Queensland Under 12 sensation Harper Shields will spearhead a strong Mercy/St Patrick’s College contingent at this week’s 40th annual Gold Coast Titans Queensland All Schools Touch Football Championships at Runaway Bay.

The gifted Shields will join the likes of St Patrick’s whiz kids Jaxon Purdue and Ethan Van Kerkwyk at the prestigious Carnival that is billed as the world’s largest touch football tournament.

Spring-heeled Harper is a player to watch in the Under 13 Boys category when he leads Mercy College during the coveted Carnival from Wednesday, October 5 to Sunday, October 9 at the world class Gold Coast Performance Centre.

Mercy/St Patrick’s College will also field an Under 15s Boys, Under 15s Girls and an Under 18 Mixed team in the major schools sporting event.

Shields captained Capricornia to back-to-back State Under 12 championship titles at the Queensland Schoolboys Touch Football Carnival in Brisbane earlier this year.

The elusive middle player – who was named the 2021 Mackay Sports Person of the Year – was rewarded for his classy performances with selection in the Queensland Under 12 representative team.

Harper demonstrated his leadership skills, attacking prowess and vision on the field to help the well drilled Capricornia side post ten wins from 11 matches in the preliminary rounds before toppling Metropolitan East 7-5 in the Grand Final at the Whites Hill venue.

At the end of the Gold Coast All Schools Carnival, the versatile Year 7 athlete will line up for his beloved Maroons at the National Schoolboys Touch Football Championships to be staged in the NSW town of Wagga Wagga during November.

Joining Shields in a powerful Mercy College Under 13s outfit are rising colts Mason Muscat and Darcy Cabassi – fresh from their rugby league heroics with the premiership-winning Magpies in the Mackay and District Junior League competition.

The talented trio also guided Mercy College to an inaugural Mackay All Schools Fast Four Mixed Touch Football Under 13s title back in July along with outstanding female athletes Vitea Parter, Mia Davidson and Jade Williams.

Purdue, a skilful rugby league half, represented Queensland Country U/17s in their recent 38-20 victory over Queensland City at Redcliffe and formed a dynamic pairing with ace five eighth Van Kerkwyk in the St Patrick’s College First XIII that reached the Grand Final of both the Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup competitions this season.

The duo along with sharp runner Madeline Doring also helped St Patrick’s secure the Opens trophy at this year’s Mackay All Schools Fast Four Mixed Touch Football Challenge.

All three are key players at the Titans All Schools Carnival in the Open Mixed division.

The Gold Coast Titans Queensland All Schools Touch Football Championships event is run by Queensland Touch Football and attracts over 450 teams, representing various schools both nationally and internationally, on the big sporting stage.  

It is a seeded round robin-based competition where teams are placed in Pools of 6-8 teams depending on the size of the division, which provides school teams with a minimum of seven games.

Across the five-day tournament, more than 6,000 students will take to the field playing over 1,700 games across 23 fields, attracting between 6,000 and 10,000 spectators.

Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas.

Harper Shields who played in the Queensland All Schools Touch Football Championships

‍

Versatile colt Hudson Camilleri has handled the step up in class in the Mackay and District Rugby League senior competitions in 2022.

The 19-year-old Brothers utility proved a mainstay for the Leprechauns with wholehearted displays and capped a memorable season when named as the recipient of the Mackay District’s Rookie of the Year Award.

Camilleri turned in strong performances at centre and in the second row for the club’s Under 20 and A Grade teams during a hectic campaign that yielded premiership success.

The Wanderers junior product helped Brothers capture the Mackay and District Under 20 trophy after a thrilling 25-24 Grand Final victory over the Magpies club – making an impact at centre with his sharp running and no-nonsense defence.

Camilleri alternated his appearances between the Under 20 and A Grade ranks and caught the eye of Junior League officials with his high work rate, speed and skill in both competitions.

Hudson was a regular in the second row during the A Grade preliminary rounds and helped the Leprechauns finish fourth on the ladder and cement a finals berth.

Souths eliminated the Thomas Heggie-coached Brothers 36-20 in the first week of the finals but received great value from Camilleri with powerhouse efforts as a starting back rower or interchange forward during the season.

