There were plenty of tight scores in the northern derby clashes between the Townsville Blackhawks and Mackay Cutters.

The Mackay campaign started on a strong note with the Harvey Norman U17s coming away with a convincing 20-10 win over the Blackhawks. It was a day of impressive footy at Jack Manski Oval on Saturday, with the Harvey Norman Under 17s holding the biggest score difference, with just 10 points.

Unfortunately for Mackay, that was the first and last win for the sides against a tough northern rival.

In the Harvey Norman Under 19s, it was the home team who triumphed with another tight, low-scoring match.

Blackhawks winger Zaleah Mosby-Nona was the only player to cross in the opening stanza, scoring in the 14th minute to give her side a 4-0 lead at the break.

Mackay finally responded in the 46th minute, with halfback Mersades Lawson equalling the scores.

But the Blackhawks were not going to settle with a draw.

Backrower Hannah De Daunton stepped up with a big final 10 minutes, scoring in the 50th minute, before adding the two points and then converting a penalty goal on the buzzer to seal the deal.

The Blackhawks finished with a 12-4 victory and three out of four wins over Mackay.

In the Cyril Connell Cup, the Blackhawks finished 12-6 at full time, Mackay were unlucky in the Mal Meninga Cup, finishing 12-8 in a game that had looked at times to go either way, and it was also a close tussle in the Hostplus Cup trial, with the Blackhawks taking the win, 18-12.

Shaniah Power Joins QCCS Mackay Cutters

The QCCS Mackay Cutters proudly unveiled their latest signing last week, Shaniah Power, recipient of the prestigious 2023 BMD Player of the Year award.

With an impressive track record, Shaniah adds invaluable experience to the Mackay squad, boasting four appearances for Queensland and contributing to multiple NRLW teams. Currently under contract with the Cowboys, Shaniah's arrival promises to bolster the team's strength and competitiveness.

Cutters Care: Strengthening Minds And Bodies

The Cutters Care program made a meaningful visit to St Brendans Catholic Primary School last week, made possible by the generous support of Porters Mitre 10 Mackay and Mackay Regional Council.

During the session, students engaged in activities aimed at fostering both physical and mental well-being, learning valuable lessons on building strong brains and bodies. Following the educational component, the students enjoyed a series of entertaining and footy-related games.

To book your School in for a Cutters Care session, visit the Cutters’ website.

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Emerging all-rounder Jack Law produced another masterclass to propel
Walkerston/Brothers to a premiership title in the Mackay Junior Cricket
Association Under 17s Grand Final at Great Barrier Reef Arena last weekend.

The fifteen-year-old schoolboy sensation  a regular in the Brothers first
grade X1 this summer snared 2-12 in a fiery five over spell to help his
side topple minor premiers Magpies White in the trophy decider.

It capped a successful campaign for the Mackay-Whitsunday junior
representative ace who was named Player of the North Queensland Cricket
Alliance Under 15 Carnival.

At the State Regional Championships in December, the talented colt
represented Central Queensland Infernos along with Brothers teammates
Lachie Ipson and Connor Muller.

Walkerston/Brothers (1-101) posted a resounding victory over the Magpies
(5-100) with Cameron Tomerini (31 not out), Marcus Sammut (27 not out) and
Ben Garner (18) impressing with the bat.

Magpies opener Benjamin Meng (32 off 78 balls) and skipper Myles Cochrane
(28 not out off 34 balls) led the way for the minor premiers.

The Magpies were 2-77 at one stage before Law claimed the key wicket of top
scorer Meng, who was caught by Cael Landt, with Muller and Will Sammut also
grabbing scalps.

Proserpine Cricket Club registered a comprehensive victory over Magpies
White in the Under 15A Grand Final at George Gorrie Oval.

Will Logan (25 off 31 balls), Donovan Pettiford (19 not out) and Jack
Valmadre (14 not out) produced top knocks as the Pitbulls (1-67) eclipsed
the Magpies (66) in a nine-wicket romp.

Proserpine¹s promising quartet of Joshua Geisler (3-2 off ten balls), Kai
McLoughlin (3-13 off four overs), Oliver Seamer (2-5 off four) and Lachlan
Riley (2-6 off two) made an impact with the ball.

