Airlie Beach will be “safer for all waterway users” according to Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) after the announcement of a new six-knot speed limit for the area.

Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said the introduction of the reduced speed limit was an effort to improve safety, a decision which “received strong public support.”

"The waters around Airlie Beach are busy and often congested with recreational and commercial craft of many kinds, including tourism and live-aboard vessels, as well as swimmers and passive craft," Mr Dillon said.

"While a speed limit of six knots already applied in the two marinas and their lead entrances, there had been many minor collisions and near-miss incidents around the nearby mooring grids.

"MSQ had also received many complaints from owners of moored and anchored craft about motorised craft endangering their safety by passing too close at excessive speed.

"MSQ considered it was only a matter of time before a serious incident occurred.”

Mr Dillon said MSQ had conducted extensive public consultation over six months on options to improve safety.

He said this outcome provides clarity for the local and visiting boating communities.

“[This change is] easier to enforce and will reduce the potential for collisions between vessels and damage or injuries caused by vessel wash," he said.

MSQ estimates that extending the six-knot speed limit into the mooring zones will mean, at most, four minutes of extra time.

"An extra four minutes, when weighed against the likely safety benefits, is a compromise any responsible skipper would support,” Mr Dillon said.

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With Proserpine Cricket Club’s Juniors Pitbulls under 11 side having a bye last weekend, the club took the opportunity to blood some young guns in its under 12s.

Under 12s Proserpine versus Brothers: Noah was the captain this week and unfortunately lost the bat flip, which proved crucial in the outcome of the game.

The weather was hot and steamy with the new ball swinging and skidding-on, making batting difficult early, and Pitbulls put in a respectable 48, considering the conditions - which was always going to be a hard target to defend.

The grounds were drying out as the morning went on and it didn’t come out the young Pitbulls day in the end - but they should take a lot of lessons out of that game. Congratulations to Matty, who was the players player, retiring not out 5, 2 great overs and then kept wickets after drinks to give Alex a bowl.

Under 13s Proserpine versus Pioneer Valley: The Pitbulls, with J Rock as captain, lost the toss and were sent into bat with a wet outfield, but with the sun shining.

The Pitbulls put in an impressive 117 runs to defend, and their U13’s accurate bowling and good out fielding proved the difference: all out for 79 runs.

Bowling wise, it was a team effort, with the wickets being shared J Rock 2-13, B Hope 3 overs 1-5, J Lawn 1-9, O Seamer 1-4 and A Farley 1-12.

B. Hope was named man of the match with a great all-round effort with the ball.

Under 15s Proserpine vs Pioneer Valley: Captain Ben Valmadre saw promise in grabbing the willow to post a score and defend the total.

The side posted 8-137, falling short of the planned 150, but defendable, nonetheless.

After weathering the Pioneer Valley attack, the Pitbulls were keen to have their turn with the leather, and the eager side finished their 25 overs, toppling the strong Panthers side who fell short at 7-108.

Special thanks to the massive effort from Craig and Mark Valmadre who covered all the pitches before the rains to make sure the cricket was on.

Contributed with thanks to Troy Smith, Stephen Logan, and Craig Valmadre

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The Whitsunday iteration of parkrun in the coastal town of Airlie Beach welcomed runners, joggers, and walkers for its 333rd parkrun where tutus were optional but many were seen out on the waterfront course.

It was a glorious Saturday with 100 participants on the five-kilometre Marina run, which included 20 first timers.

12 participants recorded new Personal Bests: Kirsten, Josh, Annaliese, Peter, Robert, Daisy, Emma, Michael, Jeff, Geoff, Lilly, and Ben. Annaliese also ran her 10th parkrun as a junior and Carly completed her 25th parkrun.

The 333rd event was made possible by 17 wonderful volunteers: Nick, Kara, Maree, Chris, Daniel (co-run director), Sarah (co-run director), Nathalie (photographer), Kirsty, Wade, Jess, Charlie, Lilliana, Laura, Lynne, Erica, Dennis, and Joanne.

Airlie Beach parkrun have joined parkruns across the world celebrating 'parkwalk' for the month of October, with the goal of having as many walkers as possible.

New participants are encouraged to come along and walk the 5km course – there are even ‘parkwalk’ volunteers to look after them.

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 lower carpark till 9:30am if a parkrun barcode is placed on the dashboard. Post parkrun coffee and chat is held at My Rainbow Bakery, Shingley Beach.

