Meet the new Mackay flash, Mikayla Webb (pictured) who continues to light up the athletics track with record-breaking sprint performances.

The 15-year-old Mercy College student smashed two long standing records when she won gold in both the 100m and 200m finals at the recent Capricornia Schools Athletics Championships staged at the Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Complex Athletics Facility.

Fleet footed Mikayla scorched her rivals in the Girls 15yrs blue ribbon 100m event – clocking an impressive 12:12 sec to eclipse the previous mark of 12:30 sec in superb style.

The sprint queen backed up that golden performance by also clinching the 200m title with a sizzling record time of 25:65 sec, bettering the previous best of 25:70 sec.

Both sprint records had stood for two decades.

But they are not the fastest times that Mikayla has produced over the 100m and 200m distance, having clocked a personal best 12:07 sec for the 100m and 24:84 sec for the 200m while competing for Mackay Athletics Club.

Fresh from her record-breaking feats, Mikayla will compete at the Queensland Schools Athletics Championships to be staged in Brisbane during October.

She will be joined by her 13-year-old kid sister Isabella – another Mercy College student - who collected a bronze medal at the Capricornia Schools Athletics Championships after finishing third in the 100m final and obtaining fourth spot in the 200m final.

Both top four achievements have secured Isabella a spot in the Relay teams for the Queensland Schools Championships – a feat she can be proud of.

The Webb sisters acknowledged the influence of their sprint coaches Tina and Luke Morse from ASSET (All Sports Speed Endurance Training) who have added speed and balance to the pair’s running technique.

“We enjoy training with Tina and Luke and have put in a lot of hard work in preparation for the athletics meets,” Mikayla explained.

“Both Isabella and I are now reaping the benefits and hopefully we can improve our PBs in the weeks to come” she added.

By Chris Karas

Mackay sprint sensations Mikayla and Isabella Webb (pictured) will represent Mercy College at the Queensland Secondary Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane next month

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All roads lead to Eric Homan Park at Cremorne on the October long weekend when Mackay Rangers Football Club hosts its annual 8-a-side soccer tournament.

With $6000 in prize money and titles up for grabs, football enthusiasts are in for a treat when the two-day Carnival kicks off on Saturday October 1.

The unique 8-a-side concept draws teams from far and wide including Sarina, Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Hall Creek, Emerald, Townsville, Innisfail, Cairns, Brisbane, Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast over the years and is an Open Men’s and Women’s competition for players aged 17 years and older.

Mercy College Mackay school teacher and Rangers stalwart Ashley Miles said the Carnival attracted 17 Men’s teams and eight Women’s sides last season which offered an $1800 winner’s purse for the triumphant Men’s side and $1000 for the victorious Women.

Runners up received $1000 (Men) and $600 (Women) with third and fourth placed teams collecting $500 (Men) and $300 (Women).

“An added highlight is the Penalty Shootout competition which is traditionally staged on the Saturday night when participating teams put forward a goalkeeper and striker to compete for $150 cash,” revealed Ashley.

Mackay Rangers boasts a proud 54-year history in the Football Queensland Whitsunday Coast Premier League Association where they have annexed numerous championship titles and produced a host of talent among the Men’s and Women’s grades.

Origins of the 8-a-side tournament can be traced back to 1983 when the Rangers staged an invitational Carnival against Moranbah to celebrate their home ground improvements.

This developed into the Taylors Hotel Invitational 1000 for the first four years of inception and was played as a senior 11-a-side team’s event.

Sponsorship was secured by Alcorns Bakery of Mackay for the next decade, then in the early 2000s the Carnival changed direction by adopting an 8-a-side format with long time sponsor RIMEX taking naming right sponsorship of the tournament.

The Carnival is traditionally run each year on the October long weekend with round fixtures and finals held over the Saturday and Sunday and is one of only a handful of senior competitive Football Gala events that are staged in Queensland.

For further details and registration enquiries contact Mackay Rangers FC 8-a-side coordinator Andrew Susani 0400 000 990.

