Over 5000 people flocked to the Proserpine Junior Sporting Complex last weekend, for the mammoth Paul Bowman Challenge.

This two-day rugby league carnival saw over 80 junior rugby league teams, from all across Queensland, come together for a weekend of social sport, perfecting techniques, and practicing moves, with each of the 1180 players keen to take to the field.

In honour of Paul Bowman, a North Queensland Toyota Cowboy, who was the first Proserpine/Whitsunday Brahman to play for Queensland in the State of Origin, the challenge is big on the Junior Rugby League calendar and promotes good sportsmanship, comradery, participation, and encouragement.

“It was a really great weekend of great sportsmanship and participation,” said Justin Follett, the Proserpine/Whitsunday Junior Rugby League President.

“Although the games are unscored, the Brahams played brilliantly, and they’ve improved throughout the season. It was a great weekend of junior footy.”

The Paul Bowman Challenge marked the end of the rugby league season, with players giving their all on the field.

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The Proserpine/Whitsunday Brahams played brilliantly at the Paul Bowman challenge. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

On Saturday, September 9, the North Mackay Bowls club celebrated 75 years. The club was opened in 1948 with 97 male members and 20 female members. Since then, the club has gone from strength to strength, and now has 16 greens, a restaurant, coffee bar, a large poker machine room and two function rooms. Plans to expand the club further are under discussion.

The anniversary was celebrated by a free day for members, with the men playing two games of 12 ends followed by lunch and presentations. Martin Corr, from Bowls Queensland presented a plaque to bowls President, Eric Galletly to mark the occasion as well as presenting a gift to two life members who were playing, Ray McCarthy and Ron Bowers.

There was $500 in prize money and the first NMBC winner was the team of Peter Miller, lead, Tony Allsop, second, Les McDermott third with Chris Banney as skip.

The Board Chairman, Neal Blucher also made a speech outlining some of the club’s history. This was followed by an open bar tab and live entertainment. The women members joined in the celebrations later in the afternoon.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

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Chris Banney accepts the prize money from bowls president Eric Galletly on behalf of his team, Peter Miller, Tony Allsop and Les McDermott

Bowls President Eric Galletly outlines the days competition to members

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Big changes are coming to PCYC Whitsundays, with a massive refurbishment of the gymnastics area.

Aligned to take place in the September school holidays, by October 3, all new gymnastics equipment will greet children and youth as they partake in PCYC’s gymnastics programs.

“Our gymnastic programs started roughly two years ago, and now we have close to 250 kids enrolled or involved in the program,” explained Sergeant Billy Li, Youth Club Manager.

The incoming equipment includes a tumble trampoline, brand new parallel bars, uneven bars, and balance beams.

“A lot of kids that have been involved in our program have always dreamed of having a tumble trampoline, and now the kids have finally got that, and the coaches are super excited,” he said.

The PCYC will also unveil two new programs for kids to participate in.

“We’re in the position where we’re able to kick off a few more classes for boys,” explained Jess Ferguson, Member Services Team Leader for PCYC Whitsundays.

“This term, we’re going to do an all-boys bronze gymnastics.

“We are also introducing some more of our of Free G classes, which is more freestyle gymnastics, less pointy toes, more ninja styles,” she said.

Sgt Billy said the new equipment will be a community asset, for everyone to access.

“This equipment will help our high-level gymnasts in terms of tumbling, and we’re going to be able strengthen the skills of our gymnasts will all aspects of gymnastics,” he explained.

“Eventually, down the line, we hope we’ll be able to offer specialised classes, but at the moment, we are focussing on expanding and making the programs better than what we’re already offering.”

Along with the new equipment and mats, the gym will have a revised layout and new lighting.

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Sergeant Billy Li and Jess Ferguson are excited to see a massive refurbishment to the PCYC Whitsundays gymnastics area. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Mackay hosted the U16 Girls State Softball Championships from September 16-18, bringing together players, supporters, and officials from across Queensland. Ten teams from various regions, including Ipswich, Toowoomba, Coral Coast, Rockhampton, Redcliffe, Redlands, Townsville, Maryborough, Suncoast, and Mackay, competed fiercely for the championship. Redlands took out the competition playing Toowoomba in the final.

Mayor Greg Williamson expressed the city's excitement in welcoming softball enthusiasts to the region and wished all participants the best of luck. The tournament featured daily games starting at 8:00 am, with the grand finals captivating audiences on Monday, September 18th, beginning at 1:30 pm.

This event was made possible through the support of Mackay Regional Council's Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction Program, reinforcing their commitment to fostering sports and community engagement.