A highlight for Hudson was starring in Brothers’ 36-18 triumph over eventual premiers Wests Tigers in a round 7 A Grade fixture at Leprechaun Park.

Disappointment soon turned to jubilation when the capable Camilleri helped guide the third-ranked Brothers to a deserved Under 20s title at the Mackay and District Junior League Fields last month.

He showed his class as the Leprechauns toppled the Magpies 24-14 and Wests Tigers (22-16) during the finals series before scoring a vital try in a re-match with the Magpies in the trophy decider.

The Brothers’ Class of 2022 demonstrated their courage and skill to edge out the gutsy Magpies in a Grand Final classic with Camilleri leading from the front with another lion-hearted performance.

‍

At Velo Sports Centre, Los Angeles, a Mackay cyclist came within touching distance of a world championship win.

Mackay athlete Hamish Wright competed in three events across the 2022 Masters Track Cycling World Championships, bringing home a double of top three ribbons.

It’s Wright’s best World Championship outing, having beaten his previous effort in Los Angeles in 2017 where he cracked a third-place finish for his best performance.

This time in the US, he started slow: a seventh-place finish in the 750-metre time trial, before cracking the sound barrier and shooting up to the podium in the team sprint and the singles sprint.

Competing in the Men's 45-49 category, Wright is a sprint specialist.

He had a poor qualifying time in his first sprint, though, which saw him seeded ninth, meaning to progress to the quarter finals, he had to ride a sudden death race against the 3rd fastest qualifier which was a rider from the Czech Republic.

Hamish won convincingly which put him into the quarter finals.

Progressing to the quarter finals, he faced an American, and they were both very closely matched. Hamish won in two of the best of three sets, but both were photo finishes: 0.007 and 0.004 of a second.

There is a technique called “throwing of the bike”, which is something sprinters practice to push their bikes out as they cross the line, similar to how runners lunge when they cross.

It was the throw that won Hamish those races to progress to the semi-finals.

In the semis, he faced a rider from France who was the fastest qualifier. Wright won the first, the Frenchman won the second, so it went to a deciding third race where Wright caused an upset.

It's unheard of for the ninth-place qualifier to knock out the top seed.

The gold medal race came and it was against another American - the second fastest seed. They had close races but ultimately, Hamish came in second best.

Although he was disappointed to come so close, Wright managed to achieve his major goal of continuing to improve, even with a demanding training, life, and work balancing act.

“Trying to commit enough time to train at the level I need to, to be competitive at a world level, is challenging, overlaying that with a demanding work schedule,” Wright said of his finish

Hamish works for Holcim Concrete as an Area Operations Manager which involves long hours any time of the day or night depending on the contracts they are supplying at the time.

"Having an understanding boss in Townsville and working for a supportive business like Holcim makes it possible for me to chase my aspirations on the bike while building a rewarding career,” he said.

For Wright, the most important was the camaraderie of racing and competition that he’d found along the way – although a few medals did make it all the better.

"I've made friends across Australia and the World competing at various events. These events are serious when we're on the track, there's no love lost, especially during sprinting when you're elbow-to-elbow with someone travelling more than 60 km/hr heading towards the finish line; but afterwards there's time for a beer and a chat. You become mates,” he said.

He finished third place in the team sprint, and second in the singles sprint.

It is his first World Champs winning two medals.

‍

The mixed pairs championship was decided last Saturday. Both finalists had beaten formidable opponents to reach the final, but in the end Marie Bragg and Kees Struik won over Lorraine Silman and John Kennell.

Presentation Night has been changed to Friday 21st October due to catering arrangements. Tickets are now available from reception. Cost is $30 per person, which includes a two-course dinner and drinks. Tickets are limited, so book early.

Social Results

Monday mixed pairs was won by Chrissy Hall and Maurie Pearson, with Doris Dodds and Lidia McCarthy in second spot. Lucky draws went to Bob Masso and Greg McLean.

Wednesday ladies’ day winners were Chree Reseck, Shirley Bartolo and Lois Deguara. Sue Hazledine, Marie Bragg and Coral Francis filled second place.

Thursday mixed pairs game resulted in a win for Hilary Jones-Rowan and husband Ian with Margaret Fogg and B. Edwards in second place. Wayne Mietzel and Tony Allsop won the draw. Wayne Trannore won the kitty toucher.

