The Cowboys absolutely walloped the Raiders in their mid-March fixture in Townsville, but the game dominated by Valentine Holmes had a very special meaning for a few young Bowen rugby league fans.

Sixteen Bowen Seagulls Under 8 Junior players headed to Townsville to play on the professional level pitch in front of a massive crowd before the Cowboys did the very same.

They were facing up against the James Cook University Saints thanks to the Cowboys, who had given the club the opportunity to play pregame.

Kelly Telford, who attended on the night, said that the experience was one they would never forget.

The Seagulls, dressed in their red home kits, first met a special member of the team in the tunnel - the North Queensland side’s mascot, Bluey the Cattle Dog.

They streamed out on the field through a tiny Toyota banner and under the guidance of club volunteers, who were probably just as excited as the young ones to be in the centre of the pitch.

“The kids were nervous and excited and after they played, they thought they were very special,” Kelly Telford said.

“Some had never been to a cowboy’s game before.”

As they headed on their “lap of honour” the young Seagulls were met by Kyle Feldt, who was nice enough to stop mid warm-up and have a chat to some of the kids as they were leaving the grounds.

After the game a few of them were also able to get photos with Tom Reardon, Griffin Neme, and Tom Gilbert.

Following their pregame game, the Under 8s were treated to a tight first half and then a second half blowout in the Cowboys favour, which fans said was “the best [they’ve] seen for the last four years”.

It might just be coincidence, but the Seagulls may just be the Cowboys’ lucky charm, and there may very well be a future Cowboy in that Seagull line-up.

The Under 8s Bowen Seagulls who attended the Cowboys-Raiders game

The Seagulls were eager to head out on the field

The young ones faced up against James Cook University on the professional pitch

Seagulls meeting with Cowboys player Kyle Feldt

A brave Seagull crashing through the JCU offensive line in front of the Townsville crowd

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Living an island life has meant twin brothers Russell and Connor Harris have always been in or around boats, and the young pair’s hard yards on the waves are paying dividends as they head to the 2022 Queensland Open Skiff Championships this weekend.

They’ve been skiff sailing for just two years, but with their father a skipper and being a part of a sailing adventure as a family from Greece to Australia over a couple of years, the boys seemed destined to take up their own mast and hit the seas.

Proving to be the region’s emerging athletes, they have had recent success in the Under 13 division at the Open Skiff National Championships in January at Mannering Park Sailing Club, NSW - Russell placing 2nd and Connor 3rd.

The prodigal sons, who recently started high school at Whitsunday Christian College, split their training time between the Hamilton Island and Port Denison Sailing clubs.

This weekend, they will be competing at the 2022 Queensland Open Skiff Championships at Southport Yacht Club, and in mid-April in the Sail Airlie.

But it’s not just the weekend that these highly motivated twins have in their sights – their ultimate goal is competing at the ISAF Open Skiff World Championships in Carcans, France in July.

Their mum, Jeanette Harris, said that the French event represents an important regatta in their sporting development.

“They are excited and a little bit nervous - typical eleven-year-old boys so it’s a little bit hard to judge,” Jeanette laughed.

“I don’t know if it’s the twin factor that is the reason that they don’t over celebrate their wins, because you never know you if your twin brother will beat you next time!”

Alongside the Australian Sports Foundation, the family have launched funding campaigns to raise $5,600 each before the 1 May to cover regatta entry fees, boat charters and overseas travel and accommodation – they’ve raised $2,160 each so far.

You can donate to them each at the individual pages, with donations tax deductible: https://bit.ly/3DaqNC6 and https://bit.ly/3qwVCeT

Russell and Connor Harris on their Skiffs

(L-R) Russell and Connor at the Open Skiff National competition last year

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Tuesday Ladies Club singles, pairs and triples continue results to be published when concluded.

Mervyn Stewart’s Wednesday afternoon bowls is becoming very popular and the big winners this week were ably led by skipper Tony Whitehorn, with Mark Mawson at lead and Lu Rogan at second.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls penultimate round winners were Whitsunday Gold Coffees A team, Hadlow Racing, and Whitsunday Gold Coffees B team getting home on the last bowl of the night.

The big winners of the night coming from major club sponsors PRD with John Morris, Darryl Brewer and Matt Francis playing exceptionally well and donating their prize money back to the club – a wonderful gesture.

