The Whitsunday Raiders held a night of rugby on Friday 2nd June, this saw the start of the 2nd round for the MRU senior men against Bowen, as well as a long-awaited game for the senior women’s team.

It also incorporated the 2nd round of the annual Eclipse Financial Services Cup and the very loyal Raiders sponsors night.

With a growing crowd the senior women kicked off the night with a game of 10’s against a newly formed Bowen women’s team, this was a bit of a tussle between the women, with the Whitsunday team finally coming away with a close 12-5 victory.

With the grandstand full and plenty of voices heard across the field, the main game kicked off to start what turned out to be a hard task for both sides.

Dylan Hoffmann got a small break in the defence and scooted through after 7 minutes to plant the ball under the posts, 7-nil raiders.

Nearly half an hour had passed when the Bowen forwards made their mark across the white line, 7-5 Raiders.

Neither team were going to make it easy to get points and at half time the score was still 7-5.

The first 10 minutes of the second half saw the score move to 14-12 Raiders, with great defence and the Raiders backs attacking the Bowen defensive line, the ball was intercepted and saw Bowen run the length of the field to put them in front 19 -14.

This seemed to get the Raiders back into their game plan and bring their energy levels up a notch and saw them run in another 3 tries before the final whistle, score Raiders 35, Bowen 19.

Best on field for the Raiders were Connor Spence 1pt, Manaia Ngakaunui-Hauiti 2pts, Aden Spence 3pts.

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A fantastic start to Round 2

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures May 30, 2023:

Division 1:

Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan) d Mercedes (Geoff Denman, Graham Drury, Mark Sleeman) 7-4. Graham d Barry 5, -9, 4, -7, 10.

BMW (Ivan Perkins, Emma Widdup, Ian McKay) d Lexus (Steven Whiting, Vince Boeske, Graham Brake) 7-4. Graham d Ian 7, -12, -4, 8, 5.

Ferrari (Andrew McHugh, Robbie Richards, Tony Bowman) d Audi (Neil Brown, Janice Kent) 9-2. Andrew d Neil 8, 9, -7, -7, 10.

Division 2:

Isuzu (Steve Mathieson, Wayne Womald, Donna Abbott) d Mazda (Peter Goodson, Rymer Tabulo) 9-2. Peter d Donna -9, 7, 9, -9, 5.

Honda (George Camilleri, Mark Stam, Ishan Rana) d Nissan (Daniel Warfield, Graeme Walker, Will VanDeKaa) 6-5. Ishan d Graeme -10, 6, -5, 9, 12.

Division 3:

Hyundai (Duncan Sheridan, Noreen Fredericksen, Ollie Hamelink) d Kia (Craig VanDeKaa, Aarnav Reelh, Virginia Clayton) 9-2. Noreen d Aarnav 9, -5, -16, 6, 8.

Holden (John McGee, Tiffany Camilleri, Trent Day) d Ford (Steve Crocker, Val Austin, Saisha Palod) 10-1. Trent d Val 8, 5, -10, 10.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures May 30, 2023:

Division 1:

Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) d Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) Bryan d Pam 10, 7, -7, -5, 9.

Blue (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) d Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) 7-5. George d Branko -9, 10, -7, 8, 8.

Division 2:

Orange (Helen Ware, Louise Gould, Wayne Wormald) d White (Marie Taylor, Kim Daffy) 5-all. Marie d Louise 4, 6, -10, -6, 6.

Purple (Iris Grasso, Ken Best, Judi Hicks) d Pink (Robyn Bushell, John Hamelink, Fred Saliba) 9-3. Iris d John -11, 7, -6, 8, 7.

Division 3:

Grey (Sharon Muller, Ian Dodds) d Tan (Charyl Aprato, Madge Saunders, Bill Hey) 7-5. Sharon d Bill 8, -9, -7, 12, 3.

