Friday December 2 sees riders contest the Under-21 Queensland 500cc State Title while on the following night the Open Championship will be decided.

Current Under-21 Champion, Flynn Nicol will be out to defend his title against the likes of up-and-coming-young guns Tate Zischke and Bradley Page.

Queenslander, Zischke has just become the NSW Under-21 Champion and will want desperately to add another title to his name.

Zischke won the NSW event at Kurri Kurri from local favourite, James Pearson and is in the line-up for the 2022 Aussie Title to be held at Adelaide’s Gillman Speedway on December 10.

The following night, 16 of the nation’s best riders will contest the Open Championship.

Current champ, Nick Morris is still overseas and won’t be on hand to defend his Title, however, Ryan Douglas, Jacob Hook, Jake Allan, Zaine and Declan Kennedy and Zane Keleher have all just returned from racing the European season and are all in red-hot form.

Declan took the honours in the recent meeting at Pioneer Park and again at North Brisbane, winning the Kennedy Cup.

Local and former International rider, Kozza Smith joins the line-up and after his performance at Pioneer Park, he is bound to give the young guns a shake-up.

The format for the Title will consist of five rounds of four heats. The top three points scorers will move straight into the Championship Final. The next four placegetters will contest a B-Final from which the winner will join the others in the Final.

A huge crowd is expected to attend what will undoubtedly be the biggest Speedway meeting in North Queensland this year.

Contributed with thanks to Sue Tapp.

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Kennedy Douglas

Kozza Smith. Photo credit: Taylor Photographics

Zaine Kennedy. Photo credit: Taylor Photographics

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The under 11s Proserpine Pitbulls had their second away game for the season, this time against the Mackay Magpies White on Saturday.

Captain Matthew tossed the bat which went to Magpies, who had no hesitation to pad up and set the total of 10/86.

With nine players, the Pitbulls would only have 13 balls each to play with. It was just enough, however, and the side finished with a respectable 8/92; their first win in the competition.

Under 13s Proserpine Pitbulls versus Pioneer Valley: The Proserpine side won the toss and elected to bat, with the team goal of batting all 25 overs to ensure that, with only seven players, they had a high enough score to defend.

Although the team did not bat for their 25 overs, they ended their innings with a solid total of 136 runs.

With a drying outfield and bowling into a moderate sea breeze, the Pitbulls set about defending their score, and put in the hard yards to bowl out all eight Pioneer Valley batsman for 85 in the 15th over.

The side remains undefeated.

Under 12s Proserpine Pitbulls versus Mackay Brothers: The Pitbulls arrived at Vigaro keen to make amends for an earlier round loss to Brothers.

Captain Lily Smith won the toss and elected to bowl. Her side knocked off all the Brothers’ batsmen with a score of 63.

Prossie’s turn with the bat, the game plan simple: 20 balls, 25 overs. And that’s just what they did.

Pitbulls finished at 3-107. A great team effort, following the game plan to a tee.

Under 15 Proserpine versus Pioneer Valley: This weekend’s round seven clash saw the first placed U15 Pitbulls face the second place Pioneer Valley.

The Proserpine boys took up the bat first, racking up an excellent total of 135.

Pioneer Valley were then sent out to bat with 136 required for victory. Despite Proserpine’s efforts, the home team won the game comfortably at 3-136 after 21 overs and ended the Pitbulls undefeated start to the season.

Contributed with thanks to Mike Hope, Mark Porter, Jack Valmadre, and Stephen Logan

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Proserpine Cricket Association Under 11 first-time winners! Sean Green, Jaxson Farley, Matthew Hope, Jeandre Joubert, Bradley Hetherington, Kobi Whitty, Zahra Cale, Laura Bailey, and Ellen Smith

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The final two players have been decided for this year’s edition of the Xmas Open.

Earlier in the week we had the first semi-final between the two-time champion and current defending champion, Jamie Woods taking on Andy Peel who was coming off a fine win over Jason Rockstroh in the quarter finals.

