AFLQ Mackay hosted their League Presentations on Saturday with Whitsunday Sea Eagles well represented in their achievements.

Young gun Under 17 Sea Eagle Aidan Allen-Fancke went back-to-back from 2021 in an extraordinary effort, taking out the 2022 Trevor ‘Hat’ McCann Medal for Under 17 AFLQ Mackay League Best and Fairest.

Allen-Fancke’s natural talent and skill on field are something to behold earning him this well-deserved second medal.

Not to be outdone Sea Eagles Under 17 Coach Leigh Dunn took out the AFLQ Mackay League Junior Coach of the Year award for coaching this amazing team full of talented players.

Dunn has been with the Club for over two years now, and shows his knowledge, experience and dedication to coaching AFL with not only the Under 17s team but also running the Whitsunday Sea Eagles Junior Development and Bowen Auskick programs.

Whitsunday Sea Eagles had multiple Senior players in the representative sides for AFLQ Mackay Senior Men and Women’s Team of the Year.

Senior Men saw Sea Eagles Jake Turner, Ryan Lee, Mitchell Healey, Brent Downie and Alex Rodgers named with Lee also making it to equal fifth in the Senior Men’s Medal count even after spending half the season out injured.

Senior Women Team of the Year included Sea Eagles Cleo Dickie on the wing and Georgie Carland back pocket with Dickie also making the top 10 in the Senior Women’s League Medal.

Sea Eagles head to Mackay for Preliminary Finals this weekend with Under 17s (1v2) playing at the Saints 10.40am Saturday, August 27, and Under 12, Under 14 and Senior Men (3v4) headed to Bakers Creek Sunday, August 28, Juniors from 8am, Senior Men 1.50pm.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Sea Eagles

2022 Aidan Allen-Fancke

Leigh Dunn Junior Coach of the Year

Senior Women Reps Cleo Dicke, Ian Hodges (Coach) Grace Bell

Kylie Allen & Whitsunday Sea Eagles

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Chermside, Brisbane: Over four days, the Queensland Multi-disability Championships were held and Airlie Beach Bowls Club was represented in both Men’s and Women’s sections.

The club’s own Russell Jackson not only won the Men’s Singles Championship but teamed up with Barry Lynne from Mareeba Bowls Club in the far north to also claim the Men’s Pairs.

Di Jackson, represented the club, too, playing 10 games in four days and performed admirably.

Closer to home, Manny Isgro played in the singles Champion of Champions on grass at South Suburban Bowls Club in Mackay.

Over two days, Isgro beat Johnathon Bye 21-15 in the final to be crowned the Champion of Champions in the district.

On the club’s green: Wednesday afternoon bowls saw skipper Ladda Purdie combine with Rick Galea to beat all comers for the prize.

Wednesday night Business House Bowls’ last season’s Champions, PRD, continue their outstanding form, and donated their prize money back to the club for the school students’ final to increase the prize money.

Saturday morning Scroungers crowned first round winners John Askew, Margo Stanley, Bobby Ward, Graham Cowling, and Fran. The final was won by John Askew against club coach Margo Stanley.

Sunday afternoon’s social bowls saw 27 bowlers contesting for the prize money and Ladda Purdie led her team of Bobby Ward and Col Morris to a fantastic win.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

Airlie Beach Bowls Club’s Manny Isgro, the newly crowned 2022 Singles District Champion of Champions

The Cannonvale Cannons hosted another enjoyable Club Night last Wednesday where they commended Jy Parkinson, Tora Delac, and Jacob Bell on their outstanding achievements at Queensland SC Championships.  

Congratulations to Harris Delac and Eloise Chegwidden for winning the Chocolate Award for their personal bests.  

The club also presented Upgrade certificates to Don Algie, Jax Clayworth, Zane Clayworth, and Isabella Pisaniello.  

The Cannons would also like to commend Jasper Korosec for winning the Prickly Pineapple Swim Star Award.  

The coaches, Ken Crittenden and Mark Erickson were very impressed this week with the younger swimmers.

Don Algie, Isaac Pisaniello, and Millah Walker smashed out some huge personal bests on Wednesday. Don Algie swam a 27.86 second personal best (PB) in his 200-metre Backstroke.  Isaac Pisaniello swam a 14.62s PB in his 100-metre IM, and Millah Walker, swam a 16.55 second PB in her 12-metre Breaststroke.  

