The Thursday afternoon Picklers were bursting at the seams with excitement when they made it back on court after three wet Thursdays in a row.

Murray and Gay Speden from the Gold Coast joined in with the cheerful band.

There were some tremendous matches: one between husband and wife teams, Murray and Gay, and Stuart and Kate.

Other Picklers delighted to be on court were Sheridan, Yoko, Robyn, Amity and Michael.

Unfortunately, drizzly weather made Saturday morning a washout.

Lookout for Kids' Pickleball hitting off on Monday afternoon, May 16 at 3pm to 4pm.

Pickleball Terms of the week:

Grip: the way you hold the paddle OR the material that is wrapped around the paddle handle to protect it and provide cushioning.

Midcourt: the middle area on the pickleball court between the non-volley zone (kitchen) and the baseline.

OPA: sometimes shouted out after the third shot has been hit when open volleying has begun.

Till next week: Paddles Up.

Bats at the ready for Pickleball Whitsunday sessions if the rain stays away next week

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This week’s focus is on Wednesday afternoon with the first up on court Lacey, who was honing her serving skills.

On the adjoining court, Cannonvale primary school captain Jasper and brother Asher were practicing rallying.

It was then time for Jai, who gave it his all.

At 4pm, squads with Coach Jenny and Jett, and Kaine with Coach Jamie, joined at 4.30pm by Sophie.

5pm squads took to the two front courts, working on match play.

On the back court, Lachlan worked to take part in the school tennis trials and - fantastic news - made the team. A shoutout to Karl who also made the school team.

Good news: social tennis made it out on court on Tuesday and Thursday night and welcomed Wayne, a new member of the community.

Saturday afternoon social tennis kept an eye on the heavens, the rain held off and they were able to have a great afternoon on court.

Please note Saturday morning social tennis is commencing at 7am and Saturday afternoon social tennis at 2pm.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman.

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Bowen Golf’s Wednesday competition was a single stroke event for the May midweek monthly medals.  

Men’s winner Benny Bon 64 nett, runner up Perry Davis 65 nett.  

Ladies’ winner on a countback Carol O’Connell 69 nett, runner up Claire Garrod 69 nett.

Over the weekend, the Bowen Golf club hosted the Men’s A, A1, B, and C grade opens: Saturday was B and C grades.  

B Grade Gross winner Craig Newell, Gross runner up Brenden Wells, Nett winner Liam Hillery, Nett runner up Leny Heron.  

C Grade Gross winner Colin Shaw, Gross runner up John Courtney, Nett winner Peter Dale, Nett runner up Don Williams.  

Longest drives to Aaron Watts and Len Phillips.  Nearest the Pins to Brenden Wells and John Courtney.

Sunday saw the A and A1 grades take to the course, with A Grade Gross winner Kyle Dowde, Gross Runner up Martin Evans, Nett winner Joshua Scullie, Nett runner up Isaac Fellows.

A1 Gross winner Marcus Yasso, Gross runner up Mitchell Greenbank, Nett winner Tim Miller, Nett runner up Ian Dunn.  

Longest drives to Chris Dunn and Adam Shaw, with Nearest the pins to Doug Power and Jeff Day.

This weekend is a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Sportspower.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

A and A1 Gross winners Kyle Dowde, Martin Evans, Marcus Yasso, Mitchell Greenbank

A and A1 Nett runners up Isaac Fellows and Ian Dunn

B and C Gross winner Craig Newell and runner up Brenden Wells

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The course was finally opened last week for our competition and surprisingly 25 players braved the heavy conditions. It was very tough going out there.

The men’s winner on the day was Peter Fox again, having a good run with 40 followed by Nick Apruzzese with 37 and Ken Granger 34.  

The ladies’ winner was our new member Moya Bradley on 30 (well done to her) followed by Leanne Alexander on 29 on a countback from Tiina Randmae on 29.

Nearest the pins went to Ken Granger, Nick Apruzzese and Larry Muller.

John Roser and Colin Hounsell both in the hole.

The ladies went to Leanne Alexander, Beryl Nosworthy with an Eagle on 2, Lyn Muller, Rehab Hull, Leanne again and Tiina Randmae.

Chip ins went to Phillip Luckett, Peter Fox, Barry Mortimer, Leanne Alexander and Tiina Randmae.

Next week is Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

Tuesday winners

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This week at Whitsunday Green, Glenn Rees commenced his first ladies’ clinic with Robyn, Beth, and Carolyn while Dee and Jane continued their private lessons. Talk about having fun in training 'what a hoot'.

