Recently I have seen a new "type" of depression which I found fascinating that it had a name - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It is a type of depression that can come and go with seasons.

In the Fitness Industry, it is well known that during Winter, motivation can wain, the bed seems warmer, and all of a sudden you are completely out of your exercising rhythm.

This can then be a "merry go round" of consequences and a decline in your mental and physical health.  

An example would be, “I`ll wait until the warmer months to get ‘fit’ again.”  

The consequences for many people during this period can have quite long-lasting effects, year on year. Like weight gain. Poor choices of "comfort food" or replacing exercise with lack of movement.  Following this, for many, it is then much, much harder to get back into your old routine, especially if you have put on weight and convinced yourself it's ok to stop exercising or moving daily.

Thankfully, there are many solutions in our area;

* Keep track of your steps daily as it`s beautiful to walk around this area

* Reassess your fitness goals where simply "moving" may be better for your mindset, than simply training to lose weight

* Find a group of health focused people like a group fitness facility, who is "constant" all year around, rain, hail, or shine.

* Turn to the natural solutions available like sunlight, drinking lots of water, breathing fresh air, good quality sleep, and eating wholesome foods

Remember.......Movement is Medicine.

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One of the world’s most renowned marathon runners is coming through the Whitsundays this week as part of his 14,000-kilometre, six-month solo expedition around Australia to raise awareness for The Voice.

Pat Farmer is former MP who is combining his skills for advocating for important causes with his ability to run for long distances.

“It’s about having purpose in my life, and I am committed to making my life matter,” said Pat.

“I’ve been given this God-given gift to run long distances faster than most other people in the world, so I want to use it for good.

“This is the most important thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

Pat left Tasmania in April and, after appearing at several locations, he flew to Western Australia where he embarked on a mammoth trek up the coast to Darwin, over to Townsville and down to the Whitsundays.

Along the way, he has interacted with everyone, including Indigenous people and many other curious individuals who want to understand more about The Voice.

The Voice is a proposed law to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

It came about following a gathering in May 2017, where over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates came together in Mutitjulu in the shadow of Uluru and put their signatures on a historic statement.

Later this year, Australia will be asked to vote in a referendum to decide on whether to bring The Voice into the constitution.

So far, it has proven to be a contentious issue in politics, with the two many parties holding vastly different opinions about how successful it will be.

Pat believes The Voice will allow Indigenous people to be heard and express exactly what they need.

“The Voice will take on issues that are directly effecting indigenous people,” said Pat.

“It will allow them to control their own destiny and, if we get this through, it will become part of the constitution so politicians will be held accountable.”

With the Indigenous population representing just three per cent of the overall population, Pat believes that previously their needs were ignored.

“Australians so often support causes that are going on overseas, but they turn a blind eye to what’s happening here in their doorstep,” explained Pat.

Running through Bowen earlier this week, Pat is scheduled to arrive in Airlie Beach today with plans to join the Airlie Beach parkrun this Saturday morning before heading down to Mackay.

He will then continue down the coast, through Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, and Adelaide before fishing up in Alice Springs in time for The Voice referendum.

This is not the first time Pat has run for a cause, previously running across America three times and many parts of Asia, raising awareness for issues such as clean water, girls’ education, and cancer.

Pat says this is his most significant run yet, however, as “it’s important for everyone to help set up a future for Indigenous people.”

If you want to find out more about Pat and his cause, head down to Coral Sea Marina tomorrow morning at 7am, and he would love to have a chat.

You can even join him for a run!

Pat Farmer Stats:

Journey: 14,000 kilometres

Duration: 194 days

Time: 10 hours per day

Scale: Equivalent to two marathons per day

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Marathon runner, Pat Farmer, completes two marathons a day to raise awareness for The Voice. Photos supplied

Pat talks to Indigenous Elders about The Voice. Photo supplied

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Champion Australian triathlete Caleb Noble has given a ringing endorsement of the Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon, happening on July 29 and 30 saying, "If I could pick my dream location anywhere in the world to race and spend a week recovering it would have to be Airlie Beach, Heart of the Great Barrier Reef!"

Noble is a professional triathlete who races all around the world and has multiple top 10 finishes at ITU Triathlon World Cup races to his name and fittingly he will be defending his crown at this year's event.