There are no winners at parkrun and nobody comes last – the Tail walkers do. Regular participation is rewarded rather than performance, with ‘parkrun milestone shirts’ available to people to recognise their achievements in coming along.

The full results and a complete event history can be found at https://www.parkrun.com.au/airliebeach/results/latestresults/

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach parkrun

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25-year-old Carly at her 25th parkrun where she came 25th, in 25 minutes

Annaliese completing her 10th parkrun and notching up a new personal best

The generous volunteers for Airlie Beach parkrun, decked out in tutus for the 333rd event

Twilight Race: As the boats left the marina for last Wednesday’s weekly twilight race, they were greeted by a 15 knot north easterly breeze, which subsequently dropped to 10 knots by the time the race commenced.

A total of 22 boats and 124 crew faced the start boat for a few laps of the 1.5 nautical mile course.

Division Two saw seven boats in their fleet, with Reignition (Charles Wallis) leading, but the conditions ideally suited Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) as they powered to the front of the fleet by the time they reached the first rounding mark.  

Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) worked their way into second place with Reignition relegated to third on line honours.  

Further back, QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) had an off day, while a close battle loomed between Treasure VIII (Rob Davis) and Wide Load (Shannan Hart).  Twister (Kevin Fogarty) also struggled in the light conditions.  On corrected time, Smooth Criminal took the win from Reignition and Bobby’s Girl.

In Division Three, Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) took the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize, but were soon overtaken by Alabaster (Kate Warren), leading to a three-way battle at the front as Matchless (Terry Stevens) joined the action.  The light conditions suited Lighthorse (Dianne Forster) and Rossgo (Greg Hammon), while Manteca (Frank Tennison) matched the pace of Lighthorse, crossing the finishing line just two seconds ahead to take the corrected time win, with Alabaster second and Manteca third.

The multihull fleet of four boats saw Angus (Michel Van Der Zwaard) lead from start to finish with Malice (Graham Matthews) a distant second, while G’nome (Terry Archer) crossed the finishing line 23 seconds ahead, but 1 lap short of the leaders while Kay Cee (Will Richards), sailing solo, made up the balance of the fleet.  Angus took the corrected time win from Malice and G’nome.

Lady Skippers Race: Last weekend saw a fleet of six boats competing in the Whitsunday Sailing Club lady skippers’ series, condensed to two races on Sunday.  The fleet consisted of a mixture of boats from Overdrive, a 10.7 metre trimaran through to Norbert G, a 6.3 metre trailable yacht. Eligibility required a female helm on each boat as the person in charge.

Race One saw Smooth Criminal (Donnah Jordan) leading the fleet from Overdrive (Darlene King) and Alabaster (Kate Warren).  Further back, Kay Cee (Anne Miller) led Lighthorse (Kerry Aspland) and Norbert G (Karen Evans).  On corrected time, Lighthorse took the honours from Norbert G and Overdrive.

Race Two saw the boats finishing in the same order, however corrected time results were quite different.  This time Alabaster took the win from Norbert G and Overdrive.  

Overall results saw Norbert G (four poits) take the win from Alabaster (six), on a countback from Lighthorse (six) and Overdrive (six), Smooth Criminal (eight), and Kay Cee (12).

Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm
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Side by Side with Lighthorse and Manteca

The rate of Volunteer Marine Rescue activations increase has slowed as the last week’s windy conditions restrict movement on the water, but the local organisation are still comfortably ahead of last year to date.

In light of fewer vessels in the water, Volunteer Marine Rescue are taking the opportunity to educate sailors on the use of distress signals, flares and emergency beacons.

If a vessel or individual finds itself in an emergency on the water and needs help, distress signals are the solution, according to the local group.

Signalling devices are compulsory for all boats operating between sunset and sunrise – whether they be a torch, fluorescent light, lantern or cyalume stick – all are suitable as long as they generate enough light to be seen by other boats and prevent a collision and attract attention.

Other distress signals – aside from compulsory radios on board all vessels - include marine radio broadcast, flares, signal mirror, V sheet and sound signal.

Vessels in the vicinity of a signalling boat must be vigilant – an eye on other vessels is always a bright idea - and they must respond to any emergency signals.

Volunteer Marine Rescue said they were aware of some incidents where vessels used emergency signals to indicate that they required assistance but passing vessels did not respond.

For the storage of flares, it is recommended they remain in a dry place where they will be readily accessible in an emergency. They have a lifespan of three years and must be replaced prior to the expiry date.

