Wednesday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf Club.  

Ladies’ winner was Raewyn Glover 44pts, runner up Karon McKenzie 39pts.

Men’s winner Kaleb Brunker 41pts, runner up on a countback Kevin Cross 39pts.

Saturday's competition was a stableford event sponsored by P&O Meehan Menswear for the Men and Commonwealth Bank for the ladies.

Ladies winner was Denise Bianco 43pts, runner up on a countback Julie Mawson 38pts. Men’s winner Matthew Ruff 48pts, runner up Marcus Yasso 39pts.  

Pin shots to Akeam Power, Xanthe Power, Alan Detry, Michael Tilden, Dylan Not with and IBP & the Car Wash Voucher, Grace Nott, Meg Garrod, Janice Bates, Robyn Slade with an OBP.

Coming Up:

This weekend's competition is a split round with the July Monthly Medals.  

Men play on Saturday, ladies on Sunday.  

Both competitions are sponsored by Queens Beach Motor Hotel & Bowen Meat and Supply.  

Joker is worth $3500.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott.

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Saturday competition winners - Denise Bianco & Wendy Tracey (3rd) with Sarnie Eisemann representing CBA and Matthew Ruff with Pauline Martin representing P&O Meehans Menswear.

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Tuesday's stableford was a close game with Ross Tong coming out on top with 39 pts, followed by Nick Appruzzese and Adam Maggs both on 38pts.

NTP's: Ash Law and Sam Deicke.

Wednesday saw the ladies tee off in the afternoon for the Captains Day, Jenny Hounsell was the clear winner on 42 pts, Elspeth Scotford and Paula McQuat in the rundown with 34 pts each.

Long drives went to Trish McNeill and Rehab Hull, NTP's Jenny Hounsell, Marlene Gray, Elspeth Scotford and Jacqui Wall.

In the Men's Competition, Aaron Prosser was the winner on a countback from Nathan Holohan both on 37 pts.

Steve Kelly took out the Division 1 win on 40 pts on Thursday, Brendan Spann and Wayne Temby completing the podium.

John Dodds was too good in Division 2 with 39 pts, closely followed by Barry Mortimer and John Roser.

NTP's: Bob Ross, Dave Telford, Greg Walker, and Steve Kelly.

121 players turned out for the Annual BC Construction Day on Show Friday, Dave Dodds, Dave Hoy, and Roger Vandenberg ahead of the pack with a scorching 53.5 nett, followed by Sam Deicke, Brendan Spann, and Lew Tuck.

Ben Raymant, Finbar O'Flynn and Scott Lee were in 3rd place.

Long Drives were won by Toni Clauss and Ben Smith, NTP's: Chris Bartlett, Leve Homes, Nathan Holohan, Mick Kavanagh, Renae Maxwell, Dean Barnard, Lew Tuck and Anna Winterbourn.

The MBW Stableford winners were Rod Wecker, Mata Browne, and Jill Farinelli.

2nd place in the ladies was Rehab Hull followed by Kath Borer, Marlene Gray and Di Chard won the NTP's.

Division 1 Men's 2nd place getter was Brian Allan followed by Simon Dellla Santa, and Division 2 2nd place winner was Craig Smith, followed by Chris Brett.

The Men's NTP's were won by Tim Deffner, Larry Muller, Brodie Hodgson, and John Bissell.

Mata Browne continued his great form on Sunday to card a very impressive 43 points to edge out Theunis Venter Jnr on 42 points and Chris Pham on 41 pts.

All handicap reducing scores! NTP's: Ryan Wilkes, Jon Miller, and Trent Tetley-Bishop.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop.

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Our weekly 9-hole stableford saw Craig Kennedy take the win with 22 pts, second Sam Cartwright with 21 pts and third with 21 pts Michael Norman.

Jay Angel took the win with 18 pts on Fridays 9-hole stableford, second saw Tim Walton with a 16 c/b and third Lorri Thynne with 16 pts.

