The Whitsunday Triathlon Club (WTC) held their 2023 Award presentations and Christmas Party at Shingley Beach on the weekend.

WTC President Michael Kimpton welcomed over 30 seniors members and 15 juniors and parents to the celebration and thanked everyone for their support in helping grow the club.

“Our club was established in 1999 so next year is our 24th running of our annual triathlon and plans are already well underway to make the 2024 Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon the biggest yet,” he said.

“We are a small growing club, but we have big dreams to expand our event moving forward and promote the sport of triathlon and also our beautiful Whitsunday region.

“Next year’s event is locked in for July 27 and 28 with an amazing course on the shores of the Coral Sea and views of the Whitsunday Islands making this a triathlon like no other in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

“I encourage interested triathletes to plan ahead and bring the whole family for some winter fun in the sun and enjoy a weekend of events including Kids Triathlon, ocean swims and the best after party ever,” Kimpton said.

For the first time in the club’s history prestigious Life Memberships were awarded to Wendy Downes, James Carmen and Cassie Carmen who have been amazing leaders for the club.

“Wendy is a local legend within the running and triathlon circles while James and Cassie Carmen were basically the backbone of the club since first coming on board in 2008.”

“Over a period of 15 years it fell to this trio to basically keep the club alive and kicking during some difficult periods, so it is amazing to be able to officially recognise their efforts with life memberships,” Kimpton explained.

The male and female club champions for 2023 were Mark McConkey and Julia Wheway with McConkey not resting on a huge year by tackling the New Zealand Ironman in early 2024.

Other awards presented on the day were: Volunteer of the Year: Greg Devine; Most Dedicated: Robyn Corrigan, Zane Devine; First Club Professional: Dan McDonnell; World Cup honours: Rowena Sinclair-Smith; Most Improved: Isobelle Johnston, Junior Encouragement Award: Lincoln Russell, Best Comeback: Kristy Gardel.  

Contributed with thanks to Greg Martin.

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SAVE THE DATE:

2024 Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon

July 27 and 28

Our weekly 9-hole stableford saw Glenn Rees in first place with 21 points c/b, second with 21 points was Alan Clinch and third place with 20 points Tyson Flavel.

Friday’s 9-hole stableford saw Rhys Bartholomew take the win with 22 points, David Wallace came in second with 20 points c/b and in third place was Glenn Rees with 20 points c/b.

Sunday’s warm weather didn’t stop Justyn Durbin from taking the win in the 18 holes stableford with a nice 41 points c/b, second place with 41 points c/b was Glenn Rees and third with 39 points Tyson Flavel.

Nearest the pin was Jack Hayes-Williams and Tyson Flavel.

This Sunday will be 4 ball better ball 18 holes, tee off at 8.30am – 9.30am.

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Glenn Rees and Tyson Flavel. Photo supplied

With temperatures soaring, many players were feeling the heat towards the end of the game this week, however, 26 Whitsunday golfers, who never give in, competed in the December Monthly Medal played in conjunction with the Medal of Medals 2023 today.

The Medal of Medals 2023 winners:

For the Ladies: A grade MOM was Tiina Randmae with 75 nett, for B grade, Karen Rix with a game scoring a nett 66.

For the Men: A grade MOM were Lewy Tuck with 66 net and Mark McDougal with 71.

December 2023 Monthly Medal results:

Ladies’ A Grade:

Winner: Robyn Whitham with nett 75

Runner-up: Tiina Randmae with 76

Longest Drive: Penny Wardroper

Ladies’ B Grade:

Winner: Karen Rix, played out of her skin today with a nett 66

Runner-up: Pam Casey with 77

Longest Drive: Karen

Men’s A Grade:

Winner: Lewy Tuck with net 66

Runner-up: Clay Coles with 71

Longest Drive: Lewy Tuck

Men’s B Grade:

Winner: Mark McDougal with 71 nett

Runner-up: David Hoy with 72

Longest Drive: David Hoy

NTPs:

For the ladies: Tiina Randmae, Linda Wardroper and Pam Casey

For the men : Lewy Tuck, Don Cameron and Ron Jamieson

Eagle’s Nest: Ron Jamieson

NAGAs: the honours went to Jo Moynihan and Paul Nicol

Raffle: David Hoy won the Harry Brown voucher in the raffle.

