This week, Cannonvale swimmers were given the opportunity to participate in a distance swim challenge.  

Swimmers in the challenge had to try and swim a target distance.  

The coaches would like to commend the following swimmers who turned up regularly and really tried hard to reach their target.  

Congratulations to:  

Lasers & Bullets:  Miller Eaves (3.1km) and Anton Bakx (3.6km)

Torpedoes:  Stevie Lee (11.5km), Connor Lee (10.2km), Koa Harland (8.76km), Harris Delac (7.66km), Evie Doherty (6.96km), Lucas and Jasper Korosec (3.86km)

Missiles, Cannons and Guns:  Jacob Bell (26km), Tora Delac (23.5km), Andie Reynolds (23.2km), Charlie Doherty (21.5km), Jy Parkinson (20km), Isaac Pisaniello (16km), Ehsan Helou (16km), Don Algie (15.5km), Dylan Reynolds (13.1km), Celeste Orenshaw (10.5km), Millie Groom (10km), Matilda Nicholes (8.6km), Holly Perrin (8.5km)  and  Isabella Pisaniello (7.2km)

As the swimmers had trained so well all week, coaches gave them the opportunity to play water polo on Friday afternoon.  

The Cannons would like commend swimmers selected for the SNQ State and National Development Squads.

Swimmers selected for the squad were invited to attend a SNQ Swim Clinic on Medleys.  

Tora Delac, Ehsan Helou, Jy Parkinson, Anisa Helou and Jacob Bell with coaches Ken Crittenden, Jarrod Keys and Mark Erickson thoroughly enjoyed the sessions held in Mackay on Saturday, while Holly Perrin attend the workshop in Townsville.  

Swimming Queensland Coach, Barry Prime and Guest Coach, Maxine Seear (Brisbane) facilitated an awesome session on medleys with the support of SNQ coaches.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers for their outstanding efforts!  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannons SNQ State and National Development Squad swimmers

Swimmers on Friday afternoon with kick set. Photos supplied

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Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures June 20, 2023:

Division 1: (Final)

BMW (Emma Widdup, Ian McKay, Ivan Perkins) d Jaguar (Tim Sheehan, Barry Patterson) 9-2. Ian d Barry 9, -3, 8, -11, 11.

Leading player: Emma Widdup.

Division 2: (Final)

Isuzu (Steve Mathieson, Andrea Nicholson, Donna Abbott) d Nissan (Graeme Walker, Will VanDeKaa, Matthew West) 6-3. Donna d Matthew 9, -6, -10, 9, 5.

Leading player: Graeme Walker.

Division 3: (Final)

Holden (Tiffany Camilleri, Trent Day, John McGee) d Hyundai (Ollie Hamelink, Duncan Sheridan, Noreen Fredericksen) 6-5. Trent d Noreen -8, 2, 10, -7, 8.

Leading player: Trent Day.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures June 20, 2023:

Division 1:

Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) drew Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson) 6-all. Peter d Pam -9, 10, 9, -10, 6.

Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) d Blue (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) 9-3. Branko d George -10, 4, 7, -7, 4.

Division 2:

Orange (Helen Ware, Charles Hamlett, Gerry Synnott) d White (Cheryl Pearson, Marie Taylor, Kim Daffy) 9-3. Marie d Helen -10, 8, -7, 8, 11.

Purple (Iris Grasso, Ken Best, Judi Hicks) d Pink (Robyn Bushell, John Hamelink, Fred Saliba) 7-5. John d Iris -9, 7, -8, 11, 9.

Division 3:

Grey (Sharon Muller, Ian Dodds, Allison Day) d Tan (Cheryl Aprato, Thelma Caruana, Bill Hey) 10-2. Thelma d Allison -7, 5, -11, 11, 9.

Lime (Frank Caruana, Glenda Brooks, Myles Dutton) d Aqua (Trish Zamparuti, Robyn Giles, Glenda Dutton) 7-5. Myles d Trish 10, 6, 7.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Emma Widdup led her team to victory in the finals of Tuesday night table tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Carlie Payne

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With nearly forty runners and supporters, the annual Farmers Gallop 5km, 17km was a much quieter affair this year with the running of the Whitehaven Beach event on the same day.

