After a bye last week, the Proserpine Pitbulls’ Under 11 side hosted their first ever home game against the Sarina Spartans.

Captain Laura’s bat flip went to the Spartans, and the Pitbull pups were sent in to bat.

Bradley (4) and Sean (3) led the way with some great shots, unfortunately picking out the fielders before Aiden (9) followed up with some quick running between the wickets.

Aiden’s brother Jaxson (9) came in and they kept the scoreboard ticking over nicely. Laura (7) was hitting the ball as clean as can be and teamed up well with Ellen (5), who played some excellent shots.

Tyrone (5) came out swinging and Zahra (5) was excellent with her calling and running between the wickets. Kobi (5) came in last to face the remaining deliveries and played a couple of great pull shots, with 8/72 the scenario at the end of the first innings.

A quick slushy break and the pups were back out to defend their total.

Bradley (1/8 off 3) was very accurate and got a spectacular direct hit for a runout. Sean 0/12 off 1) found the middle of the batter’s bat, and decided to give wicket keeping a go, to which he did some great stops and got a caught behind.

Aiden (1/12 off 2) got a beauty on line to take out middle stump. Jaxson (0/9 off 2) came close a couple of times, but missed out on a wicket. Zahra (0/8 off 2) bowled excellently. Laura (2/6 off 3) bamboozled the batters with her 2 step run up taking out the stumps twice.

Kobi (1/8 off 3) was accurate, with some great change of pace. Ellen (1/8 off 2) bowled an unplayable delivery! Tyrone (2/6 off 2) bowled a couple of beauties to take out the stumps.

Despite having an excellent bowling and fielding effort the Pitbull pups were unable to restrict the Spartans ending up with 11/77 pipping the Proserpine side by five runs, with the team closing in on their first ever wind.

Player of the day went to Captain Laura.

Contributed with thanks to Michael Hope

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Proserpine’s junior cricketers played in an exceptionally close match against the Sarina Spartans on the weekend

With the Premier League not too far back in the rear view mirror, the 2022 Xmas Open for Airlie Beach Darts club got underway at Mika on Sunday morning with groups A and B.

Group A featured the runner up of this year’s Premier League: Jamie Maher. Joining him was Jayden Lloyd, Lorraine Woods, and Adrian Wickham.

Jamie advances to the quarterfinals after topping group A unbeaten, with both Jayden and Lorraine going through to the qualifiers after finishing in second and third place, respectively.

Group B had a Premier League champion in the group: Andy Peel. He was joined by the father son combo of Dick and Nathan O’Hara, as well as Seumas Rose.

Seumas topped the group unbeaten on nine points, with the remaining three players all finishing level on three apiece.

Nathan was the unlucky player to miss out on advancing to the next stage of the comp with Andy claiming second and Dick claiming third place in group B, courtesy of better leg difference.

Both Jamie and Seumas hit 180s during their victories on Sunday.

Thank you to Master Butchers Whitsunday for donating a meat tray for us to raffle off. And thank you to our sponsor Dyson Automotive, your support is greatly appreciated.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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Jamie Maher in action in the Xmas Open at Mika Airlie Beach

Unfortunately, the Cannonvale Cannons’ Club Night was cancelled on Wednesday last week due to stormy weather but were back in the pool this week.

Over the weekend, Indigo, Ruby, and Koa Harland travelled to Charters Towers to compete at the Charters Towers Swimming Carnival, with the girls very excited to catch up with their brothers Tate and Mason, and sister, Ella.  

Indigo, “Indi” Harland aged six, swam very well in her 25-metre Backstroke and Freestyle races.  Her best swim was her Backstroke in a time of 48.01 (a 1.21 second personal best).

Koa Harland, aged eight years had a very successful carnival.  She swam three personal bests and came second place in her 50-metre Breaststroke in a time of 1.05.18. She swam a super 50-metre Butterfly in 1.11.98, a 1.83 second personal best and was fourth in her age group.  

Ruby Harland, aged 10, swam in four events, coming first in her 100-metre Backstroke and second in her 100-metre Freestyle.  

Mason and Tate Harland swim for Charters Towers Swimming Club, with Mason, aged 12, swam extremely well in all his Backstroke races. Tate, aged 14, swam a fantastic 200-metre Breaststroke in a time of 3.50.74 which was a 21.34 second personal best.  

The Cannons would like to thank all the wonderful families who assisted with the Bunnings barbecue fundraiser on Saturday.

Swimmers continue to train for upcoming carnivals: Gardens (Townsville), Whitsunday (Proserpine), and Bowen.  Some Cannons have also nominated for the Hamilton Island Ocean Swim.  

