Approximately forty runners basked in the challenge of the Slade Point Reserve course on Sunday morning, a popular training and racing course throughout the Club’s history for some years.

The soft sand and even softer dunes coupled with scenic bush trails and ocean views was a great start to the Pre-Father’s Day weekend which was also the last Lost Bunyips Trail Series event with Mackay Road Runners for 2022.  

First runner home Paul Mackenzie made light work of the 12.9km distance as he prepares to taper for the Cairns Ultra Marathon 120km this weekend.

Injury woes couldn’t keep Joe Grech away as he claimed second place in the three-loop course marginally ahead of fast-finishing Michael Feenaghty.  

First female Emily Dalglish steamed over the 4.3km distance taking the lead from start to finish line, whilst Carmel Mahon claimed a win in the 12.9km distance.

Excellent performances also came from Robin Stinson, Tim Magoffin, Julie Whibley, Shane Dodds, Martin Lambert, Werner Van Der Linde, Geeta Ariani, Carol Dawes and Alan Zamparutti, with a mighty effort from Greg Dawes.

Race Directors from the Lost Bunyips Jaylene Harrison and Ainslie Heinke and their team did a great job hosting the event with a delicious post-race sausage sizzle and a kids run to wear out the little Lost Bunyips.  

This weekend, the Mackay Road Runners will join the ParkRun crew for their Saturday morning run commencing at 7am from the usual Botanic Gardens Playground precinct.

There will be no Sunday run on Father’s Day for Mackay Road Runners, so come along and enjoy the camaraderie of the successful and popular ParkRun phenomenon.

Greg Dawes, Carol Dawes and Paul Mackenzie ready to race the three loop Slade Point Reserve course consisting of soft sand, undulating dunes and forest trails

First female in the 4.3km Emily Dalglish tackles the final hill with Alan Zamparutti before the welcoming downhill stretch to the finish line

Peter Shuttlewood (left) and Thomas Wendt (right) escort their children in the kid’s cross country race

Andrew Short tackles the course with ease even after assisting with the early morning setup. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse

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Mackay students rule the surf and sand after recently being crowned Secondary Schools Surf League champions for 2022.

The Mercy College team of Jack Renehan, Ryan John, Zane Saye, Lars Gall, Zac Johnson, Chase Higgs, Matt Keune (Boys) and Breanna Renehan and Kiera Higgs (Girls) showcased their surf lifesaving skills at Mackay Surf Club in the prestigious schools event to bring home the championship trophy.

For outstanding duo Jack Renehan and 13-year-old Saye there was double reason to celebrate with the pair being named Age Surf Champions in their respective divisions.

Super fit Jack,14, was dominant in the Under 15yrs section – winning the Surf Swim, Iron Man, Flags and Beach Sprint events as well as finishing second on the Board.

The talented Saye won the Iron Man and Board events and finished second in the Surf Swim and Beach Sprint and third in the Flags to clinch the age championship medal.

It was a tremendous team effort from the Mercy College crew who defeated Catherine McAuley College, Holy Spirit College, North Mackay High and Northern Beaches High to claim their first-ever Surf League trophy.

Eight of the nine Mercy team members – Jack and Breanna Renehan; Keira and Chase Higgs; Saye, Gall, Keune and John all hail from the Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club with Zac Johnson the lone Mackay Surf Club representative.

There were sterling contributions from rising swimmer Breanna Renehan and Johnson who finished runners up in the Under 13s Age Championship plus the versatile John, who finished number two behind good mate Jack Renehan in the Under 15 Boys.

The talented trio underlined their depth in the squad with Breanna and Zac both winning the Flags and ultra-competitor Ryan clinching the Board race and grabbing second in the Surf Swim, Iron Man, Flags and Beach Sprint events.

Other team members Keira Higgs (third Under 15yrs Girls); Lars Gall, 15 (third in Flags); Johnson (third Iron Man, third Surf Swim and third Board) and Breanna also dominant in the Iron Man, Surf Swim, Beach Sprint and Board races.

Mercy College also swept the cameron and beach relays to consolidate their number one ranking.

