Conditions were steamy with the occasional nuisance shower, but play wasn’t interrupted at all. Although the field was smaller than usual with only 17 players, Christmas festivities and Handiskins kept a few of the regulars away, there was, as always, a very amicable competitive spirit in play.

LADIES All GRADES:

Winner: Jacqui Wall with 36 points

Runner-up: Anna Winterbourn with 34

Longest Drive: Elise Hodgson (A) - just on the outer perimeter and Pam Casey (B).

MEN’S A GRADE:

Winner: Chris Bartlett with 39 points

Runner-up: Darrren Reynolds with 33

Longest Drive: Darrren Reynolds

MEN’S B GRADE:

Winner: Wilf Herweg with 40 points

Runner-up: Leigh Jones with 37

Longest Drive: Peter Fox

NTPs:

For the ladies: Penny Wardroper and Jacqui Wall

For the men: Jason Bourke, Leigh Jones, and Clay Coles

NAGAs: the honours went to Ron Jamieson and Elise Hodgson, Elise couldn’t make the presentation so it went to Pam Casey, a drink courtesy of Aaron and Tracy Watts.

NEXT WEEK: will be the Dec MM/least putts in conjunction with the 2023 Medal of Medals, get your names in early for the last competition of the 2023, so we can play in a block between 7 and 8 am.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

‍Chris Bartlett, Pam Casey, Wilf Herweg and Jacqui Wall. Photo supplied

‍

The Whitsunday Running Club had an amazing season this year!

Local runners were able to test their skills against competitors from all over Australia and overseas in the three major events that the club organised, namely: the North Queensland Cross Championship in March, North Queensland Marathon Championship in July, and the Whitsunday Trail Festival in September.

Members of the club travelled extensively throughout Australia and the World to showcase their colours and market the Whitsundays. Six of the members took part in the Medoc Marathon in France, one in the half marathon in Lisbon, Portugal, one in the Mont-Blanc Ultra Trail through France, Italy and Switzerland and two in the Maybank Bali marathon. Several members also ran in parkruns in Wales, Scotland, and England.

In Australia they competed in the ‘last one standing’ Dead Cow Gully near Brisbane and the Coast to Mount Kosciusko, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and many more.

The highlight of the year was the Athletics North Queensland Awards night where the achievements of the club were recognised by Athletics North Queensland (Queensland Athletics representatives in the north).

Mark McConkey was given a ‘Merit Award’ in recognition of his outstanding services to the sport of athletics in North Queensland. Mark is a founding member of the Whitsunday Running Club and has continuously served on the committee and coached athletes over the past eleven years.

The Whitsunday Running Club (Club of the year), Aimee Sulzberger (Recreational Runner of the Year) and Liv Compton (Recreational Runner of the Year) were all finalists in their categories.

Aimee won the Recreational Runner of the Year trophy in recognition of her wins in the 10km and 6km North Queensland Cross Country Championships, gold in the Airlie Beach Marathon Festival 10km, gold in the Whitsunday Trail Festival 10.5km and gold in the Townsville Marathon Festival.

Tim McQuoid-Mason, President of the Whitsunday Running Club said: “The running talent in the Whitsundays has developed over the past few years into a formidable pool of runners capable of competing against the best in Queensland, Australia and the World, they are all fantastic ambassadors for the Whitsundays!”

‍

Whitsunday Running Club President Tim McQuoid-Mason, Aimee, Mark, Karen Maddock, Liv, Rebecca Hadley, Michael Hadley and Ella Maddock at the Athletics NQ Awards

Aimee, Tim and Mark at the Athletics NQ Awards

Aimee Award at the Athletics NQ Awards

Mark Award at the Athletics NQ Awards. Photos supplied

‍

Whitsunday Touch has rounded off the 2023 season, with a massive celebration earlier this week.

The overall winning teams are:

A Grade - GET Touch

B Grade - Whitmonday Eagles

C Grade - Flametree Flames

Family Grade - Untouchables

‍

The weekly 9-hole stableford saw Scott Morrissey in first place with 24 pts, second with 22 pts Jane Muller and third David Wallace on 21 pts. We also had a couple of holes in one this week Jane Muller on hole 5 and Glenn Rees on hole 8.