But he will be facing stiff opposition in 2023 from two-time lronman winner Tim Berkel, last year's runner-up Sam Betten, and local star triathlete Dan McDonnell who finished third in 2022.

The female field is equally strong and includes Radka Kahlefeldt who placed second at the Cairns lronman recently, Kate Bevilaqua, Jasmine Brown, Cassie Healslip, Penny Slater, who placed third in Cairns lronman, Chloe Hartnett, and Kaitlyn lllingworth.

Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon race director Mick Kimpton said the 2023 event signalled a new era for the race with ambitious plans to expand it to be one of the feature races on the Australian triathlon calendar.

"There are not many places in the world where endurance meets the reef and our small committee is working hard to grow the race into a hallmark event for Whitsundays which would deliver a major boost for the regional economy benefitting local businesses," he said.

"l recently returned from Europe, after racing in several events and took time to meet with the European based Challenge Family who currently stage 35 races in 27 countries around the world.

"It is early days in talks, but the Challenge Family core values of vitality, passion and inclusiveness perfectly align with our club, so it is a match made in heaven.

"It is imperative we expand our local event, and our committee are determined to leave no stone unturned to make the race a premier event on the Australian circuit," Mr Kimpton said.

"This year we have introduced a new course which is safer and more scenic, and the weekend will culminate in our first Champions Dinner on Sunday night to recognise all the athletes and sponsors."

The Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival will kick off on Saturday July 29 with the junior events before moving to the corporate teams event, Enticer, Sprint and Olympic distance races on Sunday.

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams headed for Harrup Park on Saturday to take on Mackay City Hawks and Swarks.

Sea Eagles Senior Men were back on the winners board defeating Mackay City Hawks 88 – 18 in a contest that was tight until half time. Inaccuracy in front of goal and turnovers kept Hawks in the game until Sea Eagles kicked into gear for the second half to run away with the win. Acting Captain Jake Turner led from the front in his 50th game for Sea Eagles while Hudson McGregor kicked a bag in the forward line to cap off some good work from the midfield.

Even with the return of Captain Sheridan Callcott from injury the Sea Eagles Senior Women lost 15 – 60 to the experience and skill of Mackay City Hawks at their home ground.

Sea Eagles Under 17s put on a clinic including controlled ball use and plenty of inside 50m pressure to win 77 – 17 (adj) against the Swarks and steal the top spot on the ladder. The second half put the finishing touch on the most complete game of football the team has put together all year with every player making meaningful contributions.

Sea Eagles Under 14s game was always promised to be a closely fought encounter with the Hawks eventually seeing Sea Eagles lose 46 – 59. The match was a battle of the midfield with Hawks unfortunately finishing stronger on the day.

This Saturday 15th July sees all five Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams celebrate Pride Round at home from 9:15am Juniors, 1:50pm Seniors.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles.

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Photo credit: Kylie Allen

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After a small break, we were back into the darting action on Sunday morning at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club.

Round 13 got underway with Joe Wilson in action against Jamie Maher. Joe, trying out his new darts for the first time, got out to a 3-nil lead, before Jamie managed to shake the rust off, to get a leg on the board himself.

Joe went on to win the next two legs to take a 5/1 lead, before Jamie went on a decent run of 4 legs in a row to square the match at 5 all.

Joe took the next leg to guarantee himself at least a point, which meant Jamie needed the final leg to come away with a draw in this one, but unfortunately for him, Joe wasn’t in a sharing mood, and took the final leg to win an entertaining match by 7 legs to 5.

League leader Jamie Woods had a 7/1 win over Jayden Lloyd which puts him 2 points clear of Joe at the top of the league. Jayden claimed a point in his second match of the day with a 6 all draw with Gary Robbie.

Gary backed that draw up with a 7/5 win over Andy Peel, that win elevated Gaz into the top 4 for the first time this year.

It didn’t get much better for Andy in the final match of the day, suffering another loss, this this time at the hands of Kameron Reason by a 7/3 scoreline. That win for Kam is his 4th of the year, sitting in 7th place on 9 points.

Thanks to our sponsors Mika Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Tattooing Airlie Beach, and Master Butchers Whitsunday.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

Scores

1. J Woods 18pts, 2. J Wilson 16pts, 3. J Maher 13pts, 4. G Robbie 12pts, 5. D Friend 11pts, 6. A McMinn 11pts, 7. K Reason 9pts, 8. A Peel 5pts, 9. J Lloyd 5pts, 10. H Rick 0pts.