Many thanks to hostess and the club’s first Life Member, Agnes Farmer, who has generously hosted this event since the very early days of the Mackay Road Runners.  

The handicap start event had stand-in timekeeper, Julie Whibley, in full control of the proceedings with Luke Leven graciously and patiently waiting for what seemed like hours being the highest handicapped runner.

Luke was very impressive especially running in his well-used 750-kilometre shoes, passing quite a few runners throughout the challenging course that took runners from North Mackay to Slade Point, Andergrove, Beaconsfield, Mt Pleasant before hitting the finishing tape back on Evans Avenue, North Mackay.  

Lily Leven took out the 5km in a very speedy time with her brand-new birthday running shoes.  

First male in the 5km Michael Feenaghty ran extremely well to run down most of the 5km field from his handicap start as well as finishing 2nd overall ahead of Darrin Pullen, Werner VanDerLinde and Andrew Short.  

Alleny Gorrion, who’s not competitive at all, sprinted to the finish line marginally ahead of hubby Ollie with John Couldrey, David Isbister, Juyd Zahn, Daniel Stampa and Stuart Sprott closing in fast.

In the 17km, Alex Couldrey easily accounted for the distance despite little preparation, to cross the line first based on his handicap start.  

Comeback kid Craig McGahey followed only 28 seconds in deficit to claim second on handicap ahead of an amazing 17km effort from Andrew Wallace.  

Fourth overall and first female, Lisa Burns sizzled over the undulating course based on her handicap start with Shane Donnollan and Robin Stinson coasting in ahead of Carmel Mahon, Luke Leven, Shane Barben, Jo Skinner and Emma Johnson.

This Sunday’s Cape Hillsborough Reef Forest Trail 5km and 9km commences at 7am from the parkland precincts opposite the resort.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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Awaiting his handicap start time, Shane Barben, fresh from last weekend’s Cairns Half Ironman easily completed the 17km Farmers Gallop

Lily Leven finishing her 5km event to amazing form from her handicap start

Mackay Road Runners Farmers Long Gallop hostess and the very first Life member of the club, Agnes Farmer with co-life Member, Judy Zahn catch up for a chat

Robin Stinson (right) takes a well deserved break after the 17km Farmers Gallop with fellow 17km runners Lisa Burns and Craig McGahey. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

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Netball Excellence classes are reaping plenty of dividends for the emerging talent at St Patrick’s College Mackay.

With the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Championships in full swing down in Brisbane, the College has ushered in a new generation of exciting young prospects.

At the recent Mackay District Secondary Schools Netball Grand Finals, St Patrick’s came away with three of the four titles on offer – winning the Year 8A, 9/10A and Open A competitions against rivals Holy Spirit College and finishing runners up in the Year 7A category at the Mackay Netball Association courts.

Under the guidance of Di Bailey and Sally Redfern, the St Patrick’s Firebirds toppled Holy Spirit First VII 25-22 to clinch a fourth consecutive Open A premiership.

The team featured Queensland Secondary Schools goalkeeper Shaylah Pershouse, Australian Indigenous centre Ainsley Carey, Capricornia shooter Rebecca Symons, centre court ace Tenille Cotter, Francesca Vella, Bethany McPherson, Sophie Durelli, Ella McGill, Havana Abbott and Kira Battaia.

Di Bailey also coached the winning St Patrick’s 9/10A Vixens team that defeated Holy Spirit Dovetails 33-17 in the final.

The team included Skye Mole, Jala Brown, Mackenzie Maunder, Jayda Earl, Elizabeth Zurvas, Lacie Clarke, Tahlia Anderson, Mia Pastega, Kate O’Brien and Tayla Lucas.

St Patrick’s Cougars captured the 8A trophy after sinking Holy Spirit Angels 27-18 with promising shooter Alexis Sorbello and goal defender Georgia Elbourne turning in standout performances.