By Chris Karas

Jubilant players celebrate after winning the Mackay Rangers FC 8-a-side Men’s title last season

Mackay Rangers FC annual 8-a-side Carnival attracts some quality Men’s and Women teams

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The Mackay Cutters Hastings Deering Colts squad wrapped up their season last weekend with a 40-20 defeat in the sudden-death final against the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

The Cutters came out strong scoring first, thanks to an Alfie Schultz try, converted by Brenton Baira. The Falcons desperate for the win regrouped and scored three times quickly to jump ahead, 18-6. A Hugh Arthur try before the half closed it back up to 18-10 but a penalty pushed that back out to 20-10.

The Falcons capitilised first in the second half, followed quickly by a Cutters’ try to Jordan Hill. Brenton Baira then scored and converted his own try to close the gap to 26-20, but it was one-way traffic to the Falcons in the final 20 minutes, scoring 14 unanswered points with two converted tries and a penalty.

The Cutters management praised the Colts on an excellent season.

“The Colts squad had shown immense improvement across the season and were one of the form teams entering the finals competition, playing with a level of skill and confidence that had seen them match it with the very best sides throughout the second half of the season on their run to the finals,” the club said in a statement.

“The coaching staff of Craig Kennedy, Davey Roberts, Caitlyn Simpson, James Poelstra and Dave Hoare are also to be congratulated on their efforts this year as they have created an excellent learning environment in which our young players were able to flourish.”

Picture credit: QRL

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Mackay’s widely respected rugby league identity Michael Comerford (pictured) relishes a challenge.

The 33-year-old school teacher is ready for the next chapter in his sporting life when he takes over the reins of the Mackay Cutters as Head Coach on a two year deal starting in 2023.

Comerford will replace outgoing coach Dave Elliott, who will link up with Norths Devils at the conclusion of this year’s Hostplus Cup competition.

The experienced Elliott, who helped transform the Cutters’ rugby league program as Head Coach this season, has signed a two year contract and will return to his native Brisbane with his wife and young family to begin the fulltime role from November 1 this year.

With his vast experience and knowledge of the Mackay sporting landscape, the astute Comerford was a popular choice for the top job by club management.  

He will relinquish his position of Sports Co-ordinator at Mercy College Mackay on October 4 to take on his new full time coaching role.

An excited Comerford will work closely with all the schools and Junior League clubs in the region to stamp the Cutters’ footprint across the grades.

“My goal is to develop a big enough talent pool that will keep the Cutters at the forefront of rugby league in the region for many years to come,” he revealed.

Comerford praised the efforts of Elliott and Cutters’ Head of Football Kim Williams for their tremendous work in turning the club around in 2022.

The Cutters may have missed a finals berth in the Hostplus Cup this season, but the club remains in a strong position moving forward.

Comerford’s coaching journey through the local school system and the Cutters’ Junior Representative programs to top grade assistant coach have held him in good stead.

Respected by the current playing group, Comerford’s appointment highlights the club’s purpose to develop rugby league pathways for the Mackay community.

Officials are extremely confident in his ability to build a strong and competitive team and look forward to seeing the club flourish under his leadership.

Comerford fell just short of a fairytale premiership with his powerful St Patrick’s First XIII this season, guiding the College to Grand Final appearances in the Confraternity Shield Rugby League and Aaron Payne Cup competitions where they succumbed to Townsville titans Ignatius Park College.

The local hero enjoyed a burgeoning league career in the north Queensland region before a damaged ACL forced him into retirement at the age of 24.

Comerford began his league career with Souths Sharks in U/13s as a promising centre before bursting into A Grade in 2006.

He played a prominent role when Souths defeated Moranbah to win the 2009 Mercury Cup Grand Final after earning a call up to the Mackay Cutters top grade side the previous year.

Comerford chalked up 51 appearances during his six-season playing stint with the Cutters but missed the club’s 2013 premiership triumph after tearing his ACL in the early rounds.

A highlight for Comerford was representing Australia at the 2008 World Universities Cup in Brisbane and touring South Africa (2009) as well as France and England (2010) with the national team.

