In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Slade Point women’s rugby union team won Mackay’s inaugural Women’s Rugby 7s Grand Final at BB Print Stadium.

Capping off a remarkable season for women’s rugby in the region, a star player for Slade Point, Hula Day, has been playing different codes of rugby for seven years, starting in 2018 before switching to rugby union in 2020.

Her versatility on the field has seen her excel in various positions, from flanker in 15s to playing as a hooker or second row in 10s and 7s. Despite the challenges, her love for the game and the sense of community it brings has kept her motivated.

“I really just like the team and the community,” she said, reflecting on her journey in the sport.

Among her many achievements, Hula was named the Best Forward for Slade Point Rugby Team. Earlier this year, she played in the junior 15s competition, earning a spot on the Central Queensland team and traveling to Rockhampton to trial for Queensland Country.

Currently, Hula is trailing for the 7s Central Queensland team. She recently competed in Rockhampton and will play again in Mackay on September 7th, and if successful, she will advance to the next level and compete in Brisbane.

Coach of the Slade Point Rugby Union Women’s team Kelvin Clulee praised the team’s hard-fought victory, noting the toughness of their final match.

“It was a scrappy game, but there was some great tackling,” he said.

“The Slade Point girls just managed to find a way through a really tough defence to win the game by one try.”

Coach Clulee emphasised the importance of camaraderie and teamwork in rugby, highlighting how these qualities helped the team succeed. He also stressed the significance of girls and women in the region getting involved in rugby, as it opens pathways to representative programs, potentially leading to playing for Queensland Country or even Australia in the future.

“We’re always looking for new players, from under 9s all the way up to women’s,” he said.

“Get involved and have some fun, it’s a really good bunch of people, and we’ll be looking for more players next year.”

Hula is also currently fundraising for her upcoming trip to Auckland, New Zealand, in mid-December, where she will compete in the Global Women’s 7s for the Rugby Skills Academy.

She has already raised a total of $600, and will be continuing her fundraising efforts through meat raffles, sausage sizzles and other events at junior rugby games. Additional support from the community is welcomed to help cover the financial costs of travelling overseas.

The Global Youth 7s is a prestigious event and four players from Mackay, including Hula, will be representing the region. Competing against teams from around the world, this tournament could be a stepping stone toward bigger opportunities, including the possibility of playing for Australia and even making it to the Olympics.

“We’re so proud of these kids that are going over there to compete,” Coach Clulee added.

“This can be a springboard into the Australian team, which could potentially lead to the Olympics, which is really cool.”

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8-year-old Charlotte Haire with Hula Day
The Slade Point Women's Rugby 7s team recently celebrated their hard-fought victory in Mackay's first Women's 7s Grand Final at BB Print Stadium. Photos supplied

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AFLW is making its exciting return to Mackay as the Gold Coast Suns take on Carlton at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. The region is thrilled to welcome back Mackay’s very own Lauren Bella, Alana Gee and Wallis Randell, who will all be showcasing their skills in front of a local crowd.
This match is a significant event for the region, bringing two traveling teams to North Queensland. Carlton, a renowned team from Victoria, will clash with the Gold Coast Suns, representing Queensland’s vibrant Gold Coast. It’s a rare and exciting opportunity for local fans to experience top-tier AFLW action right in their backyard.
In addition to the on-field excitement, this event offers a fantastic opportunity for the next generation of fans. With free entry for kids under 18, the match provides young people with access to quality sporting entertainment and the chance to be inspired by elite athletes. It’s a unique opportunity for families to engage with the sport and for young fans to witness the highest level of women’s football.
Adrian Young, CEO of Harrup Park and the Great Barrier Reef Arena, expressed his enthusiasm about the event and said, "Bringing AFLW back to Mackay, especially with local stars like Lauren Bella, Alana Gee and Wallis Randell, is a special moment for our community.
“We’re looking forward to an incredible day of footy."
Terry Doolan, Chairman of Harrup Park and the Great Barrier Reef Arena, added, "Hosting the Suns and Carlton in Mackay underlines our commitment to delivering top-tier sport to the region.
“This event is more than just a game; it’s about community, pride and giving young people a chance to see what they can aspire to."
Harrup Park added that the Mackay Regional Council continue to be a driver for the success of major events in our region and without their ongoing support these events would not happen.

