Glenn Rees took the win in the weekly 9-hole stableford with 20 points. Peter Bitz secured second place with 19 points, and Billy O’Connor came in third with 18 points on a countback.
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Gomez Triumphs in Friday 9-Hole Stableford
Andrew Gomez claimed first place in Friday's 9-hole stableford with 23 points. Jay Angel took second place with 21 points on a countback, followed by Alan Clinch in third with 21 points.
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Low Dominates Sunday's 18-Hole Stroke
Brad Low emerged victorious in Sunday's 18-hole stroke with a NET score of 49. Eric Gruszczynski finished second with a NET 50, and Edwina Pettiford placed third with a NET 51. Nearest the pin honors went to Brad Low and Wayne Singleton.
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Upcoming Event
This Sunday, August 11th, will feature the 4 Ball Better Ball Championships, with tee-off times from 8:30 am to 9:30 am.
 
Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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Eric Gruszczynski, Photo supplied

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Every Saturday morning during the school term, PCYC Whitsunday turns into a fun, skating disco hall.

With party lights, music, games it’s a great fun way to start the weekend.

This school term will be the second term the Mini Roller Disco has ran, and it is already gaining popularity and growing in numbers.

Jane Streeter started Mini Roller Disco after deciding she wanted a regular fun skating activity that families could do without feeling any pressure to attend. She wanted to provide an active sport activity that people can go to as they please.

Whether you’re an experienced skater or just there for fun and games it’s still fun, and you’re skating skills will definitely improve.

Families are encouraged to attend, even though a few parents do take some persuading to get their skates on!

What: Mini Roller Disco
When:  Saturdays 10am – 11.30am (3 August – 7 September)
Where: PCYC Whitsunday

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Bowen Showgrounds is set to host a thrilling showdown as 15 sidecars compete for the prestigious Queensland Sidecar Championships title. The event promises an adrenaline-fueled spectacle for motorsport enthusiasts and families alike.

Sponsored by Conveyer Maintenance Services and scheduled for 3 August, the Queensland Sidecar Championships, will feature some of the region's top riders vying for glory on the Bowen Speedway track. Known for its tight turns and challenging straights, Bowen
Speedway provides the perfect setting for these skilled competitors to showcase their speed, agility, and teamwork.

Sidecar racing is renowned for its dynamic nature, where a skilled rider and their passenger must work in perfect harmony to navigate the track at high speeds. With 15 teams confirmed to participate, fans can expect fierce battles and edge-of-the-seat action throughout the evening.

In addition to the main event, the championships will include several support classes, including Junior Solos, stock bikes, Outlaw Karts and Formula 250 Karts. The support classes will ensure non-stop entertainment from start to finish.

"North Queensland Speedway Riders Club is thrilled to host the Queensland Sidecar Championships here at Bowen Speedway," said Club President Matt Pilcher.

"This event showcases the very best of sidecar racing talent in Queensland, and we encourage everyone to join us for what promises to be a fantastic evening of motorsport."

The gates will open at 4:30pm, with practice sessions starting at 6pm. Racing will commence at 6:30pm, beginning with heats and culminating in what promises to be a hard-fought final. Spectators can enjoy amenities such as food vendors, merchandise stalls, and a family-friendly atmosphere throughout the event.

Tickets for the CMS Queensland Sidecar Championships are available at the gate and offer great value for a family night out. For more information, including ticket prices, please visit the club’s Facebook page – NQ Speedway Riders & Supporters Club Inc.

Contributed, with thanks to Bowen Speedway.

Brodie Cohen and passenger Josh Murray photo credit Trevor Corica

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What: CMS Queensland Sidecar Championships
When: 3 August, 4:30pm
Where: Bowen Showground