Friday mixed pairs winners were Neil and Maureen Blucher, with a very good score. Lucky Draw winners were Doug Giddings and Kees Struik, while visitors, R and D McCloy, won the second draw.

Saturday men’s day was taken out by Alan Cooney and Ron Bowers with Ray McCarthy and Andrew Coates running second.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Images: 1: Mixed Pairs champions Marie Bragg and Kees Struik

                 2: Mixed Pairs Runners up Lorraine Silman and John Kennell

‍

When Libby Surha was selected as a reserve in the Australian PM’s XIII Women's rugby league team, she wasn’t expecting to play in what was to become a thumping win over the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII Women.

She found out she was going to play the Thursday before the game.

“I actually thought I was just on the bench,” Libby said.

The 18-year-old played 43 minutes of the game alongside heroes Tallisha Harden and Stephanie Hancock, finishing with three runs for 20 metres and two tackle breaks.

“Walking out onto the field was the best moment of my life,” she said.

“Just the culture around the stadium, it was unreal.”

“Plus the legends of the game, I played with.”

“They just really encouraged me to just step up and not be limited just because they have more experience than me.

“They just treated me like I was like them even though I haven’t played in the NRLW yet or anything like that.”

The Australian Prime Minister’s XIII Women defeated the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s XIII Women 64-6 in the game that took place at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, September 25.

“To win by that much, it was crazy,” said Libby.

“An experience I will never forget.”

Originally a hockey player, footy was always in Libby’s family.

“I’ve always been around footy but when I was 12 years old, just starting high school, there was an article about schoolgirls rugby league, and I tried it and started making teams,” she said.

While the opportunities for women were seldom when Libby first started playing rugby league, she tried out for and made multiple representative teams around central and north Queensland.

Libby played her first senior season this year for Carltons Devils, with the team making it to the grand final.

“Unfortunately, we lost but it was such a good season surrounded by great girls,” Libby said.

Over the last 12 months, Libby has also represented the Mackay Cutters, Queensland Sapphires and the Australian Women’s Indigenous Academy, the latter being where she was selected for the Prime Minister’s XIII.

Libby said this season has been her best, amplified by the fact that it was her first season back from an ACL reconstruction.

“This year was a huge comeback for me,” she said.

“I tell you what, I’m ticking boxes, that’s for sure.”

Libby has been selected for the U19 Canberra Raiders and hopes to move to Canberra at the end of the year, a step she says she hopes will lead her to an NRLW contract, ideally in north Queensland.

“Cowboys is definitely the dream,” she said.

Image: Libby Surha says running onto Suncorp Stadium was the best moment of her life. Photos supplied

‍

The much anticipated finale for the Mackay Road Runners formal season closure peaked with the running of the Benita Willis 10 kilometre Handicap Trophy.

Mackay Road Runners proudly acknowledge four-time Olympian, first time new mum and all round champion athlete and person, Benita Willis as an iconic treasure from the Mackay region.  

Benita Willis is, without doubt, Australia’s greatest female distance runner - a three-time National Champion in the 5,000m, Willis currently holds six national records from distances ranging from the 3,000m to the marathon. We congratulate Benita on her successes and thank her for her support in being involved with the Mackay running fraternity. Benita’s best and most challenging event was the recent birth of her beautiful baby girl, Poppy who will no doubt be a very active little girl.

The 2022 Benita Willis Handicap Champion went to Martin Lambert who is a very strong supporter of athletes in the community.  His On The Run coaching clinics assist many runners to strive and reach their own personal goals.

The handicap start event saw runners choosing between 5 kilometres and 10 kilometres, however, the first runner across the line in the 10 kilometre race was the winner, male or female. Martin ran very well with a huge gap ahead over second placed Carol Dawes and Sandy Strong (3rd).  

Runners are to be congratulated on their very full, committed and strong season culminating in the perfect race to end the formal season.

Five-kilometre winner, junior Damien Rutland continued his dominance of the 5 kilometre with a blitzing performance ahead of first female, veteran Jo Hughes who also both started on handicap.