This was our last competition for the year, the Christmas Party and Annual Presentation will be held this Saturday at the Reef Gateway Hotel, in the courtyard area commencing at 6pm.

Please let Jo know whether you will be attending (if you haven’t already), we need numbers for the catering.

The AGM will be held some time in January after the financials have been audited.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

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L> R: Robyn Whitham, Mark McDougal, Karen Rix and David Hoy. Photo supplied

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Kev Cooper had 41 stableford points to beat Levi Holmes by two last Tuesday. Paul Gray and Phil Luckett took the pin shots.

Leanne Alexander dominated the ladies’ competition with 41 points to beat Heather Luvis by six shots on Wednesday. Pins went to Diane Chard, Pauline Redpath, Pam Casey and Paula McQuat.

Thursday's winner was Blake Alti with 44 from Scott Milne on 42, while the B division went to Russell Reardon with 42 from Laurie Dakin on 39. The pins went to Robert Webb, Ross Tong, Luke Paroz and Aaron Prosser.

The popular 9-hole Met run on Friday saw Sue Collins with 24 points beat Troy Smith by two shots with the pins going to Brendan Spann and Scott Dwyer.

Blake Lovelock had a great net 64 to win the B grade RGH monthly medal from Ross Tong on 66. Jack Paroz took out the C grade medal with 66 from John Wallace on 68 while Luke Paroz shot four under par to win the A grade medal by 2 shots from David O'Connor on 69. Pins went to Scott Clarke, Luke Paroz, Jon Miller and Andrew Albergo.

Peta Thomas won Saturday's ladies' RGH monthly medal with a net 71 by a shot from Helen Deighton with the pins going to Mandy Patterson and Noelene Spurway.

Sunday Medal of Medal winners were Karen Rix with 66 with Paula McQuat the next best lady on net 70 and men’s Medal of Medal winner was Lewis Tuck with a 66 by 3 from Ken Granger. Pins went to Brian Allen, Lewis Tuck, Jason Whitney, Ryan Wilkes, Diane Chard and Penny Wardroper.

Contributed with thanks to Rod Wecker.

Wangaratta Bowling Report

The weather has been quite warm this week, summer has arrived!

On Sunday one triples and one pairs were played. Winners for the afternoon were Robyn Stitt, Merle Elphinstone and Pat Tracey who defeated Bill Myers, Jim Quod and Allan Rolfe.  

In the pairs Penny Warren and Sugar Brunker defeated Laurie Land and Kevin Jewell. The jackpot didn’t go off.

This Sunday, 10 December our Club AGM will take place at the clubhouse at 9am. All members are asked to attend. Our major club decisions for the year will be made at this meeting. Normal social bowls will be played in the afternoon.

Congratulations to Penny Warren who was named this week as North Qld. District Ladies’ Bowler of the Year.

Also to Denise Wallace who narrowly came in equal second.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Penny Warren 2023 NQ Bowler of the Year. Photosupplied

Tuesday afternoon saw the last social bowls until February next year and it was a fantastic effort by all competitors with Carol Crosbie, Tess Walker taking home the last prize money on offer with Di Jackson taking home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls, brilliantly run by Merve Stewart and Rick Galea, saw Ladda Purdie in brilliant form backed up with David Meiklejohn at lead and Arthur McManus. The Jackpot never went off and to top off her day Ladda also took home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Saturday morning saw the last round of Scroungers with first round winners Alan Pershouse, Tony Kelly and Merve Stewart winners on the day and it was Alan Pershouse who won the last round with a close victory, whilst Eric Barnard took home the B Division prize money.

Saturday afternoon saw the finals in play with Margo Stanley, Warren Mills, Alan Pershouse, Mark Mawson, Di Jackson, Karen Jensen, Eric and Maureen Barnard and Merve Stewart play out the semi-finals in close tussles.