Magpies Under 14 Black were crowned champions after rolling minor premiers
Walkerston Under 14s in the Under 15B Grand Final at Jack Lancaster Oval.
The Magpies compiled 5-128 from their 25 overs with valuable knocks from
Xander Ness (42 runs off 63) with five boundaries, Max Hughes (16), skipper
Jacob Whitby (13) and Chaise Johnston (12 not out).

Ness combined with Hughes for an opening stand of 45 and second wicket union
of 56 with Aarnov Reelh (10) with Cooper Gray-Knight (2-14) the pick of the
Roosters’ attack.

Walkerston were restricted to 6-101 with Logan Simpkin (30), skipper Tyler
Peters (29) and Ayden Loader (14) carving out spirited displays with the bat
and Magpies duo Johnston (3-20 off five) and Jack Nugent (1-18) the stand
outs with the ball.

The Roosters also collected the Under 13 premiership trophy with a
hard-fought Grand Final win over Proserpine at Park Vigoro.

Flynn Ryan (31 not out off 23 balls with five boundaries) top scored for
Walkerston (6-93) with solid contributions from Clancy Sammut (14) and Isaac
Grech (11 retired) as they eclipsed the Pitbulls tally of 7-91.

James Finn (17 not out), Oliver Dibben (17) and Emerson Baker (11) and Brock
Childs (2-7) shone for Proserpine with Roosters all-rounder Grech snaring
3-17 off four.

Souths captured the Under 12s premiership trophy with a victory over
Proserpine at Park Vigoro.

Spencer Faulkner was best on ground for the Sharks who racked up 7-108
clouting an unbeaten 24 with a boundary and six and grabbing 1-7 off three
tidy overs.

He was supported by Beau McPherson (19), Hunter Towner (18) and Leopold
Murphy (11 not out) with promising all-rounder Aiden Farley snaring 2-13 off
four.

The Pitbulls were restricted to 8-85 with fine efforts from siblings Jaxson
Farley (12) and Aiden (10 not out) and Kobi Whitty (11).

Souths trio Connor Stephens, Jack Harriott and Harry Mulherin also picked up
crucial wickets in a strong bowling display.

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Mackay Regional Council announced that more than half the trails at Finch Hatton MTB were made available to ride last weekend, with many riders across the region taking the opportunity to shred the twists and turns.

This is an opportunity for riders to get some tyres on the trails and help pack them down after recent delays due to wet weather. A mix of easy, intermediate, and expert trails are ready to ride.

These initial trails are the first to be accessible in stage one, with the remaining trails and the trailhead to be unveiled in the coming weeks. Visitors are advised to observe signage at the site and stay off closed trails.

While it’s exciting to welcome the first riders to the trails, unpredictable weather could lead to closure of the trails at short notice. News of any closures will be made via the Finch Hatton MTB social channels.

Off Camber, the official shuttle service, is now available. Shuttle bookings can be made online via https://offcamber.com.au/.

Carparking, toilets and the pump track are available. Please bring plenty of water for a day out.

A grand opening of Finch Hatton MTB stage one is scheduled for mid-April. Keep an eye out for more details at www.facebook.com/finchhattonmtb.

Be the first to know the news by signing up for the official FHMTB newsletter, Trail Tales, at finchhattonmtb.com.au.

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TRAILS

G’Day G’Day (easy) – A family friendly climbing trail departing the main trailhead.

Your Shout (intermediate) – Designed for progressive fun, this intermediate trail provides three distinct sections along different parts of the hill.

Green Whistle (easy) – A fun easy flow trail offering amazing views of the Pioneer Valley.

No Wuckas (easy) – A wide easy-flowing return trail back to the main trailhead.

Lost Loco (intermediate) – The trail features stacked climbing switchbacks, stunning views, and a rapid descent down to Salubrious.

Tasty Fig (intermediate) - This fast, intermediate trail features large berms, massive rollers, and optional jump lines.

Chuck A Sickie (difficult) – Challenge yourself on one of the highest black diamond trails in the Stage 1 network.

Nope Rope (easy) – A relaxed, mid-valley trail through a unique and picturesque environment.