Since hanging up his boots, Michael has turned his hand to coaching.

In 2015 he was appointed Souths A Grade coach at the age of 26 – guiding the side to a preliminary final before joining the Cutters’ coaching panel in 2017.

Comerford has mentored the U/21s and Brothers A Grade last season and proved a valuable voice as Senior Assistant Coach to the departing Elliott during the Cutters’ 2022 campaign.

By Chris Karas

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The BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival returned for its 12th year over the weekend, providing a great opportunity for family fun while raising funds for local charities.

The event encourages more people to become active and involved in cycling through a variety of categories across the two exciting days at Mackay Botanic Gardens.

Saturday afternoon saw approximately 150 children participate in the Golding Kids Colour Ride where kids rode as many laps as their legs could take them while getting splattered in all colours of the rainbow every time they passed the starting line.

Food vans and live entertainment were also on offer throughout the evening, completing a day of family fun in the gardens.

Early the next morning, riders gathered at the amphitheatre to take on the 100km Corry Cycles Gran Fondo.

Shortly after, riders participating in the 60km City Fitness Epic and the 30km Queensland Country Bank | Health Fund Dash took off.

Food vans, coffee carts, live entertainment and giveaways were again on offer, bringing an electric family atmosphere to the morning.

“One of our goals was to make it more of a festival feel,” said Event Manager Nikki Giles.

“We had food vendors available and a coffee cart for when people finished to stay and soak up the environment of the Botanic Gardens and cheer each other on.

“It was Father’s Day, after all.”

A total of 859 riders participated over the weekend.

Funds were raised through rider registrations and sponsorship and, while figures are still being finalised, organisers are predicting close to $50,000 raised to be split evenly between RACQ CQ Rescue and Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association.

Charity representatives and volunteers assisted in the organisation and running of the weekend.

“We’re really grateful to see the community get behind it,” said Ms Giles.

“Everybody finished successfully, motorists were very respectful, so a thank you to the community for supporting the event.”

Over 850 riders took part in the BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival last weekend. Photos supplied

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Mackay Road Runner Paul Mackenzie had a magnificent outing over the weekend at the Cairns to Port Douglas 120km Ultra Marathon including the iconic Kuranda Railway Station and Kuranda ranges.

The point-to-point race had everything from rocky trails, grassy paddocks, water crossings, steps, roads, bridges, rainforests, national parks, state forests, ranges and sandy beaches including the infamous final stretch of Four Mile Beach.

The first 60km included a very impressive and challenging loop around the highest mountain point with 3600 metres elevation.  

Paul’s impressive time of 20 hours, 10 minutes and 21 seconds, under six minute kilometre pace, earned him a coveted race buckle for completing the event in under 24 hours.  

Paul finished 2nd in his age category and 6th overall male.

Paul said he was very fortunate to have a talented young Whitsunday runner, Jacob, with him most of the way which helped with mental focus as well as physical support to each other.

The Rainforest to Reef event is a spectacular and well-organised event with several course options between 10km to 120km.  

Paul’s 120km race started at 5am on Saturday 3rd September from Crystal Cascades, Redlynch and finished at the Port Douglas Life Saving Club at Four Mile beach at 1:11am the next morning.  

Runners need to be carrying their own mandatory equipment with them the entire race; however, medical stations were also on the course to assist runners every step of the way.  

Tackling the humid and oppressive conditions, Paul was ecstatic with his race, being the longest he’s ever run. He is now hoping for a great recovery week so that he can tackle the Great Whitsunday Walk 58km this weekend which is relatively short in comparison.  

Paul’s ultra-running agenda is filling up fast with his next goal events of two 100km races in Blackall and Katoomba later in the year.

Paul Mackenzie easily scaling the sandy undulations and trails of the local parklands in readiness for the Cairns to Port Douglas 120km Ultra Marathon

Paul Mackenzie was in superb form leading up to the Cairns to Port Douglas 120km multi terrain course. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse

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Junior squash players from all over the state were given the chance to shine at the Mackay Junior Squash Tournament at Squash 52 last weekend.

