Mackay Tennis Association recently concluded its latest season of fixtures for 2023, rounding out a memorable list of centenary celebrations for the club.

In Division 1, 'Team Federer' emerged as the champions in a closely contested and very competitive fixture season.  Congratulations to Troy, Adam, Shane, Lexi, Clem and Bree whose consistency over the season saw them defeat ‘Team Djokovic’ by a solitary point to claim the honours. Meanwhile, 'Wanderers' combined to win the Division 2 championship over runners-up ‘Madhatters’. Congratulations go to teammates Ranjan, Chris, Kunal, Naveen, Alok, Ishan and Hayden on their season win.

As we pause organised fixtures over the school holidays, Mackay Tennis Association welcomes Brett Walz as recently appointed club president.  Brett is a long-standing player and committee member, who brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the sport to his role. Walz's vision for the association includes fostering a sense of community, further improvements of club facilities and promoting the continued growth of tennis and pickleball in Mackay.

In addition to tennis fixtures, Mackay Tennis Association is thrilled to offer social pickleball three times per week. This fast-paced and inclusive sport has been gaining popularity, and now players can enjoy a regular hit of pickleball on our six pickleball courts. Whether you're a seasoned pickleball pro or a curious newcomer, these fixtures provide a fantastic opportunity to experience the thrill of this new game.

For registration and inquiries, aspiring players are encouraged to reach out to the club.  For more information, please email mackaytennis@hotmail.com or contact Sue on 0435 524 985. Here's to the next century of tennis and pickleball in Mackay!

Contributed by Wes Rose

‍

Division 2 winners ‘Wanderers’

Division 1 winners ‘Federer’

The Mackay Contract Bridge Club held its annual Christmas Party last Saturday. A delicious meal was catered by our own Janelle Conroy and her many helpers, with everyone enjoying the meats, salads, desserts and morning tea. Bridge was played by 63 members and partners, with merriment and fun had by all. Director Geoff Taylor made the Christmas Pudding and Christmas Cake, not only a Congress Director, teacher and mentor to many, a man of many talents. Raffle winners went home with a selection of goodies, donated by members. Merry Christmas to all!

Weekly Results

Monday 4 December 2023 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin 1st Victor Mason / Antonia Tarradas

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris 2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Faye Wright

3rd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix 3rd Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait

Tuesday Evening 5 December 2023 – 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Nancy Wix / Janine Rodgers 1st Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan

3rd Janelle Conroy / Eric Lievesley 4th Faye Wright / Diane Cox

Wednesday 6 December 2023 –8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 1st Debra Goodchild/ Ming Ting

2nd Joy Brunette / Don Poole 2nd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown

3rd David Ting / Eric Goodchild 3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

Thursday 7 December

1st Janelle Conroy / Janine Rodgers 2nd Jan Harris / Susan Ross

3rd Richard Wix / Geoff Taylor 4th Mick King / Patricia Garner

Friday 8 December 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 3rd Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson

Saturday 9 December 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S Section A

E/W

1st Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 1st Julie O’Neill / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Errol Morris / Sandra Morris 2nd Ann Whitmore / Patricia Garner

3rd Eric Leivesley / Griff Bancroft 3rd Vicki Howard / Susan Ross

N/S

Section B

E/W

1st Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Ming Ting / David Ting 2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Julie O’Neill

3rd Pamela Finger / Noel Bugeia 3rd Christine Nice / Faye Wright

Contributed by Joy Block

‍

Janelle Conroy, Robert, Julie and Terry

Geoff Taylor and his Christmas pudding

Janice, Cheryl and Clare enjoying a game

Janet Hansen and friends partaking in lunch

Proserpine Cricket Club have extended their winning streak in the 2023-24 Mackay Junior Cricket Association Under 15 Mixed Division A competition.

The all-conquering Pitbulls had too many big guns for the combined Pioneer Valley/Norths X1 at Abbott Park – chalking up a ninth consecutive victory to push their claims for the title.

Promising all-rounder Joshua Geisler top scored with 40 as Proserpine posted 6-174 off their 25 overs with support from Malaki Gabey (32 not out), Lachlan Riley (20), Ky Porter (18) and Matthew Logan (16 not out).

Geisler, who faced 31 balls and cracked five boundaries, joined forces with Gabey to add 73 runs for the sixth wicket after the undefeated leaders were struggling at 5-79 at one stage.

Kai McLoughlin (2-1 off three overs), Gabey (2-10 off three), Jordan Lawn (1-2), Riley (1-6) and Max Pomeroy (1-9) shared the bowling spoils after restricting Pioneer Valley/Norths to 9-108.