Fridays 9-hole stableford saw Tim Walton take the win with 23 pts, second place with 19 pts Alan Clinch and third place with 18 pt c/b Gary Goddard.

Sundays 4 ball better ball was a great turn out, a top effort for our winners Glenn Rees and Rob Lodders with a 48.75 NETT, second place saw Edwina Pettiford and Troy Pettiford with 48.75 NETT and third place with a 50.5 NETT was Alan Clinch and David Wallace.

Nearest the pin was Troy Pettiford and Dom Lipski.

This Sunday 26th Nov will be our monthly medal and second match play qualifier, tee off 8am – 10am. Hope to see you all there.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

‍

Gary Goddard. Photo supplied

‍

Thirty Whitsunday players competed in a stroke competition which was also Round 2 of the Club championships for those who were eligible. It was warm and steamy out there as the course did not get the coastal sea breezes - they’re a hardy lot who know how to stay fresh on the course. Scoring indicated the state of the course with lots of run on the fairways and some very accurate (and some very lucky) putts on the greens.

Championship winners will be revealed at the presentation evening to be held at the Reef Gateway on 9th December.

LADIES A GRADE:

Winner: Anna Winterbourn with nett 69

Runner-up: Tiina Randmae with 71

Longest Drive: Robyn Whitham

LADIES B GRADE:

Winner: Tina Cook with nett 77 on a countback from

Runner-up: Joanne Moynihan

Longest Drive: Joanne Moynihan

Well done, Tina, that will keep you keen, keep on keeping on.

MEN’S A GRADE:

Winner: Darren Reynolds with an excellent nett 67

Runner-up: Jason Whitney, a win on any other day with 69

Longest Drive: Jason Whitney

MEN’S B GRADE

Winner: Ron Jamieson with nett 67 - another excellent score

Runner-up: Peter Fox with 69, same comment, a winning score on any other day

Longest Drive: Paul Nicol

NTPs:

For the ladies: Penny Wardroper, Pam Casey. and Karen Rix

For the men: Darren Reynolds, Mark McDougal, and Wayne Temby

Best dressed: The dress code for the day was men in pink, ladies in blue - the winners were Joanne Moynihan and George Meharry in their unplanned matching gear of “toucan” shirts, featuring both blue and pink - hard to beat.

NAGAs: The honours went to Karen Rix and Wilf Herweg, who received a drink courtesy of Aaron and Tracy Watts. Obviously, you have to be there to enjoy the drink, so Jalen and Elise missed out this time.

RAFFLE: Tiina Randmae was the lucky winner of the raffle prize, a Harry Brown gift card, that’ll be a lovely bottle of gin.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

‍

Peter Fox, Joanne Moynihan, Tina Cook, Anna Winterbourn, Ron Jamieson and Tiina Randmae. Photo supplied

‍

Playing with a handicap of 8, Jayden Lloyd had a sensational 4-under par to blitz Saturday's Hayman Electrical stroke event with a 58 nett.

Chris Pham was second in the A division with 67.

Wayne Fitzgerald with 68 won the B division from Jackson Gray on 68.

Pins went to Jalen Jarvis, Rob Stanley, Mick Hamilton, and Jayden Lloyd.

The ladies section winner was Lyn Muller on 72 from Penny Wardroper on 73 with the pins going to Pauline Redpath and Penny Wardroper.

Tuesday's monthly medal saw Jake Murray with 67 beat Ned Davies by a shot while Leanne Alexander on 70 beat Paula McQuat by two. Pins went to Kev Cooper, Elspeth Scotford, John Grosskreutz and Aaron Prosser.

Diane Chard won Wednesday's Airllywood stableford with 41 from Anna Winterbourn on 38 with the pins going to Tiina Randmae, Diane Chard, Marlene Gray and Paula McQuat.

Matthew Muller edged Steve Stewart to win the A division of Thursday's stableford with Peter Elms on 37 beating Laurie Dakin by three for the B division. Pins went to Gary Scotford, Jesse Leveque, Ryan Wilkes, and Chris Pham.

