Mackay’s BB Print Stadium turned into a cauldron of colour and noise last Saturday as all four Mackay Brothers sides lined up for the Rugby League Mackay & District 2025 Grand Finals – an achievement in itself, two years running.

The famous bagpipes heralded in a sea of blue supporters who roared their sides on across the day. By full-time, Brothers had claimed two premierships, while Moranbah and Souths ensured the spoils were shared.

Brothers’ day began in style with their Under 20s powering home to beat Wests Tigers 32–24. Trailing at the break, the young Fish surged late to complete an undefeated season under coach DC. “2025 Premiers! Down at halftime but never out of the fight – what a way to kick off Grand Final Day,” the club declared.

The momentum rolled on as the Brothers women’s team delivered a dominant 42–14 win over Moranbah Miners to claim their third straight premiership. It was a remarkable turnaround after struggling to field a side early in the year. “Three in a row – congrats ladies!” the club posted, calling the result “an absolute blinder in the grand final.”

Moranbah struck back in Reserve Grade with a powerful 40–6 victory over the minor premiers Brothers. The Miners crossed for seven tries – Dylan Womal bagging a double – with Callum Wilson nailing six conversions. “Despite the windy conditions, the Miners played a hard game in attack and defence, making the most of Brothers’ errors,” the club said. Dylan Womal’s standout performance earned him Player of the Game honours.

The stage was then set for the A Grade decider, where Souths Sharks toppled Brothers 24–6. Souths crossed four times through Blake Coombes, Marmin Barba (twice) and Jesuah Wini, while Brothers’ only try came via Thomas McNulty. Jared Maguire added the conversion. The Sharks also slotted a penalty goal and endured a sin-bin to Tyrese Parter but otherwise controlled the contest.

Brothers reflected proudly on an historic season. “For all four of our grades to make the grand final, two years running, is something truly special. We couldn’t be prouder of our players, coaches, managers, league safes, committee and everyone who makes Brothers the club it is.”

As the dust settles, the region can celebrate a day of finals footy that showcased resilience, skill, and the enduring passion of Mackay’s rugby league community

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Brothers Under 20s celebrate their premiership win. Photos supplied

Brothers Women’s team crowned 2025 Premiers – their third straight title

Miners supporters in fine voice during Reserve Grade decider

Souths Sharks lift the A Grade trophy after their 24–6 win over Brothers

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BOWLS

Ladies Pennant Season has now been completed, with all four divisions well represented again this year, with mixed results.

Division 1 this year has seen our ladies triumphant, placing first in this division.  The ladies team will now travel to Emerald on the 20th September 2025 to represent the Mackay District, to play against the Leichhardt District (Zone 7). The very best of luck and great bowling to every one playing.

Our Division 4 ladies proudly won second place this year as well.

Thank you to all the district clubs for great camaraderie and friendship in all the games that were played.

Contributed by Sue Hazledine

Division 1

Division 2

Division 3

Division 4. Photos supplied

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At Mackay Contract Bridge Club

BRIDGE

Monthly incentive awards are given by the committee to players as an encouragement to play more and learn more.

Winners were Martin Pearce, Laura Howland, Adrian Westcott, Sue Mayer-Miller, Karen Cadwell, Joy Block, Jewel Schmidt, Martin Pearce, Chris Meyers, Sue Ross and Errol Morris. Congratulations and well done to all.

Weekly Results

Monday 1 September 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin 1st Eric Goodchild / David Ting
2nd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 2nd Diane Stokes / Eddie Kleise

Tuesday Evening 2 September 2025 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Janet Hansen / Thelma Caruana 2nd Diane Stokes / Adrian Westcott
3rd John McGee / Mick King 4th Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

Wednesday 3 September 2025 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 1st Terry Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
2nd Jan Harris / Sandra Morris 2nd Victor Mason / John Ludkin
3rd Eric Goodchild / David Ting 3rd Geoff Taylor / Karen Cadwell
4th Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait 4th Debbie Ludkin / Diane Cox

Thursday Evening 4 September 2025 – 3 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Jan Harris / Terry Sheedy 2nd Martin Pearce / Simon Barnes

Friday 5 September 2025 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson 1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Patrick Rasmussen
2nd David Ting / Ming Ting 2nd Diane Stokes / Griffin Bancroft
3rd Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 3rd Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