The team was coached by Karissa Giumelli and also featured Emmi Burgess, Hannah Brown, Chloe Giblett, Alyssa Battaia, Milla Considine, Alexis Kavanagh, Paige Lambropoulos and Gracie Danger.

Holy Spirit Lightning edged out St Patrick’s Rays by two goals to snare the 7A title.

Rachael Arlott’s Rays squad included Bridgette Culey, Maicy Brotherston, Maddisen Hocking, Storm Liddell, Sunny Hodder, Gracie Danger, Emmi Burgess, Hannah Brown and Sammy Simpson.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Open A netball side tuned up for this week’s Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball Championships by winning a fourth successive Mackay District Secondary Schools Netball Grand Final

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Mackay Meteors playoff hopes in the NBL1 North Basketball Conference took a savage blow last Saturday after a shock 69-68 loss to cellar dwellers Rockhampton Rockets at Bravus Arena.

Rockets forward Chier Maker was the hero after hitting the match-winning shot with two seconds left on the clock to secure a one-point triumph and second win of the season.

The loss could prove catastrophic for the Meteors who have now lost seven of their past ten matches and slip to seventh spot with eight wins in 2023.

In an absorbing contest, Mackay started strongly to lead 27-19 at quarter-time before the Rockets hit back to level at 34-all at the half time interval.

Scores were locked 50-all at the third break and remained tight until Maker’s spinning fadeaway jumper in the dying moments gave Rockhampton the edge in a thriller.

Maker finished with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Rockets with support from Jarvis Summers (16 points, three rebounds and two assists), Malcolm Bernard (10 points, seven assists and six boards), Damian Prgomet (nine points, eight rebounds and three assists).

Mackay skipper Isaac White continued his stellar form with another 26 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.

Talented guard Tyler Williams posted 17 points and six rebounds and Isaiah Lee eight points and four boards.

………………………………..

In the early game the Rockhampton Cyclones registered an 82-68 victory over the Meteorettes with gifted guard Lauren Heard the standout.

It was the Cyclones’ tenth win of the season and the Meteorettes ninth successive loss.

Heard was superb for Rockhampton contributing 23 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals with Lara McSpadden adding 16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals, Elizajane Loader 17 points, three assists and three steals and Sam Bowman 13 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.

Mackay were best served by Davida Dale (16 points, six assists, six steals and four rebounds), Denesha Bobongie (13 points and four boards), Brittany Reeves (10 points, 10 rebounds and three assists) and Phoebe Holmes (10 points, two boards and two assists).

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Denesha Bobongie scored 13 points for the Meteorettes against Rockhampton. Photo credit: Keiron Place Photography

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Local athletes got their opportunity to play under the bright lights of Queensland Country Bank Stadium recently, as the Townsville Blackhawks and Mackay Cutters faced off for the inaugural Endeavour Foundation All Abilities Cup.

After weeks of training, the teams took to the field ahead of the North Queensland Cowboys v Penrith Panthers NRL fixture on Friday, June 16, the brilliant showcase of all abilities footy catching the eyes of players like Nathan Cleary and Mavrik Geyer who were all too happy to share some pointers.

The Mackay Cutters ended the game as victors, becoming the first team to have their name added to the perpetual trophy.

Cutters player Ryleigh Little celebrated his 14th birthday the day before the game and celebrated in style.

"He's been so excited that not only was he able to play, but he got to watch the Cowboys win with his dad," said Ryleigh’s mum Suzi Little.

"I don't think the smile has left his face, and Ryleigh is not a very touchy-feely kid, but he keeps coming up and hugging us and he's like, 'thank you', just thanking us for being able to do that with him.”

Ms Little said Ryleigh experiences level two autism, sensory processing disorder and anxiety disorder.

"For Ryleigh, his autism presents socially and emotionally,” she said.

“He never does well in a social situation, especially with lots of people, and that's something that's definitely changed with all abilities."