Jack Renehan and John represented Queensland earlier this year at the National Surf Lifesaving Championships at North Kirra on the Gold Coast with Jack achieving a top 20 finish in the Surf Swim.

At the Queensland State Championships at Alexandra Headlands on the Sunshine Coast, the capable Saye finished seventh in the 1km Beach Run.

Breanna and Jack Renehan, Ryan and Zane have all represented Sarina Surf Club and Zac (Mackay Surf Club) at the North Barrier Branch Carnivals in recent years where they have posted impressive victories.

Mercy College team manager Adrianne Mifsud said the students were outstanding ambassadors for the Surf League with an incredible skill set.

By Chris Karas

Triumphant Mercy College team members standing L-R: Keira Higgs, Breanna Renehan, Matt Keune, Adrianne Mifsud (team manager), Lars Gall, Chase Higgs, Jack Renehan, Zane Saye and front Zac Johnson and Ryan John proudly

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When balancing a job, family, friends and other commitments, exercise can often go by the wayside. It can be hard to find time to look after your physical and mental well-being and, when there is time, it can be hard to find the motivation. Social fitness is an excellent way to exercise, keep the mind active and make new friends. Due to its social nature, it’s a terrific way to try something new and learn new skills in an uncompetitive environment. Give some of these a try.

Tennis

Tennis is the ultimate social sport. People of all ages and backgrounds play social tennis, so it’s a great way to meet people from all walks of life. While not too strenuous, tennis can be an excellent workout for the legs, arms, mind and coordination. There is nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment and camaraderie on the court after an epic rally.

Group Fitness

Going to the gym can be daunting, but exercising within a class can make the act of exercise more fun and accessible. Group fitness is an excellent way to build a foundational understanding of fitness taught by experts. Classes will ensure you have a great workout among friends and keep you accountable.

Mixed Netball

While netball has long been a sport popular with women, mixed netball is rising in popularity with more and more men playing every year. It’s a fast-moving game and requires an element of teamwork that will see you meld with teammates in a way that is difficult to achieve in any other sport.

Pilates

Pilates is an accessible exercise, no matter your age or fitness level. It increases core strength, posture, flexibility and energy while decreasing stress and back pain. Pilates classes are a great way to exercise among likeminded people.

Lawn Bowls

Lawn bowls is a low-impact sport enjoyed by people of all ages, providing a fun and therapeutic exercise improving fitness, coordination and mental wellbeing. It also has the added social element of allowing for plenty of time to chat with teammates and opponents.

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Whitsunday Sea Eagles teams travelled to Mackay over the weekend to take part in the first round of 2022 AFLQ Mackay Finals.

Starting off with Sea Eagles Senior Men, who had a tight contest against the Mackay Magpies in the Elimination Final on Sunday.

After a tough battle through the first quarter from both teams the Sea Eagles came out firing in the second term to push to a 28-point lead at half time.

Magpies flipped the tables in the third quarter, seeing Sea Eagles concede four goals. The final term saw a tussle to the finish, with the Whitsunday side holding on and winning 52–45, securing their place in the Preliminary Final.

Under 17s Qualifying Final saw Sea Eagles take on North Mackay Saints in the top of the table clash.

In a determined and gritty effort, the Under 17s were just unable to get on top of the Saints throughout the game, losing 23 – 44.

The side still have the chance to appear in the Final taking on the Swarks at Harrup Park this week.

Sea Eagles Under 14s battled it out in the Elimination Final against Bakers Creek Tigers taking out the win 50 – 18 earning a Preliminary Final appearance.

And in a nail biter Elimination Final, the Sea Eagles Under 12s came home by three points in the dying seconds against the North Mackay Saints, winning out 20 – 17.

Both teams battled it out right, but Ollie Hardy’s late goal proved the difference, sending the Whitsunday side to the Preliminary Final.