Special mention:  Harris Delac who swam a fantastic Freestyle in 46.49sec.  Declan Dichiera swam 100-metre IM under 2min and achieved a 5.59 second PB.  Liam Filewood also swam extremely well in his 100-metre IM to swim a 2.76 second PB.  

Ehsan Helou just keeps getting faster and faster in his Breaststroke.  This week, he swam 50-metre Breaststroke in 37.36 seconds (a 2.28 second PB).

Ehsan’s sister, Anisa swam an excellent 100-metre Freestyle in 1.07.16.  While Indi Smith swam a super 25-metre Breaststroke in 27.13sec.  

Celeste Orenshaw swam an awesome 50-metre Freestyle in 45.76sec.  

The coaches would also like to commend Koa Harland, Isabella Pisaniello and Piper Walker for swimming PBs.  

Congratulations to all the swimmers who participated at Club Night.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Jy Parkinson letting up and coming Cannons (Nelson, Charlie and Jax) try on his medals

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Raiders Finish Season Minor Premiers, Remain Undefeated

Saturday saw the Mama Africa Raiders travel to Moranbah to finish of the regular season.

Travelling away is always hard on teams but the lads turned up early and a majority of the squad travelled by bus to the coal fields to take on the Moranbah Bulls.

The Mama Africa Raiders put on a display of running rugby that had the home side on the back foot from the start.

Coach Andre Houston was excited by the way his forwards were working for every opportunity and how his backs were running deep and wide.

The culmination of a year’s training was showing Moranbah a style of rugby they had no answers for and at the half time break, mama Africa raiders had a very handy 52-0 lead.

The scoreboard may have shown a commanding lead to the visitors, but Moranbah were not going to give up easily, especially at home for their last game of the season.

Raiders were still in command of the game but by the end of it, the men in green had only put 33 extra points on the board. Moranbah had stepped up a notch and made the going tougher.

A big congratulations to the entire playing squad, coaches, and supporters of the Mama Africa Raiders to finish the regular season as undefeated minor premiers, running out victors over Moranbah 85-5.

A bye weekend on August 27 leads the team into the preliminary finals to be held at Whitsunday Sportspark on Saturday, September 3.

This is going to be a special day for Whitsunday rugby as the women’s team will play, as well as three senior men’s games.

There will be face painting and a jumping castle available for the kids as well as the Raiders Sponsors Day event, food and drinks available all afternoon.

Player points on the day went to the tireless Shanun Naske, three points, always evasive Enelaki Faataape two points, and the speedster Rhys Ward one point.

Contributed with thanks to Craig Spence

Raiders finish another season undefeated as Minor Premiers

It’s been almost two full seasons since the side has lost

nelaki Faataape breaking through Moranbah’s players in their final game of the regular season

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Week one and two of three weeks play for the Novice Anne Hird Memorial Trophy have been played on Monday 8 August and Monday 15 August. This competition runs over three weeks, and each Novice draws a new over partner each week. Novices must play with three different partners to win the trophy.

Players will need to play well on the last day of competition, as Pamela Finger has played very well over the last two weeks and is in the lead, followed closely by Anne Lutz and Sandy Patterson.

Anne Hird Memorial Trophy results – Weeks 1 and 2

Monday 8 August 22 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points – Anne Hird Memorial Trophy (Novice Players) Week 1 of 3

N/S E/W

1st Marilyn Wilson -Nicoll / Noel Bugeia 1st Eric Goodchild / Pamela Finger

2nd Elrae Trueman / Patricia Garner 2nd Sandy Patterson / Terrence Sheedy

3rd Anne Lutz / Jan Harris 3rd Marie McGuire / Ian Gaskell

3rd Cheryl Machen / Nancy Martin 4th Eric Leivesley / Susan Ross

Monday 15 August 22 - 8 Table Mitchell Green Points – Anne Hird Memorial Trophy (Novice Players) Week 2 of 3