The one-day tournament welcomed competitors from Cairns, Emerald, Townsville and Brisbane to the sugar city.

Local athlete Matt Brazier took out Division 1, winning all matches undisputed, with fellow local Kayce Hoani-Vincent vying for third position in a tight points competition but ultimately falling out of the top three.

Matt and Kayce teamed up to take out first position in Doubles, with Mackay’s Charlie Jackson and Townsville’s Dusty Stratham finishing runners-up.

Division 2 saw a tight competition complete with plenty of epic five-set matches with Cairns athlete Daniel Yanez taking first followed closely by Townsville athlete Dusty Statham and Mackay’s Angus Strang finishing in a hard-earned third position.

Mackay took the top two spots in Division 3 thanks to Louis Mackay and Sophie Jackson followed closely by Cairns Squasher Chloe Baxter who took third position from Mackay’s Olivia McDermott in the finals playoff.

The Novice Division gave emerging athletes a taste of the big stage in a well-played series of round robin with Mackay’s Harry Van De Linden and Carmila Cepeda and Sophie Roussounis from Emerald all performing well.

Congratulations to the next generation of our state’s squash greats.

Division 1 winners Matt Brazier (Mackay), Deep Maitra (Brisbane) and Sarbani Maitra (Brisbane)

Doubles winners Kayce Hoani-Vincent (Mackay), Matt Brazier (Mackay), Dusty Stratham (Townsville) and Charlie Jackson (Mackay)

Division 2 winners Daniel Yanez (Cairns), Dusty Statham (Townsville) and Angus Strang (Mackay)

Division 3 winners Louis Mackay (Mackay), Sophie Jackson (Mackay) and Chloe Baxter (Cairns)

Novice competitors Harry Van De Linden (Mackay), Carmila Cepeda (Mackay) and Sophie Roussounis (Emerald). Photos supplied: Kirsty Hoani

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Go fast and turn left, it’s not NASCAR, but the thrilling sport of track cycling, where cyclists on a fixed gear bicycle with no brakes propel themselves at speed along a velodrome.

It sounds like a recipe for disaster, and when it goes wrong, it’s painful to watch. But thankfully at last weekend’s Mackay Cycling Club Track Carnival, the racing was fast and furious with no crashes.

Riders from across Queensland came to Mackay’s annual event, which attracts some of the speediest cyclists in the state. Mackay was well represented however, with local cyclists using their home advantage and knowledge of the velodrome to their advantage to place in most races.

The feature races of the evening are the wheelraces, where riders are handicapped on ability in an effort to create an ‘any rider can win’ atmosphere. These are the big money races where winners take home a cool amount of cash.

The handicapper was kind to the local C-grade Men, with three local riders taking podium positions in the men’s feature race. Taking out the big prize was Luke Schatkowski, with Greg Shaw in third and Geoff Bennett in fourth.

WHEELRACE RESULTS

Under 9, Under 11, Under 13 Combined

First: Elijah Hoban

Second: Hamish Brennan

Third: Jack Bennett

Fourth: Scott Bennett

Under 15 and Under 17 Combined

First: George Tucker

Second: Seth Piper

Third: Kirra Rayner

Fourth: Peter Shatkowski

Under 17 and Open Women

First: Petra Andersen

Second: Renay Buchanan

Third: Emylia Stjernquest

Fourth: Hannah Kerswell

Under 19 and Open Men

First: Luke Schatkowski

Second: Alex Murry

Third: Greg Shaw

Fourth: Geoff Bennett

Riders enjoyed a fast night of racing at the Mackay Cycling Club Track Cycling Carnival held last weekend in Walkerston. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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It’s been nine years between drinks since the Zach Mach Mackay Adventure Challenge was last won by two local athletes from Mackay.

In its 10th year, the Zach Mach was plagued by bad weather forcing postponements, but also making it unique, is that it is the final year that race founder Peter Lister will be in Mackay.