Softball Queensland CEO Ross Symonds commended the substantial turnout of teams and players in Mackay, emphasising the importance of these state championships. A state squad was selected from this event to defend the National Championships, which the Queensland U16 girls won earlier in January. Symonds also expressed his gratitude for Mackay Regional Council's financial support in making the championships a success.

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As the days get warmer and longer, our bowlers from our little club are getting stronger and we have now got a strong identity in the district with quality bowlers.

Tuesday afternoon, Social Bowls saw a very strong win to skipper Noel Crosbie, whose guile with his stick would have recently departed Nik Fernbach have a huge smile up in heaven.

Noel, with the assistance of Pam Collins at lead and the lovely Maureen Barnard at second, completely demoralised the rest of our bowlers on the day with Shane Spann's team also playing consistently with Robin Brown at lead and Michael Jacometti at second providing valuable assistance.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls capably run by Rick Galea and Mervyn Stewart saw again the guile of Tony Whitehorn with his new red bowls and his strong team of Keith Bates and Graham Cowling too superior for the rest of the field.

Whilst the men's secretary Alan Pershouse was chuffed to take home the prestigious Health Hub award.

Saturday and Sunday saw all the Mens B Grade Champions from every club in our district come to play in the Champion of Champions Singles and after 4 gruelling matches against quality opponents, it was our own John Fielding prevailing over his fierce rivals in what was described as quality and creative bowls to overcome the opposition.

Whilst this was happening, we were also represented at Seaforth with the Fives competition where pairs, triples, singles and fours matches were played with 16 teams from all over Queensland and although they never took home the prize money on offer Ted Cullen, the very competent Warren Mills, consistent Stephen Lawrie, the very gallant John Matterson playing under extreme pain, with Mark Mawson all leaving with great performances and doing our little club proud.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Champion of Champions John Fielding who said goodbye to B Grade in grand style. Photo supplied

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Over fifty Mackay Road Runners and supporters were hosted by Life Members, Merv and Wendy Shields from their Mount Pleasant residence for the annual Shields Stampede 5km and 12km races on Sunday, 17th September.

Runners enjoyed a post-race afternoon tea after the testing, hilly and undulating course through Beaconsfield and Andergrove, returning to the start line in Mount Pleasant.

An excellent effort in the 12km based on scratch start by first male, Toby Rule.

First female, Abi Sweeney also maintained excellent form, placing high amongst the male competitors as well as her female peers.

Nick Rewald and Lily Leven easily completed the 5km, both achieving first place.

The 24th September social trail running event will commence from Eungella Chalet at 8am, with a 6km and 18km to be completed.

Attendees are encouraged to carry hydration at all times, especially during the 18km run.

Check out the Mackay Road Runners page on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest club news and announcements.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Nearly forty runners had a cracking start to the 5k & 12k annual Shields Stampede.

Natalie Lorraway and Carole Dawes having a great time in the 5km event.

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Another Busy Week

Senior Singles Club Competition is now complete.  

On Wednesday Dale Haack defeated Ken Watts 26 - 7; Sandy Daffara withdrew due to prior commitments.

In the first of the Semi Finals, Mike Harrison defeated Luchie Gardel 26 - 16.  

The second Semi Final was played on Sunday afternoon.  

Dale Haack defeated Philip Brown 25 - 7.  

The Final was also played on Sunday afternoon.  

Dale Haack defeated Mike Harrison 25 - 19.  

Unfortunately, Dale won't be able to compete in the Champion of Champions being played at St Helens this coming weekend.

In Social play, on Wednesday Arthur Griffith, Philip Brown, and Alen Sanderson defeated Steve Griffith, Peter Lawton, and Bruce Uhe 21 - 17;  Pat Bownds and Sandy Daffara defeated Jim Bownds and John Anderson 21 - 19.

In Social play on Sunday Bruce Uhe, Margie Burnett, and Mike Harrison/Philip Brown defeated Alen Sanderson, John Burnett, and Peter Lawton 28 - 17.

Nominations have now closed for positions on the Board for the upcoming AGM.  

Please put Saturday, October 7 into your calendars and come to elect the ongoing board and representatives for 2024.  

Meeting starts at 10am.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Whether it’s swimming, athletics or lifesaving, Madison Malagueno is proving herself an emerging athlete to watch.

The Mackay sensation experienced a recent string of success in representative swimming, athletics and cross country events, setting her on a journey that seems destined for 2032 Olympic glory.

A swimmer with Pioneer Swimming Club, Madison qualified for the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships on the back of stellar results at the Queensland Representative School Swimming Championships in March.

The Pioneer Dolphin travelled to Sydney in August for the National Championships held at the Sydney Olympic Aquatic Park.