Saturday 6 September 2025 –9 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S E/W
1st Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin 1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown
2nd Joy Block / Faye Wright 2nd Ming Ting / David Ting
3rd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 3rd Patricia Garner / Robert Carless
4th Griffin Bancroft / Gwen Liddell 4th Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

Contributed by Joy Block

Martin Pearce, Laura Howland
Adrian Westcott, Sue Mayer-Miller
Karen Cadwell
Joy Block, Jewel Schmidt
Martin Pearce, Chris Meyers, Sue Ross and Errol Morris. Photos supplied

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On Monday, 1st September, St Patrick’s College Chess teams competed at the MCC Junior Campus for the final Gardiner Chess Interschool Competition of the year. With more than 45 students across 12 teams taking part, chess at the College continues to grow from strength to strength.

The College’s Premier team has once again secured a spot at the State Titles in Term 4, set to face off against Queensland’s top players. The community eagerly anticipates seeing their talent on display.

Special recognition was given to the Year 12 seniors, whose leadership and dedication have been key to the development and success of chess at St Patrick’s College. As they prepare to graduate, their contributions, along with the memories, merits, and medals earned, will be fondly remembered.

Well done to all students for a fantastic season.

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St Patrick’s College Chess teams ended the year strong, with the Premier team qualifying for State Titles and Year 12 seniors recognised for their leadership. Photo source: St Patrick's College Year 7-12 Mackay (Facebook)

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The warm-up event to the Whitsunday Game Fish Club’s major light tackle tournament is the club’s Billfish and Tuna Rally, set for September 13 and 14.

This rally offers teams a great chance to fine-tune their skills ahead of this year’s Airlie Beach Tackle World/Daiwa Light Tackle Tournament, which runs from October 16 to 19. It’s an opportunity to try new tactics, get an idea of where the fish are holding, and score valuable club and QGFA points.

The rally begins with registration and a briefing for anglers on Thursday, September 11, at 6pm at the club in Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale. All event details will be covered on the night.
Both the rally and the major tournament are contested on 10kg monofilament line only, with teams consisting of a minimum of two and a maximum of five anglers.

Fishing has been strong in recent weeks, with good numbers of Sailfish, juvenile Black Marlin, Mackerel and Tuna taking baits and lures. If this year’s action is anything like last year’s tournament—where 172 fish were tagged and released, including 69 Sailfish and five Black Marlin, along with a few kept for the table—it promises to be an exciting event.

September is a fantastic time for families to enjoy the sport of light tackle game fishing in the Whitsundays. Joining the club is also a great way to get involved, meet like-minded people, and share knowledge and experiences.

Membership forms will be available on the night of the rally briefing, Thursday, September 11, at 6pm at the club.

Contributed with thanks to Ashley Moore

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Future Champions. Photo supplied

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Michael Kimpton, President of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club and Race Director of the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival, is privileged to be selected to represent Australia at the 2025 Ironman World Championships in Nice, France, on 14 September.

This will be Michael’s seventh time representing Australia in international World Triathlon Championships, taking him to all corners of the globe, including St. George in Utah, Samorin in Slovakia, multiple times to Kona in Hawaii, Taupo in New Zealand, and previously Nice in France.
The event alternates annually between Kona, Hawaii, and Nice, France.

This year, the men will compete in Nice, while the female athletes will race at the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, on 11 October.

Nice has a long history with Ironman, often called the birthplace of long-distance triathlon in Europe. Only the very best professional and age-group athletes in the world qualify for this race—a feat that requires finishing on the podium in an Ironman event somewhere in the world. Michael was fortunate to achieve this by finishing on the podium in his age category in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, earlier this year.

The epic race takes place along the Côte d’Azur, where competitors race from the Mediterranean to the mountains along the glamorous French Riviera. Athletes will pass through the beautiful old town with its historic architecture, marvel at the azure coastline, and soak up the sunshine as France’s most iconic communities cheer them on to the finish line.

The day begins with a 3.8km swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Water temperature will determine whether it will be a wetsuit swim. Athletes then transition to a challenging 180km rolling, hilly cycle course, followed by a 42.2km marathon run along the picturesque Promenade foreshore.

