This week at Whitsunday Green, it was Pip Runciman with a fantastic score of 23 who won the weekly 9-hole stableford.

Second was Terry Kimpton with 21, and third Nathan Nikolich with 20 points.

For the 9-hole prawn run it was Scott Morrissey who won with 23 points, Jimmy Millar with 20 and Glenn Rees third with a countback 19 points.

Sunday was the Monthly Medal and while the weather wasn’t great, members had a great time.

The winners for the day were Tyson Flavel with a count back win over Tim Harris both with 52 Nett. Ryan Kenny was close behind with 56 nett.

Glenn Rees and Tyson Flavel took home the Nearest the Pin win. Hole in One on the third by Gruszczynski Ireneusz (Eric).

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Justyn Durbin was decked out in Roosters jersey and hat for a day of golf on the weekend at Whitsunday Green

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Congratulations to Remy Hedges, Jy Parkinson, and Jacob Bell for their selection in the SNQ Team for Duel in the Pool.  

The three Cannons travelled with coaches Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson to Mackay over the weekend to compete in the CQ vs NQ Duel.  

It was a fantastic experience and all thoroughly enjoyed the weekend even though CQ won this year.  

The Cannons hosted another big Club Night on Wednesday. Thank you very much to the Malady family for cooking up a storm.  

Congratulations to Don Algie and Isaac Pisaniello for winning the Chocolate Award for the best personal bests.  

Congratulations to Ehsan Helou and Gracie Laguna for achieving Upgrades.  The Prickly Pineapple Swim Star Award was presented to Jax Clayworth.  

Highlights from Club Night include: Ehsan Helou performed extremely well, swimming three personal bests.  

Harris Declac swam an awesome 100-metre IM in 2.06.74 which was a 13.62 second personal best (PB).  

The club welcomed Jasmine Gerlofsma to Club Night.  Jasmine hasn’t swum for a few years but looks like she hasn’t lost her form.  She swam a 50-metre Freestyle in 31.86 seconds and 25-metre Butterfly in 16.13 seconds.

Isabella Pisaniello and Matilda Nicholes swam super times in their 100-metre Freestyle.  

Don Algie continues to improve on his 200-metre Backstroke time to swim a 3.21.20.

James Davies swam an excellent time in his 25-metre Butterfly taking 3.08 seconds off his best.  Mason Harland swam extremely well in his 200-metre Freestyle to swim a time of 3.07.67.  

Anisa Helou swam a fantastic 100-metre IM in 1.20.76.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Gracie Laguna Upgrade Certificate

Cannons SNQ Team for Duel in Pool

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In the penultimate week of the regular premier league season, Airlie Beach Darts had a few telling results.

The early match was between Jamie Woods and Lorraine Woods. The 7/1 result in favour of Jamie influenced both ends of the table.

The loss for Lorraine means she needs a win on the last day of the season to avoid this year’s wooden spoon.

Still at risk of being overtaken by Lorraine, Jayden Lloyd suffered two losses on Sunday: 7/1 to Seumas Rose, and later 7/4 to Gary Robbie. Leaving him in 13th place with no more matches remaining.

For Jamie Woods, that win secures him the league victory for this year with a week to spare, as Jamie Maher suffered a tough 7/5 loss to Joe Wilson, who himself still has ambitions of finishing the year in second place.

The final eight are set for this year’s final series but the positions are not.

Aaron Paull managed to hang on to eighth place even after losing 7/4 to Ross Gallichan. Ross lost his second game of the day, 7/4 to Nathan O’Hara.

Both Ross and Nathan will play in the Hetlock Cup final series this year along with Kameron Reason who just missed out on eight.

Joining those three players will be Gary Robbie, who along with the 7/4 win over Jayden Lloyd, later suffered a 7/2 loss to Andy Peel who remains just outside the top 4, a point behind Dom Friend.

And to round out the day, Alan Green had a 7/2 victory over Seumas Rose to make this year’s finals in his club debut season.

There’s still a lot to play for next week on the last day of the season.

The premier league is sponsored by Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Ross Gallichan in action at Mika on Sunday morning

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Although good results across most divisions, a couple of losses will serve as a valuable wake-up call to teams as the season finishes next week and finals begin in September.

The U14 Div1 certainly didn’t falter with a clinical display against Sarina Saints starting with early goals and continuing the target practice all game with an eight-goal haul overall. Josh Faletti was a standout for the side whilst Logan Burke scored a hat-trick.