Sunday’s 18-hole monthly medal for June was a great turn out. First place we had Dean Barnard, second place Asher Ventham and third place went to Cory Belke.

Nearest the pin was Dean Barnard and Tyson Flavel.

This Sunday 2nd July will be 18-hole stableford tee off anytime.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Green.

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Tyson Flavel

Wayne Singleton, Asher Ventham, Deeray Fo’ou and Adam Singleton

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With only four games scheduled last weekend, many sides got a chance to take a well-earned rest.

The Divisional men travelled down to Mackay on Friday to take on Country United.

First off the rank were Div2 and in a hard fought game, they had more than their share of opportunities and possession but just couldn’t capitalise.

In fact, despite having arguably the better of play, and having had a goal disallowed, they trailed 1-0 till the final minutes when Chris White smacked in a long-range ball for a well-deserved equaliser.

1-1 the final result.

Div 1 were disappointed not to get a better result against the young Country side that was full of running. The Whitsunday side controlled the ball well and played some great football but failed to convert opportunities to goals.

Some miracle long range goals from Country saw them run out winners, 3-0.

The Men’s U23’s had a match up with close rivals Mackay Rangers.

The Whitsunday’s side started the game trying to play their standard style – based on quick low passes, however, a bumpy pitch made it difficult to string passes together.

The home team, used to this ground played the long ball game and were rewarded when the bounce of the ball was misjudged by Rowan and with his attempts to recover a supposed penalty was conceded.

Rangers converted opening the scoring for the day.

Whitsundays applied pressure themselves and won a penalty of their own which was unfortunately put wide.

From this point the game because very physical as both sides tried to get on top.

Early in the second half, new recruit Agustine received a second yellow putting Whitsundays down to 10 men.

The situation became harder as Rangers scored again making the score 2-0.

However, the Whitsundays team came together and piled the pressure on even with a player less and pulled back a goal through debutant Nico.

The pressure was taking its toll on the Rangers side who struggled to keep possession.

The Whitsunday determination paid off with Jarrod Clarke scoring his first goal for the club making the final score 2-2.

A man down, 2 goals behind and zero subs.

An incredible fight back by the boys who left with a well-deserved point!

The Whitsunday Premier Men came up against a well organised Rangers side desperate to take a win and prove themselves contenders.

Early on Whitsunday’s struggled to play their free-flowing football on a rough field and were lucky not to be down at halftime as Luke pulled off a string of quality saves towards the end of the half.

A solid rev up at half time did the trick with Whitsundays dominating the first 15 minutes of the second half which finally saw a goal from the inform Tommy Torzsok.

Although Whitsundays went down to 10 men every player dug their heels in and grinded out an important 1-0 win before a few weeks off.

The win cements them in fourth spot on the ladder but with games in hand.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic.

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Rugby League is in Lahni Linneweber’s blood, with close family ties to the sport.

Joining the sport in 2019, Proserpine State High School student Lahni has been on a non-stop roll, working closely with the Rise Academy to move into the sport professionally once she completes high school.

The Rise Academy is a Queensland Rugby League run pathway program, to bridge aspiring players and coaches from community rugby league to the professional circuit, particularly the QRL rebel State Development Series

Lahni was selected into the Mackay Under 16s Girls team for the Rise Curtain Raiser for the Women’s State of Origin match.

Competing earlier this week, at the pre-game match, Lahni and the Mackay team versed the Townsville Rise team.

Selected out of 30 girls, Lahni was able to tour the Townsville stadium, meet with the female players and watch the Women’s State of Origin match live.

The Year 10 student usually competes as part of the Mackay South Sharks Under 16s girls’ team, travelling to Mackay two to three times a week for training and games.

Stepping forward for the Rise Academy allows new professional development opportunities for Lahni, bettering her position to be scouted for the sport.