Saturday morning Scroungers first round winners were Margo Stanley, Neil Moore and John Askew with John Askew the major winner of the day.

Finally, Sunday afternoon Social Bowls big winners of the day were skippered again by in form Tony Whitehorn with lead Bill Gordon and Karen Jensen second over skipper Alan Pershouse, lead Lu Rogan and second Jill Spencer.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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On Wednesday Social Bowls Alen Sanderson, Jim Bownds, Sandy Daffara and Bruce Uhe defeated John Anderson, Pat Bownds, Arthur Griffith and Philip Brown 27-15.

Men's competition is progressing well, with Club Championship Singles Scott Hamilton defeating Warren Wilson 25 – 17 and Garry Alexander defeating Philip Brown 25 - 9.  

In B Grade Singles Nathaniel Watts defeated Gavin Noonan 25 – 14 and Vince Olsen defeated Kendal Watts 25 – 6, and Bruce Uhe defeated Harry Craig 25 - 10.

On Sunday Social, Peter Lawton brought his grandson along to enjoy a game.  

Stanley played lead for both teams.  Stanley Lawton, Alen Sanderson, Peter Lawton, Arthur Griffith and Philip Brown defeated Stanley, John Anderson, John Lahney, Sandy Daffara and Bruce Uhe 24 - 10.

Best Wishes to the Mackay District Men's Side who will be playing in the Challenge Cup at Atherton this weekend.  

B Singles Saturday April 2, 9.30am start

Vince Olsen v Bruce Uhe, markers to be advised

Club Championship Singles

Gavin Milne v Michael Kinnear. marker to be advised

2 Bowl Triples Saturday April 2, 1.30pm start

Todd Leys, Jonathan Bye and Gavin Milne v Harry Craig, Warren Wilson and Barry Saroglia

Club Championship Pairs

Nathan Dodds and Scott Hamilton v Michael Kinnear and Grahame Kinnear

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

L-R Sunday's Social players Bruce Uhe, John Lahney, Sandy Daffara, Peter Lawton and grandson Stanley, John Anderson, Alen Sanderson, Philip Brown and Arthur Griffith.

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This Sunday was the last opportunity for some to get their seasons up and running before we stopped for the first of our four scheduled breaks this year.

Saturday morning saw Jamie Maher take on Dom Friend in a rescheduled round three match.

The match was played online from home with the use of technology, Jamie taking the victory with a 7/4 scoreline, but Dom scored a nice 180 in that match.

On Sunday back at the club house, we had victories for Jamie Woods 7/0 over Aaron Paull, Jamie Maher 7/1 over Ross Gallichan, and Andy Peel 7/3 over Nathan O’Hara.

Kameron Reason hit his first 180 of the season in his 7/5 loss to Alan Green. Lorraine Woods had her best performance of the season so far, but it wasn’t enough to beat Seamus Rose, with Seamus winning it 7/4.

The last match was another rescheduled game from round three between Ross Gallichan and Seamus Rose.

Seamus was in fine form though, winning this one by a 7/3 scoreline. Seamus pocketing two impressive wins on the day.

The Premier League is proudly sponsored by Mika BBQ and Bar and Whitsunday Tattooing.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Ross Gallichan looking for a victory on Sunday

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club for the men and a 4BBB stableford for the ladies.

Ladies’ winners were Morag Parker and Elona Lynch 41 points each, runners-up Carol O’Connell and Kim Bennion on 40 points.

Men’s winner Gordon Brackley 38, with runner up Ray Sellen 37.

Split round started with the men’s 4BBB stroke event qualifying for doubles match play on Saturday, with winners Rodney and Xavier Miller 59, runners-up Liam Hillery and Gary Marks 61.

Sunday was the ladies’ 4BBB stroke event qualifying for doubles matchpla, with winners Robyn Slade and Lynelle Riley 62, runners -up Robyn Newell & Paulette Barrett 63.  

Turkeys’ nests Claire Garrod, Bonnie Kohlhase, and Janice Bates; nearest to pin Lynelle Riley with an OBP.

This weekend is another split round with Men’s and Ladies’ stroke event for the April monthly medals.  

Men play on Saturday, ladies on Sunday.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Ladies 4BBB winners Robyn Slade and Lynelle Riley

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The weather and the course both proved ideal for four ball best ball that were held Sunday 27, and attended by 28 WSY members.