The U14 Prem suffered their first loss of the season with an uncharacteristically lacklustre display against second placed Crusaders. Although leading at half-time 1-0, the second half lacked intensity and Crusaders managed to run them down and take the win 2-1.

U16 returned to top form against City Brothers. From the opening whistle, the Whitsunday team was switched on and played expansive football, pressing Brothers into mistakes.

It was a tense battle which had the spectators on the edge of their seats. Mitchell Milostic in goals had a great return from injury with several spectacular saves keeping his side in the game.

The Ladies had a mixed afternoon with Div1 going down to Country 4-1 after a strong start with Dani Kinear scoring the first goal of the match.

The Premier Women took control from the start and went into the half 3-1 with goals to Stephanie Mills, Mabel Gudes, and Bre Campbell.

Willow Gaffney added another goal in the second half and the Whitsunday side kept their comfortable lead.

The Whitsunday Men dominated the visiting Wanderers sides with the reserves taking a 7-1 win to secure their place in the finals. Nick Paul continued his goal scoring spree, adding four to his tally. Nicholas Hansen, James Vodika, and Riley O'Grady added the extras. The win puts them in a secure third place.

The Premier Men finished off the night on a winning note, sending the tired Wanderers side home with a 7-2 defeat at the hand of seven different goal scorers.

The Whitsunday Premier Men now just need one point from their final game to take out the Premiership.

Next weekend is the last home game for the Whitsunday Football Club so come down and support your local side.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

Women’s Premiers Bre Campbell and Clair Larden smiling after a strong win against Country

Young men’s reserves player and goalscorer Riley O'Grady

Caption 3:Rhodri Jones lining up a long pass

Penny Grossi

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Ladies’ winners Raewyn Glover and Grace Nott 66.5 nett, runners-up Judith Benson and Joy Hose 67.5 nett.

Pin shots to Bev Lowcock and Karon McKenzie, Joy Hose and Judith Benson, Elona Lynch and Morag Parker.  

Men’s winner Lester Keller 40pts, runner up Chris Matheson 37pts.  

The weekend’s competition started with a Single Stableford on Saturday sponsored by Refrigerated Technologies.  

Ladies’ winner Elona Lynch 38pts, second Julie Martin 37pts, third Chris Heinrich 36.  

Pin shots to Penny Stewart, Chris Heinrich, Bonnie Kohlhase, Lorraine McArthur.

Men’s winner James Miller 41 points, second Ezra Miller 39, third Daniel Varcoe 37 points.  Pin shots to Malcolm Martin, Gregg Aplin, Steve Darwin, Terry London.

Sunday was the annual 27-hole mixed foursome championships sponsored by Grand View Hotel.  

Winners Matthew Yasso and Claire Garrod, runners-up Owen Land and Robyn Slade.  

Nett winners Joy Hose and Tom Wikander, runners-up Kim Bennion and Mark Russell.  

Pin shots to Penny Stewart, Tom Wikander and Joy Hose, Morag Parker and Isaac Fellows.  

This weekend’s competition is a NRL footy themed, two ball ambrose sponsored by Alan Cooper, Dwayne and Jason Bartlett and Graeme Dalton.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Mixed foursomes Gross winners Matthew Yasso and Claire Garrod, runners-up Robyn Slade and Owen Land

Mixed foursomes Nett runners-up Mark Russell and Kim Bennion, and winners Joy Hose and Tom Wikander

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The weekly 9-hole stableford was won this week by Rhys Bartholomew with 20 points. Clive Burnup and Renae Maxwell were close behind with 19 points, but it was Clive who took the count back for second place.

On Friday, Jay Angel was the winner with 21 points and a count back win over Tyson Flavel. Dave Telford was third on a count back with 19 points.

The 4 ball better ball played on Sunday saw the Barnards in first place, Dean and Josh came in ahead of Glenn Rees and Rob Lodders in second and Alan Clinch and Dave Wallace in third.

Nearest the Pins for the day were Rob Lodders and Glenn Rees. Sunday will be the August Monthly Medal. Tee off is 10am.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Rhys Bartholomew was the winner at this week’s 9-hole stableford for Whitsunday Green golf club

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AFLQ Mackay hosted their League Presentations on Saturday with Whitsunday Sea Eagles well represented in their achievements.