10 Years ago Peter Lister honoured the life of MCC student, adventurer and friend Zach Roberts to create the Zach Mach adventure race in the iconic Pioneer Valley.

Over the years, the Zach Mach has evolved, but at the heart of the race, Peter has worked tirelessly and passionately to deliver the race and then to create a shorter version for the next generation, the Mini Mach.

Zach Mach organisers say they have big shoes to fill in ensuring the continuation of the iconic race.

“We are privileged, and honoured to continue this epic event, you have left big shoes to fill, and like you say, it is supposed to be a challenge!

“On behalf of every adventurer and multisporter that you have created over the past 10 Years, thank you Peter!”

Mackay athletes Kurt Brunker and Josè Short took out first place Male and Female solo competitors. They individually rode a 40km mountain bike ride, kayaked 10km, ran 11.8km in the rainforest and then rode 28km on a road bike.

Mackay Cycles have won the teams category more times than any other team and this year was no different, with the team taking line honours once again.

Zach Mach founder Peter Lister delivered his tenth and final Zach Mach last weekend. Photos supplied: Zach Mach Adventure Challenge

Mackay athletes Kurt Brunker and Josè Short took out first place Male and Female solo competitors

The Mackay Cycles team once again took line honours in the team category

The Mini Mach is gaining popularity as children and their parents take part in a mini adventure challenge

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Pamela Finger won the Anne Hird Memorial Trophy, playing with Eric Goodchild, Lorna Shuttlewood and Barbara Tait, three different players over three weeks. To encourage novice players the Anne Hird Memorial Trophy can only be won once per player.

Anne Hird was an avid Contract Bridge player and had many bridge partners. The Mackay Contract Bridge Club said in a statement that Anne was a wonderful person and friend.

Anne’s husband David gives the winner and partners Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) Beanies to promote the MHF Beanie for Brain Cancer campaign, funds going towards vital brain cancer research and support to patients and families suffering the disease.

Anne Hird Memorial Trophy Results after the final three weeks

1st Pamela Finger

2nd Susan Ross

3rd Ian Gaskell

4th Marilyn Wilson-Nicolls

5th Sandy Patterson

WEEKLY RESULTS

Monday 22 August 22 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points – Anne Hird Memorial Trophy (Novice Players) Week 3 of 3

N/W E/W

1st Susan Ross / Toni Large 2nd Robert Carless / Anne Lutz

4th Cheryl Machen / Frances Brown 3rd Terrence Sheedy / Ian Gaskell

5th Pamela Finger / Barbara Tait 4th Nancy Martin / Marilyn Wilson-Nicolls

6th Elrae Trueman / Monica Darley 5th Lorna Shuttlewood / Vicki Howard

Tuesday Evening 23 August 22 – 3 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Marilyn Wilson-Nicholl / Jan Harris 1st Helen Van Den Broek / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan 2nd Janelle Conroy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia 3rd Sandra Morris / Mick King

Wednesday 24 August 22 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Maria Setiyawan / Frances Brown 1st Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait

2nd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa 2nd Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

3rd Noel Bugeia / Doone Mitchell 3rd Susan Wright / Patricia Garner

4th Eric Goodchild / David Ming 4th Lorna Shuttlewood / Janet Hansen

Thursday 25 August 2022

1st Jan Harris / Janelle Conroy

2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild

3rd Edward Kliese / Nancy Wix

4th Frances Brown / Robert (Bob) Ellis

Friday 26 August 22 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points – Nation Wide Pairs 16 of 22

N/S E/W E/W

1st Joy Robinson / Monica Darley 1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Robert Carless / Maria Setiyawan

3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 3rd Julie O’Neill / Ann Whitmore

Saturday August 22 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 1st Faye Wright / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Monica Darley / Kath Poole 2nd David Ting / Ming Ting

3rd Diane Stokes / Ann Whitmore 3rd Lorna Shuttlewood / Doone Mitchell

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Local cricket legend Adam Knezevic has been appointed Head Senior Coach of Mackay Whitsunday Cricket for the 2022-2023 season.

