Mackay Table Tennis Fixture Results

9th September 2025

Evening Fixtures

Division 1 – Fish (Mick Ruhl, Steven Whiting, Jacob Whelan) defeated Bears (Lily Boland, Lee Brake, Josh Brown) 9-2. Josh coming back from 2 sets down to beat Mick 11-6 in tight 5 sets.
Birds (Emma Widdup, Geoff Denman, Trent Day) defeated Ants (Barry Patterson, Vince Boeske, Robbie Richards) 8-3. Geoff having a massive 5 sets with Vince, coming out on top 11-9.

Division 2 – Cats (Duncan Treloar, Graham Brake, Will VanDaKaa) defeated Horses (Donna Abbott, Janice Kent) 10-1. Graham winning by the skin of his teeth against Janice 14-12 in 5th set.
Tigers (Allan Edwards, Geoff Cowan, Tony Bowman) defeated Dogs (Ivan Perkins, Mark Sleeman, Peter Goodson) 9-2. Allan came out in front against Mark in 5 sets 11-6.
Cows (Graeme Walker, Ian McKay) defeated Owls (Andrea Nicholson, Yilin Jiang) 7-2. No 5 setters but there were some tight matches.

Division 3 – Stiga (Simon Hogan, Frank Caruana, Val Austin) defeated Tibhar (Craig VanDaKaa, Ross DeBoer, Rod Hamelink) 7-4. Simon won close 5 sets against Craig 12-10.
Nittaku (Noreen Frederickson, Samuel Whelan, Melanie Theodore) defeated Butterfly (Mark Stam, Liz Burton, Logan Brown) 7-4. Liz and Logan won in 5 sets over Samuel and Melanie 11-5.

Morning Fixtures

Eagle Wings (Branko Vucurovic, Noreen Frederickson, Coral Morgan) drew level with Wolf Pack (Pam Joyce, Delma Knight) 6-6. Noreen won against Delma 11-5 in 5th set.
Tiger Paws (Tony Bowman, Ross DeBoer, Bryan Marshall) defeated Bear Claws (Kevin Abbott, Judy Zahn, John McGee) 10-2. Bryan battled through to win against John McGee 11-9 in 5th set.
Shark Attack (Andrea Nicholson, Marie Taylor, Peter Goodson) had a draw with Lion Kings (Donna Abbott, Veronica Shepherd, Don Boettcher) 6-6. Veronica defeated Peter 11-8 in close 5 sets.

Division 2 – Panther Pace (Frank Caruana, Peter Taber, Gerry Synnott) defeated Falcon Flyers (Ken Best, John Hamelink, Ian Dodds) 8-4. Frank won a massive 5 sets over Ken 17-15.
Python Spin (Louise Gould, Robyn Bushell, Kim Daffy) defeated Rhino Charge (Pam Kuene, Josie Davis) 8-4. Kim made a great comeback from 2 sets down to win 11-8 over Pam in 5 sets.

Division 3 – Bat Serves (Cheryl Pearson, Thelma Caruana) had a draw with Spider Smashes (Myles Dutton, Laurie Bradshaw, Madge Saunders) 6-6. Cheryl won a close 5 sets over Laurie 11-8.
Captin Spins and Iron Rallies just played a round robin as there was 3 players verses 1.

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Noreen Frederickson
Veronica Shepherd
Kim Daffy. Photos supplied

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Mackay Teams Shine In Open And Unders & Overs Events

BRIDGE

Two team events were played last week. The Mackay Open Team and the Unders and Overs Team Events. Ten teams of four players competed in a full day competition in the Open Team event for Red Points.

Winners were the Brown Team - Frances Brown, Alan Brown, Janet Hansen and Diane Morgan only lost one game for the event. The Under and Overs Team event is an opportunity for Novices to play with more experienced players in a team competition. Mackay has arguably the best calendar of events for nurturing its new and emerging players in Queensland encouraging and supporting new members.

Winners of the event for 2025 were team Ramsden - Mary Rose Ramsden, Frances Brown, Geoffrey Patterson and Sandy Patterson.