VMRW membership is “cheap insurance at just $80” and can be joined online at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/

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Testing your skills on court against the State’s leading schoolgirl basketballers can be a sometimes difficult and arduous task.

For a batch of athletic and determined Mercy College Mackay students it has proved a memorable experience with the nine hoopers bringing home a silver medal from the Molten Champion Basketball School of Queensland tournament staged last week on the Gold Coast.

Promising juniors Mackenzie Brown, Hannah Jenson, Ruby Crouch, Jessica Harris, Mia Young, Olivia Smyth, Amelia Crouch, Jaimie McPhee and Mikayla Green flew the flag proudly for the Mackay region by reaching the Grand Final of the Junior Secondary Girls Division 2 championship.  

Under the expert guidance of renowned Queensland North State basketball coach Jamiey Doevendans and Rachel McKenzie, the girls turned in superb performances to qualify for the trophy decider where they were toppled 31-21 by an all-conquering Trinity College Beenleigh team.

It was a courageous effort by the Mackay warriors after producing skilful displays to win seven of their eight Pool A fixtures and finish second on 22 points behind the undefeated Beenleigh outfit (24 points).

Mercy College advanced to the championship decider after tipping out Sheldon College 33-21 in a semi-final with the Beenleigh girls downing Mount Alvernia College 31-16.

During the Pool rounds the Mercy girls chalked up an impressive tally of 311 points while conceding only 109 – posting an even better record than eventual champions Trinity College (305-113).

Mercy College fielded a youthful combination in the Junior Secondary Boys Division 3 championship – winning their opening two games before lining up against some of the finest schoolboy basketball talent in the State.

On the final day the boys defeated Redlands College to clinch the play-off for seventh spot.

Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas.

Pic caption: Mercy College volunteer Head Basketball coach Jamiey Doevendans (left) and Assistant Principal Curriculum Scott McSherry with silver-medal winning hoopers standing L-R: Jessica Harris, Mia Young, Ruby Crouch, Mackenzie Brown; kneeling Jaimie McPhee, Olivia Smyth, Mikayla Green, Hannah Jenson and Amelia Crouch. Photo contributed

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A big weekend of Bridge has been played on the weekend.

Saturday was the first of three weeks of the Mackay President’s Shield and Sunday was the first of three weeks of the Mackay Novice Pairs (<100 pts).

The President’s Shield is played over three weeks, with three different partners. The Novice Pairs is played over three weeks, with the same partner.

Saturday 17 September – Presidents Shield Week 1 of 3

N/S

1st Noel Bugeia / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

4th Patricia Garner / Jan Harris

5th Frances Brown / Alan Brown

E/W

1st Diane Morgan / Cheryl Machen

2nd David Ting / Ming Ting

3rd Monica Darley / Richard Wix

4th Mick King / Noel Saunders

5th Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

Sunday 17 October – Novice Pairs Week 1 of 3

N/S

1st Annie Lynch / Sandra Morris

2nd Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell

3rd Anne Lutz / Diane Stokes

E/W

1st Faith Hutchinson / Joy Block

2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Carmel Brown

3rd Griffin Bancroft / Marylin Wilson-Nicholl

Weekly Results

Monday 10 October – 5 Table One Winner

1st Ming Ting / David Ting

2nd Antonia Tarradas / Graham Smith

3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes

Wednesday 12 October – Nation Wide Pairs Week 20 of 22

1st Noel Bugeia / Doone Mitchell

2nd Ming Ting / David Ting

3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole

4th Joy Brunette / Don Poole

1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd Robert Carless / Joy Robinson

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

4th Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

Thursday 13 October – 4 Table One Winner

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild

3rd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore

4th Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless

Friday 14 October – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2nd Griffin Bancroft / Nancy Wix

3rd Anne Lutz / Toni Large

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E/W

1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Monica Darley

2nd Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

3rd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th Ted Cullinan / Noel Saunders

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Contributed with thanks to Joy Block.

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Our ‘Come and Try’ evening was quite successful, with several new members having applied to join our club. All of them showed promise; some coaching will bring out the best in them and hopefully they will enjoy their membership here.

North Mackay men won all three games against Sarina in the Dr. Williams Shield match on Saturday at Goosies. Our next opponents were Souths/Suburban, who won their games against Northern Beaches, but we lost to Souths on Sunday at Mackay City club.