Meanehile Margo Stanley, Warren Mills and Alan Pershouse made it through to the Grand Final but in an awesome display Margo Stanley easily won the prize money and the trophy for the second consecutive time, with Warren Mills coming second and Alan Pershouse third.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls, run by Jill Spencer, saw newcomer Josh Sinclair with Rick Galea take home the prize money on offer with a brilliant performance and it was Lyn Graham who took home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

Finalists in the Scroungers Grand Final: Warren Mills, Margo Stanley and Alan Pershouse. Photo supplied

Two local Whitsunday Touch representatives attended the Queensland Touch Football (QTF) Awards Night last weekend. This gala event was part of QTF’s Festival of Touch, a week of activities held on the Gold Coast.  

Whitsunday Touch had been nominated for a QTF Award in the Small/Medium Affiliate of the Year category. Other nominees in that category were Gordonvale Touch, Callide Valley Touch and Bundaberg Touch. Bundaberg got to take home the award.

“Among the many awards presented on the night a common theme of the various acceptance speeches was praise for the roles of volunteers in clubs small and large,” said Whitsunday Touch representative, John.

“The awards ceremony was extremely well organised and we came away inspired by the stellar achievements of so many Queensland Touch participants.

“Queensland Touch has a wealth of talent in players, referees, coaches and administrators (and volunteers).  

“We were both proud to represent Whitsunday Touch.”

“We didn’t win but we are definitely on a positive pathway.”

Contributed with thanks to John Weeks.

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John and Nina Weeks at the Queensland Touch Football (QTF) Awards Night. Photosupplied

On Wednesday, the Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club presented the State Team – Noah Maltby, Tora Delac, Holly Perrin, Jacob Bell, and Mark Erickson (Coach) with special Club shirts. The Cannons wished the team all the best at the Queensland Long Course Championships.  

At the start of Club Night, Club Secretary presented Upgrade certificates to Jax Eaves, Miller Eaves, Matilda Nicholes, Addie Sanders, Isabelle Bassett, Billie Jamieson, Millie Groom, Penelope Shields and Thomas Ganter.  

The Chocolate Award was presented to Eric Mulliss. Eric has won the Chocolate Award three weeks in a row for achieving a time closest to his best. Well done, swimmers! The Cannons would like to welcome Taylor Bassett to Club Night.

Top performers on Wednesday night were Declan Dichieria, Harry Chegwidden, and Millie Groom for achieving the most PBs. Coaches Ken Crittenden, and Mark Erickson were delighted with all the Freestyle PBs this week.  

Congratulations to Charlie Doherty, Jax Eaves, Lincoln Russell, Addie Sanders, Lily Maher, Celeste Orenshaw, Isabelle Bassett, Evie Doherty, and Isabella Pisaniello on swimming super Freestyle.  

Evie swam a smashing 50m Freestyle in a time of 47.31sec, a 4.05 sec PB. Tora Delac, Holly Perrin, Don Algie, and Isaac Pisaniello swam impressive Breaststroke. Don swam a smooth 200m Breaststroke in a time of 3.31.74, as 7.8sec PB.  

River Shields, Thomas Ganter and Noah Maltby swam extremely well in their Backstroke events achieving PBs. Jack Ganter and Jasper Korosec thoroughly enjoyed their Backstroke race and swam PBs.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers who swam at Club Night!  Swimmers are looking forward to next Wednesday’s Christmas Club Night, last Club Night for 2023. The Cannons would also like to thank all the wonderful parents and volunteers for their assistance with running Club Nights.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Cannons' State Team: Noah Maltby, Tora Delac, Holly Perrin, Jacob Bell, and Mark Erickson (Coach). Photo supplied

Jack Eaves

Penelope Shields

A whopping 48 Pioneer Swimmers competed at the 50th Great Barrier Reef LC Transition Meet held at the Mackay Aquatic Centre on 18th and 19th November.  The team was mighty - being the largest team in presence - pumped for the weekend of racing!