Looking past Year 12, Lahni is looking to play the sport competitively, and is eager to welcome any opportunity to play rugby league on the big screens.

“I really want to play for the Sharks, professionally,” she said.

“And play for the Maroons one day.”

Next year, she is looking forward to North Queensland football opportunities to compete outside of Mackay, and to further develop her skills and techniques.

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With professional aspirations, Lahni Linneweber is welcoming all new opportunities. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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Saturday saw the Moranbah Bulls travel up to Airlie beach to play the Round 11, top of the table clash against the Raiders.

Both teams have had a pretty consistent year and the last time they met was a close 26-20 match in favour of the Bulls.

With both teams having a few of their regular players missing, it was still going to be a tight contest for the win.

Raiders line defence was the difference between the teams, and it wasn’t until the 26th minute when young Raiders speedster Rhys Ward crossed the line for the first five pointer of the game, bringing the score to 7-3 in favour of the men in green.

As half time drew near, the Raiders found themselves on the wrong side of the referee’s whistle and the Bulls slotted another 3 pointer to be 7-6 on the scoreboard, with the restart putting pressure on the Bulls.

It was Dylan Hoffmann who managed to find some space and cross for the Raiders second try of the game putting the Raiders ahead 14-6 at the half time break.

The second half was again a defensive battle that saw Niall Clancy slot his first of 2 penalties for the Raiders, 8 minutes into the half.

It wasn’t until the 55th minute before the scoreboard moved again to make the score 20-6.

It was the 79th minute when fullback Dylan Hoffmann again found space and crossed for his double, unfortunately Niall missed the conversion and Raiders took the win 25-6 to remain at the top of the MRU ladder after 11 rounds.

Best on field were Tristian Sainsbury 3pts, Joel Hoffmann 2pts and Rhys Ward 1pt.

This Saturday sees a competition wide bye so that the MRU players can participate in the QLD Country Championships in Rockhampton.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence.

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Hone Casey-Bloomer counter ruck through the middle. Photo credit: Hanny Spence Photography

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On Sunday, three Cannonvale swimmers participated at the Townsville Strand Ocean Swim.

Jacob Bell swam in the 4km Magnetic Island Qualifier Event and was the first swimmer to come out of the water.  

Jacob swam an impressive time of 52min 16sec.

He is keen to compete in the Magnetic Island to Townsville 8km swim in July.  

This will be Jacob’s 3rd year of swimming the 8km event.  

Jacob’s teammate, Kyle Pevitt-Scott also swam a fantastic time of 1.02.51.  

Alisha Rust participated in her first 2km event.

Alisha swam extremely well and completed the 2km event in 37min 9sec.  

All three came first in their respective age groups.

Congratulations, Jacob, Kyle, and Alisha!

Meanwhile, Coach Mark Erickson was in Brisbane on Saturday with the Queensland Swimming Possibles and Probables Swim Squad (170 swimmers).

Mark was invited to coach the Backstroke program for 23 top Queensland swimmers who were 13 – 17 years of age.  

He thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being a lead coach.  

On Wednesday afternoon, 5 senior swimmers – Jy Parkinson, Noah Maltby, Mae Carter-Attwood, Holly Perrin, and Tora Delac attended a special training session.  

Coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson gave the swimmers the opportunity to work on their favorite stroke.  

The swimmers enjoyed the chance to improve their form stroke and to get some personalized feedback.  

By the end of the session, the coaches noted improvements in stroke counts and technique which was fantastic.  

Many of the Cannonvale swimmers will continue to train over the school holidays to maintain or enhance their fitness.  

Some competitive swimmers are preparing for the Queensland Short Course Championships, and some are training for the triathlon and ocean swim season.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Jacob Alisha and Kyle before the Magnetic Island qualifier

Jacob Bell and Savannah King

Jacob Bell finishing the 4km Ocean Swim

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Now in its 18th year, the Whitsunday Trail Fest is confirmed for September.