The Friday Met run saw Karlene Lloyd with 20 points beat Sam Deicke by two while Sam Deicke and Kevin Gosney won the pin shots.

With a net 61, Jack Paroz won Sunday's competition from Tom O'Brien on 67 while Anna Winterbourn with 67 beat Tiina Randmae by two. Pins went to Luke Paroz, Ben Smith, Scott Morrissey, Wayne Temby, and Karen Rix with two pins.

Jon Miller is the 2023 A grade match play champion. Shane Whitney is the B grade champion and Louis Neethling is the C grade match play champion.

Contributed with thanks to Rod Wecker.

‍

On Wednesday, men and ladies played a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies’ winner with a great score of 44pts was Tanya Gaudry, runner up Leanne Swan 40pts.  

Men’s winner also with a great score of 43pts was Joshua Fraser, runner up Reg Goldup 40pts.

On Saturday, we played a single stableford sponsored by Roger Vandenberg from Proserpine Pro Shop.  

Ladies’ winner on a countback was Robyn Slade 36pts, 2nd place Helen Russell 36pts, 3rd place Lorraine McArthur 36pts.  

Men’s winner was John Martin 41pts, 2nd on a countback Douglas Power 40pts, 3rd Mark Russell 40pts.  

Pin Shots to Lisa Raisbeck, Robyn Slade, Tanya Gaudry, Lorrene Bell-Chambers, Mark Tilbrook, Peter Randle, Collin Pett, Kurt Gaudry, Jonnie Smith.

This weekend is a single stableford event for the Frank and Gloria Bidgood Memorial.  There will be NO joker draw this Friday as it is the member’s presentation night.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

‍

John Martin, Robyn Slade, sponsor Roger Vandenberg and Helen Russell. Photo supplied

‍

On Tuesday, winners were Deb Retchless, Merle Elphinstone, and Allan Rolfe who defeated Bron Tolcher, Irene Laird, and Geoff Danvers. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Competitions results: On Saturday our Club Mixed Fours was played out. Laurie Land, Denise Wallace, Penny Warren, and Allan Rolfe defeated Robyn Stitt, Merle Elphinstone, Isobel Wheeler, and Mark Drummond.

Tracey Roach, Crowie Kennedy, and Whitton Lloyd White defeated Lyn Danvers, Sue Shearing, Peter Hinschen, and Geoff Danvers.

The final was played in the afternoon with a very close finish the last bowl deciding the game. The winners were Tracey Roach, Crowie Kennedy, Whitton Lloyd White defeating Laurie Land, Denise Wallace, Penny Warren, and Allan Rolfe.  

On Sunday Mixed Pairs was played with Penny Warren and Alan Rolfe defeated Lyn Danvers and Goeff Danvers.

On Sunday Steve and Garth from Hervey Bay joined our members in a social game. Winners for afternoon were Robyn Stitt, Penny Warren, and Pat Tracey defeated Lyndi Suann, Irene Laird, and Alby.

Jim and Kennedy defeated Kevin and Steve. Garth’s team defeated Laurie’s team. The jackpot didn’t go off  

Don’t forget our Bowls Section AGM’s are on Sunday Morning at 9am followed by lunch at 12noon and if you are up to it social bowls in the afternoon.

Contributed with thanks from Penny Warren,

‍

Linda Scells and Bron Tolcher enjoying Social Bowls Sunday. Photo supplied

‍

On Wednesday we had twelve players enjoying bowls at the new Summertime opening hours of names in by 2.30pm and bowls from 3pm.  

Jim Bownds, Bruce Uhe and Philip Brown defeated John Anderson, Pat Bownds and Mike Harrison 22 – 17.

Lee King, Barry Zillmann, and Heather Brown defeated Arthur Griffith, Mary Hedgelong and Sandy Daffara 28 - 16.

On Friday night the club was opened for an evening of Barefoot Bowls and Proserpine really responded well with 52 bowlers enjoying an evening of bowls and a sausage sizzle.  

Thank you to our club members who made this possible by organising the event, the BBQ, the bowls, and the bar.  

For those who are interested, keep your eye open for the next Friday night event.

On Sunday we had 9 bowlers enjoying an afternoon of bowls.  