The Meet was hosted by the Mackay Swimming Academy and this was their 50th anniversary event.  

To celebrate such a momentous milestone, the medals were extra special this year with the lanyards featuring the Great Barrier Reef Ocean and sea wildlife. They were absolutely stunning and greatly celebrated by the Dolphins. Pioneer Swimming Club congratulate MSA on such a successful meet and weekend.

The personal bests and podium placings obtained by Pioneer Swimmers were fantastic. Well done to all the swimmers for your individual and team successes!

Contributed by Pioneer Swimming Club

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Photos supplied: Pioneer Swimming Club

The PSC team was strong on the weekend with many Dolphins seen in the same heats

Pioneer Swimming Club continues to grow in numbers

Pioneer Captain, Zahli Herring

Kailu Bellear

Junior Dolphin, Xavier Saxby

Junior Dolphin, Demi McBain

Ekaterina Lee

Cheeky, Marley Smith, shooting a smile to the photographer mid race

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The Marian Ladies Bowling Club concluded its year of spirited competition with a flourish, celebrating champions across various categories.

With tremendous teamwork, the quartet consisting of Laurel Morrow, Lyn Jackson, Judith Miller, and Doris Fry emerged victorious in the 4's category.

Meanwhile, the Triples title was clinched by the formidable team comprising Gwen Harberger, Joan Vickers, and Fay Erickson, demonstrating their stellar coordination and strategic play.

The Pairs category witnessed a thrilling display as Judith Miller and Lyn Jackson triumphed, while the Singles category saw Helen Pietzner securing the top spot, with Lyn Jackson as the runner-up.

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Fours winners: Laurel Morrow, Lyn Jackson, Judith Miller, Doris Fry

Triples winners: Gwen Harberger, Joan Vickers, Fay Erickson

Pairs winners: Judith Miller and Lyn Jackson

Singles: winner Helen Pietzner with runner up Lyn Jackson

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The recent Athletics North Queensland Awards saw 16-year-old Toby Rule win the prestigious Junior Athlete of the Year Award for his achievements in middle-distance running.

Toby's accomplishments from October 2022 to October 2023 were highlighted during the recognition process. This included accolades from school-related track-and-field and cross country competitions, as well as his contributions to the Queensland Athletics team in national cross country events.

Toby secured his first national silver medal in the 3000m event in December 2022, achieving a remarkable 30-second personal best.

Additionally, he triumphed at the Cross Country Nationals in Canberra in August, where he earned himself a bronze medal.

On December 7th, Toby will be accompanied by his family in his journey to Perth to participate in the all schools national track-and-field event. He will compete in the 1500m, 3000m, and the steeplechase.

Toby's family, including his brother Oliver, and parents Belinda and Jason, share a deep enthusiasm for running, turning it into a shared family pursuit.

Despite his success, Toby faces the ongoing challenge of balancing academic responsibilities, maintaining relationships with peers and family, and avoiding injury and sickness. His mother Belinda Rule humorously mentioned, "If he sees someone sneezing, he’ll cross the street!"

Toby approaches each competition with a level of dedication that is uncommonly seen in most 16-year-olds, understanding the importance of his performance in achieving his goals.

Belinda remarked on his significant progress over the past year, stating, “He knows what he needs to achieve to try and get into the top three, he's really hit his stride in the last 18 months.”

Toby has determination to secure a spot in the Junior World Champs in the next 18 to 24 months. His family is also exploring the requirements for overseas cross country competitions, with an eye on Nam Suva in June 2024.

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Toby Rule proudly takes the win for the Junior Athlete of the Year Award

Toby Rule alongside his supporters at the Athletics North Queensland Awards 2023

Photo credit: Mackay Athletics Club

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Vintage performances from wily left arm paceman Adam Knezevic and schoolboy prodigy Etienne Pretorius helped Walkerston maintain its winning streak in the Mackay Cricket Association Poole Cup first grade competition last weekend.

Knezevic, the Head Coach of Mackay-Whitsunday Representative Cricket, and spinning all rounder Pretorious bagged four wickets each in their team’s seven run victory over the Magpies at the Magpies Sports Ground.