The weekly 9-hole-stableford was won by Dean Barnard with 21 points, followed by Mick Bond on 20 and Glenn Rees on 19 points.

Friday's winner this week was James Millar with 23 points, followed by Mark Winter on 22 and Wayne Singleton on 21 points.

On Sunday it was the 18-hole comp, this week won by Glenn Rees on 39, followed by David Wallace on 33 and Wayne Singleton on 32.

Terry Kimpton and Glenn Rees also took the 'nearest the pins' on the day.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Deanna Norman and Jane Muller

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Last Saturday saw the Mama Africa Raiders Rugby Union team welcome the visiting Kuttabul Camel Boks to the Whitsunday Sportspark.

It was the first time the two teams had met since last year’s grand final and happened to be the top of the table clash for this season, and on paper, the game to watch this round.

With the weather conditions overcast and the grounds damp, everyone was looking forward to a great tussle across the paddock.

Kuttabul’s big forward pack and their strong backline were always going to be formidable to beat, but the Raiders were prepared for a physical fight.

With great preparation during the week but a couple of players carrying injuries, coach Andre Houston fielded probably the youngest average age team the club has ever seen.

Most of the home side had come back from the CQ championships in Rockhampton, held over the May Day long weekend, having played three games in three days, and Kuttabul also had a couple of players in the championship.

From the kick off, both teams showed they were up for a contest, and against the run of play and defending near their line, the Raiders won a turnover with young debutant Rhys Ward opening up the Kuttabul defensive line and running away for an 80 metre try under the posts, deftly converted by Niall Clancy.

The set piece tussle at scrums and line outs was an even affair with both teams gaining and losing the advantage across the field. In the end the Raiders came away with the bigger advantage.

Kuttabul hit back during the first half to be just behind at the break, 17 -10 to the Raiders, two tries a piece but the conversions and a penalty goal being the difference.

The second half started off well for the men in green, and again it was the young gun Rhys Ward who darted the ball across the line in the corner to put the Raiders in front 22-10.

Kuttabul weren’t giving up and with another unconverted try leaving them trailing by just 7 points going into the last quarter of the game.

Both sides were putting in the big hits, creating turn over ball and counter attacks right across the paddock, and a few of the older Raider players stepped up from the bench to make impacts.

Ryan Edkins, Trent Elson, William Pratt, and Andre Houston showed that age is just a number; which in turn sparked up the young guns. Raiders were able to convert two more penalties to lead the game 28-15 at the 73rd minute as well as keep the Camel Boks contained for the rest of the game.

Full time score 28-15 to the Mama Africa’s Raiders men in green, try scorers Rhys Ward (2), Connor Spence, and kicking duties Niall Clancy 2 conversions, 3 penalty goals

Player Points, 3 Rhys Ward, 2 Jye Hawkins, 1 Trent Elson

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With two pennants matches played our division two team is leading the field along with City on 11 points. In our first game at home on Saturday our three teams all had wins against Seaforth to get 6 points. On Sunday we played Marian at Marian where two teams had wins, and the highest score overall to get 5 points.

Our other two teams in third and fourth division did not do as well, with division three sitting on 4 points and fourth division on 2. It’s very early days though.

Many thanks to Margaret Armitage for making and supplying new corner flags on our two greens. Margaret has been supplying these for many years and put up new flags last week.

Social bowls – results week ending 1 May

Thursday pairs winners were Margaret Fogg and Barry Lehmann, with Warren Corbett and Tony Allsop coming second. Max Rose, Paul Goldston and Jan Little won green vouchers.

Friday pairs winners were Glen Fahy and Chris Banney. Lucky draws went to Chrissy Hall and Ron Bowers, and regular winner, Rob Evans with Brian Perrin.

Saturday men’s day was won by Col Carey, Felix Purcell and Brian Perrin. Runners up were Peter Grant and Trevor Laurens. Peter Madden’s team won the jackpot of $240, which he shared with his opposition team. Thank you Peter.

Ladies Results

North Mackay ladies hosted the Gooseponds 3 Bowl Triples, with 20 teams competing from City, Sarina, St Helen’s, Suburban, and North Mackay clubs. A hotly contested day was had by all those who attended.

Winners: A. Peet, J. Schmidtke, L. McCarthy (NM) with a 9+29.

Closely contesting second place was M. Bartolo, S. Bartolo, C. Bell (NM) with a 9+20.

Third place went to S. McCall, L. Coad, F. Keft (Suburban) with a 6+29.