Salubrious (easy) - A tasty contouring trail with clusters of fast, hard-packed berms and large reverse grades.

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Over eighty Mackay Road Runners pounded the pavement at 6.30am from the Queen’s Park Rotunda for the annual Club Championship event competing for valuable open and age category points.  MAD Fitness Mackay’s support added to the prestige and success of the event as runners took to the East Mackay streets despite the overcast skies after an initial loop of Queen’s Park before returning for a final loop to cross the finish line. 

There were many special performances amongst the field, particularly from new runners who finished ahead of their more experienced peers.

Thank you to Andrew Short, Arthur Dick, Julie Whibley, Jo Hughes, Brendan, Millie and Hughie Bishop and Tim Magoffin for helping out on the day.

Lace up your shoes for a jam-packed weekend of running with the Mackay Airport City Twilight run commencing Friday Night at 6pm from the Bluewater Quay whalebones. All funds raised for the event will be donated directly to the Mackay Branch of the Leukaemia Foundation.  

This Sunday’s club run will commence at 6.30am from Bucasia to Shoal Point at the Seaview Park, Cnr Bucasia Esplanade and Walters Avenue (near the big red car playground). Runners are reminded to wear their member bib number facing frontwards for timekeeping purposes.  All new comers are welcome; however, you will need to register and pay a $10 casual race day fee. There will be no formal time recorded. Members pay a $2 race day fee.

Check out previous results, as well as the full list of upcoming programs, races and merchandise all on the Mackay Road Runners website.

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Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Caption 4572 – (left to right) Andrew and Erin from MAD Fitness with female podium finishers – Ashlee Scott, Alana Knezevic and Lily Leven (obscured)

Caption 4419 – Second placed Male Jarod Mackie holds off a fast-finishing Luke Leven by only seconds

Caption 4496 – Carolyn Mapes (left) and Tahnie Malagueno united in the final 50 metres. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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Eight Blokarters from Mackay ventured South to Mulambin, near Yeppoon, to compete in the Australian Blokart Championships.

The Smith family were well represented from grandparents to grandchild.

Most fleet classes were contested with the Mackay team performing well in their respected classes.

The Francis family did well, Kate Francis achieving a 3rd overall in Lightweight Production, Tony achieving 1st overall in Medium Weight Performance.

Other results included Trevor Smith 3rd overall in the Lightweight Performance, Eric Smith a 1st overall in the Super Heavy Performance, George Camilleri a 3rd overall in the Heavy Performance, and Gary Smith achieving a 2nd overall in the Medium Weight division.

Club sailing resumes on Sunday March 3 in the afternoon (weather permitting) at Bucasia Beach.

Captions

Blokarters Brian Farley, Tony and Kate Francis, Coen Smith Jung, Trevor Smith, Eric Smith, George Camilleri and Gary Smith with some of their trophies, which were made and presented by Central Queensland Blokart Club president David Moore

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Blokarts lined up for the Australian championships at Mulambin

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The Wilson Kinchant Team Championship was held last weekend with Mackay Tournament Anglers facing challenging weather conditions. Despite the initial bout of pouring rain and gusting winds, the skies cleared up in the final hour, allowing anglers to vie for top honours.

Brad Hocking secured the title for the biggest Barra, reeling in an impressive catch measuring 108cm and earning a prize of $100. In the overall standings, Mullet Mayhem, comprising Keegan Hayden and Brendon King, clinched the top spot, claiming the coveted $1000 prize. Burnt Thumbs Fishing, represented by Jason Crofts and Trevor Crofts, secured second place with a cash prize of $550, also boasting the highest Barra total with 12 catches across both sessions.

The McFarlane Boys, Darcy McFarlane and Isaac McFarlane, secured third place, earning themselves a $300 prize. Zerek, represented by Liam Robinson and Benn Durkin, and Gee Force, composed of Finn Gee and Geoff Newby, rounded out the top five, each receiving a Wilson Prize Pack.

Despite the smaller field, the camaraderie among the anglers was high, reflecting the sportsmanship within the Mackay Tournament Anglers community. The organisers extend their gratitude to all participants and express anticipation for the next round scheduled for March 23rd and 24th—the Fishtec Solutions Peter Faust Team Championship.

