a great effort for a young squad on their first hit out.

The Reserve Men’s side faced up against a strong Brothers, and the game came to a head in its closing stages. Around the 80th minute, new signing Mike McCann led some quick passing moves before bursting between two defenders and into the box. Calmly, McCann slotted it past the keeper into the far post to win the game 2-1.

Our senior Premier teams brought home the points, both taking solid wins.

The Premier Women opened the scoring in the first minute with Sari Goodall outpacing the defence and then scorching it past the keeper. The Whitsunday Women played well and never looked troubled, however, City's determination kept them within striking distance the whole game.

A result of 3-2 was a good win for the girls, with Sari Goodall scoring two and Willow Gaffney one goal.

The Premier men wasted no time in their demolition of the City Brother's squad. Harry Hodgen openened his account for the season with an early goal on his way to a four goal haul. Six other players added to the total with the Whitsunday team winning 10-2 giving the rowdy home crowd plenty to cheer about and celebrate.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

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Thursday, Gerry and Michael hit the courts with two intentions: to have a great game, and to enjoy themselves, which they did playing against Gary and Stuart.

Meantime on the other Pickleball court, husband and wife team, Sheridan and Gilly played Amity and Yoko in a match filled with surprises.

Saturday morning was a delight with two courts in action, and the ladies outnumbered the gentlemen, keeping them on their toes.

Well done to Sheridan, Carol, Kaz, Sandy and Kaye.

This week we look at some basic rules: Only the serving team can score, games are played to at least 11 each and must be won with a lead of 2, and Players cannot volley the ball within the non-volley zone (Kitchen) or on the non-volley line (kitchen line).

Early in May Twilight Pickleball will commence on Monday evening from 5.30 - 7pm; and Pip Squeak Pickleball will commence on Monday 3pm - 4pm.

Till next week Paddles Up 4.30pm Thursday and 7am Saturday Morning.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

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An 8-knot northerly breeze was the order of the day on Wednesday as the fleet of 16 gathered for the Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race on Pioneer Bay.  

Division two saw Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) win the Doyle Sails best start prize, together with line honours and second on corrected time.  

QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) kept them honest, but were still 2 minutes behind at the finish, while Bobby’s Girl worked back to third across the line, but to no avail. Corrected time winner was Twister (Kevin Fogarty).

Division three saw a clean start to finish win by Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli), who made the most of the conditions, leading home Shiraz (John Cable) and Aquatarius (Tom Parker).

Division 1 saw the usual race between Back in Black (Michael Van Der Zwaard) and G’nome (Terry Archer), this time the honours all around going to the Extreme 40, Back in Black.

Last weekend saw four boats from the North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club in Airlie Beach for the return bout of the Tackle World Bowen Interclub Challenge.  

For G’nome (Terry Archer) it was a quick race, the downwind legs particularly suiting the trimaran, while some of the others struggled back against the strong tidal flow.  

Reignition crossed the finishing line in second, with Air Apparent (Steve Wright) third.

Sunday saw the fleet re-group for two bay races.

Reignition (Charles Wallis) took line honors in the second race of the series, with Air Apparent second and G’nome third, while in the final race, Reignition again led the fleet around the course, with G’nome second and Wobbly Boot third.

Overall results, based on corrected times, gave the win to Reignition on 5 points from Wobbly Boot on 8 points and Capricorn Dancer (Geoff Ingram) third on 11 points.

Eventual Winner, Reignition

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

Bobby’s Girl and QMS Ponyo

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The March Monthly shoot saw forty shooters competing at the 100 Target Day in excellent conditions.

Shooters from Townsville, Burdekin, and Mackay and Sarina joined our local club for a great day of competition.

Congratulations to the Winners AA: 1st J Rossato 156/157, 2nd A Zarb 155/157; A: 1st T Robinson 103/107, 2nd D Stitt 102/107; B: 1st A Lord 97/100, 2nd D Rossato 94/100; C: 1st B Bonanno 88/100, 2nd D Hearn 86/100.  

Lui Populin kindly donated and presented a prize to the youngest shooter on the day, which was Riley Zarb.

The club extended a thank you to its sponsors S&W Crane Hire and Whitsunday Regional Council and to everyone who helped out before, during and after the shoot.

The next competition day will be Sunday, 24 April.