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Gary Robbie jumping into the top 4 for the first time this year. Photo supplied

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A huge entry list of 128 riders from up and down the East Coast, including 40 from Queensland, made their way to the Australian Junior Track Championships last weekend.

With the event being held in the NSW Hunter Region at the Barleigh Ranch track, Whitsunday Dirt Riders members left on Wednesday to compete with the best in the country.

Ky Mitchell had an outstanding performance all weekend with consistent top placings through the heats in the 85cc 9 – U13 years. Some fantastic racing saw Ky come away with 3rd place in the finals - a great achievement from the young Whitsunday Dirt Rider.

Cannonvale's Tate Lambie and Kai Moran had a great weekend qualifying straight through to the finals and finishing in 5th in their respective classes the 50cc 7-U9 years and 65cc 9-U13 years.

Paolo Damato-Barbaro looked good all weekend in the 125cc 13-U16 years qualifying for the finals in 3rd position after 4 rounds of heats, however an unfortunate crash in the final ended his chances for a podium finish.

Some other great results from our junior riders included:

50cc Auto 7 – U9 years: Steele Beak 9th

65cc 7 –U9 years: Steele Beak 9th and Tate Lambie 11th

85cc 9-U13 years: Kai Moran 8th

85cc girls 11-U16 years: Mia Blackford

125cc 13 – U16 years: Nate Hicks 7th

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Dart Riders.

127 - Ky Mitchell

K23 - Kai Moran

T88 - Tate Lambie

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Photo credit: Broomsticks and Methanol Photography

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The Whitsunday Game Fish Club is holding a free Workshop on Mackerel fishing on Friday, July 21 from 6.30pm at the Whitsunday Marine Club in Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale (opposite the Police Station).

The Workshop is open to all interested anglers and will cover the catching and rigging of ribbon fish, garfish, and other species of Mackerel we love to eat.  

The session will also include a lure presentation and demonstrate the correct way to tie single strand wire trace.

You will also discover where and when to target Mackerel and the methods and the type of tackle used to catch them.

The evening is excellent preparation for the Club’s upcoming Club's "Mackerel Rally", which is due to be held from 28 - 30 July.

This year, the rally's scoring system has changed (due to the Queensland Government's new rules for Mackerel fishing).  

As of 1 July 2023, anglers are only allowed one mackerel per person and two per boat.  

Subsequently a point system of fish weight, multiplied by 100, divided by the line class the fish was caught on, will be used.  

For example, a 20kg Mackerel caught on 10kg line equals 200 points.

Also, 10 points will be awarded for every Mackerel released, adding to the anglers point score. Major prizes will be awarded to the highest point scoring anglers.

A full briefing on the Mackerel Rally rules will be given on Friday, July 28 from 6pm at the Whitsunday Marine Club.  

All competitors must register on that night.

“We hope to see lots of new and familiar faces on both these evenings,” said Ashley Moore from Whitsunday Game Fishing Club.

“There have been good numbers of Spanish Mackerel arounds the islands and the reefs, so there should be some successful fishing.

“Life is short - fish hard!”

WHAT: Mackerel Fishing Workshop

WHEN: Friday, July 21 from 6.30pm

WHERE: VMR Whitsundays

WHAT: Mackerel Rally

WHEN: July 28-30

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The Raiders travelled to Mackay on Saturday to take on Brothers at Cathy Freeman oval in Slade Point, with several players away and injured, it was a chance for the fringe players to stand up and shine.

With a game plan of moving the ball around and taking if up through the forwards the men in green started off well with Aden Spence scoring the first try after a break down the side by Hone Casey-Bloomer.

The men in green played like a well-oiled machine, stuck to the set plays, and managed to have a 52-0 lead at half time thanks to tries from Aden Spence (2), Niall Clancy, Brodie Stillman, Jack Briskey, Darragh Lynch, Dylan Hoffmann and Waikato Nepia-Katipa.

After the break the Raiders had a lapse in discipline and gave away territory and Brothers took advantage with a try next to the posts bringing the score to 52-7 at the 50-minute mark.