Aqua (Charles Hamlett, Robyn Giles, Glenda Dutton) d Lime (Frank Caruana, Glenda Brookes, Myles Dutton) 8-4. Charles d Frank 6, -9, -13, 6, 9.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Noreen Fredericksen. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles hosted the Mackay Magpies at home on Saturday for a great day of AFL.

Sea Eagles Senior Men made it three on the trot defeating Mackay Magpies 79 – 49 in what was a high pressure and skilful game.

Sea Eagles engine room were dominant with Billy Galpin leading the way through the centre and the good work finished off by Daniel Berry kicking four goals up forward.

Sea Eagles hope to continue their good form next week against reigning premiers North Mackay Saints down in Mackay.

Sea Eagles Senior Women hit the blocks running with Mia Trinder scoring an early goal to lead at the first break.

The second term saw Sea Eagles unable to keep the Magpies out trailing at half time. Magpies were too strong in the remainder with Sea Eagles going down 10 – 32.

Although Sea Eagles Under 14s kicked straight for the day they could not hold out the strong Magpies opposition running out with a loss 24 – 84.

Sea Eagles Under 12s out played Mackay Magpies to notch up a convincing win 64 – 19.

The wind had a major impact on the game with both teams struggling in defensive kick outs. Sea Eagles were able to use the wind advantage to hit the scoreboard through the game where Magpies were unable to.

Saturday 10th June sees Whitsunday Sea Eagles hit the road to take on North Mackay Saints at Zeolla Park with Juniors from 9:15am and Seniors from 1:50pm.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles.

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Sea Eagles Senior Men Will McCullagh. Photo Credit: Cody Fowler

Premier Men hit their straps and defeat early competition favourites with a double victory.

After a lot of narrow defeats this season, the Premier Men side delivered a much-needed gritty win getting up 2-1 against a very organised and competitive Wanderers side.

Wanderers didn’t go away and equalised in the 45th minute.

The second half saw Whitsundays dominate play creating chance after chance Ben Smith.

After two consecutive quality games, confidence is high.

The Premier Reserves have been the quiet achievers being within 1 point of second place and having games in hand.

The team started fast against with Benny Seago slotting away the first goal.

A change in tactics after half time was rewarded with a goal to Cy Taylor off a Luke Swift assist. Wanderers capitalised on a defensive lapse and the game ended 2-1 to Whitsunday.

On Friday night the Divisional Men were low in numbers but stretched the Rangers sides all the way to the end.

A poor start by Div2 saw them conceded but they rallied in the second half to play much better football but unable to take the chances they created, going down 3-0.

Div1 saw the Whitsunday team field only two fresh players but despite this, the Whitsunday boys took it to the quality young Rangers side and made them work hard.

An early defensive mix up saw them down 1-0 but Mike Downing equalised shortly afterward off a quality corner by Rich Draper.

Rangers scored a looping long range goal right on half time to take the lead 2-1.

The second half saw chances both ways, with Mitchell Milostic strong in goals, but the lack of fresh legs took its toll with Rangers taking the game 3-1.

The U13 Div1 side went down 3-0 to Country United falling victims to fatigue.

The U13 Prem’s took on City and with one win a piece it was going to be tight.

Whitsundays took the lead in the first half and early in the second doubled their advantage with Cohen Springbett's second of the game.

The match finishing 2-2

U15 Div1 drew 3-3 against City.

After being 3 nil down at half time, the boys dug deep to finish with a well-deserved draw.

They secured a draw in the final minutes of the game with a well-placed free kick.

The U15 Prem played top of the table City Brothers and were off their game in the first half going in 4-0 down at half time.

Their performance improved in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to come back against a very strong Brothers side.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic.

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Known for its stunning waterfront views and vibrant atmosphere, the Mackay Marina Run attracts participants from all over the region and beyond, with the 2023 edition being no different.

Runners from across the region, with some coming from far-flung corners of Australia and at least one from New Zealand, participated in last Sunday’s 15th annual Mackay Marina Run.