The second placed Magpies registered their fifth win of the season after toppling Brothers at Roy Trevaskis Oval.

Rising prospect Ishan Rana carved out a stylish 38 not out as the Magpies recorded 4-150 – slamming four boundaries and two sixes during his 28-ball knock.

Other batsmen to impress were Rohan Cherian (41 off 44 balls with eight boundaries) and Brayden Manttan (25), who shared an opening stand of 64 before they were both stumped off the bowling of Brothers’ talented spinner Finn Randell (2-16 off five overs).

Cooper Boyce hit 16 and Brodie Garnham (14 not out).

In reply, Brothers could only muster 6-112 with top contributions from Callum Strydom (25), Lachlan Ipson (24) and Llandyn Dargin (14 not out).

Cherian (2-20 off four) was the pick of the Magpies bowlers.

Before we know it, Santa will come down our chimneys and 2023 will be drawing to a close and we will be seeing what the new year brings to our small club in paradise.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls saw some great contests but it was the guile of skipper Andrew Butler, our brilliant club secretary at skipper that guided lead Marjorie Hughes, greatly improved second in Rob Turner completely dominating the rest of the field with a commanding victory and not only that the planet's aligned and they also took home the Jackpot, thanks must go to Rick Galea, and the effervescent Merve Stewart for a wonderful job this year.

Friday night presentation had a huge roll up and shirts and trophies were presented a great night was had by all.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls also had a great roll up and Jill Spencer did a wonderful job in placement of the teams and it was our beautiful club coach that has been in absolute control of her accuracy in her length and speed of her bowls to lead Keith Bates at lead and back to his best the confident Rick Galea at second over Betty Nicole's hot team and the rest of the participating groups.

The weekly prestigious Health Hub awards went to Merve Stewart on Wednesday and the very talented and beautiful Scottish lass Liz McManus.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Our Jackpot winners of Andrew Butler Marjorie Hughes and Rob Turner. Photo supplied

Our AGM was held on Sunday, new executive committee are Chairman Lloyd White, Vice President Gavin Charles, Secretary Helen Jacobsen, Treasurer Gus Munro.

Congratulations to all appointed.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

Lee Welsted, Andrew Peebles, Mitch Wright, and Jason Wright. Photos supplied

Helen Jacobsen and Andrew Peebles

Lou Fordham and Wayne Crowhurst

Steve Roome and Lee Welsted

We had one game of Triples on Tuesday. Bron Tolcher, Merle Elphinstone and Penny Warren defeated Lindy Suann, Deb Retchless, and Irene Laird. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Winners for Sunday afternoon bowls winners were Bill Myers, Alby Vigar, and Allan Rolfe defeated Lindy Suann, Deb Retchless, and Pat Tracey. In the other game Merle Elphinstone, Penny Warren and Kevin Jewell defeated Toni Bowen, Jim Quad and Sugar Brunker. The jackpot didn’t go off.

With all the wind we are having, Cyclone Jasper is getting closer now so everyone stay safe.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

Sunday Winners. Photo supplied

On Wednesday, men and ladies played a single stroke event for the December midweek monthly medals sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner was Kim Bennion 64 nett, runner up Bev Lowcock 66 nett. Men’s winner on a countback Allan Cooper 65 nett, runner up Frank Broucek 65 nett.

On Saturday, we played an 18-hole American Foursomes for Christmas hams kindly donated by Peries IGA. Winners Andrew Menzies and Jeff Day, 2nd Walter Maguire and Daniel Borgh, 3rd place Douglas Power and Michael Uerata. Pin shots to Jeff Day with an IBP and the Carwash Voucher, Elona Lynch, Akeam and Xanthe Power, John Brown, and Steven Darwen. Andrew Menzies & Kevin Clarke both had OBP’s. Thank you to Peries IGA for their continued support of our club.

This weekend is a 4BBB stableford event sponsored by Rynns Seafood. No Joker draw this week due to a private function. Any updates regarding the Joker draw will be advertised on Facebook.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

Peries IGA ham winners – Andrew Menzies and Jeff Day. Photo supplied

December's first Tuesday competition was won by Larry Muller on a count back from Aaron Prosser on 69, with Leanne Alexander on 71 the leading lady from Paula McQuat on 73. Pins went to Barry Shuwalow, Lyn Muller, Rehab Hull, and Trevor Paroz.

Elspeth Scotford edged out Marlene Gray on 69 to win the PDLAW ladies competition with the pins going to Jenny Hounsell, Brenda Cowan, Pauline Redpath and Jan Shuwalow. This competition also decided the Wednesday Medal of Medals winner, congratulations to Diane Chard.