Social Results

Monday pairs winners were G. Fahy and P. Crawford, followed by D. Layden and Wolfgang. Lucky draws were won by B. Woodward and S. Sommerfeld.

Wednesday ladies’ day was won by Jean Comelli and Pat O’Neill. Runners up: Chree Reseck, Wendy McGee and Shirley Bartolo.

Thursday pairs draws were won by Chriss Hall and Jess Haber, followed by Lance Edwards and Wayne Trannore. Greens vouchers winners were Margaret Fogg and Brian Perrin. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday pairs winners were Neil and Maureen Blucher, who have been playing very well lately. Lucky draws were won by Wayne and Vern Mietzel, and Andrew Coates and Margaret Creese.

Saturday men’s day pairs winners were Kevin Dwyer and Ron Bowers, followed by Peter Delaney and John Fry. The jackpot was not won.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

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Sarina ladies bowlers joined in for a fun-filled day for the Tom and Naomi Graham Shield over the weekend.

Now in its sixth year, Tom and Naomi’s daughters Alison and Margaret started this event in honour of their parents after Naomi passed away.

Naomi’s father started the club’s Johnston Shield for the ladies, so this family has a long-standing association with the Sarina club.

Alison and Margaret honour the club by coming along to watch some great bowls and then provide a beautiful High Tea.

This event is club selected pairs of nine ends for a knock-out.

This year’s final between Ethel Gaw and Ann O`Shea against Doris Barnes and BB Smith was great to watch.

They went to the last end on level points but Doris and BB came up the winners.

Contributed by Rita Hughes

Consistency Final Game

Wednesday afternoon the final was played in our club consistency competition.

After a well fought out game Cheryle Corbett was the eventual winner and Lois Deguara was the runner up.

Congratulations ladies you both played very consistent bowls.

In our social games - a win for Jan Comelli and Pat O’Neill in a pairs game and the runners up were Chree Reseck, Wendy McGee and Shirley Bartolo

A very big Thankyou to everyone that competed in all of our club games this year and to the games committee.

Presentation night is on tonight.

Contributed with thanks to Sue Hazledine

On Saturday, 8 October 2022, the Pioneer Swim Club had a fantastic time participating in the MS Swimathon held at the Pioneer Swim Centre.  

The team swam in a continuous relay for 12 hours from 6:00am to 6:00pm.

The event is held to raise crucial funds and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis.

The team raised over $1,200 in the lead-up to the event and swam a grand total of 860 laps over the 12-hour period – that is a whopping 43 kilometres!

We wish to thank everyone who sponsored the team, the other teams for the healthy competition, those who came to support us, those who came to help us swim some laps and all those team members who gave up their Saturday and participated.

Contributed with thanks by Tahnie Malagueno

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Mackay’s Kim Challender is believed to have set a martial arts record by becoming a karate black belt at the age of 83.

Kim recently went through a grueling test to advance to the sport’s high ranking, after training regularly at the Northern Beaches Shito Ryu Karate Club’s hall at Bucasia for the past seven years under Sensi Helle Smith.

She is the oldest in her club and doesn’t know anyone in Queensland of her age who has been awarded a black belt.

Kim joined the club with her family when it first opened, and although the effort involved in training is intense, she says it’s all worthwhile.

The family connection includes her daughter Candy and her husband Taizo, who are both black belts, and their daughter Meeka, who has been doing karate since she was five.

“Meeka is 12 years old and going very well,” Kim said.

“She’s grading her way up.”

Candy and Taizo had moved north from Melbourne and were looking for somewhere to do karate when they received a flyer in the letterbox about a new club starting in the Northern Beaches, and the family was among the first to join up.

Kim’s training and bouts are all non-contact, although some contact is allowed by black belts, but with safety gear such as heavy gloves and protective clothing such as shin guards.

“If you want to get something you must practice and practice,” Kim said.

“Practice makes perfect, and you have to put in the effort as your body has to get fit.

“It’s really good for seniors as you can gradually work your way through the belts and build up the fitness.”

Kim’s other sport is table tennis, which she and her late husband John started playing at the Mackay centre in Bridge Road in the 1970s, and she is still a keen competitor in the Tuesday morning fixtures.

“It’s a sport I enjoy as it’s good for anyone of any age,” she said.

“You’re inside the hall out of the sun and don’t get sunburnt and it’s good for anyone to do from beginners to more advanced players.”