Alan Pershouse and Philip Brown defeated Bruce Uhe and Arthur Griffith 35 -9.

Lee King, Sandy Daffara and Heather Brown defeated Mary Hedgelong, Sandy Daffara and Mike Harrison 25 – 22.

In this game the score was 22 all at the end of the 20th end.

‍

Well summer is almost here and it couldn't come sooner as the quality of bowls at our little club is sizzling.

No bowls again on Tuesday due to no water, however Wednesday afternoon Jackpot Bowls run by Rick Galea, and marvellous Merve Stewart saw new bowler Arthur McManus showing all how much his practice has paid off whom with Shane Spann runaway winners on the day, and it was the Men's Singles champion Alan Pershouse who went home with the prestigious Health Hub award.

Saturday morning Scroungers capably organised by John Askew saw first round winners Margo Stanley, Shaz Harper again showing her skills and Mark Mawson play in the final, but no one could get close to our club coach Margo Stanley with an emphatic victory, whilst Andy McDougall won the B Grade prize.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls ably organised by Lyn Graham saw skipper Stephen Lawrie, with lead Paul Osborne back to his best and Tony Kelly too good for the rest of the field however it must be stated that the team of Rick Galea at skipper with Robin Brown at Lead and Lyn Graham at second played some extraordinary bowls and all three players could easily have lit the BBQ without using a match because they were on fire too.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

‍

Our team that came fourth at North Mackay against all clubs Manny Isgro, Shane Spann, Ash Warland, and Betty Nicole. Photo supplied

‍

AFL Sessions

The Whitsunday Sea Eagles are looking for their next female super stars!

All ladies, aged 16 years old and above, are welcome to attend a series of ‘Come and Try AFL’ afternoons throughout the end of November and early December.

Designed for any women who are wishing to sign up for the 2024 season or wish to try out a new sport, these afternoons are perfect for seasoned players and newcomers.

All fitness levels are welcome and are at no cost to participants.

Contact Chris Morrison 0428 874 409, or message the club on their Facebook page at Whitsunday Sea Eagles AFL Club.

WHAT: Come and Try Women’s AFL

WHEN:

November 30, at 5.30pm

December 7, at 5.30pm

December 14, at 5.30pm

WHERE:

Whitsunday Sportspark

‍

The Cannonvale Cannons thoroughly enjoyed racing in the GBR meet held in Mackay over the weekend. The coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden were impressed with all the swimmers.  

14 years and older swimmers: Remy Hedges and Ehsan Helou won most of their individual events.  Tiana Bell swam PBs in all her events and won medals for her Breaststroke races. Jack Ganter swam a brilliant 200m Backstroke in 2.56.30, 14.7sec PB to earn 1st place. Holly Perrin, Noah Maltby, Jacob Bell, and Anisa Helou medaled in most of their events.  

11 – 13 years:  Charlie Doherty and Thomas Ganter swam PBs and won medals in most of their events.  Zach Trefz, Nelson Malady, Tora Delac, Matilda Nicholes, Isabella Pisaniello, and Andie Reynolds swam PBs and were very happy with their medal awards. Isaac Pisaniello swam 200m Breaststroke with a massive 67sec PB. Dylan Reynolds swam PBs in her 50m Fly and 100m Breaststroke.  

10 and 11 years: Don Algie swam 6PBs and medaled in all his events. Jax Clayworth left one of his best swims until the end, he swam an excellent 100m Freestyle I 2.48.85 and took out 1st place. Declan Dichiera swam 5PBs and swam huge 22.11sec PB in the 200m Freestyle to earn an excellent time of 3.16.36. Jasper Korosec achieved 4 PBs and 3rd place in 50m Breaststroke. Celeste Orenshaw swam 5PBs and won 4 medals. Addie Sanders swam a super 100m Breaststroke. Indi Smith swam extremely well to achieve 5PBs.

