Last weekend marked a momentous time in history for the Mackay Cutters rugby league team as they announced they would field three female teams for the first time in their history, competing in the Harvey Norman U17s & U19s divisions, as well as the BMD Premiership. The timing couldn't have been more fitting, with Round 1 of the BMD Premiership coinciding with the team's "Ladies in League Day," aligning perfectly with the celebrations of International Women's Day.

In front of an eager crowd, the QCCS Mackay Cutters kicked off Round 1 of the BMD Premiership on their home turf, facing off against the Tweed Seagulls in a thrilling encounter. Additionally, the Junior Reps battled it out against the Townsville Blackhawks in Round 5 of their competition, adding to the excitement of the day's events. The Hostplus squad had a bye.

BB Print Stadium played host to a total of four exhilarating matches, with two women's games and two men's games showcasing the talent and dedication of players from both teams. The Mackay teams put on a dominant show, clinching victory in three of four games. The results of the matches were as follows:

Cyril Connell Cup: Mackay 18, Townsville 22

Harvey Norman U19s girls: Mackay 16, Townsville 12

Mal Meninga Cup squad: Mackay 46, Townsville 10

BMD Premiership women: Mackay 28, Townsville 10

The weekend's fixtures not only demonstrated the skill and determination of the players but also highlighted the growing prominence of women's rugby league in the region. With each game fiercely contested, the Mackay Cutters emerged victorious in the women's games, further solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the league.

‍

Action from the Harvey Norman U19 and BMD Premiership games. Photo credit: Mackay Cutters

‍

The Mackay City Lady bowlers recently held an exciting string of events, including their Opening Day, PAH and an ‘Overs and Unders’ Carnival.

These three successful events proved to be a fantastic bowling day out for those involved!

Margot Stanley, Lorraine Silman and Pam McDermott from the Mackay District Ladies Bowls Association (MDLBA) joined bowlers from all around the Mackay district to participate in the City Ladies’ Presidents at Home on the 28th of February.

The Cent Sale and luncheoun was filled with plenty of smiles as well as Cath’s well known scones in which made for a very enjoyable day for everyone!

As bowlers from across the Mackay District gathered together it was great to see lots of friendly faces as attendees conversated with both old and new acquaintances.

A full green of lady bowlers enjoyed another great day of bowling for the ‘Overs and Unders’ Carnival on the 4th of March. Morning and afternoon tea kept them busy throught the day whilst the two games of eighteen ends commenced.

The team at Mackay City Ladies Bowls Club would like to thank all members who assisted in the organising and running of the three events, making for a pleasant day filled with enjoyment and camaraderie.

‍

Caption 1: Presidents Judy Petersen and Margot Stanley enjoying the occasion

Caption 2: Special visitor from Townsville Karen Emery and games controller Flo Ruggeri

Caption 3: Janette Dark and Jan Jamieson just having fun

Caption 4: Mary Burston, Nola Hundy, Beth Dawes and Robyn Large tucking into Cath’s well known scones. Photos supplied by Shirley Sturgeon

‍

Club President, Brendan Bishop welcomed over seventy runners to take part in the annual Construct Health Physio 3km Mackay Road Runners Club Championship event, where the pace was expected to be fast and furious over the flat road race as runners took to the East Mackay streets surrounding Queens Park.

Weather conditions were perfect for running as the overcast skies and rainclouds threatened but thankfully didn’t open up throughout the event.  Hardy runners knew from the gun that the race was going to be a tough and tight tussle from start to finish with many searching for position early.

Front runners, Toby Tule, Liam Mumford, Oliver Rule, Angus Jacobs, Nick Rewald, Hamish Donnollan, Paul MacKenzie, Jared Mackie, Luke Leven and George Hannaford were all definitely in line for a podium finish, however as runners completed the final Queens Park  loop, Toby was victorious with Liam only 8 seconds in deficit  taking the cash and maximum club championship points in the open and their age category.  

Ashlee Scott sprinted the 3km snatching gold from Alana Knesevic by ten seconds to also score the cash and chocolates.  Junior runner, Lily Leven ran a spectacular race to claim bronze and major junior club championship points.