Saturday, September 3, Sea Eagles Senior Men, Under 17s, Under 14s and Under 12s all play in the Preliminary Finals at Harrup Park from 8am, with Senior Men 1:50pm.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

Senior Men’s player Mitchell Healey

U12 Celebrating that they’ll be heading further through the finals this year

Images: Alex Brooks and Cody Fowler

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The Mama Africa Raiders, as undefeated minor premiers, will be host to the Preliminary Finals of the Mackay Rugby Union 2022 season this Saturday.

The September 3 game will see the Whitsunday Sportspark the venue of choice for the playoffs between the top six Senior A grade Men’s Teams as well as an Open Women’s game.

Whitsunday Junior rugby union will be running some games between the major events.

Kids entertainment will be available as well as live music, and food and beverages will also be available from a section of the new clubhouse, near the grandstand.

The day will commence around 11am and run through until around 6pm.

Club media official Craig Spence said the Raiders would very much appreciate the attendance of “as many spectators as possible to support the day.”

“It’s important for local rugby and the A grade Men’s team to see your support for the last home game of the season,” Mr Spence said.

“The Men in green will be vying for the first grand final spot of the 2022 season; this will be a very tough game between the Raiders and second placed Bowen Mudcrabs.”

Mr Spence said the team’s last meeting was a 27-25 victory to the Mama Africa Raiders.

Everyone is encouraged to wear a touch of green as a show of support for the Mama Africa Raiders and bring your loudest voice.

“Mama Africa raiders need you, our community, to come on down for a great day of rugby, the sport they play in heaven,” Mr Spence said.

Mama Africa Raiders have spent almost two seasons undefeated, and to end the season that way they’ll need the community’s support

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Friday, Mackay: Betty Nicole and Helen Ward won the zone Champion of Champions, qualifying for the state finals in Brisbane.

The club’s own Manny Isgro won the Men’s singles before teaming up with Shane Spann to win the zone Championship. The pair will join Betty Nicole and Helen Ward in heading to Brisbane for the finals.

Tuesday afternoon: 20 players eyed the prize that was destined for John Brown and Wendy Pomeroy.

Wednesday: Col Morris team up with Nik Fernbach to win the B Grade pairs final, while the afternoon Social bowls saw 30 bowlers compete for the prize.

Skipper Mark Mawson with lead Michael Jacometti were outstanding winners of the day.

The Wednesday Night Business House Bowls saw PRD lose their first game, going down to Woolies Allsorts. The Woolies team are now equal leaders with two rounds remaining.

Saturday: Morning Scroungers saw first round winners Ladda Purdie, Tony Kelly, Russell Jackson, John Brown, and Peter Barratt playoff with Peter Barratt defeating Tony Kelly in the final.

Sunday: Social bowls saw 28 bowlers vying for the prize. Newcomer Pip Heddles teamed up with second Lyn Graham, and Skipper Mark Mawson to win the day.

Corey Stroud and Harry Craig from St Catherine’s school competed in the school’s national competition and finished a credible 7th. An amazing achievement for the year 8 students.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Grade Pairs champions Col Morris and Nik Fernbach

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Round 19 was the final round of league darts in this seasons Premier League campaign, and it didn’t disappoint.

Earlier in the week, Lorraine Woods had to defeat Ross Gallichan to avoid the Wooden Spoon in her first season of premier league darts, but unfortunately her close friend had other ideas, as Ross was happy to inflict some heartache on Lorraine, dishing out a 7/4 defeat.

Fourth place was hotly contested between Andy Peel and Dom Friend. Andy had to beat Joe Wilson and hope that Jamie Woods could do him a favour by defeating Dom in the other fixture.

Jamie held up his end of the bargain by defeating Dom 7/4, both men hitting 180’s apiece in that game, but Andy suffered an agonising 7/5 loss to Joe.

Jamie Maher held on to his second place in this year’s league with a 7/1 victory over Seumas Rose, who finished in seventh place this season.

Kameron Reason left it too late with his 7-nil win over Aaron Paull, Aaron holds on to the last remaining finals spot in eighth place at the expense of Kameron.

Nathan O’Hara had a solid 7/2 win over Gary Robbie but followed that up with a 7/2 loss to Alan Green. That win for Alan rounds up this year’s top 8 finalists.