Colin Hounsell won Thursday's Venue Smart stroke competition with a fine 66. Jalen Jarvis was second in the B division with 70 while Lewis Tuck took out the A division with 68 by a shot from Ryan Wilkes. Pins went to Adam Tester, Chris Pham, Vic Feldman and Philip Luckett. The Medal of Medals was also decided for the year, Lewis Tuck winning Division 1, and Jalen Jarvis winning the 2023 Div 2 Medal of Medals.

Brad Vloedmans won Friday's Met run by a shot from Ross Tong with 19 points while both pin shots went to Elise Hodgson.

Riley Mercieca won Saturday's stroke event with a nett 67 from fellow C grader Marcus Heathcote on 72. Michael Ward took the A grade prize with 69 from Patrick Camm on 72. B grade went to Brad Vloedmans with 69 by a shot from Barry Mortimer. Paula McQuat edged out Lyn Muller with 69 to win the ladies competition. Pins went to Brad Fleet, Shane Whitney, Gerard Lovell, Ritchie Atkins, Diane Chard and Lyn Muller. Saturday was also the decider for the Honour Board event – Medal of Medals. Ladies winner was Lyn Muller, and overall men’s winner was Michael Ward. Brian Allen won B Grade and Marcus Heathcote was the winner of the C Grade Medal of Medals.

Nicole Cooper won Sunday's stableford competition with 39 points from Scott Hayes-Williams on 38, with Tim Walton winning the pin shot.

Contributed with thanks to Rod Wecker.

Our weekly 9-hole stableford saw Michael Norman take the win with 21 pt c/b, second place with 21 pts was Michael Bond and third place with 20 pts c/b Alan Clinch.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Rob Lodders in first place with 21 pts, second with 20 pts c/b was Chris Bartlett and third place with 20 pts c/b Dee Norman. Top effort by all.

Sundays 4 ball better ball was very close and saw Tyson Flavel and Shane Bradley come in first place with a 47.5 c/b and second Deeray Fo’ou and Benny Daniel with 47.5. Nearest the pin was Billy Blacker and Shane Bradley.

This Sunday 17th Dec will be our members Christmas party with an 18-hole ambrose, tee off at 8.30am. Hope to see you all there!

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Course.

RobLodders. Photo supplied

On Wednesday night, close to 50 Cannons participated at the Christmas Club Night. At the start of the night, Tony Parkinson and Giselle Burton presented Upgrade Certificates to Lincoln Russell and Declan Dichiera. Chocolate Awards were presented to River Shields, Liam Filewood, and Anisa Helou for the best PBs. Congratulations, swimmers!  

The top performers, swimming PBs in all their events were Harry Chegwidden, Bonnie Crichton, Millie Groom, Indigo Harland, and Tate Harland. Koa Harland swam a fantastic 50m Freestyle in under 50 sec (a 4.7sec PB). Abi Maher swam a super 25m Freestyle in 16.7sec which was a 3sec PB.  Trace Quick’s best swim was his 25m Freestyle which he swam in a time of 24.07s. Liam Filewood swam an excellent 25m Butterfly in a time of 24.48sec. Andie Reynolds swam a very smooth 50m Butterfly in 42.06s which was a 1.91sec PB.  

Congratulations to all the other swimmers who swam personal best times: Tiana Bell, Gracie Crichton, Harris Delac, Jax Eaves, Roxy Groom, Ehsan Helou, Jasper Korosec, Eric Mulliss, and Levi Smith.

All the swimmers thoroughly enjoyed the blend of racing and Christmas fun. Everyone loved the delicious Christmas food and pizza. A big thank you to the Cannons’ Committee for organizing a fabulous night!  

On the weekend, 4 Cannons travelled to Brisbane to compete at the Queensland Swimming Championships. The Cannons would like to wish Jacob Bell, Holly Perrin, Tora Delac, Noah Maltby, Tiana Bell (Reserve) and Mark Erickson (Coach) all the best at the championships!

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

Christmas Club Night relays. Photos supplied

Cannons at Qld LC champs Dec 2023

Declan D upgrade

Sarina's recent Twin Track Event on November 25 didn't just mark a milestone; it drenched itself in the gritty excitement of mud racing, celebrating an impressive 35 years of adrenaline-pumping competitions. The day was a whirlwind of mud-splattering action that showcased not just the sport's thrills but also the tight-knit spirit of this vibrant club.