Winners on the day for the team even were Wilf Herweg and Peter Fox on 44 points, Wayne Temby and Brendon Meharry on 43, Pam Casey and Mark MCDougall on 41 on a countback from Dean Kercher and Lew Tuck on 41.

Longest Drives went to Penny Wardroper, Joanne Moynihan, and Ron Jamieson.

Pin shots went to Tiina Randmae, Brendon Meharry, Anthony Gwalter & George Meharry.

Next week will be April monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Golf Club

Some of the players from last week’s Sunday Four Ball Best Ball

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Flick pest control and Justyn Durbin were the sponsors for the March Monthly Medal held on Saturday on a pleasantly cool day for a competition with a few cold ones.

Tyson Flavel took out top score with 48 nett,  Ryan Kenny was awarded the medal with 49 nett on the day and the newest player to join the list entrants for the 'Medal of Medallist', Danny York had a great round.

York came in four under the card at 50 nett with a zero handicap, and was the 'off the stick' winner for the day.

Nearest the Pin prizes were awarded to Glenn Rees, Deeray, and Adam Singleton.

Friday's 9-hole Stableford was won by Tim Walton on 22 points, followed by Andrew Gomex on 21 and Rhys on 20 points (count back win).

Sunday's stableford was won by Glenn Scott on 23 points, a count back win over Rob Lodders also on 23 and new player Renae Maxwell coming in third with 22 points.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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Tuesday early evening tennis players were surprised when they arrived to find they were taking part in an impromptu tennis round robin.

Pairs were quickly established and headed out to play time-based rounds which encouraged quick play in between points.

Winners of the evening were Val and William.

Tuesday and Thursday night social tennis was a little slow this week, so the club is encouraging everyone to pick up the pace, lace up your shoes, grab your racquet or our racquet and get out on court to make a racket.

They will hold a Fun in the Sun Tennis Camp on Tuesday 5 April, 9am to 12.30pm.

The goal of the camp is to provide students the chance to enjoy and have a taste of tennis or brush upon skills over the holidays. Contact 0418 866 808 to register.

Thursday morning fit, fun tennis - the upbeat cardio workout on a tennis court was a hoot, with the girls on their toes.

Contributed with thanks to Jenny Kirkman

Val and William with the Group and holding their Easter prize

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A light south easterly breeze greeted the 16 boats in last week’s Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race conducted on the waters of Pioneer Bay.

Flat water and a shifting breeze made for great racing for all competitors.

First away was Division Two, with eight boats participating, with plenty of action on the starting line as the boats jostled for the best starting position.  

QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) was deemed to have made the best start, taking the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize.

With the shifting breeze, placings changed frequently as they approached the first buoy, with Reignition (Charles Wallis) leading Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) around the buoy.  

Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) made a slow start, as did Treasure VIII (Rob Davis), both playing catch up as the race progressed.  

Racing was close for much of the race, with Smooth Criminal first to cross the finishing line, also taking out the corrected time win over Reignition and Twister (Kevin Fogarty).

Division Three saw Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) leading the fleet away, however Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) soon took the lead from Shiraz (John Cable) and Rossgo (Greg Hammon).  

There was a gap back to Masquerade, sailing a lonely race, with Lighthorse (Dianne Forster) not far behind.  The corrected time results saw Shiraz taking the honours from Rossgo and Wobbly Boot.

Presentations at the club afterwards saw the Whitsunday Industrial Services SML prize going to Division 1 trimaran Overdrive (Rupert King), while the participant prize, sponsored by Soft Rigging Solutions, went to the race committee.

A fleet of seven took to the waters of Pioneer Bay on Sunday for the first two heats of the WSC Challengers Cup series.  

At the scheduled starting time, there was insufficient breeze to set the course, resulting in a delay to the start.  Eventually everyone got away at 11:55 in a light easterly breeze.  As the day progressed, so the wind changed, ranging from 6 to 18 knots.

As expected, Back in Black (Michael Van Der Zwaard) dominated on the water, finishing well clear of the fleet.  Back in the main fleet, however, Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez), after slow starts in both races, worked their way forward, hotly contested by Reignition (Charles Wallis) and Treasure VIII (Rob Davis), while Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) kept them all honest.

After two races, and taking corrected times into consideration, Wobbly Boot won the day with two wins, while a three-way tie for second saw Back in Black, Seventh Heaven (Charlie Preen) and Treasure VIII all on equal points.