What Gold Coasts Suns v Carlton
When: September 8th, 1:05pm
Where: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Harrup Park, Mackay

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Last week was a massive week for the Mackay Bridge Club with the playing of the Australian Wide-Open Pairs, the final week of the Anne Hird Memorial, the Mackay Barometer Pairs Walk-in and the Mackay Barometer Pairs competition, which was played over two days. Winners of the Australian Wide Open Pairs N/S were Janelle Conroy and Terry Sheedy with Janine Rodgers and Richard Wix winning E/W.

After three weeks of play with three different overs, Joy Block took out this year’s Anne Hird Memorial. Annie Lynch and Sandra Morris won N/S, and Susan Wright and Geoff Patterson E/W were winners of The Mackay Barometer Pairs Walk Ins. Results for Mackay Barometer Pairs will be published next week.

Weekly Results
Monday 26 August 2024 – Australian Wide Open Pairs 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy
1st
Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

2nd
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
2nd
Ian Cruickshank / Mary Cruickshank

3rd
Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia
3rd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

4th
Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait
4th
Geoff Taylor / Andrew Canavan

Tuesday Evening 27 August 2024 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild
1st
Terry Sheedy / Joy Block

3rd
Janet Hansen / Lorna Shuttlewood
4th
Shelley Lewis / Sue Mayer-Miller

4th
Andrew Westcott / Patricia Garner
4th
Geoff Taylor / Janelle Conroy

Wednesday 28 August 2024 - 3 of 3 weeks of the Anne Hird Memorial 8 Table Mitchell Green Points
1st
Joy Block / Janelle Conroy
1st
Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson
2nd
Ted Cullinan / Geoff Taylor
2nd
Vicki Howard / Ming Ting
3rd
Mary Rose Ramsden / Susan Wright
3rd
Jan Harris / Bob Ellis
4th
Jewel Schmidt / Sandra Morris
4th
Terry Sheedy / Annette Howe
Anne Hird Memorial - Results after 3 weeks of play with 3 different overs
1st
Joy Block
2nd
Mary Rose Ramsden
3rd
Sandy Patterson
4th
Susan Ross
Thursday Evening 29 August 2024 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Janelle Conroy / Janine Rodgers

3rd
Ian Cruickshank / Adrian Westcott
4th
Geoff Taylor / Christopher Meyers

5th
Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
6th
Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

Friday 30 August 2024 – Mackay Barometer Pairs Walk-ins 8 Table Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Annie Lynch / Sandra Morris
1st
Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson

2nd
Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild
2nd
David Ting / Ming Ting

3rd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
3rd
Janet Hansen / Lorna Shuttlewood

4th
Anne Lutz / Karen Caldwell
4th
Geoff Cowan / Joy Block

Contributed by Joy Block

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MBPairs Walkins N/S Winners Annie Lynch and Sandra Morris
MBPairs Walkins E/W winners Geoff Patterson and Susan Wright
Anne Hird winner Joy Block, with David Hird (Anne's husband), Janelle Conroy and Terry Sheedy. Photos supplied

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Walkerston Wanderers Rugby League Club are celebrating a premiership quadrella in the Mackay & District Junior League.

The Roosters underlined their depth of junior talent by annexing the Boys Under 15 and Under 16 premiership titles and the Girls Under 16 and Under 18 trophies in Grand final action at BB Print Stadium last weekend.
It is a tremendous feat by the Wanderers club that remained undefeated in both the Under 15 and Girls Under 16 years divisions.

Trent Peno’s all-conquering Under 15s capped a memorable campaign with an emphatic 30-10 Grand Final victory over Mackay Wests Tigers.

Classy halves Darcy Cabassi and Isaac McFarlane spearheaded the win with top performances after promising forwards  Nate Faulkner, Tom Mulherin, Amos Grigg, Connor Peno, Quinn Douglas and hooker Harrison Gordon laid the foundations with strong games.
Cabassi used his swerve and deft footwork to nab two of the Roosters’ six tries with playmaker McFarlane booting three goals.

Lock forward and skipper Nate Harding, hooker Marik Srsen and centre Zac Hansen impressed for the Tigers.
Impact forward Faulkner proved an inspiration as the Roosters won all fourteen matches played during the 2024 season.

Nate and elder sister Cianna created some type of record by both captaining their respective Wanderers teams to undefeated titles.