The Whitsunday Equestrian Group’s 2-Day Hack and Dressage Supreme was held on July 27-28 at the Cannonvalley Pony Club, it was a triumph, offering an exciting weekend for both riders and spectators.
Competitors from Townsville to Mackay gathered to showcase their skills over two days. The annual Dressage & Hack Supreme featured dressage classes from Prep to Medium, with the addition of Saturday morning hack/show horse classes for the first time in several years.
The overall champions for the weekend are as follows:
   • Warren Transport Supreme Hack of Show: Alexis Lydom on Piper; Reserve: Melissa Wall on Kenny
   • Taurus Heavy Industries High Point Dressage Champion: Amy Renton; Reserve: Lydia Forde
   • Highest Percentage Dressage:
       ◦ Prep: Sammi Warren on Cruise with 67.33%
       ◦ Prelim: Jillian Moffat on Russell Pocket First Edition with 69.28%
       ◦ Novice: Lydia Forde on Hugo PVS with 72.31%
       ◦ Elementary: Kate van Dalen on Palladium Silver with 65.14%
The Whitsunday Equestrian Group extends heartfelt thanks to all competitors, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees whose support and enthusiasm made the event a success.
Looking ahead, the next event on the calendar is the Whitsunday Equestrian Group's T-Shirt Weekend, scheduled for October at the Cannonvalley Pony Club. For more information, please visit our Facebook page at Whitsunday Equestrian Group.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Equestrian Group

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Warren Transport Supreme Hack of Show: Alexis Lydom on Piper and reserve: Melissa Wall on Kenny, pictured with sponsor Fiona Warren and judges Rachel Cash and Sarah Bartolo
Taurus Heavy Industries High Point Dressage champion: Amy Renton
Highest Percentage Dressage winners, pictured with judges Rachel Cash and Glenis Ford

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BOWEN, QLD – The Bowen Polocrosse Club marked its 35th anniversary with a successful annual carnival over the weekend, attracting teams from all over Queensland. Players from Tara, Tansey, Roma, Emerald, Alton Downs, Nebo, and even Alice Springs joined the northern zone teams of Pyramid, Townsville, Lower Burdekin, and Bowen to compete for prizes generously provided by sponsors.
The event featured A, B, and C grade competitions, along with junior and mini led teams, showcasing the talent and competitive spirit of players and their horses.
In the junior competition, Bowen emerged as winners, with Pyramid taking the runners-up position. The competition highlighted the future stars of polocrosse, with many players showing significant improvement.
Junior Awards:
   • Best Presented and Well-Mannered: Siarrah Doran (Pyramid)
   • Encouragement Award: Ashari Doran (Pyramid)
   • Most Improved Player: Ryleigh McLean (Bowen)
   • Best Horse and Rider: Harry Carr (Townsville)
   • Best Male Junior: Charlie Beaumont (Townsville)
   • Best Female Junior: Tessa (Pyramid)
   • Best Junior in Senior Competition: Katie Landrigan (Pyramid)
   • Best Junior Horse in Senior Competition: Liam Taylor (Roma)
Bowen 2 dominated the C Grade, taking home the trophy, with Pyramid as runners-up.
C Grade Awards:
   • Best No. 1: Charlie Clayton (Pyramid)
   • Best No. 2: Adelaide Cook (Emerald)
   • Best No. 3: Sarah Reid (Townsville)
   • Best Horse and Rider: Farren Hamilton (Bowen)
The B Grade saw fierce competition, with Bowen's first team narrowly missing out on the top spot despite an undefeated run all weekend. Nebo proved too strong in the final matchup, emerging as the B Grade winners, with Bowen as runners-up.
B Grade Awards:
   • Best No. 1: Ryan Kerr (Nebo)
   • Best No. 2: Jesse Foster (Bowen)
   • Best No. 3: Bryce Watson (Bowen)
   • Best Horse and Rider: Ryan Kerr (Nebo)
The A Grade games were thrilling, with closely contested matches. Townsville 1 clinched the victory, while Roma 1 finished as runners-up on a goal count-back.
A Grade Awards:
   • Best No. 1: Katie Landrigan (Pyramid)
   • Best No. 2: Hannah Cook (Pyramid)
   • Best No. 3: Richard Alley (Townsville)
   • Best Horse and Rider: Liam Taylor (Roma)
Special Awards:
   • Most Outstanding Player of the Carnival: Dallas Cook (Pyramid)
   • Best Bowen Player: Bryce Watson
   • Best Sportsmanship: Sarah Reid (Townsville)
   • Male Encouragement Award: Wade Bidgood (Bowen)
   • Female Encouragement Award: Elli Hobbs (Townsville)