Contributed with thanks to Cheryl Edgerton

100T Day Back L-R 1st J Rossato, T Robinson, A Lord, B Bonanno Front L-R 2nd A Zarb, D Stitt, D Rossato, D Hearn

Lui Populin presenting Riley Zarb with youngest shooter of the day award

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With Easter just round the corner, a tradition that has been in place for many years took place at Tennis Whitsundays: The Soft Hand Drill.

The catching and throwing of raw eggs with much laughter and five dozen broken eggshells.

The pair who threw and caught the eggs over the longest distance were the girls, Anerize and Zoe on Tuesday afternoon.

Friday morning the boys and Junior Coach Indi of the Brekky group fumbled the egg the most but had the most fun.

Hayden Bradley, a young player from the club finished runner up at the JDS Div 8 in Ayr over the week as well.

Tuesday night social tennis had Norm, Kenny Val, and Tan out on court playing upbeat tennis.

Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon squads were put through their paces before a quick game of community.

Thursday afternoon squad saw Indi and Lacey played Hayden and Lucas in a very competitive game of double bounce, and the boys came out winners on the day.

The club’s Holiday Camp begins Tuesday 9am -12.30pm, with coaches Jenny and Jamie available for coaching over the holidays.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

Cool School Captain Jasper who turned up to his tennis lesson wearing his debonair Easter hat

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This week the Friday 9-hole stableford was won by Glenn Rees in a not-so-easy win with three players all coming in on 22 points.

The placements for all were determined by count back, with Clint Paull second and Chris Bartlett third.

The Saturday 18-hole competitions have now been moved to Sunday with many being a 10am tee off, visit the website for a current calendar of competition events.

This Sunday the winner was Justyn Durbin on 40 points followed by Glenn Scott on 38 and Chris Bartlett on 37.

Chris was also successful in making it through to the Match Play final as well as a nearest the pin - Justyn also had a nearest the pin win.

A new competition has also been added to the calendar ensuring mid-week players also can win.

The kids coaching clinic also started this week, Mondays 4-5pm.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Jack Hayes-Williams

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Proserpine Veterans Golf’s Two Ball Invitation Ambrose was a great success with 26 players taking part.  

The club thanked all our guests for coming along, having a go and enjoying the experience.  

The winners on the day were Patrick Patterson and Moya Bradley (Nett 60), second were Ken Granger and Vic Feldman (68.75).

Nearest the pins for the ladies were Mandy Patterson and Sue Franks(2nd), Leanne Alexander and Vickie Wallace (7th) and Pam Harrison and Anna Winterbourn (16th), and for the men Wilf Herwig (2nd), Peter Fox (7th) and Ken  Granger and Vic Feldman (16th).  

Chip Ins went to Peter Browning and Beryl Nosworthy, Neil Crawthorne and Peter Gonder, Leanne Alexander and Vickie Wallace, Patrick Patterson and Moya Bradley and Wayne Temby and Pamela Casey.  

Thanks to Pro shop staff for their support for the day and our lovely ladies for the food.

Tuesday hosted the clubs April Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Ambrose winners Moya Bradley and Patrick Patterson

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club for men and ladies.  

Men’s winner with a great score of 42 points was  Walter Maguire, runner up Ernie Parker 39 points. Ladies’ winner Lynelle Riley 38 points, runner up on a countback Morag Parker 36pts.

Split round for the April Monthly medals sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf Club.  

Men’s monthly medal winner on Saturday: Rodney Miller 67 nett, runner up on a countback, Paul Martin 68 nett.  

Ladies monthly medal winner on Sunday: Janice Bates 65 nett, runner up Leanne Swan 68 nett.  Pin shots to Claire Garrod, Kanittha Day, Viv Clarke, Kim Bennion.  

This weekend is a 4BBB Medley for the Easter Turkeys sponsored by Whitsunday Food Services.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Ladies April MM winner

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The Cannons had a very successful weekend in Mackay at the North Queensland Championships, taking out top points to win Champion Club.  

Congratulations to Age Champions: Jacob Bell, Jy Parkinson, Ella Harland, and Oli Bond, as well as Andrew Bell who was awarded North Queensland Official of the season.  

The swimmers and the coaches thoroughly enjoyed the weekend of racing and relays, with special mention to the boys who won gold medals in the 12-, 14-, and 16-year relays.  

Well done to the 10-year male relay team which won silver medals. But not to be out done, the female 14-year relay team also won gold.  

Highlights include Tiana Bell winning her 200 metre Breaststroke in 3.40.15, and Lilli Bond swam a fantastic 800 metre Freestyle in 11.14.09 claiming a bronze medal.