Weekly Results

Monday 8 September 2025 – NWP Week 17 of 25 - 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 1st Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris
2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia 2nd Marilin Robins / Mick Robins
3rd Pamela Finger / Ming Ting 3rd Annette Howe / Sue Mayer-Miller
4th Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin 4th Victor Mason / Janet Hansen

Tuesday Evening 9 September 2025 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Faye Wright / Marilin Robins 1st Andrew Canavan / Janine Rodgers
2nd Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan 2nd Christine Morrison / Glen Cocup
3rd Janet Hansen / Thelma Caruana 3rd Martin Pearce / Christopher Meyers

Wednesday 10 September 2025 – Under and Overs Team event 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
Team Names
1st Ramsden Mary Rose Ramsden, Frances Brown, Geoffrey Patterson, Sandy Patterson
2nd Mayer-Miller Sue Mayer-Miller, Noel Bugeia, Janelle Conroy, Martin Pearce
3rd Carless Robert Carless, Karen Caldwell, Victor Mason, Geoff Taylor
4th Hutchinson Faith Hutchinson, Josie Crowley, Barbara Tait, Christina Brady

Thursday Evening 11 September 2025 – 4Table One Winner Green Points
1st Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore 2nd Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy
3rd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless 4th Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy

Friday 12 September 2025 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger 2nd Martin Pearce / Gwen Liddell
3rd Griffin Bancroft / Diane Stokes 4th David Ting / Ming Ting
5th Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 6th Joy Block / Thelma Caruana

Saturday 13 September 2025 –Mackay Open Teams Red Points
Team Names
1st Brown Alan Brown, Frances Brown, Janet Hansen, Diane Morgan
2nd Bugeia Noel Bugeia, Terry Sheedy, Robert Carless, Janelle Conroy
3rd Cruickshank Ian Cruickshank, Ian Gaskell, Adrian Westcott, Patricia Garner
4th O’Neill Julie O’Neill, Griffin Bancroft, Diane Stokes, Ann Whitmore
5th Harris Jan Harris, Susan Wright, Marilin Robins, Faye Wright
6th Ting David Ting, Ming Ting, Geoffrey Patterson, Sandy Patterson

Contributed by Joy Block

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Geoff and Winners Janet, Diane, Alan, Francie. Photo supplied

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By Amanda Wright

The CiteCon Kingfishers soared to their second Porters Mitre 10 T20 Smash title on Saturday night, defeating the Gibbs Air & Refrigeration Crocs in a thrilling Grand Final at Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Led by captain Sam Vassallo, who won the toss and chose to bat first, the Kingfishers set the tone early in front of a lively crowd and online audience tuning into the Mackay Cricket Association’s livestream. The highly anticipated clash had been billed as a battle between the Kingfishers’ dominant run and the Crocs’ hunger to cause an upset – and it delivered every bit of drama expected of a championship decider.

The night, however, belonged to Zane Newton. Returning home to Mackay from Brisbane, where he plays with Northern Suburbs Cricket Club, Newton produced a match-winning performance with 46 runs and a wicket. His efforts earned him the Player of the Final award and ensured the Kingfishers’ crown remained firmly in place.

The triumph capped off an outstanding campaign for the Kingfishers, backed by team owners Bec and Brad Gardner from CiteCon, head coach Luke Kennedy, and a squad that combined consistent firepower with depth across the park. Their success confirmed the Kingfishers as the benchmark side of the competition, building on the momentum from their previous championship.

While the Kingfishers lifted the trophy, it was BTB Electrical Breakers’ Mitchell Wadsworth who walked away with the competition’s highest individual honour, being named Player of the Tournament. Wadsworth tallied 147 runs, including two half-centuries, and claimed 11 wickets – highlighted by an impressive five-wicket haul. His all-round brilliance across the six rounds made him an undeniable choice for the award.

Coaches also cast their votes for the Porters Mitre 10 T20 Smash Team of the Tournament, recognising 12 standout performers. Among those named were Kingfishers trio Vassallo, Jaxn Sign and rising under-20 talent Jack Law, alongside Crocs representatives Etienne Pretorius, Mahesh Rajaratne, Lane Kohler and Luke Jackson.

The CiteCon Kingfishers

Action from the Porters Mitre 10 T20 Smash series between the CiteCon Kingfishers and the Gibbs Air & Refrigeration Crocs at Great Barrier Reef Arena. Photo source: Mackay Cricket (Facebook)

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Saturday afternoon saw the Whitsunday Sea Eagles hold their 2025 Presentation Day, celebrating another exciting year on the field. In 2025, all five Sea Eagles teams competed in Elimination Finals, narrowly missing out on progressing further after some thrilling matches.