Contributed with thanks to Bowen Polocrosse Club

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A grade Roma and lower Burdekin lining up for ball

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On Tuesday afternoon, we welcomed Jeff Paini from Albury Wodonga Bowls Club and Allan Leach, who, along with his wife Kerry, recently returned from over three years working on Norfolk Island. They are now exploring Australia aboard their boat, Tokyo Joe, with a stop at Airlie Beach. Jeff and Allan showcased their skills with a dominant 35-14 win in the pairs competition.
In other news, our Ladies A Pairs team, fresh off their district championship win, is now heading to the zone finals. We wish them the best of luck as they continue their quest for state honours. Additionally, Bob Spees and Di Jackson advanced to the semi-finals in the mixed pairs.
Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls saw the Hadlow Racing Team, led by skipper Lara Hadlow, claim the championship trophy.
On Friday morning, the Endeavour Foundation participants made significant strides under the guidance of Michael and Jett. Cathy and Kiara also showed remarkable improvement, demonstrating their growing skills as lawn bowlers.
Friday afternoon saw 23 bowlers from the Christian College compete, with the team of Levi Muniz, Cody Love, and Riley Jackson emerging as the day's big winners.
Saturday morning's Scroungers event featured Russell Jackson taking top honours in the A Division, while Maureen Barnard won the B Division final.
Sunday afternoon’s Social Bowls was highly competitive. First-time skipper Luke Fenney, alongside new bowler Scott Cannon and Tye Webber, claimed victory. However, Fiona Greener, our Club Manager, rolled a 4— the lowest winning score— making Stacey Hadlow’s team, with lead Mel Fennell and Aileen Jacob, the ultimate winners.
The week’s highlight was the Champion of Champions pairs victory by Joan McGrath and Carol Crosbie, our club’s “pocket rocket.”
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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Champion of Champions pairs winners Joan McGrath and our little pocket rocket Carol Crosbie, Photo supplied

Sunday, July 21st
In the latest social bowls matches, the teams were:
   • Tracey, Wendy, and Tiarna defeated Eddy, Frank, and Gavin.
   • Gary, Karen, and Jane won against Sue, Shane, and Daryl.
   • Allen, Rob, and Steve emerged victorious over Peter, Ray, and Ron.
Wednesday, July 24th
The Wednesday games saw the following results:
   • Ron and Daryl triumphed over L. Brunker and Gordo.
   • Peter B, Ray, and Steve defeated Marion, Frank, and Helen.
   • Britt, Jill, and Jane won against Mary Ellen, John, and Gavin.
The winners for the afternoon were Jean and who outplayed Peter and Greg.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Scott Kinnear braved the freezing conditions of Victoria to compete in the Australian Blind Bowlers Event, and his remarkable performance earned him the Gold in his section. Despite competing with an injury that would have sidelined many, Scott’s achievement is truly commendable.
Club Championship Singles Semi-Finals
On Saturday morning, the semi-finals of the Club Championship Singles were held at the Bowls Club. Michael Kinnear defeated Barry Saroglia with a decisive score of 26-8. Shane Kinnear narrowly edged out Andrew Bell, winning 25-24. This sets up an exciting final between the eldest and youngest Kinnear brothers, promising a match not to be missed.
B Pairs Semi-Finals
The semi-finals of the B Pairs were played on Saturday afternoon. Bruce Uhe and Mike Harrison won a close match against Peter Lawton and Todd Leys, finishing 21-20. Nathaniel Watts and Gavin Noonan had a dominant performance against Ken Watts and Kendall Watts, winning 34-5. The final will feature Mike Harrison’s team against Gavin Noonan’s team.
Social Bowls Results
On Wednesday, three pairs games were played:
   • Carol Smith and Nev Smith defeated Philip Brown and Gary Ratcliffe 28-18.
   • Bruce Uhe and Peter Lawton won against Arthur Griffith and Sandy Daffara 22-14.
   • John Anderson and Bob Preston triumphed over Alen Sanderson and Heather Brown 22-16.
In Sunday’s social bowls:
   • Bruce Uhe, Bob Preston, and Nev Smith defeated Alen Sanderson, Carol Smith, and Mike Harrison with a score of 34-17.
   • Arthur Griffith and Heather Brown won against Philip Brown and Sandy Daffara 24-11.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

Scott Kinnear centre left holding trophy after he won gold medal at Australian Blind Bowlers in the Singles held in Victoria.