Legends are made at these World Championship events. Mental toughness is just as important as physical preparation, with strategies required to manage self-doubt, maintain focus, cope with discomfort, and build resilience through visualisation and motivation.

Michael has previously competed on this course during the World Half Ironman a few years ago. That event was an eye-opener and a real challenge. This time, with double the distance, it promises to be a “big day in the office.”

Michael would like to thank the many people who have made this journey possible: his remarkable wife, his biggest fan and supporter; his coach Tim Berkel, a five-time local Ironman champion worldwide; and his sponsors and partners Corry Cycles (Mackay), Steigen Performance Socks, Hoka Ceilo X1 runners, Wyn Republic Australia Triathlon suits, Endura Sports Nutrition, and Cliff Bloks for keeping him going.

Bring it on!

Contributed with thanks to Michael Kimpton

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Michael Kimpton is ready to head to Nice for the 2025 Ironman World Championships. Photo supplied

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With the regular season wrapping up last weekend, Whitsunday United Football Club now turns its focus to finals, with an impressive nine out of ten teams finishing inside the top four.

The club celebrated several standout achievements, with the U23 Men crowned Premiers, while the U13 FQPL and Division 1 Men secured second place — a remarkable reflection of the depth and commitment across the club, particularly given that half of their fixtures require travelling to Mackay.

At home, the Division 2 Men faced Brothers in a tight first half that ended 1-1, but WUFC took charge after the break. A superb hat-trick from Josh Lowe led the side to a 4-1 win and a third-place ladder finish heading into the semi-finals. Division 1 also finished strongly, overcoming low travelling numbers from Brothers to record a 5-0 victory. The side showed patience against a defensive opponent, with Stefan Tarne netting twice to claim the league’s golden boot. Both men’s teams now prepare for finals clashes against Lions.

The U13 Division 1 boys closed their season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mackay Rangers at Whitsunday Sportspark. Logan P opened the scoring in the first half, but Rangers equalised after the break. Despite creating chances late, WUFC couldn’t find the winner and finished just outside finals in fifth place — but with plenty of growth and promise for the future.

U13 Prems secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Mackay Lions in another tense contest. Alex D struck first before Remy S doubled the lead. Lions pulled one back through an own goal, but WUFC held firm to claim second on the ladder and set up a semi-final berth.

The U14s played out a thriller against Lions, with Kobe scoring a hat-trick and Austin rewarded for his wing play in a 4-3 win that secured third place. In their second outing against top-of-the-table Magpies, WUFC battled bravely with strong midfield efforts from Shannon, Tyson and Harley, but went down 5-0 despite standout saves from goalkeeper Nick P.
The U16 boys were clinical against Dolphins Blue, storming to a 14-0 victory that secured second on the ladder. They now face Magpies in their semi-final.

The Whitsunday Women were frustrated by a 0-0 draw against Country, unable to break down a deep defensive block despite dominating play. They will regroup for a must-win semi-final against Rangers.

In a history-making performance, the Reserve Grade Men claimed the Premiership with a 4-1 win over Mackay Rangers. After an opener from Oisin Sherlock, goalkeeper Gary Browne saved a penalty before a goal-line clearance by Cialan Dollard kept momentum with WUFC. Goals to Aaron Kinsella, Max O’Keefe and Tony Gracieux sealed the victory and the league title — the first ever for a Whitsunday reserve-grade side.

The Premier League Men finished the round in style with a 5-1 win. Sherlock and Sam Thornton found the net, while 16-year-old Reef Peel stole the spotlight with his first senior hat-trick, underlining the team’s strong run into finals.

Contribtued with thanks to Allan Milostic

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Cricket season is just around the corner, with junior sign-ups taking place at the Proserpine Junior Cricket Grounds on Friday, August 29 from 4pm.

The popular Woolworths Junior Blaster program, aimed at boys and girls aged 5–7, will return this season, offering fun, skills-based activities and games. Also back is the ever-popular Master Blaster program for boys and girls aged 8–10.