Individual accolades were a highlight, with Jake Turner (Senior Men) and Steph Griffiths (Senior Women) taking out Best & Fairest medals at the AFLQ Mackay League Awards. Aidan Allen-Fancke also earned Senior Men’s runner-up, and multiple players were recognised in the AFLQ Mackay Senior Teams of the Year.

At club level, Aidan Allen-Fancke added the Sea Eagles Senior Men Best & Fairest to his impressive record, with runner-up Eden Wishart enjoying a standout season through the midfield. Steph Griffiths backed up her league award with the Sea Eagles Senior Women Best & Fairest and also claimed the Leading Goalkicker title. Runner-up Nikki Kelly, last year’s Best & Fairest, had another strong season.

In the Under 17.5s, Blake Tissington earned the Sea Eagles Best & Fairest while also finishing runner-up in the AFLQ Mackay League Awards. Liam Steen was runner-up at club level, and Zavier Goswell claimed Leading Goalkicker.

Under 15.5s saw Lochlan Jeffries secure Best & Fairest for the second consecutive year, demonstrating class on and off the field. Runner-up Oliver Ludbrook had a strong season, while Fletcher Shumski received the Cody Gibbs Perpetual Club Award for embodying the values of being selfless, courageous, respectful, and resilient.

The Under 13.5s had another fun season, with Rory Rogan-Hamilton narrowly claiming Best & Fairest ahead of Harry Thomas, who took runner-up. Jaylah Reddaway impressed in this age group, earning Leading Goalkicker.

Sea Eagles Volunteer of the Year was a tie between Chloe Markham, for her tireless gameday support, and Andrew Ludbrook, who contributed across multiple roles throughout the year.

The Sea Eagles would like to thank their sponsors and the community for supporting AFL in the Whitsundays. The club looks forward to the AFL Mackay Preseason Carnival in March 2026, following summer programs and preseason training in the new year.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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Volunteers of the year
U15.5 award winners
Senior men award winners
Cody Gibbs award winner - Fletcher Shumski
U13.5 award winners
Senior women award winners
U17.5 award winners

Photos supplied

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The weather was less than ideal on Sunday, 14 September 2025, for the second round of the Mackay Whitsunday Junior Cricket competition.

The blustery conditions didn’t rattle the Under 12 Pitbulls as they faced North Mackay Devils. Skipper L. Aitken won the bat flip and sent the Devils in. The Pitbulls’ bowlers were on target, with R. Clarke shattering the stumps for the first breakthrough. F. Holscher grabbed two (including a sharp caught-and-bowled), while L. Aitken and N. Aitken took four between them. N. Aitken was on fire with two in two, thanks to a slick catch from H. Valmadre. Norths were held to 7-85.

In reply, Proserpine lost N. Aitken early to a run out, but that was the Devils’ only joy. From there the runs flowed, with B. Whitty smashing his maiden half-century (67* off 40) and R. Clarke steady on 35*. With contributions from H. Valmadre (19), P. Regan (12*) and the Holscher brothers, the Pitbulls cruised to 2-202. Whitty was named player of the match for the second week running, as the Pitties went top of the table after two rounds.

The Under 14s faced Sarina Spartans in their first turf-pitch game of the season at Harrup Park. Sent in to bat, the Pitties delivered through M. Aitken with his maiden half-century (60 off 53, retired) and K. Whitty’s patient 26* (off 49).

Defending 142, the bowlers struck early. A. Farley was sharp behind the stumps (one catch and a run out), while L. Appleton added 1-7 off 3 overs and a catch. S. Green chipped in with 2-33. Spartans reached 6-99 before rain ended play, with the Duckworth–Lewis method confirming the Pitbulls as winners.

Conditions improved for the Under 15s clash with Walkerston Roosters. Electing to bowl, the Pitties struck quickly, led by A. Valmadre (3-3 off 3 and a run out) and L. Smith (2-16). Walkerston were dismissed for 63.

In reply, E. Baker (17 off 21) and W. Marshall (32 off 54) put on a steady start, while M. Aitken (20 off 16) and B. Hope (19 off 14) kept the scoreboard ticking. The Pitbulls passed the total comfortably with 135 runs, silencing the Roosters’ crow.

The Under 17s enjoyed home-ground advantage against Magpies White. Choosing to bat, J. Valmadre cleared the boundary regularly on his way to 55 (off 51), while O. Seamer added a composed 30* (off 37).