Jamie jumped out to a two-set lead hitting a lovely 130 check out along the way. Andy responded well by taking a set, but he never looked likely against Jamie who looked comfortable throughout winning the match by 4 sets to 1.

Playing in the other semi was Dom Friend who is the only other player to win this competition, taking on the challenge from Seumas Rose who has been playing very well all year to date.

The match looked dead and buried at 3 sets to nil in favour of Dom only for Seumas to rally in the fourth and fifth sets to claw it back to 3/2.

In the sixth set, both payers leg averages were high, well into the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, but with both players on checkouts in each of those legs in the set, it was Dom who was able to hit his doubles. Dom getting across the line in the end winning the match by 4 sets to 2 - 3/0 3/1 3/0 1/3 1/3 3/0.

That means there won’t be a new name on the trophy this year. All that’s left to decide is whether or not Jamie goes back-to-back to makes it 3 Open titles, or if Dom levels it up to make it 2 titles apiece, and round off a nice season after earlier claiming his 1st Premier League title.

The Xmas Open is proudly sponsored by Dyson Automotive, thanks for your support.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher.

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Seumas Rose

Dom Friend wins the 2nd semi-final at Mika on Sunday. Photo contributed

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The 19 Cannonvale Cannons who competed at the Bowen Family LC Transition Meet over the weekend had a fantastic time. Coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden said the Cannons started a bit slow on Saturday, but really improved on Sunday. The swimmers achieved a total of 32 Personal Bests (PBs) which was great.  

Top performer was Ehsan Helou, aged 14 years. He swam extremely well achieving 7 PBs and bringing home 6 gold and 2 silver medals. Ehsan also achieved 4 state qualifying times.

Ruby Harland, aged 10 years also had a successful weekend, achieving 3 PBs and 2 state qualifying times. She was very proud of all her blue ribbons. Ruby’s sister, Koa aged 8 years performed very well, achieving 3 PBs and a 3rd place ribbon for her 50 metre Butterfly.  

Celeste Orenshaw and Isabella Pisaniello both swam 4 PBs. Both girls were very excited with their bronze medals for their 50 metre Breaststroke. Eloise Chegwidden, aged 7 years swam an excellent 25 metre Butterfly and 25 metre Backstroke, achieving PBs and 1st place. Eloise’s brother, Harry aged 5 years swam a super 25 metre Breaststroke in 48.51 seconds. One of James Davies’ best swims was his 50 metre Breaststroke which he swam in a fabulous time of 1.06.05, a 8 second PB.  

Don Algie, Jax Clayworth and Thomas Ganter were very competitive swimming 2 personal best times and bringing home a swag of medals. Zane Clayworth’s best swim was his 25 metre Freestyle which he swam in 28.25 seconds.

Jack Ganter and Remy Hedges had a great weekend winning most of their events. Harris Delac, aged 8 years, was very happy with his bronze medal for the 50 metre Backstroke. Jacob and Tiana Bell swam extremely well in all their events, surprisingly both of them won their Backstroke races.  

Congratulations to all the Cannons on their outstanding achievements.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.

Cannonvale Cannons compete at the Bowen Family LC Transition Meet

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Are you ready for Good Vibrations flowing from the speakers at ‘The Pub’? Because audiences are getting “the excitations” as Australia’s biggest and best Beach Boys experience is set to surf into Airlie Beach in a weeks’ time.

‘Do You Wanna Dance?’ Because your chance is coming up for an afternoon in the North Queensland sun with ‘Your Summer Dream’, cruising down Airlie Esplanade to The Airlie Beach Hotel where The Australian Beach Boys Show will rock the Bar-top Stage in early December.

The California pop group were just kids when they formed in 1962 and now, 60 years down the road, their legendary music is still the iconic sound of sun-drenched days. And there’s nowhere more attuned to what it means to be a Beach Boy than Airlie where one of the country’s best tribute shows is headed on December 3.