Talented lock Cianna was best on ground in the Roosters’ 32-6 Grand Final triumph over Souths Sharks last Friday night – bagging two tries and four goals for a personal tally of sixteen points.

Sharp centre Zoe Ziegeler and power running prop Theresa Malayta also grabbed try doubles as Duncan Watt’s enterprising Roosters asserted their supremacy.
Other players to impress were halves Ruby Watt and Keeley Logan, hooker Jade Williams and forwards Kelsi Hazledine, Matilda Clark, Jaylynn Matheson-Hone, Jayda Earl and Sophie Searle.

Wanderers clinched the Under 16s Boys trophy with an 18-8 Grand Final victory over Mackay Magpies.
Rugged prop Sam Dodgson, five eighth Koby Daly and winger Aidan Marteene scored tries for the Roosters with lock Caleb O’Brien adding three conversions.

Dodgson, skipper O’Brien, number seven Bekem Van Kerkwyk and back rowers Dominic Sorbello and Sam Anderson, a former Queensland Schoolboys Under 15s rep, led the way for Wanderers.

Wanderers young gun Paige Mooney capped a stellar season by guiding her club to an Under 18 Girls premiership.

Mooney, a rising half back, demonstrated her skills and vision as the Roosters edged out Souths Sharks 10-6 in the title decider.

The Junior League premiership was the fourth piece of silverware acquired by Mooney in 2024 after earlier lifting the Confraternity Shield and Secondary Schools trophies with St Patrick’s College Mackay and the inaugural Under 19 Harvey Norman championship with the Mackay Cutters.

Wanderers’ centre Ella Webb and fullback Ava Wheeler scored tries and hooker Jaymie Clancy potted a conversion with Sharks’ half Jaccoa Keyssecker crossing for the Sharks.

It was another trophy for Roosters super coach Imogen Healy but a bitter blow for Danny Contor’s talented Souths squad that finished the preliminary rounds undefeated.
Wanderers won both finals clashes against the Sharks by narrow margins: 4-2 in the major semi-final and by four points in the trophy decider.

Mackay Magpies brought home the Under 13s Boys and Under 14s Boys premiership titles.

The Magpies edged out Souths Sharks 10-8 in the Under 13s and rolled the Sarina Crocodiles 32-22 in Under 14s for a deserved double.

Wests Tigers collected the Under 14 Girls trophy after toppling Proserpine Brahmans 14-10 before capturing
the Under 17 Boys title with an 18-8 triumph over Brothers Bulldogs.

Canberra Raiders signing Mark Morrow starred with centre partner Mason Ryan-Ellul and forwards Lachlan Starr, Jack Townsend, Jackson Aslette and hooker Slade Kretschmar.

Souths tossed Brahmans 32-14 in the Under 13 Boys Plate Final with Wests Tigers securing the Under 14 Plate with a 36-18 win over Wanderers.

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Four of Mackay’s dedicated rowers are about to embark on a thrilling journey to compete in the Masters World Championship Rowing event at the Beetzsee regatta course in Germany, from September 11th to 15th.

This natural regatta course situated in Brandenburg, boasts 320,000 square metres of surface area and offers eight lanes for rowing and nine lanes for canoe racing. The event will see between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes competing, and the Mackay rowers are ready to make their mark.

The team includes Jane Deguara, Mick Wohlfahrt, Richard McGrath and Therese Clancy, all of whom have been training rigorously since November 2023. Their training regimen consists of river rowing four times a week, daily gym sessions and a weekly rest day. Ice baths, rehabilitation and programs from the Mackay Rowing Club have also been essential to keeping their bodies in top form.

This level of dedication has earned them remarkable success in previous national and state events, where they brought home a total of 16 medals, including half a dozen golds.

For Therese Clancy, who has been rowing for seven years, the early morning training sessions are a particular highlight.

“At 5am, it’s like heaven,” she says, describing the serenity of the water, the chirping birds, and the fish swimming nearby.

“It’s just such a magical time of day to be on the water.”

This will be Thereses’ first time competing overseas and she’s excited but cautious about the upcoming trip. While they’ve done well at nationals and state levels, Therese is aware that conditions could be different in Germany.

Rowing in both mixed and single-gender teams, the group has excelled in various categories.

Therese herself has won gold in a single race, a double with a fellow rower from Townsville, and in a quad with her teammates, including Jane. Their journey has been one of hard work, but as Therese says, it’s all been “great fun.”