Set 148 to win, the Magpies faltered against sharp bowling and fielding. K. McLoughlin starred with 2-7 off 4 and three catches, while J. Lawn claimed 1-3 off 2 and a run out. Only one Magpies batter reached double figures as they were bowled out for 71, giving the Pitbulls their first win of the season.

Contributed with thanks to L Valmadre & D Green

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Mission Beach, QLD — Twelve determined paddlers from Outrigger Whitsunday put their strength and skills to the test last weekend, competing in the Mission Beach Outrigger Canoe Regatta under challenging conditions.

Saturday saw crews racing in sprint and mid-distance events, with teams well-prepared for the demanding 9.5 km courses. However, Sunday’s 24 km iron event proved the ultimate test, as strong winds and a heavy surf break pushed crews to their limits.

Outrigger Whitsunday fielded two crews across the weekend. In the opening race, the Platinum Mixed crew—led by veteran steerer Peter Chamberlain—took to the water. The only team in their division, their final time was a clear reflection of just how punishing the sea state was.

The Master Mixed crew also delivered a solid performance in a competitive field, crossing the line in sixth place. Among the paddlers was first-time competitor Tama Dennison, making a strong debut under extremely tough conditions.

Weather conditions for Sunday had worsened, seeing only 1 of the 2 crews compete in the Vaka Tua Motu 24km event. The very experienced crew were forced to return to shore prior to race start to re-rig their canoe due to the pounding surf, before heading back out to officially start the race—a true testament to the team’s resilience and determination.

Junior paddler Jai Dennison had a standout weekend, competing in Sundays' 14 km Vaka Tua Potu OC1 event. He placed 9th overall out of 15 paddlers and claimed first place in his age division—an extraordinary achievement for the rising talent.

The weekend highlighted the spirit, strength, and perseverance of all paddlers involved, with Outrigger Whitsunday showing exceptional determination and teamwork in one of the most challenging regattas of the season.

Contributed by Michelle Lynes.

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The Cannonvale Cannons kicked off their long course season over the weekend, with 18 swimmers competing at the 2025 Townsville Tourist Benchmark Transition Meet at the Tobruk Pool. This event marked the start of the long course season for our senior swimmers, who are now focused on achieving their goals at the Queensland Long Course Championships in Brisbane from December 13–19.

Special congratulations go to the five senior swimmers who achieved qualifying times over the weekend, putting them on track for Brisbane. Top performers based on personal bests included Tyler and Mackenzie Bennett, Zane Clayworth, Harris Delac, Roxanne Groom, Ruby Harland, Lucas Korosec, Eric and Leo Mulliss, Celeste Orenshaw, and Andie Reynolds.

Outstanding efforts came from Thomas Ganter, Koa Harland, and Faithlyn Trotter, who achieved personal bests in every event they entered – an impressive feat so early in the season. Lucas Korosec was a standout, securing gold in all nine of his events, setting a strong tone for the months ahead.

Back on home ground, swimmer upgrades were celebrated for River Shields, Eric Mulliss, Jax Eaves, and Eloise Chegwidden. The Coaches Award this week went to Ruby Harland for her exceptional 100m Freestyle, finishing in 1:08.81 and securing her place in the highly regarded “70s Club.”

Another highlight came from Jax Clayworth, who set his first club record as a 12-year-old in the 50m Butterfly with a time of 31.59 seconds, surpassing Zach Trefz’s previous record. With such a strong start, Jax is set to make a mark in the months ahead.

It was a weekend of determination, teamwork, and milestones for the Cannons, both in Townsville and at home.

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec

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Leo abnd Eric Mulliss with their medals
Team Cannons at Tobruk Pool Townsville

Photos supplied

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With only two weeks remaining in this season’s Premier League Championship campaign, all eyes turned to the four remaining players contesting the preliminary finals.

In the first matchup, Kam Reason had the chance to book his place in next week’s grand final, but to do so he needed to overcome this season’s league winner, Jamie Maher.

It was a tense affair, with Jamie holding a narrow 3–2 lead at the first break. He extended that margin to 6–2 after the interval, but Kam fought back strongly to cut the deficit to 6–4 by the second break. Kam then claimed the opening leg of the third and final session to trail just 6–5, but Jamie wrestled back control to seal the match 9–5 in a hard-fought contest.