On the first day of competition, Madison’s Medley Relay Team swam beautifully, medalling silver on the podium with Madison swimming the freestyle leg of the relay.

Madison also made the final in her individual freestyle race, achieving a personal best in her preliminary heat.

While she didn’t podium in the final, she sure made her club proud, swimming amongst the best of the best on a national level.

Be it long or short distance, Madison has also proven her abilities on the running track, where she has been selected to compete at the Queensland Representative School Sports Athletics Championships for all events, held in Brisbane from October 9-10.

She will also be competing at the Athletics North Queensland Championships at the Mackay ARC from September 22-24 where she will compete in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m events.

It’s been a year of athletic achievements that got Madison to these Championships, including placing first in 100m, 200m, 800m and 1500m events at the Southern Suburb School Sports Trials, second in 100m, 200m, 800m and 1500m events at Mackay District School Sports Trials and first in 1500m, second in 200m and 800m and third in 100m events at Capricornia District School Sports Trials.

She’s also found success in cross country events, placing first at Southern Suburb School Trials, second at the Mackay District School Sports Trials, third at the Capricornia District School Trials and 14th at the Queensland Representative School Trials.

Working with coaches Igor Demin of Pioneer Swimming Club and Tina and Luke Morse of ASSET (All Sports, Speed and Endurance Training) has taken Madison’s performance to all new levels, improving substantially under their guidance and mentoring and proving her dedication.

Madison has just started her surf lifesaving season and recently competed at the Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club Carnival at Alma Bay on Magnetic Island.

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Madison Malagueno recently competed at the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships in Sydney

Madison (second from left) and her Medley Relay Team achieved second place

Photo credit: Belinda Rule

Madison and her medals at the Capricornia Trials held in Mackay for Athletics

Madison at the Queensland Cross Country event

Photos supplied

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On Tuesday winners were M Elphinstone, N Adams, and I Laird defeated L Suann, D Retchless, and R Stitt Others were J Vigar, D Walker, and M Drummond defeated I Colenso, B Myers, and A Vigar.

Sunday winners came out on Rink 3.

They were L Nightingall, I Colenso, and R Brunker defeated L Suann, D Walker, and M Drummond, others were K Aykens, P Aykens, and K Whitton defeated J Chadwick, D Retchless, and K Moriarty.

In the Men’s Triples Competition: G Colquhoun, P Hinschen, and G Danvers defeated L Land, K Daniels, and B Beel.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Rolfe.

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Mark Drummond President Lee Nightingall Ian Colenso and absent Sugar Brunker. Photo supplied

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Twenty-four pairs played in the Mackay Barometer Pairs on the weekend of September 2-3, each pair playing 23 other pairs consisting of five boards per game. Lots of bridge was played with players attending from Townsville, Bowen and Rockhampton. Category A was won by a Rockhampton pair of Jan Randall and Don Cameron. Second place went to Janet Hansen and Diane Morgan with Max Holewa and Diane Holewa in 3rd place. Category B 1st - Faye Wright and Christine Nice 2nd - Jan Harris and Helen Van den Broek. Category C 1st – Sandra Morris and Annie Lynch. 2nd – Lydie Martin and Sue Breeze (Bowen)

The Magnetic Island Open Teams event was played in Townsville on the weekend of September 9-10. Mackay team Terry Sheedy, Janelle Conroy, Frances, and Alan Brown took out first place.

Mackay Barometer Pairs Results – Red Points Weekend

Category A Category B Category C

1st Jan Randall / Don Cameron 1st Faye Wright / Christine Nice 1st Sandra Morris / Annie Lynch

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 2nd Jan Harris / Helen Van Den Broek 2nd Lydie Martin / Sue Breeze

3rd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 3rd

Weekly Results

Monday 11 September 2023 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 2nd Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting

3rd Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes 4th Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris

5th Victor Mason / Antonia Tarradas 6th Anne Lutz / Griffin Bancroft

Tuesday Evening 12 September 2023 – 4 Table One Winner Mitchell Green Points

1st Janet Hansen / Faye Wright 2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Diane Morgan / Sandra Morris 4th Eric Leivesley / Simon Barnes

Wednesday 13 September 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd Antonia Tarradas / Joyce Deguara 2nd Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

3rd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown 3rd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

Thursday Evening 14 September 2023 – 4 Table Green Points

1st Patricia Garner / Mick King 1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

2nd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore 2nd Karen Caldwell / Susan Gibson

Friday 15 September 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell 1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

2nd Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix 2nd Frances Brown / Alan Brown

3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 3rd David Ting / Ming Ting

Saturday 16 September 2023 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Roland Taylor / Jarek Taylor 1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 2nd Faye Wright / Christine Nice

3rd Mick King / Jan Harris 3rd Terrence Sheedy / Ian Gaskell

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Barometer Pairs Category A runners up Diane Morgan and Janet Hansen

Barometer Pairs Category C winners Anne Lutz (facilitator), winners Annie Lynch and Sandra Morris

Magnetic Island Teams winners Terrence Sheedy, Frances Brown, Director, Janelle Conroy and Alan Brown

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In a fairy tale ending to the season, both the Premier Men and Women Whitsunday sides took stunning victories in front of hundreds of loyal fans that travelled to Mackay to see the dream come true and history books re-written for the club.