The Australian Beach Boys Show boasts an amazing stage production that not only features Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys’ songs, but also recreates the magical “wall of sound” experience that Wilson so famously and successfully crafted.

God Only Knows what we’d be without the Beach Boys, and this two-hour live show delivers as close to the real experience as audiences can get six decades on.

From the striped blue and white shirts to Hawaiian flowers and replica instruments, this Beach Boys tribute will put a Smiley Smile on your dial. And what a perfect time for it with ‘Little Saint Nick’ less than a month away!

It’ll be a Surfin’ Safari when this tribute tribe run the Beach Boys’ gamut of tunes: Songs like ‘Surfin USA’, ‘Little Deuce Coupe’, ‘Barbara-Ann’, and ‘Help Me Rhonda’.

Oh ‘Wouldn’t It Be Nice’ to hear ‘Kokomo’, ‘Then I Kissed Her’, and ‘California Girls’ while watching the twinkling sun on the Airlie Beach foreshore? In this fully costumed show featuring stage props, a huge video display, costume changes, and more – you can heart it. In fact, one better: You can live it.

For ‘Auld Lang Syne’, head down to The Airlie Beach Hotel to see one of the very best tribute performances the country has to offer. There’s no better year than the 60th anniversary of one of pop and rocks best groups ever to relive the glory days. Grab a meal, ‘Darlin’’, ‘Let The Wind Blow’.

And hey, it’s entirely free. ‘Aren’t You Glad’?

WHAT: The Australian Beach Boys Show

WHEN: 2.00pm to 5.30pm on Saturday, December 3

WHERE: The Airlie Beach Hotel

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The Australian Beach Boys Show is coming to Airlie Beach next week to keep the good times rolling

The band has been to The Airlie Beach Hotel before, but never coinciding with such a momentous occasion: The Beach Boys 60th anniversary

The group is bringing their very best ‘Vibrations’ to locals’ favourite local on December 3

The final four in this year’s Airlie Beach Darts’ Xmas Open earned their places on Sunday morning at Mika Airlie Beach, with the draw for the semi-final pairings to be carried out later in the week.

The matches were now best of five sets, and began with the 2020 Xmas Open Champion, Dom Friend, taking on Kameron Reason.

True to form, Dom took the lead, winning the first set, but a spirited fight from Kameron in the second saw him level the match at one set all.

Dom narrowly claimed the third to go one away from the match, and in the fourth Kameron had no answers; Dom winning the match by three sets to one.

The only other Open Champion to date, Jamie Woods had it all his own way in his match over Lorraine Woods, with Jamie taking three sets to nil.

Seumas Rose took his place amongst the Semi Finalists thanks to an impressive win over this year’s Premier League runner up, Jamie Maher by three sets to one.

The final game of the day between Jason Rockstroh and Andy Peel had it all, going down to the last double, of the last leg, of the last set, in a highly entertaining duel.

In the last set at two all and both players on a finish, Andy managed to clinch it on a double tops to take the match by three set to two.

The Xmas Open is sponsored by Dyson Automotive.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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Jason Rockstroh, Seamus Rose, Kameron Reason, Dom Friend, Andy Peel, and Jamie Maher

Families who attend Airlie Swim School by Danielle went along to the third annual Swim Carnival last Sunday with over 60 children between the ages of four and 10 competing in a range of categories.

Held at Cannonvale Swim School, students demonstrated their skills in a range of styles including free-style, backstroke and breaststroke, swimming within their age-range and ability level to test their mettle against their peers.

For many this was the first opportunity to compete, and for others, this was a chance to return and exhibit what they had learnt all year.

“It was great to showcase what the kids have learnt over the last 12 months,” said swim school owner Danielle Shea.

“It was nice for them and their parents to see their progression and what they’ve been learning.”

Danielle said that competing in swimming races is an excellent way to build confidence and get experience swimming in a bigger pool.

