Gold Coast Rollers demonstrated their durability and class to register a double triumph over the Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes in NBL1 North action last Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.

Top performances by American import Catherine Reese and guards Ariana Moorer, Jasmine Hooper and Carla Drennan piloted the Rollers to an emphatic 110-75 victory over the Meteorettes in the early fixture.

Both sides were locked 20-all at the end of the first quarter before Gold Coast gained the upper hand to lead 50-41 at the half time interval and 82-52 at the end of the third break.

The Meteorettes were hampered by illness but received value from flamboyant guard Davida Dale, who top scored with 21 points, eight rebounds, six steals and assists; rising centre Charli Bliss (14 points and eight boards); promising guard Courtney Virgo (12 points, two rebounds and assists), forwards Nikita Van Wyk (10 points and three rebounds), Madison MacDonald (9 points and two rebounds) and Denesha Bobongie (9 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals).

Meanwhile, former Mackay basketball junior Todd Blanchfield enjoyed a successful return to his old stamping ground by helping the Rollers sink the Meteors 101-89 in the main game.

Blanchfield and fellow Gold Coast guards Jason Cadee and Tanner Krebs were instrumental in the victory, utilising their vast NBL experience to inflict a second consecutive loss on the home side.

It was a fourth successive win for the reigning champion Rollers, who trailed 28-22 at the end of the first quarter before rediscovering their mojo in a gripping tussle.

Mackay superstar guard Isaac White kept his side in the hunt with 35 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals with support from clever guard Tyler Williams (22 points, seven rebounds and four assists), forward Shane Temara (16 points, five boards and two assists) and guard Samson Haughton (10 points, two rebounds and four assists).

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Meteors guard Isaac White. Photo credit: Kieron Place Art & Photography

Wynnum-Manly Seagulls and Burleigh Bears will feature in the BMD Womens rugby league championship trophy decider after posting epic semi final victories at Davies Park Brisbane last Sunday.

The Seagulls edged out the previously undefeated Souths Logan Magpies 30-28 in the morning clash before the Bears sent Mackay Cutters tumbling out of premiership calculations with a nail-biting 22-18 triumph.

An impressive Burleigh staved off a determined Mackay challenge to book a berth in the decider.

The Bears dominated the opening stanza and opened up a commanding 22-4 lead at the interval following tries to Sienna Laing, Sophie Buller, Shaianne McGlone and Riley Jorgernson.

Elusive winger Katie Green scored the lone try for Mackay, who paid dearly for defensive lapses.

But in a tantalising twist, Marco Peters’ gallant Cutters outfit produced a stunning second half revival – keeping their rivals scoreless but to no avail.

Talented centre China Polata, interchange Vanique Malayta and second rower Romy Teitzel crossed for the Cutters to set up an enthralling finish.

Finishing with four tries each, goal kicking proved the difference with Mackay managing just a single conversion.

Northern Pride edged out Mackay 16-12 in an absorbing Hostplus Cup tussle last Saturday at Barlow Park Cairns.

It was the Cutters’ eighth loss from as many fixtures as the Pride came from behind to post their fourth win of the season.

After conceding an early try to prop Jayman Moore, the Cutters found their groove with centres Blake Paskins and Josh Smith and back rower Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano all nabbing four pointers as Mackay led 12-6 at lemons.

Pride hooker Chris Oswald fooled the defence to score after 46 minutes with Will Partridge adding the extras to level the scores at 12-all.

Second rower Ewan Moore proved the match winner for Pride when he burst through tackles to grab his side’s third try with four minutes left on the clock.

MACKAY recorded their second victory in the Hastings Deering Colts competition after toppling Pride 32-28 in the curtain raiser.

The Cutters led 28-0 at the break after Henri Stocks, Tyrese Parter, Ethan Roberts, Levi Love and Kobe Bone notched tries with Stocks booting four goals. Toby Strecker posted the Cutters sixth try after the interval after a Pride revival.

Mackay host the second placed Burleigh Bears this Saturday in Hostplus Cup action at BB Print Stadium at 3pm with Colts fixture at 12.45pm.