The quality field of runners had an outstanding morning including Paul Mackenzie, Shane Donnollan, Joe Grech, Michael Feenaghty, Carl Pinkstone, Justin Rule, Oliver Rule, Toby Rule, Ricky Parker, Glynis Forse, Carmel Grech, Vicki Ford, Millie Bishop, David Isbister, Jan Smith, Robin Stinson, Stuart Sprott, Susan Petersen, Bec Lamont, Jeff Shaw, Tim Magoffin, John Couldrey, Patreana Fenech, Geeta Ariani, Carmel Mahon, Brenda Windsor and Judy Zahn.  

Welcome back to the ‘ghost’ who walks/runs, Jose Eisemann who made a welcome return to running on the very last run of the year, he even collected his race number for the first time this year as well. He was joined by running compatriots, Matt Stevens and Sandy Strong who are also noted for a minimalistic approach to club runs, leaving the club in no doubt as to them not winning the most committed runner award!

Many thanks to race day volunteers, Arthur Dick, Julie Whibley, Tim Magoffin and Jaylene Harrison. Thank you to Paul Mackenzie for his generous donation to the club by paying race day fees for everyone.  Paul’s a very talented and popular athlete who’s humble and supportive persona are an asset to himself and those around him. We congratulate Paul on his massive achievements this year and wish him all the best for his next ultra marathon events coming up before the end of the year.

The Shawn’s Summer Social Series will continue as usual in the off season, commencing Sunday, October 23 at 5.30pm. Club Captain, Jim Ford will be issuing a program/calendar of events which will be circulated in the coming weeks. The free informal training sessions will attract a gold coin donation towards post run refreshments.

The 2022 Annual Awards Evening will be held on Saturday, October 22 at The Grove from 6pm.  Please RSVP your interest by October 8 to vickiford74@outlook .com.

Special guests include Club Patron Col Meng and his wife Rhonda and the Mackay Branch of the Leukaemia Foundation representatives, Barry and Christine Comben.

Contributed with thanks to Janelle Tilse.

‍

Monday 26 September – 5 Table One Winner

1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

2nd Faye Wright / Lorna Shuttlewood

3rd Ming Ting / David Ting

4th Antonia Tarradas / Graham Smith

Tuesday Evening –27 September – 4 Table One Winner

1st Terrence Sheedy / Helen Van Den Broek

2nd Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Marilin Robins / Faye Wright

4th Marilyn Wilson Nicholl / Jan Harris

Eclectic for Tuesday September 2022

1st Eric Leivesley

2nd Janelle Conroy

3rd Terrence Sheedy

4th Helen Van Den Broek

Wednesday 28 September – 9 Table Green Points

N/S

1st Janet Hansen / Del Ryan

2nd Eric Leivesley / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Alan Brown / Janelle Conroy

4th Antonia Tarradas / Victor Mason

EW

1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Noel Bugeia / Doone Mitchell

3rd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

4th Geoff Taylor / Ted Cullinan

Thursday Night 29 September – 7 Table One Winner Green Points Eclectic for Thursday September

1st Doone Mitchell / Marilin Robins

2nd Geoff Taylor / Annie Lynch

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Errol Miller

1st Terrence Sheedy

2nd Ken Seaniger

3rd Robert Carless

4th David Ting

Friday 30 September – Walk In’s Congress

N/S

1st Terrence Sheedy / Errol Miller

2nd Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

3rd Eric Leivesley / Janelle Conroy

E/W

1st Noel Bugeia / Ian Afflick

2nd Nancy Martin / Monica Darley

3rd Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore

Friday 1 October – Mackay Congress – Swiss Pairs

Section A

1st Noel Bugeia / Ian Afflick

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Stokes

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Errol Miller

4th Malcolm Allan / Adrian Lohmann

Section B

1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Doone Mitchell

2nd Christine Nice / Faye Wright

3rd Ming Ting / David Ting

4th Helen Van Den Broek / Joy Brunette

Section C

1st Noel Saunders / Ted Cullinan

2nd Sandy Patterson Geoff Cowan

3rd Pam Carmody / Michelle Morrissey

4th Sandra Morris / Annie Lynch

Sunday 2 October – Mackay Congress Teams

.....Team.......................Players

1st Randall...................Jan Randall / Don Cameron / Malcolm Allan / Adrian Lohmann

2nd Rayfield................Tania Rayfield / Valda Corbett / Pam Carmody / Michelle Morrissey

3rd Holewa..................Diane Holewa / Max Holewa / Eric Leivesley / Janelle Conroy

4th Zimmerman...........Richard Zimmerman / Rosemary Carleton / Richard Metcalfe / Denise O’Regan

5th Sheedy...................Terrence Sheedy / Errol Miller / Noel Bugeia / Ian Afflick

‍

Pioneer Swim Club hosted their annual long course swimming carnival over the weekend at the Pioneer Swim Centre, with swimmers aged between seven and under to mature age participating.