First, second and third places received trophies, as well as the Most Improved, Encouragement and of course Swimmer of the Meet.

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Swimmer of the Meet, Aria Crawford, age 6

Swimmer of the Meet Matilda Friend, age 5

Images: supplied

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First up was the Under 11 Proserpine Pitbulls vs South’s Sharks: It was set to be a tough match against the unbeaten South’s Sharks team on a balmy Saturday morning.

Captain Zahra lost the toss and the Sharks opted to field first, knowing the day was only going to get hotter. The Proserpine side posted a 9/62 total at the end of 20 overs.

With the temperature rising, it was time for the Pitbulls to take the field.

It was a valiant effort by the Pitbulls, but the Sharks showed why they are on top of the table, putting on 7/144.

Player of the day went to Matthew.

Next was the Under 12s against Walkerston: After a tough round one encounter against the club, the young Pitbulls arrived at the ground knowing they were in for a battle.

Walkerston elected to bowl, and the local Pitbulls soon had a competitive 6-110 after their allotted 25-overs.

Under immense pressure, the Pitbulls restricted the Scrubby batters in the final over to see them finish at 6-106 after their 25 and claim the win.

Another great performance by this exceptional group of young legends.

Players Player: Aiden Farley (2-5, 2 runs, 1 catch)

Under 13s take on the Magpies Black in Mackay: With rain threatening, the Pitbulls lost the toss and were sent into bat. The Magpies opening bowlers started very well, maintaining a good line and length. Despite fierce opposition, the Pitbulls score posted at 6-137 after 25 overs.

The Magpies innings had a shaky start, and it continued to be shaky - ending with the U13s continuing their unbeaten run this season with their toughest match so far, winning by 49 runs.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Porter, Stephen Logan, and Mike Hope

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The Cannonvale Cannons had a fantastic weekend of swimming with over 30 young swimmers competing at the Whitsunday Swim Carnival in Proserpine last Saturday.

Also, six Cannons participated at the Hamilton Island Ocean Swim on Sunday and a couple of Cannons attended the swim clinic facilitated by Graeme Carroll.  

Hamilton Island Ocean Swim: Tora Delac, Don Algie, Thomas Ganter, and Harris Delac all swam very well in their 350-metre event.

Tora Delac was first female and Thomas Ganter the second male out of the water on the day before Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson swam the two-kilometre event.  

Jy was the second male and Jacob the third out of the water.

Highlights from Whitsunday Swim Carnival: Eloise Chegwidden, Lucas Korosec, and Jax Clayworth each had very successful carnivals, winning all their events.  

Zane Clayworth, Harris Delac, Tora Delac, Jacob Dewis, Declan Dichiera, Charlie Doherty, Liam Filewood, Thomas Ganter, Remy Hedges, Anisa Helou, Ehsan Helou, Celeste Orenshaw, and Holly Perrin all swam extremely well and took out top placings in their events.  

Harry Chegwidden, James Davies, Evie Doherty, Jack Ganter, Indigo Harland, Koa Harland, Billie Jamieson, Jasper Korosec, Gracie Laguna, Pippa Laguna, Matilda Nicholes, Charlotte Trevaskis, and Lukas Trevaskis put in a mighty effort, tried their best, and swam some fantastic personal times.  

Millah Walker, aged five, swam a massive 44.02 second personal best in her 25-metre Freestyle and a 31.91 second personal best in her Backstroke.

Millah’s sister, Piper, also swam a big personal best of 13.16 seconds in her 25-metre Freestyle. Levi Smith was very excited with his first place in the 50-metre Breaststroke in a time of 58.18 seconds.  

One of Addie Sanders’ best swims was her 200-metre IM which she swam in 4.51.54.  

Isabella Pisaniello’s best swim which won her first place was her 100-metre backstroke in 1.37.46.