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles hosted their first full round at home with all teams playing North Mackay Saints with mixed results.

After a fast start by the Sea Eagles Senior Men in the first quarter the reigning premiers North Mackay Saints were able to reel them back in the second term to run out winners 45 – 82 at the final siren. The effort was there all day for Sea Eagles but in the end, Saints had a bit too much polish. Mitch Healey continued his great form and was supported well by Ryan Lee, Alex Rodgers and Michael Pettiford.

Sea Eagles Senior Women had a tough day on field losing 2 – 55 when all was said and done.

Sea Eagles Under 17s had a cracking day out coming home winners against the organised Saints outfit 57 – 46. Sea Eagles Under 17s are eager to show their skills and go one better this season and had their eyes on the prize against the Saints.

Under 14s Saints were a strong team across the field and proved to be a tough challenge for the Sea Eagles who lost 33 – 51 after drawing within 6 points in the final term battle.

The youngest Under 12s Sea Eagles opened the day at home chalking a win up against the Saints 32 – 18. The hard work at training is coming together for this mixed experience Sea Eagles team starting out this season.

This weekend sees City vs Country Senior competition in Mackay meaning Sea Eagles will host their next game at Whitsunday Sportspark May 20 against the Swans from 9:15am Juniors and 1:50pm Seniors.

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There was a little bit happening at the top end of the league this weekend with both Joe Wilson and Dom Friend in action.

While their rival at the top of the league Jamie Woods had the week off, it was an opportunity for both players to close the gap slightly on the current league leader.

We start with 2nd placed Joe Wilson and his match against Jayden Lloyd. Jayden currently sitting in 8th spot, was looking for his 3rd win of the year, which would leapfrog him over Kameron Reason into 7th on the ladder.

Joe, who suffered only his first loss of the year to Kameron last week, was looking to bounce back here with a win against Jayden.

The contest started out even enough with Joe winning the first 2 legs to nil. Jayden replied by winning the third leg to make it 2/1, but that was as close as he would get to Joe, who put the boot down and ran away with it, winning the match 7/1. Jayden would remain in 8th for now, and Joe closes the gap to Jamie Woods to 2 points.

Gary Robbie sealed his 3rd win of the year by defeating Hawkeye Rick 7/4. That win puts Gary into 6th place on the league table, Gary starting to show some good form. Rick too has shown signs of improvement in his first year at the club, with his first win, I’m sure, only around the corner.

The remaining results of the day saw Jamie Maher defeat Gary Robbie by 7/3 which keeps him within touching distance of the top 4, and Dom Friend beat Jayden Lloyd by 7/1, which keeps him to within 3 points of 2nd place Joe, both those matches were rescheduled matches from earlier in the season.

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

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

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Another huge home round provided plenty of Joy for Whitsunday fans.

U13 Div1 couldn’t quite hit their straps and despite trying really hard they went down 5-0 to Lions. It was a different story for U13 Prems who were on fire with two matches this weekend. On Saturday they dispatch Wanderers 3-0. After a tight and scoreless first half, Whitsunday came out strong in the second half with committed play in the mid-field leading to 3 goals – two for Matt Logan and one fir Kiarna Paterson.

On Sunday the U13 Prems faced City Brothers who beat them by 3 goals in round 1. An early blitz by Whitsunday shocked City with two early goals by Noah Hayman putting Whitsunday in front. City came out firing in the second half scoring a goal and a late penalty to them had everyone on edge. Goal Keeper Will Logan saved the day with a great save giving his team 2 from 2 on the weekend.

U15 Div1 did everything they could and generally had the better of play against Dolphins but just could convert the many opportunities they created, going down 2-0 at the finish. A disappointing result for a huge effort.

The Women continued their winning form with a hard-fought win against Magpies in Reserves. A well-deserved win and huge credit to the entire team.

The Premier Women demolished an understrength Magpies side 8-1 with a dominant performance that cemented second place on the ladder.

Division 1 and 2 Men had a great afternoon, securing their first wins of the season. Div2 men came out first and ran out 3-0 winners over County in a composed display.  