N/S E/W

1st Anne Lutz / Geoff Taylor 1st Lorna Shuttlewood / Pamela Finger

2nd Joyce Deguara / Victor Mason 2nd Terrence Sheedy / Maria Setiyawan

3rd Diane Stokes / Nancy Martin 3rd Marie McGuire / Vicki Howard

4th Sandy Patterson / Helen Van Den Broek 4th Patricia Garner / Ian Gaskell

Mackay Contract Bridge Club Results

Wednesday 17 August 22 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Joy Brunette / Don Poole 1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Maria Setiyawan / Frances Brown 2nd Jan Harris / Sandra Morris

3rd Susan Ross / Vicki Howard 3rd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

4th Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild 4th Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait

Friday 19 August 22 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

3rd Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell 3rd Geoff Cowan / Noel Saunders

Saturday 20 August 22 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger 2nd David Ting / Ming Ting

3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole 3rd Anne Lutz / Geoff Cowan

4th Julie O’Neill / Margaret Lane 4th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

5th Griffin Bancroft / Michael Steinfeld

Anne Hird Memorial Trophy

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The North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) Open Magic Mile and the Podiatry Mackay Magic Mile were run and won in perfect running conditions from the Mackay Marina Breakwater entrance last Sunday morning.  

NQBP generously closed off the Breakwater Road at 7am, allowing the avid runners to focus on their sprint race distance of 1800 metres.  

The Junior and Open races were run separately with the juniors taking pole position as first starters.  

Oliver Rule, who will represent Queensland at the Cross Country National Titles in Adelaide next week, was in top form to snatch gold from his younger speedy sibling, Toby Rule and 2022 Junior Eungella King of the Mountain winner Damien Rutland.  

The talented U18 junior male field included Hamish Donnollan and Luke Leven, who are all peaking towards representative duties in the coming weeks.  

U13 gold medallist Cooper Leeson was also the winner of the coveted Magic Mile Milo Award presented to him by the 2021 winner and 2nd placed under thirteen winner, Hughie Bishop.  

Lily Leven continued her excellent form this year to break the tape first ahead of a very fast finishing Millie Bishop in the U18 girls.  

Both girls are also on regional representative duties this following week.

Angus Jacobs had an outstanding NQBP Magic Mile win mere seconds ahead of previous winner Liam Mumford and first time Magic Miler Mick Vivian.  

Emily Dalglish had an amazing race to take the top prize ahead of Glynis Forse and Carmel Grech.  

Excellent performances also came from Nick Rewald, Alex Couldrey, Kay Nyenuh, Justin Rule, Craig Andrews, Derek Woods, John Couldrey, Alan Zamparutti, Joe Grech, Shane Donnollan, Ricky Parker, Ben Ransom, David Isbister, Jan Smith, Carmel Mahon, Patreana Fenech, Geeta Ariani, Andrew Short and former Magic Mile champion, Judy Zahn.

This Sunday’s Pre-Father’s Day event will be a cross country loop course held from the Lamberts Beach Park playground precincts commencing 7am.  

Non-members are welcome for a $10 race day fe

U18 Podiatry Mackay Junior Magic Mile winner Oliver Rule (far right) leads the field in a great sprint finish for gold over his younger Brother Toby (#173), Damien Rutland (#197) and Hamish Donollan (#73)

North Queensland Bulk Ports Open Magic Mile podium finishers Glynis Forse (2nd), Emily Dalglish (1st), Carmel Grech (3rd), Mick Vivian (3rd), Angus Jacobs (1st) and Liam Mumford (2nd)

Donald Orr and Frankie from Podiatry Mackay present Junior Magic Mile winners with their cash prizes – Cooper Leeson (1st U13), Millie Bishop (2nd U18), Lily Leven (1st U18), Oliver Rule (1st U18), Toby Rule (2nd U18), Damien Rutland (3rd U18) and Hughie Bishop in front (1st U13)

2021 Magic Mile Milo winner Hughie Bishop (left) presents the 2022 Magic Mile Milo coveted award to Cooper Leeson (right). Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse

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The past presidents’ men vs ladies day is on at Goosies on Monday afternoon, 12th September. You don’t have to be a past president to play, just a full bowls member. Organise a team of four men or four ladies and check out the notice on the notice board.

SOCIAL RESULTS

Monday mixed pairs winners were Glen Fahy and Peter Crawford, followed by Gloria Sam and Pam Louis. Rob Evans and Lurline Ford won the lucky draws.

Wednesday ladies’ day was taken out by Anne Bailey, Narelle Schmidtke and Carmel Bell. In second place were Jenny Grech, Jean Comelli and Daphne Offield.