The team relies on grants and self-funding to support their efforts and encourage any sponsors to contribute, especially in replacing boats. Mackay Rowing Club is welcoming support from anyone interested in helping these talented athletes.

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Left to Right- Jane Deguara, Mick Wohlfahrt, Richard McGrath, Therese Clancy.
Photo supplied

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As spring arrives at our club, the demolition of the shade cloth, seats, and covers is making way for the installation of a new hard cover. Despite the changes, there was a great turnout for Tuesday afternoon’s Thelma Porter Day. The team of skipper Joan McGrath, with Susan at lead and Arthur McManus at second, played brilliantly and took home first prize. Special congratulations go to Betty Whitehorn for her amazing efforts and to Lane Telford, who shared some wonderful stories about her remarkable mother, Thelma.

Wednesday’s event had a smaller attendance, with Mervyn Stewart taking home the honours for the day. Meanwhile, Bobby and Yvonne Spees continued their success in Business House Bowls, with bar manager Fiona Greener also doing a fantastic job.

Friday morning saw the Endeavour Foundation members showing significant improvement in their bowling skills. It was wonderful to see how much progress Michael, Jett, Cathy, and John have made.

On Saturday morning, Andy McDougall won the Scroungers event once again. Even with a handicap of minus 10, Andy remains a strong contender.

Sunday featured the B Singles final, with Rick Brunell playing outstanding bowls. Rick will face Andy McDougall in the final, following Andy’s narrow victory over Stephen Lawrie.

Our club also hosted the Champion of Champions Novice Bowlers competition, where our own Dawn Dowell triumphed over Wendy from North Mackay, Kelly from West Tigers, and Sharon from Northern Beaches to become the 2024 Novice Ladies Champion of Champions.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Sunday Results:
   • Ron and Lloyd defeated Ray and Steve.
   • Allen, Rob, and Gus defeated Marion, Wendy, and Dave.
   • Janine, Geoff, and Skip defeated Rossco, Frank, and Gordo.

Wednesday Social Bowls (August 28):
   • Peter, Jane, and Daryl defeated Janine, Frank, and Ray.
   • Lou and Dave defeated Mary Ellen and Steve.
   • Jeff and Rob defeated Doc and Marion.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Pairs Final Winners: Spann and John, Photo supplied

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The Club Championship Triples saw an exciting weekend of matches.

On Saturday afternoon, a round of the Championship Triples was played, followed by the first semi-final. Jonathan Bye, Toby Craig, and Gavin Milne defeated Peter Lawton, Harry Craig (substitute for Kendall Watts), and Gavin Noonan with a score of 29-9. In another match, Dale Haack, Shane Kinnear, and Wayne Handley won against Vince Olsen, Michael Kinnear (substitute for Bryan Davy), and Luchie Gardel 25-14.

On Sunday morning, the second semi-final took place, where Jonathan Bye, Toby Craig, and Gavin Milne triumphed over Philip Brown, Barry Zillmann, and Bruce Uhe, 23-13. The final, held on Sunday afternoon, saw Dale Haack, Shane Kinnear, and Wayne Handley defeat Jonathan Bye, Toby Craig, and Gavin Milne with a commanding 27-8 victory. Dale, Shane, and Wayne will represent the club in the Champion of Champion Triples at Wests Tigers on Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8. We wish them the best and hope they continue their strong performance.

Social Bowls Results
On Wednesday, in preparation for the Zone playoffs, Carol Crosbie and Joan McGrath from Airlie Beach joined for a game on the grass. Carol and Joan ended in a 15-all draw with Mike Harrison and Bruce Magilton. In another match, Mike (a visitor from Canada), Alen Sanderson, Heather Brown, and Darelle Rowe (a visitor from Tea Gardens) defeated Stefanie (a visitor from Germany), Barry Zillmann, Philip Brown, and Ron Rowe 21-10.

A round of the Senior Singles was also played on Wednesday, where Luchie Gardel defeated Sandy Daffara 26-23.

Sunday Social Bowls
Sunday's social bowls had a smaller turnout with only four players. Teams were drawn at random, resulting in Heather Brown and Mike Harrison defeating John Anderson and Sandy Daffara 27-11, in a game that was tied at 10-all before the break.