Kameron Reason, Gary Robbie, Nathan O’Hara and Ross Gallichan will all contest the Consolation Finals Series - The Hetlock Cup.

The Premier League is sponsored by Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing. Thank you for supporting us.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

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What a fantastic day of football for Whitsunday United FC on Saturday! With the U14 Premier and Men's Premier sides clinching minor premierships in front of a large home crowd, it was history in the making.

The U16 Premiers started the day with a match in Mackay against Crusaders, with the travelling side needing a win to seal a finals place.

Both teams rose to the occasion and battered each other for the full 80 minutes. Whitsunday took an early lead with a penalty to Lincoln Sokolski-Fricker and held it till the 73rd minute when a brilliant strike by Crusader drew the scores level at 1-1.

The U16 get another chance for finals this weekend.

U14 Premiers faced a determined Lions side, needing one point to secure the minor premiership. In difficult and blustery conditions, they stayed solid and made sure of the game with minimal mistakes and maximum focus. A 1-1 draw means the team are champions, having lost only one game all season.

Unfortunately, the Women's Div1 side were not as lucky in their bid for a finals place. They started strong, racing to a 3-0 lead off the boot of Sari Goodall, however Dolphins wore them down in a game of attrition with the result a 5-4 loss to WUFC meaning they will fight for a finals place this weekend.

The Div1 Men played their last game of the season and enjoyed a spirited contest against fourth placed Dolphins. Although losing 4-1, the Div1 side continues to show great improvement and are looking forward to next year.

The Men's Reserve team wasted no time exerting their dominance over the visiting Crusaders side. With a strong display, constructing three brilliant goals to see off the visitors 3-0.

The Premier Men topped off a memorable day at the Whitsunday Sports Park with a riveting display.

Running into the wind in the first half they failed to capitalise on several opportunities created against the young Crusaders side who were keen to prove a point and went into the half time break at 0-0.

Within minutes of the second half starting, man of the match Scott Ferries stamped his mark on the game with a sideways scissor kick, finding the back of the net.

From then on it was all Whitsunday with Hayden Filby putting away a header from a free kick and Scott adding a second to his tally.

With a minor Premiership under their belt, the side is now 100% focussed on beating Lions through to the Grand Final and taking out the championship

With four sides already through to the finals and two more potentially in the mix, this is the most successful season ever for Whitsundays.

Premier League Men celebrate their Minor Premiership win

Scenes of jubilation as the U14 Whitsunday side are crowned Minor Premiers

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Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford with ladies’ winners on a countback Karon McKenzie 39 points, and runner up Lynelle Riley, 39.  

Men’s winner on a countback was Kurt Gaudry 40 points, runner up Ezra Miller, 40.  

On Saturday we played the annual NRL footy themed, two ball ambrose sponsored by Alan Cooper, Dwayne and Jason Bartlett, and Graeme Dalton.  

Winners were Denise and Glenn Bianco 63.75 nett, second on a countback was Brendan and Riley Malone 64.75 nett, third Brad Graham and Damien Dederer 64.75 nett.  

Pin shots to Tom Wikander with an OBP, Michael Strickett and Raewyn Glover, Graham Seaborne and Kevin Clark, Grace Nott.  

Grace Nott also won Best dressed lady and Arthur Fisk won Best dressed Man.  Riley Malone claimed the $50 pro pin.

This weekend’s competition is the September Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Best dressed ladies Grace Nott and playing partner Bev Lowcock

NRL footy themed ambrose winners Denise and Glenn Bianco

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This week at Whitsunday Green, it was Pip Runciman with a fantastic score of 23 who won the weekly 9-hole stableford.

Second was Terry Kimpton with 21, and third Nathan Nikolich with 20 points.

For the 9-hole prawn run it was Scott Morrissey who won with 23 points, Jimmy Millar with 20 and Glenn Rees third with a countback 19 points.

Sunday was the Monthly Medal and while the weather wasn’t great, members had a great time.

The winners for the day were Tyson Flavel with a count back win over Tim Harris both with 52 Nett. Ryan Kenny was close behind with 56 nett.