9 years and under: Eloise Chegwidden, Alex Trefz, Harris Delac and Lucas Korosec had a successful weekend winning medals in all their events. Harry Chegwidden swam 2PBs and was excited with his 3rd place in 25m Breaststroke. Zane Clayworth achieved 2nd place for his 50m Free, 3rd for his 50m Fly and took over 2 sec off his Breaststroke.  Maeve Dichiera swam very well in Freestyle and Breaststroke. Evelyn Doherty swam 2PB and her best events were 100m and 50m Breaststroke. Eric Mulliss swam 2 PBs and came 3rd in his 50m Backstroke.

Congratulations Cannons!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

‍

Cannons at GBR Nov 2023. Photo supplied

‍

The National Rifle Association Australia (NRAA) Kings event is over for another year, seeing two members of Mackay District Target Rifle Association (MDTRA) dominate the three-day competition.

Father and daughter duo, Terry and Kylah Norris brought home the wins, with Terry in 1st place and 17-year-old Kylah in 2nd place in the Grand Aggregate and Sport/Hunter Production Class Open categories for the Kings competition.

The Kings competition held twenty-four matches over three days. The power duo put the Norris name in lights, scoring the top rankings by the end stage of the competition.

Day one of the Kings campaign started off slow and steady, dropping a few points compared to their rivals in the competition. Terry acknowledged the stern words of advice they had received that night from other shooters, being told not to give up and to aim for the combined aggregate of the two competitions.

He concerned himself with how he and Kylah could turn things around, going into day two taking both 900m range wins, both scoring a clean 50.9.

They took on the 1000y with tricky conditions. Kylah shot a 48.5 and a 50.4, while Terry shot a 49.4 and a 49.6. At the end of this day, Terry had the day two aggregate win, with Kylah following closely behind in second.

At this stage, Terry was tied in first place overall with Wu Lau, who held the lead for most of the competition, with Kylah in third.

Day three of the Kings competition saw the duo clearing both 1000y matches with clean shots.

Terry commented, “On the last day, both Kylah and I didn’t drop a single shot whereas everybody else dropped one or more”.

“It’s such a hard, long distance to shoot over, lots of wind and different variables there and we kept it all together.

“I loved watching her shoot her last round, I jumped down and gave her a big hug. I knew she’d come second at that point.”

Kylah took both wins for the 1000y events and the day three daily aggregate win. The finishing overall total for Kylah was an impressive 545.71, leaving winner Terry on 546.55.

The duo were both ecstatic with their performances at the Kings event, with Kylah positively baffled that her and Dad had both secured the top spots in a national competition.

‍

Terry and Kylah Norris at the NRAA Kings event

Kylah staying focused on her target

Terry lining up his next shot

Photos supplied

‍

Premiership front runners Brothers and Norths Devils produced an enterprising run fest in a quality Poole Cup first grade showdown in the Mackay Cricket Association competition last weekend.

In a fine exhibition of batting, the Brothers top order featured prominently to help set up a crucial 18-run victory at Harrup Park’s George Gorrie Oval.

Talented opener Wiets Buys led the way with a stylish 63 off 90 balls that included eight boundaries and a six with support from Joseph Hackney (41), skipper Matthew Wicks (39), club stalwart Chris Dunn (37) and 15-year-old young gun Jack Law (33 off 34 balls) as Brothers posted an impressive total of 252.

Buys shared an opening stand of 58 with Wicks before combining with Hackney for a second wicket partnership of 74.

Dunn, a St Patrick’s College Mackay cricket mentor, also demonstrated his vast experience by adding 65 runs for the fourth wicket with schoolboy prodigy Law.

Pacemen Kerrod Tortora (3-62) and Mason Kohler (29) and off spinner Lachlan Brett were the pick of the Devils’ bowlers.

Dashing Norths batsmen Darryn Dyer (59) and Chris Day (43) provided an ideal springboard for their team in reply – blasting an opening stand of 104 to keep the Devils in the hunt.

The flamboyant Dyer faced 33 balls and cracked four sixes and six boundaries while Day carved out five boundaries and two sixes during his 37-ball knock.

Other batsmen to contribute were Jason Butterworth (35 runs off 48 deliveries), all rounder Tortora (23) and the Kohler siblings Mason (21) and Lane (20) as the Devils came perilously close to sinking the competition leaders.