It was an impressive haul by the Walkerston trump cards after the Roosters had earlier posted a total of 173 when invited to bat first. Knezevic snared 4-17 off a tidy eight over spell while Pretorius grabbed 4-26 off six overs after the premiers were cruising at 2-117 at one stage.

Magpies skipper Ben Zurvas played a valuable hand – registering a gritty 57 runs off 108 balls before he was caught behind by Roosters keeper Russell Deguara off the bowling of Knezevic.

The teak-tough Zurvas received support from number three Rhys McBride, who hit 34 off 44 balls, with the pair adding 57 runs for the second wicket. Deguara capped a fine match behind the stumps with three stumpings and a catch.

Luke Jackson top scored for the Roosters with a superb 77 off 89 balls that included three sixes and seven boundaries while Jakob Frerichs clouted 31 and Chris Mceldowney (21).

Magpies seamer Conor Bryant shone with the ball – snaring the excellent figures of 4-10 from his seven overs that included the prize wicket of young gun Pretorius for a first ball duck. Other Magpies bowlers to impress were Andrew Borg (3-28 off seven) and Todd Dixon (2-45 off eight).

Brothers siblings Michael and Chris Dunn performed strongly with bat and ball in a three wicket loss to second placed Souths at Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Padding up for his first match of the summer, Michael top scored with a stylish 46 off 51 balls that featured five boundaries and a six with younger brother Chris cracking 38 off 32 balls that included two sixes and five boundaries. Both made an impact with the ball with Chris grabbing 3-29 off seven and Michael (1-5 off three) along with quick Floris Duvenhage (2-41 off eight).

But it was to no avail as Souths (7-161) eclipsed the Brothers X1 (158) following classy contributions from Shaun Austin (58), Cameron Keene (38 not out) and Muhammad Wahab (23).

In the bowling stakes Souths were best served by Michael Dawes (3-26 off seven), Harrison Holmes (3-44 off eight) and Tom Bugeja (2-28 off six).

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Mackay's Mogford Clinches Second In Premier Off-Road Racing Championship

In the rugged terrain of Australia's off-road racing circuit, where dust clouds billow and engines roar like the outback's untamed echoes, Mackay's own James Mogford blazed through the wild tracks like a modern-day bushranger.

In an adrenaline-fueled adventure across untamed terrains, Mogford finished in second place in his maiden season of the Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship series.

It was an outstanding 2023 season for the Moggy’s Racing team, finishing in 2nd place in the SXS Championship as well as 2nd in Class 6 for Australia.

The team, which includes Mogford’s brother Michael Mogford as navigator and Perry Hunn as navigator/pit crew, also defended its Class 6 QLD Enduro title to be named Qld Long Course Class 6 Champions at the AORRA QLD Presentation Dinner last month.

Mogford, who is the director of the Paget-based Moggy’s Group, had one of the more memorable Australian offroad racing campaigns in recent history. The team competed in nine events in 2023—including Australia’s premiere offroad event, the Finke Desert Race—and finished on the podium in seven of those events. They were in fourth place entering into the year’s final event, the Kalgoorlie Desert Race, in October.

Despite an early set-back due to an electrical issue at Kalgoorlie, Mogford surged forward to finish in 17th place outright and 2nd place in the SXS contingent. This gave the team enough points to secure 2nd place for the series.

Mogford said he could not be happier with the result and looked forward to competing in the Australian series again in 2024.

“Defending the Class 6 QLD Enduro title was a big goal of ours but to also finish second in the Australian SXS championship was amazing. It is our highest honour so far,” he said.

“I am extremely proud of the team. It was a huge commitment with more than 500 hours of prep work and 32,000km of driving. It was a great year.”

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James Mogford. Photo credit: Rebecca Galton

Racing in Kalgoorlie. Photo credit: Dakar press team

Photo credit: Terry Hill Photography

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Seventeen-year-old James Galea has taken home the Athletics North Queensland Junior Official of the Year Award for the third time, with a consistent contribution to officiating in North Queensland events.