Contributed with thanks by Charlie Payne

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Almost 300 riders from all over Queensland travelled to Mackay and Sarina, for the 2022 Sugar City Classic, which was held over three days of the long weekend.

Hosted by Mackay and District BMX Club and Sarina BMX Club, the event took place over three consecutive days at the Mackay, Sarina, and Walkerston BMX tracks, making it one of a kind in Queensland.

The Nepean Conveyors Superclass Men winners were Jayce Cunning (Suncoast Hinterland BMX), 2nd Mackay’s Connor Parish and 3rd Reyne Barnsdale (Redlands BMX).

The Monadelphous Superclass Women winners were Ashleigh Gunn (Townsville BMX), 2nd Elisha Nesbit (Cairns), and 3rd Stella Begg (Caboolture).

The Pirtek Mackay Junior Superclass Men was won by Ben Emeleus (Cairns), 2nd Tyler Smith (Mackay) and 3rd Josh Harkin (Harbour City BMX).

The Walkerston Fuel Junior Superclass Women was won by Mackay’s Sarah Tickle, 2nd Marisa Delecki (Maryborough) and 3rd Teila Fellows (Beenleigh).

Contributed with thanks to Michelle Tickle.

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Twilight Race: Wednesday saw a stronger breeze between 15 and 25 knots, providing plenty of action for the 18 boats who participated in the Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race on Pioneer Bay. The strong breeze saw a number of boats with reefed mainsails as they endeavoured to keep the boats properly balanced.

In the first start of the day QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) led the fleet away to take the Doyle Sails sponsored best start prize, with Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) and Wide Load (Shannan Hart) in pursuit.

A change of sail configuration for Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez) put them to the back of the fleet, with a strong recovery to follow.  Bobby’s Girl soon hit the lead from QMS Ponyo with Smooth Criminal a distant third.

Even with a small crew, Treasure VIII (Rob Davis) sailed well to pick up second on corrected time behind Wide Load, with Twister finishing third.

Another strong start from Rossgo (Greg Hammon) was usurped by a stronger start by Shiraz (John Cable), while up front it was Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli) leading the way.

A slow start by Alabaster (Kate Warren) had them in pursuit, finally finishing just 4 seconds behind Wobbly Boot.

The mid fleet saw close racing between Rossgo, Shiraz and Masquerade, while some of the smaller, lighter boats, such as Lighthorse (Di Forster) and Norbert G (Ghigo Casalini) struggled in the breeze.  Rossgo took corrected time win by 2 seconds over Wobbly Boot with Alabaster third.

A three-boat race in the multihulls saw Overdrive (Rupert King) lead the fleet away, but Malice (Graham Matthews) soon hit the lead, with G’nome (Terry Archer) in pursuit.

Malice once again completed 4 laps, while the others completed three laps, allowing G’nome to take line honours.  Malice still ruled the day, taking corrected time win by 30 seconds to G’nome with Overdrive third.

Full results are available at https://app.sailsys.com.au/club/85/profile?tab=results.  Races start from 4.30pm each Wednesday afternoon, so 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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Twister leading Smooth Criminal at the Twilight Race for Whitsunday Sailing Club

Local ballerina Ruby Elson has set herself apart from the rest and earned a place at the prestigious Australian School of Ballet.

After just two years of pursuing the genre, the 10-year-old rising star who seems to float on stage and trained alongside the renowned Claudia Dean – a Royal Ballet alumni with years of expertise in the craft – achieved her dream of heading to the national centre for elite classical dance next year.

Ruby received her successful application letter in September, and the hours of extra-curricular training, passion, and extraordinary drive were finally rewarded.

“We had prepared her that she might not make it – that she was competing against all these others from across Australia who wanted to be ballerinas – and at her age, too,” her mother, Mei Elson said.

“When we read the letter that she’d been accepted, I cried, she cried, and my husband cried – I’ve never seen him do that.”

Ruby will head to the Melbourne-based school – Australia’s premier training facility for the genre  to train part-time until the age of 13, being re-assessed each year to remain at the famed institution, when she will graduate to a full-time curriculum.

Her mother said the true thing that separates her is her work ethic and her perseverance.

“I’m so proud of her,” Mei said.

“I’m so inspired by how incredible she is; she’s so driven to train, to be better and it’s just unbelievable to watch.”

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The under 11s brand new Pitbull pups side – the Proserpine Cricket Clubs first time fielding this age group - had their first taste of the Mackay Cricket competition by taking on Brothers in Mackay last Saturday.