After struggling to maintain eye contact and playing as an individual when he was first introduced to the program, Rhiley has improved both skills to become the ultimate team player.

Ms Little said much of that attitude could be attributed to local rugby league royalty Martin Bella, who coached the players with respect and dignity.

"A lot of people will treat someone with a disability like a little child or they'll talk at them, not to them, but Marty will talk to them, and he holds them accountable for their behaviour," Ms Little said.

"He obviously praises their successes, but if they're doing the wrong thing, he will come down to them and he'll make them understand and realise that what they're doing isn't on.

"They get to learn and grow in that kind of environment where us everyday people, we get that, but our people with disabilities don't normally."

Congratulations to everyone involved!

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The Mackay Cutters won the inaugural Endeavour Foundation All Abilities Cup in Townsville. Photo supplied: Mackay All Abilities Rugby League

Ryleigh Little and Robert Pethebridge after Mackay's win. Photo supplied: QRL

Penrith Panthers players Nathan Cleary and Mavrik Geyer watched on and interacted with the two teams. Photo supplied: Penrith Panthers

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The Sarina Bowls Club was abuzz with excitement on Sunday, June 25th, as enthusiastic bowlers gathered to compete in the district's highly anticipated 8-a-side tournament. The unique format featured teams consisting of eight bowlers from the same club, engaging in thrilling mixed and pairs games.

Despite the participation of only three clubs in the district, the event did not lack in intensity or skill. Spectators were treated to an impressive display of bowls throughout the day, witnessing exceptional shots and strategic gameplay.

In the morning session, Sarina clashed with Airlie Beach, securing a well-deserved victory with a final score of 60-48. Later in the afternoon, Sarina faced off against Souths Suburban in an intense final match. The contest remained fiercely competitive, but it was Souths Suburban who emerged triumphant with a final score of 68-56, clinching the title.

Contributed by Rita Hughes

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Queensland’s premier rugby league competition for Catholic and independent secondary schools has swung into action this week in Brisbane with the cream of the State’s emerging talent on show.

This year’s Confraternity Carnival hosts St Laurence’s College kicked off the QISSRL championships in style last Sunday at Suncorp Stadium - tossing Villanova College 26-16 in a curtain raiser to the Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans NRL derby.

St Patrick’s College Mackay opened their 2023 campaigns on an ominous note in the Boys and Girls divisions – each posting triple victories without conceding a point to top their respective pools.

Minus their Queensland Schoolboys representatives in half back Jaxon Purdue and boom hookers Xavier Kerrisk and Paityne Johns, the respective 2022 Grand Finalists skittled Marist College Ashgrove (10-0), St Augustines Cairns (20-0) and Rockhampton Grammar (20-0) in the Boys Division 1 championship while the powerful girl’s combination thumped Shalom College Bundaberg (24-0), St Joseph's Toowoomba (34-0) and Emmaus Jimboomba (38-0) to push their title claims.

Promising five eighth Bailey Venz turned in a skilful performance in St Patrick’s first round win over Marist College Ashgrove to earn the Player of the Match award.

Venz scored the opening try and created opportunities for team-mates with his crisp passing, turn of speed and tricky footwork.

Strong running back rower Jake Bryan and prop Darcy Clark also impressed with their high work rates with fullback Will Shears another stand out in the back division.

Skipper Clark produced a Player of the Match performance in the second-round drubbing of St Augustine’s.

The rising prop burst through tackles to score the only try of the first stanza and was supported by the versatile Shears, who sparked the attack when switched to half in the second half along with replacement fullback Hayden Cumming.

Winger Hunter Harris collected try doubles against St Augustines and Rockhampton Grammar while smart hooker Hudson Clark, utility Lachlan Starr, half back Nelson Fenlon, centre Tenzin Contor, prop Reece Morris and lock Kayne Smith also shone for the red, blue and whites.

Emerging halves Keely Pitt and Lily-May Carige engineered St Patrick’s three early victories in the Girls competition with their skilful passing and vision.