Excellent performances also came from many new runners as well as existing members, Martin Lambert, Shane Donnollan, Natalie Lorraway, Jenny White, Al Lorraway, Leanne Connor, Natasha Joynson, Em Hayles, Mel Esau, Kim Saron, Judy Zahn, Carmel Mahon, Jan Smith, Len Haworth, Stuart Sprott, Mark McFadzen, Tim Dalton, Andrew Wallace, David Isbister, Scott McIntosh, Michael Feenaghty, Thomas Wendt and Ondiene Wendt.

Many thanks to Construct Health Operations Manager, Thomas Wendt for co-ordinating the event with the club and supporting the community by also being involved in the annual BMA Mackay Marina Run.

This Sunday’s 5k/12km handicap points scratch start event commences 6.30am from 25 Duncan Street, West Mackay. 

All runners must be registered in with the timekeeper by 6.20am at the very latest for a 6.30am sharp start. Any new runners are most welcome to join in, however, please register online by 5pm Friday at the latest so that a member number can be issued. 

For more information on results, registration, events or merchandise, visit Mackay Road Runners on Facebook or online.

‍

Contributed By Janelle Tilse

‍

Caption 5292 - Construct Health Team (on Left) Sarah Schofield, Nick Rewald, Alex Leslie, Thomas Wendt (Ondine Wendt in front) with Mackay Road Runners Construct Health 3km Club Championship gold and silver medallists – Alana Knezevic(2nd), Ashlee Scott (1st), Toby Rule (1st), Liam Mumford (2nd).

Caption 5274 – Natasha Joynson, Kim Saron and Jo Hughes enjoy the Construct Health 3km Club Championship event where over 70 runners took part.

Caption 5124 – Colin Hardy thanks volunteer timekeepers, Arthur Dick (seated) and Julie Whibley (with umbrella).

Caption 5152 – Mel Esau and Tahnie Malagueno contemplate the 3km race course briefing instructions.

Caption 5231 – Andrew Wallace and Jenny White relieved to cross the fast and furious 3km Construct Health Club Championship finish line.

‍

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures March 3, 2024:

Division 1:

Jaguar (Vince Boeske, Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan) d Mercedes (Steven Whiting, Graham Brake, Graeme Walker) 7-4. Vince d Graham -6, 8, 7, -11, 6.

Lexus (Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent, Barry Patterson) d BMW (Ian McKay, Daniel Warfield, Allan Edwards) 8-3. Andrew d Allan 9, 9, -8, 12.

Audi (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake) d Ferrari (Tony Bowman, Geoff Denman) 6-3. Mick d Geoff 2, 8, -10, 7.

Division 2:

Isuzu (Mark Stam, George Camilleri, Steve Mathieson) d Kia (Brent Rodgers, Peter Goodson, Matt West) 6-5. Matt d Steve -6, 8, 10, 10.

Nissan (Will VanDeKaa, Duncan Treloar, Simon Hogan) d Hyuandi (Donna Abbott, Delma Knight, Noreen Fredericksen) 8-3. Duncan d Donna -8, 8, -3, 10, 10.

Honda (Jye Callander, Leo Gilbert, Andrea Nicholson) d Mazda (Mark Sleeman, Niro, Judy Zahn) 8-3. Leo/Andrea d Judy/Niro -6, 10, 4, -8, 4.

Division 3:

Fiat (Trent Day, YiLin Jiang, Aarnav Reelh) d Alfa (Craig VanDeKaa, Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhaliwal) 11-0. YiLin d Nehmat 9, -7, -10, 9, 6.

Holden (Saisha Palod, Rohit Bansod, Anaya Reelh) d Ford (Ollie Hamelink, Tiffany Camilleri) 7-3. Ollie d Anaya -9, -7, 8, 5, 9.

Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures March 5, 2024:

Division 1:

Cheetahs (Donna Abbott, Val Austin) d Leopards (Steve Mathieson, Judy Zahn) 6-4. Val d Judy 10, -9, 11, -8, 9.

Jaguar (Branko Vucurovic, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) d Pumas (George Camilleri, Don Boettcher, Coral Morgan) 10-2. Branko d George -2, 8, 10, 19.

Lions (Tony Bowman, Pam Joyce, Bryan Marshall) d Tigers (Delma Knight, Noreen Fredericksen, John McGee) 8-4. Bryan d John -8, 9, 7, -4, 14.