More than 3,100 runners of all ages from every state in Australia lined up at Mackay Harbour to compete in the Half Marathon, 8km Run, IMF Raw Run, 3km Junior Dash, 5km Fun Run and Corporate Challenge categories.

The field included many staff members nationwide from the event’s major sponsors BMA Mitsubishi Alliance across all categories to mark the 15th anniversary of the Run’s major sponsorship.

In attendance were Race ambassadors Benita Willis – Australia’s first – and only – world cross country champion and former world champion marathon runner Rob de Castella along with Mayor of Mackay Greg Williamson.

RESULTS

North Queensland Bulk Ports Half Marathon

Men

1 Jordan MCLENNAN

2 Ben MELVILLE

3 Rhys ATTERTON

Women

1 Ella MCCARTNEY

2 Bridget WEBBER

3 Anne BRIEGER

8km Run

Men

1 Tim VINCENT

2 Oliver RULE

3 Jared HAVEMANN

Women

1 Meagan BROWN

2 Abigail SWEENEY

3 Heidi MELVILLE

City Fitness 5km

Male

1 Ewan MCFADZEN

2 Finn MCDUFF

3 Sam RIGGS

Female

1 Kiara JOHNSON

2 Lauren MORGAN

3 Chloe RALPH

Isuzu Ute 5km Corporate

Male

1 Toby RULE

2 Angus JACOBS

3 Cameron WONNOCOTT

Female

1 Rebecca GOODALE

2 Ella CHAPPELL

3 Louise MCGRATH

MM Electrical 3km Dash

Male

1 Sonny MORSE

2 Hudson MAYFIELD

3 Zane SAYE

Female

1 Katie NOONAN

2 Alleah FALLON

3 Lillah RALPH

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Photo credit: Chris Karas

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Seven Whitsunday pickleball players joined 80 players in the Queensland Pickleball Tour (QPT) event in Townsville over the weekend.

With most playing in a tournament situation for the first time, the Whitsunday team were ecstatic to win silver in the men’s doubles 30 and under, women’s over 60’s doubles event and over 60’s mixed doubles.

They also received bronze in the 35 + mens doubles and 30 and under mixed doubles.

Competition was strong with players coming from Cairns, Tully, Townsville, Bowen, Whitsundays, Mackay, Hervey Bay, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

The Queensland Pickleball Tour holds a series of tournaments throughout the state and this year they were held in Mooloolaba, Townsville, Hervey Bay and the Gold Coast.

Thirteen courts were marked off at Townsville Tennis with its stunning backdrop of Castle Hill.

Pickleball is currently being played at Pickleball Whitsundays in Cannonvale and Montes Resort near Hydeaway Bay.

Watch this space for more venues in the near future.

Contributed with thanks to Lorraine Christiansen.

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Lorraine, Dave, Sheridan, Yoko and Frank enjoy play in Townsville. Photo supplied

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By the time the fleet headed out on the water for the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s twilight race on Pioneer Bay, the strong winds had abated and the 15 knot south easterly was ideal for racing.  

A fleet of 18 boats were complemented by a crew list of 116 sailors, which ensured that this is one of the most popular midweek sporting events in the Whitsundays.  

Added that there was a lady skippers race within the racing made it even more interesting.

The first start for the day was Divisions 1 & 2 combined, and while G’nome (David Chittlelborough) sprinted away, the best start went to Treasure VIII (Rob Davis).  

A misunderstanding on board Ullman Sails (Dale Mitchell) meant that they missed the start but had fun catching up before finally retiring from the race.  

At the front, QMS Ponyo held a slim lead over Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale), with Smooth Criminal (Karina Wood) and Reignition (Megan Wallis) close behind.

As the race progressed, Bobby’s Girl took control on the water, with QMS Ponyo dropping out of contention, while Houdini (Rob Meizer) and Twister (Tania Jarvis) made progress toward the mid fleet.