Thursday mixed pairs: a winning day for Bruce McCubben and Ian McDonald with Jan Little and Paul Goldston in second spot. Greens vouchers were won by Shane Trannore and Andrew Coates.

Friday mixed pairs’ winners were Neil Blucher and John Priest. Lucky draw winners were Daphne Offield and Mary-Anne Bartolo followed by Jean Comelli and partner.

Saturday men’s day winning team was a triples team of Shane Trannore, Alex Cameron and Ian Rowan, with Tony Allsop and Doug Dungavell in second place.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Alex Cameron and Ernie Sealy manned the box last Saturday

 Lorraine Silman in action in the mixed pairs competition

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Newly appointed Mackay Cutters Head Coach Michael Comerford has just experienced a week of mixed fortunes in the world of rugby league.

Only days after agreeing to take over the reins from departing Cutters’ Head Coach Dave Elliott for the next two seasons, the widely respected Comerford has missed out on a fairytale Aaron Payne Cup premiership with his much-vaunted St Patrick’s College Mackay team.

Comerford will step down from his Sports Coordinator role at Mercy College on October 4 to take up the full time Head Coaching position at his beloved Cutters.

With Elliott accepting the Head Coach role at Norths Devils for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the astute Comerford was aiming to finish his schoolboy coaching commitments on a winning note.

But hats off to Ignatius Park College who have added the Aaron Payne Cup to their trophy cabinet after registering a 24-12 Grand Final victory over St Patrick’s last Friday at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

In yet another torrid clash between the northern Queensland schoolboy titans, Ignatius Park have claimed the honours after stepping up with two late tries in an enterprising finish.

Turning point came with Ignatius Park leading 18-12 inside the final ten minutes when boom St Patrick’s centre Kai Simon appeared to be taken off the ball when charging for the try line to pounce on a perfectly weighted Ethan Van Kerkwyk grubber kick.

No action was taken and Ignatius Park responded with a sweeping 70 metre movement downfield that led to a crucial four pointer as the home side seized the advantage.

Spearheaded by top prospect Jack Wood, the Townsville youngsters jumped to an early 12-0 lead before the elusive Simon nabbed a converted try for St Patrick’s before the break.

When St Patrick’s centre Bray Tait crossed for his side’s second try after the interval to level up proceedings the scene was set for a gripping finale.

Having also lifted the 2022 Confraternity Shield, Ignatius Park have now set their sights on beating Dolphins Cup winners St Brendan’s Yeppoon in this week’s showdown at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

St Brendan’s toppled The Cathedral College 20-6 in last week’s final to set up another tilt with Ignatius Park with the winner to meet either Ipswich State High School or reigning champions Palm Beach-Currumbin State High in the NRL Schoolboys Phil Hall Cup Grand Final at Robina’s Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.

Promising St Patrick’s forward Levi Love turned in a strong performance in his side’s 24-12 loss to Ignatius Park in the Aaron Payne Cup Grand Final

Dynamic utility Bray Tait shone for St Patrick’s in the Aaron Payne Cup decider against Ignatius Park in Townsville

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The Mackay Cutters took to the BB Print Stadium field for the last time this season, hoping to upset the second-placed Sunshine Coast Falcons to keep their season alive.

The Cutters have recently found form, taking down top-of-the-table sides the two weeks previous, but their dream end-of-season run came to an end on Saturday afternoon.

The first ten minutes of the match saw possession shared evenly and was riddled with mistakes and penalties from both teams.

The first try came in the 13th when a Brandon Finnegan grubber found the goal post and was picked up by Ewan Coutts, giving the home side an early lead.

The Falcons hit back soon after with a crafty outside inside ball allowing Blake Wilson to stride over untouched.

The rest of the first half went the way of the visitors, with Tyson Smoothy scoring under the posts in the 28th minute and a smart offload and some quick footwork seeing Will Warbrick craft his way under the posts in the next set of the subsequent restart.

The Falcons led 18-6 at halftime and continued their form into the second half, with a movement through the backline delivering space for Warbrick to cross again in the 46th minute.

The Cutters weren’t done yet as a pinpoint cross-field kick from Finnegan saw Jake Riley cross in the corner, giving the Cutters a sniff.