The Women took the field first knowing it would be a hard-fought game against the undefeated Premiership winners Mackay Lions.

Although there was nothing between the two sides, Lions narrowly defeated Whitsunday twice during the season and the two teams played out a draw.

Whitsundays started the game strongly, maintaining most of the possession and pressuring the Lions defence in the first half.

Eventually their patience paid off in the 34th minute with Eva getting on the end of a corner ball put in by Willow.

It took work but with supreme poise Eva managed to place it out of the keepers reach.

The second half saw Lions come out determined to make the goal back.

However, it was Whitsundays who again broke through first with Akema getting on the end of a through-ball by Steph to put one past the keeper from the edge of the box.

Lions weren’t going away and with renewed effort, struck back almost immediately.

They kept the pressure and enthusiasm back and managed to get the equaliser inside the last 10 minutes of the game, sending the game into extra time.

Both teams fought hard for the next 30 minutes, however neither could break the deadlock and the game went to penalties.

Both keepers did well to save the first shots by each team however for Whitsundays Willow, Akema and Lauren put the next three into the net.

Lions missed their fourth penalty leaving it up to our goal keeper Chloe to put the fifth shot away and clinch the game.

The shot wasn’t successful however the Lions keeper was deemed to have come off her line meaning Chloe had a second chance.

Showing nerves of steel, her second shot didn’t miss, winning the grand final for Whitsundays.

A huge congratulations to all the girls and coach Peter on a fantastic season and well deserved Grand Final Victory.

The Premier Men took the field against Magpies as hot favourites but knowing that the Magpies were one team that could really trouble them.

From the outset, the Magpies took the fight to Whitsunday and by pressing hard and fast, the relentless pressure took its toll on the free-flowing Whitsunday game.

A penalty in the first 10 minutes put the Magpies in front which put extra pressure on our boys.

The ball just wasn’t bouncing Whitsunday’s way and frustration was beginning to creep in as Magpies kept up the high tempo pressure, however opportunities for both sides were few.

In a tense affair, Whitsunday slowly started to turn the tide and string some plays together.

When some fresh players came on in the final quarter, Whitsunday exploded and in a flurry of attacking plays, Harry Hodgen put away the equaliser in the 76th minutes and 90 seconds later, Ollie Mitchell scored the winning goal giving the Men’s the double – both winning the Premiership and the Grand Final – repeating last year’s efforts.

An unbelievable evening for Whitsunday United.

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Whitsunday United cheering their win. Photos supplied

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On Wednesday, men and ladies played a single stableford for a club trophy.  

Ladies winner Claire Garrod 36pts, runner up Shirley Thompson 34pts.  

Men’s winner Donald Williams 38pts, runner up John Brown 36pts.

Over the weekend, the Bowen ladies played their Club championships sponsored by Brent Stocker Electrical.

After playing 36 holes for the weekend, the Club champion for 2023 is Claire Garrod – 147, runner up Rhiannon Nott 159, B Grade Gross winner Margaret Need 188, runner up Tanya Gaudry 189, C Grade Gross winner Linda Scells 185, runner up Amanda Parter 197.  

A Grade nett winner Grace Nott, Nett runner up Kanittha Day, B Grade nett winner Morag Parker, Nett runner up Bev Lowcock, C Grade nett winner Judy Atkins, Nett runner up Bonnie Kohlhase.  

Pin shots over the 2 days went to Claire Garrod x 2, Rhiannon Nott, Bev Lowcock x 2, Judy Atkins. Linda Scells, Sarnie Eisemann.  

Joy Hose had an OBP.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Ladies Club championship winners. Photo supplied

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Jenny Hounsell blitzed the field in the Wednesday Airllywood Stableford with a very impressive 39 pts, followed by Pam Casey on 37 pts and Paula McQuat with 36 pts.

NTP winners: Trish McNeill x 2, Pauline Redpath x 2 and Viv Demartini.