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Captions

1: Mullet Mayhem, Keegan Hayden and Brendon King

2: Burnt Thumbs Fishing, Jason Crofts and Trevor Crofts who also caught the most Barra

3: Darcy McFarlane and Isaac McFarlane

4: Zerek, Liam Robinson and Benn Durkin

5: Gee Force, Finn Gee and Geoff Newby

6: Slock Assassins, Brad Hocking and Jack Rutherford

7: Off The Scales, Liam Sohier and Paul McFarlane

8: Brad Hocking secured the title for the biggest Barra

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The North Mackay Sinkers Masters’ small but fun February meet attracted 37 registered swimmers last weekend, to the club’s home training pool at Mackay North State High School.

A large portion of the club participated but members were pleasantly surprised by the company of both the Mackay Swimming Academy Masters and Pioneer Swimming Club adults for additional local talent.

The meet also attracted out-of -town visitors from the Atherton Mountaineers, Long Tan Legends, Rats of Tobruk, Toowoomba Tadpoles and River City Masters.

The MSQ President Susanne Milenkevich attended to boost understanding at Branch level of small regional meets.

“It was great to have Susanne attend and cover many master’s topics,” said Dan Stampa, President of the North Mackay Sinkers Master's Swimming Club.

“We certainly appreciate the presence of all out-of-town swimmers and the effort required to attend,” he said.

“Our meet referees, JB, Peter Nowlan and Rob Lucas, kept us honest and provided tips and details for our new swimmers in the intricacies of strokes and turns.”

The meet included 800 and 400 events as a prelude to the MSQ State Championships.

The popular Skins event was a repeat handicap 25 freestyle last person swimming event hotly contested by locals and visitors alike, the prize money left town with Tony Croft of the Long Tan Legends.

“Our complimentary swimmer and volunteer prize was eagerly collected by long term master and Sinker’s member Geoff Robinson,” Mr Stampa added.

“In keeping with the club’s community spirit, we replaced our multi prize raffle with an appeal to swimmers for donations to support the Clubs March fundraiser ‘Laps for Life’ and realised $150 for this Reach out youth mental health initiative.”

The after-swim event was held at the Mackay Surf life Saving Club and was attended by over 30 guests in what proved an entertaining evening.

The Sinkers look forward to the next event, an open water swim scheduled for Sunday November 3 when the club hosts its annual river swim at the picturesque Balnagowan stretch of the Pioneer River. Mark it in your diary swimmers and choose 1.25, 2.5 or 5km events to test your endurance.

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Captions

1: Round One of the skins elimination, won by Tony Croft of Townsville (2nd from camera)

2: All the fun of marshalling, time keeping and competing

3: One of the many starts of the day, the best part to any race

4: Action shots: Photo credit: Les Bunt

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Mackay Contract Bridge Club

Results for week ending Sunday 25th February 2024

Monday 19 February 2024 – 4 Table Howell Green Points

North / South East / West

1st GEOFFREY PATTERSON - ROBERT CARLESS 3rd BARBARA TAIT - MARGARET LANE

1st EDWARD KLIESE - DIANE STOKES                                               4th MONICA DARLEY - SANDRA FORD

Wednesday 21 February 2024 –7 Table Mitchell Green Points

North/South

East/West

1st

2nd

3rd

CARMEL BROWN - PATRICK RASMUSSEN

JOY ROBINSON - ROBERT CARLESS

MARIE MCGUIRE - NANCY WIX

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

SANDY PATTERSON - GEOFFREY PATTERSON

GWEN LIDDELL - ANNE LUTZ

KAREN CALDWELL - JEWEL SCHMIDT

JOSIE CROWLEY - BARBARA TAIT

Thursday Evening 22 February 2024 – 3 Table Howell Green Points

1st

1st

ANN WHITMORE - JANICE MANSFIELD

KEN SEANIGER - ROBERT CARLESS

Friday 23 February 2024 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

North/South East/West

1st

JULIE O'NEILL - ANN WHITMORE

1st

MONICA DARLEY - GWEN LIDDELL

2nd

JOYCE DEGUARA - TONI LARGE

2rd

GEOFF COWAN - GEOFFREY PATTERSON

Saturday 24 February 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell - Green Points