Young gun Under 17 Sea Eagle Aidan Allen-Fancke went back-to-back from 2021 in an extraordinary effort, taking out the 2022 Trevor ‘Hat’ McCann Medal for Under 17 AFLQ Mackay League Best and Fairest.

Allen-Fancke’s natural talent and skill on field are something to behold earning him this well-deserved second medal.

Not to be outdone Sea Eagles Under 17 Coach Leigh Dunn took out the AFLQ Mackay League Junior Coach of the Year award for coaching this amazing team full of talented players.

Dunn has been with the Club for over two years now, and shows his knowledge, experience and dedication to coaching AFL with not only the Under 17s team but also running the Whitsunday Sea Eagles Junior Development and Bowen Auskick programs.

Whitsunday Sea Eagles had multiple Senior players in the representative sides for AFLQ Mackay Senior Men and Women’s Team of the Year.

Senior Men saw Sea Eagles Jake Turner, Ryan Lee, Mitchell Healey, Brent Downie and Alex Rodgers named with Lee also making it to equal fifth in the Senior Men’s Medal count even after spending half the season out injured.

Senior Women Team of the Year included Sea Eagles Cleo Dickie on the wing and Georgie Carland back pocket with Dickie also making the top 10 in the Senior Women’s League Medal.

Sea Eagles head to Mackay for Preliminary Finals this weekend with Under 17s (1v2) playing at the Saints 10.40am Saturday, August 27, and Under 12, Under 14 and Senior Men (3v4) headed to Bakers Creek Sunday, August 28, Juniors from 8am, Senior Men 1.50pm.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

2022 Aidan Allen-Fancke

Leigh Dunn Junior Coach of the Year

Senior Women Reps Cleo Dicke, Ian Hodges (Coach) Grace Bell

Kylie Allen & Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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Chermside, Brisbane: Over four days, the Queensland Multi-disability Championships were held and Airlie Beach Bowls Club was represented in both Men’s and Women’s sections.

The club’s own Russell Jackson not only won the Men’s Singles Championship but teamed up with Barry Lynne from Mareeba Bowls Club in the far north to also claim the Men’s Pairs.

Di Jackson, represented the club, too, playing 10 games in four days and performed admirably.

Closer to home, Manny Isgro played in the singles Champion of Champions on grass at South Suburban Bowls Club in Mackay.

Over two days, Isgro beat Johnathon Bye 21-15 in the final to be crowned the Champion of Champions in the district.

On the club’s green: Wednesday afternoon bowls saw skipper Ladda Purdie combine with Rick Galea to beat all comers for the prize.

Wednesday night Business House Bowls’ last season’s Champions, PRD, continue their outstanding form, and donated their prize money back to the club for the school students’ final to increase the prize money.

Saturday morning Scroungers crowned first round winners John Askew, Margo Stanley, Bobby Ward, Graham Cowling, and Fran. The final was won by John Askew against club coach Margo Stanley.

Sunday afternoon’s social bowls saw 27 bowlers contesting for the prize money and Ladda Purdie led her team of Bobby Ward and Col Morris to a fantastic win.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Airlie Beach Bowls Club’s Manny Isgro, the newly crowned 2022 Singles District Champion of Champions

The Cannonvale Cannons hosted another enjoyable Club Night last Wednesday where they commended Jy Parkinson, Tora Delac, and Jacob Bell on their outstanding achievements at Queensland SC Championships.  

Congratulations to Harris Delac and Eloise Chegwidden for winning the Chocolate Award for their personal bests.  

The club also presented Upgrade certificates to Don Algie, Jax Clayworth, Zane Clayworth, and Isabella Pisaniello.  

The Cannons would also like to commend Jasper Korosec for winning the Prickly Pineapple Swim Star Award.  

The coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson were very impressed this week with the younger swimmers.

Don Algie, Isaac Pisaniello, and Millah Walker smashed out some huge personal bests on Wednesday. Don Algie swam a 27.86 second personal best (PB) in his 200-metre Backstroke.  Isaac Pisaniello swam a 14.62s PB in his 100-metre IM, and Millah Walker, swam a 16.55 second PB in her 12-metre Breaststroke.  

Special mention:  Harris Delac who swam a fantastic Freestyle in 46.49sec.  Declan Dichiera swam 100-metre IM under 2min and achieved a 5.59 second PB.  Liam Filewood also swam extremely well in his 100-metre IM to swim a 2.76 second PB.  