Fourth place went to N. Schmidtke, S. Cutriss, D. Offield (NM) with a 6+15.

Contributed by Tony Allsop and Sue Hazledine.

North Mackay Division two team had their first game in their new uniform.

From left, back row: John Kennell, Clive Wales, Mick Walsh, Ian McDonald, John Priest, Bert Hobbs, Dave McKendry.

Front: Clint Vassie, Peter Grant, Tony Allsop, Greg McLean, Chris Banney

Women: Ladies Gooseponds 3 Bowl Triple Winners: Anne Peet, Lydia McCarthy, Jean Schmidtke

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On the back of a nasty 30-10 defeat to the Sunshine Coast Falcon, the Cutters were looking at another tough fixture up against the Brisbane Tigers.

Tigers had rolled through their first five matches undefeated, claiming a victory against the Central Queensland Capras at Villanova Park, where Solomona Faataape had run riot in the match-up.

Cutters were on a second defeat in a row – they’d won two of their five fixtures so far – and Tigers had been flying. There have been a few glimpses at what this Cutters team can achieve, but consistency seemed to be the lacking ingredient.

They’d battled hard against Northern Pride to clutch at a 24-22 victory at BB Print, and they’d absolutely walloped the Jets 12-52 in Round 2.

Although there’s much of the season left to play, title charges – or even finals berths – are made and lost with the very consistency the Cutters seemed lacking in.

BB Print was set to be a proving ground last Saturday against a side that was making a claim for supremacy.

Tigers sit top of the table with 9 points – the pack of Falcons, Bears, Devils and Capras close behind on 8 – and Cutters were still in the bottom half of the ladder with 4.

But it wasn’t the Tigers that came out the gates roaring.

The atmosphere in BB Print was electric, with Cutters out in their ANZAC Jerseys for Round 6 of the Hostplus Cup.

The home side were first to cross through Jake Riley in the 8th minute. Riley was first to a defence splitting kick that sat up for him beautifully.

He would cross again midway through the first half after a well-worked move saw Jayden Morgan dart through several of the Tigers players. Morgan was finally taken down just ahead of the line, but not before he offloaded to Riley, who then proceeded to dance past what was almost the entire Tigers side to cross.

The early advantage and the absurd athleticism bolstered the Cutters side, with Luke Webley at the end of a four pointer, again slaloming through the Tigers defence.

Tigers were able to score in the first half through Dan Russel after a bit of scruffy defending from the home side, but the Cutters went into the break 18-6.

Tigers crossed early in the second half through Gerard Beale in the 46th to put a bit of scare into the Cutters, but Jayden Morgan would put an end to the Brisbane teams hopes.

Morgan clashed through the Tigers line in the 75th, absolutely clattering the defenders to make it 24-12 in the Cutters favour and putting an end to the undefeated streak.

It was all smiles at the end of the matchday as Cutters posed for pictures with fans, and even some of the Tigers joined in – regardless of the fact they dropped from top spot on the ladder to fifth, their title charge is still well and truly alive.

The Cutters look ahead to their next game: up against the Bears, who sit comfortably in second, and have been a bogey team for the Cutters in their last 10 fixtures, of which they’ve won 9.

Cutters will travel down to Pizzey Park on the Gold Coast on May 14 after their bye this weekend. Bears will not have the luxury, taking on the Magpies at Davies Park and Tired legs may well be a difference maker.

Triple M’s Dave interviewing Sean Mullany who took both ‘players player’ and ‘man of the match’ awards in last weekend’s clash against the Brisbane Tigers. Images supplied: Mackay Cutters

It was all happy faces for the Cutters, pictured here post game in their ANZAC Day kits

Cutters fans revelled in the win against the Tigers snapping photos with the players after the match

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The Mackay City bowls green has been busy over recent weeks leading into the District Pennant Season. ‘Memorial Day’ was celebrated in fine style with Sue Beale, Margaret Egerton and Mary Burston winning the Glen Duffy Shield and Pauline Schembri, Jeff Neeve and Cath Davis victorious in the Brian O’Sullivan Shield - both gentlemen being past active club members.

Traditionally on ANZAC Day the ‘City’ club acknowledges past member Ossie McLardy who was an original Anzac in 1915. He was one of the lucky ones to return and enjoy a game of bowls in latter life at the club. The ‘City’ club honours his memory and all past and present servicemen and women on Anzac afternoon.  This years ‘lucky Ossie’ winners were Kirstine Robinson, Pauline Turchet and Beth Dawes.