North/South                                                                        East/West

1st     ANN WHITMORE - DIANE STOKES                         1st     KEN SEANIGER - JOY ROBINSON

2nd     KAREN CALDWELL - NOEL SAUNDERS                 2nd    MONICA DARLEY - KATH POOLE

3rd      ANNE LUTZ - MARGARET LANE                            3nd     JULIE O'NEILL - ROBERT CARLESS

Sunday 25 February 2024 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points for Novice players and Mentors

North/South                                                                       East/West

1st   NOEL SAUNDERS - SUE MAYER-MILLER                 1st    DIANE STOKES - ANN WHITMORE

2nd  SANDY PATTERSON - GEOFF COWAN        2nd   DEBBIE LUDKIN - JOHN LUDKIN

Contributed by Robert Carless

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Caption: Annie Lynch and Sandra Morris from Mackay are the top Queensland pair in the Novice Pairs Finals at 2024 Gold Coast International Congress

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Free lessons for beginners

Bridge is fascinating to learn. We are a fun, friendly and social club with sessions on Monday and Thursday afternoons.

Come and join the fun, learn a skills and improve your memory.

Interested? For more information, call Deb Breeze, 0466002321.

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1:  Jill Brabon and Thea Weekes with their bridge guru Joan Butts at the Gold Coast Congress

2: Debbie Breeze Sue Mcinnes Jill Brabon Thea Weekes on the 1rst day at the Gold Coast Congress. 

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The highly anticipated Rugby League carnival, the Annual Bowen Tens, will be played at Denison Park in Bowen on Saturday.

Sponsored mainly by Whitsunday Civil, the day brings much needed funds to the Bowen Seagulls Junior League with various charities also benefitting.

A number of Bowen Charities have been the recipients of money from the Bowen Tens.

This year the main recipient will be Kids Connecting Parents.

Burdekin teams have supported the day since it was first introduced in 2012 with the Charity that year Cancer Research.

The Burdekin Old Boys made themselves a popular team by donating half the prize money they received for winning that year to the charity and it continued on with several other Burdekin teams doing the same thing.

This year 16 men’s teams and six women’s team will contest the games for the cash and trophies donated by Kincove for the men and Abbot Point for the women.

The Burdekin will again be represented by Runamuck in the women and four mens teams - Runamuck, Runamuck 10, Burdekin Delta and Fiji Time.

Fiji Time are the defending champions, and they alone will bring spectators just to see their exciting brand of football.

Matches are played over two ten-minute halves on two fields at Denison Park with a two-minute half time and 30 seconds between games.

Timing is done from a central time piece.

The first games get under way at 8 am with the final of the men expected about 8 pm. giving some 12 hours of nonstop footy.

Food and drink will be sold on the grounds and there are some big raffles taking place all for 5-dollar entry fee.

The player scoring a try then attempts to convert with a drop kick before the players team restarts.

It all makes for speed and excitement.

Teams of no more than 20 players with ten on the field at any one time come from several centres around the north as it is not only a good binding weekend it is also very good for pre-season fitness.

A four-person relay is also held between teams with the referees at times having a team and they have been successful in the past.

Bowen is well represented with at least 8 teams while the Moranbah Miners and Carlton Devils play in the Mackay League.

Some Townsville teams have supported the Carnival in the past with this year the Norths Devils women making the trip with Mosby Eagle sure to be hard to toss.

This will be the first time the Cardwell Axemen will try their luck although Herbert River have been there before.

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Congratulations to Levi Smith, Lucas Korosec, Eloise Chegwidden, and Ehsan Helou for setting new Cannonvale Cannons’ Breaststroke records.

Levi and Eloise set new 200m Breaststroke records, while Lucas set a record for the boys’ 7 years 100m Breaststroke.

Ehsan set a record for the 15-year-old boys’ 50m Breaststroke.  

Well done!  

This week, Club Secretary, Giselle Burton presented Upgrade certificates to Thomas Ganter, Zach Trefz, Murphy Jamieson, Jax Clayworth, Connor Lee, Noah Maltby, Sophie Palmero, Alex Trefz, Jasper Korosec, and Harry Chegwidden.  