The juniors have been working hard in preparation, with several players set to feature in representative competitions. Bowen and Proserpine combined teams will compete in the Queensland Country Cup in Home Hill on October 4. Meanwhile, Matthew Hope and Harry Gibbs will travel to Bundaberg in September after their selection in the Under 12 North Queensland Schoolboys team, while Zahra Cale will head to Aspley, Brisbane to represent the Under 12 North Queensland Schoolgirls.

Locally, the club has confirmed another five-game inter-town series against Bowen Cricket Club. Plans are also underway to field teams across all age groups in the Mackay competition, including Proserpine’s first all-girls Under 11 team.

Families keen to get involved can find more information and register via the website www.proserpinejuniorcricket.com.au, or by contacting Mike Hope at proserpinejca@yahoo.com.au.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Jnr Cricket

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QR code - Scan this QR code to register

Cricket season starts soon! Photo supplied

Before we begin, I’d like to clear up a small error in last week’s report. While Jamie Maher did win the league last week and was crowned the league winner, or minor premier, the Premier League Championship is still up for grabs—and that’s where we begin with this week’s report.

The first week of finals got underway at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club, with Dom Friend and Joe Wilson battling it out in the first semi-final, and Art McMinn and Kameron Reason locking horns in the other.

In two best-of-15-leg encounters, both matches began in the same fashion, with the first interval ending 3–2 in favour of Joe and Kameron respectively.

The second period of play saw both Kam and Joe extend their leads slightly—Kam taking a 6–4 lead over Art, and Joe moving ahead 7–3 against Dom. A highlight came in the seventh leg when Kam produced a superb 110 checkout.

In the final interval, Kam found his range and began landing some big scores, eventually sealing an 8–6 victory over Art. That win puts him into the first preliminary final, where he’ll meet league winner Jamie Maher in two weeks’ time.

Meanwhile, Dom and Joe lifted the intensity in their clash, with both players striking a 180. However, it was the timing of Joe’s maximum, along with a couple of crucial 140s, that proved decisive as he closed out the match 8–5 to book his place in the other preliminary final against Reef Peel.

Congratulations to both Dom Friend and Art McMinn on a fantastic season of darts. No doubt, both will return next season stronger than ever.

Thanks to our generous sponsors Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing, Master Butchers Whitsunday & MBW On the Barbie, Dyson Automotive and ShirtFront Solutions. A big thank you also to the Bowls Club for their ongoing hospitality.

For anyone interested in learning more about our club, find us on Facebook at Airlie Beach Darts Club.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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Joe Wilson, Dom Friend, Art McMinn and Kameron Reason all in action on the weekend. Photos supplied

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Fantastic news for our readers, with the Ladies Division One Pennant side claiming victory in the Zone 8 Pennant Playoff against Marlin Coast (Far North Qld) in Townsville on Saturday. Both rinks played superbly, winning their games and the overall match. The team will now head to Tweed Heads on 1–2 November to contest the State Titles.

Congratulations to Robyn Stitt, Teresa Willshire, Margaret Wilson and Fely Duncan, along with Maureen Hyde, Linda Scells, Denise Wallace and Penny Warren. Fundraising will now be the focus to support their State campaign.

In other events, Penny and Denise went down narrowly in their Champion of Champion Pairs match against the Edge Hill team. David Ide and Denis finished the last Monday Triples of the year with a win, thanks to a final-end draw.

Tuesday’s winners were Grant Hands, Margaret Wilson and Fely Duncan on Rink 5, defeating Judy Christie, Pam Kelly, Ron Boska and Penny Warren. Runners-up were Boof, Ann, John and Denis, who overcame John, Margaret, Irene and John. The jackpot remained unclaimed.

Fun Friday afternoon saw Maureen, Leon and Mattie defeat Carol, Shirl and Gary, while France, Greg and Allan overcame Grant, Boof and Ken to claim the jackpot. Resting touches went to Allan, Grant, Hans, France and Gary.

Sunday’s social winners were Carol Bellingham, Sue Shearing and Ron Hyde, with Teresa Willshire, Deb Retchless and Joe Paynting finishing runners-up.

During the week, Margaret Wilson and Steve Roome won the Mixed Pairs final, while the Men’s Triples went to Gavin Charles, Alby Vigar and Ron Hyde. The Mixed Fours final is still to come.