The second preliminary final saw current and defending Premier League Champion Joe Wilson face rising star Reef Peel. Joe battled bravely, but Reef proved too strong, taking command early and wrapping up the match within the first two intervals for a commanding 9–2 victory.
Next week marks the conclusion of our sixth season, and with these results confirmed, there will once again be a new name engraved on the Premier League trophy.

Will it be league winner Jamie Maher, contesting his second grand final next Sunday at Mulligans Sports Bar, or will Reef follow in his father’s footsteps—who won the inaugural championship in 2019—and become the second Peel to have his name etched on the cup?

A big thank you to our valued sponsors: Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, Master Butchers Whitsunday, Dyson Automotive and Shirtfront Solutions.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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J Maher, J Wilson, R Peel and K Reason at the Airlie Bowls Club. Photo supplied

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With most of our visitors gone, it was a quieter week on the green.

On Tuesday afternoon, the winners on Rink 3 were Merle Ephinstone, Shirley Jones, and Joe Paynting, who defeated Jenny Anderson, Shirley Smith, and Gavin Charles.

Other results saw Tom, Deb, and Laurie defeating Grant, Irene, and Russell, while Lindy, Nick, and Graham overcame Cliff, Gordon, and Natalie. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Sunday’s social play was won by Lindy, Suann, Isobel Wheeler, and Penny Warren, who defeated June Paynting, Shirley Smith, and Joe Paynting. Other matches included Bill Myers, Graeme Read, and Mark Drummond defeating Cliff Querro, Gavin Charles, and Pat Tracey, and Teresa Willshire and Alby Vigar overcoming Graham Smith and Robyn Stitt. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Sunday winners; Isobel Wheeler Lindy Suann and Penny Warren. Photo supplied

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The days are getting longer and warmer—and so is the standard of bowls at our club.

On Tuesday, 27 players took to the greens. Despite battling pain while awaiting surgery, Elaine Kippen gave it her best before being replaced by organiser Regina Aquilina. The day’s top team was skippered by Gary Scott from Hideaway Bay, with left-hander Greg Fennell and Peter Jordan from Hallshead Bowling and Recreation Club, Mandurah WA.

Wednesday afternoon’s social bowls ended in a tie, but on countback the winners were Merve Stewart’s team with Denise at second and promising newcomer Glen O’Brien leading strongly.

That night, 60 bowlers enjoyed Business House Bowls under the lights, expertly run by Bob and Yvonne Spees. A new competition begins after the school holidays—teams, singles or pairs are welcome to join.

In Mackay, the Pratt Cup saw John Trembath, Arthur McManus, John Askew, John Fielding, Denis Donnadelli and Peter Barrett beat St Helens and collect points against Mackay, though Souths Suburban proved too strong.

At Newcastle’s Deaf Games, Andrew (Noel) Crosbie and Russell Jackson represented the club superbly, with Russell earning Australian team selection for the 2027 Deaf World Games—a proud moment for all.

Sunday Social Bowls drew 18 players, with Fiona Greener rolling the dice for the prize. A first-time skip, supported by Eric and Maureen Barnard, produced the day’s best result with a 13-shot win.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club Australian representative Russell Jackson. Photo supplied

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A strong field of 42 players—16 ladies and 26 men—turned out for Tuesday’s stableford competition, enjoying much kinder conditions after the gusty weather of the weekend had eased.

The day saw a standout performance from Allison McCarthy, who claimed top spot on the ladies’ leaderboard for the very first time with a score of 39 points. It was a terrific achievement and one that many hope will be the first of many.

In the men’s competition, David Woods edged out Laurie Daiken and John Oates on a countback after all three finished on 38 points.

Other highlights included pin shots, which went to Chris Bailey and Peter Lindsay on 7, Laurie Daiken and Steve Mitchell on 13, and Grossy and Peter Fox on 16. For the ladies, Leanne Alexander and Linda Wardroper took the honours on 7, Leanne backed up with Jan Shuwalsow on 13, and Anna Winterbourn and Heather Luvis on 16.

Wilf Herweg and David Woods managed the only chip-ins of the day. Meanwhile, Ken Granger claimed the raffle prize and Laurie Daiken rounded out a strong week by winning the members’ draw.

Next Tuesday, the club will be hosting the Whitsunday Vets, promising another enjoyable day of competition.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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A record field of more than two hundred runners will be heading for the hills this weekend for the Whitsunday Running Club’s annual trail event.

The Anaconda Whitsunday Trail Festival takes place on Sunday, 14 September, with entries coming from across Australia and the United States. The race precinct will be based on the Airlie Beach Foreshore near the movie screen.