Congratulations to all the participants and good luck to the team in the upcoming Champion of Champion Triples!

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club

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Self-Selected Triples
Monday's self-selected triples event wrapped up the year with an exciting finish. The winning team on Rink 5, which also claimed the jackpot, consisted of Denis Madeley, Joe Paynting, and Leon Fox, who triumphed over Allan Gillies, John Riemann, and Jill Gillies. Runners-up were Greg Colquhoun and Kennedy Whitton, who defeated M McKenzie and Dom Diaz.

Tuesday Social Bowls
In Tuesday's social bowls, the winning team of Karen McKenzie, M Wright, and Joe Paynting defeated Joan Atkinson, Ron Boskma, and Dot Slater, with a special mention of Dot’s return to the game. Runners-up Allan Gillies, K Jones, and Greg Colquhoun overcame Bron Tolcher, John Riemann, and Kevin Jewell. The jackpot remained unclaimed.

Fun Friday
Friday's fun bowls saw a series of competitive matches. Alan Gillies, Chris Frew, and Rob Boskma won against Joe Paynting, Viv Boskma. Christina B. D Jones, W McNamara, and K Wallace defeated D Diaz, J Paynting, and C Bellingham. L Knight, M Hyde, and R Stitt triumphed over B Bellingham, J Chadwick, and K Jones. Mary and Jill won against Nicky and Paul. Resting touches went to Paul and Joe, while the jackpot did not go off.

Barefoot Bowls
On Friday night, the Barefoot Bowlers team of Suzi, David, Tim, and Jamie won the mango prize by defeating Kerri, Sandy, Garry, and Denis.

Father’s Day Game
Sunday's Father’s Day game was fiercely contested. The winning team of Deb Retchless, Keith Aykens, and Darryl Jones defeated Kennedy Whitton, Lorraine Knight, and Robyn Stitt. Runners-up Allan Gillies, Brian Bellingham, and Penny Warren won against Iren Laird, Laurie Land, and Allan Rolfe. The jackpot also remained unclaimed.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Photo supplied

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It was a fantastic week of golf at Proserpine Golf Club with great weather and strong performances across all competitions.

Tuesday, August 27 - Stableford
   • Winner: Sean Gower (42 points)
   • 2nd Place: Dylan Holland (41 points)
   • 3rd Place: Cory O’Shea (38 points)

Wednesday, August 28 - Ladies’ Stableford
   • Winner: Jan Shuwalow (36 points)
   • 2nd Place: Di Dobbins (36 points)

Thursday, August 29 - Stableford
A Grade:
   • Winner: Adam Hosie (39 points)
   • 2nd Place: Craig McLean (37 points)
B Grade:
   • Winner: Ross Meade (39 points)
   • 2nd Place: Peter Lindsay (36 points)

Friday, August 30 - Met Run 9 Holes
   • Winner: Fay Milne (26 points)
   • 2nd Place: Zac Vloedmans (22 points)

Saturday, August 31 - Stableford
Men:
   • Overall Winner: Zac Vloedmans (48 points)
Ladies:
   • Winner: Pam Harrison (33 points)
   • Runner-Up: Tiina Randmae

Sunday, September 1 - Junior Championships
   • Winner: Jack Hayes William (nett 66)

September Monthly Medal
Men:
   • Winner: Luke Wayth (nett 69)
Ladies:
   • Winner: Peta Thomas (nett 71)

Congratulations to all participants. For more details, visit Golflink. Looking forward to more great golf in the coming weeks!

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club
Photos supplied

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Eighteen veteran golfers made the journey to Collinsville for the Whitsunday Group fixture, where they were greeted by glorious weather and an exceptionally maintained course, cared for entirely by volunteers. The course featured different grasses and surfaces compared to Proserpine, with thicker grass near the greens that caused the ball to stop abruptly.

A total of 52 players competed in the event, and the Proserpine team performed impressively. Craig McLean claimed first place overall with a fantastic 43 points. Peter Fox followed in fourth place with 36 points, and John Roser secured sixth place with 34 points.

In the ladies' competition, Elspeth Scotford emerged as the overall winner with 38 points. Leanne Alexander continued her strong performance from the Club Championships, where she won the A Grade, by finishing third with 34 points. Tiina Randmae took sixth place with 30 points. Elspeth Scotford, Gary Scotford, and Peter Fox also achieved several pin shots throughout the day.