The Cutters were in again with Hiale Roycroft barrelling his way across the line after picking up a knocked-back ball, bringing the Cutters right back into the game at 24-18 with 10 minutes to go.

Some Kaylyn Ponga-esque footwork from Blake Wilson all but sealed the deal for the Falcons, scoring under the posts in the 75th minute.

A counter-attack and a crafty kick saw Falcons’ winger Sualauvi Faalogo score after the hooter putting the nail in the coffin of the Cutters’ season.

Despite some fight, the fulltime score was 36-18, dashing the Cutters’ hopes of a finals spot in September.

The Cutters will travel to Port Moresby this weekend to play the Papua New Guinea Hunters in the final match of the season tomorrow afternoon.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Mackay Cutters Colts defeated the Falcons 24-20 in a thrilling contest.

The Cutters 2022 finals dream is over, going down to the Falcons after showing some end-of-season grit. Photos supplied: Mackay Cutters

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A superb century by dashing batsman Haiden Mellifont has propelled Mercy/St Patrick’s College Senior Boys cricket team into the second round of the 2022 Queensland StreetSmarts Secondary Schools Twenty20 State Challenge.

The 17-year-old master blaster cracked an entertaining 100 off only 34 balls before retiring to help Mercy/St Patrick’s amass an incredible 4-288 against Bowen State High School last week at Harrup Park.

Mellifont smashed seven sixes and eleven boundaries during his power-laden knock and shared a quickfire opening stand of 178 – off only 80 deliveries – with teammate Etienne Pretorius.

The stroke-playing Pretorius thumped 78 runs off 46 balls which included three sixes and nine boundaries before also retiring.

Another batsman to shine was Liam Zurvas who contributed 26 runs off 12 balls in a mammoth Twenty20 total.

In reply, Bowen State High were bundled out for a paltry 50 with quicks Jack Muller (3-8 off three), Liam Newbery (3-13 off four), leg spinner Nick Beardmore (1-4 off two), Joel McFarlane (1-0 off one) and Joe Vella (1-1 off one) the chief destroyers.

By Chris Karas

Talented St Patrick’s opening batsman Haiden Mellifont smashed a superb 100 off only 34 balls in his team’s resounding victory over Bowen State High in the State Secondary Schools Twenty20 Cricket Challenge at Harrup Park

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Four of Mackay’s best young netball prospects will embark on junior international tours to Fiji plus England and France during 2023 and 2024.

Mercy College students Kacee Ziegeler, Shaylah Pershouse and Tenille Cotter have been chosen to participate on the Wanderers Australia International Netball tour of England and France in 2024 where they’ll play eight matches against top club, county and representative teams in the United Kingdom.

Outstanding St Patrick’s College goalkeeper Isabelle Sinn has also been selected for next year’s Wanderers Australia International Netball tour of Fiji.

Players aged 13 to 18 in 2023 are eligible to tour.

Ziegeler and Pershouse are talented goal defenders and Capricornia representatives while the capable Cotter is a promising centre court exponent and shooter with bright futures in the sport.

The trio have achieved tremendous success with Mackay representative teams and helped Mercy College capture the Division 6 Trophy at this year’s Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Netball (QISSN) tournament.

Sinn, a teak-tough defender, was instrumental in St Patrick’s clinching a third consecutive Mackay District Secondary Schools Sport Netball championship this season and helping the College attain a top five finish at QISSN.

Wanderers Australia has sent over 7000 players to all parts of the world over the past 25 years in netball, hockey, cricket, AFL and soccer.

The 18-day netball tours will be led by elite level coaches with Kacee, Shaylah, Tenille and Isabelle excited about broadening their netball education and gaining valuable international experience.

Highlights of the England and France tour include a visit to London with all the sights; attending an English Premier League soccer match; tour of the scenic Cotswolds; receiving expert coaching from top level coaches; touring the World War 1 battlefields of the Somme where the ANZACS fought 100 years ago and finishing with a visit to Paris.

By Chris Karas

Exciting Mercy College Mackay netball prospects Shaylah Pershouse, Kacee Ziegeler and Tenille Cotter will tour England and France with Wanderers Australia in 2024

St Patrick's College Mackay netball ace Isabelle Sinn

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Lightning could strike twice for the all-conquering combined Mercy/St Patrick’s College Mackay senior girls cricket team this summer.