Around 170 swimmers competed over the weekend from Mackay, Townsville, Bowen, Airlie Beach, Yeppoon and Rockhampton swimming clubs.

The carnival was the first long-course carnival of the season, with swimmers seeded according to their time rather than their age.

“If you have a qualifying time, you get slotted into races with people who have similar times to you,” said Pioneer Swim Club Secretary Tahnie Malagueno.

“All the carnivals that we do throughout the season will then also assist the swimmers with heading to states.”

Pioneer Swim Club also celebrated their 45th anniversary on Sunday night which saw current coaches, swimmers and families come together with previous coaches, swimmers and life members including special guest and founding coach Judy Lockhart.

‍

The Cannons continue to host Club Nights on Wednesday nights during the school holidays, with all swimmers enjoying the warmer weather.  

The Cannons congratulated seven-year-old Eloise Chegwidden on setting a new Club Record of 59.2 seconds for her 50-metre Breaststroke.  

Prickly Pineapple Swim Star of the Week was Isabella Pisaniello, who was presented with an Upgrade Certificate and the Chocolate Award for the biggest personal best.  

Congratulations to Matilda Nicholes for also winning the Chocolate Award for smallest personal best.

Club Secretary, Giselle Burton presented Upgrade Certificates to Harris Delac, Koa Harland, Charlie Doherty, and Millie Groom.  

Top performers at this week’s Club Night: Tora Delac was on fire on Wednesday night, swimming personal bests in all her events. Her best swims were her 200-metre Backstroke and 200-metre Freestyle.  

Indi Harland and Anisa Helou were in excellent form, achieving three personal best times.  Indi, aged six, swam a super 12-metre Butterfly in 35.88 seconds (a 8.16 second personal best). Anisa raced extremely well in all her 50-metre events.

Anisa’s brother, Ehsan, also swam well in his 50-metre Backstroke and Breaststroke.  Koa Harland, aged eight, swam an impressive time of 2.20.16 for her 100-metre IM (a massive 18.52 second personal best).  

The Cannons welcomed Alessa Penglasse-Fortunato to Club Night. Alessa swam extremely well in all her 25-metre events.  

Congratulations to Harry Chegwidden, Zane Clayworth and Piper Walker who all 7 years or younger for trying the best and achieving two personal bests.  

Special mention to swimmers who achieved a personal best time: Don Algie, Charlie Doherty, Isaac Pisaniello, Matilda Nicholes, Evie Doherty, Millie Groom, and Lochlan Jamieson.  

Well done to all the swimmers who participated on Wednesday night.  A big thank you to the Chegwidden family cooking up a storm.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

‍

Parkrun may be the name, but you don’t have to run or be a runner to get involved in this free weekly five-kilometre event that takes place at 7am every Saturday morning at Coral Sea Marina.

While walkers have always been welcome and celebrated at the 450 parkruns around Australia each Saturday, Pakrun Australia say the month of October will be dedicated to encouraging even more people to walk.

More than 10% of people who complete the five-kilometre course at Aussie parkruns do so as walkers, and the organisation is keen to significantly increase this number.

The campaign will see parkrun change its logo to ‘parkwalk’ for the month of October, with bright pink branding designed to capture the attention — and the imagination — of people who might not think that parkrun is for them.

Airlie Beach parkrun volunteer event director Kara Olver said: “Parkruns are social events where there is no time limit and people of all ages and abilities take part, including people pushing prams or with their dog on a short handheld lead.”

“It’s all about getting involved in a way that is fun and comfortable for you. Walking is a great way of soaking up the parkrun atmosphere and chatting with people while being active.”