Congratulations to all players.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Players were as always treated to near-perfect Autumn conditions and only a cool breeze rolling in on Sunday. A strong field also turned out for Saturday’s 3-Ball Ambrose, which followed the club’s AGM.

Tuesday’s Stableford saw Aaron Prosser finish on top with 37 points, edging out Di Chard (36) on countback, with Wilf Herweg in third. At Collinsville, where the Vets joined the Whitsunday Group, Robyn Whitham impressed with a blistering 42 points, while Tessa Aitken (36), Elspeth Scotford (35) and Tiina Randmae (32) featured in the rundown.

Wednesday’s Ladies Day produced a close contest, with Rehab Hull winning on 38 points. Runner-up was Sara Hagy (37 cb), ahead of Karen Oni, Jenny Hounsell (both 37), and Di Dobbins (35).

In Thursday’s Medley Stableford, Di Chard scored strongly again, taking out A Grade with 40 points, while Michael Stewart of Dysart Golf Club claimed B Grade with 38.

Friday’s nine-hole run, sponsored by the Metropole Hotel, went to Kieran Anderson on 20 points, with Elise Hodgson (19) and Tom O’Brien (18) rounding out the placings.

Saturday’s 3-Ball Ambrose drew a field of 108 players. Winners were Chatz Norna, Harvey and Scott Mason with 54.833 nett, narrowly ahead of The Young Ones trio of Levi Holmes, Harley and Alfie (56.667). Other top finishers included Andrew Smart, Phil Luckett and Daniel O’Donnell (56.833), Tim Walton with Billy and David O’Connor (57.167), and the team of Sara and Adam Hagy with Mel Patullo (58).

Sunday’s Stableford wrapped up the week, with Izaac Vandenberg winning the men’s with 43 points and Mark McDougall runner-up on 39. In the ladies, Peta Thomas won with 38 points, ahead of Nicole Cooper on 33.

Full results are available on GolfLink.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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Proserpine Vets travelled to Collinsville last week and returned with some impressive results, particularly among the ladies, who claimed four of the top seven placings.

Leading the way was Robyn Whitham, who produced a brilliant 42 points to win the event. The victory follows on from her success at Home Hill last month, making her something of an “away” specialist. Runner-up was Karen Dwyer from Bowen on 37 points, while Proserpine’s own Tessa Aitken (36), Elspeth Scotford (35) and Tiina Randmae (32) also featured prominently in the rundown.

In the men’s competition, Home Hill’s Barry Duchnicz topped the field with 36 points, just edging out Bowen’s Les Gordon on countback. Proserpine players again held their own, with Gerald Lovell and John Strelec both carding 35 points to finish inside the top six, and Louis Neethling close behind on 33.

Pin shots were shared around on the day, with Leanne Alexander taking the ladies’ prize, while Colin Hounsell and John Strelec secured the men’s.

As always, the Collinsville volunteers added to the occasion with their marvellous hospitality and catering, which was a highlight for all who attended. The strong turnout and friendly atmosphere ensured another enjoyable outing for the Whitsunday veterans’ golfing community.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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Robyn Whitham and Gerald Lovell. Photo supplied

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Who said, “There’s no place like home”? And while I never clicked my shiny red shoes, it’s certainly true—what a beautiful place we live in, and how lucky we are to call the best country in the world our own.

Many thanks to my dear friend Betty Whitehorn, who kept up the news so beautifully in my absence. My return has been filled with exciting updates and sensational memories for our little club here in paradise.

On Tuesday, 24 bowlers took to the greens, where we welcomed Janine and Jeff Orton from Victoria. The winning team with the highest margin was Glen O’Brien at lead, Els Van Soest at second, and our own little pocket rocket, Carol Crosbie, at skipper, who played some stunning, accurate bowls.

It was a similar story on Wednesday at social bowls, run by Mervyn Stewart, where Tony Kelly continued his scintillating form. Ably supported by lead David Meiklejohn and Alan Pershouse, Tony’s team scored a commanding 21-point win.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw six rinks in play. The final came down to Steve Heddles and Andy McDougall, with Andy continuing his dominance of the Saturday competition to take the win once again. Eric Barnard also bowled strongly to claim victory in the B Division.