There are just two weeks to go to the annual Easter regatta, and already over 40 entries have nominated for the four course areas on Pioneer Bay.

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm

‍Bobby’s Girl and QMS Ponyo

Treasure VIII

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While the entire tennis-loving world was in shock last week following the announcement that the Queensland born tennis superstar Ash Barty would be retiring at the top of her game, her dad Robert Barty arrived in Proserpine to share the news with a local crowd in a region he once called home.

On a mission to help motivate young children and families to achieve their dreams, Robert Barty, shared his daughter’s inspirational story and also managed to find time to answer the question on everyone’s lips – what will she do next?

Born in Bowen, Rob Barty spent much of his time in the region on the fairway of Proserpine Golf Course as a former amateur state golfer.

“It’s good to come home - I have a big soft spot for the region having grown up in Bowen as a kid,” Rob Barty said.

He moved away from Bowen in the early 80s, starting his family life in Brisbane and Ipswich, and raising his three daughters – one of them the future women’s tennis world number one.

His return to the region came after a discussion with his daughter Ash Barty about how hard it is “living in a little town like Bowen” to make Queensland and Australian teams.

“She said to me, why don’t we, and I mean you, jump in the car and travel around Queensland talking about my story,” Rob said.

“Tell parents, tell kids that anything is possible – you just have to work really hard.”

Rob has now been to over 70 clubs across the state, with only two of those metropolitan clubs.

In the interactive session in Proserpine, Rob told the story of Ash’s life, fielding questions on the star’s journey.

From the story of how she met her long-time junior coach, Jim Joyce, at the West Brisbane Tennis Centre at the age of four, right through to the scream she let out after her winning rally at last year’s Australian Open.

Ash came across as a mythologised sportswoman, destined to be the first Australian winner of the open in over 40 years – but most importantly, her dad reminded, she is a great person.

“When Ash was little, she had five rules from Jim, and they still apply today,” Rob said.

“Number one: have fun, two: be happy, three: be a nice person, four: show respect and be respected, and number five which was last on the list for a reason: if you can play tennis after those four, it’s an added bonus.”

Speculation around whether Barty will pick up another sport in the wake of her retirement at just 25 has been rife in the week since the shock announcement, and the questions flew in from the Proserpine players and parents.

A former Women’s Big Bash League player, cricket has been a forerunner, but it’s golf that seems to be the most obvious choice.

A scratch golfer herself, her swing having wowed even Tiger Woods, it would make sense coming from a golfing family that Ash would pick up the clubs if she does return to the sporting stage.

“She’s the best golfer in the house,” Rob said.

“I suspect she’ll play a bit of golf, but I don’t really know what she’ll do – I suspect she wants to have a family of her own.”

Most importantly, Rob said that Ash wanted to retire so she could spend more time inspiring and helping the young sportspeople of Australia to achieve their goals – especially those of Indigenous descent like herself.

The young Proserpine Tennis players were certainly inspired, and club officials asked Rob to extend an invite to Ash for a round of social.

Robert Barty, father of tennis royalty Ash Barty, arrived in Proserpine to inspire regional kids with his daughter’s story

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Goosies Results Week Ending 20th March

Monday mixed pairs was won by Kevin Davis and Vern Mietzel. Second place was taken out by Elaine Buckton and Sandra Somerfield. Cheryle Corbett won the lucky draw.

Wednesday ladies’ competition was won by Sue Roscoe and Narell Schmidtke, with Lee Robertson, Merinda Andrew and Lidia McCarthy in second place.

Thursday mixed pairs winners were Pat Elgey and Vern Mietzel. Brenda and Wayne Trannore were in second place, with Brian Perrin and Rob Evans winning green vouchers. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday mixed pairs was taken out by Mick Walsh and Graham Hawke. Lucky draw winners were Brian Dennien and Vern Mietzel and Maryann and John Bartolo.

Saturday men’s winner was the team of Peter Cowling, Mick Mackenzie and Peter Delaney with Greg McLean and visitor, Andre Engel, in second spot. The jackpot was won by Andrew Coates’ team.

Nomination sheets for “Tony’s Triples” fun day, featuring $600 in prize money being held on Tuesday 19th April should be up this week.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Marshall and Laura Howland with Alan Brown play regularly on Monday

Sandra Somerfield was a winner last Monday

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Round One witnessed a tight contest between the Mackay Cutters and the Papua New Guinea Hunters at BB Print Stadium last weekend in the Hostplus Cup.