Glenn Rees and Tyson Flavel took home the Nearest the Pin win. Hole in One on the third by Gruszczynski Ireneusz (Eric).

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Justyn Durbin was decked out in Roosters jersey and hat for a day of golf on the weekend at Whitsunday Green

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Congratulations to Remy Hedges, Jy Parkinson, and Jacob Bell for their selection in the SNQ Team for Duel in the Pool.  

The three Cannons travelled with coaches Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson to Mackay over the weekend to compete in the CQ vs NQ Duel.  

It was a fantastic experience and all thoroughly enjoyed the weekend even though CQ won this year.  

The Cannons hosted another big Club Night on Wednesday. Thank you very much to the Malady family for cooking up a storm.  

Congratulations to Don Algie and Isaac Pisaniello for winning the Chocolate Award for the best personal bests.  

Congratulations to Ehsan Helou and Gracie Laguna for achieving Upgrades.  The Prickly Pineapple Swim Star Award was presented to Jax Clayworth.  

Highlights from Club Night include: Ehsan Helou performed extremely well, swimming three personal bests.  

Harris Declac swam an awesome 100-metre IM in 2.06.74 which was a 13.62 second personal best (PB).  

The club welcomed Jasmine Gerlofsma to Club Night.  Jasmine hasn’t swum for a few years but looks like she hasn’t lost her form.  She swam a 50-metre Freestyle in 31.86 seconds and 25-metre Butterfly in 16.13 seconds.

Isabella Pisaniello and Matilda Nicholes swam super times in their 100-metre Freestyle.  

Don Algie continues to improve on his 200-metre Backstroke time to swim a 3.21.20.

James Davies swam an excellent time in his 25-metre Butterfly taking 3.08 seconds off his best.  Mason Harland swam extremely well in his 200-metre Freestyle to swim a time of 3.07.67.  

Anisa Helou swam a fantastic 100-metre IM in 1.20.76.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Gracie Laguna Upgrade Certificate

Cannons SNQ Team for Duel in Pool

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In the penultimate week of the regular premier league season, Airlie Beach Darts had a few telling results.

The early match was between Jamie Woods and Lorraine Woods. The 7/1 result in favour of Jamie influenced both ends of the table.

The loss for Lorraine means she needs a win on the last day of the season to avoid this year’s wooden spoon.

Still at risk of being overtaken by Lorraine, Jayden Lloyd suffered two losses on Sunday: 7/1 to Seumas Rose, and later 7/4 to Gary Robbie. Leaving him in 13th place with no more matches remaining.

For Jamie Woods, that win secures him the league victory for this year with a week to spare, as Jamie Maher suffered a tough 7/5 loss to Joe Wilson, who himself still has ambitions of finishing the year in second place.

The final eight are set for this year’s final series but the positions are not.

Aaron Paull managed to hang on to eighth place even after losing 7/4 to Ross Gallichan. Ross lost his second game of the day, 7/4 to Nathan O’Hara.

Both Ross and Nathan will play in the Hetlock Cup final series this year along with Kameron Reason who just missed out on eight.

Joining those three players will be Gary Robbie, who along with the 7/4 win over Jayden Lloyd, later suffered a 7/2 loss to Andy Peel who remains just outside the top 4, a point behind Dom Friend.

And to round out the day, Alan Green had a 7/2 victory over Seumas Rose to make this year’s finals in his club debut season.

There’s still a lot to play for next week on the last day of the season.

The premier league is sponsored by Mika Airlie and Whitsunday Tattooing.

Contributed with thanks to Jamie Maher

Ross Gallichan in action at Mika on Sunday morning

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Although good results across most divisions, a couple of losses will serve as a valuable wake-up call to teams as the season finishes next week and finals begin in September.

The U14 Div1 certainly didn’t falter with a clinical display against Sarina Saints starting with early goals and continuing the target practice all game with an eight-goal haul overall. Josh Faletti was a standout for the side whilst Logan Burke scored a hat-trick.

The U14 Prem suffered their first loss of the season with an uncharacteristically lacklustre display against second placed Crusaders. Although leading at half-time 1-0, the second half lacked intensity and Crusaders managed to run them down and take the win 2-1.