Her brother, Isaac swam a super 200-metre IM in 3.57.04 which earned him second place.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers and a big thank you to all the coaches and parents for their wonderful support.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Coach Mark Erickson with Tora Harris Don and Thomas at Hamilton Island

Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson with winner Jett Clayton

Cannonvale Cannons at Whitsunday Swim Carnival

Tuesday afternoon at Airlie Beach Bowls Club saw Betty Whitehorn as skipper with Robin Brown at lead and Rhonda Lloyd take home the winners prizes to start the week.

Wednesday afternoon Social bowls also saw an amazing win over a big field with John Askew and Regina Aquilina completely overwhelming the rest of the bowlers to take home the winners cheque.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls was the conclusion of Round Six. New team Airlie Splash of Colour maintain their undefeated record, sitting on 18 points.

PRD skipper Matt Francis was delighted with his team second on 16 points, having returned to the winner’s circle.

Hadlow Racing, Tuk Tuks, and Whitsunday Gold Coffee team are tied in third place with the final rounds looking to go down to the wire.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw first round winners John Askew, Andy McDougall, Maureen Barnard, Eric Barnard, Russell Jackson, and Nik Fernbach all competing for the final.

John Askew managed to beat Russell Jackson by two points to become the Round Eight winner with Steve Lawrie winning the B Grade prize.

Sunday afternoon saw the completion of the B Grade Fours, and it was the brilliance of skipper John Fielding that proved to be the difference. Alongside Nik Fernbach at lead, Neil Moore, and Col Morris, the side won the trophy with two wins in very warm conditions.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls saw Betty Whitehorn and Lyn Graham with Margo Stanley at skipper, Alan Pershouse at second, and new bowler Dawn Dowel at lead the big winners on the day.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Col Morris, Neil Moore, and Nik Fernbach with skipper John Fielding after their B Fours victory

At Bowen Bowls Club’s Wednesday Social meet, Mary Ellen Pratten, Keith Kirk, and Lou Fordham defeated Paula Welsted, Tracy Roach, and Allen Williams to get the ball rolling.

As well, Peter Thomson and Tiarna Rogers defeated Dave Moodie and Herb Dalton, while Bev Smith, Mark Rogers, and Steve Roome beat Jill Brabon, Ross Scanlon, and Doc Fordham.

Sunday Scroungers Winners were Steve Roome, Gavin Charles, Shane Hornbuckle, and Ross Scanlon.

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Sunday Scroungers Winners at Bowen Bowls Club were Steve Roome, Gavin Charles, Shane Hornbuckle, and Ross Scanlon

Twelve players enjoyed a game of Social Bowls on Wednesday at Proserpine Bowls Club, the last opportunity for the year before the greens were taken out for the annual renovations.  

John Anderson, Heather Brown, and Arthur Griffith defeated Pat Bownds, Jim Quod, and Bruce Uhe, 23–21.

Alen Sanderson, Peter Lawton, and Sandy Daffara defeated Jim Bownds, Philip Brown, and Mike Harrison, 20-15.

The club extended its thanks to all who offered help on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to assist with the greens’ renovations.

Proserpine Bowls has several functions booked for Christmas celebrations at the club, but there are still dates available if any are in need of a venue for their event.

Unfortunately, Barefoot Bowls is not an option at this time of year due to the greens being out.  All enquiries to secretarypbcinc@gmail.com.

Reminder to all that Annual Membership is due at the end of this month.  

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Congratulations to the Wangaratta Men’s Bowls side which defeated Collinsville in the last round of the Local Pennant.

Although a good win, Wangaratta were beaten by Bowen Bowls Club, who claimed the overall winners for 2022.

On Tuesday, Deb Retchless Marg Wilson, and Bob Mason defeated Bron Tolcher, Sue Shearing, Irene Laird, and Robyn Stitt.

It was great to see Tracey and Julie back for a game on Sunday. Games played were close with only one point being the difference in both games.

Winners for the afternoon were Tracey Stanford, Robyn Stitt, and Fely Duncan defeated Julia Taas, Linda Scells, and Penny Warren.