Division 2:

Teal (Ken Best, Kim Daffy, Kim Challender) drew Lime (Helen Ware, Fred Saliba, Charles Hamlett) 6-all. Kim d Charles 5, 8, -7, -6, 14.

Cyan (Robyn Bushell, Marie Taylor, Louise Gould) d Aqua (Gloria Vella, Gerry Synnott) 12-0. Robyn d Gerry 9, -9, 0, -10, 9.

Division 3:

Diamonds (Frank Caruana, Bill Hey, Myles Dutton) d Emeralds (Ian Dodds, Carmel Cristaldi, Myles Dutton) 8-4. Ian d Frank -7, 7, 3, -10, 8.

Sapphires (Thelma Caruana, Madge Saunders, Darryl Ross) d Rubies (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Glenda Dutton) 8-4. Sharon d Madge -8, 5, -10, 5, 9.

‍

Sharon Muller in action in Tuesday morning table tennis. Photo: Charlie Payne

‍

Weekly Results

Monday 4 March 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Janelle Conroy / Jan Harris

1st

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd

Patricia Garner / Mick King

2nd

Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia

3rd

Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

3rd

Monica Darley / Griffin Bancroft

4th

Ming Ting / Pamela Finger

4th

Marilin Robins / Mick Robins

Tuesday Evening 5 March 2024 –5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st

Janelle Conroy / Eric Lievesley

2nd

Janice Mansfield / Faith Hutchinson

3rd

Errol Morris / Sandra Morris

4th

Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

Wednesday 6 March 2024 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

1st

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd

Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

2nd

Ted Cullinan / Anne Lutz

3rd

Monica Darley / Kath Poole

3rd

Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

4th

Ming Ting / Debra Goodchild

4th

Frances Brown / Alan Brown

Thursday Evening 7 March 2024 – 6 Table One Winner

1st

Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy

2nd

Shirley Casey / Griffin Bancroft

3rd

Patricia Garner / Mick King

4th

Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

4th

Jan Harris / Susan Ross

6th

Frances Brown / Sandra Morris

Friday 8 March 2024 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

1st

Christine Nice / Diane Cox

2nd

Edward Kleise / Nancy Wix

2nd

Ming Ting / David Ting

3rd

Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

3rd

Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

4th

Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

4th

Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill

5th

Joyce Deguara / Toni Large

5th

Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

Saturday 9 March 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Griffin Bancroft / Julie O’Neill

1st

David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd

Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

2nd

Geoff Cowen / Sandy Patterson

3rd

Patricia Garner / Geoffrey Patterson

3rd

Diane Stokes / Ann Whitmore

4th

Jewel Schmidt / Richard Wix

4th

Christine Nice / Faye Wright

‍

1: The Goodchild / Ting team at the Gold Coast Bridge Congress. Mackay had 26 members attending this world-class event

2: The Holewa team finished in the top 20 in the 1500 Teams

‍

On your marks…Get set…GO! The 2024 BMA Mackay Marina Run was officially launched on the 1st of March with organisers predicting over 3,500 participants to be involved.

Coming up to its 16th year, the annual run is widely regarded as Queensland’s most scenic running event with a flat, fast course set against spectacular sub-tropical scenery.

Event Director, Tim Magoffin advised the run had become a signature event on the national running event calendar.

“The BMA Mackay Marina Run offers a unique event with runners able to enjoy our flat, fast course set within a scenic sub-tropical location,” he said.

With an increase in popularity each year, Tim advised this year’s race will also be marketed internationally, with free registration being offered to international runners.

“The national appeal of our event has definitely grown,” he added.

“People are recognising what a great precursor we are for the Gold Coast Marathon and that’s presented a wonderful opportunity for tourism in our region.

“To leverage that, we’re making a concerted push into the international market, particularly with our neighbours in New Zealand.

“Every year we have an ambassador from the leukemia foundation, from a family or individual that’s been through treatment, and this year we have Hayden Lee,” Tim added.

Hayden Lee was diagnosed with Leukemia on the 1st of March eight years ago and underwent treatment as a three-year-old for a period of nine months. As he grew older, he continued his treatment in Mackay.

After years of fighting leukaemia, a recent five-year check-up at the doctors, declared Hayden to be officially cancer free!