On water results were Bobby’s Girl one minute ahead of Smooth Criminal and Reignition.  After handicaps were applied, Treasure VIII came out on top with Twister and Smooth Criminal picking up the minor placings.

Division 3 start saw Rossgo (Laura Oates) and Lama (Caroline Dale) recalled after starting early, leaving Lighthorse (Kerry Aspland) leading the fleet away.  

As usual, Matchless (Lisa McCubbin) led the fleet, with Shiraz (Karen Cable) mixing the action with Riff Raff (Dan White) close behind.  Manteca (Frank Tennyson) sailed well, holding off Lighthorse, Lama and Norbert G (Phillippa Hall).  

Combining the results for the third heat of the lady skippers’ race saw Lighthorse take the honours over Shiraz and Twister, with little to separate second to seventh positions.  

It was great to see a strong representation of ladies participating.  

The next race of the Lady Skippers will be held on Sunday.

Races continue every Wednesday from 4:30pm, with limited crewing positions available. Those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 2:30 pm (limited spots available).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm.

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Great fun at the weekly Whitsunday Sailing Club Twilight Races

Raising funds for their Boys and Girls Queensland Independent Secondary School Netball (QISSN) teams, St Catherine’s Catholic College are welcoming members of the community to a round of bingo.

With a $500 major cash prize, and other cash prizes and raffles worth more than $1,200, the afternoon is set to leave everyone a winner.

Event organiser Emma Hiscox said the St Catherine’s students were very grateful to have the opportunity to play in the QISSN competition.

“The QISSN competition provides our students with the opportunity to play and watch some of the best Netball players in the State,” she said.

“Coming from a regional area, students don’t get these opportunities often.”

The four teams, two girls and two boys teams, will travel to Brisbane in the June-July holidays to compete in the state wide competition.

Community members are able to book a table of six or eight, by ringing 4945 1414, however the door will be open from 1.30pm, with the bingo started from 2pm.

On the afternoon, there will be light refreshments available and a bar open for patrons.

There will also be book packs and bingo pens for sale for the bingo.

WHAT: St Catherine’s Catholic College, Bingo Fundraiser

WHERE: St Catherine’s Catholic College

WHEN: Sunday June 11, from 1.30pm

TICKETS: $5 Entry at door

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WTA’s Preliminary Finals have delivered the final four teams to contest the Grand Finals next Monday.

There were four exciting games last Monday night all but one decided by the slimmest of margins.  Two games required extra time to decide on a winner.

Preliminary Finals Results:

Mixed A

Trusty (5) defeated Raiders A (3)

Mixed B

G.E.T. Touch (4) defeated Slippery Salmons (3)

Mixed C

Stingers (4) defeated Flame Tree Flames (3)

Mixed C (Family)

Escapees Misfits (8) defeated Untouchables (7)

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Can you believe that it's winter already, how fast this year has flown and this week we had our green fixed from all the holes in the bowls area of delivery.

The good news was that the repairers were fantastic and only took 2 days to complete their work, so Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls was hastily arranged.

Friday afternoon we had the 30 odd students from Christian College all trying out to see who will represent their school at the Queensland school competition, and it's really hotting up with many boys and girls really enjoying the game and improving dramatically.

We are down to 16 students fighting out the finish and the quarter finals next Friday. We are just so proud of their efforts.

Saturday morning saw the 8s being played which is, one game of mixed fours and two games of pairs not mixed.

Tony Whitehorn's team were comfortable winners with Betty Whitehorn, Alan Pershouse. Tony Whitehorn, Col Morris, Elaine Kippen, Helen Ward all playing outstanding roles in their team’s victory.

The losing team had outstanding performances by Di Jackson, Maureen Barnard, Tina Schubert, and Juanita Matterson was so consistent.

Sunday morning saw the postponed game to see who the number one team of Division 5 and West Tigers would be, whose players have played together each week proved too strong for our hastily arranged team and go on to Division 4 next year.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Results of Competition Games:

Singles: Gus Munro defeated Tiarna Rogers.