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Steve Lucas won Tuesday's competition with 39 stableford points, narrowly beating Trevor Paroz. Helen Deighton claimed the ladies' division with 36 points, four ahead of Nicole Cooper. Pins went to Nicola Apruzzese, Trevor Paroz, and Christopher Waring.
Ann Gardel Wins Wednesday's Ladies' Competition
Ann Gardel topped Wednesday's ladies' competition with 34 points, just ahead of Lyn Muller. Pins were awarded to Elspeth Scotford and Genia Sarafian.
Owen Clarke Takes Thursday's Title
Owen Clarke edged out Nathan Boys with 43 points to win Thursday's competition. Trevor Paroz won the B division with 36 points, narrowly beating Barry Mortimer. Diane Chard secured the ladies' division with 33 points, six ahead of Helen Deighton. Pins went to Warren Deighton, Rob Stanley, Brad Fleet, and John Dodds.
George Steen Wins Friday's Met Run
George Steen triumphed in Friday's Met run with 20 points, beating Ben Smith by one. Pins went to Mark McDougall and Scott Dwyer.
Matthew Muller Claims Saturday's MBW Stableford
Matthew Muller won Saturday's MBW stableford with 42 points. Brad Vloedmans was the A division runner-up with 41 points, while Ken Granger edged out Zac Vloedmans with 39 points for the B division prize. Diane Chard won the ladies' division with 35 points, one ahead of Helen Deighton. Pins went to Rod Wecker, Paul Joice, Brendan Spann, Jon Miller, Helen Deighton, and Diane Chard.
Patrick Camm Dominates Sunday's Competition
Patrick Camm shot a par round nett 62 on Sunday to dominate the field, with runner-up Jason Whitney finishing with a nett 69. Pin winners were Patrick Camm, Wilf Herweg, Darren Reynolds, George Meharry, and Diane Chard, who secured two.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club

Ladies' pennants teams in Divisions 1 & 4 finished third and the Division 5 team finished fourth. Photo supplied

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On Tuesday, July 23rd, 23 dedicated players braved an early start and travelled to Home Hill for the Whitsunday Group game. Despite the forecasted chilly morning, the day soon warmed up, though a brisk and blustery breeze presented an additional challenge. The dome-shaped greens added extra difficulty, with the wind making it even harder to keep the ball on target.
Despite these challenges, several players delivered commendable performances. The dome-shaped greens proved tricky, with balls often rolling away from the hole or veering off course due to the wind. Nonetheless, the players persevered.
Results:
Ladies: In a field of 22 players, Kathryn Borer finished in 2nd place with an impressive 36 points, just one point behind Carol Betteridge. Beryl Nosworthy secured 4th place with 34 points, while Vickie Wallace came in 6th with 31 points. The rest of the field followed closely behind.
Men: Laurie Dakin led the field of 42 men, taking the top spot with 36 points. Louis Neethling was a close second with 35 points.
Upcoming Events: Next week, on July 30th, we will play a Stableford competition. Looking ahead, the Wintersun event is quickly approaching, scheduled for Monday, August 5th, and Tuesday, August 6th.
The Whitsunday Group game in Home Hill tested our players' skills and resilience, and their performances were a testament to their dedication and determination.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Kathryn Borer and Laurie Dakin, Photo supplied

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The weekly 9-hole stableford competition saw Glenn Rees claim first place with 23 points. Dee Norman secured second place with 19 points on countback, while Donna Henderson finished third with 19 points.
Braydon Nicholls Tops Friday's 9-Hole Stableford
In Friday's 9-hole stableford, Braydon Nicholls took first place with 21 points. Donna Henderson placed second with 19 points, and Michael Bond came in third with 18 points.
Tyson Flavel Triumphs in July's Monthly Medal
Sunday's monthly medal for July saw Tyson Flavel emerge victorious with a 54 NET. Gary Stock finished second with a 55 NET, and Travis Clinch secured third place with a 56 NET. Nearest the pin honors went to Travis Clinch and David Wallace.
Upcoming Event
This Sunday will feature an 18-hole stroke competition.