Hosted by the Whitsunday Running Club, the Whitsunday Trail Fest explores the very best of the region’s tracks, with a variety of different treks for the avid runner.

Beginning in 2005 by the Mackay Road Runners, the Whitsunday Trail Fest only had the 28-kilometre course but has now evolved to encompass the ultra-58-kilometre, the HoneyEater Challenge, and the Kids Beach Run.

The WTF58 Shokz Ultra begins at the Airlie Beach Soundstage, with the first stage of the trek to the stairs of Kara Cres.

Part two takes runners through to HoneyEater, where runners have spectacular views of the Coral Sea on their right.

Part three is through Bloodwood Camp, along the coastal ridges before making it to Repulse Creek.

This is a great spot to run through Jubilee Pocket and the Whitsunday islands, with a fantastic array of flora and fauna to greet runners.

The WTF28 is by far the most popular option for the Fest, with runners taking on Brandy Creek before going past Repulse Creek, Bloodwood Camp and Kara Cres.

The HoneyEater Challenge is a short 10.5-kilometre run, popular for beginners, where the trek runs through the clouds and has great views of the coral sea.

The last trail is the Kids Beach Bash, a quick dash across Airlie Beach Foreshore, so that every member of the family can get in on the Whitsunday Trail Fest.  

WHAT: Whitsunday Trail Fest

WHERE: Whitsundays

WHEN: Sunday, September 10

REGISTRATION: runwhitsundays.com.au. Registrations closes July 30

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The Whitsunday Trail Fest is on again this September

Champion Mackay point guard Isaac White is a basketballer in a big hurry.

The Meteors trump card continues to dazzle opponents in the NBL1 North Conference with his range of skills, durability and vision on court.

White is a key signing for the Brisbane Bullets’ 2024 NBL campaign but has one immediate goal – to lead the Meteors into this year’s finals series.

He was outstanding in Mackay’s 94-83 victory over the Townsville Heat last Saturday at Townsville Stadium as the Meteors produced a second half blitz to post their eighth win from 14 matches.

After a quiet first half, the mercurial White sprung to his best with 34 points, ten rebounds, six assists and six steals on 11/21 shooting from the floor and 12/13 at the foul line.

The victory keeps the Meteors in the top four mix after the Heat led at quarter and half time and by nine points during the third stanza before a whirlwind finish by the visitors.

Mackay scored 14 unanswered points before dominating the final quarter.

Other Meteors to shine were guard Tyler Williams (14 points, two assists and two steals); Isaiah Lee (13 points, two assists and two steals) and Brad Rasmussen (nine points, five rebounds and two steals).

TOWNSVILLE Flames staged a spirited revival to sink Mackay Meteorettes 81-75 in the early game.

Leading by 22 points at one stage, the Meteorettes faded badly as Alex Fowler piloted the Flames to a third consecutive triumph.

Mackay dominated the first half, opening up a 24-16 lead at the end of the first quarter and 48-28 at the main break.

With the talented Fowler leading the charge with 32 points, eight rebounds and three assists the Flames stormed home with massive momentum.

The Meteorettes were best served by Davida Dale (24 points, six rebounds and four assists); Courtney Virgo (17 points and four boards) and Brittany Reeves (11 points and 15 rebounds).

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Brittany Reeves scored 11 points for the Meteors against the Heat. Image: Keiron Place Photography

Isaac White scored 34 points in the Meteors win against the Townsville Heat. Image: Keiron Place Photography

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It has been a case of so close but yet too far for the embattled Mackay Cutters rugby league team in this year’s Hostplus Cup competition.

Languishing near the bottom of the table, the Cutters have produced some courageous performances in recent weeks – only to be overpowered in the dying moments.

Tweed Heads Seagulls found a way to snatch two competition points over the Mackay combination last Saturday night at BB Print Stadium when they posted a hard fought 32-28 triumph.