With that being a wake-up call to the raiders they managed to strike back off the kick off and put another converted try on the board, 59-7.

By the time the final whistle had been blown the men in green had managed to gain a 76-7 win to maintain their lead on the ladder.

With a bye this coming Saturday and an away game against Cities the following weekend the Raiders need to maintain their heads, remain focused and play as one if they are to remain at the top of the table.

With preliminary finals being held on July 29, the club is hoping to host this final at our home grounds of Whitsunday Sportspark.

Best on field for the day were Dylan Hoffman 3 points, Darragh Lynch 2 points and Hone Casey-Bloomer 1 point.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence.

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Pita Bilitaki taking the ball to the line. Photo credit: Hanny Spence

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Phoenix JX Swimming Australia’s Junior Excellence Program recognises the performances of swimmers aged 9 – 13 years to encourage and inspire the next generation of competitive swimmers.  

Within the JX program, junior swimmers strive to achieve gold, silver, bronze or blue standard times when they compete throughout the year. Swimmers in the JX program will be invited to clinics throughout the season.  

Congratulations to the following swimmers:  

Gold Tier – Don Algie and Jax Clayworth

Silver Tier – Tora Delac, Anisa Helou, Celeste Orenshaw, Isabella Pisaniello and Austin Edwards-Bland

Bronze Tier – Thomas Ganter, Ehsan Helou, Nelson Malady, Isaac Pisaniello, Andie Reynolds and Lukas Trevaskis.  

Blue Tier – James Davies, Tiana Bell, Harris Delac, Declan Dichiera, Charlie Doherty, Jack Ganter, Ruby Harland, Matilda Nicholes, Adelaide Sanders, Molly Smith, Indianna Smith, Zachary Trefz and Alexander Trefz.  

This week, Barry Prime, Head Coach of Queensland Swimming came to the Whitsundays to visit the Cannonvale Cannons. On Thursday afternoon, Barry facilitated a Parent Information Session. Barry spoke about his personal swimming journey and then provided parents with information about swimming pathways, training programs, benefits of swimming/club and tips on how to support athletes.

Barry also provided an opportunity for parents to ask questions. On Friday morning, Barry led a 200 metre Freestyle pace set with senior swimmers, Jy Parkinson and Jacob Bell while coach Mark Erickson led the other senior swimmers through a pyramid and stroke work.  

The coaches would like to commend the swimmers who have trained regularly over the school holidays:  Indigo Harland, Anton Bakx, Koa Harland, Harris Delac, Evie Doherty, Ruby Harland, Don Algie, Celeste Orenshaw, Andie Reynolds, Tora Delac, Isaac Pisaniello, Isabella Pisaniello, Charlie Doherty, Ehsan Helou, Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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School holiday training. Photo supplied

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Precipitation many of us here in paradise are not used to this, however, God in his wisdom decided it was the right time therefore there was no bowls to report on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Things cleared up and by Friday afternoon the Men’s Singles was being played and as the rounds progress results will be published.

Friday night was the BPL and six teams were on hand but alas it was deemed necessary to play the five rounds in one night which meant a very late finish for all and the team that could stay awake the longest won!

So, congratulations to Shane Spann with Betty Nicole, Ash Warland and Vicki Spann on having a wonderful victory.

Friday afternoon also saw the final of the Men’s Pairs and Manny Isgro with Harry Quad became this year's champions with a superb performance against quality opponents.

Saturday and Sunday saw the Men’s 3 Bowl Triples being played and there was some absolute cliff-hangers played with the eventual winners on Sunday afternoon being crowned and again congratulations must go to Shane Spann with Harry Quad and Ash Warland coming out victorious , in a brilliant performance in every match.

Sunday afternoon also saw Social Bowls played and Lyn Graham as usual showed her organisational skills by making it a very competitive afternoon.

We welcomed visitors from Victoria Leon Wilson , Barry Hirth and Peter Loughran back for the winter period and the team of Margo Stanley with Barry Hirth were the runaway winners of the day whilst Arthur McManus went home with the prestigious Health Hub Award.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Winners of 2023 Men's Pairs : Manny Isgro and Harry Quad. Photo supplied

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There was plenty of competition on Monday with a full green of triples. Winners for the afternoon were France Wilman, Kevin and Fely Duncan who defeated John Breakwell, Jack Stamp and John Robinson.