James is a field specialist concentrating on throws, officiating events including discus, shot put, javelin, hammer throws and weight throws. His accomplishments dating back from October 2022 to October 2023 were highlighted during the award qualification process.

Recently, James was promoted to Field Chief for the recent championship, which is an amazing feat to accomplish at his age. James’ mother Kym Madden stated, “Being a younger official, and having almost to supervise people who are older than him becomes a bit of a challenge with the respect in age difference at times.

“I am extremely proud as a Mum of a seventeen-year-old boy, that he has been recognised for the work that he does and the contributions he makes to our community.”

James is passionate about the technological advancements that are developing and improving the accuracy in his field, using remote controlled buggies and electronic measurement systems to improve the precision of competition results.  

James is on the autism spectrum, allowing him a special ability to ‘see things in black and white’. Kym stated, “Because of that, [it] has enabled him to make quick decisions and to be very clear in his decision making. He knows what the rule is, and he's able to apply that.”

James is looking forward to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, where he is eager to compete as an athlete, however he would be happy to represent as an official as well.

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James Galea is awarded the Junior Official of the Year Award for 2023

This is the third time James has won the Athletics North Queensland Award

Photo credit: Mackay Athletics Club

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The Airlie Beach Bridge congress was held on 25th and 26th November, with seventeen Mackay Contract Bridge players competing in three different grades with much success.

A Category was won by Noel Bugeia and Terrence Sheedy, with Frances and Alan Brown finishing third in A Category.

B Category was won by Noel Saunders and Mary-Rose Ramsden. Faith Hutchinson and Dorethy Slater came third in the C Category.

It was great to see Karen Caldwell and Susan Gibson (first away congress) participating and having a great time.

Monday 20 November 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Terry Sheedy and Janelle Conroy

2nd Ming Ting and Pamela Finger

E/W

1st Barbara Tait and Margaret Lane

2nd Debra Goodchild and Sandy Patterson

Tuesday Evening 21 November 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st - Janet Hansen and Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd - Janine Rodgers and Nancy Wix

E/W

1st - Janelle Conroy and Eric Lievesly

2nd - Noel Bugeia and Eric Goodchild

Wednesday 22 November 2023 – NWP 22 of 24 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st - David Ting and Eric Goodchild

2nd - Janelle Conroy and Noel Bugeia

3rd - Max Holewa and Diane Holewa

4th - Mary Rose Ramsden and Noel Saunders

E/W

1st - Monica Darley and Kath Poole

2nd - Terrence Sheedy and Eric Leivesley

3rd - Janet Hansen and Alan Brown

4th - Joy Robinson and Robert Carless

Thursday 23 November 2023 – 3 Table One Winner Green Points

1st - Ann Whitmore and Diane Stokes

2nd - Ken Seaniger and Robert Carless

3rd - Janine Rodgers and Janelle Conroy

4th - Mick King and Patricia Garner

Friday 24 November 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st - Terry Sheedy and Noel Bugeia

2nd - Diane Holewa and Max Holewa

3rd - Helen Van Den Broek and Don Poole

4th - Joyce Deguara and Tony Large

E/W

1st - Janelle Conroy and Pamela Finger

2nd - Christine Nice and Diane Cox

3rd - Susan Wright and Geoffrey Patterson

4th - Joy Robinson and Geoff Taylor

Saturday 25 November 2023 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st - Julie O’Neill and Margaret Lane

2nd - Debra Goodchild and Eric Goodchild

3rd - Ann Whitmore and Diane Stokes

E/W

1st - Griffin Bancroft and Patricia Garner

2nd - Christine Nice and Faye Wright

3rd - Lorna Shuttlewood and Susan Wright

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Best Pair in B - Mary Rose Ramsden and Noel Saunders with Airlie President Neil (centre)

Overall Winners - Tex Sheedy and Noel Bugeia

3rd overall - Alan and Frances Brown

Encouragement Award- Faith Hutchinson and Dorothy Slater

Photos supplied

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