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

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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

Magpies White have thrown down the gauntlet to premiership pacesetters Walkerston Roosters in the Mackay Junior Cricket Association Under 17 series.

The second placed Magpies remain in the title mix after skittling Pioneer Valley in a low scoring one day tussle last Saturday at Jack Lancaster Oval in Harrup Park.

On a morning where the ball dominated the bat the Magpies chalked up 8-102 from their 25 overs with gritty knocks by

Robert Hatherly (30 runs off 48 balls) and an unbeaten 21 from Rory Franklin.

Spearheading the Valley attack was paceman Darcy Sanderson who grabbed the impressive figures of 3-9 off his four overs with support from Hayden Morrow (2-11), Ben Valmadre (2-11) and Jacob Williams (1-19).

In reply, the Valley could only muster 8-74 with Zac Miles top-scoring with a stylish 39 from 36 balls that included three boundaries and two sixes.

Magpies bowling trump Thomas Rourke shone with the ball – snaring 3-19 off four overs with all-rounder and first grade rookie George Fortescue grabbing 2-8.

In Under 15A Division action, competition leaders Proserpine preserved their unbeaten record with a resounding victory over Magpies White at Roy Trevaskis Oval.

Sent in to bat, the Proserpine Mixed team posted 5-145 from their 25 overs with solid contributions from opener Matthew Logan (36), Ky Porter (25) and Donovan Pettiford (23).

Zac Pace was the pick of the Magpies bowlers with figures of 2-23 off four overs.

The Magpies struggled in their run chase and were bundled out for 87 despite a classy 34 from Mackay-Whitsunday junior representative ace Ishan Rana that included five boundaries.

Logan (2-1), Malaki Gabey (2-8), Karl Ward (2-11) and Kai McLoughlin (2-19) shared the bowling spoils for Proserpine.

A gratifying increase in numbers this year has introduced a wonderful group of new players. The Supervised Play break-up was held last week, with Geoff Taylor mentoring new players, Frances Brown supporting new players and Helen Van Den Broek supervising play.

The club celebrates the efforts of mentors and volunteers who give their time to the Supervised Play session each week, including Geoff Taylor, Frances Brown, Helen Van Den Broek, Anne Lutz and Terry Sheedy.

Tuesday Evening 28 November 2023 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st - Mick Robins / Diane Cox

2nd - Marilin Robins / Faye Wright

3rd - Janet Hansen / Lorna Shuttlewood

E/W

1st - Terrence Sheedy / Helen Van Den Breok

2nd - Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild

3rd - Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan

Wednesday 29 November 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st - Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

2nd - Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

3rd - David Ting / Eric Goodchild

E/W

1st - Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

2nd - Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

3rd - Monica Darley / Kath Poole

Friday 1 December 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st - Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd - Christine Nice / Diane Cox

3rd - Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole

E/W

1st - Alan Brown / Frances Brown

2nd - Victor Mason / Josie Cowley

3rd - Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild

Saturday 2 December 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st - Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris

2nd - Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

3rd - Antonia Tarradas / Christine Nice

E/W

1st - Julie O’Neill / Margaret Lane

2nd - Monica Darley /Kath Poole

3rd - Frances Brown / Alan Brown

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Frances Brown supporting new players

Helen Van Den Broek supervising play

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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