The Mackay forwards led by Capricornia representative props Ciara Thomson and Chelsea McLeod, lock Gracie Watt and utility hooker Shaylee Hazledine did the spadework with bumping runs and copybook defence.

Elusive winger Maddison Simon nabbed a hat trick of tries in the win over St Josephs – using her fleet footwork to launch many a raid and Player of the Match honours.

The powerful Thomson proved unstoppable against Jimboomba, creating havoc with her strong running and off loads in a best on ground performance.

Other St Patrick’s girls to shine included fullback Trinity Grigg, centre Ruby Lucas, Jada Cahill, Ella Webb, Eva Daly and Paige Mooney.

MEANWHILE Holy Spirit College Mackay advanced to the Boys Division 2 quarter finals after defeating Our Lady Southern Cross 20-16 and suffering losses to St Theresa’s (24-14) and St Colombans (28-18).

At the time of going to press, undefeated St Patrick’s were squaring off with Wynnum’s Iona College in a Division 1 Boys quarter final with the Mackay girls up against reigning champions Marymount College Burleigh Waters in the final eight.

By Chris Karas

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Talented back rower Jake Bryan and representative prop Ciara Thomson have starred for St Patrick’s College Mackay at the Confraternity QISSRL Carnival in Brisbane

St Patrick's Mackay centre Tenzin Contor on the attack during this week's Confraternity QISSRL Carnival in Brisbane

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Congratulations to Mona Townsend who turned 90.

Mona was awarded her Matriarch Badge last week.  

Mona is still an active player with the Mackay Club in Carnivals, PaH’s and club competition.

Mona’s memorable moment was when she skippered the Club Championships Triples team which included the youngest, oldest and newest member of the club to success.

Mona is a tireless worker for the ladies section and is always there to assist in the running of raffles and cent sales, taking her turn as afternoon tea hostess and until recently held the committee position of Match Chair.

Congratulations to Erin Clements and Helen Truscott for their nail biting win in the ladies Champion of Champions.

Thanks to Glen Luck from Polymac for their sponsorship in the Men’s B4 Carnival.

This week saw the Ladies Pennants playing on Wednesday against City away, Thursday away to Souths Suburban in Morning, at Home against Arlie Beach on Friday Morn.

Friday afternoon U/65 Singles sees K. Dunn v K Robinson.

Saturday Club Competition continues with Ladies CH 3 Bowl Triples, E Clements, J Nelson, R Schatkowski v K Dunn, C Savage, K Burns.

Men’s Open 3 Bowl Triples B Faragher, R Bell, S Cassidy v D Currey, M Irving, M Coll.

Sunday 10am

Men’s B Grade Singles:  T Casey v B Williams.

Men’s Senior Singles: S Cassidy v C Stevens; B Paskins v B Jenner; M Irving v T Mayfield.

Results:

Tuesday Social Play (31)

Winner of Winners

Peter Nelson, Col Stevens, B Williams

Winners of Losers

Julie Caban, Marie Mayfield, Dot McNamara

Thursday Scroungers

Dave Casey def Shane Makin, C Savage

Friday Social Play

Winners Julie Caban and Barry Jenner

Runners Up Helen Truscott, Peter Nelson, Janice Nelson

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Mona Townsend and Helen Chiconi. Photo credit: Mike Irving

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Rockhampton is one of the oldest cities in Queensland, famous for its history and culture and as the hometown of all time tennis great Rod Laver.

Last Saturday the city was a “graveyard” for visiting Mackay sporting teams as the Cutters rugby league and Meteors and Meteorettes basketball lineups all tasted defeats in the city of charming historical architecture.

At Browne Park, the Central Queensland Capras rallied with two late tries to eclipse the Cutters 30-22 in a hard-fought Hostplus Cup fixture.

Dashing wingers Bob Tenza and Brandon Roberts crossed for the seventh placed Capras to secure two valuable competition points and keep Mackay languishing near the bottom of the table.

It has become a common habit this season for Michael Comerford’s embattled charges with second half fade-outs proving costly.