BMA representative, Linda Murray says, “This event is really important to us, we love our community and we love being a part of it.”

“Our long-term partnership underlies our commitment to fostering thriving communities that provide economic, social and healthy outcomes,” added BMA Asset President Adam Lancey.

Mr Lancey will be one of the 3,500 runners expected to take part in the event.

“I’m looking forward to participating for the first time, I’ve heard a lot about it. I’m aiming for the half-marathon.

“We’ll also be competing in the Corporate Challenge and will have our team on hand to warmly welcome and support runners on the day.”

The BMA Mackay Marina Run will take place on 2 June and includes a 21.1km half marathon, 10 and 5km, a 3km junior dash and the popular 5km Corporate Challenge.

Early Bird Registrations will close 13th March.

To find out more, visit www.mackaymarinarun.com

‍

Caption 1: Tim Magoffin with young Hero, Hayden Lee

Caption 2: BMA Mackay Marina Run sponsor representatives for 2024

‍

Calling on all Pickleball Players to hop on down this Easter to Mackay Indoor Pickleball Club!

This exciting upcoming event is the first Indoor Pickleball Tournament in the region, taking place at the McDonald’s Mackay Multisport Stadium in Juliet St, South Mackay on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Easter Weekend.  

This all-inclusive event caters to all competitors of all levels, including individuals who may be quite new to the game or just play socially, through to more Intermediate, experienced players, as well as the more serious advanced competitors.

The event begins on Friday evening with an optional warmup session from 2-5 pm at a $5 cost.

Competition commences on Saturday with Men’s and Women’s Doubles in all categories with games and finals in the one day.  Sunday will see mixed doubles in all categories and afternoon finals.

Mackay Indoor Pickleball Club are looking forward to welcoming all players to this friendly, social competition. If you want to see what all the Pickleball fuss is about, come on down, join in and have a try if it’s your very first time!

‍

Caption: To nominate, or find out more information , follow the link on the poster

‍

Nearly fifty runners tackled the extreme humidity as they tracked the bendy pathways from the Bucasia Beach Playground Parklands to Shoal Point last Sunday. The runners didn’t seem to have noticed the severe heat conditions until the return lap, but despite the challenges they continued to push on through!

Timekeeper Arthur Dick was in full control as he announced each runner’s start times based on their handicap.  Highest handicap marker, Hamish Donnollan had an extremely long wait for his start, however, managed to catch his dad, Shane and pass him in the final meters of the 10km.  

It was great to see the return of existing and new members, including Thomas Wendt who took out the 10km based on his handicap start.

The morning saw great performances from the female contingent, in specific; Mel Esau, Carmel Mahon, Jan smith, Judy Zahn, Lauren Connor, Kim Saron, Jo Hughes, Leanne Connor, Brenda Windsor, Carol Brown, Jo Skinner, Em Hayles and Natasha Joynson.

The next Mackay Road Runners Club event will be the 2nd Club Championship of the year from Queen’s Park, Shakespeare Street entrance, East Mackay on Sunday at 6.30am.

The Construct Health Physio 3km sprint distance will be fast and furious from the gun, with the top contenders expected to stop the clock at around nine minutes.

All members must be registered with the timekeeper by 6.20am at the very latest with your bib chip number placed securely to the front of yourselves. 

Many thanks to Construct Health Physio for their ongoing support of the Club and this race in particular which they have sponsored for several years now.

Congratulations to the BMA Mackay Marina Run committee for the launch of their event last Friday with a meet and greet at the Bluewater Quay. At 6pm, just on 900 runners and walkers competed in the 5km Fun Run across the Forgan Smith Bridge, with 100% of the registrations and additional donations directly going to the local branch of the Leukemia Foundation.

‍

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

‍

Caption: 2105 – Andrew Short, Teresa Hackney and Alan Zamparutti await their handicapped starting time callup from the Timekeeper

Caption: 3545 – Simon Henderson and Lauren Connor bolt from the gun on their handicapped start time

Caption: 3633 – Em Hayles makes a welcome return to club racing

Caption: 4652 – Todd Turner is having a great start to the 2024 program, easily completing the 10km in the oppressive humidity. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

‍

With the aid of supportive fundraisers, the Starlight Children’s Foundation creates moments of joy and happiness for children of all ages facing illness, brightening the lives of those in hospital.