Runners Up were S Symonds, J Healey and C Healey who defeated R Hein, L Fox and C Feast. Apparently three games had a score difference of 9 which was the jackpot number. These were R Hyde, M Hyde and N Dawson who defeated J Steele, R Hayton and K Armstrong. P Nesbitt, M Ritchie and P Howie defeated G Cornel, J Dawson and G Wills. R Agg, D Richards and S Roome defeated K Whitton, G Colquhoun and Sugar. Others: E Dunn, D Madeley and F Farrugia defeated S Farell, K Pedlar and I Best, L Danvers, L Knight and G Danvers defeated P Donohue, S Snow and C Frew.  

Rain put a dampener on Tuesday’s play. However, some dedicated players braved the showers for a game. Winners were M Nesbitt defeated Harris, S Fitzgerald who defeated Katie B Bellingham, J Paynting, Marg and Glenn defeated Ann and Denis, D Hallas. S Shearing and F Wilman defeated L Atkinson and M Jackson. J Hellas, Jan Carole and Kaos defeated Wixi Lee and Terri and Robin Karen Lindsay defeated Alby Jan and Michael. The jackpot didn’t go off. This Tuesday 11 July we are having Patroness Merle’s afternoon.

There was no other social bowls during the week owing to the North Qld District Ladies Premier Cup Competition. What a great event where ladies from Noorla, Macknade, Ingham, Alligator Creek, South Townsville, Suburban, Jubilee, Thuringowa, Cutheringa, Ayr, Bowen and Wangaratta battled it out for four days for bragging rights to the Cup. Townsville’s Suburban Club were overall winners who now hosts the 2024 event. Noorla club from the Ingham district came in second. Thanks to all the members and supporters who made it a great carnival.  

We are starting our Barefoot Bowls this Friday night 14 July for the winter. So, if you would like to have a game be at the club by 5.45pm or call ahead if you have a number of players. No experience necessary and we have plenty of bowls to use. Check out Wangaratta Bowl’s Facebook site or What’s on in Bowen. We would like to see you there.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Alligator Creek players Lesley Bates and Susan Hendy watching Kirsty Greig from South Townsville deliver the perfect bowl. Photo supplied

Ayr players Heather Jorgensen, Pam Power and Beryl Cornford with Wangaratta Player Penny Warren watching the head. Photo supplied

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We had a rain affected start to the week which didn't stop Ken Granger from playing and winning the Tuesday Stableford with 34 points, Louis Neethling in 2nd place also on 34.

61 players teed up on Thursday, Andrew Albergo in form to win Division 1 with 67 nett on a countback from David Telford.

Ryan Wilkes shooting a 4 under par round to claim 3rd place also on 67 nett. Peter Lindsay, 69 nett, beat Ash Morley-Hart on a countback to win Division 2, Chris Pham in 3rd place on 71 nett.

NTP's: Rob Ross, Rees May, Rob Webb and Scott Mason. Peta Thomas was the best in the Ladies Comp on 74 nett ahead of Tiina Randmae on a countback.

Karl Carton had a blistering 24 points to win the Friday 9 hole Met Run with 24 points, streets ahead of 2nd and 3rd placed Aaron Prosser and Nathan Holohan. Karl Carton and Brian Allen won the NTP's.

Tough conditions for the Allenbuild Saturday Ladies Stableford, Penny Wardroper playing well to win on 33 points, followed by Pam Harrison and Trish McNeill both on 32 points. NTPS: Robyn Whitham and Pam Harrison.

George Meharry is in a purple patch at the moment, winning the Men's Division 1 Saturday Allenbuild Stableford on 38 points, followed by Terry Handford and Steve Hickey both on 37 points.

Division 2 was taken out by Mick Hamilton on a countback from Ken Lovett on 35 points, and Corey Stroud in 3rd place on 34 points. NTP winners: Len Booroff, Jon Miller, Rod Wecker and Steve Hickey.

The Sunday Stableford was won by the consistent Ryan Wilkes on 35 points, on a countback from Adam Maggs, Michael Cragg in 3rd place on 34 points. NTP winners were Ryan Wilkes and Michael Cragg.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Pro Shop.