Fresh from their success in the 2021 Queensland Cricket StreetSmarts Secondary Schools Twenty20 State Challenge, the Mercy/St Patrick’s girls are pulling out all stops to bring home back-to-back championship titles.

As reigning trophy holders, the girls will open their 2022 campaign in a third-round fixture early next month with no less than nine members of their State Championship-winning squad back on deck.

Player of the Final and star top order bat Isabella Sammut plus all-rounder Meg Connolly are the only two members of the triumphant 2021 team not returning to the fold.

Mercy/St Patrick’s were crowned State Twenty20 champions after toppling Toowoomba’s Fairholme College in comprehensive style in Brisbane last October.

Talented skipper Meghan McCarthey (St Patrick’s) snared three wickets and Haylee Holdsworth bagged some spectacular catches to restrict Fairholme to 5-103 in the final.

Mercy/St Patrick’s (1-107) coasted to victory with Sammut’s classy knock of 65 not out a feature of the innings.

Having assembled another strong Senior Girls X1 this season comprising ace all-rounders McCarthey and Kiana Dunn, Mikaela Penny, Gabby Ipson, Elisha Holdsworth and Haylee Holdsworth, Eeden Thompson and St Patrick’s duo Harriet Bampton and Mackenzie Allen there is plenty of belief amongst the group of retaining the trophy.

Under the tutelage of Mercy College staff members and Mackay cricket legends Adam Knezevic, Chris Dunn, Angela Beardmore and Patrick Hoare plus the expertise of St Patrick’s duo Eddie Keogh and Doug Beddington the cricket program at both colleges continues to flourish.

By Chris Karas

Meanwhile Mercy College’s Intermediate Girls cricket team opened its 2022 State Twenty20 Challenge campaign with a six-wicket victory over Whitsunday Anglican School at the Vigoro Fields in Mackay.

Promising all-rounder Kiana Dunn (45 not out off 39 balls) and Madeleine Searle (15 not out) posted a second wicket stand of 81 to help Mercy (1-87) eclipse Whitsunday Anglican School’s tally of 7-86.

Matilda Wiggins (2-8 off three overs), Alex Woods (1-10), Dunn (1-20) and Searle (1-22) were the pick of the Mercy bowlers with Jade Gersch (24) top scoring for WAS.

The Mercy College Intermediate team was: Kiana Dunn, Matilda Wiggins, Madeleine Searle, Tahlia Anderson, Holly Wardrop, Alex Woods, Elisha Holdsworth and Poppy Goodman.

There was no joy for the Mercy Intermediate Boys X1 who were knocked out of the tournament by Proserpine State High in sensational circumstances.

Chasing 87 for victory, the Mercy boys squandered their advantage with the bat - collapsing from 3-71 in dramatic fashion by losing an incredible seven wickets for five runs to be rolled for 76.

Mercy/St Patrick’s College all conquering Senior Girls team that captured the 2021 Queensland StreetSmarts Secondary Schools Twenty 20 Cricket State Challenge title. Standing with team officials Adam Knezevic, Chris Dunn and Angela Beardmore. L-R: Meghan McCarthey, Mikaela Penny, Gabby Ipson, Elisha Holdsworth, Harriet Bampton, Kiana Dunn; front Haylee Holdsworth, Mackenzie Allen, Eeden Thoimpson, Isabella Sammut and Meg Connolly

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The annual past presidents’ ladies vs men day will be played on Monday afternoon, 12th September at Goosies.

Teams are now being registered, so make up a team of four men or four ladies and register your team or interest with Bevan Cooper phone 0409 053 217.  Last year all rinks were filled; entries must be in by 5th September. See the notice board for all details.

Monday mixed pairs winners were J. Vicker and Sue Hazledine followed by Tony Allsop and Peter Shepherd. Lucky draw winners were G. and K. Burrell.

Wednesday ladies’ day was won by Therese Russell, Shirley Bartolo and Carmel Bell. In second place were Elaine Buckton and Coral Francis.

Thursday mixed pairs winners were Tony Allsop and Warren Corbett with Ian McDonald and Bruce McCubben in second place. Greens vouchers went to Chrissy Hall, Margaret Fogg and A. Bailey. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday mixed pairs was won by Debbie Mackenzie and Lorna Bowers. Lucky draw winner was Alex Cameron and Ernie Sealy with Asko Helenius and Vern Mietzel in second place.