Ms Olver said it’s one of the best entry points into parkrun, especially for those who may be taking their first steps towards healthier and happier lifestyles.

“Walking at parkrun is a great way to meet new people too, or you can walk with your family or friendship group,” she said.

“One of the great things about parkrun is that you can never come last. Each week we have people who volunteer as tail walkers, who provide support and encouragement for walkers and are the last people to finish.”

In addition to the tail walkers, a new volunteer role of ‘parkwalker’ – who will wear blue vests - is being introduced from the first Saturday in October.

The volunteers will have the role of mixing with other walkers and having a chat during the five-kilometre walk.

Thousands of people at parkrun take more than an hour to complete the event. In fact, when parkrun started in Australia in 2011 the average finish time was 27 minutes, and now it’s 33 minutes — a statistic the organisation is incredibly proud of because it shows that parkrun now appeals to a broader range of people.

Airlie Beach parkrun takes place at Meeting Area D of Coral Sea Marina every Saturday at 7am.

Registration is free at www.parkrun.com.au/register

‍

Three triathletes from Airlie Beach have qualified for two unique world events where they’ll represent Australia across the month of October.

Michael Kimpton, Daniel McDonnell, and Alisha Rust – Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island athletes – will head to the United States in October to compete across two outings as international athletes.

For the full-distance Ironman World Championships, Kimpton will represent the region as he arrives in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii for one of the most incredible events on the planet and the pinnacle of triathlon sport.

He’ll compete where professional and age group triathletes from around the World dream of racing: on Ironman’s main stage.

The iconic event “defines the sport of triathlon”, with the very best triathletes worldwide embarking on a 3.8-kilometre ocean swim, 180-kilometre cycle, and finishing with a 42-kilometre run through the barren lava fields of Hawaii.

“For most, it is the ultimate test of strength, mind and spirit,” said Airlie Beach triathlete Michael Kimpton, who qualified for the race’s 65–69-year-old age group.

“I’m so happy to be representing Australia, and especially considering I’m only a newbie to the sport!”

Kona serves as the first of two Ironman championships that the group will head to the United States for, when in late October, the entire trio of Kimpton, McDonnell, and Rust will be heading to Utah for the Half Ironman 70.3 World Championship.

Each contestant from Airlie Beach is a member of the Whitsunday Triathlon Club, qualifying for their respective age groups at the Half Ironman World Championships: McDonnell in age group 18 to 24, and Rust in age group 25 to 29.

The trio will compete in the gruelling run through the heat of St George and Greater Zion National Park in Utah.

The course offers miles of adventure and inspiration for its triathletes to test their mettle in the shadows of red rocks and desert.

Although a lesser distance than Kailua-Kona, the Zion course poses its own challenges.

A Reservoir swim of 1.93-kilometress, followed by a hilly bike course of 90.1-kilometress, gaining 3,500 feet elevation through ‘’Snow Canyon’’- all in oppressive heat – and a run course of 21.1-kilometres, again on a hilly course.

Utah Ironman has been called ‘’The Land of Endurance’’.

The three “gun athletes” will serve as Whitsundays’ exports for the region, who are looking forward to taking the Whitsundays’ spirit to the world stage.

Your Airlie Ironmen And Women:

Name: Daniel McDonnell

Age: 24

How long you’ve been competing: Two years

Best time so far: 3 hours 48 minutes (half ironman)

Favourite part of a race: Finishing on the podium

Best advice you’ve ever received: Aim for consistency

Top tip for triathletes: Make sure you enjoy it

Aspirations for the race: Have a great event

Name: Alisha Rust

Age: 28

How long you’ve been competing: Four years

Best time so far: 5 hours 17 minutes (half ironman)

Favourite part of a race: Having a great race

Best advice you’ve ever received: Have a go

Top tip for runners: Train to the best of your ability

Aspirations for the race: Have fun, enjoy it!

Name: Michael Kimpton

Age: 68

How long you’ve been competing: Five years

Best time so far: 13 hours 27 minutes (full ironman)

Favourite part of a race: Seeing the finish line

Best advice you’ve ever received: Never give up

Top tip for runners: Do the best you can

Aspirations for the race: Enjoy the day and the atmosphere

‍

The club is one week closer to finding out who’s name will be on the Premier League trophy at the end of this year’s season. One thing we do know for certain, is that there will be a new name on the cup this year.