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

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Ben and Nelson Malady

Celeste and Don helping at the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle

Ruby Indi and Koa Harland at Charters Towers

Airlie Beach Bowls Club players did their club, the district, and zone seven proud at the State Champion of Club Champions at South Suburban in Mackay.

The pair of Betty Nicole and Carol Crosbie played outstanding bowls during the sectional rounds and were undefeated in their three games, beating Kawana Bowls Club 18-8, Suburban Townsville 19-16, and Boonooroo Bowls Club 20-16 to progress to the State Final.

They came up against the pair of 419 Australian-capped veteran Lynsey Clarke and Claire Turley, who has 66 caps for the country.

Betty and Carol started nervously, tied at seven all against their more fancied opponents throughout the early ends of the game.

Lynsey and Claire found their form and pushed ahead to a comfortable lead until Betty and Carol staged a late comeback but unfortunately ran out of ends and went down 27-20 in front of a very large crowd, becoming the states silver medallist’s.

Carol, who is undergoing intensive Chemotherapy, was drained substantially during the game, but, lived by our club’s motto: “Never Give Up, Never Give In, and Never Say Die.”

Also competing were our Mens Pairs whom finished 4th overall, missing out on the finals by one point only.

Armando Isgro also was selected as skipper for North Queensland versus South Queensland in Townsville played on the weekend.

Tuesday and Wednesday bowls and Business House Bowls were cancelled this week due to inclement weather.

Saturday morning Scroungers saw first round winners Merve Stewart, Maureen Barnard, Rick Galea, Gary Kiff, and Mark Mawson play off.

The final was played between Maureen Barnard and Mark Mawson, who overcame his tenacious opponent for the victory.

John Brown was the Group B winner of the day beating a star-studded field.

Sunday afternoon Social bowls had Tony Whitehorn with Mario De Martini at lead, Lu Rogan at second, and Rex Muller beat John Trembath’s team in a nail-biter.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Airlie Beach Bowls Club members Carol Crosbie and Betty Nicole claimed silver at this year’s Queensland state finals

On Wednesday, there were no Social Bowls played at Proserpine Bowls Club when a thunderstorm cruised over Airlie Beach.

The weekend’s Mackay District Champion of Champion 2 Bowl Triples still went ahead, however, with the first match on Saturday morning seeing Wests Tigers defeat Souths Suburban.

Following on, Northern Beaches defeated RSL, Airlie Beach defeated Seaforth, Mackay defeated North Mackay, and in the afternoon, Proserpine defeated Sarina.

Through all games you could see the quality of shot delivery and decision making with so many of them being edge of your seat matches.

Sunday morning were the two Semi Finals, one where Proserpine defeated Northern Beaches and Marian defeated Mackay.

The Final between Proserpine and Marian started off being neck and neck with neither team getting to control the action.  It is at this halfway point that things started to shift with Proserpine taking the upper hand.

Congratulations to Shane Kinnear (subbing for Nathan Dodds), Scott Hamilton, and Wayne Handley for taking out the MMDBA Champion of Champions 2 Bowl Triples for 2022.

Acknowledgment must be made those who worked behind the scene in green preparation, providing of lunches, serving behind the bar, doing the welcomes and green introductions and umpiring.

Spectators support was exceptional, and thanks must also be extended to Vince McSherry from Mackay Men’s District Bowls Association who drove up on Sunday with the Livestreaming equipment.

On Sunday afternoon the club had six for social bowls, with Sandy Daffara, Warren Wilson, and Peter Lawton defeating John Anderson, Bruce Uhe, and Mike Harrison, 23-16.

Contributed with thanks to Heather Brown

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Champion of Champion Two Bowl Triples winners Proserpine with MMDBA Match Chair: Wayne Handley, Scott Hamilton, Vince McSherry, and Shane Kinnear

There were only a few players on Tuesday afternoon, however it did not lessen the quality of the bowls, with the winner’s circle comprised of Bron Tolcher, Irene Laird, and Penny Warren.

Their reward: a bottle of Mark Drummond’s homemade Tomato relish.

On Sunday, although a warm afternoon, bowlers still came out to play in the much-needed shade, with winners for the afternoon Bill Myers, Penny Warren, and Pat Tracey, defeating Deb Beel, Sue Shearing, Linda Scells, and Sugar Brunker.

Other winners were Irene Laird, Isobel Wheeler, and Kennedy Whitton who defeated Bron Tolcher, Graeme Read, and Geoff Danvers. Robyn Stitt, Marg Wilson, and Allan Rolfe also won, defeating Mark Drummond, Greg Colquhoun, and Barry Beel.