Glen Duffy Shield winners: S.Beale, M.Egerton, M.Burston

Brian O’Sullivan Shield winners: P.Schembri, J.Neeve, C.Davis

Lucky Ossie winners: K.Robinson, P.Turchet, B.Dawes

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Mackay Bowling Club – Ladies Section held their Presidents at Home carnival recently. President Dot welcomed 58 members from various clubs in the Mackay district and members from MDLBA President Lyn and Treasurer Pam.

There was great friendship and laughter on the green. After the game of bowls everyone celebrated the day with a luncheon which was attended by Mackay Club Chairman of the Board Peter Nelson and Mackay Men’s’ President Tony Gibson.

Winners of the Bowls were E. Brondello, J. Nelson and R. Grace. Runner-ups: C. Bradford, R. Mannix and P. Roots. The club President Dot along with MDLBA President Lyn cut the birthday cake made by our Patron Eunice Bennett.

MDLBA President Lyn, Club President Dot and Patron Eunice

President Dot and MDLBA President Lyn

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Marian Ladies Bowls Club hosted its annual Harvest Triples tournament last month.  

It was a great day with some excellent bowls played with 48 ladies attending the competition. The winners were Robyn Large, Penny Roots and Ivy Henshaw, second place was Betty Petersen, Anne Smith and Jayne Johnston with third place going to Sue Swift, Jill Hancock and Linda Leyshon.

Sarina

Second: Northern Beaches

Northern Beaches

ction from Marian’s Harvest Triples

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The Festival of Athletics was held last weekend in Townsville in conjunction with the North Queensland Games.

Mackay Athletics Club had an impressive 26 athletes competing, many who brought home medals and some who broke records in the process. Mikayla Webb broke a 100m record while Toby Rule broke a record in the 3000m. Mikayla and Oliver and Toby Rule have also recently been selected in the U18 Regional Australia team to compete next month in the 2022 Oceania Athletics Championships in Mackay.

Here is a small snapshot of the club’s success.

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Whilst a huge local contingent of athletes landed on Hamilton Island for the Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon, locally more than thirty runners enjoyed the perfect running conditions for the Mackay Road Runners social Bluewater Quay.

Tim Magoffin took the gold medal for the 5km in a very slick time, backing up well after his 24km training run the previous day.  Crystal Hawkins ran a well measured consistent pace to be the first female in the 5km followed by 8km runner, Carolyn Mapes and 5km runner Leanne Connor.

First 10km female runner, Alana Ford snuck past first male, Rodney Elworthy to break the tape first. Excellent running then continued with fast finishing Derek Woods and Ricky Parker.

Congratulations to more than fifty local runners who had a very successful outing at the Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon.  Paul Mackenzie was the first Mackay runner home in a sensational time of 2 hrs 11 minutes, securing 7th overall and 1st in his age category with Joe Grech next best scoring 1st in his age and 9th overall in 2hrs 17 minutes.

Thomas Wendt and Kay Nyenuh were both awarded 2nd in their respective age categories with an 11th and 18th place consecutively. Kate Vella came in 7th female in 2hrs 36 and 2nd in her age, with Tahnie Malagueno 11th female and 4th in her age.  

This weekend’s Mackay Road Runners event will be held on Saturday morning from Casu Jacks Café at the Mackay Marina precinct.  

Contributed by Janelle Tilse (Road Runners Publicity Officer)

Greg and Carol Dawes enjoy the social 10km Bluewater Quay

Over thirty runners enjoy the social 5km – 10km event in perfect running conditions from the Bluewater Quay

(left to right) Race Director Julie Whibley, Geeta Ariana, Emma Johnson and Jose Short put their best feet forward

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An epic clash is set to take place tomorrow night at BB Print stadium, when the NRL returns for its only fixture to be played in Mackay this year.

If history is anything to go by, tomorrow’s game will be no walk-over. Both meetings between the Sydney Roosters and the Gold Coast Titans in 2021 resulted in nail-biting one-point thrillers between the two teams, with the Roosters getting up 35-34 in Round 14, and then again defeating the Titans 25-24 in week 1 of the NRL Final Series.

BB Print Stadium is a home-away-from-home for the Roosters who played three matches in Mackay during the 2021 relocated season. So are the boys from Sydney feeling cocky or will the giants from the Gold Coast win this clash of the Titans?

There’s no better place to see the action than from the sideline. The Roosters will be holding an open training session at BB Print Stadium on Friday, May 6 from 4.30pm-5.00pm.