On Thursday morning, Jamie Maher and Andy Peel played in the first prelim final, with Jamie getting off to a great start taking the first five legs.

After a short break, Andy claimed his first leg of the match, but Jamie kept the pressure on with a 71 and a 133 checkout to go 7/1 ahead.

Andy fought hard, winning three of the next four legs, but ultimately the head start proved to be too big for Andy to reel in, and with Jamie checking out so well, the match finished with him winning the contest 10/4.

In the second preliminary final, 3rd placed Joe Wilson had to battle it out with Dom Friend, who finished the league in 4th, for a place in this year’s final.

This match began in similar fashion to the other final with Dom taking command of the match early. With a 7-nil lead, and hitting a 180 as well as a 122-bullseye checkout, Dom was in full control, and the result looked inevitable.

Joe to his credit though came back strong and had Dom worried when he hit his own 117-ton checkout.

With the match nicely poised at 8/5, Dom looked a little uncomfortable, and had to find something extra to get across the finish line, but at 9/5 the writing was on the wall.

Joe had given it his all, but in the end, he left himself with too much to do. The final score was 10/5 to Dom, meaning both Jamie and Dom will contest this year’s Premier League final.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing, thank you for your support.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

‍

The weekly 9-hole stableford was won this week by Tyson Flavel with 21 points. Terry Kimpton was second with 20 and Rhys Bartholomeus third with 19 points c/b.

Friday was Mark Winter who won with 21 points, Brayden Davies in second with 18 points and Clint Paull with 17 third.

Sunday was the Monthly Medal and Rob Lodders had the win with 53 Nett. Second was David Wallace with 54 and third Elise Hodgson on 55.

Dean Barnard won the Gross score with 57 and Marc Belke took home both ‘Nearest the Pins’.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

‍

After a few weeks of no comps the Whitsunday Social Golf Club held its September Monthly Medal event on Sunday.

Winner for A Grade Men was George Meharry, with runner up Jason Bourke. Mens B Grade winner was Mark McDougall, runner up was Paul Nicol.

Ladies’ A grade winner was Jackie Wall, with runner up Anna Winterbourn, while Ladies’ B grade winner was Pam Casey and runner up Jo Moynihan.

Pin shots went to Aaron Watts, Pam Casey, Anna Winterbourn, George Meharry, and Ron Jamieson.

Longest Drives were claimed by Geoff Harrison, Paul Nicol, Pauline Redpath, and Pam Casey.

Next weekend will be the Annual Magnetic Island trip with comp resuming on Sunday 9th October.

Contributed with thanks to Joanne Moynihan

‍

Tuesday results for Wangaratta Bowls Club: Winners for the afternoon were Irene Laird, Linda Smith, and David Madden defeating Sue Shearing, Cath Christopher, and Joe Paynting.

Other winners were Maree Brunker, Pearl Ayken, and Mark Drummond beating out Joe Paynting, Bill Parker, and Margaret Wilson. Lyn Madden, Keith Aykens, and Sugar Brunker  were the final Tuesday winners, defeating D Beel, Terry Robinson, and Penny Warren.

Sunday results: Winners for the afternoon were Judy Christie and Allan Rolfe defeating Deb Retchless and Pearl Aykens.

Other winners were Penny Warren and Sugar Brunker defeating June Paynting and Pat Tracey, while Bill Myers, Linda Scells, and Mark Drummond defeated Laurie Land, Terry Blair, and Joe Paynting.

Sue Shearing, Keith Aykens, and Kennedy Whitton rounded out the winners circle, defeating Deb Beel, Isobel Wheeler, and Barry Beel.

Competition Results: Final of Mixed Triples saw Denise Wallace and Ted Evans defeat Greg Colquhoun, Lyn Danvers, and Geoff Danvers.  

Ladies Two Bowl Triples winners were Deb Beel, Marcia Arthur, and Lyn Danvers, defeating Robyn Stitt, Margaret Wiilson, and Fely Duncan.

Good luck to the Wangaratta men playing in the Burdekin Pennants this Saturday.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

‍