Competition games results: The final of the B Grade singles was played this week with congratulations to Laurie Land in her win, defeating Kevin Baxter.

Competition is almost finished for the year, with the final of the Mixed Pairs between Lyn and Geoff Danvers, and Penny Warren and Allan Rolfe to be played at 9am on Thursday, November 10.

It is almost time again for the club’s AGM which will be on Sunday, November 27.

All positions will be declared vacant, with nomination forms available for positions on the board. High Tea and presentation of trophies will be on the same day. Attendees for the lunch, please put your name on the board for catering purposes.  

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

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The Sunday winners at Wangaratta Bowls Club, alongside club President Mark Drummond: Bill Myers, Penny Warren, and Pat Tracey

Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford for the men and single Bogie for the ladies sponsored by the club.

Ladies’ winner was Claire Garrod, plus 1, runner up Janice Bates, 0, while Men’s winner was Perry Layton, 41 points, with runner up on a countback Mark Tilbrook.

Saturday’s competition was a single stableford sponsored by Bowen Home Hardware, with thanks to the local business for their continued support, which has been a constant for the past 25 years.  

Men's Winner was Brian Martin, 39 points, runner up Brenden Wells, 38, with pin shots to Akeam Power, Daryl O'Connell, James Miller, and Rod Wells.  

Ladies' Winner Meg Garrod, 35 points, and runner up Janice Bates, 34. Pin Shots to Julie May - who had her first official Hole in One - Janice Bates, Elona Lynch, and Julie Mawson.  

Janice Bates also won the Car Wash Voucher.

This weekend’s competition at Bowen Golf Club is a single stroke event for the November Monthly Medals sponsored by Bowen Meat Supply and the club.  Don’t forget to check the club’s Facebook page for this week’s dinner menu.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

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The Home Hardware Single Stableford ladies’ second place getter, Janice Bates, alongside men’s winner Brian Martin and  sponsor John McEniery from Home Hardware

Julie May sunk a hole in one during Saturday’s competition

Rain affected numbers this week at Proserpine Golf Club, but all comps were completed even though some competitors pulled out because of the rain.

The men’s winner of Saturday’s MBW stableford was Aaron Watts, on a count back from Brett Norris on 39. They were followed by Ross McNeill on 38.

The ladies’ winner was Heather Luvis on a count back from Ann Gardel and Tiina Randmae all on 32 points.

The men’s run down went to 15th place, while the ladies place getters were Diane Chard, 30, Elspeth Scotford, Peta Thomas and Rehab Hull on 29.

The pin shots went to Andrew Mau, Luchie Gardel, Levi Holmes, Trish McNeill and Penny Wardroper.

Only forty ventured out on Thursday, with Michael Leo winning the shirt with 41 points from Andrew Albergo 38, in division one.

Division two winner was Fraser Simpson 47 points, from Vic Feldman on 37.

The place getters were Steve Kelly 38, Chris Brett, Peter Fox, Elliot Woo and Aaron Watts 37, and Michael Cragg bring up the rear on 35.

Allen Roberts and Aaron Watts on 13 and 16 took out the pin shots.

Tuesday’s stableford winner was Karl Kirkwood, from Michael Cragg and John Grosskreutz.

On Wednesday the ladies played a four-ball multiplier. The winners were Brenda Cowan and Jenny Hounsell with 71 points.

They were followed by Pam Casey and Dianne Chard, 69 and Lyn Muller and Rehab Hull with 61.

The pin shots went to Pam Casey, Brenda Cowan, Elspeth Scotford and Paula McQuat.

Sunday’s stroke winners were Nathan Sothmann, 69 on a count back from Brian Allen, and Jason Whitney 70 in third place for the men.

The ladies’ winners were Jacqui Wall, 68, from Penny Wardroper and Peta Thomas both on 70 nett.

Contributed with thanks to Peter Lewis

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The second round of Club Championships at Whitsunday Social Golf combined with a stroke event on Monday, attended by 27 members.

The winners were Men’s A grade Jason Bourke, with runner up Darren Reynolds, best gross Geoff Harrison.

Men’s B grade winner Scott Wardroper and runner up Gerald Lovell.

Ladies with best gross to Ron Jamieson, Ladies A grade was claimed by Jacqueline Wall runner up Penny Wardroper, best gross Anna Winterbourn.

Ladies’ B Elise Hodgsen, runner up Karen Rix, best gross Jo Moynihan.

Pin shots were claimed by Penny Wardroper, Linda Wardroper, Scott Wardroper, Tiina Randmae, Aaron Watts, and George Meharry.

Congratulations to all winners, Club Champion will be announced at the end of year presentation. Nest Sunday will be the November Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

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Another great day of golf yesterday at Proserpine Veteran’s Golf with 30 players braving the hot and windy conditions.