The Cutters led 10-0 early following tries by talented winger Flynn Camilleri and prop Brandon Russell before the Capras responded with four pointers by front rower Bailey Butler and centre Cooper Marshall and a penalty goal on the stroke of half time by fullback Blake Moore.

Trailing 14-10 at the break, the Mackay side returned to the field with a vengeance and surged to a 22-14 lead after centres Dario Takitaki and Josh Smith darted over for tries in the space of eight minutes with half back Brandon Finnegan potting the extras.

A rampaging Butler grabbed a second try to bridge the gap before the Capras stormed home to notch their eighth win of the season.

CENTRAL Queensland staged a second half revival to sink Mackay 32-24 in the Hastings Deering Under 21 Colts competition.

The Cutters led 24-12 early in the second stanza following tries by winger Braydon Dunbar, prop Toby Sullivan, lock Blake Coombes and centre Toby Strecker and four conversions from fullback Alex Lawton.

But the Capras staged a stunning comeback with four tries to chalk up their second win of the season.

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The Mackay Cutters lost to the Central Queensland Capras last weekend 22-30 at Browne Park. Photo Credit: LF Creative

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The Mackay Bridge Club Championship Pairs was played over the last three weeks, with the same partner each week. This was a fiercely fought competition with Joy Robinson & Geoff Taylor prevailing as club Championship Pair 2023.

Monday 19 June 2023 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Monica Darley / Ted Cullinan

3rd David Ting / Eric Goodchild

1st Janine Rodgers / Richard Wix

2nd Thelma Caruana / Joy Robinson

3rd Marilin Robins / Margaret Jennings

Tuesday 20 June 2023 Evening 8 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan 2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley 4th Marilin Robins / Faye Wright

Wednesday 21 June 2023 –10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Max Holewa / Diane Holewa

2nd Marie McGuire / Nancy Wix

3rd Ming Ting / Debra Goodchild

4th Ted Cullinan / Geoff Taylor

E/W

1st Eric Goodchild / David Ting

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

4th Robert Carless / Joy Robinson

Thursday Evening 22 June 2023 - 3 Table One Winner Green Points

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd Mick King / Ann Whitmore

3rd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

4th Annie Lynch / Geoff Taylor

Friday 23 June 2023 – Mackay Club Pairs Championship 2023 – Week 3 of 3 - 9 Table Mitchell Red Points

N/S

1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole

4th Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders

E/W

1st

2nd Diane Stokes / Anne Lutz

3rd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th Geoffrey Patterson / Susan Wright

Mackay Bridge Club Pairs Championship 2023 Final

1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

3rd Christine Nice / Diane Cox

5th Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy

7th Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell

2nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

4th Diane Stokes / Anne Lutz

6th Geoffrey Patterson / Susan Wright

8th Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders

Saturday 24 June 2023 – Nation Wide Pairs Week 12 of 23 - 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Julie O’Neill / Margaret Lane

2nd Anne Lutz / Annie Lynch

3rd Ted Cullinan / Noel Saunders

4th Christine Nice / Faye Wright

5th Marie McGuire / Joyce Deguara

E/W

1st Ken Seaniger / Joy Robinson

2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright

3rd Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore

4th Laura Howland / Antonia Tarradas

5th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

Sunday 25 June 2023 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Dawn Field / Anne Lutz

2nd Susan Ross / Joyce Deguara

E/W

1st Ann Whitmore / Sandy Patterson

2nd Diane Stokes / Joy Block

Contributed by Joy Block

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Mackay has cemented itself as Queensland’s regional skateboarding capital and the event that earnt our town the crown is returning in September.

FMS Rumble on the Reef is the largest skateboarding event in the southern hemisphere and brings skateboarders young and old, from amateurs to professionals, to the sugar city to shred the Sugar Bowl for a week of action.

Local business Field Mining Services (FMS) has once again signed on as naming rights partner for the event, confirming their support until 2025 in a move that Managing Director Donny Fraser said acknowledges the growth and solidifies local support for the sport.