Div1 Men came out next and were again facing Country, another strong start saw Kai Savy score two and Aaron Morgan score one in the first half. The second half saw Country work back into the game with a stronger midfield display and they managed to get one back, before the WUFC boys finished the game off with a nicely chipped goal by Josh Lowe to win 4-1

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic.

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U13 Prems playing better each week and securing two wins on the weekend

A very happy Women’s Reserve team after a strong and well-deserved win. Photos supplied

Outrigger Whitsunday had a very successful three days of competition at CapRoc 2023 hosted by Capricorn Coast and Rocky Outrigger Canoe Clubs over the May Day long weekend held at Emu Park.

The clubs’ very experienced crew paddled strong in Saturdays’ 11.5km short course event to finish 1st in the master mixed division, 3rd over the line.

Sunday morning turned on some incredible weather for the start of the 45km change over event around Great Keppel Island. This water change race sees those paddlers leaving the canoe jump out of the canoe on the right side while the crews steerer manoeuvres to pick up the replacement paddlers.  The 10-person crew were joined by seasoned paddlers from Port Douglas. The team placed 2nd in the Open Mixed category.

Monday’s 18km OC1 down winder from Emu Park to Farnborough Beach saw Maree Mullett place 2nd, Stephen Lynes 2nd and Kim and Tim Dodds 1st place OC2 in their respective divisions.

Contributed with thanks to Michelle Lynes

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Outrigger Whitsunday 45km water changeover team

Stephen, Tim and Kim

This week, 92 dedicated people ran, jogged, and walked the 5km waterfront course, of whom 22 were first timers and 19 recorded new Personal Bests.

Alihra reached the milestone of 10 parkruns as a junior.

The event was made possible thanks to RD Chris M and his team of 15 generous volunteers: Nick, Kara, Wade, Craig, Susanne, Shane, Jess, Lilliana, Rose, Jarrod, Lynne, Joanne, Tina, Annie, and Margaret.

Airlie Beach parkrun started on 5th December 2015. Since then, 4,847 participants have completed 24,858 parkruns covering a total distance of 124,290 km, including 2,875 new Personal Bests.

A total of 398 individuals have volunteered 3,656 times.

Every Saturday Airlie Beach parkrun meets at 6:50am for a briefing at area D, Coral Sea Marina (adjacent to the top carpark). Parking is free in the lowest carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery & Cafe.

The best-kept secret about parkrun is that it’s not about running - it’s about bringing people together in public parks and open spaces across the world to have some fun in a friendly, social, and supportive environment. You can walk or run the 5k course (pushing a pram or with one dog on a short lead if you want to!), lend a helping hand as a volunteer in a wide range of super-easy roles, or simply spectate and socialise on the sidelines.

Contributed with thanks to Parkrun Airlie Beach

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The Airlie Beach Parkrun volunteers joining the fun

Alihra has completed 10 parkruns. Photos supplied

The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club have received exciting news that their Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant application was successful.

The Cannons grant of $34,879 will enable the club to purchase new starting blocks, Backstroke start ledges, a BBQ, tents, timer watches, lane ropes and flood lights.

These items will benefit swimmers and the club running events such as club nights and carnivals.  The Cannonvale Cannons would like to thank Tracy Edwards-Bland for all her work she put into writing and submitting the grant applications.  

This week, the blankets went on the pool so the water could stay nice and warm for swimmers.  Coaches, Mark Erickson, and Ken Crittenden were pleasantly surprised at early morning training on Tuesday with 18 swimmers in attendance.

The coaches would like to commend the following swimmers who have recently met the criteria to upgrade into the next squad level: Eloise Chegwidden, Maeve Dichieria and Lucas Korosec.

“Trainers of the Week” were Tora Delac, Zach Trefz, Celeste Orenshaw, Andie Reynolds, and Eric Mulliss. Nelson Malady is keen to participate in a Townsville Strand 1km Ocean Swim in May, so he has decided to do a little bit of training in the open water each week. On Sunday morning, Nelson swam close to 2km in Airlie Beach’s New Beach.  