Ehsan Helou just keeps getting faster and faster in his Breaststroke.  This week, he swam 50-metre Breaststroke in 37.36 seconds (a 2.28 second PB).

Ehsan’s sister, Anisa swam an excellent 100-metre Freestyle in 1.07.16.  While Indi Smith swam a super 25-metre Breaststroke in 27.13sec.  

Celeste Orenshaw swam an awesome 50-metre Freestyle in 45.76sec.  

The coaches would also like to commend Koa Harland, Isabella Pisaniello and Piper Walker for swimming PBs.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers who participated at Club Night.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Jy Parkinson letting up and coming Cannons (Nelson, Charlie and Jax) try on his medals

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Raiders Finish Season Minor Premiers, Remain Undefeated

Saturday saw the Mama Africa Raiders travel to Moranbah to finish of the regular season.

Travelling away is always hard on teams but the lads turned up early and a majority of the squad travelled by bus to the coal fields to take on the Moranbah Bulls.

The Mama Africa Raiders put on a display of running rugby that had the home side on the back foot from the start.

Coach Andre Houston was excited by the way his forwards were working for every opportunity and how his backs were running deep and wide.

The culmination of a year’s training was showing Moranbah a style of rugby they had no answers for and at the half time break, mama Africa raiders had a very handy 52-0 lead.

The scoreboard may have shown a commanding lead to the visitors, but Moranbah were not going to give up easily, especially at home for their last game of the season.

Raiders were still in command of the game but by the end of it, the men in green had only put 33 extra points on the board. Moranbah had stepped up a notch and made the going tougher.

A big congratulations to the entire playing squad, coaches, and supporters of the Mama Africa Raiders to finish the regular season as undefeated minor premiers, running out victors over Moranbah 85-5.

A bye weekend on August 27 leads the team into the preliminary finals to be held at Whitsunday Sportspark on Saturday, September 3.

This is going to be a special day for Whitsunday rugby as the women’s team will play, as well as three senior men’s games.

There will be face painting and a jumping castle available for the kids as well as the Raiders Sponsors Day event, food and drinks available all afternoon.

Player points on the day went to the tireless Shanun Naske, three points, always evasive Enelaki Faataape two points, and the speedster Rhys Ward one point.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

Raiders finish another season undefeated as Minor Premiers

It’s been almost two full seasons since the side has lost

nelaki Faataape breaking through Moranbah’s players in their final game of the regular season

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Week one and two of three weeks play for the Novice Anne Hird Memorial Trophy have been played on Monday 8 August and Monday 15 August. This competition runs over three weeks, and each Novice draws a new over partner each week. Novices must play with three different partners to win the trophy.

Players will need to play well on the last day of competition, as Pamela Finger has played very well over the last two weeks and is in the lead, followed closely by Anne Lutz and Sandy Patterson.

Anne Hird Memorial Trophy results – Weeks 1 and 2

Monday 8 August 22 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points – Anne Hird Memorial Trophy (Novice Players) Week 1 of 3

N/S E/W

1st Marilyn Wilson -Nicoll / Noel Bugeia 1st Eric Goodchild / Pamela Finger

2nd Elrae Trueman / Patricia Garner 2nd Sandy Patterson / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Anne Lutz / Jan Harris 3rd Marie McGuire / Ian Gaskell

3rd Cheryl Machen / Nancy Martin 4th Eric Leivesley / Susan Ross

Monday 15 August 22 - 8 Table Mitchell Green Points – Anne Hird Memorial Trophy (Novice Players) Week 2 of 3

N/S E/W

1st Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor 1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Pamela Finger

2nd Joyce Deguara / Victor Mason 2nd Terrence Sheedy / Maria Setiyawan

3rd Diane Stokes / Nancy Martin 3rd Marie McGuire / Vicki Howard

4th Sandy Patterson / Helen Van Den Broek 4th Patricia Garner / Ian Gaskell

Mackay Contract Bridge Club Results

Wednesday 17 August 22 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Joy Brunette / Don Poole 1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Maria Setiyawan / Frances Brown 2nd Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

3rd Susan Ross / Vicki Howard 3rd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

4th Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild 4th Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait

Friday 19 August 22 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

3rd Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell 3rd Geoff Cowan / Noel Saunders

Saturday 20 August 22 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 2nd David Ting / Ming Ting

3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole 3rd Anne Lutz / Geoff Cowan

4th Julie O’Neill / Margaret Lane 4th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

5th Griffin Bancroft / Michael Steinfeld

Anne Hird Memorial Trophy

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The North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) Open Magic Mile and the Podiatry Mackay Magic Mile were run and won in perfect running conditions from the Mackay Marina Breakwater entrance last Sunday morning.  