In what was the competition’s “Harmony Round” the displaced Hunters – who will still be unable to play their home fixtures in PNG – came in no holds barred after a strong preseason. Cutters looked tentative at times, and they had it all to prove.

Ahead of the match, Cutters announced Ross Bella as 2022 Captain for the Hostplus Cup season.

It was a Cutters’ kick to start the game, caught deftly by the Hunter’s backs and a hard first hit would foreshadow the physicality of the competition.

Hunters managed to open the scoring at BB Print after an intricate play down the right flank.

Strong contact in defence had forced the Cutters into an error with their first possession, and starting props for Hunters, Casey Dickson and Sylvester Namo, were consistently bending the line with their carries, causing havoc for Mackay’s defence.

From an attacking scrum, Hunters’ right-centre Rodrick Tai completed a smart move to put the Hunter’s Solo Wane over for the opening try in the seventh minute.

Hunters again capitalised in the 19th minute for four points, as the Hunters’ Dilbert Isaac crashed over.

Cutters brought down the deficit when, finding some space for themselves around the ruck, they raced 70 metres up field, only to be stopped by Hunters’ Wane who completed a superb chasing cover tackle.

Wane’s effort was in vain though, as Cutters searched wide for points with back Flynn Camilleri crossing, but sadly the Sugar City side were unable to close the gap further, missing the ensuing conversion.

The Hunters’ lead was at 8 going into the break, 14-4.

The Cutters started the second half in ferocious form, mounting a stack of pressure late in the game to have five consecutive sets attacking the Hunters line, finally scoring off a cross-field bomb in the 66th minute.

Andrea Niko collected a late offload which resulted from the cross-field kick, bringing it to within four for the Cutters in the final score of the game.

The Hunters held on in the dying embers of the game, with Judah Rimbu kicking the lead out to six from a penalty with just minutes remaining, leaving the Cutters down 16-10.

Cutters now look ahead to their match against the Jets down in Ipswich, with the southern side looking to avenge their previous outing where they went down to Cutters 36-26.

As well, Cutters announced last week three more new recruits, Jake Hawkins, Hayden Pace, and Tyler Holmes – Holmes and Pace both local lads. It will be interesting to see how the new blood fits into the lineup

New signing Tyler Holmes

Local Hayden Pace joined the Hostplus Cup squad for this season

Jake Hawkins is another fresh signing to bolster the side

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Social bowls last week was a pairs game with winners S. Roscoe and N. Schmidtke. Runners up were L. McCarthy, M. Andrew, and L. Robertson.

Club Championship 3 Bowl Triples we’re played last week between four of our teams with two going on to the final on Thursday morning. Thursday’s game was one to watch with six ladies showing us how to play amazing bowls. With a well fought out win were L. Lemke, L. Bowers, and H. Fleming.

Our valiant runners up were J. Camilleri, V. De Pinto, and M. Bragg. What a wonderful game it was to watch. Congratulations to all those who competed in this competition.

Contributed: Suzanne Hazledine

Winners: L. Lemke, L. Bowers, H. Fleming

Runners Up: M. Bragg, V. De Pinto, J. Camilleri

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Sarina Bowls Club was a sea of colour as 26 teams of mixed triples bowled off in A Day for Dennis, a popular player known as Den Den.

Dennis Maddern sadly passed away the end of 2021. His partner Margaret Rolfe and brother Allan Maddern sponsored the day in memory of Dennis.  

It was a request from Margaret for all to wear bright clothing, as Dennis was known for some very flamboyant outfits.

Strong competition was played, but unfortunately not everyone is a winner. Some great stories were told, and everyone raised a glass in memory of Dennis.

By Rita Hughes

WINNERS: Den Den’s partner Margaret Rolfe, left, and his brother Allan Maddern, centre, with the winning triples team from Pioneer Valley, Neil Grummet, Bob Kinnane and Kristin Muller. Photos: Rita Hughes

SECOND: Margaret Rolfe and Allan Maddern (second and fourth from left) with second placed   Margaret Egerton, Ian Gardner and Peter Blackburn.

THIRD: Margaret Rolfe and Allan Maddern (at left and right) with third placed Brian Adams, Chris and Les Smith.

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