On Sunday afternoon, 24 bowlers returned to the greens. Skipper Stacey Hadlow, fresh from a well-earned break from the rigours of cane cutting, teamed up with Bill Gordon and Els Van Soest to take out the day in grand style—well done, team!

Finally, a special mention must go to our ladies, who recently represented us as district champions. They travelled to Emerald for the zone finals to decide who would progress to the state championships. In a nail-biting contest, they were pipped at the post 19–17 by the Emerald ladies. We are, however, so proud of Joan McGrath’s team of lead Lyn Graham, Jill Spencer, and Ladda Purdie, who all turned in a wonderful performance.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Lyn Graham, Joan McGrath, Jill Spencer and Ladda Purdie. Photo supplied

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On Wednesday, two competition games were played. Senior Singles kicked off with an epic match between Sandy Daffara and Philip Brown. After 38 ends, Philip Brown narrowly claimed victory 25-24. The first game of the B Pairs was also played, with Alen Sanderson and Trevor Parsons defeating Bruce Uhe and Mike Harrison 19-11. There were no Social Bowls on Wednesday, as many of our regular players were involved in competition games. Barry and John took the opportunity to have a roll-up instead.

Saturday saw the Final of the B Singles, with Harry Craig edging out Todd Leys 25-24 in what has been described as a fabulous game. Harry will now progress to the Champion of Champions at St Helens, scheduled for the weekend of September 20 and 21.

Sunday morning brought strong winds, making both competition games a real test of concentration. In Senior Singles, Philip Brown defeated Ken Watts 25-6. In B Pairs, Harry Craig and David Ling overcame Troy Campbell and Todd Leys 31-11.

Looking ahead, the Senior Singles Champion of Champions is scheduled for September 27-28. Several matches remain to be played beforehand. Trevor Parsons faces Vince Olsen, with the winner to play Luchie Gardel, followed by a match against Mike Harrison. On the other side of the draw, Bruce Uhe will play Bryan Davy, with the winner to meet Philip Brown. It would be ideal for the Trevor vs. Vince and Bruce vs. Bryan matches to be completed this week to allow the competition to finish on schedule.

In Social Bowls on Sunday afternoon, Heather Brown and Mike Harrison defeated visitor Snorkell (from Airlie Beach) and Philip Brown 28-15. Afternoon tea proved to be a turning point in what had been a very even game. John Anderson and Sandy Daffara also claimed a strong win, defeating Alen Sanderson and Henny Tattam 29-9.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club

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Final of B Singles Runner Up Todd Leys, Winner Harry Craig. Photo supplied

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Last weekend, the Mackay Rowing Club hosted the second annual Head of the Pioneer 10-kilometre regatta at Pleystowe, bringing together crews from across the region for a challenging day on the water.

Despite strong winds that tested every competitor, the event was a celebration of skill, determination, and community spirit. Crews from Townsville, Ruway, Ju, and Helro joined Mackay’s own rowers for the rolling-start race, which began at the river’s weir, included a turnaround, and finished across the river near the club.

Club President Cameron Slack reflected on the appeal of rowing for locals.

“Rowing is a sport you can keep doing forever. Older members in our clubs, 60, 70, are going away to world championships, and having the opportunity to medal is pretty cool.”

Slack said the regatta also offered a rare chance for rowers from different towns to come together, compete, and enjoy the camaraderie.

“It’s just a great sport to be involved in, and it’s nice to see so many on the water.”

For many participants, rowing is about more than just competition. World Champion gold medalist Therese Clancy, who has been rowing since 2016, said she was encouraged to try the sport by a friend.

“I got hooked. It’s gentle on your body, and I’ve competed in Germany and at state nationals,” she said, reflecting on her journey in rowing.

“It’s been an amazing experience so far.”

Whitsunday Anglican School student Xavier Wheaton, a rower since 2020, described both the social and fitness benefits of the sport.

“I love rowing with friends… it’s such a great sport, and you can do it for a long time,” he said.

The race produced standout performances, with Mackay’s eight-person crew and Townsville’s double, Wayne and Mark, posting the fastest times. Despite the strong winds, the crews navigated the 10-kilometre course with determination, highlighting the skill and endurance required for competitive rowing.

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Last weekend, Mackay Rowing Club hosted the second annual Head of the Pioneer 10K regatta at Pleystowe. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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