U16 returned to top form against City Brothers. From the opening whistle, the Whitsunday team was switched on and played expansive football, pressing Brothers into mistakes.

It was a tense battle which had the spectators on the edge of their seats. Mitchell Milostic in goals had a great return from injury with several spectacular saves keeping his side in the game.

The Ladies had a mixed afternoon with Div1 going down to Country 4-1 after a strong start with Dani Kinear scoring the first goal of the match.

The Premier Women took control from the start and went into the half 3-1 with goals to Stephanie Mills, Mabel Gudes, and Bre Campbell.

Willow Gaffney added another goal in the second half and the Whitsunday side kept their comfortable lead.

The Whitsunday Men dominated the visiting Wanderers sides with the reserves taking a 7-1 win to secure their place in the finals. Nick Paul continued his goal scoring spree, adding four to his tally. Nicholas Hansen, James Vodika, and Riley O'Grady added the extras. The win puts them in a secure third place.

The Premier Men finished off the night on a winning note, sending the tired Wanderers side home with a 7-2 defeat at the hand of seven different goal scorers.

The Whitsunday Premier Men now just need one point from their final game to take out the Premiership.

Next weekend is the last home game for the Whitsunday Football Club so come down and support your local side.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

Women’s Premiers Bre Campbell and Clair Larden smiling after a strong win against Country

Young men’s reserves player and goalscorer Riley O'Grady

Caption 3:Rhodri Jones lining up a long pass

Penny Grossi

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Ladies’ winners Raewyn Glover and Grace Nott 66.5 nett, runners-up Judith Benson and Joy Hose 67.5 nett.

Pin shots to Bev Lowcock and Karon McKenzie, Joy Hose and Judith Benson, Elona Lynch and Morag Parker.  

Men’s winner Lester Keller 40pts, runner up Chris Matheson 37pts.  

The weekend’s competition started with a Single Stableford on Saturday sponsored by Refrigerated Technologies.  

Ladies’ winner Elona Lynch 38pts, second Julie Martin 37pts, third Chris Heinrich 36.  

Pin shots to Penny Stewart, Chris Heinrich, Bonnie Kohlhase, Lorraine McArthur.

Men’s winner James Miller 41 points, second Ezra Miller 39, third Daniel Varcoe 37 points.  Pin shots to Malcolm Martin, Gregg Aplin, Steve Darwin, Terry London.

Sunday was the annual 27-hole mixed foursome championships sponsored by Grand View Hotel.  

Winners Matthew Yasso and Claire Garrod, runners-up Owen Land and Robyn Slade.  

Nett winners Joy Hose and Tom Wikander, runners-up Kim Bennion and Mark Russell.  

Pin shots to Penny Stewart, Tom Wikander and Joy Hose, Morag Parker and Isaac Fellows.  

This weekend’s competition is a NRL footy themed, two ball ambrose sponsored by Alan Cooper, Dwayne and Jason Bartlett and Graeme Dalton.  

Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott

Mixed foursomes Gross winners Matthew Yasso and Claire Garrod, runners-up Robyn Slade and Owen Land

Mixed foursomes Nett runners-up Mark Russell and Kim Bennion, and winners Joy Hose and Tom Wikander

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The weekly 9-hole stableford was won this week by Rhys Bartholomew with 20 points. Clive Burnup and Renae Maxwell were close behind with 19 points, but it was Clive who took the count back for second place.

On Friday, Jay Angel was the winner with 21 points and a count back win over Tyson Flavel. Dave Telford was third on a count back with 19 points.

The 4 ball better ball played on Sunday saw the Barnards in first place, Dean and Josh came in ahead of Glenn Rees and Rob Lodders in second and Alan Clinch and Dave Wallace in third.

Nearest the Pins for the day were Rob Lodders and Glenn Rees. Sunday will be the August Monthly Medal. Tee off is 10am.

Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross

Rhys Bartholomew was the winner at this week’s 9-hole stableford for Whitsunday Green golf club

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