Congratulations to all the players for their excellent performances. The next event on the calendar is the September Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Elspeth Scotford and Craig McLean

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Thirteen players enjoyed a warm, sunny day for the Whitsunday Golf Club's September Monthly Medal and Least Putts competition. The dry greens presented a challenge, causing some players to zigzag from side to side, but the beautiful weather made for a great day on the course.

Ladies A Grade:
   • Winner: Tiina Randmae with a nett score of 72
   • Runner-up: Anna Winterbourn with a nett score of 76
   • Longest Drive: Anna Winterbourn, with a huge drive that was the envy of many

Ladies B Grade:
   • Winner: Jo Moynihan with a nett score of 73
   • Runner-up: Sally Little with a nett score of 75
   • Longest Drive: Linda Wardroper

Men’s A Grade:
   • Winner: Wayne Temby with a nett score of 78
   • Runner-up: Andrew Albergo with a nett score of 85
   • Longest Drive: Andrew Albergo

Men’s B Grade:
   • Winner: Rion Jamieson with a nett score of 77
   • Runner-up: Wilf Herweg with a nett score of 79
   • Longest Drive: Mark McDougal

Nearest to the Pin (NTP):
   • Ladies: Tiina Randmae, Linda Wardroper, and Jo Moynihan
   • Men: Ritchie Atkins and Ron Jamieson (twice)

Least Putts:
   • Jo Moynihan won with 33 putts, and Wayne Temby won with 30 putts on the tricky, dry greens.

NAGA Awards:
   • Linda Wardroper and Paul Nicol received the NAGA awards.

Coming Up: There will be a two-week break for the PGC Men's Pennants and the PGC Mixed Foursomes.
   • Sunday, September 22: Stableford competition
   • Sunday, September 29: Final round of the 3 Ball Ambrose, sponsored by Ritchie Atkins of Whitsunday Concrete Constructions. The presentation will be held at PGC, followed by a BBQ.
Congratulations to all the players, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the course after the break!

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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The World Multisport World Championships were due to take place in TOWNSVILLE in 2019. Then Covid hit.

Finally, they took place this year between 15 to 25 August, 2024

There were 35 countries represented with athletes competing in an array of events over 10 days including a Parade of Nations and remarkable Opening ceremony. There were masses of Canadians, Americans, New Zealanders, Japanese, Spanish, English, Irish and others all in their Country Uniforms. But the show of Green and Gold athletes was mesmerising around the race Precinct.

The events covered a variety of different distances and all age groups, including Cross Duathlon, Aquabike, short and long distance Triathlons, Aquathlon, Para Triathletes, Juniors, Elites, Cross Triathlon races, all covering off-road cycling, swimming, running and road cycling. 

Townsville was abuzz with a phenomenal atmosphere over the festival carnival which took place along the Townsville Strand precinct, back into the city, past Jezzine Barracks and up as far as Pallarenda Park.

Athlete camaraderie was excellent with many highlights and amazing individual performances. One notable highlight was our very own 86 year old Lachlan Lewis ending on the podium in the Aquabike event. A true Aussie Icon and World champion.

The performance of our Age Group Australian Teams in all events was remarkable with many individual athletes ending on the podium.

Personally, I was a bit underdone as I developed a bit of a groin niggle preventing me from doing the 30 km Triathlon run. On this occasion I was eligible to swap to the Aquabike including a 3km ocean swim and 114km cycle, but luckily no run. The swim was a dream, yet the road cycle was very challenging. At the end of the day I finished in 5th position in the World in my age category, pretty stoked which qualified me for a spot at next year's Worlds in Pontevedra in Spain in June.

Contributed with thanks to Michael Kimpton

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The first round of finals was a mixed bag for Whitsunday United, with only the Division 1 Men’s team securing a win. They faced Wanderers in Mackay on Friday night in a semi-final match. After a scoreless first half, Whitsunday came out strong in the second half. Caleb Vanderdrift scored early on from a cross by Tate Butler, and Aaron Morgan added a second with a late header, sealing a 2-0 victory. The Division 1 Men will face either Lions or Wanderers in the final.

The Under-13 Division One team had a tough match against Rangers. Despite only one point separating them in the league, Rangers took an early lead with two goals in the first 14 minutes. Whitsunday managed to score in the 29th minute, but Rangers proved too strong, winning 4-1. The team will look to bounce back in the semi-finals next weekend, with a chance to reach the grand final.