Throughout the past month of February, Masters Swimming Queensland clubs have dived on board to support the Starlight Super Swim, raising an impressive amount of funds for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

A fantastic first time total of $2,827 was raised by the participating members of the event, whilst also achieving some impressive distances. One dedicated swimmer logged 81km for the month, a total of 1620 laps of a 50-meter pool!

This year the North Mackay Sinkers along with the Bunna-barra and Belgravia Masters Swimming Clubs participated in the event.  Each of the clubs had five registered members, providing a total of 15 members and raised a collective grand total of $7,952 which will be going directly to benefit young children in hospital!

The main aim is to raise valuable funds but awareness and participation are also great aims for Masters clubs and their networks. A handy app even logs swims and donations on the go.

The club has entered a second Fundraiser for March with “Laps for Life” offering another opportunity to participate in swimming whilst raising much needed funds for Youth Mental Health.

For those who are interested in joining, you can swim as an individual or form a team to participate, all while staying active and raising funds for youth mental health.

The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming club offer group sessions, events in the pool or open water and cater to all abilities in a supportive and social environment.

While the swim has concluded, the donations portal is open until the end of March. If you wish to donate you can search Starlight Super swim and Sinkers Masters Starlight Team

For further enquiries, please call 0413 805 156 or visit our public page North Mackay Sinkers – Masters Swimming Club.

‍

Contributed by Dan Stampa

‍

Caption: Sinkers enjoying a rest and a chat in the Coffee Hub

Caption: Excited swimmers, as happy as ducks in the water

‍

Young guns Trent Day and Ollie Hamelink played a close match on Tuesday night, Trent up 10, 9, -8, -11, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results February 27, 2024:

Division 1:

Lexus (Barry Patterson, Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent) d Mercedes (Steven Whiting, Graham Brake, Graeme Walker) 6-5. Steven d Andrew -8, 11, -6, 10, 8.

Ferrari (Geoff Denman, Goncalo Serra, Mark Sleeman) d Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan, Vince Boeske) 7-4. Vince d Mark 12, 11, -10, 9.

Andro (Tony Bowman, Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake) d BMW (Terry Morato, Ishan Rana, Ian McKay) 6-5. Terry d Mick -4, 5, -5, 7, 8.

Division 2:

Hyuandi (Noreen Fredericksen, Donna Abbott, Delma Knight) d Kia (Geoff Cowan, Peter Goodson, Matt West) 6-5. Donna d Peter 8, -9, -10,

Isuzu (George Camilleri, Steve Mathieson, Mark Stam) d Mazda (Judy Zahn, Doug Dungavell, Niro) 8-3. George d Doug 10, -8, 7, -10, 5.

Nissan (Duncan Treloar, Simon Hogan, Will VanDeKaa) d Honda (Jye Callander, Leo Gilbert, Jason Hodda) 9-2. Simon d Jason 7, -11,-8, 6,10.

Division 3:

Fiat (Trent Day, YiLin Jiang, Aarnav Reelh) d Ford (Ollie Hamelink, Misha Palod, Tiffany Camilleri) 10-1. Trent d Ollie 10, 9, -8, -11, 8.

Alfa (Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhaliwal, Craig VanDeKaa) d Holden (Anaya Reelh, Saisha Palod) 8-3. Kade d Saisha 9, 7, -10, -8, 4.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures February 27, 2022:

Division 1:

Cheetahs (Donna Abbott, Doug Dungavell, Val Austin) d Pumas (George Camilleri, Coral Morgan) 8-4. Donna d George -6, 7, 9, 5.

Jaguar (Branko Vucurovic, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) d Tigers (Delma Knight, Noreen Fredericksen, John McGee) 7-5. Peter d Noreen -9, 7, -4, 4, 7.

Lions (Tony Bowman, Pam Joyce, Bryan Marshall) d Leopards (Steve Mathieson, Judy Zahn) 8-4. Steve d Pam 2, -10, 8, -8, 7.

Division 2:

Cyan (Robyn Bushell, Marie Taylor, Louise Gould) d Lime (Helen Ware, Fred Saliba, Tiffany Camilleri) 9-3. Tiffany d Marie -8, 6, 9, -11, 4.