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Tyson Flavel, Photo supplied

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This past weekend, the Airlie Beach Triathlon witnessed remarkable performances from our local athletes. Among the competitors were Don Algie, Lucas Korosec, Roxie Groom, Zane Clayworth, Matilda Nicholes, and Penelope Shields. Demonstrating their determination, Don Algie and Lucas Korosec both secured third place in their respective age divisions, marking a significant achievement for the duo. Don Algie also went on to secure second place in the 350m Open Water Swim.
Millie Groom delivered an outstanding performance, placing second in the 750m Open Water Swim, competing against seasoned open water swimmers. Millie also went on to secure first place in the Enticer Distance Triathlon.
After the events, the competing Cannons were treated to a personal session with former Olympian Susie O'Neill. The Australian champion shared invaluable tips on training, racing, and maintaining a positive mindset, leaving our athletes inspired and motivated. A big thank you to Susie for taking the time to meet with our young swimmers.
In another display of local talent, seven swimmers traveled to Townsville to compete in the Gardens Short Course Meet. Representing the Cannons were Tora and Harris Delac, Andie and Dylan Reynolds, Ruby and Koa Harland, and Thomas Ganter. Their participation in this event underscores the dedication and competitive spirit of these local swimmers.
As we celebrate these achievements, we are also eagerly anticipating our first club night on Wednesday, August 7th. This event officially marks the start of our 2024/2025 swimming season, and we look forward to our swim community coming together to support our athletes. Club Nights are a great opportunity for our swimmers to test themselves in a fun, low-stress environment. Operating like a real swim meet, they allow swimmers to become familiar with the meet environment and see how all their training is benefiting them with improved times.

Contributed with thanks to Jade Korosec
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Photos supplied

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Last Saturday night's NBL1 North semi-final was one for the record books, as the McDonald's Mackay Stadium saw its biggest-ever home crowd. An impressive 1,200 fans packed into "The Crater" to watch the McDonald's Mackay Meteors secure a thrilling victory over the Southern Districts Spartans with a final score of 100-90.
Isaac White led the charge with a stellar performance, scoring 32 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists. Todd Blanchfield also shone, contributing 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 steals. Luca Yates added 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Aiden Krause and Emmett Naar provided solid support with 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, and 6 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists respectively.
Southern Districts Spartans Men’s Head Coach Peter Crawford reflected on the game, saying, "I felt like we were on the back foot from the start, we got into some foul trouble early. Key players got fouls, it could have gone either way, that hurts.
“Other than that, we did a really good job in the third quarter to win that quarter."
McDonald's Mackay Meteors Head Coach Joel Khalu expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, noting, "Very happy to get to the next stage of the finals.
“We did a pretty good job for maybe three-quarters but it's finals basketball. Southern Districts are a good team, they were always going to make a run back and we kind of imploded a little bit.
“We were looking at a 3-point game with 6 minutes to go.
“The way we closed out with some timely buckets and Isaac made some huge plays in those final 3 minutes."
The Meteors will now host the 2024 NBL1 North best-of-three grand final series at Mackay Basketball this weekend against the Brisbane Capitals. The finals will take place on Friday night, Saturday night, and, if required, Sunday afternoon.