Ace half back Brandon Finnegan gave the Cutters a deserved 28-26 edge over the sixth placed Seagulls when he dashed over for his second try of the match and converted with seven minutes left on the clock.

Shortly after the Seagulls regained the lead when winger Kaleb Ngamanu crossed out wide with half back Toby Sexton also potting a last-minute penalty goal to secure victory.

It was another heart-breaking loss for Michael Comerford’s brave warriors who have been competitive in most of their fixtures this season.

Finnegan opened the scoring with a converted try after three minutes before the Seagulls hit back with snap tries by winger Ryland Jacobs and centres Jojo Fifita and Lee Turner to open up a 16-6 lead.

In a game of fluctuating fortunes, Tweed Heads lock Jaron Purcell gave the visitors a 22-12 lead with a converted try before Mackay prop Garrett Smith crashed over to score and keep his side in the hunt.

The local crowd cheered wildly when Finnegan skirted the defence to nab a vital try and conversion and give the Cutters a narrow lead.

EARLIER the Seagulls recorded a thrilling 21-20 victory over the Cutters in the Hastings Deering Under 21 Colts fixture.

The Seagulls led 21-16 before Cutters winger Mackenzie Novosel crossed for a last minute try - with five eighth Henri Stocks missing a potential match-winning conversion.
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Photo credit: Marty Strecker

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By Amanda Wright

The Mackay Cycling Club held its highly anticipated annual Hamilton Shield Handicap last weekend, providing riders with an exhilarating challenge on the newly redesigned Stockroute Loop course. Departing from tradition, the finish line was strategically relocated outside the clubhouse, offering competitors a swift and level sprint finish fuelled by a favourable tailwind. The revamped route, which now incorporates Lorne Road, passing by McLennan Park, proved to be a game-changer, eliminating the need for riders to navigate a part of the busy Bruce Highway.

The hilly terrain presented a demanding test for participants, who showcased their skill and resilience under the sunny yet windy conditions. It was a hard day on the saddle for the sprinters of the club, who struggled to keep up with the climbers over the Stockroute Road lumps. Whizzing past picturesque paddocks of ripening cane, currently being harvested for the upcoming crush, riders relished the scenic backdrop that Mackay's countryside had to offer. However, as the competition continues in the following weeks, cyclists will remain vigilant, keeping a watchful eye out for cane trains, harvesters, tractors, and potential hazards caused by cane remnants on the roads.

Andy Pate broke away from his bunch with more than a lap to go, taking a commanding lead of more than five minutes over the riders chasing from scratch. It was a close finish, with Andy holding his lead to cross in first while the bunch sprinting from behind were agonisingly close to competing for the shield.

Amongst the fast-finishing field of riders, Tim Ffrost emerged as the fastest male cyclist and was second across the line, displaying exceptional speed and endurance with a great time of 1 hour, 1 minute, and 38 seconds. Equally impressive, Tracey Borchardt claimed the title of the fastest female rider, conquering the challenging course in just 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 22 seconds. Meanwhile, Matthew Schatkowski's excellent performance secured his position as the leading junior rider.

As the dust settles on the Hamilton Shield Handicap, the Mackay Cycling Club looks forward to its upcoming event, the Eungella KOM (King of the Mountain) race, set to take place on July 9, providing another opportunity for the climbers to shine.

Results

1st Andy Pate

2nd Tim Ffrost

3rd Jarrod Sampson

4th Glen McDermott

5th Luke Schatkowski

6th Tracy Borchardt

7th Craig Larsen

8th Matthew Schatkowski

9th Peter Ransome

10th Jody Walker

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L-R: Tim Ffrost, Matthew Schatkowski, Andy Pate, Jarrod Sampson

Tim Ffrost leads the sprint to claim fastest rider

Matthew Schatkowski was the fastest junior rider

Jody Walker, Michael Novikov and Shane Edwards had fun finishing the race

Peter Ransome (left) and Tracy Borchardt

The Mackay region recently hosted Australia’s best golfers for three legs of the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series.