Russell Tolcher, Laurie Land, and Mark Drummond defeated Deb Retchless, Bron Tolcher, and Pat Tracey.

The final of the Club Mixed Fours was played on Monday with Robyn Stitt, Isabel Wheeler, Margaret Wilson, and Mark Drummond defeating Lyn Danvers, Greg Colquhoun, Peter Hinschen, and Geoff Danvers.

Reminder: The club hopes to see members on Sunday at its Annual General Meeting at 9am followed by a ‘High Tea’ at 12pm followed by bowls at 1.30pm.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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Winners of the mixed fours from Wangaratta Bowls Club

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

Ladies’ winner, Claire Garrod, 36 points, and runner up on a countback, Leanne Swan, 35, while Men’s winner was Walter Maguire, 39 points, and runner up Brett Carlyon, 38 points.

Friday night, Bowen Golf Club members celebrated the end of the golf season. Congratulations to all the winners, especially Brian Martin and Ruth Dunn who were this year’s Golfers of the Year.  

Congratulations also to new Club champions Akeam Power and Rhiannon Nott.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Roger Vandenberg from Proserpine Golf Shop.  

Men's Winner, Kevin Clark, posted a respectable 43 points, followed by runner up Kevin Cross, 39, and third place to Ezra Miller, 37.

Pin shots to Malcolm Martin on two occasions, and Jumbo Miller and Peter May once each.  

Ladies' winner was Leanne Swan, 40 points, runner up Linda Scells, 37, and third place to Robyn Slade, 36.  

Pin Shots to Elona Lynch, Pauline Martin, and Grace Nott. Noel Schultz won the Car wash voucher with an OBP.

This weekend’s competition is a single stableford event sponsored by Bowen Golf club.  The joker draw is back this Friday night and the jackpot sits at $5100.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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Mens winner Kevin Clark, sponsor Roger Vandenberg, Ladies winner LeanneSwan, R-U Linda Scells, and third place Robyn Slade.

2022 Golfers of the year – Brian Martin and Ruth Dunn

Tuesday’s competition at Proserpine Golf Club saw 18 players in a PGC Tuesday Stableford.

Elliot Woo came out on top with a handicap adjusting 43 points, with Chris Brett hot on his heels with 42.

Rees May, John Dodds, and John Clark were in the rundown. NTPs were won by Rees May and Mick Cragg.

Wednesday competition: 18 players competed in the Airllywood Stableford on Wednesday. Trish McNeill was the winner with 41 points, closely followed by Penny Wardroper, 38.

Thursday competition: A stroke competition on Thursday was played by 52 golfers with Brendan Spann’s nett 61 the impressive, clear winner in Division Two.  

Coming in second place was Ben Raymant on 68 nett and Peter Krause in the rundown with a 70 nett.

Division One was more closely contested with Steven Johnston, visiting from Moranbah, taking top spot with 67 nett, followed by Bill Woods and Adam Maggs 68 and 69 nett respectively.

NTP’s won by Steven Johnston, John Dodds, and Bill Woods.

Saturday Competition: Peta Thomas was the winner of the ladies’ Saturday competition with 70 nett.

Following Peta was Anna Winterbourn and Mandy Patterson, both on 71 nett, Wendy Gough and Paula McQuat in the rundown on 73 nett.

It was a tight contest in the men’s competition with six players on 67 nett.

Mick Kavanagh came out on top in a countback from John Wallace and Vic Feldman. In the rundown, also on 67 nett were Phil Batty, Rod Wecker, and Larry Muller.

Congratulations to Kelvin Stephens on his brilliant hole in one on 13!

Sunday Competition: Another sub-par round for Ryan Wilkes on Sunday, coming in with 41 pts, edging out Leigh Jones on a countback. Mark McDougal came in third on 39 points.

Pam Casey was on top of the ladies’ podium with a lovely 36 points, also winning on a countback.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club Pro Shop Team

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