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The Mackay State High School Cowboys Challenge Rugby League Team, comprised of talented male students from Year 9 and 10, is making waves in the Cowboys Challenge competition, one of the premier rugby league competitions in Queensland and Australia. This competition features teams from Townsville (Kirwan, Ignatius Park), Cairns (Trinity Bay, Mareeba, and St Augustine), and Mackay (St Patricks, Holy Spirit, and Mackay State High School).
The Mackay State High School Cowboys Challenge Team, led by Captain Tom Bassett, has been on an impressive undefeated streak in their pool, with one game remaining. They will likely face off against either Kirwan SHS or St Patrick's College in the semi-final later this term.
The Mackay team has secured decisive victories against St Augustine College (32-4 and 18-6), Mareeba SHS (36-0 and 30-0), and Holy Spirit College (26-10). With one game remaining against Holy Spirit College before the semi-finals, Mackay State High School is guaranteed the top seed. Remarkably, they are currently the only undefeated team across both pools.
This success can be attributed to a formidable line-up that includes several Mackay District and Capricornia School Sport players, as well as Cowboys and Broncos academy talents such as Thomas Bassett, Zac Campbell, Libaan Hajiyussuf, Rocky Hancock, Archer Orr, Charlie Riggs, Linkin Simpson, and Cooper Venz. Additionally, the team boasts promising newcomers like Terrance Pedro, who has come through as a member of the school's Clontarf Academy and is showing significant improvement each week. This mix of experience and raw talent is a key factor in the team's success.
Brett Watton, coach and head of HPE and Sporting Academies at Mackay State High School, expressed his pride in the team’s achievements.
"Our boys have shown incredible dedication and teamwork this season,” he said.
“The blend of seasoned players and emerging talents has been a game-changer. The team's undefeated record is a testament to their hard work and culture here at Mackay State High School."
Watton also highlighted the importance of their upcoming matches.
"As we move into the semi-finals, the focus remains on playing our brand of rugby league and supporting each other on and off the field.
“We're excited about the challenge ahead and confident in our preparation and abilities."
Behind the scenes, Mackay State High School Sporting Academies have an excellent well-being and support service led by Mrs Sharon Barnard, who said, "By assisting students in coping with the day-to-day rigours of life and school through the pillars of resilience, responsibility, and respect, we have seen improved success both in the classroom and on the field.".
Along with Mr Watton and Mrs Barnard, the Cowboys challenge team also boasts an impressive coaching group, consisting of Mackay Cutters Player of the Year Josh Smith, and Mackay A-grade players Zach Schill and Tyreeq Salleh Meadows.
For those unable to attend the games in person, all matches are streamed live on KommunityTV, providing an opportunity for the broader community to support and cheer on the team.

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Captain Tom Bassett. Photos supplied

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Mackay Cutters Rugby League have unearthed one out of the box in rising hooker Xavier Kerrisk.

The eighteen-year-old former Queensland Schoolboys representative impressed in his top-grade run-on debut for the Cutters last weekend in a 32-18 loss to premiership pacesetters Norths Devils in Hostplus Cup action at Denison Park in Bowen.

Kerrisk, a local Mackay junior who is contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys, showed his class in the number nine jumper with his vision and ball skills in an encouraging sign for the future.

The former St Patrick’s College sensation is following in the steps of great mate Jaxon Purdue and made the most of his opportunities after six previous appearances in 2024 as an interchange player.

Norths opened the scoring after two minutes when winger Manase Kaho crossed for a try before the Cutters exploded into top gear – posting three tries by centre Josh Smith, second rower Hiale Roycroft and winger Brent Anderson in the space of eight minutes that were converted by five eighth Bayley Gill for an 18-4 lead.

The Devils hit back with two quick tries by fullback Jordan Lipp and interchange Sam Elliott as the Cutters went to the break holding an 18-16 advantage.

It was all Norths after the interval as they chalked up sixteen unanswered points from four-pointers by half back Jack Ahearn, pivot Julian Christian and centre Jacob Gagan plus four Andre Niko conversions in a dominant second half display.

The result keeps the Devils on track for the minor premiership on 30 points with twelve victories from sixteen matches – just two points behind competition leaders Northern Pride (32) in second spot with a game in hand.

Rampaging second rower Oryn Keeley turned in a powerhouse display for the Devils – running for 177 metres with three line break assists, three tackle busts, two offloads and 26 tackles.

It was an inspirational performance by the Redcliffe Dolphins signing who made an impact against the strong Mackay forward pack featuring the likes of props Jeremiah Matautia and D’Jazirhae Pua’avase, boom forward Jamal Shibasaki and the experienced Roycroft and lock John Radel.

The Cutters will be chasing their eighth win this season when they tackle the battling Ipswich Jets this Sunday at North Ipswich Reserve at 2.10pm.

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Action from the Norths Devils v Mackay Cutters game in Hostplus Cup action at Denison Park in Bowen. Photo credit: Mackay Cutters

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