Triples: Herb Dalton, Gus Munro, and Shane Spann defeated Ron Gould,Doc Fordham, and Peter Bruce.

Rinks: Herb Dalton, Brett Lampard, Gus Munro, and Shane Spann defeated Joan Edwards, Eddie Neylon, Aileen Fordham, and Helen Jacobsen.

Wednesday Social: Kerry, Eddie Neylon,Peter Bruce defeated Ron Gould, Paula Welsted, and Gavin Charles.

Lorraine McArther, Helen Jacobsen, Marion Turner, and Lee Welsted defeated David Moodie, Peter Wilson, Jane Albert, and John White.

Allan Williams, Jan Randell, and Steve Roome defeated MaryEllen Pratten, Ray Muir, and Lloyd White.

Winning Team for the afternoon were Peter Thomson, Peter Nisbett, and Gary Turner who defeated Ross Scanlon’s team.

Sunday Social: Andrew Peebles, and Mark Rogers defeated David Moodie, and Peter Thomson.

Paula Welsted, and Jane Gilbert defeated Ross Scanlon, and Lee Welsted.

Bowlers, please hand in cards at end of play, we were a few short today.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards.

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Sunshine Coast Stadium proved a lucky charm for the embattled Mackay Cutters rugby league team last Saturday when they toppled the Falcons 16-10 to chalk up their first victory in the QRL Hostplus Cup this season.

Not only did Michael Comerford’s under siege Cutters break their duck egg but they snapped a demoralising ten month win drought that stretched back to last August.

Euphoric scenes enveloped the stadium when half back Brendan Finnegan and centre Josh Smith crossed for late tries in the space of three minutes to seal a vital away triumph.

Coach Comerford had earlier predicted a win was “just around the corner” following some wholehearted performances from his gallant charges in recent weeks.

After opening their 2023 campaign with eleven consecutive defeats the rejuvenated Cutters were men on a mission when they travelled to the Kawana Waters Sports Precinct.

The Falcons posted first half tries by prop forward Chris Lewis and winger Sualauvi Faalogo and a Kyle Laybutt conversion to lead 10-0 at the interval but they faced a re-energised Mackay team after the break.

It was all the Cutters as the visitors lifted as a team to stage a second half revival – registering 16 unanswered points while finishing strongly to sink the Sunshine Coast club.

Hard working second rower Ethan Sweet was rewarded with a 48th minute try as Mackay sprung into action – spreading the ball wide to capitalise on the speed and footwork of their sharp back division.

Clever halves Finnegan and Adam Cook provided slick service as centres Smith and Blake Paskins, fullback Rayden Burns and wingers Flynn Camilleri and Dario Takitaki created havoc with their tricky running.

The Cutters forwards laid the foundations for a morale-boosting victory with props Hiale Roycroft, Josh Honan, Brandon Russell, Kobe Bone and Robson Stevens, hooker Kyle Schneider, back rowers Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano and Sweet, lock Sean Mullany and utility five eighth Bayley Gill all turning in strong displays.

Mackay trailed 10-4 with ten minutes left on the clock before the ever-alert Finnegan and Smith turned the tide with crucial four pointers in a grandstand finish.

The victory pushes the Cutters – who have not had their bye - off the bottom of the ladder and into a showdown with the sixth placed Wynnum Manly Seagulls this Saturday at BB Print Stadium at 6pm.

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Photo credit: Nicola Anne Photography

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With Pennants complete and the Australian Open on the horizon, there was a huge push this weekend to play lots of our competition bowls and there were some great bowls played over the weekend.

In Club Championship Singles Michael Kinnear defeated Gavin Noonan 26- 7 on Friday afternoon.  

Saturday morning Andrew Bell defeated Gavin Milne 25 - 16.  

Sunday morning the Semi Finals were played Wayne Handley defeated Andrew Bell 25 – 15.

