Rain played havoc with the NQ Junior Open, held in Proserpine over the weekend. The competition was set down for Saturday and Sunday, but rain washed out Saturday’s play. Thankfully Sunday was a better day.

Finn Couper from the Rowes Bay Club, playing off a handicap of four, was the boys gross champion with 71, while Emily McEwan from the Atherton Golf Club was the girl’s winner with 76.

The nett winners were Logan Devery, Proserpine, 72, and the girl’s winner was Tahnee Pietzner from the Moranbah Club with 76.

Saturday’s club competition saw 50-odd nominate, 31 start, but only 18 finished.

The winner was Daniel O’Donnell with 40 points, from Tom Maclean 38, and Ash Law 36.

The place getters were Aaron Watts and Darren Reynolds, both with 33 points.

The pins went to Dan O’Donnell and Tina Badenhorst on nine and Vince Collins 13.

Wednesday’s ladies’ monthly medal was won by Elspeth Scotford with 75 nett on a count back from Ann Gardel and Lyn Muller.

The place getters were Pauline Redpath, 76, Rehab Hull 78, and Leanne Alexander 79.

The pin shots went to Rehab, Elspeth and Leanne.

Thursday’s monthly medal division one winner was Steven Stewart with nett 69, from Adam Maggs and Allen Roberts, both with nett 70.

The division two winner was Luchie Gardel 69, from Fraser Simpson and Paul Nicol, both with 72 nett.

The place getters were Chris Brett and John Bissell 71, Simon Della Santa, Trevor Paroz, Gavan Kerwand, Nathan Sothmann, Rob Smith and Wayne Temby all on 73, and Sam Deicke and Michael Ward 74.

The pin shots went to Scott Grigg, Ask Morley-Hart, Brendon Spann and Adam Maggs. Eight shared the two-shot pot.

Next Saturday, Easter Saturday, will be a single stroke event.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Lewis

Golf Pro Roger Vandenberg with boy’s winner Finn Couper

Roger with girl’s winner Emily McEwan

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The new five day open 9-hole competition was won this week by Wal Walton on 23 points followed by Andrew Gomez on 21 points and Mick Bond on 20 points (a count back win over Glenn Rees).

Fridays 9-hole Prawn Run was won this week by Gary Goddard with a very impressive 25 points.

Scott Hayes came in second with 23 points and Justyn Durbin took third with 19 points (a count back win over Rhys Bartholomew).

Sunday, 10am was time for SKINS, and the winner was Glenn Rees playing very well to take home 8 Skins.

David Wallace did well with 5 Skins and Rob Lodders had 3 Skins.

Congratulations to Rob Lodders who earned himself a hole in one on the 10th during the comp and a big 'Welcome Back' to Bob Spees.

The Club and course will remain trading usual hours over the Easter weekend.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Bob Spees, Alan Clinch, Rob Lodders, Glenn Rees, and David Wallace

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Where to start? Pickleball is Pickleball; a paddle, a wiffle, a court and, of course, add the people and on Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning.

Thursday afternoon, Gerry and Gary were ecstatic when Stuart and Kate arrived for a stupendous game, quickly followed by Yoko, Sheridan, Amity, and Phoenix.

Saturday morning saw three tenacious people turn up for a very soft rally before they were chased off court by the rain.

This week the focus is on Pickleball burning calories.

A Pickleball game - depending on intensity - can burn between eight - 11 calories per minute.

Regular running burns about 11 calories per minute; so, yes, Pickleball is an effective substitute per minute of calorie burning to regular old running!

Until next week Paddles Up 4.30pm Thursday afternoon and 7am Saturday morning

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

Three expert Pickleball players

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Question: what is tennis to you? Whitsunday Tennis’ Answer: people young and old, tennis courts, tennis racquets and tennis balls - action!

And that was the case this week with the fantastic fun and sun tennis morning that had a little bit of everything.

Kicking off with special fun ball drills to get everyone moving, assistant coach Lily helped the youngsters with their craft.

Lucas, Jake, Hayden and Kerri jumped on court during their school holidays for extra lessons.

When school heads back, tennis Coaching will hit off for Term 2 on Tuesday morning April 19.

Thursday morning the ever popular ‘Fit, Fun Tennis’: the upbeat cardio workout on a tennis court.

Well done to Sandra, Kerri and Jane.

Fit, Fun runs Thursday mornings at 8.30am. No tennis experience necessary and racquets supplied.

Social Tennis was absolutely in its element this week, with Tuesday and Thursday evening, and Saturday afternoon all seeing some scintillating sessions of tennis.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

The youngsters have been out in force for tennis lessons these school holidays

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During the last Club Night, the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club wished Jy Parkinson and his coach, Mark Erickson, all the best at the national championships.  

The Cannons presented Jy and Mark with special Cannons’ shirts and jumpers.  

Jy, 16, has trained hard over a number of years to qualify for the Australian Age Swimming Championships.

The 2022 championships will be held in Adelaide from April 11 to 18, with Jy qualifying for nine but competing in seven individual events – 50 metre, 100 metre and 200 metre backstroke, 100 metre and 200 metre freestyle, 100 metre butterfly and 200 metre IM.  

Jy was honoured to be selected for the Queensland mixed medley relay team for his age division, and is looking forward to representing the state in the relay.  

The youngsters successful season has seen him selected for the Queensland Talent ID team, qualified for numerous Qld championships, named SNQ Male Captain for 2022-2023 and has recently been selected in the Qld Possibles and Probables  team (Qld Tri Meet).  

He thanked his family for all their amazing support.  

“Without the backing and encouragement of my family, I would not have been able to achieve all these results and opportunities,” Jy said.

“I would also like to thank the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club: my coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden, and my fellow swimmers.

“Swimming can be a ‘lonely’ sport, but if you are swimming with others, it can be fun and motivating.”

Mark has coached Jy for 7 years and he is impressed with Jy’s work ethic, attitude, commitment, and sportsmanship.  

Good luck at Nationals, Jy.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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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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