NQBP generously closed off the Breakwater Road at 7am, allowing the avid runners to focus on their sprint race distance of 1800 metres.  

The Junior and Open races were run separately with the juniors taking pole position as first starters.  

Oliver Rule, who will represent Queensland at the Cross Country National Titles in Adelaide next week, was in top form to snatch gold from his younger speedy sibling, Toby Rule and 2022 Junior Eungella King of the Mountain winner Damien Rutland.  

The talented U18 junior male field included Hamish Donnollan and Luke Leven, who are all peaking towards representative duties in the coming weeks.  

U13 gold medallist Cooper Leeson was also the winner of the coveted Magic Mile Milo Award presented to him by the 2021 winner and 2nd placed under thirteen winner, Hughie Bishop.  

Lily Leven continued her excellent form this year to break the tape first ahead of a very fast finishing Millie Bishop in the U18 girls.  

Both girls are also on regional representative duties this following week.

Angus Jacobs had an outstanding NQBP Magic Mile win mere seconds ahead of previous winner Liam Mumford and first time Magic Miler Mick Vivian.  

Emily Dalglish had an amazing race to take the top prize ahead of Glynis Forse and Carmel Grech.  

Excellent performances also came from Nick Rewald, Alex Couldrey, Kay Nyenuh, Justin Rule, Craig Andrews, Derek Woods, John Couldrey, Alan Zamparutti, Joe Grech, Shane Donnollan, Ricky Parker, Ben Ransom, David Isbister, Jan Smith, Carmel Mahon, Patreana Fenech, Geeta Ariani, Andrew Short and former Magic Mile champion, Judy Zahn.

This Sunday’s Pre-Father’s Day event will be a cross country loop course held from the Lamberts Beach Park playground precincts commencing 7am.  

Non-members are welcome for a $10 race day fe

U18 Podiatry Mackay Junior Magic Mile winner Oliver Rule (far right) leads the field in a great sprint finish for gold over his younger Brother Toby (#173), Damien Rutland (#197) and Hamish Donollan (#73)

North Queensland Bulk Ports Open Magic Mile podium finishers Glynis Forse (2nd), Emily Dalglish (1st), Carmel Grech (3rd), Mick Vivian (3rd), Angus Jacobs (1st) and Liam Mumford (2nd)

Donald Orr and Frankie from Podiatry Mackay present Junior Magic Mile winners with their cash prizes – Cooper Leeson (1st U13), Millie Bishop (2nd U18), Lily Leven (1st U18), Oliver Rule (1st U18), Toby Rule (2nd U18), Damien Rutland (3rd U18) and Hughie Bishop in front (1st U13)

2021 Magic Mile Milo winner Hughie Bishop (left) presents the 2022 Magic Mile Milo coveted award to Cooper Leeson (right). Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse

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The past presidents’ men vs ladies day is on at Goosies on Monday afternoon, 12th September. You don’t have to be a past president to play, just a full bowls member. Organise a team of four men or four ladies and check out the notice on the notice board.

SOCIAL RESULTS

Monday mixed pairs winners were Glen Fahy and Peter Crawford, followed by Gloria Sam and Pam Louis. Rob Evans and Lurline Ford won the lucky draws.

Wednesday ladies’ day was taken out by Anne Bailey, Narelle Schmidtke and Carmel Bell. In second place were Jenny Grech, Jean Comelli and Daphne Offield.

Thursday mixed pairs: a winning day for Bruce McCubben and Ian McDonald with Jan Little and Paul Goldston in second spot. Greens vouchers were won by Shane Trannore and Andrew Coates.

Friday mixed pairs’ winners were Neil Blucher and John Priest. Lucky draw winners were Daphne Offield and Mary-Anne Bartolo followed by Jean Comelli and partner.

Saturday men’s day winning team was a triples team of Shane Trannore, Alex Cameron and Ian Rowan, with Tony Allsop and Doug Dungavell in second place.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Alex Cameron and Ernie Sealy manned the box last Saturday

 Lorraine Silman in action in the mixed pairs competition

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Newly appointed Mackay Cutters Head Coach Michael Comerford has just experienced a week of mixed fortunes in the world of rugby league.