Michael Kinnear defeated Scott Hamilton 25 - 20.  

The Final was played on Sunday afternoon Michael Kinnear defeated Wayne Handley 26 - 16.

In B Grade Singles Toby Craig defeated Ken Watts 26 - 8 then played his next game defeating Kendall Watts 25 - 13.

In Club Championship Pairs Gavin Noonan and Brett Saroglia defeated Scott Kinnear and Shane Kinnear 21 -16.

Isaac Elliott and Andrew Bell defeated Barry Saroglia and Gavin Milne 21 - 15.

On Wednesday in Social Bowls we had visitors Mike and Judy Hensen from Bribie Island join us for the afternoon.  

John Anderson and Mike Jensen defeated Mike Harrison and Barry Zillmann 20 – 17.

Judy Hensen and Heather Brown defeated Arthur Griffith and Sandy Daffara 24 - 15.

On Sunday afternoon Alen Sanderson and Heather Brown defeated Margie Burnett and Jim Quod 25 – 11.

John Anderson, Bruce Uhe and Sandy Daffara defeated John Burnett, Arthur Griffith and Mike Harrison 29 - 17.

Wishing all our bowlers who are playing in the Australian Open safe travels, wonderful bowls and a great time competing with people from outside of our usual field of opponents.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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Winner of Club Championship Singles, Michael Kinnear

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Mackay Club Ladies Pennants won their Division game against North Mackay.

On Tuesday June 6, they travelled to play Arlie Beach then backed up on Thursday to play Sarina.

The Mackay Club is holding the B4 Men's Carnival on June 17-18. All the information is on the notice board. We currently have 14 spots filled and need two more to fill the 16 spots, so if you are a B grade Bowler and wish to nominate a team contact the club.

Friday June 16 the Club is holding Cut Throat 3 Bowl Pairs (any gender combo) 2pm start. Eight end game. Winners play on until the last 2 teams remaining. All club members and visitors are welcome to come down and have a good arvo.

Congratulations to Karina Dunn for being Ladies Open Singles Champion and Karina Dunn, Denise Messen, Carol Savage, Karli Burns who are the Ladies Fours Champions.

This weekend Club Championships continue. Saturday: Ladies U/65 Singles, Men's Open Pairs, Men's Open Singles. Sunday; Men's Open Singles, Men's B Grade Singles.

Results

Tuesday Social Play (30)

Winners of Winners - Tony Gibson, Grant Edmonds

Winners of Losers - Albert Wicks, Alf PAGDEN, Mick D'Aalessio.

Thursday Scroungers (18)

Steven Cassidy def Tom Casey

Friday Social Play

Val Edwards, Barry Jenner def Janice Nelson, Peter Nelson.

Competition games were played last weekend with some very close games.

Contributed by Mike Irving

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Fantastic News, last week our Ladies Pennant Teams - Wangaratta/Noorla played like champions as they are and won the Blue Pennant in Townsville.

What an achievement, with 7 Match wins out of 9, they defeated the Townsville teams of Suburban (Runners Up), South Townsville and Thuringowa Clubs.

To add icing to the cake Penny Warren’s team which included Denise Wallace, Linda Scells and Linda Smith took out the Wilma Berryman Trophy for the best performing team with 7 out 9 wins.

You can’t take the smile off the ladies’ faces.

Last week I mentioned some visitors were arriving.

Well within the week, we are now playing Fun Friday and on Monday our self-selected triples will commence.

Winners for Tuesday afternoon were Gwenda Lydom, Lorraine Knight, Peter Howie defeated Pam R, Denis M, and Peter Nisbett.

The jackpot didn’t go off.

A great crowd cam to play on Sunday with 8 rinks in play.

Congratulations to Penny Warren and her partner Ando in reaching the semi-final of the State District Mixed Pairs in Townsville on the weekend.

They were narrowly defeated by 1 shot. Better luck next year.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren.

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