“It’s starting to get a bit of structure like the other sports,” he said.

“Participation doubled over Covid and trying to build it has been very challenging but it’s people like them who allow us to take it to that next level.

“They’re really showing the community that they care by investing in sport, arts and music.”

Mr Fraser said the relationship between the tournament and the Mackay region has fundamentally changed skateboarding in Australia.

“Our sport owes a huge gratitude to Mackay for backing us to be able to create a future for our kids,” he said.”

“It’s the best place we could possibly ask for and the support from the city, the tourism industry, and the local community has been unmatched.”

The unique event promises a week of chaotic action, inviting locals to witness the future of Australian skateboarding across street and bowl events.

Rumble is a highlight on the skateboarding calendar, with plenty of competitors returning year after year including last year’s champion Rome Collyer and runner-up Daniel Woolley, most backing up from Olympic Games qualifying events.

“We’ve been doing this a long time so what we’re starting to see now is some of our juniors are now in the opens, guys like Daniel Woolley, I think we’ve seen him since the under 12s and he came second last year,” Mr Fraser said.

2023 will also be the second year Rumble welcomes representation from the Pacific Islands, with skaters from Fiji, the Solomon Islands and New Zealand making the trek and Papua New Guinea preparing a team for 2024.

Mr Fraser said the Oceania region performs well above its weight in professional sport and is developing a league to rival the biggest in the world.

“Bringing them here, having them learn, having them compete, it’s creating a presence that’s worth investing in,” Mr Fraser said.

“It’s a step in the right direction for those countries to show that they’re getting out there.”

Visit www.rumbleonthereef.com for more information.

WHAT: FMS Rumble on the Reef 2023

WHEN: Tuesday, September 19 to Saturday, September 23

WHERE: The Sugar Bowl, North Mackay

This is a free event.

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L-R Last year’s FMS Rumble on the Reef champions Daniel Woolley, Rome Collyer and Dani Campbell. Photo supplied

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We are blessed to live in Paradise especially in winter and with the cold weather presenting itself in NSW and Victoria.

We have welcomed Greg and Glenys Pepyat back from Victoria, Ken, and Cheryl Warner from Taralgon Victoria ELS Van Souest from Blue Hills Bowls Club Cranbourne East Victoria, as well as Hugh and June Shaw from Belmont NSW.

We wish them all a very happy stay.

Tuesday afternoon Social Bowls saw some great contests; however, it was the tenacious team of the highly improved and very lovely Maureen Barnard who teamed up with Ladda Purdie for an outstanding victory over the rest of the field with Jill Spencer a club favourite winning the prestigious Health Hub award.

Wednesday afternoon Social Bowls brilliantly organised by Merve Stewart and Rick Galea saw 22 bowlers competing for the top prize and it was Rick Galea with the popular Stacey Hadlow winners with a commanding 15-point win whilst the very wily Nick Fernbach took home the fantastic Health Hub award.

Thursday afternoon school finals saw each young bowler receive a trophy for their sterling efforts with a special mention to James Hou the Quip girls and Charlotte who all thoroughly deserved their trophies.

Margo Stanley has done a wonderful job with them all.

Saturday morning Scroungers returned for another season with the club's hard working and one of nature's gentlemen John Askew organised a big round.

First round winners were Russell and Di Jackson, Karen Jensen, Kevin John Trembath, and Andy McDougall into the semi-finals with the final being played by Kevin John Trembath and Karen Jensen with Karen proving too strong as was the first winner of the season, whilst Gary Kiff won the B Division prize.

Finally, Sunday afternoon had a huge turn up with 39 bowlers vying for the prize money great games on every rink with our chairman Ash Warland leading his capable team of Dawn Dowell and Michael Jacometti taking home the biscuits.

The Ladies Pennant teams continue their quest this week and we wish them all good luck.

Contributed to thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Karen Jensen the big winner of Saturday Scroungers. Photo supplied

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With the cooler weather down south, we are enjoying the company of many visitors who are enjoying travelling to our town and their game of bowls with us.