Tournaments were held in Sarina, Mackay and the Pioneer Valley, completing the five-round North Queensland Series.

“It’s giving local amateurs the feel of playing with these professionals that they see on TV,” said PGA Australia Queensland and Northern Territory Tournament Coordinator Garrett Skinner.

“Something that not every other sport gets the opportunity to give.”

Kicking off in Sarina Golf Club across June 3-4, the CMR Recycling Sarina Pro-Am proved a successful outing for Coffs Harbour-based Andrew Campbell, who finished with a two-stroke lead over Queenslander Shae Wools-Cobb with Will Bruyeres a further shot behind in outright third.

Continuing at Mackay Golf Club from June 8-9, Lismore’s Sam Brazel turned despair into inspiration to record a one-stroke victory at the PIMS Group Mackay Pro-Am at Mackay Golf Club.

One of the most accomplished players on the adidas PGA Pro-Am Series circuit, Brazel finished 46th at the CMR Recycling Sarina Pro-Am, arriving at Mackay Golf Club determined not to make the same mistakes twice.

“I was pretty motivated,” Brazel said.

“I played pretty poorly and let a few things get to me in Sarina so had a bit of a point to prove.

“I’ve got good memories here, I know the course fairly well and wanted to come and get the job done.”

Fellow New South Welshman Brendan Smith and Queenslander Dillon Hart finished one stroke behind.

The Mackay series wrapped up at Pioneer Valley Golf Club on June 11, where Brett Rankin extended his dominance for a fourth straight win at the Roy Powell Security Pioneer Valley Pro-Am while Dillon Hart broke through as the pair shared top honours.

Three players shared third spot with Tim Hart, Nathan Page and Zach Maxwell all posting rounds of 6-under 66 to finish one back.

The Pioneer Valley Pro-Am also served as the conclusion to the five-round North Queensland Series sponsored by Mackay Regional Council, going to Sarina Pro-Am champion Andrew Campbell at 18-under par with Shae Wools-Cobb and Brad Burns sharing second at 16-under par.

The adidas PGA Pro-Am Series continued with The Mining Towns Series in Middlemount, Moranbah and Tieri.

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Sarina Golf Club President Brad Cook, Andrew Campbell, Clubhouse Manager Kylee Fowler and CMR Recycling sponsor Peter Bourke from CMR Recycling

Andrew Itzstein and Mark Johnston of PIMS Group, Sam Brazel and Mackay Golf Club President George Jenkins

Brett Rankin, Mayor of Mackay Regional Council Greg Williamson, a Pioneer Valley Golf Club representative and Dillon Hart (right). Photos supplied: PGA Australia

Mackay Bowls Club held the B4 Carnival with 14 teams from around the district playing four games on Saturday and three games on Sunday.

Good close bowls were played all weekend with lots of laughter and banter.

First place went to Barry Paskins, Jim Wallace, Col Stevens, Peter Carter.

Runner up team of Jim Lette, Des Berges, Luke Mills, Ivan Butson.

Third place team of Antony Shepherd, Whare Herewini, Ron Ponds.

Fourth Position of Tony Gibson, Col Marks, Glen Petrie, Josh Iseman.

Big thanks to Brad Robertson for all his work to make it a big success.

Ladies played Pennants on Friday morning against Sarina but the weather wasn’t kind to them having to stop for a downpour before the sun returned and games were finished.

Friday afternoon a Knockout Competition was played with 3 Bowl Pairs and was well supported by Ladies and Men.

Results:

Tuesday Social Play (26)

Winners of Winners

John Schatkowski, Whare Herewini, Barry Paskins.

Winners of Losers

John Jorgensen, Greg Thomson, Trevor Mayfield.

Thursday Scroungers

Justin def Geoff

Men’s Open Pairs

Steve Cassidy def Grant Edmonds in a very Close Game.