Only days after agreeing to take over the reins from departing Cutters’ Head Coach Dave Elliott for the next two seasons, the widely respected Comerford has missed out on a fairytale Aaron Payne Cup premiership with his much-vaunted St Patrick’s College Mackay team.

Comerford will step down from his Sports Coordinator role at Mercy College on October 4 to take up the full time Head Coaching position at his beloved Cutters.

With Elliott accepting the Head Coach role at Norths Devils for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the astute Comerford was aiming to finish his schoolboy coaching commitments on a winning note.

But hats off to Ignatius Park College who have added the Aaron Payne Cup to their trophy cabinet after registering a 24-12 Grand Final victory over St Patrick’s last Friday at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

In yet another torrid clash between the northern Queensland schoolboy titans, Ignatius Park have claimed the honours after stepping up with two late tries in an enterprising finish.

Turning point came with Ignatius Park leading 18-12 inside the final ten minutes when boom St Patrick’s centre Kai Simon appeared to be taken off the ball when charging for the try line to pounce on a perfectly weighted Ethan Van Kerkwyk grubber kick.

No action was taken and Ignatius Park responded with a sweeping 70 metre movement downfield that led to a crucial four pointer as the home side seized the advantage.

Spearheaded by top prospect Jack Wood, the Townsville youngsters jumped to an early 12-0 lead before the elusive Simon nabbed a converted try for St Patrick’s before the break.

When St Patrick’s centre Bray Tait crossed for his side’s second try after the interval to level up proceedings the scene was set for a gripping finale.

Having also lifted the 2022 Confraternity Shield, Ignatius Park have now set their sights on beating Dolphins Cup winners St Brendan’s Yeppoon in this week’s showdown at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

St Brendan’s toppled The Cathedral College 20-6 in last week’s final to set up another tilt with Ignatius Park with the winner to meet either Ipswich State High School or reigning champions Palm Beach-Currumbin State High in the NRL Schoolboys Phil Hall Cup Grand Final at Robina’s Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.

Promising St Patrick’s forward Levi Love turned in a strong performance in his side’s 24-12 loss to Ignatius Park in the Aaron Payne Cup Grand Final

Dynamic utility Bray Tait shone for St Patrick’s in the Aaron Payne Cup decider against Ignatius Park in Townsville

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The Mackay Cutters took to the BB Print Stadium field for the last time this season, hoping to upset the second-placed Sunshine Coast Falcons to keep their season alive.

The Cutters have recently found form, taking down top-of-the-table sides the two weeks previous, but their dream end-of-season run came to an end on Saturday afternoon.

The first ten minutes of the match saw possession shared evenly and was riddled with mistakes and penalties from both teams.

The first try came in the 13th when a Brandon Finnegan grubber found the goal post and was picked up by Ewan Coutts, giving the home side an early lead.

The Falcons hit back soon after with a crafty outside inside ball allowing Blake Wilson to stride over untouched.

The rest of the first half went the way of the visitors, with Tyson Smoothy scoring under the posts in the 28th minute and a smart offload and some quick footwork seeing Will Warbrick craft his way under the posts in the next set of the subsequent restart.

The Falcons led 18-6 at halftime and continued their form into the second half, with a movement through the backline delivering space for Warbrick to cross again in the 46th minute.

The Cutters weren’t done yet as a pinpoint cross-field kick from Finnegan saw Jake Riley cross in the corner, giving the Cutters a sniff.

The Cutters were in again with Hiale Roycroft barrelling his way across the line after picking up a knocked-back ball, bringing the Cutters right back into the game at 24-18 with 10 minutes to go.

Some Kaylyn Ponga-esque footwork from Blake Wilson all but sealed the deal for the Falcons, scoring under the posts in the 75th minute.

A counter-attack and a crafty kick saw Falcons’ winger Sualauvi Faalogo score after the hooter putting the nail in the coffin of the Cutters’ season.

Despite some fight, the fulltime score was 36-18, dashing the Cutters’ hopes of a finals spot in September.

The Cutters will travel to Port Moresby this weekend to play the Papua New Guinea Hunters in the final match of the season tomorrow afternoon.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Mackay Cutters Colts defeated the Falcons 24-20 in a thrilling contest.

The Cutters 2022 finals dream is over, going down to the Falcons after showing some end-of-season grit. Photos supplied: Mackay Cutters

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