After losing the bat flip and being sent into the field, Captain Kobi led his troops with some great bowling (1-10 off four overs) and a spectacular run out assisted by wicket keeper Aiden.

Bradley had the ball on a string (2-15 off 4 overs), and Aiden was looking dangerous (2-8 off 2 overs) who also got a direct hit for a run-out!

Good tight bowling from Jaxson (0-15 off 4 overs) and Matthew (0-7 off 2 overs) kept the Brothers at bay.

Sean (1-21 off 4 overs) came up with a peach to take out the middle stump!

Some quick running between the wickets at the back end of the innings got Brothers to a defendable 9-79 off the 20 overs.

Now it was the Pitbull pups turn to don the pads and swing the willow.

With Aiden (six) and Sean (one) getting off to a steady start, Matthew (five) was next, swinging the bat hard but picking out the fielders. Jaxson eight top scored with some great hitting and running between the wickets. Bradley (seven) was next and played some classy shots.

The required run rate was going up with some tight bowling from Brothers throughout the innings.

Kobi (four) did his best to get the Pitbull pups over the line, but it was a tough ask with the best bowlers coming back on at the end. 10-62 off the 20 overs was the result, 17 runs short.

Player of the day went to Bradley.

The Pitbulls Under 12’s side travelled to Walkerston, facing off at Vigaro Field for round one of their competition, fairer better against the south side.

The Whitsunday young guns faced a formidable task on the road up against a strong Walkerston ‘Scrubbies’ Roosters club.

To add to the challenge, the local team were a player short, had several on debut in the Mackay Saturday competition, and were also fielding a young, inexperienced side which included two 10-year-old tyro’s.

Pitbull Captain Ollie Dibben lost the toss and the gun Walkerston team elected to bowl.

The ever-reliable Shannon Matthews and Captain Dibben strode to the crease to open the season.

After a 9-run opening stand, the captain played a shot across the line and lost his middle stump, out for two.

Alex Valmadre then joined Shannon at the crease and settled the ship before retiring with Noah Porter, the first of the young tyro’s, making his debut straight after.

The youngster too elected to play across the line and was quickly on his way back to the sheds for five.

Lily Smith then strode to the crease to face some hostile Scrubbie bowling. She and Alex V defied the attack until Lily copped a good one and was on her way. Alex V then retired after his 20 balls to see the underdogs at 3-64.

The second of the young tyro’s, Korbin Dibben, made his way to the middle with Benny Hope, aka ‘Starky’.

Starky and Korbin pushed the score along against some tight bowling, with Korbin retiring after his 20 deliveries.

All-rounder Reg Davies then made his way to the middle. Under attack, he fought hard but was ultimately the victim of a sharp caught and bowled chance, out for two.

Big Starky soon followed for three leaving the two retirees together to push the score along.

Alex V was then dismissed for 10 which saw young Korbin return; he and Shannon then took the score to 89 before he was given out lbw for 10, closing the innings and leaving the brave youngster unbeaten on 1 after facing 23 balls.

It was a competitive score at 89, but the Pitbulls knew it would be tough against a strong Scrubbies batting unit.

Starky Hope began the bowling, destroying the Scrubby openers castle with his fourth delivery.

Despite some tight bowling, it was 3-67 at the break and on-track for a regulation victory for Walkerston.

Alex V with ever-reliable Shanon M bowled great spells with Valmadre taking two key wickets and Shannon one, including a spectacular low catch in the covers by Starky.

It 7-75.

Starky proceeded to bowl a ripper maiden over to keep things tight before handing over to young Noah P, who stormed in.

With the pressure on, he bowled a couple of tight ones before going full which enticed the gun Rooster opener into a lofted drive which headed to Davies.

Under immense pressure Reggie moved forward and cupped the chance with a great catch to win the game for the underdogs against all odds.

Players player - Alex Valmadre (10 runs, 2 wickets and a run-out)

The children were excited to run out onto the Great Barrier Reef Arena in front of hundreds of spectators, and it was made even better when an Adelaide Striker player greeted them with smiles, words of encouragement, and an autographed cap.

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

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The Proserpine Pitbulls U12 side managed a spectacular win against Walkerston

Some of the young Proserpine Pitbulls were on field at Great Barrier Reef Arena for the Women’s Big Bash League game

For the first time ever, the club has an Under 11s side