Who Will Be Crowing After Tomorrow’s Clash?

After two close losses, the Sydney Roosters will be looking to return to the winner’s circle in what is shaping up to be an important match tomorrow night. Eight games into the 2022 season, the Roosters have a 4-4 record. The Gold Coast Titans will also be desperate for a win, having only notched up two wins so far this season.

The Roosters say they have been working hard to find form, with players like Luke Keary and Sam Verrills having returned after long-term injuries

Roosters captain James Tedesco continues to lead with his actions – he has notched up 300 running metres in each of the last two appearances, as well as three line-breaks.

Tedesco says he loves to play at BB Print Stadium.

“We’re excited to be heading back to Mackay this weekend,” he said.

“It’s a great stadium in a region that’s passionate about rugby league. The crowd gets right into it and as a player, you love being able to feel and hear that energy when you’re out on the field.”

“We had such strong support from our members and fans when we played at BB Print Stadium in 2021.”

“We can’t wait to run out on Saturday night.”

“We haven’t been happy with what we’ve dished up these last few weeks, but we’ve identified what we need to do. We’ve been working really hard and we’re looking forward to putting on a good show this weekend.”

Some key match-ups in the game to watch will be Lock Forwards Victor Radley and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and the clash of the Fullbacks, James Tedesco and AJ Brimson.

Roosters Head Coach Trent Robinson believes his team can put on a strong performance this weekend in front of a passionate Mackay crowd.

“There’s no doubt that regional areas like Mackay are so important, that’s where the lifeblood of our game is.”

“Mackay was like a second home to us in 2021, and the support we received from our Members and fans in the region was incredible.”

“We’re excited to be heading back to Mackay. It definitely feels like a home-away-from-home and we’re looking forward to connecting with the community in lead-up to our game by holding an open training session on Friday afternoon.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said it was fantastic to welcome the NRL back to Mackay in 2022.

“The Roosters and Titans clash is one of the NRL premiership games the State Government secured for regional Queensland after the State hosted the 2021 NRL finals series and the Grand Final.

“We’ve locked in an NRL game for Mackay this season because we know big sporting events bring the community together and attract visitors who contribute to the Covid recovery of our tourism economy.

“This is a wonderful investment in rugby league and Mackay’s tourism and hospitality industry.”  

Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the big winners in Mackay this weekend are league fans, accommodation and transport providers, hotels, cafes, restaurants and local tourism operators.

“When football supporters come to Mackay to see the big game in action, they also spend time enjoying the region’s breath-taking visitor experiences.

“This weekend is a celebration of our Grand Final legacy and the important part Queensland played in keeping the 2021 NRL premiership season safe from the pandemic.”          

ROOSTERS OPEN TRAINING SESSION

The Sydney Roosters will hold an open training session in the lead-up to their Round 9 fixture against the Gold Coast Titans.

The Mackay community will be able to watch their favourite Roosters players as they finalise their preparations during the team’s Captain’s Run which will be held at BB Print Stadium this Friday, May 6 at 4.00pm.

Sydney Roosters Open Training Session

Friday, May 6 at 4.00pm

BB Print Stadium, Mackay

Everyone welcome

Tickets to Mackay’s only 2022 NRL fixture, to be played at BB Print Stadium on Saturday, May 7 at 5.30pm, can be purchased via www.themecc.com.au.

Action from the Roosters in 2021 at BB Print Stadium. Photos: Amanda Wright

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Six Whitsunday locals took to the Queensland Games last weekend to compete in the A and B grade singles and B grade doubles in badminton, claiming two bronze medals and a silver.

The North Queensland Games were held in Townsville across the Labour Day Weekend, where local Dylan Wu took home the bronze win in the Men’s B Grade Badminton Singles for the Whitsundays, while Frederick Yau won silver in the same division.

The pair also linked up in the Men’s B Grade Doubles to win the bronze medal as a partnership.

An extremely technical sport requiring excellent motor coordination and the development of sophisticated racquet movements, badminton as a spectator sport is not to be missed.

Police Sergeant Billy Li was another of the Whitsunday competitors who took to the court on the weekend at the North Queensland Games.

Sergeant Li said that the Whitsunday side represented themselves excellently on the day.

“We all played some really great badminton, especially Frederick and Dylan who did well to come away with bronze and silver,” he said

Sergeant Li also said that the local PCYC hosts badminton training sessions each Tuesday where the sounds of fierce shuttlecock rallies thwack out across the hall.

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