Friday June 24 Ladies Hosted Social.

Saturday June 25: Finals CH/CH Pairs Carol Savage and Karli Burns v H Truscott and E Clements.

Men’s Competition will recommence this weekend.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Games being played in B4 competition. Photo credit: Mike Irving

Holy Spirit College’s First VII Netball and Confraternity Rugby League Teams are gearing up to join the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) and Rugby League (QISSRL) Carnivals in Brisbane from 25-30 June 2023.

The 23rd QISSN Carnival is being hosted by St James College at Nissan Arena with a major sponsor being Central Queensland University. The 43rd QISSRL Carnival is being hosted by St Laurence’s College at the College and their Runcorn Playing Fields.

Mrs Alison Wales, Principal, said “Holy Spirit College is proud to be a part of the QISSN and QISSRL Carnivals.

“Participation in competitions of this standard is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their skills and sportsmanship.”

The First VII Netball Team has been playing strong in the local Schoolgirls Netball Competition and were Minor Premiers.

Margie Sugars, HSC Netball Coordinator, said “I am so proud of our girls as they strive to reach their best performance.

“Team participation, leadership and sportsmanship are vital at this level.”

The Confraternity Rugby League Team debuted recently in the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Aaron Payne Cup competing against the top North Queensland rugby league school teams.

HSC’s Sports Program Leader, Thomas Westcott said, “For us, it’s about gaining experience and developing our players for the long haul.”

Nathan Thompson, HSC’s Rugby League Coordinator, said “As we aim to develop our squad, their inclusion in the local Cutters Cup Competition and the Aaron Payne Cup is certainly giving them opportunities to progress their game.

“A number of our boys are Mackay Cutters representatives, and we have great prospects in our Year 9/10 team for the future.”

With a solid preparation, including Strength and Conditioning sessions with 21Laps Performance Training, both teams are ready and raring to go.

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MEET THE TEAMS

1 (Netball)

(l-r): Back – Mrs Hayley Keith (Manager), Jorja Bell, Stella Brooks, Jessica Haworth, Ruby Coleman, Addison McMurtrie, Miss Danielle MacGregor (Assistant Coach), Mrs Margie Sugars (Coach). Front – Ava Symons, Elizabeth Lee (Vice-Captain), Brea Jansen (Captain), Anna West (Vice-Captain), Stephanie Schembri

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2 (Team)

L-R Back: Mr Ian Ballantyne (Manager), Mr Tom Westcott (Assistant Coach), Flynn Marchant, Benjamin Schembri, Jack Ecker, Rylan Misztela, Matthew Dorl, Lachlan Dempsey, Lachlan Kerr, Mr Adam Vanderlinde (Trainer), Mr Nathan Thompson (Coach).

L-R Front: Matthew Castorina, Keegan Hutton, Nikolaus Djukic, Balin Burnett, Alex Haworth, Kalan Morris, Caleb Brady, Kai English.

Absent: Kade Adamson, Will Canino, Thomas Deguara, Denzell English, Xavier Nott, Caleb Owens, Isaiah Wilson

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3 (Rugby Captains)

HSC QISSRL Team Co-Captains, Balin Burnett and Alex Haworth, are set to take the field with their teammates

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4 (Netball Captains)

HSC QISSN Team – Brea Jansen (Captain), Anna West (Vice Captain) and Elizabeth Lee (Vice Captain) ready to lead their team

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GAME DRAWS

QISSN Team – Division 3 Pool C – Candice Adams Trophy

Monday 26 June

Round 1 – 8:00am, HSC vs St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School, Ascot (Court 7)

Round 2 – 10:00am, HSC vs Aquinas College, Ashmore (Court 5C)

Round 3 – 11:00am, HSC vs St Ursula’s College, Toowoomba (Court 7)

Tuesday 27 June

Round 4 – 12:00pm, HSC vs Carmel College, Thornlands (Court 4)