Congratulations!  

The Chocolate Awards were presented to Jasper Korosec and Millie Groom for the best PBs.  

The Coaches’ Award was presented to Jax Clayworth for cheering and supporting his teammates.  

Top Performers at Club Night:  Zane Clayworth (3PBs), Declan Dichiera (3 PBs), Charlie Doherty (4PBs), Evie Doherty (3 PBs), Millie Groom (3PBs), Indigo Harland (3PBs), Connor Lee (4PBs), Frankie Leeder (4 PBs), Stevie Lee (4 PBs), Abby Maher (4 PBs), Lily Maher (4PBs), Celeste Orenshaw (3PBs), Miranda Palmero (3 PBs), Isabella Pisaniello (4 PBs), Andie Reynolds (3PBs), Addie Sanders (4PBs), Indi Smith (4PBs), Alex Trefz (4PBs) and Zach Trefz (4 PBs).  

Special mentions:  Maeve Dichiera swam a fantastic time of 21.63sec in her 25m Freestyle.  

Koa Harland swam an awesome 25m Breaststroke in 25.08sec which was a 2sec PB.  

Ella Maddock’s best swim was her 25m Butterfly which she swam in 30.11sec, a 2 sec PB.  

Miranda Palmero aged 7 years swam an excellent 25m Freestyle in a time of 26.92s, a 2.4sec PB.  

A special welcome to Jayda Smith who swam extremely well at her first Club Night.  

The Cannons would like to commend all the swimmers and thank all the wonderful parents and volunteers for their support!

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Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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   1. Levi Smith new record

   2. Jasper K with Chocolate Award. Photos supplied

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With plans in place for our to be constructed new hard cover, our board has set plans for the construction.
This week, despite the rain, we still had a full week of competition starting on Tuesday afternoon with Wendy Pomeroy as skipper leading her team of Pam Collins in fine form as lead with John Brown playing excellent bowls at second far too strong for the rest of the field.
Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls where there can only be one winner and it was Ted Cullen at skipper who was magnificent from start to finish and carried Mark Mawson at lead and Lyn Graham at second, also backed up her skipper to beat Russell Jackson’s strong team of Lou Rogan and John Brown by a big margin, however Lou Rogan took home the prestigious Health Hub award.
Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls is in full swing and has kicked off with 10 teams many new players.

Currently Rock Plumbing and Azza's Block Layers are leading the competition.
Saturday morning Scroungers had a small field but excellent bowls were played Andy McDougall and Russell Jackson played the final with Andy McDougall running out a strong winner.
Whilst the B Grade semifinal saw Mark Mawson and Margo Stanley our club coaches played out the final and it was Margo who originally coached Mark , providing too much class for her ex pupil and ran away with a strong win.
Sunday afternoon Social Bowls also had strong performances with Lou Rogan at lead teaming with Mario De Martini at second with Betty Whitehorn as skipper leading her team with a one point win over Ash Warland’s team in an absolute cliffhanger with Mario De Martini also taking home the Health Hub Award to top off a brilliant day.
Finally Fiona Greener returned from her vacation and is ready for the rest of the season and has announced that John Matterson is having his long locks cut on Sunday the 10th March for the leukaemia foundation and tickets are available on the bar or on line you can call the club for details and the winner will cut his locks.

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Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Ben Doolan, Tim Hazleton, Craig Kennedy, and Brendan Rock. Photo supplied

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Due to the consistent work put in by those involved in the green preparation, we have been fortunate to have been able to play social bowls on both Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, despite the rain that has been around over the last couple of weeks.  

On Wednesday, John Anderson and Sandy Daffara defeated Alen Sanderson and Philip Brown 24 - 10.  In the other game we had Arthur Griffith play double lead due to having an odd number of players. Arthur, Mike Harrison, and Heather Brown defeated Arthur Barry Zillmann and Bryan Davy 19-13.

On Sunday again we had an odd number. I think most were put off by the rain that threatened all around all afternoon but didn't fall over our game. Alend Sanderson played double lead. Alen, Philip Brown, and Heather Brown defeated Alen, Sandy Daffara and Mike Harrison 29 - 13.