Saturday men’s pairs winners were Tony Allsop and Wayne Mietzel. Peter Miller and John Stronach came second.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Max Rose and Fred King have run the Monday comp for over ten years

John Kennell (bowling) and Lorraine Silman won their mixed pairs game on Saturday

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St Patrick’s College and Mercy College Mackay have created a slice of schoolboy rugby league history by qualifying for the 2022 Aaron Payne Cup and Cowboys Challenge Shield Grand Finals.

In a first for the proud sporting nursery, the St Patrick’s outfit will line up this Friday afternoon against archrivals Ignatius Park College in the Aaron Payne Cup decider at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.

The showdown is being billed as a ‘clash of the titans’ and will be staged as a curtain-raiser to the NRL clash between North Queensland Cowboys and the New Zealand Warriors.

It is a maiden Aaron Payne Cup Grand Final appearance for the St Patrick’s giants, who thumped neighbours Mackay State High 44-6 in a semifinal last week at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

Ignatius Park College – the newly crowned Confraternity Shield Rugby League champions - booked a Grand Final berth when they edged out Kirwan State High 12-10 in extra time.

But they now face a formidable foe in St Patrick’s, who have hit their straps at the right time of the season.

Having recently clinched the minor title with a 20-6 victory over Ignatius Park in Townsville, the St Patrick’s team have shown their premiership credentials with strong performances in the Cup series.

That stirring win avenged the school’s loss to Ignatius Park in last month’s Confraternity Shield Grand Final and has given the team a massive confidence boost in the lead up to the Aaron Payne Cup decider.

Classy St Patrick’s half back Jaxon Purdue is the player to watch after masterclass displays in recent weeks.

The promising playmaker, who is contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys, has shown why he was named in this year’s Confraternity Rugby League Merit Team with skilful performances in the prestigious schoolboy Cup competitions.

Purdue continued his purple form patch with a superb game against Mackay State High in the final’s series – engineering an eight try rout with his tricks-of-the-trade.

Purdue nabbed a hat-trick of tries and created several others with his deft passing and astute kicking to underline his potential.

The half back maestro hopes to replicate his ‘best on ground’ performance in the recent clash with Ignatius Park where he guided his team to their first triumph over the Confraternity Shield champions in five years.

St Patrick’s had too many big guns for Mackay State High in a lopsided semifinal – establishing a 22-0 lead at the interval with a four try blitz before ramming home their advantage.

Hard working forwards Levi Love and Dillon Bulgarelli also impressed for St Patrick’s in a top team effort.

Purdue (3), Emerging Queensland U/18 hooker Xavier Kerrisk (2), fullback Will Shears, centre Kai Simon and forward Bulgarelli posted tries with Simon (5) and Bray Tait chipping in with conversions.

St Patrick’s coach Michael Comerford praised his team for their strong showings at the ‘business end of the competition’ and believes their hunger for success is an important factor.

“The boys have worked really hard since Confro on all aspects of their game and now hope to reap the benefits,” said the Mercy College Sports Co-ordinator.

“We came through our semifinal unscathed and the team has the skill, endurance and will power to give the title a big crack,” he added.

There is plenty of incentive for both St Patrick’s College and Ignatius Park College with the winner of Friday’s Grand Final to square off with the victors of the Dolphins Cup competition – covering the Rockhampton to Wide Bay region – en route to the State Championship.

St Patrick’s College Grand Final squad is: Will Shears, Bailey Anderson, Beau Jones, Kai Simon, Coby Arthur, Harry Thorpe, Jaxon Purdue, Henry Thorpe (captain), Bray Tait, Liam Doherty, Levi Love, Xavier Kerrisk, Matthew Watts; Ethan Van Kerkwyk, Hudson Galletly, Decy Jones, Oscar Warden, Patrick Vella, Kayne Smith, Jack Clark, Dillon Bulgarelli.

By Chris Karas

Mercy College Young Guns Chase Cowboys Challenge Shield Honours

When experienced Mercy College rugby league officials Matthew Paul and Ian Schifilitti sat down to discuss their team’s tactics for the Cowboys Challenge Shield Grand Final, they didn’t have to look too far for a blueprint to success.