Fifty runners have signed up for the WTF58 Accom Whitsunday Ultra (58km), which starts on the foreshore, travels over the ranges to Brandy Creek Road, and returns to finish at the race precinct. Defending champions Demi Caldwell (Andergrove) and Cristian Smith (Mackay) are back to chase another title.

The leading runner is expected to cross the line in about 5 hours 15 minutes at 10:15am, with the final competitors finishing close to 2:30pm.
One hundred competitors will take on the one-way WTF28 Anaconda Whitsunday Trail (28km) from Brandy Creek Road to the foreshore.

Last year’s winners, Liv Compton (Whitsunday Running Club) and veteran Tony Liron (Trinity Beach), will line up again. The winner is expected to finish around 9:45am.

The Honeyeater Shokz Challenge (11km) has drawn over fifty runners who will ascend to the famous lookout before returning. Winners are tipped to finish just before 10:00am.

The two Bendigo Community Bank Kids Beach Bash events for ages four and up will kick off at 10:30am, following the Mascot Race. The Kids Beach Run (approx. 1,400m) is open to children aged 8 and over, while the Junior Kids Beach Run (approx. 700m) caters for those aged 4 and over.

This year’s Mascot Race has attracted its biggest field yet, with Bungaroo (Cannonvale State School), Cruiser (Cruise Whitsunday), Blazer (Queensland Fire Department), Piggy (Bendigo Community Bank), Hogster (Hog’s Breath Café) and Frog (BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort) all set to battle it out at 10:20am.

Event Manager Andrea Farley said “It will be a great day of racing, and for those wanting to enjoy the festive atmosphere at the race precinct, the best time to be there is from 9:30am until presentations at 12 noon. There are still a few spots left, so head to our website and register at www.runwhitsundays.com.au.”

Contributed with thanks to Tim McQuoid-Mason

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Photo credit: Phil Copp Photography

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Nine out of 10 Whitsunday United Football Club teams were in action in finals football last weekend, with seven sides still in contention for a grand final spot.

The divisional men kicked off proceedings on Friday night against Lions. Div 2 needed victory to stay alive but fell 2–0 behind early in the second half. A spirited fightback saw them score twice to level, but neither side could find a winner in regular time. With players struggling through cramps, the game went to penalties, where Ross pulled off two crucial saves to send his side through to the next round against Country.

Div 1 faced a Lions outfit they have struggled to overcome all season. An early mistake gifted Lions the lead before WUFC equalised through a high press. Despite dominating possession, they couldn’t find another breakthrough and the game ended 1–1. Extra time produced no change, and the match went to penalties. An early WUFC save wasn’t enough as two misses proved costly, sending Lions through 4–3 on spot kicks. WUFC now face Rangers in their bid to reach the grand final.
The U13 Prems fought hard against Mackay Rangers in a defensive semi-final. After 70 scoreless minutes, extra time saw Rangers break the deadlock, scoring in both periods to claim a 2–0 win. WUFC’s resilience keeps them alive, with a sudden-death semi-final against Lions now awaiting them.

The U14s produced a dominant display against Rangers Black, running out 13–2 winners. Shannon bagged a hat trick, Nick M and Nick P scored doubles, and Oisin netted his first goal of the season. Kobe, Tyson F, Eden and Harley also found the target. They now meet Magpies in the preliminary final.

The U16s clashed with top-of-the-table Magpies in a tense semi-final. After a goalless 80 minutes, the match went to extra time where Magpies struck twice, winning 2–0. WUFC will get another chance to reach the grand final this weekend against Country United.

The Whitsunday Women bowed out of finals contention after a thrilling 4–3 extra-time loss to Rangers. Michelle opened the scoring from Loz’s clever chip, before Sarah struck twice, giving United a 3–1 lead. Rangers fought back to level, then grabbed the winner in extra time. Despite the defeat, the team showed immense spirit and look forward to building on a promising season, with hopes of fielding two sides in 2026.

The Men’s U23s progressed straight to the grand final with a commanding 3–0 win over City Brothers. A heated first half saw Brothers collect five yellow cards as WUFC took control. Goals came via a tap-in from Kai Savy, a thunderous 20-yard half-volley from Max O’Keefe, and a stunning long-range free kick from Oisin Sherlock.