It is an exciting new role for the Mercy College Mackay school teacher who will prepare the club’s first grade team for the upcoming Bulls Masters Twenty20 Country Challenge and North Queensland Alliance Cricket 50 over Championships.

Knezevic will also oversee the club’s Under 18 and Under 21 youth team operations when the new season gets underway.

The Bulls Masters Twenty20 Country Challenge will be staged in Cairns from October 1-3 and includes teams from Mackay-Whitsunday, Central Queensland, North Queensland, Far North Queensland, Wide Bay, Darling Downs and the Gold Coast.

The North Queensland Alliance 50 over Championships will be held over two weekends with the opening round in Cairns on October 22-23 and second round in Mackay on November 5-6.

With his vast experience and ability to connect with players, 36-year-old Knezevic was a logical choice for the Head Senior coaching role.

When it comes to our national sport, the decorated left arm swing merchant is something of a hero to the local cricket fraternity.

Knezevic is a Mackay product and played his junior cricket from the age of 10 with the Walkerston Cricket Club before moving to Brisbane at the tender age of 18 to carve out a first-grade cricket career with Beenleigh/Logan.

He represented Queensland at schoolboy level and in the Maroons’ Under 16, Under 17 and Under 23 Colts teams alongside cricketers of the calibre of master blaster Chris Lynn, Alister McDermott and Twenty20 Big Bash specialist Ben Dunk.

Adam has fond memories of his Colts days with Queensland and playing a NSW side at Sydney’s Glenn McGrath Oval that included a fresh-faced Mitchell Starc and Nic Maddinson.

Knezevic later spent two summers in the United Kingdom playing for the Eglington club in the Northern Ireland Premier League and for Bristol in county cricket where he bagged over 80 wickets and peeled off two centuries.

He returned to Mackay Cricket Association for a second stint with Walkerston and helped the club win premierships in all formats – captaining Mackay-Whitsunday representative teams to a Twenty20 title in 2016, reaching three finals and being named Cricketer of the Year.

Adam also achieved success with the Queensland Country representative side – grabbing bulk wickets to help capture a national championship in 2016.

A career highlight for Adam was winning State titles for Mackay-Whitsunday representative team with great mate and work colleague Chris Dunn, a legendary all-rounder from the Brothers Cricket Club.

The pair have also tasted success as junior representative coaches with Mackay-Whitsunday squads - teaming up with Adam as coach and Chris as manager of the triumphant U/16 and U/19 sides that clinched State titles in recent summers.

When Adam is not teaching students or aspiring players on the finer points of cricket, he can be found promoting his coaching business Elevate Cricket with plenty of zest in the Mackay area.

By Chris Karas

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With the club championships over, the results are:

Club champion: Chris Banney who also won the title last year.

Club Pairs champions: Neal Blucher and Ian McDonald.

Club Fours champions: Doug Dungavell, Peter Miller, John Stronach Ray McCarthy.

Two Bowl Triples: Ian Beveridge, Dave McKendry, Clint Vassie.

Three Bowl Triples: Alex Cameron, Peter Grant, Clive Wales.

Senior Singles: Bert Hobbs.

B Singles: Ken Lane.

B Pairs: John Stronach, Ray McCarthy.

Mixed Fours Champions: Lorna Bowers, Lois Deguara, Bevan Cooper and Ron Bowers.

An excellent pennants result for our division 2 players who won the division and step up to division 1 next year. The last time we won this division was in 2016, and we stayed in division 1 for only one year. Hopefully we will stay in division 1 for longer this time.

Results of the mixed pairs were not known at this stage.

Ladies Results

Master Triples Champion of Champions was played at Wests on Wednesday August 24, the title went to North Mackay Club ladies, Helen Fleming, Lorna Bowers and Lorraine Lemke.

Zone Fours was played at South’s Suburban club on Saturday August 27, between Mackay and Leichhardt (Emerald) North Mackay club valiantly lost by 1 shot to Leichhardt. North Mackay team: Ann Peet, Maryanne Bartolo, Jean Schmidtke and Lydia McCarthy.