In another intense game, the Under-13 Prem team faced Rangers in a final. Rangers led 1-0 at halftime, but Whitsunday equalized in the 60th minute through Sam. The game went into extra time and then to penalties after a 1-1 draw. Despite efforts from Shannon, Nick M, and Eli W, who all scored in the shootout, Rangers ultimately won. It was a hard-fought match that highlighted Whitsunday’s determination and teamwork.

The Under-15 Premiers played against Country, who started strongly, scoring in the 11th minute and converting a penalty in the 43rd. Whitsunday dominated the second half, and Max O’Keefe scored a penalty in the 70th minute, but they couldn’t find another goal, resulting in a 2-1 loss.

The U23 Women’s team, after securing second place last weekend, faced Lions SC in the first round of finals. Whitsunday dominated possession and created several scoring chances, but the game remained 0-0 after regular time, thanks in part to a crucial save by goalkeeper Robyn. In extra time, Lions managed to score, winning 1-0. The U23 Women will face Magpies next weekend for a spot in the grand final.

The Premier Ladies faced a strong Lions squad, losing 6-0 on Saturday night. Despite having a depleted team, Whitsunday worked hard but struggled to contain the Lions’ attack. Special mentions go to Imo, Kiki, Robyn, and Ellyse, who played through extra time in the Reserves and still performed well in the Premier match. The team aims to regroup and secure a spot in the grand final next weekend.

The U23 and FQPL Men both ended their seasons with losses to Rangers. The U23 team had an exciting game, leading 4-3 late on with a hat trick from Lincoln Fricker, but a late penalty for Rangers forced extra time, where they lost 6-4. The Men’s Premiers also faced Rangers, taking an early lead with a penalty from Alan O’Donnell, but eventually losing 2-1 after a strong comeback from Rangers.

All eyes will be on the Women’s teams this weekend as they fight for a place in the grand finals alongside the Division 1 Men. The teams are determined to bounce back and finish the season strong.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

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The Cannonvale Cannons had an action-packed and exciting week filled with impressive swimming performances and valuable training opportunities. The week began with the Cannons hosting their Club Night on Wednesday, followed by a weekend swim clinic led by top swim coach Shaun Crow.
One of the standout performances of the week came from Eloise Chegwidden, who competed at the Townsville Tourist Swim Meet over the weekend. Eloise achieved outstanding results, winning gold medals in all nine of her events and setting personal bests in four of them. Her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
During Wednesday night's Club Night, the Cannons celebrated Jax Clayworth for setting two new club records in the 50m and 200m Butterfly events. Additionally, Giselle Burton presented Upgrade Certificates to several swimmers, including Isaac Pisaniello, Jax Clayworth, Kye Mitchell, Eric Mulliss, Leo Mulliss, and Tyler Bennett. Chocolate Awards for the best personal bests (PBs) were given to Blaire Harland and Harris Delac. Ruby Lawson was recognized for her outstanding performance, winning the Swim of the Night award for her 25m Butterfly. The top performers of Club Night, based on PBs, included Kye Mitchell, Tyler Bennett, Harry Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, Lennox Wild, Isaac Pisaniello, Tora Delac, Charlie Doherty, and Liam Filewood.
The highlight of the weekend was the swim clinic facilitated by Shaun Crow. Swimmers participated in sessions designed to enhance their skills and speed, while parents attended an information session. One of Shaun’s swimmers, Harrison Turner, shared his journey with the attendees. At 20 years old, Harrison is a top Australian 200m Butterfly swimmer who trains with Shaun at Nudgee College. He also assisted Shaun with coaching throughout the clinic and enjoyed working with all the swimmers.
At the conclusion of the clinic, Shaun presented Most Improved Awards to Zach Trefz, Celeste Orenshaw, Andie Reynolds, and Zane Clayworth. The weekend was a memorable experience for everyone involved, with swimmers, parents, and coaches all thoroughly enjoying the event. Shaun’s favorite expressions, such as "Ducks in a Line," "Oi," and "Goldilocks," are sure to be remembered by the swimmers for years to come.
A big congratulations to all the swimmers who participated over the weekend! The Cannonvale Cannons had a fantastic week, filled with achievements and valuable learning experiences.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Photos supplied

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