Aqua (Don Boettcher, Gloria Vella, Gerry Synnott) d Teal (Ken Best, Kim Daffy, Kim Challender) Kim d Gerry -9, 10, 3, -10, 10.

Division 3:

Sapphires (Carnel Cristaldi, Madge Saunders, Darryl Ross) d Diamonds (Frank Caruana, Bill Hey) 8-4. Darryl d Bill 8, -9, 3, -7, 2.

Emeralds (Charles Hamlett, Thelma Caruana) drew Rubies (Sharon Muller, Allison Day) 5-all. Sharon d Charles -8, -8, 6, 3, 11.

‍

Contributed by Charlie Payne

‍

Caption: Kim Daffy in action in Tuesday morning fixtures

‍

Players at the Gold Coast Congress (GCC) had a fantastic week of cards, friends, laughter, and food. Players had mixed results, with Diane and Max Holewa taking out third place in the Iva Dahler Butler Swiss Pairs Intermediate category. Annie Lynch and Sandra Morris came fifth in the Bobby Richmond Novice Pairs Championship, while taking out the Qld Novice Pairs.

Weekly Results

Monday 26 February 2024 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Geoffrey Patterson / Terrence Sheedy

1st

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd

Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

2nd

Marilin Robins / Mick Robins

3rd

Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes

3rd

Victor Mason / Antonia Taradas

Tuesday Evening 27 February 2024 – 3 Table One Winner Green Points

1st

Janelle Conroy / Eric Lievesley

2nd

Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

3rd

Susan Gibson / Karen Cadwell

4th

Terry Sheedy / Mick King

Wednesday 28 February 2024 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

1st

Sandy Patterson / Geoff Patterson

2nd

Thomas Block / Ellrae Trueman

2nd

David Ting / Eric Goodchild

3rd

Noel Saunders / Mary Rose Ramsden

3rd

Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th

Ming Ting / Debra Goodchild

4th

Terry Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

Thursday Evening 29 February 2024 – 5 Table One Winner

1st

Annie Lynch / Geoff Taylor

2nd

Susan Gibson / Karen Cadwell

3rd

Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy

4th

Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

Friday 1 March 2024 – Week 5 of 24 Week NWP - 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Ming Ting / David Ting

1st

Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

2nd

Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2nd

Lorna Shuttlewood / Debra Goodchild

3rd

Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild

3rd

Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th

Edward Kleise / Nancy Wix

4th

Geoff Cowan / Geoffrey Patterson

5th

Anne Lutz / Diane Cox

5th

Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill

Saturday 2 March 2024 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

E/W

1st

Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild

1st

Geoff Cowen / Sandy Patterson

2nd

Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

2nd

Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

3rd

Ian Gaskell / Terry Sheedy

3rd

David Ting / Ming Ting

4th

Patricia Garner / Julie O’Neill

4th

Monica Darley / Kath Poole

‍

Contributed by Joy Block

‍

Captions

Faye Wright and Christine Nice at GCC

‍

Sunday morning saw the return of the Premier League for 2024 at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club. We’ve had a few new faces join the ranks this season, and a few stalwarts who decided to call it a day. 

We have 9 players, and 18 rounds of league action this year, with the top 6 players advancing to the finals series in September.

First up saw a debutant in Naomi Mitchell, who’s only our second ever female contestant in the league. Naomi started her campaign off with a bang, casually dispatching Hawkeye Rick by a score of 7 legs to 3. It’s a great start to the season for Naomi, getting 2 valuable points on the board early is never a bad thing.

Next up was the current Xmas Open champion Joe Wilson taking on Jamie Maher, runner up in the league from two seasons ago. 

This match in truth was closer than it should have been. Joe was in total control in the scoring department, but struggled on the outer ring. Jamie had to take full advantage of Joe’s inability to finish legs, and did so by knocking 3 legs on the bounce to go from 5/2 down to 5 all, much to the annoyance of his counterpart.

In the end however, Joe was a different class, and showed it by going up a gear when he needed too, and in the end he managed to just about getting over the line in a tough hard fought win by 7 legs to 5.

In the final game of the round we saw Kameron Reason taken on Art McMinn. Both men have come into this season off the back of an improved second half of the year last year, and both would be expecting to kick on this year.

No doubt they see each other as rivals for a finals berth this season, and nothing separated them in their first meeting of the year. 