Ladies social games on Wednesday August 24 results: winners was a pairs game of Lesley Baumgarten and Bev McDonald. Runners up was a triples game with Gloria Sam, Fay McCubben and Daphne Offield.

Contributed by Tony Allsop and Suzanne Hazledine

Bert Hobbs won the Senior Singles this year

Neal Blucher, pictured bowling, won the Pairs title with Ian McDonald

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Blokarters from as far afield as New Zealand competed at the recent Cape Hillsborough regatta.

New Zealand representative blokarter Ash Rawson gave lessons on land sailing and there were competitors from Victoria and South Australia as well as locals enjoying the races with 27 blokarts on Cape Hillsborough, where spectators can get up close to the action.

The club also sails at Bucasia Beach every second week when the tide is suitable.

Young and old alike can get into this exhilarating sport, contact George Camilleri of the Central Queensland Blokart Club on 0418 982 292.

Blokarters line up at the start of a race on a picture-perfect Cape Hillsborough beach, where the Central Queensland Blokart club holds regular races. Photos: Contributed

Neil McCabe of the Capricorn club with his blokart at Cape Hillsborough

Greg Oakes of the North East Windsport Club of Wangaratta, Victoria, with his blokart at Cape Hillsborough

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The Mackay Cutters wrapped up their 2022 Hostplus Cup campaign with a closely fought loss to the PNG Hunters in Port Moresby last Saturday.

The Hunters' first game in Papua New Guinea since 2019 started with the visitors scoring first when Jayden Morgan barged his way over the line in the 16th minute.

The Cutters were in again three minutes later when Kyle Krisanski-Kennedy found space down the Cutters’ left edge.

Momentum swayed back the way of the home side with Hunters centres Rodrick Tai and Benji Kot scoring in the 27th and 34th minutes.

In true Hunters fashion, some exciting play and clever offloads down the right edge saw Liam Joseph score in the right-hand corner to give PNG a 14-12 lead at half-time.

The Cutters reclaimed the lead early in the first half when Luke Wembley crossed in the 44th minute.

The Hunters hit back in the 50th minute thanks to a forceful run from Emmanuel Waine.

The home side extended their lead in the 57th minute when Sherwin Tanabi jumped on a crafty Kingstimer Paraia grubber.

Gehamat Shibisaki brought the Cutters back into the game, crossing the line in the 63rd minute before they reclaimed their lead in the 70th minute when Laitia Moceidreke found the corner.

With three minutes left on the clock, lively ball play saw the Hunters make a break down the right side.

The crowd erupted when brilliant support from Wartovo Puara saw the Hunters’ hooker score the match winner in the last set of the game, the Hunters defeating the Cutters 30-28.

Just two days before the match, it was uncertain whether the game would go ahead in Port Moresby.

On Thursday, August 25, Queensland Rugby League issued the Cutters with a notice of intention to terminate their Participation Agreement after the club advised it would not provide a team to play in the final round of the Hostplus Cup season.

The Cutters Board of Directors responded later that day with a statement saying they were “extremely disappointed” that the QRL issued the notice.

“At all times our only concern is the welfare and safety of our players and staff. We look forward to continuing discussions with the QRL regarding this weekend’s fixture,” the statement reads.

“We note that the travel warning to Port Moresby has been in place since the 27th of July 2022 and is still listed as of today, 25th of August 2022. We further note the previous two Hostplus Cup rounds to this region have been cancelled by Queensland Rugby League (QRL) while this warning has been in place. This concerned the Mackay Cutters Board and has been critical in decision making.”

After assurances from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Defence Force, the match went ahead as scheduled.

“I was really proud of the way we performed in a fair bit of adversity,” said departing Cutters head coach Dave Elliot.

“Through no fault of our own, our preparation was terrible.”

The round 20 fixture ends Mr Elliot’s tenure as head coach.

Reflecting on his year with the Cutters, Mr Elliot says he’s proud of the improvements made on last year’s result.