With one more playing day in February, the Social Participation Ladder is starting to take some shape. Heather Brown currently leads on 16 points, Philip Brown second on 11 points, Alen Sanderson, and Peter Lawton share 3rd on 9 points. Still lots of time left before 2024 is finished.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Bowls Club.

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Social play on Tuesday resulted in the jackpot going off in the game between Stumpy Adams, Merle Elphinstone, and Penny Warren who defeated Lindy Suann, Irene Laird, and Dot Slater.

In the other game Deb Retchless and Steve Roome defeated Robyn Stitt and Kevin Jewell.

Our Friday night barefoot bowls and sausage sizzle was a lot of fun. Although it was a little showery everyone enjoyed the night. We will be hosting the next one on Friday 8th March.

Fortunately the weather held for our Mixed Opening Day on Sunday. Our members enjoyed the company of players from visiting clubs from Airlie Beach, Ayr and Proserpine. Winners for the day were Stumpy Adams. Jim Quod, Irene Laird, and Allan Rolfe who defeated Michael Parraucini, J Hall, S Darwin, and W Coonan. Runners Up Denise Wallace, Graeme Read, and Penny Warren defeated Bill Myers, Robyn Stitt, and Kevin Daniels. Others winners were Rob Bron Tolcher, Henny Tatem, and Mark Drummond defeated Rhonda Lloyd, Maree Brunker, Laurie Land, and Pat Tracey.

Linda Scells, Dot Slater, and Sugar Brunker defeated Nadine Land, Sue Shearing, and Greg Colquhoun. Lindy Suann, Isobel Wheeler, and Geoff Danvers defeated Toni Bowen, Deb Retchless, and Lyn Skeen. Tess Lyn Danvers, Merle Elphinstone, and Margo Stanley drew with Teresa Willshire, Marg Wilson, Terry and Wendy. The jackpot didn’t go off.    

Best of luck with our Men’s local pennant teams playing at BBC on Saturday.

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Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Winners Opening Day. Allan Rolfe Jim Quod Irene Laird with Presidents Mark Drummond and Lyn Danvers. Photo supplied

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The rigging lawn at Bowen's Port Denison Sailing Club was a hive of activity on Sunday morning as four learner Qubes, three Sabots, five Optimists, three Lasers, four Windsurfers and one B14 Skiff took to the water for some training and short course racing practice.

Rounding marks close to shore, so many different types of boats sailing together was quite a spectacle. 

The Jordan family from Mackay drove up to join members from Airlie Beach and Bowen and allow their three very experienced sailing children a chance to race against like skilled children.  

Although PDSC has Optimist class rather than Sabots, they were warmly welcomed and the children enjoyed playing off the water with their old and new sailing friends.  

Quite a few grandparents were also in attendance and proudly watched their grandkids’ skills and commentated the on-water action from the picnic tables in the shade.

The progression from beginner to more advanced skills among the children and youth at PDSC was easily visible in the range of dinghies, with many sailors graduating into new classes of boat this year to maintain momentum and continue developing their sailing abilities across disciplines. 

Two Optimist sailors are now sailing Lasers, and the Optimist fleet continues to be fed by the graduating Green Fleeters in their Qubes.  

Five students aged 7 – 10 even had a try of a windsurfer with a small 1.5sqm rig after the racing, enticing some on to the water with the prospect of trying something brand new and 'fast' looking. 

Felix Sawers from Airlie Beach enjoyed a surprise 9th birthday surrounded by his sailing friends, complete with cake and a roaring rendition of Happy Birthday which filled the clubrooms.

Felix began two years ago as a Pirate, now sails a racing Optimist, and has become a self-assured sailor, experiencing the satisfaction gained from persevering with his sport which demands the steady building of resilience and physical skills.  

He is setting a great example for his little brother Sam who is now also part of the Pirate learn to sail group.

PDSC wishes to thank the canteen volunteers for the tasty toasties, and the powerboat crews for looking after everyone on the water.  

Next weekend is Pirates learn to sail, and Off Beach Racing will be held again on Sunday 10th of March, with all members and affiliated club members welcome to join.  

Please see the Port Denison Sailing Club Facebook site for further information.  

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Felix Sawers, age 9, full of smiles on the water. Photo supplied

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