Kameron found himself 3 nil down, but dug deep and rallied to claw himself back into the match. From then until the end nothing could separated the boys, each claiming an opening day point with the match finishing in a 6 all stalemate.

Thanks to our sponsors Mika Airlie, Whitsunday Tattooing and Master Butchers Whitsundays for coming on board with us again in 2024. To keep up to date with the club and competitions, follow us on Facebook.

‍

Naomi Mitchell in action claiming a win in her first appearance at the club. Photo supplied

‍

The first 3 days of March 2024 saw 8 swimmers head to Mackay for the Swimming North Queensland Championships.

First up on Friday night were team relays. Our swimmers swam in an impressive 9 relays and had loads of fun. This was a great team building exercise for all swimmers, with mixed and same gender relays being swum.

First up on Day 2, was the traditional team March Past. A huge thank you to Emma Alexander for her creative organising and making of costumes for our swimmers. We had a great little coral reef system marching.

Day 2 was the biggest day in the pool with Hayden Alexander achieving a whooping PB of 4.35sec in the 12 years 50m Fly and 4.82sec PB in 100m Breaststroke. Leyton Alexander smashed his 11years Backstroke time with 43.31 (1.19sec PB). Sister Jayde Alexander absolutely blitzed the 100m 10 years Breaststroke with an 8.76sec PB, showing us why Breaststroke is her favourite stroke.

Chloe Eldridge swam her heart out in the 100m 10 years Freestyle and rewarded herself with an impressive 8.51sec PB. Maddison Watson had her biggest PB of the weekend in the 13 years 100m Freestyle, taking 10.30sec off her time. Despite having an injured knee, Maddie kept pushing herself all the way. Axel Yuskan achieved PB’s in all 5 of his swims over the weekend, his biggest being 3.39 sec in 11years 50m Backstroke.

This year saw 13 years and over 50m & 100m races have Final heats at the end of the sessions. Our 2 senior swimmers, Mae Carter-Attwood, and Alex Yuskan both had podium finishes throughout the weekend.

Alex - 3rd, 16-years boys 50m backstroke

3rd, 16-years boys 50m butterfly

2nd,16-years boys 100m breaststroke

1st, 16-years boys 50m breaststroke – Nth Queensland 50m Breaststroke Champion Men’s 16-year-old

2nd, 16-years boys 100m breaststroke

Mae - 3rd, 16-years girls 50m backstroke

2nd, 16-years girls 50m breaststroke

2nd, 16 years girls 50m freestyle

This weekend was a weekend of fast racing, amazing swimming, numerous, incredible PB’s by every, single swimmer & sensational new memories being made.

The Whitsunday Swimming Club would like to thank all the parents who make these weekends happen by supporting our swimmers every step of the way. Thank you also goes to, Swimming North Queensland, for organising a terrific championship event for 2024.

Our biggest thanks must go to Coach Jenny Rush for all her efforts, patience, and training with our swimmers. Our swimmers are going places and achieving big because of Jenny & her brilliant coaching and dedication.  

‍

Contributed with thanks to Amanda Yuskan.

‍

All photos – Photos supplied

‍

Ahead of the upcoming season for the regions’ rugby league, the Whitsunday Sportspark are eager to host a titular preseason match of the stalwart sides of the Townsville Rugby League.

This one off game perfectly coincides with a bye for the Whitsundays Brahams, so why not fill in that time with witnessing this match not to be missed!

Between the likely competitors of the Burdekin Rooster and the Townsville Brothers, this A grade Men’s trial match is set to set the field on fire with great plays, fast foot work and unbelievable rugby league.

Kick off is 5.30pm, with gates open from 4.30pm. With a full bar available, with some of the best roast rolls and chips in the area, check it out next weekend.

WHAT: TRL Preseason Rugby League

WHERE: Whitsunday Sportspark
WHEN: Saturday March 16, from 4.30pm
TICKETS: $5 entry for adults at the gate. Under 18 and pension card holder free entry 

‍

Saturday was the first round of the Men’s Local Pennants with BBC v Wangaratta B.C. with Wangaratta winning the first round.

Friday night bowls are still going strong.

Monday and Tuesday it is the Ladies Four Competition with 64 ladies from different towns participating. A busy week for our club.

‍

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

‍