“Results have certainly improved,” he said.

“Again, we’re a young squad so I think, individually, players have improved as well.”

“I’d like to think our footprint within our community has improved as well, and our connection to the community.”

Mr Elliot says it’s sad to be leaving but he’s excited for what the next opportunity holds.

“I hope that the Cutters can just continue to improve, I really do,” he said.

“They’ll always have a spot in my heart that they will continue to improve and go from strength to strength.”

The Mackay Cutters travelled to Port Moresby to take on the PNG Hunters in the Hunters’ first home game since 2019. Photos supplied: Mackay Cutters

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St Patrick’s College and Mercy College Mackay may have suffered heart-breaking losses in schoolboy rugby league Grand Finals over the past fortnight, but the talent pool remains very deep.

On the cusp of an historic Aaron Payne Cup and Cowboys Challenge Shield premiership double, both teams produced lion-hearted performances in recent title deciders – only to stumble at the final sporting hurdle.

It was a case of so close but yet too far for the Mackay rugby league giants as Townsville powerhouses Kirwan State High and Ignatius Park College spoilt the fairytale finish by posting dramatic victories in their respective finals.

Despite the Grand Final losses, the future looks very bright for both St Patrick’s and Mercy College who will play under the one banner when the schools amalgamate in 2023.

With its thriving Rugby League Academy, the schools continue to unearth a wealth of talent in the boys and girls ranks that should keep the College in good stead for many years to come.

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Pic caption: Talented hooker Hudson Clark was a tower of strength for Mercy College in their heartbreaking Cowboys Challenge Grand Final loss recently to Kirwan State High

KIRWAN State High School scored a last gasp try after the full-time bell to sink Mercy College 14-11 and lift the Cowboys Challenge Shield trophy at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

Playmaker Logan Deininger proved the hero for Kirwan with two moments of magic after rival five eighth Adam McSherry had potted a clutch field goal to give Mercy an 11-10 advantage with less than sixty seconds left on the clock.

From the ensuing kickoff Deininger caught the Mercy defence napping when he regained his short grubber-style kick to launch a final Kirwan attacking raid.

As the siren sounded, Deininger threw a cut-out pass to bustling winger Don Paiyala who twisted through tackles before planting the ball in the corner for a sensational match-winning try.

Paiyala had earlier nabbed Kirwan’s opening try after a passing rush before Mercy half back Kooper Shears pounced on a loose ball to score with McSherry adding the extras for a 6-4 lead close to the break.

CJ Tapaitau set up Kirwan’s second try after a powerful surge and off load to Brooklyn Ivey who crossed in the corner with Deininger converting from the sideline for a 10-6 lead.

Mercy levelled the scores when forward Hunter Harris latched onto a kick in the in-goal to grab his side’s second try with McSherry’s conversion attempt swinging wide.

But the talented five eighth thought he had wrapped up a thoroughly deserved premiership for Mercy when he booted a field goal under extreme pressure to give his side an 11-10 lead in the dying moments.

The devastating loss was sheer heartbreak for Mercy coaches Ian Schifilliti and Matthew Paul and the players who performed strongly throughout the 2022 Challenge series.

They suffered a huge blow in the lead up to the Grand Final when star forward Cohen Jackson, a Queensland Under 15 representative, was ruled out with injury.

Promising utility forward Saxon Crofts again worked like a trojan in attack and defence and was close to Mercy’s Most Valuable Player this series.

Crofts, who helped the Souths Sharks qualify for the finals in the Mackay Junior League U/15s premiership this season, has developed into a team mainstay - earning the tag of “Mr Perpetual Motion” on the football field.

A versatile colt, Saxon also shone at half back for the Sharks in a 20-10 elimination final loss to the Magpies last Saturday at Mackay Junior League Fields.

Other Mercy players to impress were hooker Hudson Clark, centres Toby Woodall and Lachlan Whippy, forwards Hunter Harris, Reuben Saron, Mark Morrow, Javen Ramsamy and halves McSherry and Shears.

By Chris Karas

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