Jax Clayworth swam an excellent 50 metre Butterfly in 42.65 which was a 9.02 second personal best, while one of Tora Delac’s best swims was her 100 metre Breaststroke in 1.42.55 for the silver medal.

Don Algie, Declan Dichiera, Ruby Harland, Nathan Saunders, Lukas Trevaskis, and Isabella Pisaniello performed extremely well in all their races, achieving personal bests.

Declan’s best swim was his 50 metre Butterfly which he swam a massive 21.8sec personal best, and Austin Edwards-Bland won all his freestyle events.

Remy Hedges, Lochlan Jamieson, Holly Perrin, Taj Murray, and Ehsan Helou swam very well earning top placings in all their races.

Anisa Helou, Addie Sanders, Indi Smith, Charlotte Trevaskis, and Nelson Malady all swam impressive Freestyle and Breaststroke times.

Charlie Doherty and Daniel Saunders swam extremely well in their 100 metre Freestyle, while Mason Harland and Isaac Pisaniello were very excited about winning a bronze medal in one of their relays.

Harris Delac, only 8 years old, did a great job stepping up into a position in the 8 – 12 year male relay team.  

Congratulations to all the Cannons on their outstanding performances over the weekend, with a big thank you to the coaches, Mark and Kenny and to all the wonderful parents.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

The Cannons Female Relay team

The Male Cannons Relay team

Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson age champions at NQ

Cannons NQ team

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This week marks the 11th anniversary of parkrun in Australia, and Airlie Beach Parkrun hosted 57 runners, joggers, and walkers for their 5km waterfront course.

This week there were nine first timers, and four participants recorded new personal bests - well done to Nyrie, Priscilla, Molly, and Brad!

The event was made possible by 15 wonderful volunteers: Tim Oberg, Nick Beecroft, Timothy McQuoid-Mason (photographer), Kara Olver, Daniel Braddock, Sebastian Vinci, Nathalie Blomme, Heather Carr (run director), Christopher Harvey, James Henry, Liv Beate Compton, Laura Oates, Lynne Oates, Dennis Mundle and Caitlin James. Without volunteers, parkrun doesn’t happen, so their efforts are very appreciated.

Several volunteers are needed for this weekend, with the roles super-easy and well supported. If you are available for 90 minutes on Saturday morning, please contact airliebeach@parkrun.com.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then, 3,694 participants have completed 20,200 parkruns covering a total distance of 101,000 km, including 2,383 new Personal Bests. A total of 321 individuals have volunteered 2,733 times.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard.

The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social and supportive environment. You can walk or run the 5k course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead if you want to!), lend a helping hand as a volunteer in a wide range of super-easy roles, or simply spectate and socialise on the sidelines.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

The full results and a complete event history can be found at https://www.parkrun.com.au/airliebeach/results/latestresults/

Further photos and details about registering can be found on the Airlie Beach parkrun facebook page.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

The team of tailwalkers Caitlin, Laura & Lynne

parkrun doesn't happen without wonderful volunteers

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The first senior league game in almost 30 years played out on Sunday at Denison Park between the Bowen Seagulls and the 2021 Premiers Townsville Brothers.  

The crowd streamed through the gates eagerly awaiting the return of Senior Rugby League.

The day kicked off with Seagulls Under 8 and 9s playing red versus white as a curtain raiser for the main game.

After a brief history of Senior League in Bowen written by Tony Price was read out the crowd, the boys ran ou, supported by the club mascot Chip the Seagull and the Junior Players.

Rainer Power claimed the bragging rights as the first ever try scorer for the senior seagulls scoring in the first three minutes. Josh Laurie was strong on the boot converting all three of his attempts.

Brothers inched ahead of the Seagulls before half time and came out strong in the second.  The Seagulls hung on but in the end Brothers team were too strong, defeating the Seagulls 32 to 18.

Coach Lona was impressed with the boys first hit out said he was “happy with the effort and that the boys turned up for each other.”

The club and players were humbled by the support of the community in getting the team back on the park.

“I am proud of the efforts of the boys and overwhelmed with the support of the community,” Club President Darren Piggott said

“For Rainer go over for the first try in a Senior League competition since 1994 was really special to witness.”

Seagulls will be back at home this Saturday where they take on the Norths Devils at 3.30 PM

Player points: 3 Billy Bauer, 2 Jackson Dyne, 1 Aden Ferguson.

Contributed with thanks to Kelly Telford

The Seagulls alongside the Townsville Brothers

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