On Friday afternoon, senior swimmers completed an hour of skill work and then played water polo.  The seniors playing water polo at the deep end of the pool had a very close game. They all played extremely well.  Special mention to Charlie Doherty who was the “stand out” player.

Addie Sanders, Indi Smith, Maeve Dichieria, Zane Clayworth, Harris Delac, Alex Trefz, Eloise Chegwidden, and Evie Doherty thoroughly enjoyed modified water polo down the shallow end of the pool.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

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Cannonvale Cannons training for next competitions. Photos Supplied

The May Day long weekend saw all teams have a bye in the Mackay Rugby competition.

The reason was so that teams could travel to Rockhampton to trial for the Central Queensland Bushrangers representative teams.

Players from Bowen, Whitsunday, and Mackay were selected in the Mackay Stingers teams in Senior Mens, Under 19 Mens and Open Women divisions.

A total of 25 senior men, 16 under 19 men and 16 Open women all travelled to Rockhampton to play against teams from Rockhampton Brahmans, Central highlands, and Wide Bay for positions in the CQ bushrangers rep teams that will compete in the Queensland Country Championships later in the year.

The Whitsunday raiders were well represented in all teams with 11 senior men, 4 Under 19 men and 8 Open women players representing the mighty Raiders.

The senior men’s team had a big weekend with a game each day.

Of these, the Stingers won 2 and lost the final game by 1 point, which gave them the CQ Championship again, for the 2nd year in a row.

Well done to the players and coach Andre Houston for their dedication and time.

The under 19’s unfortunately didn’t win a game but showed great improvement over the 2 games and showed great skill in playing together for the first time and improving all the time.

The open women were in a similar position to the U19’s, minimal training with small numbers, but again showed improvement in their two games.

We wish all players that have been selected in the CQ Bushranger teams, at time of printing these are U19 mens, Manaia Hauiti, Tristian Sainsbury, Josh Groenewald and Jack Briskey.

For the Open Women Bella Cain, Shakaya Costello and Deakoda Costello made the shadow players list. Congratulations to these PWRUC players

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

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Under 19s playing their best

Whitsunday Open Women’s showed massive improvements

Senior Mens winning 2 of 3 games

Huge week again this week for our little club, starting on Tuesday afternoon with an overwhelming victory for Ladda Purdie with lead Marjorie Hughes and Mark Mawson at second.

Also played was the Ladies B Grade finals between Bev Taylor and Maureen Barnard in an excellent game with Bev running away with an awesome performance and from next season she will be in A Grade.

Wednesday afternoon Jackpot bowls brilliantly organised by Merve Stewart saw a tie between Bob Spees with John Brown and Tony Whitehorn with Eric Barnard and Ted Cullen both teams finished plus 17 and the prize money was halved.

Saturday morning Scroungers last round saw Rick Galea the overall winner and the final was played with the final three in a great tussle with Andy McDougall in fantastic form winning with the last bowl over Warren Mills and Russell Jackson a gallant third, the next season will begin in June after Men’s Pennants has concluded.

Thursday saw 30 students from Whitsunday Christian College begin their competition which will conclude in about five weeks.

Sunday afternoon the Buddy Holmes day was played with 30 bowlers and we welcomed Patsy Black, Joan Frank, Olwyn Taylor, Ruth Healy and Melda Richardson from South Suburban and also Helen Ward returned.

A great day was had by all with Warren Mills’ team receiving the Cup.

Tickets for Luke Kinnear’s raffle will be on sale this week and details will be available next week.

The new Business House Bowls format will be advised in next week’s report.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson.

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Bev Taylor with Maureen Barnard after her victory in the Ladies B Grade Final. Photo supplied

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Results of Wednesday Social: Peter Wilson, Bev Smith and Allen Williams defeated Ross Scanlon, Peter Thompson and Ron Gould.

Competition Games:

Mixed Pairs: Eddy Neylon and Doc Fordham defeated Lou Fordham and Wayne Crowhurst.