Both coaches acknowledged that Kirwan State High would provide stiff opposition for their team of Mercy warriors in the Grand Final showdown on Wednesday at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

It was only two weeks prior that both schools featured in a torrid tussle during the preliminary rounds, with Mercy registering a courageous 16-10 victory to earn bragging rights.

A highlight of that win was Mercy’s super defensive effort throughout the second half as the Kirwan boys dominated possession but to no avail.

Despite a heavy penalty count against them and limited ball, the Mercy team showed its champion qualities by defending like trojans in a spirited performance to keep their Townsville rivals at bay.

Coaches Paul and Schifilitti will be looking for a similar defensive effort from their charges when both schools lock horns again in the Shield decider.

Mercy College advanced to the Grand Final courtesy of a forfeit from Mareeba State High with Kirwan toppling Ignatius Park in the other semifinal.

Players to watch for Mercy include impact forwards Cohen Jackson, Hunter Harris, hooker Hudson Clark, back rower Saxon Croft, prop Reuben Saron, five eighth Adam McSherry, centres Lachlan Whippy and Toby Woodall and fullback Lane Maunder.

By Chris Karas

Outstanding half back prospect Jaxon Purdue is one of several key St Patrick’s College players in action today against Ignatius Park College in the Aaron Payne Cup Grand Final at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville

‍Tirereless Mercy College forward Saxon Croft featured in the Cowboys Challenge Shield Grand Final against Kirwan State High

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Mackay SLSC held their annual awards day on the scenic grounds in front of the Harbour Beach Surf Club, with members taking in the beautiful ocean and island views, as well as each other’s company to celebrate what has been a challenging but rewarding season.

Club President Brendan Smith opened the afternoon recognising the clubs’ 70-years of “Vigilance and Service” as the guardians of Harbour Beach. This was a historic milestone for the club and reflects the long and valued association the club has with the Mackay community.

Mr. Smith said, “Being a volunteer organisation there are many people who make sacrifices to contribute to the running of various aspects of the club, this ensures that we can keep our beach safe for the Mackay Community.

“The awards night was a way of recognising those people who make a difference, from our volunteer workforce who run major carnivals such as the North Australian Titles, our Nippers program and the Tri-Series events, our very own Qld State Title silver medallists the “Box Bellies” Boat crew, life member award recipients, our generous sponsors and most importantly our Club Captain, Patrol teams and patrolling members,” Mr Smith added.

“As a club we are proud of the achievements of all our members and the evening was a great way to celebrate together, after a long and busy season.  We are now starting to plan for an even bigger and better season, with the club’s AGM taking place on the 13th of June at 3pm at the Surf Club.”

Contributed by Josh Grant

AWARD WINNERS

Junior Club Champion - Meliana Craig

John Patti Most Improved Nipper – Kody Amos

Flo Payne Club Nipper Culture - Ash Johnson

George Moody Quiet Achiever – Jake Hudspith

Junior Coaches Award - Bodie Mau

Junior Club Captain - Molly Madden

Presidents award for ‘Service and Vigilance - Tony Caris

Volunteer of the year – Ben Madden

Junior Lifesaver of the year - Jesse Holmstrom

Bronze Medallion of the year - Andrea Conroy

Surf Rescue Certificate of the year - Sofie Searle

Trainer & Assessor of the Year - Peter 'Stan' Ridland

Coach of the year - Josh Grant

Senior competitor of the year - David Fitzmaurice

Highest patrol hours & 100+ hours - Ryan Lee

Some of the Mackay SLSC Nippers celebrating their season – it’s a Ripper to be a Nipper! (source: Leah McLean Photography)

Nippers enjoy hitting the waterslide to celebrate the end of the season.  (source: Leah McLean Photography)

As Volunteer of the Year, Ben Madden has made a huge contribution to the club. (source: Leah McLean Photography)

Head Coach Greg Born received a gift for his efforts training club members throughout the season. (source: Leah McLean Photography)

Club legend and Patron, Reg Butler with wife Helen and Christine Webb enjoying the afternoon. (source: Leah McLean Photography)

Josh Grant receiving the Clive Hammond Medal for outstanding service & dedication at the recent NBB branch awards. (source: NBB Media)

Club President Brendan Smith enjoying the afternoon before the presentation of awards starts. (source: Leah McLean Photography)

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