In the FQPL Men’s elimination final, WUFC edged out City Brothers 1–0. Sean McCarthy’s first-half penalty proved decisive, booking their place in this weekend’s clash with Magpies for a grand final berth.

With so many teams still in the hunt, another thrilling weekend of football awaits.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

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FQPL Men U23 – Premiership Champions and straight to the Grand Final after a convincing win on the weekend. Photo supplied

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Harrison Turner Inspires Cannons

The Cannonvale Cannons swimming community enjoyed an extraordinary weekend when Australian record holder Harrison Turner spent three days delivering a coaching clinic for swimmers of all ages.

Turner, who claimed bronze in the 200-metre butterfly at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships, is the current national record holder in the event. He had been scheduled to attend alongside coach Sam Sharpe, but when Sam was unable to travel due to a family illness, Harrison stepped into the role of head coach — a challenge he embraced with enthusiasm.

“I was very nervous, but also really excited,” Harrison admitted. “It was an opportunity I’d never had before — to take on a full coaching role while also getting in the pool myself. I thought I gave it a red-hot crack, and it was good to bring my own approach to the sessions.”

Across the three days, Cannonvale swimmers from juniors through to seniors took part in multiple sessions designed to sharpen their skills and inspire their training. On Friday, Harrison began by sharing his medals with the younger swimmers before diving into a butterfly set — the stroke that earned him national selection — and finishing with a talk for seniors and parents about his journey from a pre-teen club swimmer to an international representative.

Saturday morning featured a demanding aerobic session in which Harrison swam alongside the kids, demonstrating technique and endurance first-hand. The afternoon turned the focus to starts and turns, vital components of competitive racing. On Sunday, Harrison led the squad through his full race-day preparation, beginning with dryland exercises crafted for him by leading physiotherapists and moving into his personalised in-water warm-up. Swimmers were able to shadow his routines and gain insights into how an elite athlete prepares to perform at the highest level.

“What surprised me most was how engaged everyone is, not just the swimmers but the families too,” Harrison said. “The eagerness to get in the pool, to listen and learn — I haven’t seen that kind of energy before. Whether it was teenagers or the little ones, they all did a fantastic job, and in such a short time they improved so much.”

The experience also left Harrison reflecting on his own future:
“It’s very rewarding when you show a kid your way of doing something and see them improve straight away. Watching them swim faster and enjoy themselves makes you feel really good. Coaching is definitely something I’ll be considering more in the future.”

For the Cannons, the clinic provided not just technical training, but also the rare opportunity to connect with an elite athlete who is as humble as he is talented. Turner now turns his focus to the 2026 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in the USA and the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with the Cannonvale Cannons proudly cheering him on.

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec

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Harrison Turner shares medals with Brooklyn and Tannah Congoo
Harrison Turner preparing swimmers for his pre race warm up
Harrrison Turner showing Cannons his dives
Harrison Turner with Cannons and his Australia cap
Harrison Turner dives with Coach Mark Erickson
Harrison at the World Champs
Harrison Turner at the World Champs in Singapore

Photos supplied

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Tiina Randmae continued her fine form after last week’s magnificent hole-in-one, taking out the September Monthly Medal. It was great to see so many members on the course enjoying the day, with Tessa Aitken also shining with an excellent score of 69.

Geoff Harrison won the Monthly Medal for the men with 70 on countback from Louis Neethling.

In the rundown: Allen Roberts 71, Ken Granger 71, Nic Apruzzese 72, Gary Scotford 72, Peter Lindsay 72, John Grosskreutz 73 and Colin Hounsell 73 – very close scoring.
For the ladies: Tiina Randmae 63, Tessa Aitken 69, Kath Borer 74, Paula McQuat 74, Vickie Wallace 74 and Leanne Alexander 76.

Nearest the pins: Colin Hounsell and Peter Fox on 2, Craig McLean and Trevor Paroz on 5, Barry Mortimer and Louis Neethling on 9. For the ladies, Elspeth Scotford took the A Grade on 7, while the B Grade went to Vickie Wallace. Tiina Randmae, Linda Wardroper and Paula McQuat all shared the honours on 4 – clearly too easy!

Tiina also had the least putts with 29 – it was certainly her day.

Last Thursday, players travelled to Pioneer Valley for the first round of the Croker Shield. Unfortunately, Prossie was beaten by 28 points. The return leg will be played on home ground on 30 September, giving us a chance to redeem ourselves.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Geoff Harrison and Tiina Randmae. Photo supplied

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