Sunday Social Winners: Eddy Neylon, Jane Gilbert and Lou Fordham defeated J. Allen, R.Muir and Daryl Tuttle. Jan Randell and Ron Gould defeated J.Benjamin and Lloyd White.

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Winners Jane Gilbert, Eddy Neylon, Lou Fordham, Jan Randell and Ron Gould. Photo supplied

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It was a huge week of bowls this past week. Martin Corr as Manager of the District Sides, Wayne Handley and Grahame Kinnear as members of the Mackay team came home from a strong week of District Sides play with the Win in Division 3. Congratulations to all involved.

In Club Championship Singles Gavin Milne defeated Luchie Gardel 25 - 17; Michael Kinnear defeated Brett Saroglia 28 - 21; Andrew Bell defeated Jonathan Bye 25 - 23

In Club Championship Pairs Gavin Noonan and Brett Saroglia defeated Todd Leys and Ross Reville 26 - 14; Toby Craig and Marcus Craig defeated Sandy Daffara and Bruce Uhe 27 - 6; Scott Kinnear and Shane Kinnear defeated Harry Craig and Scott Hamilton 22 - 19.

In Club Championship Fours Kendall Watts, Bruce Uhe (sub for Ken Watts); Gavin Noonan and Brett Saroglia defeated Jim Quod, Barry Zillmann (sub for Dale Haack), Ross Reville and Andrew Bell 30- 17.

We've also had some wonderful bowls played during Social play this week on Wednesday Alen Sanderson, Mike Harrison and Heather Brown defeated Jim Bownds, Bruce Uhe and Andrew Bell 20 - 17;  John Anderson and Barry Zillmann defeated Pat Bownds and Philip Brown 19 - 16.  

On Sunday John Anderson, Jim Quod and Philip Brown drew 23 all with Alen Sanderson, Isaac Elliott and Mike Harrison. Margy Burnett and Heather Brown defeated John Burnett and Nathan Lee 27 - 16.

The top 10 leader board in the Social Participation Competition is Heather Brown 60; Bruce Uhe 48; Alen Sanderson and Philip Brown 44;  Mike Harrison 41;  John Anderson 37;  Sandy Daffara 24, Warren Wilson 23; Mary Hedgelong and Jim Quod 22.  

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown.

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The Club Championship Pairs game between Toby Craig and Sandy Daffara. Photo suppled

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Tuesday’s results: Winners for the afternoon: Bron Tolcher, Sue Shearing and Geoff Danvers defeated Gwenda Lydom, Isobel Wheeler and Steve Roome. Merle Elphinstone, W Coonan and Greg Colquhoun defeated Irene Laird, Tracy Stanford and Kevin Jewell. The jackpot didn’t go off.

Ladies Competition: The Final of the B singles was played on Saturday. Congratulations to Teresa Willshire who defeated Pat Tracey in a very close game. Then on Sunday, Teresa defeated Jocelyn Defranciscis in the Consistency Final.

Sundays results: Winners for the afternoon were Bron Tolcher, Toni Bowen, Linda Scells and Linda Smith who defeated Jocelyn Defranciscis, Deb Beel, Merle Elphinstone and Pat Tracey. Bill Myers and Doug Messence defeated Irene Laird, Kevin Baxter. Kerry Messence and Fely Duncan defeated Deb Retchless and Robyn Stitt. The jackpot did not go off.

Congratulations to our men gaining runners up in the Country Pennant held at Brandon on Sunday. Ayr came in winners followed by Wangaratta, Brandon and BBC.

Denise and Penny played well in the North Qld Ladies District Sides competition last week at the Sunshine Coast. North Qld was placed 6th out of 20 districts in the first three days to be relegated to Division 2 in the play offs on Saturday.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Waren.

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North Qld Ladies District Side at Maroochydore.

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Wednesday’s competition was a single stroke event for the May midweek monthly medals, sponsored by Bowen Golf Club. Ladies’ winner was Bev Lowcock 68 nett, runner up on a countback 70 nett. Men’s winner with a great score of 67 nett was Jeremy Chrzanowski, runner up Peter Swan 68 nett.