It was a stroke event and the ladies’ winner, on count back, with a fantastic score of 68 was Elspeth Scotford. Second, also on 68, was Helen Deighton.  

The men’s winner with a fantastic 67 was Phil Luckett followed by John Strelec (72 on countback). Nearest the pin winners for the ladies’ were Lyn Muller (9th), Kathryn Borer (9th and 13th), Heather Luvis (13th), Elspeth Scotford (18th), and Jacqui Wall (18th).  

The men’s nearest the pin winners were Neil Cawthorne (9th), Wilf Herweg (13th), John Roser (18th) and Steve Mitchell (18th).  There were four chip-ins: John Strelec, Neil, Heather, and Lyn.

Next week will be a big day, starting at 8:30am is the club’s Monthly Medal with all welcome. There will be an afternoon lunch and sweeps ($2 and $5), and players in the Club's normal Tuesday Comp are welcome to join us for the $10 lunch.  

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat
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Stroke event winners for women’s and men’s Elspeth Scotford and Phill Luckett

The winner of Fridays 9-hole stableford competition this week at Whitsunday Green Golf Club was Neil Boland with 19 points.

Second and third place was a countback decider with James ‘Jimmy’ Millar taking second and Mark Winter third, both with 17 points.

Sunday was the Monthly Medal and again Jimmy Millar was in form to take the win with a great 50 nett.

Second was Marc Belke with 52 nett and Tyson Flavel in third. Tyson was also best off the stick on the day with 58 strokes.

Nearest the Pins were won by Wayne Singleton and Rod Lodders. This Sunday will be a ‘play anytime’ 18-hole stableford.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

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James ‘Jimmy’ Millar enjoying a day out at Whitsunday Green Golf Club

Pioneer Tennis held its second Smash Cancer weekend last weekend, bringing the Mackay community together through a love of tennis to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.

Smash Tennis has grown quickly to incorporate a social teams tennis night, singles and doubles tournaments and Bubbles and Brunch morning with over 150 people taking part over the weekend.

Donations are still able to be made at www.pinkisthecolour.com.au/fundraisers/pioneertennis/smash-cancer.

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Mercy/St Patrick’s College cricketers Jack Muller, Liam Newbery, Lachlan Evetts and Nick Beardmore (pictured) received a thrill recently when they were invited by the Adelaide Strikers franchise to serve as net bowlers during the recent Women’s Big Bash League fixtures at Harrup Park Mackay.

Pace bowling trio of Muller, Newbery and Evetts along with leg spinner Beardmore quickly snapped up an opportunity to match wits with some of the biggest names in women’s cricket in the early phase of the competition.

The talented quartet gained valuable experience when they sent down deliveries to the likes of female international stars Tahlia McGrath, Laura Wolvaardt, Dane van Niekerk, Deandra Dottin, Darcie Brown and Megan Schutt as part of their cricket education.

It was a magic moment for the emerging bowlers, who showed plenty of admiration for the Strikers’ batters during the extensive net sessions.

Muller, Newbery, Evetts and Beardmore are all Mackay/Whitsunday representative cricketers with bright futures in the sport.

Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas.

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Blokarting is a family sport, as proved when the club had an outing at Bucasia Beach over the weekend.

Members of a family walking along the beach were intrigued and encouraged to try out the sport.

“They were very impressed with the performance and simplicity of assembly of the karts – another family hooked on the sport,” a spokesman said.

“One young lad had a sail and proved to be quite good at it.”

Contributed by George Camilleri

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Mackay’s Emma Widdup was the star of the Australian Veterans Table Tennis Championships in Darwin, taking a swag of four medals and the order of merit.

Emma medals included gold in the O30 women’s teams, silver in the O40 doubles, and bronze in O30 singles and doubles.

She was in hot form following an undefeated run in the recent state veterans titles in Mackay, and reached the semi-final of over 30 women’s singles when she was beaten by top seed Victorian Cheryl Huang, who went on to beat WA's Beck Bennett in the final.

Earlier, Emma thrashed Victoria’s Anuska Fernando in a quarter-final 5, 3, 8.

Emma was later ranked No 1 in the order of merit, based on performances over the championship, in teams, doubles and singles.

Andrea Nicholson won two medals – gold in the O30 women’s teams and bronze in O30 doubles.

Coral Morgan won a bronze medal in over 75 women’s doubles to give Mackay seven medals, the best result in memory.

Also in action for Mackay were Delma Knight, Anne Sheridan, Donna Abbott, Janice Kent, Peter Goodson and Noreen Fredericksen.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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