Brothers’ off spinner Cameron Tomerini (3-47), quick Mitch Wadsworth (3-66), the fearless Law (1-19), wily Dunn (1-34) and Floris Duvenhage (1-32) grabbed key wickets in a tense finish.

PIONEER VALLEY continued the Magpies’ woes by recording a thirty run triumph at the Magpies Sports Ground.

The Valley posted 8-149 off their 40 overs with top knocks by Cody Filewood (52) and Lochi Whitehead (48) and an unbeaten 14 from Jade Filewood.

Missing five key players, the Magpies applied plenty of pressure with the ball with 16-year-old rookie quick Myles Cochrane stamping his mark.

In only his second top grade appearance, the Whitsunday Anglican schoolboy snared 3-25 in a lively seven over spell with support from spin twins Isaac Borg (2-23) and Liam Zurvas (2-28).

Turning point was the crucial second wicket partnership of 99 by Valley batsmen Cody Filewood and Whitehead.

Magpies’ premiership-winning skipper Ben Zurvas bounced back to form with a classy 47 and kept his side on track with a vital seventh wicket stand of 44 with Isaac Borg (25) after the home side were reeling at 6-67.

Valley pace ace Bailey Camilleri grabbed 4-18 off eight overs to give the visitors the edge with support from Cody Filewood (2-13), skipper Tim Cridland (2-15) and Harry Kirkwood (2-33).

A SUPERB half century from legendary Walkerston keeper-batsman Sam Vassallo piloted his team to a stunning victory over Souths at Great Barrier Reef Arena.

The Mackay-Whitsunday Open mens representative skipper smashed 72 off 59 balls as Walkerston (5-184) eclipsed Souths (4-183) in a hard-fought tussle.

Vassallo hit seven boundaries and a six during his epic knock and shared a vital second wicket partnership of 84 with St Patrick’s College schoolboy ace Etienne Pretorius (35 runs off 51 balls).

Jakob Frerichs chipped in with an important 23 runs for the Walkerston warriors.

Souths registered a competitive 4-183 with top contributions from Liam Burgess (64), Shaun Austin (35), Muhammed Wahab (33) and Kellen Powell (26 not out).

Burgess clouted nine boundaries and a six in a classic display and shared an opening stand of 72 with Wahab to ignite the Souths innings.

Left arm spinner Pretorius (2-28) and off spinner Jacob Christensen (2-42) spearheaded the Walkerston bowling attack.

‍

Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club recently host the 32nd annual North Australian Titles, which saw more than a thousand lifesavers, water safety, carnival officials and spectators descended on Mackay’s beautiful Harbour Beach. The surf conditions at the carnival were very challenging for lifesavers with a 5.8m high tide coupled with a 2-metre swell. The surf was pumping and so were the competitors.

Mackay SLSC Director of Surf Sports, Josh Grant said “The club is very proud of our small but strong competition group, from the nippers in U11’s to our masters.

“To see our competitors take on the best of the best in the North and achieve some great results, is a credit to the culture and commitment we have at our club.  

“The feedback I have received from visiting clubs is that they love coming here and competing at one of the best beaches in Queensland. I would just like to thank all the clubs that made the effort and travelled to Mackay to the North Aussies, we hope to see you next year!”

The club had some standout achievements placing 6th overall and attaining a 2nd place in the March Past.

“It was very pleasing to see our U11 competitor Harry Madden take out Age Champion, as well as having Zara Richardson, Nate McKinnon, Joe Madden and Cadence McKinnon selected for the Queensland Country team based on their outstanding results.” Mr Grant said.  

“It’s a fantastic result to place with the best of the best of Northern Australia.  The club is going from strength to strength, and we are now preparing our lifesavers for Branch Titles in a few weeks.”

‍

Mackay SLSC March Past team took out 2nd position.

Under 15 Board Rescue Champions Zara Richardson and Molly Madden

Under 15 Nate McKinnon (2nd from right) at the start of the Ironman before placing 1st

Kody Amos Under 11 taking on the surf at Mackay Harbour Beach

Joe “Jingle Bells” Madden U13 after taking out 2nd place in the board race

Zara Richardson Under 15 at the end of board race in big swells at the Harbour

Under 11 Age Champion Harry Madden coming in 2nd

‍