Competitors, members, and Life Members converged from far and wide, all coming together to create an electrifying atmosphere that encapsulated the essence of mud racing. But the real heroes behind this muddy spectacle were the numerous contributors - sponsors, track personnel, canteen staff, scorers, volunteers, and an array of support personnel. Their collective effort fuelled the day's success, ensuring every revving engine added to the excitement.

From distant areas like Jericho, Barcaldine, and Boomi, participants like the Pearce family and Peter Vukovich with his two sons made impressive journeys to join in the mud-flicking mayhem. The event's highlight, apart from celebrating its significant anniversary, was the high-octane races across four classes: Junior (10–16-year-olds), Standards, Buggies, and Top Guns. Each race was a spectacular display of mud-churning prowess, embodying the sport's raw energy and competitive spirit.

As cars skidded and splashed through the tracks, the day unfolded as a tribute to the heart-pounding thrill that is mud racing. It was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the sport's legacy, an ode to the camaraderie among racers, and a testament to the enduring appeal of getting down and dirty for the love of the sport.

A newcomer to the sport of Futsal, Eli Wallis is a bit of a prodigy.

Having played soccer on representative teams for over two years, Eli decided he wanted to give futsal a try at school and joined the Proserpine State High School team.

With the school’s competition, he travelled up to Townsville, and while the school team didn’t progress as they had hoped, Eli was able to catch the eye of a professional scout and was selected for the Mackay team.

From here, it has been a whirlwind of achievements, competing in Brisbane at the National School Futsal Championships, before he was selected for the Queensland team and played against New South Wales.

And now, he’s been fortunate to be selected for an Australian youth team and will be travelling to Fiji in 2024 for competition.

“It feels pretty amazing,” Eli explained.

With professional hopes, Eli will continue to pursue futsal, better his skill and challenge himself.

Being goalie, Eli’s proudest moment that he can distinctly remember is blocking a goal from the halfway line.

“We were playing against New South Wales at the Brisbane tournament and one of them, one of the best players, went for a shot from the halfway line,” Eli explained.

“He was aiming for the top corner, and I jumped, and it just grazed my fingertips, and I managed to flick it on the crossbar. It was pretty amazing.”

Riding this high, at the moment, between soccer and futsal, futsal is definitely Eli’s preferred sport, but you will still catch him on the soccer field occasionally.

Mahe Fonua, the formidable outside-back with a knack for making tries look effortless, is now set to grace the turf with the Mackay Cutters. His move from Castleford Tigers to the Cutters, inked on a two-year contract starting from the 2024 season, marks an exciting new chapter for the former Tonga international.

Described as a powerhouse on the field, Fonua made his debut with the Melbourne Storm back in 2012, showcasing an arsenal of skills that contributed to his impressive stats—a total of 71 NRL games and 131 Super League appearances, not to mention his stellar representation in six international matches for Tonga.

Besides his electrifying playing style, the Cutters are banking on Fonua’s experience and leadership to mentor their youthful squad, sculpting the team for a prosperous future.

Fonua's rugby league odyssey encompasses two memorable stints with the Black & Whites at the MKM Stadium, where he etched his name in Challenge Cup glory. Returning home to Australia with Wests Tigers, Fonua showcased his prowess in 21 gripping games, notching up six tries. His return to the Super League with Hull in 2020, under the guidance of coach Lee Radford, added another chapter to his illustrious career.

A Tonga international born on December 24, 1992, Fonua's resume boasts a thrilling ride through NRL with Melbourne Storm and Wests Tigers, along with standout spells in Hull FC in the Super League. Making history in 2012 as the first Victorian-born NRL player for Melbourne Storm, Fonua's arrival in Mackay is greeted with great fanfare by the Cutters faithful.

The Cutters' triumph in signing Fonua for the Hostplus Cup 2024 campaign solidifies their aspirations. Fonua's prowess on the field and his accolades—clinching consecutive Challenge Cups with Hull FC—elevate him as a seasoned leader. With a wealth of experience gleaned from his notable tenure in both the NRL and Super League, he stands tall as an influential figure for the Cutters' roster, steering them towards a promising future for the 2024 season.

One of Mackay Table Tennis’s most popular and keenest members, Noreen Fredericksen, took out two major awards at the club’s annual presentation night. Noreen won the MTTA Player of the Year Award and the Clubperson of the Year Award, which is voted for by members. Noreen plays both morning and night fixtures and is a keen representative player. Noreen, left, is pictured with club president Janice Kent.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results November 28, 2023:

Division 1:

Foxtrot (Tim Shehan, Geoff Denman, Tony Bowman) d Delta (Ian McKay, Barry Patterson, Lee Brake) 9-2. Geoff d Ian -9, 9, 21, -8, 9.