Ben Doer won the Thursday Division 1 competition with 39 pts, ahead of Sam Deicke on 38 pts and Michael Cragg on 34 pts.

Bill Woods back in form to win Division 2 on 40pts on a countback from Rees May, and Steve Mitchell on 39 pts in 3rd place.

NTP winners: Alan Elsayed, Nathan Holohan, Owen Clarke, and Michael Cragg.

Another close game in the Friday Met Run with Jack Pirlo winning from Shirley Larsen on a countback, both on 21 pts.

Kerrie Johannesen continuing her winning form to take out 3rd place with 20pts.

David Lloyd was the only NTP winner.

Noelene Spurway and Trish McNeill were too good for the Saturday field of 92 players to win the 4BBB multiplier with 78 pts, Jordyn Albergo and Brett Bauer in 2nd place with 74pts and Terry Handford and Tom O’Brien completing the podium with 73pts.

NTP winners: Logan Devery, Brad Vloedmans, Nathan Holohan, Sherri Meade, Dian Chard, Noelene Spurway.

Peny wardroper had a great round on Sunday to win the Ladies Stableford with 39 pts, Nicle Cooper also played well to place 2nd with 37 pts Jason Bourke won the mens Stableford competition with 38pts ahead of Paul Nicol on 36 pts.

NTP winners: Steve Stewart, Sherri Meade, Jason Bourke, Penny Wardroper, Kev Cooper, and George Meharry.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Pro Golf Shop Team.

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Mackay Meteorettes have unearthed an exciting crop of hoopers that have taken the representative basketball scene by storm.

Outstanding prospects Lily Mapp, Skye Vaughan, Maggie Thorburn and Ally Simpson continue to impress on court with their maturity and range of skills.

The St Patrick’s College quartet were members of the Queensland North representative side that claimed bronze at the recent Basketball Australia Under 16 National Girls Championships in Perth.

Mapp, a crafty centre, along with power forward Vaughan and guard Thorburn are only 14 years of age while dynamic wing Simpson is 15.

All four will spearhead a powerful St Patrick’s junior line up at the Champion Secondary Schools Basketball Carnival on the Gold Coast later this year.

They were joined in the Queensland North representative squad by talented Mackay point guard Cheyenne Bobongie and driver Isabel Smith.

Other Mackay young guns in the State Performance Program include St Patrick’s Year 12 students Charli Bliss (Queensland Under 18s) and Amarco Doyle (Queensland Under 20s); Hannah Jensen and Monique Bobongie (Queensland Under 18s) and top prospect Phoebe Holmes (Queensland Under 20s).

Rising centre Bliss and promising guards Jensen and Holmes developed their craft with impressive performances this season for Jamiey Doevendans’ youthful Meteorettes side in the NBL1 North Womens Conference.

Head Coach Doevendans tips bright futures for them all and looks forward to preparing the St Patrick’s basketball squads for this year’s Champion Secondary Schools State Senior and Junior tournaments.

“They are local products with enormous potential and were identified in our Junior Development system” he revealed.

Despite their teenage exuberance the gifted Mapp, Vaughan, Thorburn and Simpson have shown a maturity in competition that far belies their years.

“Through hard work and improved skills these Mackay juniors have made the most of opportunities and forced their way into State squads,” Doevendans added.

Emerging forward Doyle and 18-year-old guard Max Cain were mainstays in the Mackay Meteors squad that reached the finals of this year’s NBL 1 North Men’s Conference.

By Chris Karas

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North Queensland secured bronze against NSW Metro in the U16 Girls competition at the Basketball Australia Nationals in Perth, in a nail-biting finish to win 72-70. The team featured six Mackay players. Photo credit: Basketball Australia

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The conditions last Tuesday for the final round of the Coker Shield were somewhat challenging to say the least.

The wind was almost gale force at times so there were quite a few wayward shots.  

The individual stableford results were Gary Scotford the winner with 36 on a countback from Mike Cragg 36 and John Oates 35.  

The ladies winner was Paula McQuat on 33 from Tessa Aitken 29 on a countback from Leanne Alexander 29.  

Still quite good scores all things considered.

Nearest the pins went to Peter Fox and Ron Gauci in the hole on 2, Peter Lewis on hole 9, Laurie Dakin hole 13 and Geoff Harrison hole 16.  

Tessa Aikten in the hole on 2, great shot Tessa, Jacqui Wall on 9, Jenny Hounsell on 13 and Paula McQuat on 16.

The 2023 winners of the Croker Shield was Proserpine with a total of 1081 v Pioneer Valley 980.  

Well done to our members.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat.

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Proserpine Club Captain Gary Scotford and Proserpine Club President John Roser . Photo supplied

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