Saturday’s competition was the men's Monthly Medal. Winner was Brian Martin 68 nett, runner up on a countback Dave Lydom 71 nett. Sunday was the ladies Monthly Medal. Winner was Judy Atkins 65 nett, runner up Penny Stewart 67 nett. Pin shots to Penny Stewart, Bev Lowcock, Donna Wright, and Judy Atkins. Both competitions are sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and Bowen Golf club.

Congratulations to Tanya Gaudry winning Gross runner up in B1 grade at the Home Hill ladies open on Saturday. She also picked up a pin shot. Congratulations to two of our juniors on picking up prizes in the Home Hill Men’s open on Sunday - Marcus Yasso was Nett winner in A grade and Ryley Malone winning Nett runner up in A1 grade.

COMING UP

This weekend, the Bowen Golf club is hosting the A, A1, B & C grades Men’s opens sponsored by Green Energy. Good luck to all those competing over the weekend. Don't forget to check the club's Facebook page for this week’s dinner specials. Takeaways still available. Please call the club if you wish to book a table or place a takeaway order. Joker is worth $2800.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Bowen Golf Club’s May monthly medal winner, Judy Atkins

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Tuesday

It was John Roser's excellent play that helped him win the Tuesday Monthly Medal with 71 nett, narrowly defeating playing partner Michael Cragg on a countback, Allen Roberts won 3rd place with 72 nett. NTP winners were Gohn Grosskreutz and Tina Badenhorst.

Wednesday

Pauline Redpath was the winner of the PD Law Monthly Medal on Wednesday winning on a countback from Di Chard and Lyn Muller, all on 73 nett. NTP winners were Trish McNeill x 2, Jacqui Wall and Ann Gardel.

Thursday

The Venue Smart Monthly Medal was hotly contested on Thursday, Allen Roberts was too good in Division 1, with 69 nett, closely followed by Sean Fogerty and Trevor Nosworthy both on 70 nett. Division 2 was also close, with Trevor Paroz beating Chris Brett by one shot on 70 nett and Chris on 71 nett. Jim Cochrane was in 3rd place with 72 nett.

NTP winners: Sean Fogerty, John Roser, Dave O’Connor, and Leigh Jones

Friday

Adam Hagy's new clubs did the trick in the Met 9 Hole Run on Friday, coming in with an unbeaten 23 points. Karlene Lloyd was closest to the winning score with 21 points and Fraser Simpson edged out 4 others on a count back with 19 points. Sean Gower and Ryan Wilkes were the NTP winners.

Saturday

The RGH Monthly Medal was contested by 89 players on Saturday. Ash Law led the way to win overall with an outstanding 65 nett, Ash was also the winner of the B Grade RGH Medal. Rod Wecker and Blake Lovelock came in 2nd & 3rd in B Grade with 71 and 72 respectively.

A Grade winner was Dave O’Connor with a 69 nett beating Jon Miller on a count back. Levi Holmes claimed 3rd position on 70 nett.

More great scores in C Grade with Bailey Hayward winning with 69 nett, Mark McDougal and Vic Feldman both on 70 nett.

NTP winners: Gavin Kerwand, Bailey Hayward and Dave O'Connor.

The ladies’ winner, Peta Thomas also posted an excellent score on Saturday to win the RGH Monthly Medal, on 67 nett, 2nd place was Ann Gardel also with an outstanding score on 69 nett and Jill Farinelli in 3rd place with 74 nett.

NTP winners: Lyn Muller and Peta Thomas x 2

Sunday

Karen Rix claimed 1st place in the Ladies Monthly Medal on Sunday with a very nice 71 nett, followed by the inform Peta Thomas on 74 nett. Jason Bourke had a scorching 66 nett to win the Men's Monthly Medal, closely followed by Ryan Wilkes with a sub-par 67 nett, and Mark McDougal also on 67 nett winning 3rd place.

NTP winners: Jason Bourke, Ryan Wilkes, Clay Coles, Levi Holmes, Peta Thomas and Penny Wardroper.

Contributed with thanks to the Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop Team

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