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10 teams contested the Whitsunday Golf Club (WGC) Foursomes championship (over 18 holes) in very cool conditions last Sunday, particularly cool for the early starters with a brisk cool breeze which blew up during the morning for the later starters on the last few holes. Not to be daunted though, the hardy WGC players kept their jumpers on and played through.

Starting with the NAGAs :

Tina Cook and Andy Albergo scored their NAGA drinks, many thanks to Aaron and Tracy Watts who have renewed their NAGA sponsorship.

Longest drives were won by Penny Wardroper and Elise Hodgson for the ladies, Wayne Temby and Gerald Lovell for the men.

NTPs: were won by Penny Wardroper and Dean Kercher on the 9th, Anna Winterbourn and Ron Jamieson on the 13th, Pam Casey and Mark McDougal on the 16th.

Overall results: 3rd place went to Linda Wardroper and Wayne Temby with nett 74, runners-up were Elise Hodgson and Gerald Lovell with 71.5, the winners were Tiina Randmae and Lewy Tuck with a score of 69.

Congratulations to everyone who participated, it's a fun format, and our golf is all about fun and laughter.

Next week, 16/7 will be the July MM and least putts. Please book in as early as possible on the timesheet so we play as a block.

Those who plan on joining the annual trip Magnetic Island 29/9 to 2/10, please let Joanne know asap so the motel booking can be secured and if you're sharing a room, who your roommate is. Also let Jo know if you are travelling up on the Thu 28/9 or any other variation in dates.

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae.

L-R : Elise Hodgson, Gerald Lovell (runners-up), Tiina Randmae and Lewy Tuck (winners). Photo supplied

L-R: Andrew Albergo and Tina Cook. Photo supplied

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This week saw Asher Ventham take first place in our weekly 9-hole s/ford with 23 points, second Andrew Gomez on 21 points c/b and third Sam Cartwright with 21 points.

Fridays 9-hole s/ford competition saw Rhys Bartholomew first place with 21 points, second Glenn Rees with a 20 point c/b and third Deeray Fo’ou on 20 points.

On Sunday we held our 27-hole skins championships, and what a turnout! Our ladies club champion went to Dee Norman with a 93 NET, runner up saw Bree Harvey with a 95 NET. Great job ladies.

Our men’s club champion with a 71 NET went to Asher Ventham, runner up saw Andrew Gomez with a 77 NET.

Nearest the pin for ladies was Renae Maxwell and men Ben Doer. Best man off stick went to Dean Barnard with an 83 gross and for the ladies saw Bree Harvey with a 106 gross.

What an amazing day to be on the green and a terrific effort by all.

This Sunday, July 16 will be our Par Bisque 18-hole competition tee off at 10.00am.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green Golf Club.

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A twelve-month edict to lift the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League championship trophy has nearly come to fruition for the St Patrick’s College Mackay Girls team.

In another heart-breaking moment, the famous sporting nursery had to again settle for runners up medals after The Cathedral College Rockhampton were crowned Confraternity Carnival champions last Thursday after a thrilling 14-10 victory in the Shield decider at the St Laurence’s College grounds in Brisbane.

It was the St Patrick’s girls first loss and only points conceded during the tournament after stringing four wins on the trot.

The Cathedral side stunned Mackay with two early tries by fullback Zoe Robson and winger Cadence Lee and a conversion from classy half back and Player of the Carnival Caitlin Tanner.

When key prop Ciara Thomson left the field with a damaged knee, the Mackay team’s task became harder.

Trailing 10-0 the St Patrick’s girls staged a revival and levelled the scores after winger Hanna Humphries and utility hooker Shaylee Hazledine crossed for second half tries with Paige Mooney potting a goal.

St Patrick’s mounted plenty of pressure and came close to grabbing the lead, only to be repelled by gritty Cathedral defence.

In a tense finish, the livewire Tanner created the match-winning try for centre Mackayla Oakley with four minutes left on the clock.

Leading into the decider, the Mackay girls had conquered all with a dominant forward pack and skilful backline to remain undefeated.

But the loss revived the painful memories of last year’s Grand Final defeat at the hands of Burleigh Waters’ Marymount High in Mackay.

It was in the dressing rooms of BB Print Stadium following that devastating result that the St Patrick’s girls pledged to bring home the trophy in 2023.

With the nucleus of last year’s outfit back on deck they avenged that defeat by eliminating Marymount High 16-0 in a semi-final last Wednesday.