On Wednesday we had three games of social bowls played.  

Philip Brown and Sandyi Daffara defeated Arthur Griffith 18 - 17 in one of those games of changing fortunes.  

Jim Bownds, Pat Bownds, and Neville Smith defeated John Anderson, Pat Bownds, and Mike Harrison 25 - 17.  

Sandra Ross, Bob Ross, and Heather Brown defeated Jan Botes, Bruce Uhe, and Carol Smith 31 - 11.

On Sunday in social bowls John Burnett, Arthur Griffith, and Heather Brown defeated Margy Burnett, Bob Ross, and Mike Harrison 31 - 12;  John Anderson and Sandy Daffara defeated Alen Sanderson and Peter Lawton 25 - 20.

With our bowlers who have returned from their play in the Australian Open, we are so proud of how all of our members who participated flew the flag for Proserpine and showcased both their skills on the green and the relaxed friendliness that we all enjoy.  

Special congratulations to Scott Kinnear and his director who brought home the ultimate prize for his part of the event with first place in the Vision Impaired Singles and Runner Up in the Vision Impaired Pairs.  

Scott is truly having one of those years that we all dream about.

Club Championship Fours will be completed this weekend with the Semi Finals being played on Saturday morning and Finals Saturday Afternoon.  

Semi Finals are Harry Craig, Isaac Elliott, Toby Craig and Marcus Craig versus Ken Watts, Kendall Watts, Gavin Noonan, and Brett Saroglia; Shane Kinnear, Todd Leys, Scott Hamilton, and Gavin Milne versus Michael Kinnear, Luchie Gardel, Grahame Kinnear, and Barry Saroglia.  

Winners are eligible to play in the Champion of Champion Fours being held at Mackay Club on the weekend July 22, 23.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Director Shane Kinnear with Scott Kinnear Vision Impaired Singles Champion at the 2023 Australian Open held on the Gold Coast. Photo supplied

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There was no social play on Monday as Wangaratta and Bowen Bowls Club hosted the North Queensland District Ladies Purple Pennant.

With two days of great bowls Gold City/Alligator Creek won overall with Jubilee (Townsville) coming second. The Wangaratta ladies put up a great performance and only went down in the last game to come in third with Brandon and BBC following.

Well done ladies.

On Tuesday, things got back to normal and everyone who watched the previous two days got into action themselves.

Winners came out on Rink 3.

They were Brenda Jablon, Simon Fitzgerald, and John Robinson who defeated Denis Walker, Alan Almond, and Penny Warren.

Runners Up were Kate Barry and Ron who defeated Jan Nick and Frank.

The jackpot didn’t go off.  

Fun Friday is becoming a popular event.

Resting Touchers were awarded to K Almond, A Almond, Ron, and Lee.

Winners for the afternoon were V Schilling, A Almond, and M Hyde defeated D Schilling, K Almond, L Knight.

Marie, John, and Ron defeated Barry, Lee, and Greg.

Keith and Louise defeated Diane and Denis.

Dianne, Steve, and Lindsey defeated Shirley, Jan, Sharon.  

The jackpot didn’t go off.

Winners for Sunday afternoon were Sherm Elliot, Isobel, and Graham who defeated France, Lizi, Merle, and Michael.

Runners Up for the mango were S Jablowski, L Barber, and A Rolfe defeated G Lydom, J Healey, and N Dawson.

I understand the jackpot did go off.

Congratulations to Robyn Stitt, Denise Wallace, Penny Warren and Fely Duncan who came into third prize money at the Cane Fire Fours at Ayr on the weekend.

Good luck and good bowling to our Men’s Dunn Cup team of Geoff Danvers, Allan Rolfe, Mark Drummond, and Greg Colquhoun playing next weekend at Alligator Creek in Townsville.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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Wangaratta Ladies Purple Pennant teams. Pat Tracey, Isobel Wheeler, Irene Laird, Bron Tolcher, Lyn Danvers, Merle Elphinstone, Sue Shearing, Deb Retchless. Photo supplied

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