Round 5 – 1:30pm, HSC vs Chisholm Catholic College, Cornubia (Court 3)

Wednesday 28 June

Round 6 – 8:30am, HSC vs Sunshine Coast Grammar School (Court 7)

Round 7 – 10:00am, HSC vs Shalom College, Bundaberg (Court 7)

Thursday 29 June

Finals (Rounds 1 and 2) – determined by results on 26-28 June

Friday 30 June

Finals (Round 3) – determined by results on 29 June QISSRL Team –

Division 2 Pool A – Confraternity Cup Monday 26 June Game 1 – HSC vs Our Lady of the Southern Cross College (Field 1)

Game 2 – HSC vs St Teresa’s College (Field 6)

Tuesday 27 June

Game 3 – HSC vs St Columban's College (Field 4)

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Kangaroos internationals Martin Bella, Wendell Sailor, Brett Dallas, Shannon Hegarty, Daly Cherry-Evans and former Dally M Player of the Year Ben Barba share one thing in common.

All are products of Queensland’s famous rugby league nursery at St Patrick’s College Mackay and were ‘discovered’ by talent scouts while competing in the schoolboy ranks.

On the eve of the 2023 Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League Confraternity Carnival – the premier rugby league competition for Catholic and independent secondary schools in the State – former St Patrick’s player David Paul reflected on his winning era at the College.

Paul, now the foundation principal at St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School at Rural View, is one of a select band of former St Patrick’s students to figure in four successive Confraternity Shield-winning teams from 1988 to 1991.

Having won an impressive eight titles since the competition’s inception in 1980, St Patrick’s can boast a proud history in the five-day tournament.

The Class of 2023 – under the expert coaching of former Italy World Cup rugby league international Ian Schifilitti – are one of the strong contenders for this year’s championship to be hosted in Brisbane by St Laurence’s College from June 25 to June 30.

Principal Paul took a trip down memory lane when he recalled St Patrick’s memorable Shield triumphs over St Brendan’s Yeppoon in 1988 and 1990; St Mary’s Toowoomba (1989) and St Augustine’s Cairns (1991).

“Our coach was Mackay Brothers legend Mick Wombat Aprile and we fielded some strong sides during that era,” reflected Paul, a power running second rower or prop in his heyday.

“Chris Sammut was our captain in 1988 - a clever half back with organisational skills who steered us around the park,” said David.

“We beat a St Brendan’s side that featured a young Julian O’Neill in the final.”

The following year St Patrick’s were led by second rower Chris O’Brien and edged out St Mary’s Toowoomba 10-8 in the final – courtesy of a late try by centre Paul Agnew.

Under the inspirational leadership of back rower Peter Phillips and attacking class of Brett Dallas, the St Patrick’s colts lifted the 1990 trophy after a 26-0 triumph over St Brendan’s in the final at Yeppoon.

Phillips, who passed away recently, was later named Player of the Carnival.

The hard-working Paul was one of eight St Patrick’s youngsters selected in the 1990 Confraternity Development Team that travelled to play tour matches against the Gold Coast and Tweeds Heads Seagulls.

Other St Patrick’s players honoured were fullback Michael Ellemor, wingers Brett Dallas and Bernard Bond, centre Paul Agnew, lock Anthony Bella, second rower Peter Phillips and prop Michael Harris with Paul appointed tour captain.

The team was coached by former Australian Test winger Lionel Williamson and managed by Melbourne Storm official Paul Bunn.

“Our fullback Butch Fatnowna took out the Player of the Carnival award in 1991 after we defeated St Augustine’s 21-8 in the final at Charters Towers to make it four trophies in a row,” recollected Paul, who played Junior League with Brothers and Souths before coaching his primary school rugby league teams at St Brendan’s.

“Butch went on to play for the Brisbane and London Broncos during his professional career and could have been anything” he added.

By Chris Karas

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David Paul