Watching on was St Patrick’s best player - star hooker Paityne Johns who was unavailable due to her commitments with the Queensland Schoolgirls representative team.

Capricornia props Ciara Thomson and Chelsea McLeod and promising lock Gracie Watt laid the foundations for success with their powerful running and ball skills and were rewarded with selection in the QISSRL Merit Team along with utility Shaylee Hazledine and centre Ruby Lucas.

Watt was also named St Patrick’s Player of the Carnival and Thomson the Player with Most Potential by tournament officials.

Play making halves Lily-May Carige and Keely Pitt turned in classy performances – providing snappy service to outside backs Trinity Grigg, Maddison Simon and the sharp Lucas who menaced opponents with their pace and footwork.

St Patrick’s coach Imogen Healy praised the efforts of all squad members and revealed that the championship tilt was built on the team’s superb defence.

“The girls combined well as a unit and hit their straps in the finals” beamed a proud Imogen.

“Unfortunately, we lost some key players through injury in the decider and conceded our only points against a strong Cathedral side,” said Healy.

“Ciara’s knee injury early in the final was a huge blow but the girls showed courage to fight back – we just couldn’t capitalise on some late scoring opportunities,” she added.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Mackay’s talented Girls rugby league squad that were pipped 14-10 by The Cathedral College Rockhampton in a thrilling QISSRL Grand Final in Brisbane.

They are pictured with College Principal Janelle Agius

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Talented Duo Named In 2023 Confraternity Boys Merit Team

Emerging Mackay rugby league colts Bailey Anderson and Kayne Smith have gained selection in this year’s Confraternity Carnival Rugby League Boys Merit Team.

The promising duo were officially recognised for their standout performances at the 2023 Queensland Independent Secondary School championships in Brisbane where they guided heavyweights St Patrick’s College to the Division One Shield semi-finals.

Elusive winger Anderson and industrious forward Smith turned in top displays for an under-strength St Patrick’s side that toiled hard and soaked up pressure to reach the final four.

Minus their Queensland Schoolboys representative half Jaxon Purdue and hooker Xavier Kerrisk, the Mackay colts still managed to produce quality efforts throughout the tournament.

St Patrick’s bowed out in the semi-finals after a 10-4 loss to championship runners up Emmaus College Rockhampton in a hard-fought contest.

Emmaus led 4-0 following an early try from winger Slade McMeeken and extended their advantage when five eighth Clancy Hohn crossed in the 40th minute with half Isaac Walker adding the extras.

Tough centre Will Whippy put the Mackay boys back in contention with a fine try soon after – only for Emmaus to stave off a late challenge with sturdy defence.

St Brendan’s Yeppoon clinched a record-extending 14th Confraternity Shield title when they later toppled Emmaus 18-10 in the Grand Final.

Trailing 4-0 at the interval the Yeppoon boys bounced back with second half tries from prop Jake Peirce, half back Tommy Green, centre Anasta Tamwoy and winger Izaiah Waters with five eighth Tyler Melrose booting one conversion.

St Brendan’s talented quartet of playmaker Melrose, Peirce, centre Rydell Tyrrell and prop Carter Ford were named in the Confraternity Merit team along with Emmaus trio Hohn, fullback Seth Carpenter and front rower Baylee Meilland.

Anderson nabbed a brace of tries to spearhead St Patrick’s 18-6 quarter final victory over Iona College and also impressed in the play off with Marymount College for third/fourth spot.

The Burleigh Waters boys – led by powerhouse second rower and Player of the Carnival Cooper Bai, son of Papua New Guinea legend Marcus Bai – edged out Mackay 4-0 in an absorbing tussle.

Inspirational prop and skipper Darcy Clark was named St Patrick’s top gun along with hooker and Spirit Award recipient Hudson Clark in a powerful engine room that also featured the tireless Smith, Jake Bryan, Tyler Shandiman, Cohen Jackson and Diesel Costigan.

Rookie halves Bailey Venz and Nelson Fenlon, centres Whippy and Tenzin Contor, winger Hunter Harris and fullback Will Shears also left their mark.

St Patrick’s coach Ian Schifilitti praised the efforts of his competitive young squad that conceded just 20 points for the entire Carnival.

By Chris Karas