Bravo (Ivan Perkins, Emma Widdup, Goncalo) d Echo (Steven Whiting, Graham Brake, Mark Sleeman) 6-5. Emma d Steven -0, 5, 6, -9, 6.

Alpha (Allan Edwards, Mick Ruhl, Janice Kent) d Charlie (Anne Sheridan, Neil Brown, Graeme Walker) 8-3. Allan d Graeme 3, -12, -8, 3, 9.

Division 2:

Mike (Steve Mathieson, Matthew West, Val Austin, Kade Wright) d Juliet (Graham Drury, Peter Goodson, Noreen Fredericksen, Nehmat Dhaliwal) 11-3.  Steve d Peter 9, -4, -5, 9, 9.

Lima (Donna Abbott, Geoff Cowan, Ollie Hamelink, YiLin Jiang) d India (Delma Knight, Virginia Clayton, Rymer Tabulo, Michael Ibbotson) 9-5. Rymer d YiLin -8, 4, 5, -7, 6.

Hotel (Leo Gilbert, Simon Hogan, Anaya Reelh) d Kilo (Tiffany Camilleri, Duncan Sheridan, Craig VanDeKaa) 12-2. Anaya d Craig 9, 8, -6, -10, 7.

Golf (George Camilleri, David Symons, Jye Callander, Saisha Palod) d November (Andrea Nicholson, Will VanDeKaa, Mark Stam, Misha Palod) 9-5. David d Andrea 5, -8, 3, -7, 10.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures November 28, 2023:

Division 1:

Barra (Steve Mathieson, Delma Knight, Helen Ware) d Bream (Doug Dungavell, Pam Joyce, Kim Daffy) 8-4. Delma d Doug 10, -9, -9, 9, 7.

Cod (George Camilleri, Coral Morgan, Kevin Abbott) d Tuna (Tony Bowman, John McGee, Ken Best) 7-5. John d Coral -8, -7, 14, 5, 9.

Perch (Charlie Payne, Peter Goodson, Judi Hicks) d Trout (Branko Vucurovic, Noreen Fredericksen, Bryan Marshall) 7-5. Charlie d Branko -7, 9, 9, -8, 8.

Division 2:

Lobster (Marie Taylor, Ian Dodds) d Scallop (Gerry Synnott, Steve Blackshaw) 7-2. Marie/Ian d Gerry/Steve 6, 6, -8, -8, 11.

Prawn (Robyn Bushell, Pam Keune, Cheryl Aprato) d Squid (Cheryl Pearson, Sharon Muller, Thelma Caruana) 10-2. Robyn d Cheryl -9, 4, -8, 6, 6.

Crab (John Hamelink, Madge Saunders, Bill Hey) d Mussell (Marie Taylor, Fred Saliba, Allison Day) 9-3. Fred d John 6, -8, 6, -8, 7.

Noreen Fredericksen and Janice Kent

Extreme humidity and stifling conditions met close to thirty avid runners at the sixth event on the Mackay Road Runners Shawn’s Summer Social Series 2023/2024 program. Club Captain and Race Director, Jim Ford congratulated the runners on their amazing efforts to get through their respective events due to the tough on course conditions.  

Junior champion female athlete, Lily Leven courageously led from the start in the 5 kilometre and impressively hung on to place first overall, despite some concern over her sometimes challenged directional fortitude.

Damian Rutland finished first in the male 5 kilometre, sensibly ramping up his pace as he returns from an injury.

Darrin Pullen, Jo Hughes, Leanne Connor and Kim Saron also displayed skill in the 5 kilometre performances. Leading female runner Alana Knesevic continued her excellent form to place first in the 10 kilometre, with the talented Naomi Ballard closing in fast at the finish line. The outing was tough for all concerned, including new runners and experienced runners alike.

This Sunday’s event commences at 5:15pm from the Mackay Harbour Surf Club carpark, with attendees asked to arrive at 5pm for a race briefing and any Mackay Road Runners Club notices.    

Check out the Mackay Road Runners website for the upcoming formal 2024 calendar and Annual General Meeting. Merchandise is also currently available to order, with discounts on most items pending arrival of new stock for the coming year.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

‍

Mackay Road Runners Life Member Agnes Farmer enjoys the comforts of the Shawn’s Summer Social Series thanks to Len Haworth’s considerate gesture

Damien Rutland cruised a very steady 5km pace in the extreme conditions

Staunch Mackay Road Runner’s athlete Naomi Ballard will be a regular face on the local running scene as her family move back to Mackay

Photo credit: Janelle Tilse